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US to continue oil blockade vs. V’zuela — Rubio
Trump eyes G’land, sees Cuba’s fall, warns Colombia
By Alena Mae S. Flores US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday said Washington would continue to enforce an existing “oil quarantine” against Venezuela.
VOL. XXXIX • NO. 325 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2026 •
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PBBM vetoes P92.5b unprogrammed funds
‘26 budget pork-free, bars politicians from ‘ayuda’ distribution
PRESIDENT Donald Trump’s calls that Greenland should become part of the United States was met with international condemnation Monday as the autonomous Danish territory’s prime minister putting his foot down on the issue.
PH airs concern over V’zuela dev’ts NEWS / A3 Washington’s military intervention in Venezuela has reignited fears for Greenland, which Trump has repeatedly said he wants to annex, given its strategic location in the Arctic. While aboard Air Force One enroute to Washington, Trump reiterated his proposal. “We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security, and Denmark is not going to be able to do it,” he said in response to a reporter’s question. Next page
By Charles Dantes, Thony Rose Lesaca, Ram Superable, Maricel Cruz and Vito Barcelo
P
RESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed into law this year’s P6.793 trillion national budget, vetoing almost P92.5 billion in unprogrammed funds while putting tighter controls on public spending, including barring politicians from distributing cash and other forms of “ayuda.” "With the National Budget 2026, your government's direction is clear, it will be more prudent and more responsible in spending the people's funds," the President on Monday said, adding that unprogrammed appropriations will not be treated as "blank checks." “Let me be clear: the Unprogrammed Appropriations are not blank Next page
A NEW BEGINNING. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. presents the signed copy of the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA) at the Ceremonial Hall of Malacanang Palace yesterday. The national budget, enacted as Republic Act No. 12314, amounts to Php6.793 trillion. Revoli Cortez
DBCC cuts growth target to 5-6% Poquiz held on inciting sedition amid headwinds By Charles Dantes THE country is expected to post solid growth in the medium term even as economic managers lowered targets amid global and domestic headwinds, Department of Economy, Planning, and Development Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said. Balisacan said the Development Budget Coordination Committee now expects gross domestic product to expand 5 percent to 6 percent this year, lower than the previously set 6 to 7 percent. "The reason for the scaling down of growth rose from the realities we have seen, both globally and domestically," Balisacan said during a Palace briefing yesterday, citing recent assessments from the International Monetary Fund, World Bank and Asian Development Bank. Next page
ARRESTED. Retired Major
General Romeo V. Poquiz is handcuffed after being arrested yesterday at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 in connection with the rebellion and sedition charges filed against him before a Quezon City court. Atty. Ferdinand Topacio
raps, freed after posting P48k bail
By Pot Chavez and Rex Espiritu Retired Philippine Air Force Major General Romeo Poquiz was arrested at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 on charges of inciting to sedition but was later released after posting bail. Poquiz posted bail of P48,000 as set by the court and was subsequently freed. He has a standing arrest warrant issued by the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 77 on December 5, 2025, for inciting to sedition. The case stemmed from his earlier call for the armed forces to rise against the government during anti-corruption rallies in November last year. Poquiz’s lawyers criticized the police over the arrest, but police officials
said due process was observed in the implementation of the warrant. ‘‘The case was investigated and pieces of evidence were referred and forwarded to the prosecution, and the court found probable cause. This was a result of the work of the prosecution service and now he will be tried. That’s the process; there’s nothing personal,’’ a police official said. Poquiz said the police force should follow due process and enforce the law without fear or favor. He underwent booking procedures at Camp Crame after his arrest and was presented before the court that issued the warrant. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday said the arrest of the retired officer was carried out through lawful means, reflecting the Next page
Eala, Jovic trump Williams, Svitolina in Auckland event By Peter Atencio
VICTORIOUS. Rising stars Alex Eala and American Iva Jovic
congratulate each other after beating tennis veterans Venus Williams and Elina Svitolina, 7-6 (7), 6-1, in the doubles opening round of the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand. WTA
THE PHILIPPINES' Alex Eala began the new year just as she ended the last —with a significant victory. Fresh off her gold-medal clinching win at the 33rd SEA Games in Thailand, Eala carried that winning momentum to the center court in the opening round of the women’s doubles action at the 2026 ASB Classic of the ASB Tennis Center in Auckland, New Zealand, where she and doubles' partner Iva Jovic pulled off Next page
DOJ confirms new plunder charges filed vs. Co, unnamed co-accused By Pot Chavez THE Department of Justice (DOJ) on Monday confirmed that former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co is facing a plunder complaint filed by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). In an interview with justice reporters, Justice Department spokesperson Attorney Polo Martinez said the DOJ received one additional plunder case against Co.
However, Martinez declined to identify the specific flood control project involved so as not to preempt the panel of prosecutors. While no counsel appeared for the former lawmaker, Martinez clarified that the proceedings would not be suspended. ‘‘We are working with a timeline here. Any respondent, whether they appear or not, we will proceed in accordance with the timeline under the rules,’’ he said. Next page
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NEWS
TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2026
mst.daydesk@gmail.com
SC justice admits corruption in judiciary In a press release sent yesterday, he stressed that corruption in the country is rooted in historical and structural conditions, noting that corruption remains pervasive.
“Recent developments have further revealed the depth of fractures within our system. The ongoing public disclosures of misconduct suggest we might have a fundamental problem,
possibly one rooted in the very ideological foundations of our government that still need to be critically examined," said Leonen. Speaking at the 2025 Sikhay Laban Sa Korapsyon (SiLaK) that took place last month, he expressed the judiciary's commitment to integrity, transparency, and justice. “Addressing corruption should be a clear, visible, and urgent priority for all government workers. Corruption should no longer be hidden, shielded, or perpetuated by excuses. When we
PBBM...
billion for Marawi Siege Victims Compensation, and other unprogrammed allocation items that were already funded elsewhere or lacked sufficient safeguards. Toledo said three UA items were retained as these may require “immediate action” once legally defined conditions arise: support for foreign-assisted projects with loan agreements expected to be finalized within the year, risk management provisions for unforeseen contingencies, and the P50 billion for the revised Armed Forces of the Philippines modernization program. “UA is not a pork barrel. It is not a political fund. This is a safety net, not a shortcut,” Toledo said. According to the DBM, the 2026 budget prioritizes investments in human capital, including the highest allocations for education and enhanced funding for health services, as the administration seeks inclusive growth and expanded opportunities for citizens. President Marcos said the 2026 spending plan aligns with the administration’s medium-term development program and will sustain initiatives in education, health, food security, social protection and job creation. "The year 2025 tested our nation on many fronts… These challenges are painful, but they also made one thing clear: real change could no longer wait,” Mr. Marcos said Education will again receive the largest allocation at more than P1.34 trillion, which the President said would fund teacher hiring and promotions and classroom construction nationwide. The health sector budget was placed at P448.125 billion, the largest on record, including P1 billion for the Department of Health’s universal health care fund to support a zero-balance billing program in local government hospitals. Nearly P129.8 billion was allotted for PhilHealth, including P60 billion restored in line with a Supreme Court ruling, to improve benefit packages and lower out-of-pocket costs. The agriculture sector will get more than P297 billion, including funding for farm-to-market roads and programs supporting farmers and fisherfolk. More than P270 billion was earmarked for social services to strengthen safety nets and reduce poverty, which
the administration aims to bring to single digits by 2028. The budget also covers the updated base pay schedule and increased subsistence allowance of military and uniformed personnel. For his part, Department of Economy, Planning, and Development Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said the signing of the budget “removes uncertainty and clearly affirms our collective resolve to advance the country’s development agenda.” “Despite necessary realignments, the approved budget remains fully capable of delivering our economic and social objectives…The 2026 National Budget reinforces our commitment to transparency, accountability, and prudent fiscal stewardship. We are ensuring that every peso delivers measurable impact and tangible improvements in people’s lives,” Balisacan said. Congress leaders expressed support for the President’s decision to veto P92.5 billion worth of unprogrammed appropriations. Senate President Vicente Sotto III said the proposed 2026 budget was already the “cleanest ever,” but the President wanted it “squeaky clean.” "Sometimes in legislation, you have to give way, which is why the budget is clean, but President Marcos wants it even cleaner," Sotto said. Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson said the UA items retained in the budget are necessary “as our commitments to our economic development and national security.” Senator Erwin Tulfo said the veto would help restore public trust in government spending. “This is what we need, a budget that will restore the public’s trust to the government. We are grateful that the President heeded our call to limit the use of unprogrammed appropriations,” Tulfo said. Speaker Faustino Dy III hailed the 2026 GAA as a genuine "People’s Budget” as he vowed strict congressional oversight to ensure public funds are spent lawfully, efficiently, and without corruption. “The signing of the budget is not the end of our work. It is the start of oversight. Congress will make sure every peso is spent exactly as approved,” Dy said.
The blockade on sanctioned oil tankers, some of which have been seized by the US, “remains in place, and that’s a tremendous amount of leverage that will continue to be in place until we see changes that not just further the national interest of the United States, which is number one, but also that lead to a better future for the people of Venezuela,” he added. "The affected volume is estimated between one million and two million barrels per day lost to global supply," Abad said. "The most likely effect is to increase prices." Leo Bellas, president of Jetti Petroleum, said geopolitical risks could push premiums and freight rates higher.” Seaoil Philippines and Jetti Petroleum issued separate announcements of the latest price movement while other companies are expected to follow. Oil edged down Monday as investors assess the outlook after US forces attacked Venezuela early Saturday, bombing military targets and spiriting
away Maduro and his wife to face federal charges in New York. Venezuela has the world's largest proven oil reserves, and more Venezuelan crude in the market could exacerbate oversupply concerns and add to recent pressure on prices. Trump said the United States will now "run" Venezuela and send US companies to fix its dilapidated oil infrastructure. But analysts say that alongside other major questions about the South American country's future, substantially lifting its oil production will not be easy, quick or cheap. After years of under-investment and sanctions, Venezuela pumps around one million barrels per day, down from around 3.5 million in 1999. "Any recovery in production would require substantial investment given the crumbling infrastructure resulting from years of mismanagement and underinvestment," UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo told AFP. With AFP
Trump...
The match, which lasted 89 minutes, concluded with cheers of excitement from fans, many of whom were Filipinos based in New Zealand. The pair prevailed in a closelyfought first set, which gave them the momentum to dominate the second set and advance to the quarterfinal round. Jovic also shared her excitement on the experience of facing such prominent players. “It’s been a pleasure sharing the court with Alex, and playing against the legends of the game.” She admitted to still shaking and trembling after the match, given Williams' decorated career, which includes 14 Grand Slam doubles' titles and three Olympic gold medals with her sister, Serena.
The upset victory spoiled the return of Williams, the tournament's oldest player, and Svitolina. The world no. 166 doubles' ranked Eala and Jovic (no. 213) focused on keeping the ball away from the 45-year-old Williams' reach most of the time. In the first set, Williams and Svitolina—a wildcard entry—showed confidence by fighting out of a 0-2 deficit and reaching three deadlocks. However, a winner from Eala that landed behind Williams, followed by Svitolina sending a long forehand volley into the net, gave the Filipina and her partner the memorable first set win. Eala and Jovic then raced to a 4-0 lead in the second set, with Williams largely pinned at the net, enabling
Eala and Jovic to keep Svitolina on the move with long volleys. The winning duo finished the contest with 23 points off 39 first serves, while Williams and Svitolina scored 17 points off 31 first serves. The victory comes after Jovic, who has a WTA singles ranking of no. 33, reached the second round of the singles' draw with a 4-6, 6-1, 6-0 win over Gabriela Knutson. Eala is also slated to meet Croatian Donna Vekic in her own first-round singles match. The victorious pair will next battle the winner between the top-seeded duo of Asia Muhamad and Australian Erin Routliffe, and the team of Czech bet Jessica Maleckova and Mexican Renata Zarazua.
By Pot Chavez
S
UPREME Court (SC) Senior Associate Justice (SAJ) Marvic M.V.F. Leonen has urged collective action and broader institutional reforms to fight corruption.
