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PH urges peaceful solution to US, Venezuela crisis By Katrina Manubay, Rio N. Araja, and Ram Superable THE Philippine government urged all parties involved to seek a peaceful solution to the United States’ incursion into Venezuela, even while some Filipino lawmakers expressed opposition to the Trump administration’s aggressive foreign policy. In a statement yesterday, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesperson Angelica Escalona emphasized the importance of peaceful resolution, urging concerned parties to settle disputes amicably and to exercise restraint to prevent further escalation of the conflict. “The Philippines urges concerned parties to resolve disputes through peaceful means, and to exercise restraint to prevent escalation of conflict,” she added.
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NO CLASSES IN SOME SAMAR, LEYTE AREAS DUE TO RAINS, FLOODS NEWS/ A2
VOL. XXXIX • NO. 324 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 • MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2026 •
Attack on Venezuela stirring up oil prices DOE says US incursion to trigger oil price surge By Alena Mae S. Flores
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ONSUMERS should brace for higher pump prices following the United States' attack and capture of President Nicolas Maduro on oil-rich Venezuela, the Department of Energy (DOE) said yesterday. Rino Abad, director of the DOE’s Oil Industry Management Bureau, said reports indicate that Venezuelan export activities will temporarily come to a halt amid the leadership vacuum created by Maduro's arrest on charges of narco-terrorism. "The affected volume is estimated between one million and two million barrels per day lost to global supply. The most likely effect is to increase prices," he explained. He, however, did not speculate on the extent to which this supply reduction would impact world crude prices. Moreover, Abad pointed out that Venezuela supplies only one percent of global demand, which may limit the severity of the disruption. He also assured that the DOE can implement mitigating measures for price spikes, including fuel subsidies and discount promotions for the transport sector. Next page
ATTACK AND GRAB. US President Donald Trump speaks to the press
following US military actions in Venezuela, at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida, on January 3, 2026 where he announced the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. At right is a screengrab taken from the X account of Rapid Response 47, the official White House rapid response account, shows Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro (C) escorted by DEA agents inside the headquarters of the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in lower Manhattan, New York. AFP
PBBM to sign 2026 budget today—Palace By Katrina Manubay and Rio N. Araja PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is expected to sign the ₱6.793-trillion 2026 national budget on Monday, Jan. 5, following a comprehensive review of the spending measure during the holiday break as confirmed by the Palace. Meanwhile, Caloocan City Rep. Edgar Erice said he would elevate the supposed unprogrammed funds in the 2026 national budget to the Supreme Next page
16-year old Pinoy found injured in Swiss Alps fire SIXTEEN-YEAR-OLD Filipino national Kean Kaizer Talingdan has been found and his identity has been officially confirmed, days after he was reported missing following a deadly fire at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, a ski resort town in Switzerland. The Philippine Embassy in Berne has been coordinating with Swiss authorities on possible assistance to Filipinos affected by the fire, according to a report by ABSNext page CBN.
US allies, foes alarmed by ouster of Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro THE US military operation that led to the seizure of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has sparked international alarm, with allies and foes of Washington and Caracas expressing disquiet. President Donald Trump said that the United States would "run" Venezuela and tap its huge oil reserves, and posted a picture of Maduro in custody on a US naval ship wearing a blindfold and handcuffs. Maduro and his wife were being taken to New York to face narcotics and terrorism charges. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was "deeply alarmed" by the US strikes, with his spokesman quoting him as saying it could "constitute a dangerous precedent." Countries such as Russia and Iran, which had longstanding ties with Maduro's government, were quick to
condemn the operation but their alarm was also shared by Washington's allies including France and the EU. Russia demanded the US leadership "reconsider its position and release the legally elected president of the sovereign country and his wife." China expressed shock and strongly condemned the US's "blatant use of force against a sovereign state and its action against its president." Iran, which Trump bombed last year, said it "strongly condemns the US military attack on Venezuela and a flagrant violation of the country's national sovereignty and territorial integrity." Mexico, which Trump has also threatened with military force over drug trafficking, strongly condemned the US military action in Venezuela, saying it "seriously jeopardises regional stability." Next page
PNP stages dry run to ensure security for Traslacion rites By Vince Lopez and Itchie Cabayan THE Philippine National Police (PNP) on Sunday said they have successfully transitioned from securing the just-concluded Christmas and New Year holidays to focusing on this year's Feast of the Black Nazarene on Jan, 9 to ensure it remains safe, peaceful and orderly. Meanwhile, Manila Police Dis-
trict spokesman Maj. Philip Ines said apart from policemen, personnel from various government agencies will also be deployed to ensure security of the event, especially the throng of devotees PNP acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr said they have increased deployment and intelligence-monitoring for the upcoming religious festivity. Next page
TRASLACION READY. Hundreds of policemen, top photo, gather at Plaza Miranda in Quiapo, Manila for a dry run in preparation for the annual Traslacion or the Feast of Jesus Nazareno on January 9, 2026. Photo below shows a man drying up shirts with the image of Jesus Nazareno to be sold to the millions of devotees expected to take part in the Traslacion. Norman Cruz
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mst.daydesk@gmail.com
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However, several Filipino lawmakers pulled no punches in expressing opposition to the US operation over the weekend, which has resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. In separate statements, members of the House and Senate said President Donald Trump is setting a dangerous precedent that could be emulated by other powerful states. "It is most regrettable that the United States under Trump has once again regressed into an aggressor state not unlike China, Russia, and Israel, Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Partylist Rep. Leila De Lima said in a statement. “It normalizes Russia’s invasion and continued war on Ukraine, China’s expansionist aggression in the South and East China Seas, and Israel’s genocide on the Palestinian people. It throws the global order back to a barbaric “might makes right” regime,” she added. For her part, Senator Imee Marcos said the removal of Maduro is a dangerous warning to the world that powerful countries can trample the sovereignty of others. The events in Venezuela, she said, also illustrate how major powers can interfere in the domestic affairs of countries they consider strategically important. “If the United States can violently enforce its own laws outside its territory, there is no reason why China, Russia, and other powerful countries cannot do the same,” said Marcos. For their part, members of the lower chamber’s Makabayan bloc, through Kabataan party-list Rep. Renee Louise Co, said the bombing of civilian and military installations in Caracas and other Venezuelan states constitutes a flagrant violation of in-
ternational law. “We... vehemently condemn the brazen military aggression perpetrated by the United States government against the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. This unprovoked attack on Venezuelan territory represents yet another chapter in US imperialism's long history of violating the sovereignty of nations that refuse to submit to its diktat,” she said for the group. This position was echoed by the Akbayan Party, which stated that it “condemns in the strongest possible terms the Trump regime’s unilateral and blatant military attack on Venezuela, including the removal of its top leader. “This act constitutes a direct assault on Venezuela’s sovereignty and on the people’s right to self-determination, and is a clear violation of the United Nations Charter and international law,” it added. However, Senator Jinggoy Estrada urged caution and careful evaluation of developments in Venezuela, emphasizing that protecting Filipinos in the country should be the immediate priority. “Our first and foremost concern should be the well-being and safety of our kababayans who may be affected by the evolving situation in Venezuela,” he said in a statement. As this developed, the Philippine Embassy in Colombia, which has jurisdiction over Venezuela, has advised Filipinos in the country to be mindful of their personal safety and to avoid situations that may pose security risks. In an advisory, the Embassy urged Filipinos to stay indoors and identify safe spaces for refuge. “Stay informed. Monitor important news updates from credible and reliable sources. Keep in touch with fellow Filipinos and check the Filcom WhatsApp group regularly,” the advisory read.
Rains force suspension of classes in Samar, Leyte
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In Tacloban City, Mayor Alfred S. Romualdez ordered yesterday the suspension of classes at all levels in both public and private schools.
The decision was made due to continuous rainfall and flooding in several parts of the city caused by the ongoing shear line affecting Eastern Visayas.
Public and private classes were also canceled in the following areas: Daram, Samar, all levels; Northern Samar province, all levels, public and private; Palo, Leyte, all levels, public and private; Tabontabon, Leyte, all levels, public and private; Tacloban City, all levels, public and private; Tanauan, Leyte, all levels, public and private; and Tolosa, Leyte, all levels, public and private.
Attack...
"For the price adjustment for the week after next, it would really depend on how far these recent events push sentiments, which is one of the main drivers of oil price movements," he noted. Bellas added that while the paralysis of Venezuelan exports could support higher world prices, the impact might be tempered. "With lingering global oversupply concerns coupled with increasing diesel and gasoline supply as major refineries ramp up output, it is possible that further upward movements could be subdued," he said. Last week, local oil firms raised the price of diesel and kerosene by P0.60 per liter to reflect the movement of prices in the world oil market. The oil firms did not move gasoline prices. On Dec. 23, oil firms cut prices across the board: gasoline by P0.80 per liter, diesel by P1.30 per liter, and
kerosene by P1.60 per liter. Over the weekend, President Donald Trump said the US would take control of Venezuela’s massive oil reserves while enlisting American companies to invest billions of dollars to grow its oil industry. The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimates that Venezuela currently sits on 303 billion barrels worth of crude, or roughly one-fifth of the world’s global reserves. In comparison, Saudi Arabia’s reserves are estimated at 267 billion barrels, while Iran has 209 billion barrels. “We’re going to have our very large United States oil companies, the biggest anywhere in the world, [to] go in, spend billions of dollars, [to] fix the badly broken infrastructure, the oil infrastructure [of Venezuela],” Trump told reporters at Mar-a-Lago.
LASSES in some areas of Leyte and Samar have been suspended today due to inclement weather.
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Abad also emphasized that the government cannot impose price controls under the Oil Deregulation Law of 1998. For his part, Leo Bellas, president of Jetti Petroleum, said geopolitical risks could push premiums and freight rates higher, causing local oil prices to rise more than initially estimated. He noted that while diesel was already expected to increase, gasoline prices might now rise as well. On Saturday, before news broke of the US incursion into Venezuela, Bellas only estimated a P0.20 to P0.40 per liter price increase on diesel, while gasoline prices would likely remain stable or, at most, see a P0.10 per liter increase.
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ANTIMADURO.
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People hold the Venezuelan flag as they celebrate outside the Metropolitan Detention facility in the Brooklyn borough of New York, where ousted president Nicolas Maduro is expected to be held, on January 3, 2026 in New York City. AFP
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the UK will discuss the "evolving situation" in Venezuela with US counterparts while noting Britain will "shed no tears" about the demise of Maduro's "regime." Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said the intervention "violates international law and pushes the region toward a horizon of uncertainty and militarism" while France said the US operation undermined international law, and no solution to Venezuela's crisis can be imposed German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that Maduro had "led his country to ruin," but called the US action legally "complex." The EU, on the other hand. more generally expressed concern at the developments and urged respect for international law, even as it noted that Maduro "lacks legitimacy." In a rare expression of support for the US operation by a major European country, far-right Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni— a Trump ally—argued the US military action in Venezuela was "legitimate" and "defensive." AFP
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Court if President Marcos Jr. did not veto them. In a related development, Budget watchdog Social Watch Philippines (SWP) urged the President to veto several "highly questionable items" from the ratified 2026 national budget bill. SWP said the assailed items amounted to ₱319.04 billion. In a text message to Manila Standard on Sunday, Presidential Communications Secretary Dave Gomez confirmed the enactment of the General Appropriations Act.. "Yes, [the signing is] tomorrow," he said. Earlier, Palace Press Undersecretary Claire Castro said President Marcos was in Malacañang to welcome the New Year with his family. She added that the president will review the budget during the holidays. On December 30, Executive Secretary Ralph Recto announced that Malacañang had received the 2026 General Appropriations Bill (GAB), The budget measure, amounting to ₱6.793 trillion was ratified by the House of Representatives the day before. In comparison, the 2025 national budget was signed on Dec, 30, 2024, making the expected signing of the 2026 budget nearly a week behind schedule. In a dzBB interview, Erice said he
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Meanwhile, authorities investigating the New Year’s blaze in the Swiss resort town have identified 24 of the 40 people killed, including 11 minors and six foreign nationals, police said Sunday. Local police, who had earlier identified eight Swiss victims, said they have since identified 10 more Swiss nationals’ “four women and six men aged 14 to 31‘‘as well as two 16-year-
would file a petition at the High Court to challenge the constitutionality of the unprogrammed funds should the Chief Executive sign the P6.793-trillion national budget for 2026 in the first week of January. “My problem is about the constitutionality of the unprogrammed appropriations, and if the President does not veto them, our legal team is ready… right now, we are making a draft of the petition for the Supreme Court,” he said, citing Associate Justice Ramon Paul Hernando who has said that the unprogrammed appropriations were unconstitutional. Even if the 2026 budget is more organized than the past three budgets, it still has unprogrammed appropriations that must not be included, Erice stressed. “For example, the retirement of the teachers, that is mandatory. The teachers’ increase… The should be under the programmed,” Erice said. The SWP also cited the bicam members’ last-minute insertions and lump-sum appropriations as a return to the old pork barrel system—despite public outrage over corruption and wasteful spending. “The 2026 budget is not peoplecentered, despite what the Bicam Committee claims. It is extremely disappointing how Congress ignores the public’s anger over unprecedented levels of corruption and the alarming use of public funds to promote patronage politics," said SWP co-convenor Dr. Ma. Victoria Raquiza.
old Italians, a 39-year-old Frenchman, a 16-year-old dual national of Italy and the United Arab Emirates, an 18-year-old Romanian, and an 18-year-old Turk. The blaze also left 119 people injured. “It has been confirmed that Kean is in Zurich and that his identity has been confirmed,†said the boy’s mother, Kristal Talingdan. Kean is confined at the University of Zurich Hospital, where doctors continue to closely monitor his condition, she said. ‘‘He is stable, but he cannot be ap-
He confirmed that the Manila Police District is now finalizing the security protocols for "Traslacion," adding that policemen have been deployed as early as Jan. 2 for the barangay visitation in Quiapo District and other scheduled activities that include blessing of replicas of Jesus Nazareno, the “Pabihis” and Holy Masses. Nartatez also said the PNP has not monitored any specific or credible threat linked to the religious celebration, but the police will maintain a very strict watch to ensure the safety of millions of devotees expected to surge to Quiapo for the festivity. “Every year has a different security challenge, but the objective remains the same: to ensure the safety of the millions of devotees and to maintain peace and order at the span of the annual religious activity. Your PNP is ready but we still ask for vigilance and cooperation from the public to achieve our goal,” Nartatez said in a statement. An estimated 15,000 to 18,000 police personnel are set for deployment across tManila and nearby areas.
Nartatez said Metro Manila policemen will be reinforced by personnel from the Police Regional Office 3, or Central Luzon, and the Police Regional office 4A (CALABARZON). He said policemen will be tasked to secure the traditional procession route and other key points of convergence to see to it that sufficient numbers of PNP personnel are available for both crowd control and emergency response. Nartatez said coordination was made as early as two months ago with all the stakeholders, particularly the Manila city government and the Quiapo Church officials while government agencies like the Metro Manila Development Authority have committed assistance. “I have directed the strategic deployment of our personnel and other assets to secure and assist our people who will take part in this yearly devotion,” he added. Specialized assets and medical teams are on standby as the PNP urged the public to cooperate with law enforcers on the ground to prevent untoward incidents during the crowded procession. Devotees are also enjoined to follow safety guidelines issued by the authorities. Meanwhile, National Capital Re-
gion Police Office (NCRPO) spokesperson Maj. Hazel Asilo said they are now preparing their operatives as instructed by their chief, Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin, for all possible security scenarios during the Feast of the Black Nazarene. She added this is the essence of the annual "walk through" being conducted by the stakeholders in the religious procession. Asilo said around 18,000 policemen will secure the Feast of the Black Nazarene She also said the goal for this year includes the much earlier conclusion of the procession from the 20 hours last year to possibly 12 to 10 hours this year. “We still have the same security preparations right now because the route is the same, the only difference is that it will be our goal to get in faster from 20 hours last year. Our goal now is to cut it in half, at least to 10 to 12 hours,” Asilo said in a televised radio interview with Super Radyo DZBB. Ines said alternative routes will be opened as some roads will have to be closed to give way to the procession where the barefoot devotees participate. He said the PNP has also issued rules regarding the prohibited items during the event.
proached yet. He is still in Zurich for now, and his vital signs are stable,’’ Kristal added. Kean had traveled to Switzerland for a short break and was staying at the home of a friend’s family. He was with three classmates, all of whom were injured after attending what was meant to be a New Year’s Eve celebration. In a separate interview, Kean’s father, Yohan Guiot, told the Italian newspaper Il Giorno that he received a call from his son at around 4 a.m. on
January 1 using a rescuer’s mobile phone. Guiot said Kean was crying and frightened but said he was alive, although his entire body was in pain. After the brief call, Guiot spoke with the rescuer, who told him that Kean had sustained extensive burns. Kean was reportedly treated at the scene for nearly 45 minutes before being rushed to the hospital. His father added that the identification of some victims took time, as many suffered severe burns and required extensive bandaging.