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checks. We will not allow the Unprogrammed Appropriations to be misused or treated as a backdoor for discretionary spending.” “We will make releases charged from the UA transparent, providing the necessary details on the funding source and the corresponding purpose. The UA utilization is provided with safeguards and is only available when clearly defined triggers and tests are met and will be released only after careful validation,” the President said, adding that these safeguards will be enforced “without exception.” The 2026 spending measure explicitly prohibits politicians from participating in the distribution of cash and other forms of financial assistance, a safeguard Executive Secretary Ralph Recto described as a first in the history of the national budget. “We will strictly implement the provision on the ‘Prohibition on Political Involvement in the Distribution of Cash and Other Forms of Financial Assistance,’” Mr. Marcos said. “Politicians shall be barred from the distribution of any financial aid and we shall ensure that the support reaches the intended beneficiaries without patronage,” the President added. The prohibition covers government aid programs such as the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS), Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD), Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), as well as cash grants and pensions for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. Recto said this year’s national budget is free from pork barrel provisions, with unprogrammed appropriations reduced to a record low of P150.9 billion. “In our view, the budget is pork barrel-free. The legislation cannot dip its hand in budget execution,” he said. Department of Budget and Management acting Secretary Rolando Toledo said vetoed items include the P80billion Strengthening Assistance for Government Infrastructure and Social Programs (SAGIP) fund, P6.7 billion in public health emergency benefits, P2
US... From A1
In Manila, the Department of Energy and oil industry players have warned of a possible oil price spikes in the following days after the U.S. attack on oil-rich Venezuela. Rino Abad, director of the DOE’s Oil Industry Management Bureau, said oil reports indicate almost no exports are currently leaving Venezuela. Meanwhile, domestic oil firms on Tuesday raised the prices of diesel and kerosene by P0.20 per liter and P0.10 per liter, respectively, effective 6 a.m. to reflect the movement of prices in the world market. However, gasoline decreased by P0.10 per liter. "We continue with that quarantine, and we expect to see that there will be changes, not just in the way the oil industry is run for the benefit of the people, but also so that they stop the drug trafficking,” Rubio said.
Eala,... From A1
a major upset against tennis legend Venus Williams and Elina Svitolina. The young pair, with Eala at 20 and Jovic at 18, were visibly in awe of their opponents, especially Williams, who was playing following a long, 16-month layoff due to injury. Despite the admiration, though, they managed to secure a hard-fought win, 7-6 (8-7), 6-1 win. “I had such a good time with Iva. We had a lot of fun at such a moment like this, sharing the court with the pioneers of the sport, and people I look up to,” said Eala during a post-game interview.
hide corruption out of fear or guilt, we ensure an unjust society. We contradict the role that we should all play as agents of social justice. It is our duty as those in positions of power to do our part and expand our influence, to stabilize the currently fragile institutions we hold," he said. He cited reforms under the SC's Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022–2027 (SPJI) including the recent approval of the 2025 Code of Judicial Conduct and Accountability, the integrity@judiciary.gov.ph platform, digi-
talization initiatives such as eFiling, an expanded judicial E-Library, online access to the Philippine Reports, and the Philippine Judiciary Platform. Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla recently said that corruption in judiciary is severe, calling out Sandiganbayan for being ‘very good at acquitting’. For his part, justice spokesperson Atty. Polo Martinez declined to comment on the matter explaining that "the Ombudsman is independent of the DOJ and can issue opinions in its own capacity."
DOJ...
office, which were related to the preparation of the Department of Public Works and Highways’ annual budget proposalsfrom 2023 to 2025. Divinagracia said she advised Cabral to review the documents and submit only those that were relevant, but clarified that the boxes were never formally surrendered to her or the legal team before Cabral’s death. She added that neither the family nor the lawyers know the current whereabouts of the documents, saying they were not found in Cabral’s residence based on the last check. Cabral, a former senior DPWH official linked to the flood control corruption controversy, was found dead last month along Kennon Road in Benguet in what authorities said was an apparent suicide. Divinagracia also said Cabral told the Office of the Ombudsman that Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste had obtained documents from her office, but she could not authenticate them without seeing the actual copies allegedly in the lawmaker’s possession.
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Martinez added that the crime of plunder could not have been committed by one individual alone and necessarily involves conspiracy with other persons, including, based on his knowledge, officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways. Under the Anti-Plunder Act, plunder is committed by a public officer who, by himself or in conspiracy with others, amasses ill-gotten wealth through a combination of criminal acts amounting to at least P50 million. Meanwhile, the late Public Works Undersecretary Maria Catalina ‘‘Cathy’’ Cabral did not turn over to her family or legal team several boxes of documents that could contain information on alleged budget insertions, according to her lawyer. Lawyer Mae Divinagracia said Cabral had earlier shown them six boxes of documents taken from her
DBCC... From A1
"Uncertainty is still faced globally and that is impacting on us as well. We are an open economy to begin with," he added. The DBCC also expects growth to be within 5.5 percent to 6.5 percent in 2027, and 6 percent to 7 percent in 2028. Balisacan, however, said the conflict between the United States and Venezuela will have no impact on the country’s economy. "With respect to the impact of Venezuela, there is hardly anything," he said. "I don't think there's going to be a perceptive effect on us.” Balisacan said consumption is expected to remain resilient, supported by employment gains and remittances. Consumer confidence, which weakened in the third quarter alongside a slowdown in spending to 4.1 percent from more than 5 percent, is expected to rebound as inflation continues to ease, he said. Inflation has fallen sharply since late 2024, and authorities are targeting a 2% to 4% range this year, Balisacan added. "We do expect that the economy will grow sufficiently strong, especially toward the second half of the year," he said, adding that residual effects from last year’s shocks may linger in early 2026. He said the administration is prioritizing "more inclusive" growth, pointing to budget allocations for health, education, social protection and job creation. These are intended to quicken poverty reduction even without a dramatic pickup in headline growth, Balisacan said.
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“We’ll worry about Greenland in about two months... let’s talk about Greenland in 20 days.” The territory’s prime minister issued a clear warning: “That’s enough now.” “No more pressure. No more insinuations. No more fantasies of annexation,” Jens-Frederik Nielsen said on Facebook. “We are open to dialogue. We are open to discussions. But this must happen through the proper channels and with respect for international law.” In the same briefing, Trump said that Cuba was “ready to fall” after US forces seized the leader of its ally Venezuela, while playing down the need for any American military action there. “Cuba is ready to fall,” Trump told reporters on Air Force One, saying it
would be hard for Havana to “hold out” without receiving heavily subsidized Venezuelan oil. “I don’t think we need any action. It looks like it’s going down.” Trump made similar threats of military action against Colombia, saying the South American country is “very sick too” and “run by a sick man who likes making cocaine and selling it to the United States.” “He has cocaine mills and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long,” Trump added. When asked whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump curtly replied: “It sounds good to me.” “You know why, because they kill a lot of people,” Trump claimed without evidence. Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro on Sunday rejected threats by Trump who also accused him of being a drug trafficker. AFP
Poquiz... From A1
primacy of the rule of law and the authority of established legal institutions. In a statement, the military said a civilian court issued a valid arrest warrant against Poquiz for inciting to sedition, a charge filed by the Department of Justice. ‘‘The AFP reiterates that while freedom of expression is protected by the Constitution, it must be exercised within legal bounds. Acts that incite participation in rebellion, sedition, or other unlawful activities are punishable under Philippine law, regardless of an individual’s former position or status,’’ the AFP said.
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TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2026
mst.daydesk@gmail.com
PH airs concern over V’zuela dev’ts Villanueva, Revilla file counter-affidavits Road crash injuries double in holidays — DoH By Ram Superable ROAD crash injuries recorded over the holidays doubled compared with the same period last year, the Department of Health reported yesterday. A total of 1,384 injuries were documented at 10 sentinel hospitals from December 21, 2025, to 5 a.m. on January 5, 2026. This marked a 100% increase from 690 cases reported during the same surveillance period in the previous year. Nearly half of the injured, or 647 people, were aged 15 to 29. Motorcycle riders accounted for seven out of ten fatalities in separate incidents, six of whom were not wearing helmets, while three pedestrians also died. Alcohol was a factor in 171 of the reported road crashes. A total of 1,188 individuals involved in accidents were not using safety equipment such as helmets or seatbelts. Motorcycle-related incidents made up 989 of the total reported injuries. The health department called for stricter enforcement of traffic laws to curb the rising number of road crash injuries. Authorities urged motorists to wear approved helmets and seatbelts, avoid driving while fatigued or intoxicated, follow speed limits and road signs, get adequate rest before traveling, and refrain from using cellphones while driving.
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HE Philippines, through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), voiced concern over unfolding developments in Venezuela, emphasizing their impact on regional peace and the rules-based international order. In a statement released yesterday, the DFA said it recognized the United States’ stated security concerns but emphasized the Philippines’ adherence to international law. “While acknowledging the United States’ underlying security considerations, the Philippines stresses the relevant principles of international law, including the independence and sovereign equality of states, the peaceful resolution of disputes, the prohibition against the threat or use of force, and non-interference in the domestic affairs of sovereign states,” the statement read.
The DFA reiterated the Philippines’ respect for state sovereignty, peaceful dispute resolution, the prohibition of force, and non-interference in the internal matters of other states. This statement follows President Donald Trump’s announcement on Truth Social that the U.S. capture and rendition of Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, to the US on charges of narco-terrorism. The DFA also urged all parties involved to uphold international law, including the UN Charter, and to exercise restraint to prevent further escalation of conflict.
“The Philippines calls on concerned parties to respect international law, including the UN Charter, exercise restraint to prevent escalation of conflict, restore peace and order in Venezuela and promote the safety and well-being of all the people, including the Filipinos living in Venezuela and the surrounding countries,” the statement added. Earlier, Trump stated that the U.S. would “run” Venezuela until a “safe, proper, and judicious transition” could be established. For its part, on Saturday, January 3, the Philippine Embassy in Colombia, which oversees Venezuela, has advised Filipinos in the region to be cautious about their personal safety and to avoid situations that may pose security risks. Additionally, the Philippine Embassy in Bogotá, which acts as a non-resident mission for Venezuela, has also issued a travel and safety advisory for Filipinos in Venezuela.
EDSA BUSWAY LANE REOPENS. The dedicated inner busway lane along the northbound and southbound sections of EDSA, from Roxas Boulevard to Orense, was re-opened yesterday after the completion of the asphalt overlay which is part of the EDSA Rehabilitation Project. The repairs were completed within the original timeline to ensure faster and more comfortable travel for commuters returning to work and school after the holidays.
vs. kickback raps By Pot Chavez
SENATOR Joel Villanueva and former Senator Bong Revilla filed their counteraffidavits yesterday against complaints filed against them in relation to alleged ghost flood control projects in Bulacan. Lawyer Francesca Señga, Revilla’s spokesperson, told reporters that said complaints were baseless. “He filed his counter-affidavit to directly address the baseless allegations raised against him... The complaint is based on incredible and incompetent evidence. In fact, it is based on hearsay and it comes from an incredible, unbelievable, and unreliable source,” she said. She added that a complaint cannot be based on allegations that do not show the acts and omissions constituting the elements of the crimes charged. Señga claimed that the filing seems to cause harassment and inconvenience to the former senator such that it must not be entertained. Lawyer Ramon Esguerra, Villanueva’s counsel, said their counter-affidavit contains “factual and legal refutation” of accusations that are supported by sworn affidavits, official records, and documentary evidence. “The counter-affidavit clearly establishes that there is absolutely no proof whatsoever that Senator Villanueva received any amount of money from flood control projects or any government projects,” he said. Justice spokesperson Atty. Polo Martinez said that Revilla and Villanueva are respondents in 2 cases involving 2 different projects. “The scheduled hearings for preliminary investigation today pertain to cases involving either WAWAO Builders or Topnotch Catalyst Builders Inc. for projects in Bulacan 1st DEO reported as “100% completed” but were either grossly deficient or completely non-existent,” he said. He added that among the charges include direct bribery, corruption of public officials, malversation through falsification as well as violations of RA 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act and RA 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
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TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2026
mst.daydesk@gmail.com
IN BRIEF LTO eyes expanding e-trike ban on big roads
TRASLACION PREP. Metropolitan Manila Development Authority General Manager Nicolas Torre III inspects the Traslacion ng Poong Nazareno route as part of preparations for the January 7 procession and the orderly queue for the pahalik.