Meanwhile, Kristal said the Italian government is coordinating the possible transfer of Kean to Italy, pending clearance from the medical team. He may be moved to Niguarda Hospital in Milan, where other victims are also being treated, if his next medical evaluation yields favorable results. The fire broke out at around 1:30 a.m. on January 1 during New Year’s Eve celebrations. Authorities have yet to determine how many people were inside the venue at the time, which reports said was frequented by young people. With AFP
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Phil. Red Cross urges public to donate blood, save lives By Ram Superable THE Philippine Red Cross (PRC) on Sunday urged the public to donate blood following Makati Medical Center’s declaration of a red alert due to critically low blood supplies. MakatiMed said each blood donation can help up to three patients, including accident victims, surgical patients, and those with cancer or chronic illnesses. Donating blood also benef its donors by regulating iron levels and stimulating the production of new blood cells, the hospital added. The hospital’s blood bank, located on the second floor of Tower 2, is open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. “Let’s give the gift of life as we usher in the new year,” MakatiMed said, while the PRC stressed that blood cannot be manufactured and can only come from voluntary donors. Meanwhile, the Department of Health reported 1,113 road crash injuries from December 21, 2025, to January 2, 2026, an 82-percent increase from the same period last year. Nearly half of the cases involved drivers aged 15 to 29, while 87 percent of those injured were not using safety equipment such as helmets or seatbelts.
ROCKY ROAD. A farmer balances a heavy basket of freshly harvested greens on his head as he carefully navigates a rocky farm-to-market road, trekking by foot from his fields to the local market. Edd Castro
SC OKs nullification of marriage over psychological incapacity T
HE Supreme Court (SC) has affirmed a decision nullifying a marriage on the ground of the wife’s psychological incapacity, describing her as controlling and demanding toward her husband. In a 14-page decision dated August 2025, the SC said the husband filed the petition in 2003 to nullify their 1995 marriage, claiming his wife was domineering, controlling, demanding, and excessively entitled. The husband alleged that his wife constantly demanded to know his
whereabouts, accused him of having incestuous relations with his mother, and subjected him to physical and verbal abuse. The court cited a clinical diagnosis stating that the wife had narcissistic personality disorder with paranoid features, which rendered her gravely
and incurably incapacitated to perform essential marital obligations. The wife denied the allegations and claimed the husband was physically, verbally, and sexually abusive toward their children. She also questioned the diagnosis, saying it was based on biased accounts and that she was never personally examined. The Pasig Regional Trial Court nullified the marriage in 2016, a ruling later affirmed by the Court of Appeals in 2017. In denying the wife’s petition, the Supreme Court
Three weather systems to bring rains nationwide
said psychological incapacity must be grave, incurable, and existing at the time of the marriage. “The actions of [the wife] demonstrate an undeniable pattern of failure to comply with her essential marital obligations,” the court said, noting that she herself refused the initial psychological assessment. The case was remanded to the Pasig RTC for determination of support pendente lite and the distribution of co-owned properties in accordance with the Family Code.
RED ALERT.
A screengrab from a video posted by Makati Medical Center on January 3, 2026 shows a red alert appealing for public blood donations amid low supply levels. Makati Medical Center
By Rio N. Araja THREE weather systems are expected to bring cloudy skies and rains over several parts of the country on Monday. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned of possible f lash f loods and landslides in affected areas. Cloudy skies with scattered rains and isolated thunderstorms will prevail over the Visayas, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, Masbate, and Romblon due to the shear line. The easterlies will bring scattered rains and thunderstorms over Caraga, Palawan, Camiguin, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, and Zamboanga del Norte. Cloudy skies with rain are expected in Cagayan, Isabela, Quezon, Laguna, Batangas, Marinduque, Oriental Mindoro, and Camarines Norte due to the northeast monsoon. The rest of Mindanao will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms, while the northeast monsoon will affect the Cordillera Administrative Region, the rest of Cagayan Valley, Metro Manila, and the rest of Luzon with no significant impact.
IN BRIEF Cavite LGU activates E-BOSS for tax fees GENERAL TRIAS CITY, Cavite—The local government of General Trias City has once again reinstated the Electronic Business One Stop Shop (E-BOSS) for the fast processing of city taxes. Based on the city’s social media post, E-BOSS will run from January 5 to February 13, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the General Trias Cultural and Convention Center in Barangay Sampalukan. Romel Olimpo, head of the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO), said applicants renewing their LGU integrated permits may apply online and submit requirements through GenTri eBOSS at https://egovcityofgeneraltrias. ph/bpl/, then wait for approval and the tax order of payment. The LGU warned taxpayers against scammers calling or texting to ask for money via e-wallets to process permits, stressing that the city government has nothing to do with such transactions. Payers of annual real property tax may avail of a 20-percent discount until January 20, 2026, and 10 percent from January 21 to March 31, while the tax amnesty is effective until July 5, 2026. Dennis Abrina
Solon backs SSS microloan for seniors SENIOR Citizens party-list Rep. Rodolfo Ordanes on Sunday welcomed the proposed microloan program of the Social Security System, saying SSS and the Government Service Insurance System are the only institutions capable of meeting the loan needs of pensioners. He said interest payments on government loans would benefit the public while protecting senior citizens’ pensions from abusive private lenders. Ordanes urged the Department of Finance and SSS to roll out an effective media campaign to better inform members about the microloan program. The DOF earlier announced plans to implement the new microloan program in the first half of 2026 to expand safe, affordable, and convenient access to short-term credit for SSS members. Finance Secretary Frederick Go said the program would shield members from loan sharks and other high-cost lending schemes. Rio N. Araja
Sen. Tulfo files bill to lower 12% VAT
PNP confident crime rate decline will be sustained By Vince Lopez PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Sunday expressed confidence that the decline in crime incidents recorded in 2025 will continue in 2026. The PNP reported a 12.4% decrease in crime incidents last year, underscoring that public safety remains its top priority. Nartatez said the reduction was the result of sustained, wholeof-government efforts, including intelligence-driven operations, intensified police visibility, and stronger coordination with local government units and communities. PNP data showed focus crimes dropped from 40,771 cases in 2024 to 35,717 in 2025, with notable reductions in rape, carnapping, murder, homicide, physical injury, robbery, and theft. “This is not an overnight success. We intensified discipline, accountability, and professionalism among police
officers,” Nartatez said. He also cited public cooperation as a key factor in crime reduction and said the PNP will continue to strengthen
data-driven policing, preventive patrols, faster response times, and internal discipline to maintain public trust.
SENATOR Erwin Tulfo on Sunday announced he is pushing to lower the country’s value-added tax from 12% to 10% to give consumers immediate relief from rising prices, despite earlier warnings that the move could cut government revenue. Tulfo said the reduction would boost household purchasing power and help stimulate the country’s gross domestic product. “We are among the countries with the highest VAT in Southeast Asia, and this is a heavy burden for lowand middle-income families,” the neophyte senator said. At 12%, the Philippines and Indonesia top the region’s VAT rates, followed by Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos at 10 percent, prompting Tulfo to file Senate Bill No. 1552, or the VAT Reduction Bill. The measure includes a safeguard allowing the president, with finance secretary approval, to temporarily restore the 12% rate if the national deficit exceeds targets set by the Development Budget Coordination Committee. Ram Superable
E-BOSS. Cavite residents avail themselves of the Electronic Business One Stop Shop (E-BOSS) during a previous tax payment period in January 2025. Dennis Abrina
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Cops tracking down poseur-scammers By Vince Lopez
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HILIPPINE National Police (PNP) acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., on Sunday, Jan. 4, said they are intensifying efforts to track down scammers impersonating high-ranking officials, including himself.
PARROT TALK. ‘This is fun,’ the fine-feathered friend seems to tell its owner while strolling the vicinity of Tomas Morato Ave. in Quezon City which the local government declares ‘Car-Free, Carefree’ on Sundays.
IN BRIEF Senator cites need to address youth mental health Cebu City world expo draws 250 tattoo artists CEBU City--More than 250 tattoo artists from all over the world are expected to participate in the 3rd KAPATIK World Tattoo Expo set on Jan. 24-25 at the International Eucharistic Convention Center here. In a press briefing on Saturday, event organizer Ronnie Macapagal, himself a pioneer in the tattoo industry based in the Visayas and Mindanao, bared that the two-day event will involve at least 200 booths and up to 250 tattoo artists, with an estimated daily foot traffic of 1,500 to 3,000 spectators and tattoo enthusiasts. “Tattoo artists/participants are coming from various countries, including Taiwan, Indonesia, Singapore, Japan, Korea, India, Australia, France, Austria, Netherlands, and Israel and that the biggest group is from Taiwan, with a total of 45 participants,” Macapagal said. Minerva Newman
Fireworks hurt fewer people in QC this year THE Quezon City government has recorded a significant drop in the number of fireworks-related injuries during the holiday season festivities. Based on the reports of all hospitals in the city as collated by the City Epidemiology and Surveillance Division under the City Health Department, there were 40 fireworks-related injuries from Dec. 21, 2025 to Jan. 2. This represented a 62 percent decrease compared to the 107 reported cases during the same period last year. At least 29 of the total cases were individuals who were associated with passive involvement or spectators in fireworks use, while 11 were actively involved or held the firecrackers themselves. Rio N. Araja
Solon eyes PBBM nod on AFP upgrade bills CAMARINES Sur Rep. Luigi Villafuerte on Sunday lauded President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for his renewed commitment to the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, expressing hopes that the Commander-in-Chief would back two proposals to set aside a combined P15 billion the program. “President Marcos is spot on in pursuing the continued AFP modernization program amid national security threats like the escalating tensions in the West Philippine Sea, and we hope our Commander-in-Chief could support the longterm defense buildup by endorsing two pending bills on recommissioning old yet operational helicopters plus other aircraft, and acquiring, and later on building our own, drones for surveillance, reconnaissance, combat and disaster-response, among others,” he said. The lawmaker batted for the long-term AFP modernization program, citing the President could endorse the complementary House Bill No. 1362 and HB 1363 for priority action by the 20th Congress when it reopens on Jan. 26. Both bills were principally authored by Luigi Villafuerte. Rio N. Araja
By Ram Superable SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian on Sunday said the government must address student mental health issue as recent data show a spike in mental health concerns during the holiday season. Gatchalian said the unprecedented budget allocated for education this year the allows for the implements Republic Act No. 12080, or the Basic Education Mental Health and WellBeing Promotion Act, which he authored.
“We recognize the seriousness and urgent need to address the mental health challenges of young people. That is why part of the historic funding we allocated for the education sector is dedicated to promoting the mental health and welfare of our students,” said Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance. The law mandates schools to provide mental health support to learners, including prevention and early intervention for suicide risks. It will set annual targets, establish school mental health offices and care
centers, and fill necessary plantilla positions. The measure comes as the Department of Health reported 961 calls to its mental health hotline from Dec. 21, 2025, to Jan 2, 2026. The highest volume of calls occurred on Dec. 30, mostly concerning relationship issues, anxiety, and symptoms of depression. Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa earlier urged the public to exercise sensitivity and consideration, noting that the holidays can exacerbate stress.
The hunt was launched after the Bicol Region police warned internet users about persons introducing themselves as top government officials, including Interior and Local Government Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla, Region 5 police director Brig. Gen. Erosito Miranda, Nartatez, and other senior PNP officials. The PNP warned that the scammers try to solicit money, gift cards, or personal information from their victims. “We urge the public to stay vigilant and never give out money or personal information to anyone claiming to be a government official,” Nartatez said. The police advised the public to never provide money or sensitive details, verify identities through official channels, check account authenticity, and report suspicious activities immediately. “Always verify the identity of anyone claiming to be a government official. Don’t immediately believe a call or text (message) especially if it asks for money or personal information. If in doubt, immediately call the local police station or the official PNP hotline to confirm. Never provide bank details, passwords, or any personal documents to unknown persons,” Nartatez said. The alert followed a similar case in Pampanga where two impersonators of Philippine Army chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido were arrested. Nartatez emphasized the importance of safeguarding public trust, adding that the PNP will take legal action against anyone caught impersonating government officials. “We are prepared to file charges and pursue legal action against anyone caught impersonating government officials. Public cooperation is key to stopping these scams,” he noted.
DHSUD chief: Compliant 4PH projects good to go By Rio N. Araja DEPARTMENT of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling has ordered the release of all compliant applications for licenses and registrations of socialized housing projects with complete requirements under updated rules within the first 10 working days of 2026. Aliling said the move was meant to sustain the positive momentum in the nationwide implementation of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program in 2026 and trigger economic activities in the housing and real-estate sector. He directed senior supervising Undersecretary Sharon Faith Paquiz, concerned bureaus, and all regional offices to expedite the processing of certificates of registration and license to sell to ensure the sustained production and sale of socialized housing projects under the flagship Expanded 4PH. The secretary stressed that such move would only apply to compliant private developers based on existing laws, rules and regulations. Only applications with complete requirements will be released within the first 10 working days of 2026, he said.
WHAT FIRE LOOKS LIKE FROM ABOVE. A structural blaze, captured by a drone, eats up a house at the corner of Lacson and Velasquez streets in Tondo, Manila. Manila DRRMO photo
PH Navy grateful for rescue of 3 Pinoy fishermen at WPS By Rex Espiritu
LONELY AT THE TOP. A resident of Barangay Bagong Silangan is engulfed in deep thoughts while looking over a valley shrouded in early morning mist from atop a hill. Dense fog lingers over low-lying communities and farmland below, briefly softening the landscape before the day’s heat sets, as distant rolling of Rizal province frame a scene where urban sprawl meets rural edges, highlighting the distinctive geography of northern Quezon City. Edd Castro
THE Philippine Navy on Saturday expressed appreciation for the United States Navy for providing humanitarian assistance to three Filipino fishermen rescued by the crew of the USNS Cesar Chavez in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). Philippine Navy public affairs chief Commodore Marie Angelica Sisican said the rescue, carried out within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, underscored the shared responsibility of maritime forces to ensure the safety of life at sea in line with international law. “The rescue underscores the shared obligation of maritime forces to ensure the safety of life at sea in accordance with international law and a rules-based inter-
national order, affirming that real friends save lives,” Sisican told reporters in a Viber message. Following the rescue, Sisican said the Philippine Navy had closely coordinated with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), local government units, and other relevant agencies to ensure that the fishermen received the necessary assistance. She reiterated the Philippine Navy’s “commitment to protecting the country’s maritime domain and safeguarding Filipino fisherfolk. “The Philippine Navy remains steadfast in its mandate to protect the country’s maritime domain, safeguard Filipino fisherfolk, and uphold the rule of law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in all maritime activities,” Sisican emphasized.
OPINION
A5
MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2026
mst.daydesk@gmail.com
EDITORIAL
Back to the trenches
A galloping start EVEN as the horse has yet to trample on the snake’s head, and the lunar year starts on Feb. 17 yet, events around the globe have brought 2026 to a galloping start. The Year of the Fire Horse in feng shui belongs to those who take swift, bold, even unorthodox actions to achieve intended result. Those born in the Year of the Horse may think the stars align for them in this year, but they are not the luckiest, unlike tigers, dogs, sheep, and rabbits who have more to gain in this “fiery”, fast-paced year. Which is how Fire Dog Trump struck at the Tiger Maduro before the latter’s luck turns for the better in mid-February. And the Donald did it with the timing of a Snake, with precision and pinpoint accuracy. It was fire dog versus water tiger, before the latter could douse its water on the firestorm. How Rabbit Putin whose spheres of influence have been and are being dismantled as we write, whether in Venezuela or Iran, can yet react, even as his Ukraine invasion is yet stalemated by Volodymyr Zelenskyy, born before the Horse ended the reign of the Snake, bears watching. But neither the stars nor the elements favor Putin this year. Will the Donald’s “invasion” of oil-rich Venezuela, and the imminent overthrow of the theocracy that has ruled oil-rich Iran since the fall of the Shah during the Jimmy Carter presidency, tilt the geopolitical equation once more in favor of “imperialist” America? And how will the Snake Xi Jinping position itself, with its sources of oil now imperiled by the earth-shaking events of these galloping starts in 2026? Will the “Snake” slither back in its determination to retake Taiwan, and wait for the perfect timing? After all, there will be mid-term elections in the “renegade” island which China considers its province this year, with the Kuomintang and TPP ostensibly joining forces to challenge the local leaders of the Democratic Progressive Party and its fiercely independent Lai Ching-te, born in the Year of the Pig. The wily Snake in the mainland need not strike this early and can wait till the more friendly parties in Taiwan upstage the ruling DPP, as prelude to taking over the reins of power in 2028. The Chinese can be patient, and with a Snake as its leader, wait for the perfect time to re-unite, rejuvenate, and avenge its century of humiliation. After all, China remembers how the Ox Hirohito, Emperor of Japan, attacked Pearl Harbor in the Year of the Snake, but was forced to surrender to its feng shui enemy, Monkey Harry Truman, after the
latter ordered the drop of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki just as the ghost month in 1945 began? In every field of endeavor, even in geopolitics, “timing is everything,” or so the savants keep admonishing. B ack to our domestic woes, how will the galloping start of the New Year impact on our perennially benighted land? Our Rooster president ended the Year of the Snake, his father’s birth animal, with very, very low trust and approval ratings, while his political enemy, an Earth Horse, still revels in high trust ratings despite all the mud thrown at her.
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In every field of endeavor, even in geopolitics, ‘timing is everything’ or so the savants keep admonishing As the Year of the Fire Horse begins, she is expected to face another impeachment attempt by the courtiers of the current dispensation, even those from the Left and the Pinks who have conveniently allied themselves with the Rooster president, hoping for power resurrection in 2028. With enough paper bills from the “maletas” still hidden in condos and mansions which the Bangko Sentral refuse to demonetize despite the wise-guy suggestion of Senator Robinhood, the HoR may yet succeed in impeaching the president’s Enemigo Numero Uno once again, even after a more tortuous “due process” that the Supreme Court has commanded. They have tried it last year but failed. Worse, their prey seems to have emerged with lesser wounds than their convenient master. In fact, because the Rooster president committed the most egregious political miscalculation --- the kidnap-surrender of a Rooster predecessor, which has only worsened his political woes, while the economy which impacts on the lives of every Filipino save the filthy rich and the filthiest politicians continues to worsen, with little light at the end of the tunnel in 2026 --- all these augur for another “annus horribilis”. If the Horse gallops fast and with proper direction, seizes the day, while the Rooster characteristically engages in its favorite governance by talk and optics, how shall destiny be shaped?
Responsive power policy is about balance AS 2026 begins, Filipino households are not expecting miracles, but they are looking for steadier ground. After years of elevated inflation that steadily eroded purchasing power, even modest relief in essential costs carries real weight. Electricity, a fixed and unavoidable expense, remains central to this concern. What consumers hope for this year is not dramatic change, but practical improvements — fairer charges, clearer rules, and a regulatory environment that steadily works toward affordability without sacrificing reliability. This hope is anchored on the continuing reform agenda within the power sector and, more specifically, on the work of the Energy Regulatory Commission. Over the past year, the ERC has taken concrete steps to address long-standing regulatory bottlenecks while balancing the interests of consumers, and sustainable performance of the power sector. Under the leadership of Chairperson Francis Saturnino C. Juan, the Commission moved to resolve delayed ratesetting cases of private distribution utilities, approved a recalibrated Feed-in Tariff Allowance that ensured renewable energy developers were paid on time without imposing an excessive burden on consumers, and facilitated substantial refunds arising from over- and underrecoveries. By the Commission’s own accounting, total refunds reached over ₱21 billion, a figure that translates into real and im-
mediate relief for millions of electricity users. These actions matter because regulation in the power sector is always felt in the monthly bills of consumers. When backlogs are resolved and refunds are implemented, the effects ripple quietly but meaningfully through the households’ finances. It is in this context that the ERC’s announced priorities for 2026 deserve careful attention.
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Even modest relief in essential costs carries real weight Among these priorities are the expansion of subsidies for lifeline consumers and senior citizens, stronger enforcement of consumer rights under the Magna Carta for Consumers of Electricity, improved rules on metering, and closer coordination with the Bureau of Internal Revenue to ensure the proper application of value-added tax on electricity and subsidies. These initiatives signal an intent to strengthen consumer protection while refining the mechanics of regulation, rather than resorting to abrupt or populist interventions. Perhaps the most closely watched development, however, is the ERC’s ongoing study on the possible cessation of
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W
E BEGIN anew today as most Filipinos snap out of holiday mode and go back to work and school.
The past two weeks were a muchneeded respite from our usual preoccupations. They enabled people to put everything on pause and focus on their homes and their loved ones. During this period, people tried to set aside official business and focus on what was important. But now that the break is over, we return to what is equally important – this time, to the life of our nation. We ended 2025 with many unmet promises and failed expectations. We were promised that there would be big names hauled off to jail on corruption charges. But all we saw were a contractor, several public works employees behind bars. The big names, whether their whereabouts were known or not, remained elusive. What we saw instead was more
accusations of corruption, except that we no longer knew whether those making the allegations can themselves be trusted. What was certain was that the depth and breadth of questionable practices was astounding.
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We welcome the return to this arduous task Senator Panfilo Lacson, chair of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee that is looking into the mess, says he is “even more encouraged to expose more corruption issues.” It was Lacson’s privilege speeches that
first provided details on the floodcontrol scandal. He also expressed his hope that the current leadership does not waver in its fight against corruption. We look forward to the succeeding days that will unmask more hypocrites in government and yield verifiable information, enough to file legal charges. More than this, we also look forward to normalizing public scrutiny of government transactions, even with resistance from those who have been used to doing their jobs in secret. Jailing the corrupt is but part of the broader quest for good governance which includes the introduction and implementation of reforms. These will, in turn, make the system less susceptible to abuse by those who are tasked to safeguard the people’s interest but who end up pursuing their own. We welcome the return to this arduous task. The holidays renewed our fervor to fight for a government that is clean, just, honest, and fair.
As Trump imposes ‘Monroe’ Doctrine, murky message to US rivals WASHINGTON, DC – With the major attack to arrest Venezuela’s leader, President Donald Trump has shown that the United States will impose its will in its neighborhood — and the lesson may not be lost on Russia and China. Trump described the raid to seize leftist Nicolas Maduro as an update of the Monroe Doctrine, the 1823 declaration by fifth US president James Monroe that Latin America was closed to other powers, then meaning Europe. Maduro was in a New York jail Saturday (Sunday, Manila time), hours after American special forces seized and flew him out of his country — which Trump said would come under effective US control. US-backed opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who won last year’s Nobel Peace Prize, posted on social media that “the hour of freedom has arrived.” She called for the opposition’s 2024 election candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, to “immediately” assume the presidency. But Trump was surprisingly cold about expectations that Machado could become Venezuela’s new leader, saying she doesn’t have “support or respect” there. “The Monroe Doctrine is a big deal, but we’ve superseded it by a lot, by a real lot. They now call it the Donroe document,” Trump told a news conference, slapping his name on the policy principle. “American dominance in the Western Hemisphere will never be questioned again.” Weeks earlier, White House policymakers had given more intellectual gloss for the same idea in a national security strategy that announced a “Trump Corollary” to the Monroe Doctrine. The policy, the strategy said, will authorize US intervention in Latin America for goals such as seizing strategic assets, fighting crime or ending migration, one of Trump’s top domestic goals. Venezuela has the world’s largest proven oil reserves, with China its top partner. Trump had justified intervention by alleging drug-smuggling from small
boats off Venezuela and by Maduro himself. But the United States is not alone in wanting to exert itself over smaller regional neighbors. Russia’s Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine in February 2022 after questioning the former Soviet republic’s historical legitimacy and vowing the removal of its elected president, Volodymyr Zelensky. China has refused to rule out force to seize Taiwan, a self-governing democracy, and has angered US allies by claiming rights to much of the South China Sea. The Venezuela raid came days after China carried out major military exercises aimed at simulating a blockade of Taiwan following a major US arms deal. A Chinese envoy met Maduro in Caracas hours before his capture. US superpower status slips Trump’s intervention is also sure to gain the attention of US allies that have been stunned by his threats over resources he sees as strategic. Trump recently named an envoy who
said he would work to seize Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, and he has threatened to take back the Panama Canal. Jennifer Kavanagh, director of military analysis at Defense Priorities, which supports US restraint, said she had long dismissed Trump’s Greenland talk. “Now I’m not so sure,” she said. “It
wouldn’t be that hard for the US to put a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it’s not clear to me who could do anything about it.” Venezuela “does raise this question that if the US can declare a leader illegitimate, go and remove him and then run the country, why can’t other countries?” The United States, of course, has a long history of interventions without UN authorization, notably the 2003 invasion of Iraq. The difference, Kavanaugh said, is that back then the United States had far more relative power. “It wasn’t a matter of setting a precedent for other countries, because they just couldn’t aspire to that level of military power and the US could stop basically anyone who tried. But that’s not true anymore.” Mixed messages The United States for decades stood firm against Moscow and Beijing. But under Trump, Washington’s stance has become murkier. The new national security strategy calls for a refocus closer to home and says comparatively little about Russia and China, leading some critics to conclude that Trump essentially was acknowledging they enjoy their own spheres of influence. Trump has spoken favorably of China and played down the risks of a Taiwan invasion. Before taking office Trump suggested Taiwan should pay more for its US “insurance policy.” On Ukraine, Trump has mused that the country is destined for defeat against larger Russia, and has pressed Kyiv to accept territorial concessions. At the very least, Venezuela will herald a harder US line within Latin America, said Alexander Gray, an Atlantic Council scholar who served on the National Security Council during Trump’s first term. “I think it’s very clear that there will no longer be a level of tolerance for the type of even lower-level Chinese, Russian and Iranian influence that we’ve seen over the last couple of decades,” Gray said. AFP
bill deposit collections by distribution utilities. For many consumers, especially low-income households, the idea is understandably appealing. Bill deposits can be a barrier to access, requiring an upfront cash outlay that competes with household expenses. Removing this requirement could provide immediate financial breathing room, particularly for first-time or relocating customers. Yet this proposal also highlights the delicate balance that power sector reform demands. Bill deposits did not emerge arbitrarily. They have long served as a risk-mitigation mechanism, allowing distribution utilities to manage unpaid bills and maintain the cash flow necessary for operations, maintenance, and system reliability. Electricity is not a discretionary service. When revenues are disrupted, the consequences can result in delayed maintenance, constrained investments, or strict-
er disconnection policies, all of which ultimately affect consumers. Eliminating deposits outright, without a carefully designed alternative, risks shifting financial exposure from non-paying customers to utilities, and eventually burden the paying consumers through higher rates or tighter disconnection policies. The challenge, therefore, is not whether consumer relief is desirable. It is how such relief can be delivered without undermining the financial sustainability of distribution utilities or compromising service quality. A balanced approach may involve targeted exemptions, differentiated treatment based on consumer profiles, or the use of data-driven credit risk assessments rather than a one-size-fits-all policy. These are complex design questions, but they are precisely the kind of questions a regulator must confront if reform is to be durable. To its credit, the ERC has signaled that it understands this complexity.
The fact that the issue is under study, rather than being rushed into implementation, reflects a regulatory posture that values prudence over optics. Consumer welfare is best served not by abrupt policy shifts, but by reforms grounded in evidence, consultation, and a clear appreciation of downstream effects. As the year unfolds, there is reason for more cautious optimism. The direction of reform suggests a regulator’s intent on strengthening consumer protection while preserving the stability of the power sector. Lower electricity costs and more accessible service remain attainable goals, but only if policy choices are guided by balance, transparency, and long-term thinking. In the end, meaningful reform in the power industry is rarely dramatic. It is incremental, often technical, and sometimes uncomfortable. But when done right, it steadily moves the system toward fairness and reliability.
Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno Anita F. Grefal Baldwin R. Felipe Edgar M. Valmorida
Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser Treasury Manager Head—Ad Solutions Circulation Manager
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The policy will authorize US intervention in Latin America for goals such as seizing strategic assets, fighting crime or ending migration, one of Trump’s top domestic goals
Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher Joyce Pangco Pañares Managing Editor Virgilio DC Galvez News Editor Miguel Gil City Editor
Honor Blanco Cabie Opinion Editor Aytch dela Cruz Online Editor Lino M. Santos Chief Photographer
Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board
WORLD
A6
MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2026
mst.daydesk@gmail.com
4 killed in protest clashes in Iran IN BRIEF P
Swiss probe bar execs after New Year’s blaze
CRANS-MONTANA, Switzerland – The managers of the Swiss ski resort bar where dozens died during a fire at a New Year’s celebration are under investigation for negligent manslaughter, authorities said during the weekend.. French couple Jacques and Jessica Moretti owned and managed Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, which was crammed with young partygoers when a blaze began in a packed basement at around 1:30 am on Thursday. Forty people were killed and 119 injured, most of them seriously, according to the latest toll. Dozens of victims were taken to nearby countries for urgent treatment, while authorities pointed the finger at lit sparklers attached to champagne bottles igniting foam on the ceiling. A criminal investigation has been opened against the bar managers, authorities in the southwestern Swiss canton of Wallis said in a statement Saturday. AFP
ARIS – At least four people were killed in western Iran on Saturday in clashes between protesters and security forces, two rights groups said, accusing Revolutionary Guards of opening fire on demonstrators. Protests carried on in several cities nationwide throughout Saturday, the seventh day of a movement sparked by anger over the rising cost of living in the Islamic republic. The protests are the most significant in Iran since a 2022-2023 movement that authorities quelled with a crackdown that left hundreds dead and thousands arrested, according to activists. The Norway-based Hengaw rights group said that Revolutionary Guards
used live fire against protesters in the Malekshahi district of the western Ilam province, killing four members of Iran’s Kurdish minority. The group said it was checking reports that two other people had been killed, while it said dozens more were wounded. The Iran Human Rights NGO, also based in Norway, said at least four people were killed and 30 wounded after “security forces attacked the protests” in Malekshahi.