No work, classes for Nazareno 2026 By Pot Chavez and Itchie Cabayan
M
ANILA City Mayor Francisco Moreno Domagoso on Monday announced a series of measures to ensure safety, order, and solemnity for the 2026 Feast of Jesus Nazareno. Domagoso suspended work in city government offices and classes at all levels in both public and private schools on Friday, January 9. However, frontline services such as peace and order, public services, traffic enforcement, disaster risk reduction, and
health services will continue operations. Meanwhile, the suspension of work in national government offices and private companies in the capital will be left to the discretion of their respective management. A liquor ban within a 500-meter radius of Quiapo Church and along the
Jesus Nazareno procession route was also imposed, along with a firecracker ban to prevent injuries, fires, and other hazards during the festivities, which involve massive crowds and long routes. Metropolitan Manila Development Authority General Manager Nicolas Torre III led the inspection of the Jesus Nazareno procession route as part of preparations for the annual procession and the orderly queue for devotees to touch the image on January 7. Torre said the MMDA is continuously coordinating with the Manila city government and other agencies to ensure
PH reports key defense pacts, conducts drills
BORACAY VISITORS.
Boracay records 2,155,217 foreign and local tourist arrivals in 2025, a slight increase from 2024, with 1,765,282 domestic visitors. Jun Aguirre
By Rex Espiritu THE Philippines entered into key defense agreements and conducted unilateral and bilateral military drills with allied and partner nations in 2025, the military reported on Monday. At the forefront of Manila’s diplomatic gains was the entry into force of the Reciprocal Access Agreement with Japan in September, allowing large-scale deployment of Japanese troops for joint drills in the Philippines. In a year-end report by Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, Philippine Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, the Philippines also signed a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement with New Zealand on April 30, the first such pact with a South Pacific state. The agreement allows troop presence for humanitarian assistance and disaster response and collective security operations. This was followed by a Defense Cooperation Agreement with Germany on May 14 focusing on cybersecurity, logistics, and defensive weapons transfers. Another milestone came on November 2 with the signing of a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement with Canada, marking Ottawa’s first military access pact in the Indo-Pacific.
the safety and security of devotees. Around 1,000 MMDA personnel will be deployed for traffic management, public safety, emergency response, and clearing operations. First-aid stations are being prepared, while the MMDA Mobile Command Center will monitor activities throughout the feast day. Road clearing operations are ongoing to ensure the smooth passage of the Black Nazarene image, with motorists advised to avoid the route from Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church and take alternative roads
THE Land Transportation Office (LTO) is considering expanding the coverage of the e-trike and e-bike ban to Commonwealth Avenue and Quezon Avenue in Quezon City, as well as Sumulong Highway and Marcos Highway. LTO chief Markus Lacanilao said the expansion may be implemented in phases, starting with Commonwealth Avenue, followed by the other major roads. He said the move is due to safety concerns, noting that e-vehicles often enter the middle of the road from both sides, disrupting traffic flow. On January 2, the LTO began enforcing the ban on major Metro Manila roads, including Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA), C-5 Road, Roxas Boulevard, and the stretch from Quirino Avenue to Magallanes–South Luzon Expressway. The measure is part of the Department of Transportation’s road safety efforts, with Lacanilao adding that impoundment of violators’ e-vehicles will start this week. Rio N. Araja
231 truckloads of trash collected after New Year A TOTAL of 231 truckloads of garbage were collected in Manila following the New Year celebration, authorities reported. The volume of waste collected amounted to around 1,405 metric tons, reflecting the scale of postholiday cleanup operations. As of 11 a.m. on January 2, private collectors had already hauled 213 truckloads, or about 1,339 metric tons, of garbage. Meanwhile, the Manila Department of Public Safety collected 18 truckloads, equivalent to 66 metric tons. The largest volume of trash came from Divisoria and nearby areas, which traditionally see heavy crowds during the holiday season. Itchie G. Cabayan
PCG rescues 23 aboard distressed boat THE Philippine Coast Guard successfully rescued 20 passengers and three crew members from a distressed recreational boat off Masbate on January 3. The vessel, identified as “Harlyn,” encountered trouble while en route to Sombrero Island in San Pascual, Masbate. Initial findings showed the boat allegedly struck an unidentified hard object about one to two nautical miles from shore, causing water to enter and leaving it half-submerged. The PCG, with the help of civilian volunteers, launched a search and rescue operation despite rough sea conditions and a distance of about 15 nautical miles from the incident site. All rescued individuals were brought to Sombrero Island and later assisted by the local government, while nine passengers treated for minor injuries were declared stable as the PCG continues its investigation.
Boracay tourist arrivals up slightly in 2025 despite setbacks By Jun N. Aguirre BORACAY Island registered a total of 2,155,217 foreign and local tourists in 2025, a slight increase from 2024, according to data from the Malay Tourism Office. Of the total arrivals, 1,765,282 were
Sunlight Air reports tire deflation in Siquijor By Joel E. Zurbano A SUNLIGHT Air plane experienced a deflation of its nose landing gear tire while landing at Siquijor Airport on Monday, January 5. Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines chief information officer Eric Apolonio said all passengers aboard flight RL-B876 from Mactan to Siquijor were safe. He said the aircraft deviated from the runway centerline and came to a stop on the runway. “All passengers and crew are safe, and no injuries were reported,” Apolonio said. CAAP Director General Raul del Rosario said standard safety and recovery protocols were immediately initiated and the incident is being evaluated with the airline and aviation authorities. The CAAP reiterated its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of aviation safety to protect passengers at all times.
domestic tourists, while the rest were foreign visitors. Tourist arrivals in 2024 reached 2,077,977. The top foreign markets in 2025 were South Korea, the United States, Australia, Taiwan, Russia, China, the United Kingdom, Japan, Germany, and India.
Niven Maquirang, acting chief of the Port Cruise Ship Operation and Special Projects of the Aklan provincial government, said Boracay recorded 14 cruise ship arrivals out of a target of 23, with most vessels coming from Taiwan. Maquirang said weather disturbances
were among the main reasons cruise ship visits were canceled. For 2026, the Malay Tourism Office maintained its target of 2.3 million tourist arrivals, with 17 cruise ship visits already expected. Cruise passengers typically stay on the island for about eight hours.
DEFLATED.
A Sunlight Air plane experiences a deflated nose landing gear tire while landing at Siquijor Airport on January 5. CAAP
OPINION
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TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2026
mst.daydesk@gmail.com
EDITORIAL
What to expect this 2026 2025 was an acid test for everybody, mainly for people in power, because of the rampant graft and corruption committed in connection with public works projects, principally the flood control projects, some of them non-existent, Santa Banana! The worst part is the culprits took advantage of the people’s money to enrich themselves. Among them are contractors of infrastructure projects who were not even ashamed to display their ill gotten wealth. For instance, we have Zaldy Co, party-list member of the House of Representatives who has since resigned and is now a fugitive of justice, the latest heard of him is that he was hiding somewhere in Portugal because he was able to acquire a Portuguese passport. Following the cessation of the Independent Commission on Infrastructure, the President is expected to certify as urgent a commission called Independent People’s Commission, which will remain as a body always ready to go after people involved in graft and corruption. We should expect that with the bill filed banning political dynasties, Santa Banana, this will lessen ways and means for the commission of graft and corruption. There will also be other bills to strengthen government agencies to go after grafters and corruptors. For example, the Department of Interior and Local Government is now involved in building classrooms which is the big problem of our country because of the constant need for more classrooms. And with the creation of the long expected agencies we can expect less grafters and corruptors this year hopefully, Santa Banana! The problem is with the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte by the House of Representatives it is now up to the Senate to create itself as a court to go after the Vice President. The problem this year is with the forthcoming Senate impeachment trial this will create a very divisive year for those for or against Duterte. As I often say, that impeachment trial is both a legal and political exercise. We saw this when President Erap Estrada was impeached. We also saw this when the late Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona was impeached. We cannot avoid all this happening because our main problem as a nation has always been political.
With the forthcoming problems that can divide the country, Santa Banana, the economy cannot grow as we expect it to grow because of all this political and foreign investors will hesitate to come. We saw that in 2025 when we failed to meet the expected target growth rate. I have never lost hope for the country despite all these headwinds and hurdles we have to go through. I am now 98 years old, but I still have high hopes for this country to become a first world nation.
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Knowing what has happened President Marcos should not waiver in his commitment to do what he has to do For as long as there is hope there is always a chance for us Filipinos to rise above ourselves, despite these hurdles and difficulties we have to go through every year. We have seen what rampant corruption has done for us taxpayers. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. should never waiver in going after grafters and the corrupt. There is a lot of disappointment with what he is doing about the culprits and, despite our expectations. the reported arrest of the “Big Fish” has not happened. The people hope this year will be a hopeful year,. I myself have never given up on our country in spite of all that is happening. I have seen the worst of graft and corruption happen. I have seen the worst that graft and corruption can do to a country. I have seen the worst of what greedy people can do to frustrate the government administration officials from doing their best. The trust rating of President BBM has gone down, not because of what he has done, but what happened with our country with all the greedy people taking advantage of their positions. Knowing what has happened President Marcos should know what to do and should not waiver in his commitment to do what he has to do. Where there is hope there is a chance we can do better this year and the coming years.
Remulla drops bomb on Judiciary IN A radio rant that shattered the usual inter-branch courtesy, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla declared on dzRH that corruption is not confined to the executive or legislative branches—it is “severe” in the judiciary as well. “Matindi ho ‘yung judiciary. Matindi ho ‘yan. Panoorin n’yo lahat ng judges. Panoorin n’yo ‘yung mga justices. Panoorin natin,” he said, urging the public to watch closely. Remulla’s outburst, aired on Jan. 3, 2026, targeted the Sandiganbayan’s knack for acquittals in high-profile graft cases. He mocked the anti-graft court for having “lahat ng dahilan para magacquit,” citing the 2016 clearance of Jocelyn “Joc-Joc” Bolante in the P723million fertilizer fund scam and recent absolutions in the Priority Development Assistance Fund pork barrel mess. Heavyweights like the late Juan Ponce Enrile, Gigi Reyes, and Janet Lim-Napoles walked free on graft counts despite what Remulla called ironclad evidence. “Huling-huli ‘yun,” he insisted—you can’t blame weak prosecution. These rulings, he implied, smell less of rigorous proof-beyond-reasonabledoubt and more of “miracles” or backroom deals. Remulla alluded to lawyers who “gu-
magapang”—crawling through corridors, lobbying outcomes with fat envelopes. It’s the perennial rumor mill: fixers, intermediaries, a shadow system where justice bends to the highest bidder. The Integrated Bar of the Philippines fired back gently, acknowledging corruption “exists” but rejecting claims it’s rampant.
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In this theater of Philippine justice, the people’s protector risks demolishing faith to rebuild it President Allan Panolong praised the Supreme Court’s Judicial Integrity Board and insisted Sandiganbayan decisions hinge on evidence, not bribes. More ethical judges than corrupt ones, he said—a polite press release against Remulla’s street-fight rhetoric. Yet Remulla’s frustration has roots. Appointed in Oct. 2025 amid controversy, he’s pushed reforms: digital databases, AI tools, tighter deadlines, and 20 new prosecutors by mid-January. His office chases the massive flood control scandal, vowing charges against ManilaStandard
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Traslacion, a historic legacy
HREE days from today, the annual Black Nazarene Traslacion in Manila, whose roots began in 1606, will cap events and prayers leading up to it, with devotees already gathering this week at the Quiapo Church. The original Nazareno statue was brought by Augustinian Recollects in 1606 to the Philippines from Mexico via a galleon ship and enshrined in their church in Bagumbayan, now Luneta, with its dark color attributed to a fire on the ship or natural aging of the wood. The early Friday morning procession from Quirino Grandstand at the sprawling :Luneta back to Quiapo Church will will mark the commemoration of the image’s transfer for the past 239 years – the solemn transfer from its original location to its current home, the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, in 1787. Police have been mobilized, and road closures will be implemented around the route in the country’s national capital city of nearly two million. Large large crowds as in the past – except during the pandemic years – and significant traffic disruptions in Manila, especially around Quiapo, have started and will intensifying on Friday. For safety and order, from 15,000 to
18,000 police personnel are being deployed across Manila and major areas along the nearly 6.5-km route, based on the 19-hour journey through Manila’s streets last year.