It posted footage of what appeared to be bloodied corpses on the ground. It was not possible to immediately verify the footage or the toll. In Iran, media evoked the clashes with the Mehr news agency saying a Revolutionary Guard was killed after “rioters” attempted to enter a police station. The protests have affected, to varying degrees, at least 30 different cities, mostly medium-sized, according to an AFP tally based on official announcements and media reports. At least 12 people have been killed since Wednesday in clashes, including members of the security forces, according to a toll based on official reports. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency monitor said that over
SK’s Lee lands in China, hopes to sidestep Taiwan tensions
UK, France conduct joint srike on IS site LONDON – The British Ministry of Defense said it cooperated with France during the weekend to strike an underground facility in Syria that had likely been used by the Islamic State group to store weapons. “Royal Air Force aircraft have completed successful strikes against Daesh in a joint operation with France,” the ministry said in a statement, using the Arabic acronym for IS. “This facility had been occupied by Daesh, most likely to store weapons and explosives. The area around the facility is devoid of any civilian habitation,” the statement added. The ministry said there was no indication the bombing north of the ancient site of Palmyra had posed any risk to civilians. IS was territorially defeated in Syria in 2019 but still maintains a presence, particularly in the country’s vast desert. AFP
3 rockets damage Syria’s mosque DAMASCUS – Three rockets hit the Mazzeh area of the Syrian capital Damascus during the weekend, local authorities said, adding one damaged a mosque and another landed near a military airport. Syria’s official SANA news agency had earlier reported that an unidentified missile had struck the area without causing any casualties. “Random rockets fell in the Mazzeh area... One struck the dome of the AlMuhammadi Mosque, another hit a telecommunications building, and the third landed near Mazzeh Military Airport,” local authorities said in a statement. State television quoted a security source as saying the “three rockets struck simultaneously” and that one of them caused “material damage” to the mosque. “Investigations are underway to find the perpetrators,” the source added. Syrian media outlets and residents reported hearing an explosion in the Mazzeh area. AFP
Pakistanis want Afganistan border to reopen SPIN BOLDK, Afghanistan – Nearly three months since border clashes prompted the closure of land crossings between Pakistan and Afghanistan, university students, merchants and families are left hanging with no way of getting back. “We miss our parents and relatives,” said Shah Faisal, 25, who studies medicine in an Afghan university and was hoping to visit his family back in Pakistan during winter break. But the border has been shut since Oct. 12, leaving many like him with no viable option of making it home. Flights are prohibitively expensive, and smuggling routes come at too great a risk. A student representative said there were around 500 to 600 Pakistanis at universities in one Afghan province alone, Nangarhar, who were looking for a way back. Shah Fahad Amjad, 22, who attends medical school in the provincial capital Jalalabad, called on “both countries to open the road” and let students visit their families. As the border closure drags on, some are also concerned about their visa status or financial situation. The crisis has caused problems “for us, who are students in Afghanistan, but also for Afghans who are students in Pakistan,” said 23-year-old Barkat Ullah Wazir, who studies in Jalalabad. The colonial-era border between the South Asian neighbors stretches more than 2,600 kilometers across mountainous terrain. AFP
the past seven days, protests have been recorded at least 174 locations in 60 cities across 25 of Iran’s 31 provinces. During this period, at least 582 individuals were arrested, and at least 15 protesters have been killed, it said. It was not immediately possible to verify the figures. The protests began last week following a shutdown by merchants in the Tehran bazaar, an influential economic hub, and spread to other regions as well as universities. The UN special rapporteur on human rights in Iran, Mai Sato said Friday that “reports indicate growing confrontation between protesters and security forces” and warned the violent response witnessed during the 2022-2023 movement “must not be repeated.” AFP
SPARKED BY ANGER. Activists take part in a rally supporting protestors in Iran at Lafayette Square, across from the White House in Washington, DC on Sunday. President Donald Trump said the United States was ‘locked and loaded’ to respond if Iran killed protesters, prompting Tehran to warn that intervention would destabilize the region. The protests have affected, to varying degrees, at least 30 different cities, mostly medium-sized, according to an AFP tally based on official announcements and media reports. AFP
Myanmar to free over 6,000 prisoners in amnesty YANGON – Myanmar’s junta said on Sunday it would release more than 6,000 prisoners as part of an annual amnesty to mark the country’s independence day. The military has arrested thousands of protesters and activists since its Feb. 2021 coup that ended Myanmar’s brief democratic experiment and plunged the nation into civil war. Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing has pardoned 6,134 imprisoned Myanmar nationals, the National Defense and Security Council said in a statement. Fifty-two foreign prisoners were also
to be released and deported, it said in a separate statement. The yearly prisoner amnesty “on humanitarian and compassionate grounds”, according to the national security council, comes as the country marks 78 years of independence from British colonial rule. Hundreds of people were waiting for the release of their family members outside Yangon’s Insein prison on Sunday, holding papers with names of prisoners on them, an AFP journalist said. “I am waiting for my dad to be released. He was arrested and imprisoned
for doing politics,” said one man outside the prison, which is notorious for alleged brutal rights abuses. “His sentence is about to end. I hope he will be released as soon as possible,” said the man, who declined to be named due to security concerns. Myanmar’s junta opened voting in a phased month-long election a week ago, with its leaders pledging the poll would bring on democracy. However, rights advocates and Western diplomats have condemned it as a sham and a rebranding of martial rule. AFP
BEIJING – South Korea’s President Lee Jae Myung arrived in China on Sunday, eager to boost economic ties with Seoul’s largest trading partner while keeping a lid on potentially explosive issues such as Taiwan. Lee is the first South Korean leader to visit Beijing in six years and his four-day trip comes less than a week after China carried out massive military drills around Taiwan, the selfruled island it claims as part of its territory. The exercise, featuring missiles, fighter jets, navy ships and coastguard vessels, drew a chorus of international condemnation that Seoul has notably declined to join. Lee, accompanied by a delegation of business and tech leaders, hopes to expand economic cooperation in meetings with President Xi Jinping and other top officials. And he hopes to possibly harness China’s clout over North Korea to support his bid to improve ties with Pyongyang. Hours before Lee departed for Beijing, Seoul’s military said the North had fired a ballistic missile into the Sea of Japan -- its first test of the year. Seoul has for decades trodden a fine line between China, its top trading partner, and the United States, its chief defense guarantor. But Kang Jun-young, a professor at Seoul’s Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, said Beijing was now seeking to draw South Korea away from Washington’s sphere of influence. “China views South Korea as the weakest link at a time when trilateral cooperation among South Korea, the United States and Japan is strengthening,” he told AFP. AFP
A year on, LA wildfire survivors struggle to rebuild lives, homes ALTADENA, California – Less than a year after watching flames raze his home in the Altadena foothills, Ted Koerner has moved into a brand new house, one of the first to rebuild in this Los Angeles suburb. It has been an uphill battle, and Koerner is visibly moved as he brings his dog, Daisy, back home. “We’ve been through a lot this year,” he told AFP. Altadena was hardest hit by the fires that ravaged parts of the sprawling US metropolis in January 2025. Thousands of homes were destroyed and 19 people died in the town -- compared to 12 killed in the upscale Pacific Palisades neighborhood. To rebuild his home, Koerner, a 67-year-old head of a security company, had to front up several hundred thousand dollars as his mortgage lender refused to release insurance payouts for months. Koerner also had to contend with the uncertainties created by the policies of
US President Donald Trump. Tariffs on steel, wood, and cement, all of which are often imported, have increased construction costs, and Latino construction workers fear arrest by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). “If ICE grabs construction crews and Trump does that to us on top of tariffs, we’ll never get this town rebuilt,” Koerner said. Slowly, however, Altadena is coming back to life. Amid the thousands of empty lots, a few frames are beginning to rise from the ground. The hurricane-strength 160 kilometer (100 mile) per hour gusts of wind that spread the fire at breakneck speed last January are still fresh in everyone’s minds. But despite the destruction and the pervasive threat of climate change in California, dogged survivors refuse to move away. AFP
LOST MELTING POT. An aerial image shows the empty lots of destroyed homes and homes under construction in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains in Altadena, California, on Dec. 29, 2025, almost one year after the Eaton Fire, in Los Angeles County which claimed 19 lives and destroyed more than 9,000 structures. New home construction has begun and a few residents have moved back into rebuilt houses following the US Army Corp of Engineers clearing over 5,600 private properties of more than 1.4 million tons of debris. AFP
North Korea fires ballistic missiles in 1st test of 2026
MISSILE PROGRAM. People sit in front of a television screen showing a news broadcast with file footage of a North Korean missile test, at a train station in Seoul on Sunday. North Korea fired multiple ballistic missiles off its east coast, Seoul’s military said, its first launch of the year just hours before South Korea’s leader headed to China for a summit. AFP
SEOUL – North Korea fired multiple ballistic missiles off its east coast on Sunday, Seoul’s military said, its first launch of the year just hours before South Korea’s leader heads to China for a summit. Sunday’s launch follows a US military operation against Pyongyang’s socialist ally Venezuela that snatched President Nicolas Maduro out of his country -- for decades a nightmare scenario for North Korea’s leadership, which has long accused Washington of seeking to remove it from power. Seoul’s defense ministry said it had detected “several projectiles, presumed to be ballistic missiles” fired from near the North Korean capital Pyongyang around 7:50 am. “The military is maintaining a full
readiness posture, having strengthened surveillance and vigilance against possible additional launches,” Seoul said. Japan’s defense ministry also said it detected a possible ballistic missile, which it said landed in an unspecified location around 8:08 am Saturday. It is Pyongyang’s first ballistic missile launch since November, when it staged a test after US President Donald Trump approved South Korea’s plan to build a nuclear-powered submarine. One analyst said Trump’s Saturday military operation against Venezuela likely played a role in the decision to carry out the launch. Pyongyang has for decades argued it needs its nuclear and missile program as a deterrent against alleged regime change efforts by Washington. AFP
SPORTS
A7
MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2026
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Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors is helped up by his teammates during the game against the Utah Jazz on at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. AFP
Curry fuels Warriors in return, Brown scores 50 in Celtics’ win L
OS ANGELES—Golden State star Stephen Curry scored 20 of his 31 points in a dazzling third quarter to propel the Warriors to a 123-114 NBA victory over the Utah Jazz on Saturday.
Curry, back after missing a game with a sprained left ankle, had just nine points in a first half that saw the Warriors trailing 65-58 at the break. But he exploded in the third period, when Golden State out-scored Utah 42-31 to take control, never trailing in the final frame. “We played great defense for most of that quarter, which gave us some transition oppor-
tunities, too, and I was able to get out and run,” Curry said. “Thankfully shots went in and gave us a lot of momentum.” Curry made six of 12 three-point attempts and handed out five assists with one steal. Jimmy Butler, back after missing one game because of illness, and Quinten Post added 15 points apiece for the Warriors, who had been blown out on their home floor on Friday by Oklahoma City with Curry, Butler and Draymond Green all sidelined. Green also returned to action but was ejected minutes into the second quarter when he received two quick technical fouls for arguing with officials. “I don’t know what he said to the ref, but the consensus in the locker room was there wasn’t enough to get thrown out,” Curry said. Boston forward Jaylen Brown had a big night, scoring 50 points as the Celtics halted the Clip-
Joshua back in Britain after crash in Nigeria LONDON—Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has reportedly flown back to Britain after a fatal car crash in Nigeria that killed two of his close friends. The Sun newspaper said the British boxer landed at London’s Stansted Airport in a private jet on Friday evening. His return comes after Nigerian police charged the driver of the vehicle, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, with “dangerous driving causing death”. He is due to appear in court on January 20. Kayode was driving Joshua and team members Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami on a busy highway linking Lagos and Ibadan in southwest Nigeria when the Lexus SUV in which they were travelling rammed into a stationary truck on Monday. Nigerian police and Ogun state officials said Ayodele and Ghami died at the scene, while Joshua and Kayode sustained minor injuries. Joshua was taken to hospital and was discharged on Wednesday. Ghami was Joshua’s long-time strength and conditioning coach, while Ayodele was his personal trainer, according to British media. Reports said Joshua, 36, had returned to Britain ahead of the funerals of Ghami and Ayodele. The 2012 Olympic champion, who has family roots in Nigeria, was on holiday in the African country following his win over Jake Paul in Miami on December 19. AFP
pers’ six-game winning streak with a 146-115 victory in Los Angeles. Brown connected on 18 of 26 shots, including six of 10 from three-point range, and was backed up by 29 points from Derrick White in the wireto-wire victory. “Tonight (was) just one of those special nights where the ball just felt like every shot was going in,” Brown said. “I’m happy we got the win,” he added after a victory that capped a 4-1 road trip. “I’m ready to go home.” Kawhi Leonard and John Collins led the Clippers with 22 points each. Portland guard Deni Avdija delivered a triple double of 29 points 11 rebounds and 10 assists, and Donovan Clingan added a career-high 24 points and 12 boards as the Trail Blazers beat the short-handed Spurs 115-110 in San Antonio. AFP
Seahawks bag top seed on NFL final weekend LOS ANGELES—Sam Darnold’s Seattle Seahawks beat the San Francisco 49ers 13-3 with a dominant defensive display Saturday, capturing the NFC top seed and earning a favorable route to the Super Bowl. The win hands Seattle a first-round playoff bye, and home-field advantage in the post-season knockout rounds leading to next month’s NFL championship spectacle. “Our defense picked us up. They have been all year. They’ve been doing a great job,” said quarterback Darnold. The Seahawks yielded only 53 rushing yards against a highly rated 49ers offense, while Seattle’s Kenneth Walker III personally rushed for 97 yards to help secure the NFC West division title. “Incredible,” Walker said. “We worked so hard from day one... we’ve been grinding up till now. But we got a lot of work to do, so we can’t get satisfied.” For the 49ers, the loss means hitting the road for next weekend’s wild-card round, and a trickier route to Super Bowl LX, which is being held at their home stadium in Santa Clara, California, on February 8. With so much at stake, and both teams arriving at the regular season’s final weekend on six-game winning streaks, a fiercely contested clash was assured -- but Seattle started far more explosively. Zach Charbonnet ran for a 27-yard touchdown, Darnold peppered pinpoint throws, and a swarming Seahawks defense did not give up a first down in the first quarter. Seattle’s early dominance was not fully reflected in the 10-3 half-time score. Quarterback Brock Purdy’s 49ers offense appeared to finally cut loose in the fourth quarter. But an eight-play drive collapsed yards from the end zone, with an interception deflected off Christian McCaffrey. As the clock ticked down, a worn-out and injurydepleted San Francisco defense struggled to cope with Seahawks’ rapid rushing game, led by Walker and Charbonnet. Seattle kicker Jason Myers missed a 26-yard field goal late on -- his second miss of a windy night -- but the Seahawks were not made to rue his profligacy. ‘From my own couch’ Earlier Saturday, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers held off Carolina 16-14 in a rain-soaked and errorstrewn clash, keeping their playoff hopes alive to the season’s bitter end. The win prevented the Panthers from locking up the NFC’s last post-season berth and leaves both teams anxiously watching Sunday’s results to learn which one progresses. AFP
Yulo, Eala candidates for PSA Athlete of the Year GOLDEN boy Carlos Yulo and tennis darling Alex Eala lead the major contenders vying for the 2025 Athlete of the Year in the coming Philippine Sportswriters Association Awards Night. The two young stars dazzled their way in the year that has just passed by reaching new heights in their respective fields in another memorable moments for Philippine sports. In a fitting follow up to his historic two-gold medal romp in the 2024 Paris Olympics, Yulo, 25 reasserted his niche as among the world’s top gymnasts today by copping the gold in vault during the 53rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Jakarta, where he also snared a bronze medal in floor exercise. Yulo was just as dominant in the continent as he also ruled the floor exercise of the Artistic Gymnastics Asian Championships in Jecheon, Korea. On top of that, the Filipino also bagged three bronze medals in the same tournament.
Carlos Yulo
Eala, 20, scored a breakthrough year by becoming the first Filipina netter to reach the Top 50 in the WTA following her memorable run in the semifinals of the Miami Open in March, to winning a first ever WTA 125 title in Mexico, and capping 2025 with the country’s first tennis gold in the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand after 26 years.
Alexandra Eala
Their respective feats gave Philippine sports a new high, putting them in top contention for the coveted Athlete of the Year honor being handed out by the country’s oldest media organization during its annual gala slated this Feb. 2 at the Diamond Hotel. Also crowding out Eala and Yulo for the year’s top honor are golfer Miguel Tabuena, pool play-
er Chezka Centeno, and swimmer Kayla Sanchez. Tabuena topped the biggest golf tournament the country ever hosted – the International Series Philippines that featured the likes of Dustin Johnson and Patrick Reed and won the top prize of $360,000. Centeno on the other hand, crowned herself as the WPA Women’s 10-Ball world champion by beating Rubilen Amit in a thrilling all-Filipino finale. And Sanchez emerged as the most bemedalled Filipino athlete in the 33rd edition of the SEA Games by claiming three golds and five silvers for a grand total of eight medals in her first ever stint in the biennial showcase. Also to be handed out by the PSA are the President’s Award, Lifetime Achievement Award, Executive of the Year, and National Sports Association of the Year. There are likewise Major Awards to be given, along with citations, special awards, the Tony Siddayao Awards and the Milo Junior Athletes of the Year.
Prof. Calo, FESSAP leader, Philippine university sports pillar, passes away at 68 By Graham C. Lim THE Federation of School Sports Association of the Philippines (FESSAP) is mourning the loss of its Executive Vice President and Co-Chair of the Executive Committee, Prof. Robert Milton A. Calo, who passed away on January 1, 2026. Prof. Calo, a central figure in the growth and international recognition of university sports in the Philippines, was 68. The FESSAP announced his passing with profound sorrow, crediting his “leadership, dedication, and vision” as instrumental in shaping the landscape of student-athletics across the country. Prof. Calo’s career was defined by his commitment to opening doors for studentathletes. He was a founder of the Philippine InterSchools, Colleges, and Universities Athletic Association (PISCUAA) in 1998, an organization he remained passionately dedicated to. The FESSAP leadership has vowed to continue his mission to revive PISCUAA, ensuring it thrives under the affiliation of FESSAP and
Prof. Robert Milton A. Calo with FESSAP president Edwin Fabro
Philippine Inter-School Sport Association (PISSA) Inc., as was his wish. Since the founding of FESSAP in 1999, Prof. Calo was a partner in building the federation.
The partnership was key in expanding FESSAP’s reach, with Prof. Calo bringing in major organizations like PISCUAA, Private Schools Athletic Association, and State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association. During this time, he served as the Athletic Director of the Technological University of the Philippines, which housed the first FESSAP Secretariat. Their collaborative efforts established a system that has welcomed over 600 colleges and universities to FESSAP, with one of the most affordable membership fees in the country, prioritizing competition over financial gain. One of Prof. Calo’s most significant achievements was helping secure FESSAP’s membership in the International University Sports Federation (FISU) in 2007. This milestone was realized after he and this writer traveled to Bangkok, Thailand, to meet with then-FISU president George Killian. Despite opposition, president Killian’s promise to welcome FESSAP into FISU was fulfilled, bringing Prof. Calo’s vision for
Philippine university sports its full international recognition. Prof. Calo later served as FESSAP president and continued to lead as Chairman of the Membership Prof. Robert Milton A. Calo Committee and Universiade Monitoring Committee. He also held key positions as Vice President of OrienteeringPhilippines, the Korfball Association of the Philippines, and the PISSA—all affiliated with international federations. He was CoChair of the FESSAP Executive Committee, a guiding force in the Philippine University Volleyball League, former President of the Asian University Basketball Federation and Vice President of the Asia Pacific University Sports Union and president of the Basketball Association of the Philippines.
SPORTS
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MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2026
RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor
Venus still ‘feeling the fire’ ahead of Australian stint AUCKLAND—Seven-time major singles champion Venus Williams said Sunday she’s still driven to play good tennis - and “it gives you great legs” - as she prepares for an Australian Open tilt at age 45. Williams will become the oldest woman to play in the main draw at the season-opening Grand Slam after accepting a wildcard, five years after she last competed in Melbourne. The American said she was unaware of the record she was poised to break, adding she didn’t have the same intense approach to achieving milestones as in her prime. However, her drive to succeed on court remained. “I think one of my goals is to be joyful and just embrace being uncomfortable because that’s the things champions can do,” she said. “I definitely don’t wake up and come halfway across the world -- or more than halfway -- to not be feeling the fire. “And, well, tennis burns a lot of calories. It gives you great legs. I figure if I want to stay fit, I’ve got to keep playing.” A five-time Wimbledon champion, Williams was an Australian Open singles finalist in 2003 and 2017 and won the doubles title four times alongside sister Serena. Williams’ last tournament was the US Open in August, not long after returning from a 16-month break. She will play warmup events in Auckland next week and Hobart ahead of the January 18-February 1 Australian Open and hoped she can shake rust out of her system. “It’s interesting because I have so much experience, but I’ve probably played the least amount as any other player in this draw,” Williams told reporters in Auckland. “So I have a lot to pull out but I also have to come out of the gates playing quickly. “The good news is that, you know, tennis matches are long and you have a chance to figure things out.” AFP
Alexandra Eala (right) will team up with American netter Iva Jovic in her featured matchup with Venus Williams (left) and her teammate Elina Svitolina in an early Monday morning showdown.
Eala faces tennis legend Williams in ASB Classic By Peter Atencio
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HE Philippines’ Alexandra Eala will clash for the first time with tennis legend Venus Williams in the doubles at the start of the 2026 ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand on Monday.
Eala will team up with American netter Iva Jovic in her featured matchup with Williams and her teammate Elina Svitolina in an early morning showdown at the Manuka Doctor Arena Center Court. It will be an interesting encounter, considering Williams is making a significant return to tennis in early 2026, with the ASB Classic marking the start of her comeback at 45 years old. Williams, who recovered from an injury last year, also got a wildcard for the Australian Open, her first appearance in Melbourne
in five years, making her the oldest woman to play in the main draw. Having seen limited single play in recent months, Williams is coming back shortly after her marriage to actor Andrea Preti. She could face Eala again, if both reach the quarterfinals in the singles. After the doubles, the world no. 53 Eala, whose career earnings have reached more than $US1.363 million (around P80.201 million), will meet highly favored Croatian Donna Vekić in the first round of their women’s singles match.
Altas Spikers, Lady Altas ramp up preparations for NCAA 101 By Dennis Abrina
Nigerian ‘23 NBA Draft pick makes US college debut WASHINGTON—James Nnaji, a 21-year-old Nigerian center who was selected in the 2023 NBA Draft but approved to play US college basketball, made his controversial debut on Saturday. Ten days after signing with Baylor University, 7-foot (2.13m) Nnaji played his first US college game for the Bears in a 69-63 loss at Texas Christian University. Nnaji, booed by TCU fans whenever he touched the ball in just over 16 minutes on the court, shot 2-of-3 from the floor and 1-of-2 from the free throw line for five points with four rebounds and an assist for the Waco, Texas-based school. Nnaji had been with Barcelona since 2020 and played for them in Euroleague contests and was also loaned out to Spanish and Turkish sides. He was chosen by Detroit with the 31st overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft and played in Summer League contests but never in an official NBA game. Nnaji’s rights were traded to Charlotte, which traded them in 2024 to New York as part of a three-team deal that brought Karl-Anthony Towns to the Knicks. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) approved Nnaji because he met rules by having not played in the NBA nor for another college and was within a five-year window of his high school graduation. Three former players in the NBA developmental G-League were also approved for colleges this season but there is fear Nnaji will start a trend of mid-season college signings of professionals. While NCAA officials said players who have signed NBA contracts will not be eligible, the matter could eventually be decided in court. Colleges have become an attractive option in recent years with the advent of NIL deals -- name, image and likeness rights for sponsorship dollars that can eclipse some pro deals. AFP
Known to be an aggressive baseliner with her powerful groundstrokes and attacking mentality, Vekic is ahead with her world ranking at no. 17. If she prevails, Eala will take on next the winner between Croatian Petra Marcinko and Colombian Ma. Camilla Osorio Soriano. So far, Eala seeks to get season started right after finishing 2025 with her biggest earnings so far, at $907,777 (P53.388 million). The 20-year-old Eala got this much following an breakthrough 2025 season, which included a historic run to the semifinals of the Miami Open in March, being a finalist at the Eastbourne 250, and winning her first WTA 125 title in Guadalajara. Eala also made her main draw debut at the US Open and secured her first Grand Slam match victory, which yielded her over $154,000 (₱8.7 million) in prize money.
The Perpetual Help Altas Spikers Dennis Abrina
THE Perpetual Help Altas Spikers have foregone a traditional holiday break, continuing their rigorous training in anticipation of the upcoming NCAA Season 101 men’s volleyball tournament, tentatively scheduled to open in January, 2026. Coach Macky Cariño is focused on returning the winningest team in the NCAA, the Perpetual Altas Men’s Volleyball Team, to the Final Four. Their sixth-place finish last season marked the first time in two decades the team failed to advance to the semifinals. “My preparation is to condition my players in terms of strength, agility, technique, focus and mind setting. But our focus is on getting to the Final 4 first,” Cariño said. The team, which held a training camp in Laiya, Batangas last December 28 to 30, will bank on several newcomers. “I (will) gamble (using) my 12 rookies, our investment for the future,” Cariño said. The rookies to watch are Justin Favila (Setter), Zaine Mohammad (OP), Charles
Olympics silver medalist Krevic, world No. 45 Maria head early PH Open entry list FORMER world No. 2 and Paris Olympic silver medalist Donna Krevic of Croatia and resurgent German veteran Tatjana Maria, ranked No. 45 in the world, head the impressive list of early entries in the inaugural Philippine Women’s Open kicking off Jan. 26 at the newly-refurbished Rizal Memorial Tennis Center. Both were on the provisional list of 24 players released over the weekend by the Women’s Tennis Association in the 32-player draw for the country’s first WTA 125 tournament. Ranked second in the WTA ratings at the turn of 2024, Krevic, 29, a 2024 French Open semifinalist, is now ranked No. 69 but still remains among the players to watch in the blue-ribbon competition organized by the Philippine Tennis Association and supported by the Philippine Sports Commission. Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick Gregorio and Philippine Tennis Association
PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio with Philta officials and Local Organizing Committee
(PHILTA) officials inspected the progress of the facility’s refurbishment on Friday. “22 days to go before WTA 125. So no Christmas break, no New Year break. No holiday break.
Everybody’s here, PHILTA is here, [PSC] Commissioners, PSC people are here,” said Gregorio. “We’re all here just to make sure we transform Rizal Tennis [Center] as a showcase for the first-ever hosting
Pallasa (OP), Arky Corpuz (MB), Ike Julaton (Libero), Nash Abenoja (Libero), Khian Andres (OH), Marc Tangon (OH), Ivan Asonio (OH), Jester Bornel (MB), James Sarmiento (MB), and Arturo Albon (OH). Meanwhile, coach Sandy Rieta’s Lady Altas are also conducting intense training and tune-up games under the leadership of team captain Charise Enrico and top scorer Shaila Omipon. Team manager Anton Tamayo’s Lady Altas are determined to secure a Final Four spot after missing out last year with a 9-9 record and a fifth-place finish. “I gave them a very short vacation para makasama mga parents nila sa province, then balik sa training, mahirap kapag matagal walang training. Mawawala sa focus at condition nila,” said Rieta, who will introduce four new rookies to bolster the squad, replacing middle blockers Winnie Bedan̈ a and Marian Andal. The new faces include Lexie Villanueva from Pampanga, Desiree Gecobe from Nueva Viscaya, Angie Rosales from Cagayan de Oro, and CM Atlas from
of the WTA 125 in Manila,” added Gregorio. The right-handed Krevic is a product of the famed IMG Academy founded by noted American tennis instructor Nick Bolletieri that also produced the likes of Grand Slam champions Andre Agassi, Jim Courier, Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams, among others. Since turning pro at 17, the Croatian, who has four career titles, has earned a whopping $10,217,035 (around P601 million) over her career and does charity work in her hometown of Osijek , opening three public courts modelled after Grand Slam venues. On the other hand, Maria, 38, who reached a career-high of No. 36, showed that she has not lost her edge despite her age, achieving a stirring win at the Queen Club Championships in June last year for her fourth WTA Title. She outplayed fancied young American Amanda Asiminova, 23, 6-3, 6-4 in the women’s singles finals, becoming the oldest woman at 37 to win a WTA 500 singles plum. She was also among the oldest to be victorious on the WTA tour since Serena Wiliams did it in the ASB Classic in Auckland in 2020 at 38.
BUSINESS
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MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2026
BOI secures P1.56-t investments P1.56 trillion BOI-approved investments in 2025
322 projects Investment projects approved
By Othel V. Campos
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HE Board of Investments (BOI) approved P1.56trillion worth of investments in 2025, surpassing the P1.5-trillion mark for the second consecutive year and recording the second-highest level of approvals in the agency’s 58-year history, Department of Trade and Industry Secretary and BOI chairperson Cristina Roque said over the weekend.
“Breaching the P1.5-trillion mark for two consecutive years highlights the Philippines’ growing competitiveness and the sustained trust of both local and foreign investors,” Roque said. The full-year approvals are expected to generate 40,175 jobs nationwide across 322 projects, with investment approvals in 2025, led by
the energy sector at P970.09 billion. Other top sectors included mass housing with P241.65 billion, transportation and storage at P230.06 billion, manufacturing at P62.16 billion and information and communication at P26.56 billion. Data showed that of the total, local investments accounted for P1.41 trillion, with the National Capital
Region (NCR) attracting P383.71 billion, followed by the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) at P373.39 billion and CALABARZON (Region IV-A) at P257.83 billion. The Bicol Region generated P123.61 billion., Foreign investments reached P149.45 billion, led by Singapore with P80.37 billion, the Netherlands with P33.29 billion, Thailand with P7.75 billion, the US with P6.91 billion and Switzerland with P4.33 billion. The figures reflect a steady rebound in investor confidence, following BOI approvals of P655.42 billion in 2021, P729.09 billion in 2022, P1.26 trillion in 2023 and P1.62 trillion in 2024. Roque said the projects reinforce the government’s commitment to building a resilient, innovation-driven economy anchored on sustainability and inclusive growth.
40,175 jobs Employment expected
Developers back new socialized housing ceiling PRIVATE developers have expressed support for a new price ceiling for socialized housing jointly issued by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development and the Department of Economy, Planning and Development. The Subdivision and Housing Developers Association (SHDA) said it welcomed the issuance of Joint Memorandum Circular 2025-001, signed on Dec. 1 by DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling and DEPDev Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, along with the release of its implementing rules and regulations. It said it “is greatly appreciative of the efforts of DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling and DEPDev Secretary Arsenio Balisacan for the adjustments of the price ceiling for socialized housing and the crafting of the corresponding implementing rules and regulations in the joint memorandum circular”. “The new price ceiling is reflective of the current increases in the price of land, labor and materials and will ensure the support for the production of socialized housing both vertical and horizontal project,” it said in a statement. The circular is the product of months of technical discussions among the government agencies and private sector groups including the SHDA, the National Real Estate Association, the Organization of Socialized and Economic Housing Developers of the Philippines and the Chamber of Real Estate Builders Association. Under the updated price ceiling, the maximum selling price for a socialized house-and-lot package is now at P950,000. Socialized condominium units may be sold at up to P1.8 million. Aliling said the new ceiling reflects proposals raised by private developers and aligns with efforts to accelerate the Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Program of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. He noted that the circular was crafted with consideration for homebuyer protection, as the minimum required size for socialized housing units has been increased to 24 square meters.
FIRST TRADING DAY. The first trading day of 2026 is off to a good start, with the benchmark Philippine Stock
Exchange index gaining 82.14 points or 1.4 percent to close at 6,135.06 on Jan. 2, 205. Attending the bell-ringing ceremony are (from left) PSE market operations division head Marvin Refuerzo, finance division OIC Eliza Rodriguez, general counsel Veronica Del Rosario, chief operating officer Roel Refran, president and chief executive Ramon Monzon, issuer regulation division head Marigel Baniqued-Garcia, technology division head Philip Driz, Securities Clearing Corporation of the Philippines COO Renee Rubio and PSE capital markets development division head Mark Frederick Visda.
PH furniture exporters seek gov’t aid for global promotion FILIPINO furniture exporters are calling for increased government support as soaring costs of international promotion hamper efforts to tap new overseas markets and revive sluggish growth. Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (PhileExport) furniture sector trustee Myrna Bituin said exporters expect a flat performance in 2026, matching 2025 levels. She said production volumes have plummeted by as much as 50 percent due to weak global economic conditions. Bituin said while the domestic mar-
ket remains stable, the export sector requires urgent intervention to remain viable. She said the industry is looking to the government and PhileExport for assistance in navigating the high costs of entering international markets. The industry is not seeking subsidies for factory operations but for financial help for marketing. Bituin said presence in the global marketplace is expensive, yet necessary for survival. Industry data show the furniture sector’s share of total Philippine exports
has declined to about 7 percent, down from a previous high of 12 percent. Bituin said exporters should participate in international trade fairs at least three times to establish the trust and credibility required to secure long-term contracts. Beyond promotion, Bituin said sustained product development is essential for competitiveness. She said having new designs to showcase when buyers arrive is the key to growth, alongside a strict focus on market trends and company productivity. Othel V. Campos
Keeping palay prices fair, expanding P20-perkilogram rice and fasttracking farm-to-market roads will be the toughest test of the Department of Agriculture heading into 2026, according to Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. Tiu Laurel says the priorities are critical to sustaining rice production, keeping food affordable, and improving market access for farmers. In September, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. imposed a rice import freeze, later extended through December, after excessive imports pushed farmgate prices down to as low as P8 per kilogram.
MANILA Electric Co. aims to advance its nuclear energy roadmap in 2026 through the completion of technical studies and the selection of sites for the country’s first pioneer plant, a company executive said. Meralco chief operating officer Ronnie Aperocho said the power retailer expects to conclude a feasibility and technical study for small modular reactors (SMR) this year. The initiative is supported by a P156.6-million ($2.7 million) grant
from the US Trade and Development Agency. The company said it is also working to finalize a shortlist of potential sites for the pioneer nuclear facility to present for government consultation. The move follows a Department of Energy (DOE) framework that integrates nuclear power into the national mix and exempts such projects from competitive bidding processes. Under Department Circular 200510-0019, the first commercially operated nuclear power plant will be
December inflation seen below target By Thony Rose Lesaca MOST economists expect Philippine inflation to remain below the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) target in December 2025, providing room for policymakers to focus on economic growth, a survey showed. Five of six analysts polled projected price growth to slow further from the 1.5 percent recorded in November. The forecasts align with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) prediction that December inflation would likely settle between 1.2 percent and 2.0 percent, below its official 2 percent to 4 percent target range. The BSP will release the official December inflation figure later this week. Security Bank chief economist Angelo Taningco and Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort both pegged the rate at 1.2 percent. Taningco cited price reductions in rice, vegetables, fruits, oil, petroleum and electricity as the primary drivers. Ricafort said a slightly stronger peso and lower global crude oil prices also helped temper costs. Oikonomia Advisory and Research Inc. economist Matt Erece and Metrobank chief economist Nicholas Mapa both forecast headline inflation at 1.4 percent. Erece observed that food prices remained fairly stable despite typical holiday spending. Metrobank analysts said while festive demand for meat and fish exerted upward pressure, the impact was softened by lower electricity rates and slower increases in pump prices. Reyes Tacandong & Co. senior adviser Jonathan Ravelas offered the lowest estimate at 1.1 percent. He attributed the subdued figure to a balancing act where rising holiday costs were cushioned by lower utility prices and a calming core inflation rate.
WHAT’S INSIDE?
Corporate bonds hit P454b in 2025
AFFORDABLE RICE.
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Meralco targets nuclear energy milestones in 2026 under new gov’t framework By Alena Mae S. Flores
extrastory2000@gmail.com RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor
designated as a pioneer NPP. This will serve as a baseload provider and receive priority dispatch in coordination with the DOE, the independent market operator and the system operator. Beyond new modular technology, Aperocho said Meralco is exploring a partnership with Team Korea to rehabilitate the mothballed 620-megawatt Bataan nuclear power plant. The utility firm plans to take a lead role in promoting nuclear adoption while assisting the government in drafting implementing rules for the
PhilAtom Bill. Meralco also expressed support for the passage of the Nuclear Liability and Nuclear Incentives Act and intends to expand cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency. Meralco launched its Nuclear Energy Strategic Transition (NEST) program in 2024 to support longterm energy security. The Philippine Energy Plan 2023-2050 targets an initial nuclear capacity of 1,200 MW by 2032, increasing to 2,400 MW by 2035 and reaching 4,800 MW by 2050.
DOF sets rules for SSS micro-loan program
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November debt service bill fell 4%
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BUSINESS
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MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2026
extrastory2000@gmail.com
PH stocks seen trading sideways as investors await December inflation SHARE prices are expected to trade sideways with an upward bias this week as investors continue to search for bargains while awaiting the release of December inflation data. Japhet Tantiangco, research head at Philstocks Financial Inc., said bargain hunting may continue in the local market as investors look forward to upcoming inflation and labor market data. Tantiangco noted that a benign inflation print and strong labor data could boost sentiment, as both are seen as vital to supporting household consumption in the local economy.
MANILA WATER’S AWARD. Manila Water Company East Zone chief operating officer Arnold Mortera (center left) and energy director King Verzola (center right) receive the 2025 Department of Energy Sustainable Energy Award for the Private Institution category from Energy Secretary Sharon Garin (center).
Corporate bonds hit P454b By Jenniffer B. Austria
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OTAL corporate funds raised from the local bond market rose more than 25 percent in 2025 to P454.19 billion as easing interest rates lured more companies to fund expansion plans.
In addition to economic data, investors are expected to monitor the movement of the Philippine peso. Despite a strong start last week, Tantiangco said the index remains at bargain levels, trading with a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.3, significantly below its 20202024 average of 17.3 and the regional average of 18.4. “The local market is coming off a losing year under tepid trading and heavy net foreign selling,” Tantiangco said. “This reflects low investor confidence toward the local bourse amid lingering issues and their effect on our economy’s performance. On a positive note, the local market has been holding its position above the 6,000 level.” Last week, share prices jumped 1.36 percent to close at 6,135.06. The market was open for only one trading day last week. Jenniffer B. Austria
A total of 24 companies listed corporate bonds on the Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp. in 2025, including maiden issuances from Maynilad Water Services Inc., Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. and Toyota Financial Services Philippines. While the P454.19 billion total was a 25.38 percent increase from the P362.23 billion raised the previous year, the figure fell short of the P600 billion projected at the start of the year. During the year, PDEx listed its largest corporate bond issuance to date, a P115 billion offering from
BDO Unibank Inc. The fixed-rate ASEAN Sustainability bond due 2027 was issued in July and grew to 23 times its original P5 billion size due to strong demand from institutional and retail buyers. Several companies also issued thematic bonds, including Bank of the Philippine Islands’ P40 billion in SINAG (Supporting Inclusion, Nature and Growth) bonds, Ayala Land Inc.’s P15 billion in sustainability bonds, Maynilad’s P15 billion in blue bonds and Cebu Landmasters’ P4 billion in sustainability-linked bonds. Other
capital raises included a record P32 billion from Petron Corp., P41 billion from SM Prime Holdings across two issuances and P21 billion in fixed-rate bonds from Security Bank Corp. For 2026, several companies have expressed interest in tapping the bond market. These include Haus Talk Inc., which plans to issue P1 billion in its maiden bond offering, and Land Bank of the Philippines, which plans to offer sustainability bonds by the first quarter of 2026 to fund national development projects. Additionally, companies with maturing bonds this year may consider issuing new debt to repay maturing obligations or to refinance debt originally issued at higher interest rates. Total corporate debt instruments on PDEx currently stand at P1.3 trillion, representing 164 securities from 42 companies.