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The Traslación combines deep religious devotion, belief in miracles, and cultural expression The police force is augmented by units from nearby regional offices (Central Luzon and Calabarzon), the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Philippine Coast Guard. Police will be strategically positioned along the route to manage the thick crowds of devotees and onlookers and ensure an orderly flow, with the Highway Patrol Group managing traffic, and specific roads will be
closed, with alternate routes provided. Specialized intelligence and anticybercrime groups have started monitoring both physical and digital threats to the event, augmented by the use of drones and CCTV cameras to provide real-time situational awareness and command control. Preparations began months in advance with coordination meetings involving the Manila city government, Quiapo Church officials, the Metro Manila Development Authority and medical teams. It is heartening to note that walkthroughs and dry runs of the route have been conducted to assess crowd pressure points and emergency access lanes. The Traslación combines deep religious devotion, belief in miracles, and cultural expression and unites millions of devotees in a powerful, communal act of faith and sacrifice. The image has survived several disasters like fires, earthquakes, and the bombing of Manila in World War II, further solidifying its legendary status among the faithful. The Traslación is not just a religious ritual but a deep cultural expression where faith, history, and personal vows converge into a spectacular, hours-long demonstration of unwavering devotion.
A quiet New Year’s Resolution for the Rule of Law By Jose Antonio Goitia THE year 2026 didn’t start with fireworks for everyone. While most of the country was welcoming the New Year, the Philippine National Police was busy dismantling a ₱1.5-billion smuggling operation in Malabon. To some, it’s just another headline. To me, it’s a refreshing sign of where our law enforcement is headed under the steady hand of Acting PNP Chief Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. I’ve watched many “major hauls” over the years. Often, they come wrapped in theatricality and grandstanding. But what I saw at the Jan. 1 briefing was different. There was no noise—just results. Beyond “Lucky Breaks” What struck me most about this Malabon seizure wasn’t just the sheer volume of unregistered tobacco, but how it was caught. Nartatez didn’t credit a “magic tip” or a stroke of luck. He credited the basics: steady patrol work, shared intelligence, and real-time coordination. The cigarettes were intercepted in a cargo facility because patrol units remained alert during a holiday when most of the world was looking the other way. It’s the kind of unglamorous, consistent work that actually builds a safer country. By moving beyond ports and tradilawmakers and officials. Blaming judicial acquittals may deflect from prosecutorial gaps—or signal a bolder stance against a branch long whispered to harbor “hoodlums in robes.” Legally, his mandate under Republic Act 6770 empowers probes into any official, including judges. But equating acquittals with corruption tramples judicial independence enshrined in the Constitution. Supreme Court precedents like Maceda v. Vasquez curb Ombudsman overreach on court personnel. Broad accusations risk eroding public trust further, breeding cynicism or even spiteful rulings against his cases. Existing safeguards—the New Code
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
tional checkpoints, the PNP is catching smugglers where they feel safest—in their storage and distribution hubs. Connecting the Dots Perhaps the most significant takeaway for me is Nartatez’s refusal to view this as an isolated win. He has directed a deep dive to see if the Malabon operation links back to a similar massive haul in Batangas City. This is a crucial shift in strategy. For too long, our enforcement agencies have played a game of “whack-amole,” treating every bust as a standalone case.
By investigating the regional networks behind these goods, Nartatez has signaled the PNP is no longer interested in just the “what”—they are going after the “who” and the “how.” Why We Should Care It’s easy to dismiss cigarette smuggling as a victimless crime or a mere paperwork issue. It isn’t. Every billionpeso shipment that bypasses our laws is a direct hit to:
• Government Revenue: Funds that should be building schools and hospitals. • Legitimate Businesses: Local entrepreneurs who play by the rules and pay their taxes. • Public Safety: Smuggling networks often fund more dangerous criminal activities. A Unified Front Standing alongside the Highway Patrol Group, the Northern Police District, and the Bureau of Customs, Nartatez demonstrated what actual “unity” looks like in the field. This isn’t just his personal vision; it’s a clear reflection of the enforcement direction set by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and the accountability-driven leadership of DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla. We don’t need more “tough talk” on crime. We need more operations like Malabon: quiet, coordinated, and backed by the rule of law. If this is the tone the PNP is setting for 2026, then we are finally moving away from the “show” and getting down to the business of real security. (The writer, a doctorate in philosophy degree holder, serves as Chairman Emeritus of four civic oriented organizations: Alyansa ng Bantay sa Kapayapaan at Demokrasya, People’s Alliance for Democracy and Reforms, Liga Independencia Pilipinas, and Filipinos Do Not Yield Movement, where he advocates for truth, stability, and the dignity of the Filipino people.)
of Judicial Conduct, integrity boards— look robust on paper but often function as protective mazes for the powerful. Complaints vanish; the club polices itself. Remulla’s bomb may serve the public by exposing a festering wound Filipinos already suspect. Or it poisons the well, deepening distrust in a system where the mighty evade accountability while the poor languish. Institutional friction looms: contempt citations? A Constitutional standoff? His methods are incendiary, his timing suspect—perhaps preemptive cover for future losses. But he spotlights a cancer the legal
elite prefers hushed. Real reform demands transparency: forensic-audited SALNs published online, real-time case tracking exposing delays and interlocutors, an independent body to hunt crawling fixers. In this theater of Philippine justice, the people’s protector risks demolishing faith to rebuild it. If Remulla forces reckoning, the blast might justify the rubble. Otherwise, we’ve witnessed the rule of law gut-punched on live radio. Panoorin natin—but don’t hold your breath for miracles. Boying shouted fire in a crowded courthouse. Everyone looked up—and saw the smoke was coming from inside.
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We need more operations like Malabon: quiet, coordinated, and backed by the rule of law
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
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TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2026
mst.daydesk@gmail.com
French court to deliver verdict over cyber harassment of Macron PARIS—A Paris court is scheduled to give its verdict on Monday in the trial of 10 people accused of cyberharassment of President Emmanuel Macron’s wife Brigitte by spreading false information about her gender and insinuations related to the age difference between the first couple. The relationship between Emmanuel Macron, 48, and Brigitte, 72, who met while she was a drama teacher at his school, has been the subject of intense interest since he became president in 2017. But in recent years this scrutiny has extended to the widespread publication of false information which the first couple have resolved not to ignore and instead combat in court. They have filed a defamation lawsuit in the United Stares against right-wing US podcaster Candace
Owens who falsely claimed the spouse of the French president used to be a man. The Paris trial, a separate case, concerns 10 defendants from different walks of life aged between 41 and 65 who risk suspended sentences of three to 12 months and fines of up to 8,000 euros ($ 9,300) if convicted. Brigitte Macron herself did not appear at the trial hearings on October but told investigators after filing her complaint that the claim she is a transgender woman has “strongly affected” her and her loved ones. Tiphaine Auziere, 41, Brigitte Macron’s younger daughter from her first marriage, told the trial in rare public comments that the unsubstantiated claims had harmed the French first lady’s health. AFP
BACK TO THE WHITE HOUSE. President Donald Trump speaks to the media aboard Air Force One en route to Washington, DC on Monday, Manila time. Trump was returning to the White House after giving the order for the United States law enforcement to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. European leaders were rattled by Trump sending his military to attack Caracas and grab Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro, who is now being detained in New York. AFP
UNSC to hold emergency session as deposed Maduro to go on trial N
EW YORK—President Donald Trump’s claim the United States is “in charge” of Venezuela will be underscored Monday (Tuesday, Manila time) when the oil-rich nation’s deposed leader is hauled before a New York court, while his successor offers to cooperate. Leftist strongman Nicolas Maduro, 63, faces narcotrafficking charges along with his wife, who was also seized and taken out of Caracas in the shock US assault Saturday, which involved commandos, bombing by jet planes, and a massive naval force off Venezuela’s coast.
The UN Security Council will hold an emergency session on Monday (Tuesday in Manila) at Venezuela’s request. This will provide a platform for international concern over US intentions in the country of around 30 million people.
Trump is unlikely fazed, as his plan to dominate Venezuela and its vast oil reserves unfolds. “We’re in charge,” Trump announced late Sunday. In a potential win for Washington, Maduro’s successor and interim leader Delcy Rodriguez dropped her initial fiery rhetoric, issuing a statement late Sunday offering to work with Trump. “We extend an invitation to the US government to work together on an agenda for cooperation,” the former vice president said. This was hours after Trump threatened that she’d pay a “very big price,
Colombian leader tells Trump: ‘Stop slandering me’ BOGOTA—Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro on Sunday (Monday, Manila time) rejected threats by his US counterpart Donald Trump who also accused him of being a drug trafficker. US forces attacked Caracas in the early hours of Saturday, bombing military targets during a shock snatchand-grab raid to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro from power and assert Washington’s control over the oil-rich South American nation. Speaking to reporters on Air Force One on Sunday Trump made similar threats of military action against Colombia, saying the South American country is “very sick too” and “run by a sick man who likes making cocaine and selling it to the United States.” “He has cocaine mills and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long,” Trump added. When asked whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, the Republican leader said: “It sounds good to me.” “You know why because they kill a lot of people,” Trump claimed without evidence. Petro rebuffed the accusations saying his “name does not appear in court records.” “Stop slandering me, Mr. Trump.” Petro said on the social media platform X. “That’s not how you threaten a Latin American president who emerged from the armed struggle and then from the people of Colombia’s fight for Peace.” Petro has harshly criticized the Trump administration’s military action in the region and accused Washington of abducting Maduro “without legal basis.” In a later post to X on Sunday Petro added “friends do not bomb.” Colombia’s foreign ministry called the US president’s threats “unacceptable interference” and demanded “respect.” Colombia and the United States are key military and economic allies in the region, but their relations have been strained. Since the start of Trump’s second term, the two leaders have regularly clashed over issues such as tariffs and migration policy. AFP
probably bigger than Maduro,” if she didn’t bend to US wishes. When asked what he needs from Rodriguez, Trump said: “We need total access. We need access to the oil and other things in their country that allow us to rebuild their country.” While there are no known US forces left inside Venezuela, a huge naval presence, including an aircraft carrier, remains off the coast. The Trump administration says it retains powerful economic leverage by blockading oil tankers from Venezuela. Trump has also threatened additional military attacks if needed. AFP
‘READY FOR WAR.’
This picture taken on Sunday and released by North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency via KNS on Monday shows North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (right) inspecting a missile launch exercise in Pyongyang. 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 headed to and landed in China for a summit. AFP
North Korea tests hypersonic missiles, says nuclear forces ready SEOUL—North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the firing of “cutting-edge” hypersonic missiles to ready Pyongyang’s nuclear forces for war, state media reported Monday, saying “geopolitical crisis” made the test even more urgent in a clear nod to this weekend’s US attack on Venezuela. Seoul and Tokyo said Sunday they had detected the launch from near Pyongyang of two ballistic missiles— the country’s first test of the year just hours before South Korean leader Lee Jae Myung headed to Beijing for a summit. Lee has said he hopes to use his visit to harness China’s clout
over North Korea to improve Seoul’s ties with Pyongyang. On Monday, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) quoted Kim as saying the test showed “the readiness of the DPRK’s nuclear forces”, referring to North Korea by its official name. “Important achievements have been recently made in putting our nuclear forces on a practical basis and preparing them for an actual war,” Kim was quoted as saying by KCNA. Pyongyang’s activity, he said, was “aimed at gradually putting the nuclear war deterrent on a high-developed basis.”
Photos shared by state media showed Kim puffing on a cigarette accompanied by top officials as a missile soars into the early morning sky. “Why it is necessary is exemplified by the recent geopolitical crisis and complicated international events,” Kim was quoted as saying, a clear reference to Washington’s weekend capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The operation represents a nightmare scenario for North Korea’s leadership, which has long feared a so-called “decapitation strike” of that kind and accused Washington of seeking to remove it from power. AFP
IN BRIEF Chinese shrug off contraceptive tax
BEIJING—China has made condoms and other contraceptives more expensive as it tries to boost birth rates, but residents in Beijing and analysts say the measure will have little impact. Consumers must now pay a 13 percent value-added tax for contraception including condoms, after Beijing removed exemptions on the products from Jan. 1. Childcare and marriage brokerage services are exempt. The government has sought to boost China’s flagging birth rate, concerned about the rapidly ageing and shrinking population, as well as record low marriage rates. But young people in Beijing told AFP that taxing contraceptives will not address the root issues they say are stopping people from having children. “The immense pressure on young people in China today—from employment to daily life—has absolutely nothing to do with condoms,” a resident in her thirties, who wanted to be known only as Jessica, told AFP. Jessica said there was a notable class divide in Chinese society and many people felt their future was too uncertain to start a family. “The rich are too rich, and the poor remain poor... (and people) lack confidence in their future, so they may be unwilling to have children.” AFP
Anne Frank’s step-sister, Holocaust survivor dies
LONDON—Eva Schloss, the Auschwitz survivor who dedicated decades to educating people about the Holocaust and was the step-sister of diarist Anne Frank, has died aged 96, her foundation announced Sunday. In a tribute, her family expressed their “great sadness” at the loss of this “remarkable woman: an Auschwitz survivor, a devoted Holocaust educator, tireless in her work for remembrance, understanding and peace”. Schloss died on Jan. 3 in London, according to the Anne Frank House. King Charles III, who danced with Schloss at an event in London in 2022, and his wife Camilla, patron of her Anne Frank Trust UK foundation, said they were “greatly saddened”. “We are both privileged and proud to have known her and we admired her deeply,” the royal couple said in a statement. Schloss co-founded the trust in 1990 to educate people about the Holocaust and combat prejudice. Born Eva Geiringer in Austria in 1929, she was a child when the Nazis annexed her country. Her Jewish family fled to Belgium and then Amsterdam where they settled opposite Anne Frank’s house. Frank’s accounts of the Holocaust have become a symbol of the suffering inflicted by the Nazis during World War II. The two girls were the same age and often played together. But from 1942 onwards, both families had to go into hiding. Schloss, her mother Elfriede, her father Erich and her brother Heinz were betrayed two years later by a Nazi sympathizer. They were arrested on her fifteenth birthday and sent to the Auschwitz extermination camp in May 1944. AFP
New clashes in Iran as protests enter second week
12 PEOPLE KILLED. Protesters wave pre-1979 Islamic Revolution flags of Iran
as they gather for a demonstration against the Iranian regime’s crackdown on protests in central Paris, on Sunday. Several hundred people gathered at two rallies in Paris in support of the week-long protest movement in Iran. In Washington, DC, President Donald Trump warned Sunday that Iran would get “hit very hard” by the United States if more protesters die. AFP
PARIS—New deadly clashes between protesters and security forces erupted in Iran, rights groups and local media said Sunday, as demonstrations first sparked by anger over the rising cost of living entered a second week. At least 12 people, including members of the security forces, have been killed since the protests kicked off with a shopkeepers’ strike in Tehran on Dec. 28, according to a toll based on official reports. Overnight, protests featuring slogans criticizing the Islamic republic’s clerical authorities were reported in Tehran, Shiraz in the south, and in areas of western Iran where the movement has been
concentrated, according to the USbased Human Rights Activists News Agency monitor. The demonstrations are the most significant in Iran since a 2022-2023 movement sparked by the death in custody of Mahsa Amini, who had been arrested for allegedly violating Iran’s strict dress code for women. The latest protests have been concentrated in parts of the west with large populations of the Kurdish and Lor minorities, and have yet to reach the scale of the 2022-2023 movement, let alone the mass street demonstrations that followed disputed 2009 presidential elections. AFP
NEWS
A7
TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2026
mst.daydesk@gmail.com
DSWD to launch new pro-people programs in 2026 By Maricel V. Cruz AS THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) welcomes 2026, Secretary Rex Gatchalian announced the forthcoming launch of programs meant to restore hopes among Filipino families. “We greet one and all a happy New Year. Rest assured that the DSWD will continue to serve to ensure that hopes will stay among Filipino families. This 2026, we are excited because DSWD has new programs to launch,” Gatchalian said in a statement in Filipino embodied in his online New Year video message on Jan. 1. Some of the forthcoming initiatives cited by the DSWD chief included Psychosocial Support and Other Interventions for Adolescent Mothers and their Families Project or ProtecTEEN. ProtecTEEN which targets teenage mothers, is the DSWD’s psychosocial-centered support that focuses on the need to address the “multi-faceted challenges adolescent mothers face” and eventually help them get through their difficult situation and become productive members of society. Another program to be introduced is Project Aruga, a community-based initiative that supports children with disabilities and their families through financial assistance and other services, Gatchalian disclosed. He pointed out that the DSWD will also roll out Project SAFE designed to ensure that the youth are kept away from dangerous online activities.
BACK TO BASICS. With the high hopes, blessings, and revelries of the holidays over, people go back to the usual routines of their daily grind, including queuing up for public transport rides to the schools and the offices, as exemplified by these commuters along the Commonwealth Ave. in Quezon City. Edd Castro
PNP to step up drive vs. noisy MCs coordinated implementation across the country. Ang layunin po natin ay hindi manghuli agad (Our goal is not just apprehensions). We want to encourage compliance and help riders understand that vehicle modifications are regulated by law,” Nartatez explained. During the New Year’s festivities, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) intensified its operations against violators of the prohibition to prevent excessive noise, maintain public order, and ensure a peaceful celebration in residential communities. In Taguig City, police operatives of
By Vince Lopez
P
HILIPPINE National Police (PNP) acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Monday bared his plan to shift to high gear their drive against motorcycles using open pipes and illegally modified mufflers to promote road discipline among riders. Nartatez directed the Highway Patrol vehicle modifications through “just and Group (HPG) and all Police Regional equitable implementation to avoid seOffices (PROs) to strictly enforce exist- lective enforcement.” ing laws and local ordinances on illegal “We are looking at a broader and more
TRASH COMES WITH CIVILIZATION.
Quezon City’s workers wade through a virtual sea of garbage along Araneta Ave., tackling accumulated plastics, styrofoam, and whatever household discards they can lay their hands on. The big cleanup forms part of the city government’s efforts to prevent flooding and maintain urban sanitation in high-density communities. Edd Castro
With GAA signed, solon seeks release of stalled HEA FOLLOWING the enactment of the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA) on Monday, a Bicolano lawmaker urged the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the Department of Health (DOH) to immediately release simplified guidelines for the disbursement of the Health Emergency Allowance (HEA) to healthcare workers who served during the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2026 national budget, which President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed into law today at
Malacañang, included ₱6.77 billion for Public Health Emergency Benefits and Allowances (PHEBA) for health and non-healthcare workers. “Now that the budget is in place, we need the DBM and DOH to act quickly. Our health workers have waited long enough. Maybe, an affidavit could suffice, maybe we can simplify the process by accepting sworn affidavits from health workers attesting to their eligibility and service,” House Special Committee on Food Security chairman and Albay Third District
Representative Raymond Adrian Salceda said. Under Salceda’s proposal, each unpaid health worker would execute a sworn affidavit attesting to their eligibility, the period and nature of their service, and other relevant details to qualify for the remuneration. These affidavits would be submitted to the DOH and validated against existing records. The DBM would then process payments immediately even as the Commission on Audit (COA) conducts post-audit verification. Maricel V. Cruz
Navy to acquire soon another patrol vessel
THE Philippine Navy (PN anticipates arrival of a new Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) in the first quarter of 2026, marking another milestone in the country’s continuing military modernization program. Meanwhile, the Philippine Navy (PN) on Sunday reported that its patrol vessel, BRP Alberto Navarette (PC-394), successfully carried out a maritime patrol along the northeastern coast of Mindanao from January 2 to 3. According to the Navy, the delivery of the OPV was part of a broader capability upgrade scheduled for 2026, which also included the acquisition of a third Tarlac-class Landing Dock Vessel (LDV). These assets were meant to significantly strengthen the Navy’s maritime security operations and expand its operational reach across the country’s vast territorial waters. Rex Espiritu
Substation 3 conducted “Oplan Sita” along with village security forces by setting up a checkpoint in Barangay Pinagsama to ferret out motorcycles with open pipes and modified mufflers. At least 15 riders were apprehended for various city ordinance violations, including five for illegal exhaust systems, which were subsequently confiscated. Nartatez stressed that open pipes should not be treated as a simple traffic concern because the issue directly affects public order and safety, as well as noise pollution in residential communities.
IN BRIEF Hundreds flee homes as Army, NPA clash A TOTAL of 206 families, or 841 individuals, were affected by armed encounters between government troops and the New People’s Army insurgents in Sitio Mamara, Barangay Cabacao, Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro, on New Year’s Day, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said Monday. The NDRRMC reported that 186 families are currently sheltered at evacuation centers, while 15 others sought refuge elsewhere. The clashes reportedly involved government forces and holdouts of the Komiteng Larangang Gerilya–Island Committee Mindoro (KLG-ICM) under the Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee. In a statement, National Democratic Front (NDF) Mindoro spokesperson Patricia Andal said Jerlyn Rose Doydora, reportedly a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education major in English at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, died illness during the encounter. Rex Espiritu
Gov bullish over 2026 prospects of CamSur THE full cooperation of elective and local officials, along with civil society leaders in Camarines Sur bodes the province a good year ahead, according to Gov. Luis Raymund Villafuerte. CamSur is bound to greater heights, Villafuerte said, as he pledged to work on bringing about better lives for his constituents on the back of a 12-point governance agenda for a “greener, smarter, healthier, better-connected and digitally savvier” province over his three-year term. “CamSur folk can take comfort in my resolve to work double-time this year on programs geared to harness the boundless potentials of our province that has become one of the country’s richest and fastest-growing local economies,” he noted. “Major projects are in the pipeline or in various stages of implementation that will put flesh to the CamSur narrative as a true success story that has evolved from being one of the country’s poorest provinces to the third richest and with the second highest revenue growth,” the governor said in a statement. Maricel V. Cruz
Solon files 60 bills in just six months
ELITE FORCES TRAINING. The Philippine Army’s Special Forces Regiment (Airborne) launches its orientation course for Class 03-2025, marking another milestone in strengthening the country’s special operations capability.
OVER the past six months since the opening of the 20th Congress, Paranaque Rep. Brian Yamsuan has already filed over 60 bills that aim to elevate the welfare of the country’s vulnerable sectors, and facilitated the delivery of government support programs to over 100,000 beneficiaries in the city’s second district. Yamsuan hit the ground running on June 30, 2025, his Day One as Parañaque 2nd District congressman, distributing livelihood packages under his Bigay Negosyo program. This program, which Yamsuan has been implementing to expand economic opportunities for Parañaque residents in coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), has so far yielded 1,148 beneficiaries during his first six months in office. Maricel V. Cruz
SPORTS
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RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor
PFF praises unsung heroes of futsal World Cup hosting THE Philippines’ hosting of the firstever FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup™ showcased more than the nation’s capacity to stage a world-class sporting event. It revealed the heart of the Filipino spirit: shared pride, collective energy, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting women’s sports from the grassroots to the global stage. The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) honored the remarkable individuals whose dedication, passion, and teamwork transformed this historic inaugural event into a triumph not only for the Philippines, but for women’s futsal worldwide. With the collective effort of all the hardworking women and men who lent their time, strength, intellect, and resources, this World Cup is leaving a lasting legacy forged by thousands of hands and hearts. PFF also expresses its deepest gratitude to His Excellency President Ferdinand “Bong Bong” Marcos for government’s invaluable support through the Philippine Sports Commission headed by Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, the dedicated PSC staff, government personnel, committed and auxiliary personnel in ensuring the successful staging of the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup 2025. “We commend and congratulate the 500 strong unsung heroes who made the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup 2025 a success,” said PFF President John Gutierrez. “With you, we showed the world that Filipinos can host a truly world-class sporting event.” PFF is also grateful for the support of the Philippine Olympic Committee led by President Abraham Tolentino. Special thanks is given to FIFA Council Member Mariano “Nonong” Araneta Jr. whose support boosted confidence for the hosting of the inaugural event. Behind every match, every cheer, and every breakthrough were people whose devotion will inspire generations to come. PFF General Secretary Gelix Mercader, who oversaw the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), extended profound thanks to around 300 volunteers, 150 LOC staff, and 100 auxiliary personnel whose commitment and warmth powered the tournament’s success. “Kayo po ang mga tunay na bayani ng World Cup na ito. Maraming salamat po sa inyong dedikasyon, sipag at tibay,” he said.