GREEN LANE CERTIFICATE.
Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Cris Roque (right) awards the Green Lane Strategic Investment Certificate to the Philippines Fiber Optic Cable Network Ltd. Inc. for its Phase 2 fiber optic expansion project, as part of the commitment of President Marcos to fasttrack strategic investments in digital connectivity. Roque noted that the project’s open-access, carrierneutral model reflects the administration’s commitment to fast-tracking strategic investments that strengthen digital connectivity and broaden opportunities for Filipinos.
FedEx contributes $126b to global economy, $5.7b in Asia-Pacific region By Othel V. Campos FEDEX Corp. reported a $126-billion contribution to the global economy in fiscal year 2025, according to its annual Global Economic Impact Report. The report, prepared with Dun & Bradstreet, highlighted the growing importance of its Asia Pacific (APAC) network, including the Philippines, in driving trade and supply-chain
connectivity. The company’s direct economic contribution is 1.6 times higher than the average for companies with over 100,000 employees, underscoring the scale and efficiency of its global network, a phenomenon the report cites as the “FedEx Effect” or the combined direct and indirect economic value generated by its worldwide operations. In the APAC region, FedEx delivered
an estimated $5.7 billion in combined direct and indirect economic impact in FY25, with strong contributions to the region’s transportation, storage, communications and manufacturing sectors. The company indirectly contributed $1.6 billion to the region’s economy and increased investments to meet rising trade flows. FedEx Philippines managing director Maribeth Espinosa said the
company continues to see rising demand from Filipino firms seeking dependable international logistics support as they expand into global markets. “In the Philippines, we’ve witnessed firsthand how reliable logistics connectivity empowers businesses of all sizes, from SMEs and e-commerce retailers to major manufacturers, on the global stage,” Espinosa said.
PCC approves Interflour 50% stake sale THE Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) has approved the proposed acquisition by Upper Pickering Holdings Limited of a 50-percent stake in Interflour Private Limited from Co-operative Bulk Handling Limited (CBHL). The antitrust regulator determined that the transaction would not lead to a substantial lessening of competition in the domestic wheat flour milling market. The PCC Mergers and Acquisitions Office found that the deal does not create horizontal overlaps or vertical relationships among the parties. This assessment was based largely on the fact that Upper Pickering is a newly formed entity with no existing operations in the Philippines or other jurisdictions. Following the completion of the transaction, Upper Pickering will replace CBHL as a joint venture partner in Interflour alongside Origold Profits Limited. Interflour is primarily involved in wheat flour milling and related grain trading activities. In the local market, Interflour operates through its subsidiary Mabuhay Interflour Mill Inc. The seller, CBHL, is a cooperative owned by approximately 3,500 Western Australian grain growers that manages an integrated supply chain involving storage, marketing, and shipping. The commission said that its decision aligns with its mandate to ensure that mergers and acquisitions proceed without harming market competition. The regulator noted that the move supports market entry and maintains a level playing field for both businesses and consumers. Othel V. Campos
PLDT, Smart detail climate action plans to bolster local resilience
COLLECTIVE ACTION. Climate Change Commission vice chairperson and executive director Robert Borje, Commissioner Albert Dela Cruz, executive director Sustainability and Risk Management Unit of Ayala Corporation Ma. Victoria Tan, Tebtebba executive director Helen Biangalen-Magata, Mayor Alfredo Coro II of the Municipality of Del Carmen, Siargao, PLDT and Smart chief sustainability officer Melissa Vergel de Dios, UN Women Philippines Project Coordinator – Women Peace Humanitarian Fund Vanessa Vianca Pallarco-Yu, UN Food and Agriculture Organization Philippines representative Lionel Dabbadie, Cong. Anna Veloso Tuazon of Leyte’s third District, Cong. Jose Manuel Alba of Bukidnon’s first District, and Mayor Jose Joel Doromal of Maramag, Bukidnon join the symbolic signing of the Unity Board during the CCC Climate Consciousness Week Solidarity Night.
PLDT Inc. and its wireless unit Smart Communications Inc. have affirmed their commitment to national climate change strategies, outlining plans to strengthen infrastructure, transition to renewable energy and promote a just transition for their workforce. The Philippines remains highly vulnerable to climate change impacts, prompting the telecommunications companies to align their operations with national strategies focusing on resilience, adaptive capacity and sustainable development. Speaking at the 18th Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week Solidarity Night, Climate Change Commission vice chairperson and executive director Robert Borje cited the importance of cooperation in mitigating climate change impacts that threaten economic growth.
“True resilience is not about how fast we can rebuild, but about how less we are broken,” he said. PLDT and Smart chief sustainability officer Melissa Vergel de Dios detailed the telcos’ climate solutions. A primary focus is fortifying network infrastructure to withstand increasingly frequent and severe climate events, ensuring the continuity of critical telecommunications services during disasters. Vergel de Dios explained the specific measures being taken. “Cell sites in the path of typhoons are being built to withstand over 300 kilometers per hour winds. In areas exposed to flood risk, we elevate gensets to higher floors. Our cable landing station in La Union is shaped like a bullet to deflect water from possible storm surges and tsunamis,” she said.
BUSINESS
B3 MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2026
extrastory2000@gmail.com
DA to boost chili output, curb weather-related price spikes By Othel V. Campos THE Department of Agriculture is stepping up efforts to boost chili pepper production and expand protected farming to curb sharp price spikes triggered by weather-related supply disruptions, Agriculture Secretary FranciscoTiu Laurel Jr. said over the weekend. Chili prices typically surge during the rainy season when heavy rains and typhoons damage crops. In September 2025, prices of local siling labuyo climbed as high as P800 per kilo following weather disturbances. In a recent meeting with DA officials, Tiu Laurel ordered the establishment of baseline data on national and Metro Manila consumption, current output and average yields per hectare to guide planting targets and expansion timelines. “We need to know how much we consume, how much we produce and where the gaps are. Prices go up when crops are damaged by rain,” Tiu Lau-
rel said, citing the need for protected cultivation in strategically designated areas. Officials said initial assessments show chili peppers can be grown in most parts of the country, not only in Bicol, expanding the base of growers under the DA’s High Value Crops program. For 2026, chili has been identified as a priority crop alongside munggo, or mung beans. The DA aims to stabilize chili prices and reduce import dependence for munggo. The DA is supporting the construction of greenhouses using local materials as well as typhoon-resistant structures designed to withstand strong winds and prolonged rainfall to stabilize supply during the typhoon season. The department is also expanding access to clean planting materials, including siling labuyo, siling pansigang and grafted bell peppers, under the Gulayan sa Bayan program. The initiative also supports agri-entrepreneurship in 1,370 municipalities.
SCIENCE-BASED ACTION. Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla emphasizes teamwork, integrity, and science-based action for a resilient and thriving Philippines in 2026 during the 2025 Year-End Celebration. Lotilla reminded that unity is key to achieving lasting progress for the people and the environment.
Go sets guidelines for SSS micro-loan program
F
inance Secretary and Social Security Commission Chair Frederick Go has provided strategic guidance to the Social Security System (SSS) on a new micro-loan program aimed at expanding affordable access to short-term credit for members.
PINAY CHEMIST. Filipino innovator Julienne Stephanie Fabie-Agapin, who earned her degree in Chemistry from the University of the Philippines Visayas, creates UnVas, a durable, paper-like sheet that could be transformed into home goods, accessories, and wearables. UnVas is an eco-friendly canvas and lifestyle material made from dried banana leaves.
Regulators share data to boost fair competition THE Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) signed a data sharing agreement (DSA) to strengthen inter-agency cooperation promoting transparency, integrity, and fair competition in the corporate sector. The agreement streamlines the PCC’s access to corporate information held by the SEC, which is relevant to investigations of mergers, acquisitions and anti-competitive conduct under the Philippine Competition Act. SEC chairperson Francisco Lim and PCC chairperson Michael Aguinaldo signed the agreement. Aguinaldo said the DSA establishes a shared commitment to safeguarding competition and protecting investors, noting that closer coordination between the two agencies helps ensure transparent and competitive markets that benefit consumers and businesses. Building on a 2016 memorandum of agreement, the DSA establishes clear protocols for data sharing, including on-site, online, and off-site access to SEC records. It also sets safeguards for data privacy and security in line with the Data Privacy Act of 2012. Under the DSA, the SEC will provide requested corporate data to the PCC within three working days. The PCC, in turn, committed to use the information strictly for its lawful mandate and to inform the SEC of authorized personnel or data processors handling the shared data. The agreement also outlines procedures for data breach management, data retention, and secure disposal of personal information. The agreement is valid for five years and underscores the role of institutional partnerships in strengthening market oversight, fostering investor confidence and promoting fair competition across industries. Othel V. Campos
The initiative aligns with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to protect Filipinos from high-cost informal lending while providing financial support for urgent needs. “Through the proposed SSS Micro-Loan Program, we are addressing the immediate cash needs of members by offering small, short-term loans at reasonable rates and with flexible repayment options,” Go said. “This program will help steer members away from loan sharks and other high-cost, predatory lending schemes, while promoting responsible borrowing.” Under the proposed framework, the SSS will partner with participating banks and financial institutions to deliver the program through digital platforms. Key features of the program include loan amounts ranging from P1,000 to P20,000,
depending on a member’s average monthly salary credit. It offers flexible repayment terms from 15 to 90 days and an interest rate of 8 percent per year, or 0.67 percent per month. The program will be open to eligible SSS members aged 18 to 64 who have at least 12 paid monthly contributions and no pending or settled retirement, disability, or death benefit claims. Members with existing SSS loans may still qualify, subject to program limits. The SSS is currently finalizing guidelines, systems integration and partnerships, with a pilot rollout targeted for the first half of 2026. “This micro-loan program reflects our continued commitment to strengthening social protection and advancing financial inclusion for all Filipinos,” Go said.
Major ports implement first tranche of fee hikes starting January, PPA says By Darwin G. Amojelar MAJOR port operators rolled out the first tranche of fee hikes at Manila and Batangas ports starting Jan. 1. The state-run Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) in November 2025 approved a 20 percent increase in cargo handling tariffs at the Manila North Harbor to be implemented in two tranches. The initial 10 percent increase took effect Jan. 1, with the remaining 10 percent scheduled for July 1. The PPA also approved a 20 percent increase in passenger terminal fees, 10 new tariff items, and hikes for porterage
rates, parking fees and storage charges. In Batangas, the PPA approved a P60 hike for passenger terminal fees on Nov. 27. The increase is split into two tranches: P30 effective Jan. 1 and the final P30 on July 1. Similarly, the Batangas cargo handling tariff increase took effect Jan. 1, with the second phase following on July 1. The PPA recently reported that container traffic reached 7,138,980 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) as of October 2025, with total cargo throughput hitting 262.84 million metric tons (MT). Passenger traffic from January to October 2025 reached 69,125,788, a 5.25% increase
DATA SHARING. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) sign a data sharing agreement, providing a stronger link between business registration data and labor justice. The partnership enables NLRC to securely access verified information on DTI-registered sole proprietorships, helping the Commission identify parties accurately, issue summons efficiently, and enforce labor decisions more effectively.
over the 65.68 million passengers recorded during the same period in 2024. The top five ports by passenger volume for 2025 were Iloilo, Batangas, Jordan, Calapan and Babak. Cruise tourism also showed continued growth, recording
157,147 passengers from 74 ship calls through October. By year-end, the PPA projects cargo throughput to hit at least 301.47 million MT, container volume to reach 8 million TEUs and passenger traffic to peak at 85.41 million.
Best retirement destination award by TripZilla to boost PH tourism THE Department of Tourism (DOT) said the latest recognition bestowed on the Philippines as Asia’s Best Retirement Destination at the 11th TripZilla Excellence Awards will reinforce the country’s position as a top retirement haven globally. DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said the award is a testament to the Marcos administration’s whole-of-government approach in making retirement tourism a key pillar of the country’s tourism portfolio. “Retirees choose the Philippines because the warmth of our country goes beyond our destinations and is deeply rooted in our culture of care, hospitality and compassion,” Frasco said. “We take this recognition as a call to further strengthen world-class programs and services that uphold the dignity, comfort and well-being of those who choose to spend the best years of their lives here,” she said. TripZilla, a leading Southeast Asian online travel platform, also recognized the Philippines as the Best Dive Destination and Destination of the Year.
The DOT said it is working closely with the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) to enhance the global appeal of the country’s retirement offerings. Earlier this year, the two agencies met to improve the Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) program, a flagship incentive for foreign nationals and returning overseas Filipinos. PRA general manager Roberto Zozobrado is spearheading the “We Create an Amazing Retirement Experience (WE CARE)” campaign, aimed at increasing the Philippines’ share of the global retirement market. “The Philippines offers something truly rare—retirement that feels like coming home,” Zozobrado said. “Through the ‘WE CARE’ campaign, we want retirees to know they are not only welcomed here but valued, supported and embraced as part of our communities. This recognition reflects our commitment to providing an enriching, worry-free and meaningful retirement experience,” he said. The Philippines hosts more than 83,000 holders of the SRRV. Othel V. Campos
BUSINESS
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MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2026
extrastory2000@gmail.com RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor
November debt service bill fell 4% By Thony Rose Lesaca
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ARAL LAKBAY.
HE Philippine government’s debt service payments fell 3.99 percent year-on-year to P89.97 billion in November 2025, as amortization payments dropped sharply, Bureau of the Treasury data showed.
As part of its commitment to advance youth literacy, listed natural resources development company Nickel Asia Corp. (NAC) facilitates the second leg of its #AralLakbay campaign in partnership with the Center for Art, New Ventures, and Sustainable Development (CANVAS). The program brought together children from Barangay 660A in Ermita, Manila who were treated to a read-along session, mask-making workshop and an interactive tour of CANVAS’ exhibit, 20 Years of Art and Stories, at the National Museum of Fine Arts in Manila.
PH economy firm with strong fundamentals in 2026, says DEPDev
THE Philippine economy continues to stand firm with strong fundamentals in 2026, according to the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev). “As 2025 concludes, we reflect on achievements that strengthened the resilience and growth of the Philippine economy. The economy continues to stand firm with strong fundamentals, with growth averaging 5.0 percent in the first three quarters,” the agency said in a statement. The country’s gross domestic product grew 4.0 percent in the third quarter and averaged 5.0 percent in the first three quarters of 2025, according
Cruise tourism likely to sustain growth in 2026
to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). It said the growth continues as the agency, formerly known as NEDA, transitioned into a full Cabinet department to solidify its role as the primary arm for socioeconomic planning. Marking the start of 2026, the agency reflected on the previous year’s achievements, including the delivery of the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028 Midterm Update. The department said it also launched the Trabaho Para sa Bayan Plan 2025–2034, which aims to balance the interests of farmers and consumers while safeguarding food security through targeted policy actions.
Innovation metrics showed improvement during the period as the Philippines climbed to 50th place in the Global Innovation Index. The government further institutionalized these gains by establishing the Presidential Filipinnovation Awards to recognize local advancements. Economy and Development Council chairman and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. oversaw the approval of several strategic projects and reforms intended to drive national priorities. DEPDev officials noted that these initiatives were supported by ongoing dialogues and monitoring to ensure progress on the ground.
Overseas Filipino workers increased 1.5% to 2.19m in 2024, says PSA
By Othel V. Campos THE Philippines is expected to sustain its cruise tourism recovery in 2026, with early projections indicating 127 ship calls. This forecast follows a robust 2025 which saw 136 cruise calls and 43,369 sea arrivals, an increase of 26.85 percent from the previous year. Manila remains the country’s main cruise gateway, followed by Puerto Princesa and Boracay. The Department of Tourism (DOT) cited the critical role of regional collaboration in supporting this growth during the Asia Cruise Cooperation (ACC) Annual Regional Meeting on Monday. Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said the partnership among destinations, ports and cruise lines is key to ensuring cruise tourism growth is sustainable, inclusive and beneficial to local communities. “If there is one lesson the ACC teaches, it is this: no destination succeeds alone. Collaboration across ports, cruise lines, and governments ensures every traveler’s experience is seamless, enjoyable and meaningful,” Frasco said in her keynote address. Launched in 2016, the ACC is a regional alliance of Hong Kong, Taiwan, Hainan and Xiamen in China, the Philippines and South Korea. It serves as a platform for coordinated cruise itinerary development, market intelligence sharing and the collective advancement of cruise tourism across Asia. The DOT is strengthening domestic cruise infrastructure through nearly 7,000 cruise visa waivers and ongoing port developments in Jubang, Dapa, Coron, Camiguin, Puerto Galera and Manila South Harbor. The government also plans the January 2026 reconstitution of the Cruise Tourism Development Committee to enhance interagency coordination under the National Cruise Tourism Development Strategy.