PH’s SEAG bets named PSA’s top sports achievers for December
ON the hard courts, the pool, the mat, the diamond, the pitch, the ring, the sands or even the ice rink, members of Team Philippines delivered in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand. The 1,200-strong contingent collared 50 gold medals spiked by milestones and epic triumphs amid tremendous odds that went with 73 silvers and 154 bronzes in the different battlefronts in Metro Bangkok and neighboring provinces of Chonburi and Rayong. For flying the flag high and winning events closest to the Filipinos’ heart as well as those considered as long-time strongholds of host Thailand and regional powers like Vietnam and Singapore, the gritty Philippine SEAG crew earned the nod as the Philippine Sportswriters Association’s top achievers for December 2025. Anchoring this bountiful harvest was Kayla Sanchez, who made waves on her SEAG debut with three mints and five silvers, highlighting her brilliance with the Philippines’ historic triumph in the 4x100meter freestyle relay. EJ Obiena, who won a four-peat in pole vault in record fashion, and Naomi Cesar, the 16-year-old 800m princess, led a fivegold, seven-silver, 19-bronze take for the athletics team – the best-performing group that scooped up their sport’s largest medal haul (31) since snaring 32 back in 1983. Practical shooters led by world champion Rolly Tecson gunned down four golds, five silvers and five bronzes, while Sanchez and Co. accounted for 3-9-2, the modern pentathlon aces delivered 3-3-1, the triathletes bannered by double-gold and triple-silver earner Kira Ellis produced 3-5-2 despite bouts with food poisoning, and the gymnasts, holding the fort sans golden boy Carlos Yulo, netted 3-2-7. Gilas Pilipinas Men overcame off-court and on-court maneuverings by the hosts to retain the beloved 5-on-5 gold, while their female counterparts regained the title, also at the Thais’ expense. The Philippine Blu Boys and Blu Girls swept the mints in softball’s SEAG return while the Pinoy batters swung big and dominated baseball yet again.
The field will be open to all WSL surfers globally with a seeding formula based on the of the Challenger Series.
PH hosts 1 international longboard tilt in La Union st
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HE Philippines is set to kick off the new year with a thrilling, first-of-its-kind Longboard International Qualifying event -- the La Union International Pro, running from January 20 to 24 at Urbiztondo Beach. The event is expected to draw one of the largest international fields in the history of the World Surf League (WSL) longboard circuit. With a direct pathway to the 2026 WSL Longboard Tour on the line, the stakes are high. “This new format is about creating more access and opportunities to longboarders from all WSL regions,” said Will Hayden-Smith, WSL Longboard Tour Director. “We know there are incredible longboarders in every corner of the world who deserve the chance to compete on the biggest stage.”
Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio expressed his excitement, calling the event a “real thrill.” He views the La Union International Pro as a major success for the country’s sports tourism campaign, which he oversees through the National Sports Tourism Inter-Agency Committee created by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. “It will be a real thrill to host an exciting new event,” Gregorio said. “The event will bring together the world’s best longboarders, men and women alike, to compete on the flawless waves of Mon-
PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio
alisa Point in San Juan,” Gregorio said. Four direct tickets to the WSL Longboard World Tour are at stake in La Union, which boasts of a rich surf culture and world-class waves for perfect backdrop for the landmark competition. “Our Filipino surfing athletes will surely be preparing to show off worldclass skill and homegrown heart on home waters,” Gregorio said. “We are excited to deepen our partnership with WSL as the Philippines continues to grow its presence on the global surfing map.” The field will be open to all WSL LQS surfers globally with a seeding formula based on the of the Challenger Series. “The event gives Filipino surfers that shot,” Gregorio said. “La Union is a town with such a strong connection to longboarding and a perfect wave for competition, so we look forward to this event at this location.”
Loman embraces fresh start as 2026 signals renewal By Nissi Icasiano STEPHEN Loman had every reason to welcome the New Year with renewed energy and a sense of purpose. As the calendar turned, the Filipino mixed martial artist found himself staring at a future filled with promise after a period defined by patience and perseverance. Before saying goodbye to 2025, the 30-yearold Ifugao native received a long-awaited answer to his prayers. Loman inked a lucrative contract that guarantees his return to BRAVE Combat Federation, the promotion that helped shape his rise and where he once ruled as the longest-reigning bantamweight world champion. The development assured him that activity and opportunity are once again firmly within reach. It has been a long road back. Loman has not competed since a narrow decision loss to John Lineker under the ONE Championship banner in September 2023. The months that followed tested his resolve, but they also sharpened his hunger. With his release from ONE and BRAVE CF
Changes CHANGE nothing, nothing changes. Every January, many people start with plans to change. They want to lose weight, pick up a new hobby, get healthier, improve their finances, rebuild relationships, or finally commit to something they’ve been putting off for years. New Year, new beginning. Not exactly a “new you,” just a better version of ourselves. It was January when I quit drinking. On January 15, I will celebrate one year of sobriety. That decision didn’t come with fireworks or instant clarity, but it came with commitment. I chose to stop, even when I wasn’t sure I could follow through. And I stayed with that decision, one day at a time. Months later—closer to the end of
the year than the start—I tried to change something else. From October to December, I worked on losing weight. I fasted. I started walking. I stopped drinking soda. I stopped eating rice. How I looked probably stayed the same, and that was okay. I didn’t expect a miracle. I wanted to improve, and I wanted it to be lasting. It had to become part of my life, not just something I tried because it was January. Sure, there were noticeable changes every time I looked at the weighing scale, but more importantly, I felt different. I felt better. In trying to lose weight, I realized something important: I can change. I procrastinated on changing because I thought, for a long time, that I couldn’t do it anymore—because I was stuck in my bad habits. Yeah, bad habits. They’re everywhere. They affect everything. They have even tarnished the things we love most, like sports. Bad habits are dangerous because they don’t just appear—they take root. Slowly, almost imperceptibly, they bury themselves deep into our culture, our mindset, and even the systems we rely on. What starts as a small compromise or a seemingly harmless shortcut becomes normalized, repeated, and accepted. Over time, these habits shape the way we think, the
way we act, and the way we measure success. They become invisible chains, holding back potential, clouding judgment, and limiting what could otherwise be achieved. If left unchecked, they grow stronger, harder to break, and more difficult to recognize, until they are no longer just habits—they are barriers. For those guided by a moral compass, maybe there’s a desire to change. But there is also the fear that it’s too late, or that it can’t be done. So for the New Year, this is my challenge to Philippine sports—to professional, commercial leagues and its organizers, to national team athletes and coaches, to officials and sports stakeholders: Decide to change, and everything changes. The likes of EJ Obiena, Carlos Yulo, Hidilyn Diaz, Alex Eala, Efren Reyes, Agatha Wong, the Philippine women’s football team, and many others have shown us that greatness isn’t just about talent. On their journey, they made the conscious choice to change. They let go of habits that could hold them back—habits detrimental to their careers—and replaced them with discipline, consistency, and sacrifice. They made the decision to change, embraced it, and lived by it every day. That decision was not a small part of their success—it was one of the reasons
welcoming him home, excitement now flows freely as he prepares to open a new chapter in his career. “The new year feels special because I know I will finally be back where I belong,” Loman said in an exclusive interview with this article’s author. “Just knowing that I will be active again gives me a different kind of motivation every day.” Fighting, however, is only part of the joy surrounding his fresh outlook. Last December 20, Loman married longtime partner Sheryl in an elegant ceremony held in Baguio City. The milestone added warmth and meaning to a year that demanded quiet strength. After enduring over two years of uncertainty, the veteran of 20 MMA bouts could not have asked for a more meaningful way to close 2025. “Last year ended with hope, and that is something I truly value,” Loman shared. “After everything that happened, I feel blessed to step into the next season of my life with peace and clarity.” The combination of personal happiness and professional direction has given him plenty of fuel heading into the months ahead.
they became great. Filipino athletes have already proven that we are capable of competing at the highest level. We have seen it happen, and we cheered when they succeeded on the world stage. We celebrated their victories, aware of the years of effort behind them—the discipline, the sacrifices, the early mornings, the injuries, the moments of doubt that never made it to the highlight reels. But we have also felt the heartbreak of watching other athletes fall short of that same level of greatness. Not because they lacked talent or effort, but because somewhere along the way, something held them back. As fans, we felt it. As Filipinos, we felt it. Because we know they were capable of more. And that is where the gap lies. It is not talent. The gap is what comes next. Many more Filipino athletes can take that next step and follow the path of those who have already reached world-class greatness. But for that to happen, change must be intentional. We need to make the decision to change—bad habits, limiting mindsets, and systems that make it difficult for athletes to succeed and reach their full potential. That is the next important step, not just for athletes, but for everyone involved in Philippine sports.
BUSINESS
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FPI: Manufacturing sector Philippines’ PMI in November 2025 poised for growth in 2026
extrastory2000@gmail.com RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor
50.2
15.7%
Manufacturing’s contribution to PH GDP
22% to 27%
Manufacturing’s contribution to ASEAN GDP
By Othel V. Campos
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HILIPPINE manufacturing is poised for sustained growth in 2026, supported by stabilizing domestic demand, potential export gains and industrial reforms, following a December 2025 rebound in the purchasing manager’s index (PMI), the Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) said Monday. The S&P earlier reported that the Philippines’ PMI rebounded to 50.2 percent in November from October’s four-year low of 47.4 percent. An index above 50.0 percent indicates expansion. “The PMI shows we are back in positive territory, a clear sign of resilience. The challenge and opportunity now is to turn this recovery into lasting industrial strength by investing in
innovation, diversification and resilience,” said FPI chairwoman Elizabeth Lee. Lee said the rebound was led by several factors including the normalized operations after November’s typhoon disruptions, which had sharply curtailed production and deliveries. New orders also rose for the first time since August, ending a threemonth contraction and signaling
stronger domestic demand, while firms also cautiously resumed purchasing activity, anticipating future output growth despite ongoing supply chain challenges. FPI, the main umbrella organization for manufacturers, representing diverse sectors like food, construction materials, chemicals and electronics, said the recovery was largely domestic-led, as export orders remained subdued at the end of 2025. The group said analysts anticipated that sustaining growth in 2026 would require greater resilience to climate and supply chain shocks, diversification beyond food processing and electronics and expansion into mid-complexity industries such as machinery, chemicals and wood products. Export momentum, particularly in electronics, could further boost manufacturing activity, Lee said.
Local tourism strong over long Christmas break DOMESTIC tourism remained strong over the long Christmas break, with Filipinos traveling in large numbers to key destinations, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said. Boracay Island in Western Visayas recorded the highest arrivals, welcoming 118,745 tourists from Dec. 15 to 28, 2025. The region also saw increased cruise activity, with Star Navigator and Norwegian Sun making multiple port calls. Central Visayas posted robust figures, with Cebu City receiving 102,124 visitors and Panglao Island in Bohol logging 62,240 arrivals, despite earlier natural calamities in the region. In Eastern Visayas, Tacloban City recorded 25,194 overnight guests, while Malajog Beach in Calbayog City, Samar emerged as the region’s top destination with 56,543 tourists. Baguio City remained a top holiday draw, recording 117,137 visitors from Dec. 15 to New Year’s Eve, supported by seasonal events and cooler weather. In Bicol, Camarines Sur attracted 92,000 visitors, while Albay welcomed 45,000 tourists traveling along scenic routes with views of Mayon Volcano. Northern Luzon destinations also saw steady arrivals as La Union recorded 47,338 visitors; Ilocos Sur, 32,232; and Nueva Vizcaya, 10,012, largely for nature-based and countryside travel. Island destinations remained popular, with El Nido, Palawan hosting 40,000 tourists; Coron, 17,850; and Puerto Galera, 13,204. In Mindanao, Sarangani province welcomed 26,191 visitors; Siargao Island, 32,742; Bukidnon, 9,488; and Camiguin Island, 6,558. In Metro Manila, Intramuros drew large holiday crowds, particularly for Christmas masses at the Manila Cathedral and visits to its heritage sites and illuminated streets. Department of Tourism secretary Christina Frasco said domestic travel continues to drive the industry, supporting local economies and communities. Othel V. Campos
WHAT’S INSIDE?
PH stocks rise despite US-Venezuela noise
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Agriculture chief welcomes higher budget
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DTI seeks funding for CARS program
B4 BDO named among 10 most valuable banking brands in Southeast Asia Alex Haigh, managing director of Brand Finance Asia Pacific, presents the certificate of recognition to Lorah Sy, BDO Singapore senior vice president and chief executive, as Karis Napa, BDO Singapore senior vice president for commercial banking, joins on stage. BDO is awarded the Philippines’ most valuable banking brand.
BDO Unibank Inc. remains the only Philippine financial institution ranked among the 10 most valuable banking brands in Southeast Asia, according to the 2025 Brand Finance Asia Brand Gala held in Singapore. The recognition follows a year of financial growth, with the bank reporting a net income of P63.1 billion in the first nine months of 2025, a 4 percent increase from P60.6 billion during the same period in 2024. Brand Finance Asia Pacific managing director Alex Haigh said BDO’s
consistent performance and reputation demonstrate an ability to align brand strength with business results, which reinforces its leadership in the local industry. BDO operates the largest distribution network in the country, featuring over 1,800 operating branches and more than 5,900 teller machines. Financial reports as of June 30, 2025 confirm that BDO is the largest domestic bank in terms of total assets, loans, deposits and trust funds under management.
Net interest income grew 8 percent in the first three quarters, supported by a 14-percent rise in gross customer loans which reached P3.5 trillion. The bank saw double-digit growth across all market segments during this period. Total deposits increased 10 percent, allowing the bank to maintain a current account/savings account ratio of 67 percent. Non-interest income also rose 14 percent, bolstered by a 15 percent expansion in fee-based business sectors. The bank maintained stable asset
quality with a non-performing loan ratio of 1.77 percent and a coverage ratio of 134 percent. Shareholders’ equity increased 10 percent, bringing the book value per share to P116.42. The common equity tier 1 ratio improved to 14.4 percent from 14.1 percent a year earlier, while the return on average common equity was recorded at 14.1 percent. Beyond its domestic presence, BDO operates 15 international offices, including full-service branches in Hong Kong and Singapore.
PAL named most punctual carrier in Asia-Pacific in 2025, says Cirium By Darwin G. Amojelar PHILIPPINE Airlines (PAL) was named the most on-time airline in the Asia-Pacific region in 2025, according to data released by aviation analytics firm Cirium. The Philippine flag carrier achieved an on-time arrival performance of 83.12 percent, the highest among its regional peers. The ranking was disclosed during the 17th year of the Cirium On-Time Performance program, which tracks millions of flights globally and serves as an industry
Philippine Airlines (PAL) is named Asia-Pacific’s most on-time airline for 2025, achieving an on-time arrival performance of 83.12 percent, the highest in the region. The ranking is based on independently verified data from global aviation analytics firm Cirium.
benchmark for reliability. The airline maintained its schedule despite operating in a demanding environment characterized by weather disruptions, air traffic congestion and limited airport infrastructure. PAL Holdings Inc. president and chief operating officer Lucio Tan III attributed the achievement to the discipline and professionalism of the organization’s frontline teams. Tan also noted that the performance resulted from collaboration with private sector partners and government agencies. Key partners cited included MacroAsia Corp, Lufthansa Technik Philippines, New NAIA Infrastructure Corp, Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc. and LIPAD Corp. The recognition follows a period where carriers across the Asia-Pacific have faced significant capacity pressures and complex operational hurdles. PAL said it remains focused on sustaining these performance levels as part of a broader strategy to strengthen its global service reputation. The company operates a fleet of Boeing, Airbus and De Havilland aircraft. Its network includes nonstop flights from hubs in Manila, Cebu, Clark and Davao to 31 domestic destinations and 39 international locations across Asia, North America, Australia and the Middle East.
BRIGHTER DAYS. Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc. team members, along with Arnold Janssen Kalinga Foundation representatives, deliver donations as part of the ‘Care that Creates Brighter Days’ outreach initiative in Sta. Cruz, Manila.
Bangko Sentral, AMA Bank settle dispute to process depositor claims THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and AMA Rural Bank of Mandaluyong Inc. (AMA Bank) said Monday they have reached a settlement to resolve all outstanding disputes and facilitate the payment of claims to depositors and creditors. Under the compromise agreement, the BSP will maintain regulatory jurisdiction over AMA Bank to oversee the implementation of the settlement. This follows a directive for depositors and bank clients to submit their claims for payment directly to the rural bank. The legal battle began in 2019 when the BSP Monetary Board ordered the
closure of the lender through Resolution No. 1705. The board cited violations involving the issuance of irregular loans and transactions that provided unwarranted benefits to bank officials and stockholders. The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp (PDIC) was subsequently appointed as the receiver. The closure was later challenged in court. On March 1, 2023, the Supreme Court upheld a Court of Appeals ruling in September 2022 that found the closure and liquidation of the bank to be unwarranted and lacking legal grounds.
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extrastory2000@gmail.com
AirAsia Philippines launches New Year sale with 27% off flights By Darwin G. Amojelar AIRASIA Philippines has rolled out a New Year seat sale, offering up to 27 percent off all domestic and international flights to boost 2026 travel. The budget airline said the sale runs from Jan. 5 to 11, for travel between Jan. 19 and Nov. 30, covering select routes from Manila and Cebu. “Guests flying from Cebu can enjoy base fares as low as P65 oneway to Iloilo, Caticlan and Davao; P437 to Macao; and P1,459 to Kuala Lumpur,” AirAsia Philippines said. Travelers departing from Manila can book one-way base fares starting at P145 to Iloilo, P153 to Bacolod and P226 to Kalibo, along with various discounted fares for other domestic
destinations. International routes from Manila are also included in the promotion, with one-way base fares starting at P583 to Macao and P729 to Kaohsiung and Taipei. The airline encouraged guests to book early as seats are limited and terms and conditions apply. AirAsia is a leading low-cost carrier with licenses to operate in five ASEAN countries: Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines and Cambodia. The airline has served more than 800 million guests, connecting communities across more than 130 destinations. It operates more than 200 aircraft and holds a significant order book for the next decade. AirAsia also aims to lead in sustainable aviation with a net-zero target by 2050.
MONGOLIAN MARKET. Operated by Hunnu Air LLC, a special chartered flight lands at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 on Dec. 26, 2025 at 7:20 a.m., carrying 126 passengers, with majority of Mongolian nationals. The Department of Tourism says the charter arrival is strategically timed to capture Mongolia’s peak winter travel season when outbound travel demand is at its strongest and travelers actively seek warmer destinations for extended stays.
Local stocks extend gains despite US-Venezuela noise President bears command responsibility By Jenniffer B. Austria
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OCAL stocks sustained their upward momentum Monday as investors shrugged off geopolitical noise.
The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index jumped 29.47 points, or 0.48 percent, to close at 6,164.53, while the broader all shares index advanced 36.69 points, or 1.04 percent, to 3,553.74. The peso depreciated to 59.13 against the U.S. dollar Monday from 58.841 on Jan. 2. “Notably, equities largely looked past geopolitical headlines surrounding U.S. action in Venezuela, signaling that near-term trading remains driven by liquidity, fund flows and
domestic positioning rather than external shocks,” AB Capital Securities said. Analysts said investors are also anticipating a benign December inflation rate report from the government, which could support further interest rate cuts. Sectors ended mixed. Mining and oil advanced 2.95 percent, followed by services, industrial and financials. Holding firms and property declined by 0.29 percent and 0.11 percent, respectively.
MENTORING PROGRAM. Through its Mentoring Future Leaders for NationBuilding program, Security Bank Foundation, Inc. strengthens school leadership and teaching systems by training 79 principals and 88 teachers in leadership and mentoring, and school governance.
Filipino skincare brand Posh Skin Co. debuts in Singapore with 3 top designs POSH Skin Co., a leading pimple patch brand in the Philippines, has entered the Singapore skincare market with three of its top-selling designs available exclusively at 7-Eleven. Known for its trendsetting aesthetic and zit-busting ingredients, the brand aims to help young Singaporeans treat blemishes while maintaining a stylish look. The launch marks a major mileManila stone for Posh Skin Co., which Standard debutedTODAY last November and is now available in more than 700 retail outlets in the Philippines. Singapore is the brand’s second market in Southeast Asia, with expansion plans underway for NOTICE OF EXTRAJUDICIAL PARTITION M a l a y s i a, WITH WAIVER OF RIGHTS OF SURVIVING SPOUSE T h a i l a n d , OF THE INTESTATE ESTATE OF MARGARITO Hong Kong, MILITANTE MAGDATO Dubai and Notice is hereby given to the East Africa. public that the Extra-Judicial Partition With Waiver of Rights “Introof Surviving Spouse of the Intestate Estate of Margarito d u c i n g Militante Magdato has been executed by and among his Posh Skin heirs, namely: Sofia Peñaflor Co. to the Magdato, Niño P. Magdato and Margarito P. Magdato, Jr., as Singaporper Doc. No. 429; Page No. 87; Book No. I; Series of 2026 ean market of the Notarial Register/Book of Atty. Jaime Cayetano R. reinforces Pinugu, Notary Public for and our comin the City of Makati. mitment to (MS-JAN. 6/13/20, 2026)
bringing in trendy, youth-driven products that reflect what our customers are excited about today,” said Samantha Poon, health and beauty category manager at 7-Eleven. “We believe its fun designs and proven efficacy will strongly resonate with young shoppers who want fast, effective and stylish skincare on the go.” Formulated in South Korea, each Posh Skin Co. patch features a triple-action approach. The core hydrocolloid layer works by absorbing impurities, reducing swelling and creating a protective barrier against infection. The patches are infused with salicylic acid to exfoliate the skin and reduce redness, while tea tree oil provides anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. Dermatologically tested and cruelty-free, the patches also feature a subtle aloe vera scent. “Launching Posh Skin Co. in Singapore is a momentous step in our mission to empower the next generation across Southeast Asia to embrace their skin with confidence,” said Dowan Kim of Kimtan Labs. “We chose Singapore because it is a vibrant, trendsetting market.”