The total debt service bill declined from P93.70 billion in the same month in 2024. However, the November figure represented a 36.76-percent surge from the P65.78 billion recorded in October. Interest payments increased 15.96 percent to P77.29 billion in November compared with P66.65 billion a year earlier. Domestic interest payments accounted for most of these costs at P56.88 billion, rising from P48.93 billion in November 2024. Within the domestic interest category, the government paid P32.22 billion for fixed-rate Treasury bonds and P21.09 billion for retail treasury bonds. Treasury bills accounted for P3 billion, while other instruments totaled P563 million. Interest payments for foreign borrowings also climbed to P20.41 billion from P17.72 billion. Amortization payments slumped 53.13 percent to P12.68 billion from P27.05 billion in the previous year. External borrowing payments made up the bulk of the amount at P12.50 billion, and domestic debt principal payments accounted for the remaining P177 million. The November figures brought the 11-month debt service total for the government to P2.02 trillion. This cumulative amount nearly reached the P2.05 trillion debt service programmed for the full year of 2025.
GOING DIGITAL. The province of Surigao del Sur and the municipality of
General Luna in Surigao del Norte join local government units implementing the Paleng-QR Ph Plus program. The initiative of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas promotes the use of QR Ph for digital payments in public markets, local transportation and various businesses. During the launch, financial service providers held account opening activities to help residents set up transaction accounts, providing them with better access to essential financial products and services.
Metro Manila housing market recalibrates as buyers seek value THE Metro Manila residential property market is undergoing a significant recalibration as softening demand and the normalization of rental rates shift buyer behavior, according to Leechiu Property Consultants. Following years of market distortion caused by premiums from Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO), affordability constraints and subdued rent yields are pushing buyers toward more value-driven strategies. Transactions are now concentrated in the secondary market and among developers offering targeted promotions. “The market is in a recalibration phase. We’re seeing a shift from speculative buying to more value-driven strategies, with buyers exploring secondary market deals and developer promos. Rental rates are normalizing after years of distortion, which is
healthy for long-term sustainability. But affordability remains the biggest challenge—addressing this gap is critical to encouraging broader market participation,” said Roy Amado Golez Jr., director for research, consultancy and valuation at Leechiu Property Consultants. Metro Manila’s condominium inventory totaled 775,400 units as of November 2025. About 96 percent of ready-for-occupancy (RFO) units and 62 percent of pre-selling units have been sold. The remaining unsold inventory, estimated at 26,400 RFO units and 53,900 pre-selling units, is heavily focused on the Upper Middle Income to Upscale segments (P4 million to P12 million). This reinforces the widening affordability gap for middle-income buyers.
E-BILLS. Tagum Water District (TWD) and Pisopay sign a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on Dec. 23, 2025 for the development and implementation of the e-Bills Payment System, a digital billing and payment collection platform designed to enhance customer convenience and operational efficiency. Leading the MOA signing are Marie Jane Clavero, Tagum Water District general manager; Michael John Ode, acting department manager; and Ma. Patricia Isabel Javier, chief operating officer of Pisopay.
THE number of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) grew 1.5 percent to 2.19 million in 2024 from 2.16 million the previous year, with Asia remaining the primary destination, according to the latest data compiled by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). Overseas contract workers, or those with existing work contracts, comprised the vast majority, accounting for 97.9 percent of the total workers abroad. The remaining 2.1 percent of OFWs used non-immigrant visas such as tourist or student visas. Women made up 57.2 percent of the total OFWs, or 1.25 million workers, a slight increase from 55.6 percent in 2023. Workers aged 45 years and older represented the largest share by age group at 25.8 percent. The total remittance sent by OFWs in 2024 amounted to P262.20 billion, which included P214.31 billion in cash sent, P40.56 billion in cash brought home and P7.33 bil-
lion in kind. The average remittance per OFW was P129,000, up from P123,000 in 2023. Asia was the destination for 74.5 percent of all OFWs, followed by Europe at 10.6 percent, North and South America at 9.2 percent, Australia at 4.4 percent and Africa at 1.3 percent. Saudi Arabia was the leading country destination, accounting for 21.9 percent, followed by the United Arab Emirates at 12.4 percent. Elementary occupations were the most common type of work, employing 43.6 percent of all OFWs. Plant and machine operators and assemblers made up the second most common occupation at 15.4 percent, followed by service and sales workers at 12.7 percent. Among female OFWs, 68.4 percent were engaged in elementary occupations. For male OFWs, plant and machine operators and assemblers was the most common occupation at 32.8 percent.
IN BRIEF London stock index hits record 10,000
NEW YORK—Stock markets mostly rose on Friday, the first trading day of 2026, with London’s benchmark FTSE 100 index reaching 10,000 points for the first time. After indices smashed records in 2025, ending with double-digit annual gains, London continued the trend in early new year deals. The capital’s top-tier index -- featuring the likes of energy group BP, telecoms firm Vodafone and banking giant HSBC -- gained more than one percent to reach an all-time high of 10,046.25 points soon after the start of trading Friday. It gave up much of its gains but still ended the day up 0.2 percent to set a fresh closing record. “The FTSE 100 hit the 10,000 jackpot level immediately after rounding off a tremendous year for UK shares,” said Dan Coatsworth, head of markets at AJ Bell trading group. The index climbed more than 21 percent in 2025, the biggest rise for 16 years, helped in large part by cuts to British interest rates alongside reductions to borrowing costs by the US Federal Reserve as global inflation largely retreated. AFP
Norway approaches 100% electric car sales
OSLO—Norway came close to its objective of selling only zero-emission cars in 2025, with electric vehicles accounting for 95.9 percent of new registrations. Although Norway is western Europe’s largest exporter of petroleum products, it has led the shift to electric vehicles, setting a non-binding target of selling only zero-emission vehicles in 2025 -- then years ahead of the neighboring European Union. A record 179,549 personal vehicles were registered in 2025, beating the previous high set in 2021, the Norwegian Road Federation (OFV) said on Friday. Electric vehicles accounted for 97.6 percent of sales in December. “While car sales are traditionally strong at the end of the year, there is no doubt the VAT tax change on January 1, 2026 spurred many people to buy a new electric vehicle before the end of the year,” OFV director Geir Inge Stokke said in a statement. The Norwegian government decided to lower the exemption from VAT tax from 500,000 kroner ($49,600) to 300,000 kroner from the start of 2026. AFP
AI, chips boom sent Korean exports soaring
SEAOL—Soaring global demand for semiconductors fueled by a boom in artificial intelligence sent South Korea’s exports to their highest-ever level in 2025, official data showed Thursday. Total exports last year were valued at over $700 billion, according to data from Seoul’s industry ministry, up 3.8 percent from the previous year. The worldwide surge in interest in artificial intelligence saw semiconductor industry exports reach $173.4 billion in 2025 -- a record high and an increase of more than 20 percent from the previous year, the ministry said. High-priced memory chips used in AI data centers were in strong demand, they added. Semiconductor exports in December alone rose more than 40 percent year-on-year, posting gains for a tenth consecutive month and marking the highest monthly figure on record. South Korean tech juggernaut Samsung Electronics is one of the world’s top memorychip makers, providing crucial components for the AI industry and the infrastructure it relies on. The country is also home to SK hynix, another key player in the global semiconductor market. AFP
REAL ESTATE
C1
MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2026
extrastory2000@gmail.com Jenniffer B. Austria, Issue Editor
Office leasing momentum carries into 2026
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HE Philippine office sector is expected sustain its growth momentum in 2026, supported by improving demand, easing vacancies, and a manageable supply pipeline, according to Leechiu Property Consultants (LPC)
Despite global economic headwinds and evolving workplace strategies, the office market closed 2025 on firmer ground, positioning it for gradual but sustained growth into the new year. “The industry ability to adapt has been central to its recovery.
Occupiers are embracing flexible strategies, consolidations, flight-tovalue opportunities and long-term growth planning, while landlords are responding with improved terms, more efficient spaces and investings in sustainability and smart building features,” LPC director for
commercial leasing Mikko Barranda said. Leasing demand up in 2025 LPC reported that year-to-date office leasing demand reached 1.22 million square meters in 2025, a 10 percent increase from 2024 levels and already surpassing full-year demand recorded last year. The business process outsourcing (BPO) sector accounted for 32 percent, or about 549,000 square meters, while traditional occupiers, including corporates, government offices, and PIGO tenants, made up the remaining 68 percent, or 671,000 square meters. Expansion deals dominated activity across both segments, signaling business confidence despite lingering uncertainty in global markets. Bonifacio Global City and Makati continued to anchor demand in Metro Manila, posting the lowest vacancy rates at 9 percent and 15 percent, respectively. Both districts also maintain lean supply pipelines, placing them in a stronger position for faster rental recovery. Ortigas-Mandaluyong followed closely in terms of leasing activity, while provincial markets remained resilient. Cebu emerged as the leading regional office hub, capturing about 150,000 square meters, or 55 percent of total provincial take-up in 2025. Vacancies ease as downsizing slows Vacated office space declined sharply in the fourth quarter of 2025, falling by 59 percent quarter-onquarter to 85,000 square meters from
Sustainability, space and wellness to shape 2026 housing market
BOUTIQUE house and lot developer Livingsprings Communities Realty and Development Corp. (LCRDC) expects three major themes to define the Philippine housing market in 2026 as buyers prioritize sustainability, more open spaces and wellnesscentered environment. The boutique developer said homebuyers are now placing greater emphasis on long-term value, quality of life, and environmentally responsive design. It said sustainability is no longer viewed as a premium feature but an essential expectation among Filipino homebuyers. In 2026, LCRDC expects homebuyers to prioritize residences that reduce energy consumption, maximize natural ventilation, utilize responsibly sourced materials, and support healthier everyday living. It also expects more residential developments are likely to follow this approach as sustainability becomes embedded in standard housing design. The developer also sees sustained demand for homes outside Metro Manila as buyers seek cooler climates, quieter surroundings, and more spacious living environments. Provinces such as Cavite continue to benefit from this shift, emerging as
preferred locations for both primary and secondary homes. Likewise wellness-oriented environments are also emerging as a defining feature of housing demand as buyers increasingly value developments that promote outdoor activity, relaxation, and a closer connection to nature. Given these trends, LCRDC said said it has adapted these themes in its flagship residential project, Cypress Place Woodland Community in Silang, Cavite. Cypress Place, LCRDC said, integrates wellness into its master plan through tree-lined walkways,
interconnected open spaces, and multiple pocket parks. Amenities include a basketball and pickleball court, a cabin-inspired playground, and meditation pods designed to support everyday wellness. Units feature thermally insulated walls that help keep interiors naturally cool, strategic daylight design to reduce electricity use, and locally and sustainably sourced materials that minimize environmental impact. Each property also includes a dedicated gardening space, encouraging residents to embrace greener habits at home. “Buyers today want homes that let them breathe—more light, more green, more room to grow. Cypress Place is our response to these evolving needs. It brings together sustainability, climatefriendly design, and meaningful outdoor spaces that celebrate Cavite’s natural beauty,” Architect Monique C. Albert-Lopez, cofounder of LCRDC said.
205,000 square meters in the previous quarter. LPC attributed the improvement to reduced downsizing and continued consolidation, particularly among BPO firms. Vacations recorded during the year were largely due to relocations rather than outright contractions, helping stabilize net absorption. As a result, net take-up for the year improved by 13 percent to 476,000 square meters, reversing weakness seen in 2024. Supply pipeline remains manageable Metro Manila’s overall vacancy rate stood at 18 percent as of year-end 2025. Nationwide, the office supply pipeline is estimated at 2.3 million square meters over the next five years, with about 1.9 million square meters expected to come online in Metro Manila from 2026 onwards. LPC said the controlled pace of new completions, coupled with steady demand, reduces the risk of
oversupply and supports a more balanced market environment. For 2026, LPC expects the office market to maintain a gradual growth trajectory supported by expanding office demand, the continued rise of Global Capability Centers, and renewed leasing activity from traditional occupiers. Active leasing requirements currently total about 350,000 square meters, with 85,000 square meters already under negotiation, signaling continued momentum entering the new year. While hybrid work remains a structural consideration, occupiers continue to prioritize high-quality, well-located office buildings as part of long-term workplace strategies. “While challenges persist, the Philippine office sector has repeatedly proven its resilience and all signs suggest that the momentum will continue in the coming year,” Barranda said. Jenniffer B. Austria
Arillo Estate opens horseback riding facility in Batangas ARILLO Estate, a 62-hectare ecotourism development of Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) has become more attractive with the recent opening of El Kabayo in Nasugbu, Batangas, adding an outdoor leisure component to the developed estate along the Tagaytay– Nasugbu Highway.
El Kabayo began welcoming guests at its newest location in Arillo Estate on December 19, just in time for the holiday season. Known for its calm, scenic horseback riding experiences, the brand brings its signature offering to the highlands of Nasugbu, providing visitors with a nature-based activity set against the area’s open landscapes and cool mountain air. Located within Arillo Estate, El Kabayo Nasugbu offers guided horseback rides designed for guests of all ages and riding levels. The
experience is positioned as a relaxed outdoor escape, catering to families, couples, and travelers looking for an alternative leisure activity away from crowded destinations during peak travel periods. Before becoming a growing leisure destination, the Nasugbu highlands served as a place where families spent time outdoors and enjoyed wide open spaces. El Kabayo aims to build on this tradition by introducing horseback riding as a shared activity for a new generation, within a setting that prioritizes safety, accessibility, and thoughtful management. “We are excited to open our paddocks in Nasugbu and share a meaningful, nature-driven activity with guests this season,” said Gabby La O, owner of El Kabayo Nasugbu. “Our goal is to make horseback riding accessible, safe, and enjoyable for everyone, whether they are riding for the first time or returning to a familiar passion.” El Kabayo in Arillo, Nasugbu offers activities suitable for both new and seasoned riders. Guided leisure rides led by trained staff are available for beginners and casual riders seeking a calm and scenic experience. More experienced riders may also bring their own horses and explore the trails using their own mounts, with stabling support available upon prior coordination with the El Kabayo team. The facility emphasizes a welcoming environment, whether for guests trying horseback riding for the first time or those looking for a peaceful outdoor activity. Safety remains a priority at El Kabayo Nasugbu, with all horses handled and trained by experienced staff. Riding helmets and equipment are provided, and all rides are guided or supervised to ensure the comfort and security of both riders and horses.
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SHOWBIZ
MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2026
lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com NICKIE WANG, Editor ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer JASPER VALDEZ, Writer
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Stars look back on 2025 and share hopes for 2026
T’S BEEN a year Very Wang of highs, lows, Nickie Wang and everything in between for Filipino celebrities. From unexpected hurdles to career-defining moments, 2025 tested and thrilled them in equal measure. Now, all eyes are on 2026—a fresh start packed with opportunities, new projects, and the chance to take everything they learned last year to the next level. Carla Abellana, who tied the knot with Dr. Reginald Santos in December, described 2025 as “a very challenging year for me, but I still see the many blessings in 2025.” Looking ahead, she hopes to be busy with work again: “Especially with the taping of a new show. And hopefully, I’ll be able to make another film.” Loisa Andalio surprised fans last year by marrying longtime boyfriend Ronnie Alonte and announcing they are expecting their first child together. She reflected on 2025 as “so great—so many things happened in my career and personal life. So in 2026, I’m hoping for even more blessings, of course, and for the things we all wish for: a happy life and a peaceful life. That’s what’s most important.” Seth Fedelin and Francine Diaz, stars of one of the biggest hits at the 51st Metro Manila Film Festival (Shake, Rattle & Roll: Evil Origins),
called 2025 a year full of surprises. “Generally, a lot of shocking things happened in 2025, and that gives us enough reason to hope for a better year. For our careers, we have a few projects lined up—of course, we can’t reveal them yet—but hopefully we’ll be able to do our dream project together as a love team,” Francine said. “There’s definitely a lot for you to look forward to from us in 2026. We also have plans for television that we hope will happen and come to life in 2026. More work, of course, and stronger as a love team,” noted Seth. Breakthrough artist Bianca de Vera described her year as “definitely a surprise, but it was also definitely memorable. I feel like this experience is unlike any other—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that truly changed my life for the better, and I’ll always be grateful for that. As for 2026, I’m very excited about what’s to come. Of course, I’m excited to grow—not just as an artist, but also as a person, as a daughter, and as a friend. And yeah, I’m really excited for what’s ahead.” Seth Fedelin (left) and Francine Diaz describe 2025 as a year of surprises and express hope for new projects together in 2026
Awra Briguela fights back at transphobic attacks By Jasper Valdez
Awra Briguela speaks out against transphobic and homophobic abuse
AWRA Briguela starts 2026 by drawing a line against online abuse, speaking out after a fresh wave of criticism on social media. On X, the social media personality and former child star addressed repeated “transphobic and homophobic” attacks, noting years of daily insults without response. “You’ve all been bullying me online, picking on me every single day,” the post read. “I chose to ignore everything, even though I was getting hurt every single day.” The backlash intensified after a response to a basher who commented, “‘Yung mouthpiece talaga nagdala,” with, “‘Yung ngipin ko limang taon na sahod mo.” Some users criticized the reply, suggesting the higher road should have been taken. Awra explained the reason for finally answering back. “People got so comfortable disrespecting me because I chose not to stand up for myself for so long,” the post continued. “But when I finally do, I’m suddenly the bad person?” Awra added that silence will no longer be maintained. “I promise myself that I will no longer give transphobes the freedom to bully me,” the post concluded. “I will stand up for myself this time.”
Carla Abellana says 2025 was challenging and hopes to return to television and film work in 2026
Kai Montinola, who rose to prominence after being part of Pinoy Big Brother in 2024, described 2025 as “very similar to my 2024 because that was when everything felt new. But in 2025, I really realized that this is truly my dream—the one I’ve always dreamed of—and I’m finally living it. I would say again that my 2025 was remarkable, and I hope this coming 2026 will be even more remarkable.” Fast-rising star Dustin Yu highlighted 2025 as “a year of breakthroughs because so many opportunities came my way, especially thanks to PBB and Regal, who believed in me from the very start of my career. I’m so grateful—2025 was full of gratitude. In 2026, I hope for more investments and business opportunities. I also hope you all find balance—your perfect balance between work and personal time. I hope you find that balance.” Billy Crawford described 2025 as “full of transitions after transitions… and moving into 2026, it’s also full of blessings. Yeah, blessings. But for 2026, we’re praying for better health and even more blessings. More blessings. For me this year, I think I’ll be away most of the year—I’ll be in France. But I’ll have shows here and there on both GMA and ABS.” Coleen Garcia, who welcomed her second child with Crawford, said, “It was a lot of blessings, a lot of tests as well, and just a great balance of happiness and fun, but also challenges at the same time. And for 2026, I wouldn’t mind if it had the same mix of blessings and challenges—but less stress. We need more blessings and less stress. I just hope it will be a year of good health and prosperity. I’m taking a break from showbiz because I’m going to take care of the baby.” Kris Bernal described 2025 as “if I had to sum it up in one word… well, maybe not just one word, but it was my comeback. My comeback to showbiz. My comeback to the things I used to love and do before. And for 2026, I’m manifesting more jobs — hop ing for more things to happen in my career,
Dustin Yu credits 2025 as a year of breakthroughs and enters 2026 hoping for more opportunities and better work-life balance
Loisa Andalio calls 2025 a rewarding year for both her career and personal life
Breakthrough artist Bianca de Vera looks back on a life-changing 2025 and shares her excitement for growth in the coming year
Coleen Garcia (left) and Billy Crawford on a year of transitions, blessings, and challenges
Kris Bernal calls 2025 her comeback year and looks to 2026 with hopes of taking on new projects in showbiz
Iza Calzado reflects on a year of personal growth and unexpected challenges
since I missed my work and haven’t been active for almost two years. So I hope that in 2026, I’ll be even more active in the entertainment industry.” For Iza Calzado, 2025 was a year of personal growth and unexpected challenges. “Personally, 2025 had so many challenges, but it was also a year of growth and learning. Many people left our lives—not just through death, but in other ways too, like staff moving on. It was very personal. That’s part of letting go. I also faced some health challenges, like suddenly developing asthma—new things that were unexpected. But I see them as part of life. We always have something to deal with, right? The grace is that at this stage, you’re not stuck in it. I don’t force myself to immediately find the silver lining, but I remind myself: this too shall pass,” she said. “My mantra for 2026 is: Let’s go. Let’s get it. That’s it—full energy. But my forever mantra is be grateful. Gratitude always helps me see my life as a wonderful life. Because if I compare my life to someone else’s highlights on Instagram, I’d never be satisfied. Gratitude
allows me to truly see everything I already have,” the actress added.
Kai Montinola hopes 2026 will be even more remarkable as her journey in showbiz continues
SHOWBIZ By Jasper Valdez
B
Y NOW, Filipino viewers can usually tell where a story is going within the first few scenes. One dramatic confrontation, one slow zoom, one familiar line, and suddenly it feels like we have watched this show before, even if the title, characters, and setting are new. As local film and television move toward 2026, audience fatigue is becoming harder to ignore. Social media reactions, reviews, and casual conversations all point to the same concern. Too many stories still rely on the same emotional shortcuts and tropes. That said, these are some themes and plot devices local screens would benefit from leaving behind in 2026. 1. The never-ending ‘kabit’ stories Infidelity stories are not new, but the way they are often told feels stuck in a loop. Women are pitted against each other, while the cheating partner quietly fades into the background. The conflict leans heavily on shouting matches and public humiliation instead of real accountability. Viewers are no longer surprised by these setups because they already know how they will play out. If cheating stories continue, they need to focus on consequences and healing rather than repeated confrontations. 2. Revenge stories that all look the same Revenge has become a shortcut for serious drama. A character is wronged, disappears, comes back powerful, and sets out to ruin everyone involved. The issue is not revenge itself, but how often it replaces deeper character work. When every betrayal leads to a long and predictable takedown, the emotional weight weakens. Strong drama can come from moral conflict, family tension, or ambition without turning every story into a payback plan. 3. Romance that excuses bad behavior Stories centered on mafia bosses or dangerous men continue to frame con-
trol and intimidation as romance. What once felt edgy now feels outdated. Younger viewers are more vocal about calling out unhealthy dynamics. Romance does not need violence or fear to feel intense. Emotional maturity, mutual respect, and choice can carry a love story just as well. 4. Too many remakes and not enough new ideas Adaptations can work, but constant reliance on foreign templates has started to feel safe rather than inspired. Some local creators have openly expressed fatigue at being asked to remake instead of create. Filipino audiences are ready for original characters and conflicts, not recycled versions of what already worked elsewhere. 5. Women written as strong only because they suffer Female strength in local stories is still often measured by how much pain a woman can endure. She is praised for surviving betrayal, abuse, or loss, while rarely being allowed anger, joy, ambition, or even rest. Strength becomes something proven through hardship instead of choice or personality. Viewers are ready for women who lead, fail, and grow on their own terms, not only after being broken. 6. Queer stories treated as shock material LGBTQIA+ narratives are still often framed around outrage, censorship, or shock. When representation exists mainly to provoke reaction, characters lose their humanity. Queer stories deserve the same freedom as any other. They can be funny, tender, ordinary, or complicated without having to explain themselves. Filipino audiences are not asking for
Infidelity-driven plots continue to pit women against each other while sidestepping accountability (AI-generated image)
Kundirana’s 2026 batch, Next in Line, prepares to take the stage for its first major concert
LSGH’s Kundirana to hold maiden concert for 2026 batch KUNDIRANA, the award-winning music ministry of La Salle Green Hills (LSGH), will showcase its newest generation of performers in a two-night concert on Jan. 9 and 10. The 2026 batch, dubbed Next in Line, will perform at 7:00 p.m. at the Br. Donato Center for Performing Arts in Mandaluyong City. Tickets are P150, and reservations can be made via email at is.principal@lsgh.edu.ph. More details are available at lsgh.edu.ph/kundiranaannounces-maiden-concert-next-in-line/.
Kundirana has been recognized for its musical excellence and its mission of faith, service, and community outreach for over 50 years. Members undergo an intensive formation process that develops their character and commitment to ministry through music. The Next in Line concert will feature fresh arrangements and dynamic choreography, continuing Kundirana’s tradition of inspiring performances that have reached audiences in the Philippines and abroad.
C3 MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2026
We’ve seen this before Familiar plotlines and tropes Filipino viewers are ready to leave behind in 2026
Revenge arcs follow a familiar cycle of disappearance and return, relying on payback instead of deeper moral or emotional conflict (AI-generated image)
perfection or something grand. They are asking for honesty, stories that do not feel recycled, and stories that trust
their intelligence. As 2026 approaches, the challenge is not about being louder or more dra-
matic. It is about choosing which stories still deserve to be told and which ones are ready to be left behind.
Stories that frame control, intimidation, or violence as romance feel increasingly out of step with audiences calling out unhealthy dynamics (AI-generated image)
The steady stream of remakes underscores growing fatigue over recycled concepts in place of original Filipino stories (AI-generated image)
Female characters are built around pain rather than being allowed agency, ambition, or complexity (AI-generated image)
LGBTQIA+ narratives are often reduced to provocation or controversy (AI-generated image)
Angelina Jolie tours Rafah Crossing amid Gaza aid crisis HOLLYWOOD star Angelina Jolie on Friday visited the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing into Gaza, where she spoke with members of the Red Crescent and truck drivers ferrying humanitarian aid, AFP journalists said. Accompanied by an American delegation and greeted by former and current officials, Jolie said she was “honored” to meet aid volunteers at the crossing. A Red Crescent volunteer told the Oscar winner that “there are thousands of aid trucks just waiting” at the border crossing. According to local media, the actor and former special envoy for the UN refugee agency made the visit to see the condition of injured Palestinians transferred to Egypt and to look into aid deliveries into the devastated territory. Jolie and Egyptian authorities have yet to officially comment on the visit. The Rafah border crossing was set to be reopened under the ceasefire in effect in Gaza since October but has so far remained closed. In a joint statement on Friday, Egypt and six other countries, including Saudi Arabia, “urged the international community to pressure Israel, as the occupying power, to immediately lift the constraints on the entry
Angelina Jolie visits the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing, meeting Red Crescent volunteers and aid workers amid ongoing restrictions on humanitarian access to Gaza
and distribution of essential supplies” to Gaza. In early December, Israel announced that the Rafah crossing would be opened only for those wishing to leave Gaza, prompting Cairo to swiftly deny that it had approved such a move.
Jolie, one of Hollywood’s most iconic figures, stepped down from her role as special envoy for the United Nations refugee agency at the end of 2022 after more than 20 years of service, saying she wanted to work on broader humanitarian issues. AFP
LIFE
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MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2026
lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com NICKIE WANG, Editor ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer JASPER VALDEZ, Writer
I
Another look at the 7 New Wonders of the World
T ALL started in 2001, when Bernard Weber and the New 7 Wonders Foundation began a campaign asking travelers to choose the best from among 200 existing man-made structures, later narrowed down to 20 architectural masterpieces of cultural significance.
Mercury Rising Bob Zozobrado
front steps connecting to the head of the serpent, making it look alive. Such architectural marvel branded the Mayans as the most intelligent among the early inhabitants, which caused panic among those in the modern world when the end of the Mayan calendar on Dec. 21, 2012, was feared to mean also the end The top 7 choices were announced on of the world. Good thing it wasn’t. July 7, 2007, or 7/7/7. City of Petra To help you out on your future travel Located in southwestern Jordan, this plans, let’s take a closer look at the Sevis a legendary city famous for its inen New Wonders of the World: credibly fascinating architecture, as structures are carved directly into the Roman Colosseum Built in 80 AD, this architectural gem pink sandstone cliffs, giving it another is found right in the center of Rome. It name, “Rose-Red City.” This was built is also called the Flavian Amphitheater, named after the ruling Flavian dynasty at YOUR MONDAY CHUCKLE the time of its construction. It was used A SIGN AT A CHINESE RESTAURANT: for gladiator contests, animal hunts, exBring Girlfriend, 5 percent off; Bring Wife, ecutions, and other public spectacles. It 10 percent off; Bring Both, Free Meal. has seats for as many as 80,000 spectators and had a massive wooden floor under which were rooms for slaves, ani- by a nomadic Arab tribe, the Nabateans, in the 4th century BC, and became a mals, and other equipment. It was a major social and political wealthy capital and cultural hub, a trade center for public entertainment and is route for incense, spices, and textiles. What made this attraction a “wonder” considered a marvel of Roman engineering. It is now a protected archaeo- is how the buildings, tombs, and temlogical site, being a key component of ples were meticulously carved into the Rome’s cultural heritage, and is cur- rock-hard sandstone. Aside from that, rently a popular symbol of Rome as a the cliffs’ rosy hues are a delight to watch throughout the day as their shade tourist destination. of color changes with the daylight. Chichen Itza Machu Picchu The attraction is really the Kukulkan Built by the Incas on top of the Andes Pyramid, also known as El Castillo, which was built by the Mayans in 500 AD in the Mountains in Peru in the 15th century, ancient city of Chichen Itza in Mexico. it is also referred to as the “Lost City Looking at it from the top, the pyramid is of the Incas.” Using drystone construca square, with steps on all four sides total- tion with intricate terraces and offering 365, representing the days in a year. ing breathtaking panoramic views, the On the front side, there is a large head of a place was deserted by the Incas when a smallpox epidemic killed most of them. serpent at the bottom of the steps. What makes this Mayan structure a The survivors never told anybody about “wonder” is the incredible astronomi- the “city” they left behind. It was not until almost 500 years cal precision during the spring and autumn equinoxes, when the jagged wall later when a Yale archaeologist, Hiram of the pyramid casts a shadow on the Bingham, rediscovered it in 1911. The
world then became aware of this powerful symbol of the Inca Empire, which showcases advanced architecture. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Taj Mahal Popularly known as the “Monument of Love,” also referred to as “the most beautiful building in the world,” this is located in Agra, India. It was built in 1631 by Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died while giving birth to their 14th child. It is an ivory-white mausoleum with a beautiful sprawling garden, a reflecting pool, and majestic minarets on both sides. What makes it a “wonder,” aside from its beautiful architecture, is how daylight plays on its walls. Early morning, you see the structure as white; at noontime, it becomes yellowish. Late afternoon, the structure looks pinkish, and in the evening, with the beaming moonlight, it looks bluish. Great Wall of China Tagged as the world’s longest man-made structure, this architectural wonder in China took 276 years to build. With a length of 6,700 kilometers, stretching from Gansu Province to Hebei Province, this massive fortification was built to protect farmers and their crops from the Hun tribe of Mongolia. Many say that it is the only man-made structure that can be seen from the moon. The Chinese, however, say that it is not a continuous wall, but rather a series of walls, trenches, and natural barriers, because its various sections were built during the reigns of different dynasties. Local materials like soil, wood, stone, and even sticky rice were used to put it together. Cristo Redentor Christ the Redeemer is the biggest statue of Jesus Christ in the whole world, standing at 98 feet with a 26-foot pedestal, with outstretched arms spanning 92 feet. It is made of reinforced concrete and soapstone mosaic tiles and has become the tourism symbol of Brazil, aside from being a global cultural icon and a symbol of peace. Built in 1931 on top of Corcovado Mountain, it greets all visitors to Rio de Janeiro, whether they are traveling by
The Roman Colosseum rises in the heart of Rome, showcasing the scale and engineering mastery that once hosted gladiatorial contests and public spectacles
The Kukulkan Pyramid at Chichén Itzá dominates the ancient Mayan city, famed for its astronomical precision during the equinoxes
Carved into rose-colored sandstone cliffs, the ancient city of Petra reflects the Nabateans’ architectural skill and role as a historic trade hub
Machu Picchu overlooks the Andes Mountains, revealing the advanced stonework and terraces of the Inca civilization rediscovered in the early 20th century
Visitors walk toward the Taj Mahal in Agra, where the ivory-white monument built by Emperor Shah Jahan stands as one of the Seven New Wonders of the World and a lasting symbol of love
Tourists traverse a section of the Great Wall of China, the world’s longest manmade structure built over centuries to protect ancient settlements
Christ the Redeemer towers above Rio de Janeiro, welcoming visitors with its outstretched arms from atop Corcovado Mountain
air or by sea. Commissioned by Vincentian Fr. Pedro Maria Boss, he said he wanted to let all tourists visiting Rio see that the peace of Jesus Christ welcomes them to Brazil. All these seven architectural won-
ders are waiting. Plan your holiday now and spend time to see them for yourself. This year, be on your way to live a full life! For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@gmail.com
Tops cities netizens say had best New Year celebrations By Nickie Wang LONDON, New York, and Paris are among the cities people most associate with the best New Year celebrations, based on how widely their festivities were shared on social media, according to a December 2025 study by social media growth company Socialplug. The report, which analyzed holiday-related Instagram hashtags and online search activity, found that
London ranked as the most “Instagrammable” New Year destination, suggesting strong public interest in its celebrations. More than 460,000 Instagram posts tagged London during the holiday period, driven largely by images of fireworks, illuminated landmarks, and seasonal decorations. New York placed second, with about 387,000 New Year-related Instagram posts. The city also recorded the highest online search volume among the top destinations, reflect-
ing sustained global attention around events such as the Times Square countdown. Paris followed in third place, with roughly 180,000 festive posts highlighting its streets and landmarks during the holiday season. Dubai ranked fourth, standing out as the only major destination in the top tier offering warm winter weather. The city appeared in about 172,000 New Year-themed Instagram posts and posted the highest safety index among the cities studied. Chicago Crowds pack Times Square in New York City as the annual New Year’s Eve countdown fuels worldwide interest and online searches
Fireworks light up London’s skyline during New Year celebrations
Paris welcomes the New Year with illuminated landmarks and festive streets that continue to draw global attention online
completed the top five, with winter conditions and skyline views featured in more than 77,000 posts. Other cities in the top 10 included Sydney, Vienna, Berlin, Rome, and Moscow. Moscow recorded the highest number of expected snow days during New Year week, contributing to its visual appeal despite lower overall search interest. Socialplug examined more than 50 global cities, ranking them based on the volume of Instagram posts using holiday-related hashtags, online search interest tied to New Year travel, safety ratings, and average temperatures dur-
ing the holiday week. The results offer a snapshot of where travelers and social media users believed the most memorable New Year celebrations took place, based on what they photographed and shared online. Joosep Seitam, chief executive of Socialplug, said cities with largescale holiday displays tend to dominate social media during the season, as lighting and decorations create settings that are widely photographed and shared. More information on https://www.socialplug.io/