Advancers beat decliners 133 to 93. As investors returned from the long holiday, trading was active with value turnover reaching P5.67 billion. Foreign investors were net buyers with inflows of P330.78 million. ACEN Corp. was the day’s top gainer, rising 5.5 percent to P3.07, while Converge ICT Solutions Inc. was the main index laggard, declining 4.65 percent to P14.76. Asian stocks rose Monday on the back of a fresh rally in tech firms and oil dipped as investors weighed the impact of the US ouster of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. While the South American leader’s removal added to geopolitical risk on global markets, traders chose to focus on the long-running artificial intelligence boom and hopes for more US interest rate cuts. With AFP
Hong Kong reclaims top global IPO spot HONG KONG reclaimed its position as the world’s top spot for initial public offerings in 2025 after it raised more than HK$285 billion (US$36.6 billion), a 225 percent increase on-year, accounting giant PwC said Monday. The Chinese finance hub saw 119 new listings last year, with big-ticket sales including Chinese battery giant CATL and miner Zijin Gold putting it ahead of the New York Stock Exchange, Nasdaq and the National Stock Exchange of India. “Despite uncertainties in the global geopolitical landscape, the demand for international financing by Chinese enterprises and investors’ interest in high-quality Chinese companies remain strong,” PricewaterhouseCoopers’ (PwC) Hong Kong capital markets leader Eddie Wong said. PwC estimated around 150 companies would list in Hong Kong this year, potentially raising up to HK$350 billion. More than 10 companies are expected to raise more than HK$5 billion, while other firms already listed in mainland China will continue the trend of using Hong Kong as a fundraising venue for overseas expansions, according to PwC. AFP
for General Appropriations Act
IN THE early part of every year, the high-rank military officers around President of the Philippines, who the world have been court-martialed, heads the Executive Department, even executed, for the wrongdoings sends to Congress, as the keeper of of personnel under their command. the nation’s purse, a proposal for In modern military history, the a National Expenditure Program Nuremberg and Tokyo trials of the (NEP) for the succeeding calendar World War II German and Japanese year. military leaders, respectively, are During the remaining months the best examples of the application of the year, Congress reviews the of the doctrine of command administration’s spending proposal responsibility. – poring over the components of the NEP, holding public hearings and soliciting expert testimony President Marcos – and, upon the termination of the review process, approves a must accept General Appropriation Act (GAA) command that it sends to the President of the responsibility for Philippines for signing into law. The Office of the President the 2025 GAA undertakes a final review of the and the newly proposed GAA, after which the Chief Executive, with abundant approved GAA. ceremony, affixes his signature to the GAA. President signed the 2025 GAA in the last week of 2024. The same process was observed for the making of the 2026 GAA, In stark contrast, President the sole deviation being that the Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has been President, citing a need for sufficient comporting himself as though time to conduct a “thorough review” he has never heard of command thereof, signed this year’s, GAA responsibility. He has been on Monday, five days beyond generously distributing flame for the the Constitutionally-mandated flood-control projects fiasco among effectivity date. several groups of people within and From the foregoing recital of the outside the government including process for the making of the GAA, members of Congress. (Mahiya it is clear that the law embodying naman kayo”, he admonished them in the government’s spending his 2025 State of the Nation Address), program could not have come into the Executive Secretary and Cabinet being without two signatures; the secretaries and undersecretaries. The signature on the letter transmitting President has not accepted command the proposed NEP to Congress and responsibility for the worst scandal the signature on the GAA approved in the Philippines government ‘s by Congress. Both are signatures of history, and there is no indication the President of the Philippines. The that he has any thought of doing so. GAA-making process begins with Mr. Marcos obviously does not the President’s signature and ends know or has forgotten, about the with his signature. resignation many years ago of Truly, the President is at the heart Japan’s Minister of Transportation of the process of establishing the in the wake of a train disaster in a nation’s annual spending program. prefecture far from Tokyo. The Yet, nowhere in the discussions Minister believed that he should and analyses of the 2025 GAA resign because Japan’s railroads and this year’s GAA has there were a part of his administrative CYAN MAGENTA been a forthright suggestion that, command. YELLOW BLACK as this country’s Chief Executive, Unlike Japan, the Philippines has the President ultimately bears no culture of acceptance of command responsibility for the manner in responsibility. In its stead, there is which the nation’s resources are used. a culture of blame-shifting, backIn the military, that responsibility is passing and self-exoneration. This called command responsibility; in surely goes a long way to explain the the civilian sphere, it goes by the role played by personnel character in same name. Japan’s phenomenal rise to political Under the doctrine of command and economic power. responsibility, the commander As the official who commanded accepts responsibility when a the Executive Department that mission or project entrusted to his prepared the General Appropriations command goes wrong; he does not bill and who signed the GAA into turn around and put the blame on his law, President Marcos must accept subordinates. It matters not that he command responsibility for the 2025 was not personally responsible for GAA and the newly approved GAA. The 2025 GAA turned out to be a the debacle or failure; what matters, disaster; the new GAA may or may under the doctrine of command not be the corruption-free document responsibility, is that it took place that Congress has portrayed it to be. under his command. (llagasjessa@ahoo.com) History has recorded that many
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BUSINESS PCC launches online system of reporting monopoly cases THE Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) opened its online case reporting system to the public Dec. 18, allowing citizens to directly report suspected anticompetitive practices through the agency’s website. The PCC, an independent quasi-judicial body tasked with enforcing the Philippine Competition Act, developed the system with support from the Korea International Cooperation Agency. Launched internally in April 2024, the platform streamlines the reporting process by enabling users to securely upload documents and file cases online. The system replaces a manual procedure that previously involved multiple steps and staff intervention. “This system empowers the public to take part in safeguarding competition. By making reporting faster, simpler and more secure, we are strengthening our collective effort to ensure fair markets for all,” PCC Chairperson Michael Aguinaldo said. The case reporting system is accessible at https://ccms.phcc. gov.ph. As the country’s primary antitrust authority, the PCC enforces rules against anti-competitive conduct, abuse of dominant position and anti-competitive mergers and acquisitions. The move underscores its mandate to promote fair competition and protect consumer welfare. Othel V. Campos
B3 TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2026
extrastory2000@gmail.com
Tiu Laurel welcomes higher agriculture budget for 2026 A By Othel V. Campos
GRICULTURE Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. welcomed the passage of the 2026 national budget Monday, citing higher allocations for the agriculture sector to support food production, rural development and long-term food security. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed the P6.793 trillion national budget for 2026 earlier that day. Tiu Laurel said the larger outlay, particularly for infrastructure, farm support and postharvest facilities, could raise productivity, reduce losses
and help stabilize the food supply. “I haven’t seen the actual GAA in its entirety, so it’s difficult to comment on all the details. We’re happy that the budget has finally been released, but we still need to review what the final version entails,” he said.
The secretary noted that investments in farm-to-market roads, irrigation, storage and cold-chain facilities are critical to improving farmer incomes while keeping consumer prices in check. He cautioned, however, that the actual impact would depend on the final provisions of the General Appropriations Act (GAA), which requires careful review. Media reports showed the Department of Agriculture was among the agencies that received higher funding following the reallocation of floodcontrol funds. Key allocations include P33 billion for farm-to-market
Boracay Water expands sewer network to 67%
BOLD IDEAS. Winners and finalists of Communications, Inc.’s first-ever Hack the Bottleneck innovation challenge showcase creative solutions to address customer pain points and improve operational efficiency. Seven finalists emerged, and six employees were recognized for their bold and game-changing ideas.
Meralco warns against power cable theft anew after Quezon City incident MANILA Electric Co. reminded the public of the dangers posed by the theft of power cables and electrical facilities following a recent incident in Quezon City. On Jan. 4, at around 3 a.m., a 37-year-old man attempted to steal power cables, causing a temporary service disruption for nearly 8,000 customers. Meralco
crews restored power by 7 a.m. after repairing the affected lines. The suspect sustained flashover burns and fell from a tree during the attempt. He was rushed to a hospital and remains in critical condition. “This incident underscores the grave dangers of stealing power cables and electrical facilities,” said Froilan Savet,
Meralco senior vice president and head of networks. “Beyond the inconvenience caused by service interruptions, these acts pose lifethreatening risks due to the high voltage of Meralco facilities. Any contact with energized facilities can lead to electric shock, severe injuries or even death.” Savet urged the public to
cooperate in maintaining safe and reliable electricity by reporting suspicious activity involving Meralco facilities. The utility company also emphasized that wire theft violates Republic Act No. 7832, or the Anti-Electricity Pilferage Act, which carries penalties of imprisonment and fines.
PSA board approves new definitions for informal sector, employment THE Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) announced that the PSA Board approved the conceptual and operational definitions of the informal sector and informal employment during its 41st meeting on Nov. 27, 2025. The adoption of these definitions addresses the challenges faced by workers in the informal economy, who are often characterized by high degrees of vulnerability, job insecurity and limited access to social protection. Accurate and timely statistics are crucial for monitoring progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 8, which promotes inclusive economic growth and decent work for all. The new definitions
roads, which was doubled from previous levels, P30 billion for the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund, a threefold increase, P20 billion for the proposed Animal Industry Competitiveness Act and additional funding for the expanded Benteng Bigas “Meron Na” program. Tiu Laurel said close scrutiny is needed to ensure funds reach farmers, fisherfolk and other stakeholders across the value chain, stressing that public spending must translate into tangible benefits. He added that budget priorities should support ongoing reforms in modernization, climate resilience and food security.
specifically support SDG Indicator 8.3.1, which measures the proportion of informal employment in total employment by sector and sex. This data will guide the development of evidence-based government policies and programs to address the consequences of informality. The definitions resulted from a collaboration among the PSA, the Technical Working Group on Informal Employment Statistics and the Interagency Committee on Labor and Productivity Statistics. Following the board’s approval, the PSA is tasked with collecting, compiling and disseminating official statistics on these categories through the Labor Force Survey.
Boracay Water expands its sewer network coverage in Barangay Balabag and portions of Yapak in Boracay Island, Aklan to meet the increasing wastewater management needs driven by continuous developments in these areas, under the Yapak Bypass Project. This initiative reinforces Boracay Water’s commitment to environmental sustainability and regulatory compliance.
BORACAY Water has expanded its sewer network in Barangay Balabag and portions of Yapak in Boracay Island, Aklan, to meet the rising wastewater management needs of the area under the Yapak Bypass Project. The initiative reinforces the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability and regulatory compliance. The project adheres to the Philippine Clean Water Act and the Sanitation Code of the Philippines. It also supports Malay’s Municipal Ordinance No. 550, which mandates sewer connection within 100 meters of an available network. As a result of the expansion, sewer coverage on the island increased from 61 percent to 67 percent. Through Boracay Water’s free connection program, Project Monsoon, 230 households— representing approximately 1,150 individuals—have connected to the system to ensure proper wastewater treatment. The project also allowed Boracay Water to accommodate flows from Yapak and Balabag, leading to a nearly fivefold increase in connected accounts, from 30 in December 2024 to 178 in October 2025. “Boracay Water remains steadfast in its mission to provide effective water and wastewater services while protecting the island’s natural beauty and ensuring long-term sustainability,” said Joanna Intas, acting general manager of Boracay Water. Intas added that the expansion helps maintain Boracay’s pristine condition for tourism while improving public health. “This means cleaner surroundings, improved public health and a safer environment for residents and visitors alike,” she said. Boracay Water is an operating unit of Manila Water Philippine Ventures, a subsidiary of Manila Water Co., and a concessionaire of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority.
Asian airlines see strong growth in passenger, cargo traffic in November, expects further growth in 2026
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PRELIMINARY traffic figures for November 2025 released today by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) showed continued Continued robust growth in strong growth in international air passenger and both leisure and business travel cargo markets. Travel demand remained robust within propelled passenger demand the region and across key long-haul routes. higher in November. Meanwhile, inventory restocking and increased e-commerce activity ahead of the year-end This contributed to a solid 10 festive season supported further expansion in percent increase in the number of air cargo demand. The number of international passengers international passengers carried carried by Asia-Pacific airlines increased 8.3 for the first 11 months of the year, percent percent year over year in November to 32.9 million. Measured in revenue to a total of 355 million. passenger kilometers (RPK), demand grew 9 percent compared to the same month in 2024, — SUBHAS MENON, AAPA director general outpacing the 8 percent expansion in available
seat capacity. Consequently, the average international passenger load factor rose 0.8 percentage points to 83.2 percent. Reflecting increased export activity from Asian economies, particularly in Southeast Asia and India, Asia-Pacific carriers recorded a 6.2 percent year-over-year increase in international air cargo demand, measured in freight tonne kilometers (FTK). Offered freight capacity rose 7.2 percent, resulting in a marginal 0.6 percentage point decline in the average international freight load factor to 61.9 percent for the month. “Continued robust growth in both leisure and business travel propelled passenger demand higher in November,” said Subhas Menon, AAPA director general. “This contributed to a solid 10 percent increase
in the number of international passengers carried for the first 11 months of the year, to a total of 355 million.” Menon noted that Asian carriers benefited from strong demand for timely shipments, consistent with seasonal trends. Overall, air cargo demand rose 5.6 percent for the first 11 months of 2025 as supply chains increasingly shifted toward other economies in Asia. Looking ahead, Menon remains positive, expecting further growth in 2026. However, he cautioned that intensifying competition is placing pressure on yields while airlines face persistent supply chain challenges. Although declining oil prices provide relief, airlines remain focused on cost management to maintain profitability.
BUSINESS
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TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2026
extrastory2000@gmail.com RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor
DTI seeks auto perks funding after budget veto By Othel V. Campos
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Second-generation leader Butch Atienza continues the legacy of Caster Global Sports Inc., transforming a family tailoring business into an international custom sportswear brand.
PH sports brand Caster becomes international player CASTER Global Sports Inc., a company that began as a modest tailoring shop in Metro Manila in the early 1980s, has evolved into an international player by bridging the gap between bespoke Filipino design and global distribution. The company was established by master tailor Carlito Atienza to provide affordable, high-quality customizable uniforms for local banks and universities. While the brand flourished domestically for decades, its transition to the international stage was sparked by a generational shift in leadership and a strategic partnership with global shipping giant FedEx. Caster Global Sports vice president Butch Atienza joined the family business with experience from a multina-
tional corporation. He identified an untapped demand for personalized sports kits in overseas markets. To address the logistical challenges of exporting, the company began using FedEx in the early 2000s, initially attracted by promotional box rates. The collaboration has lasted more than 20 years, allowing the manufacturer to test foreign markets without overcommitting resources. Today, shipments to the United States arrive within two to five days, a speed that has significantly shortened the feedback loop between the manufacturer and its international clientele. Caster Global Sports distinguishes itself from about 20 local competitors by focusing on high-end customization rather than simple sublimated prints.
IN BRIEF
The company offers embroidery and one-off recreations based on customer photos, a service that attracts buyers in the United States and Europe who prioritize unique designs over mass-produced items. Production is supported by a disciplined quality control process where every order begins with a detailed specification sheet and sample production. The company has invested in fullbody printers and modern embroidery machines to maintain consistency. Lead times range from two to three weeks for orders of 50 to 100 pieces and three to six weeks for shipments of 1,000 units. Scaling the business has required balancing bespoke craftsmanship with high-volume production and managing cash flow.
EPARTMENT of Trade and Industry (DTI) officials are scrambling to find new ways to pay P4.98 billion in overdue incentives to car manufacturers after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. vetoed funding for the program in the 2026 national budget. Board of Investments (BOI) managing head Ceferino Rodolfo said Monday the agency is working with the Department of Budget and Management (DB<) to settle arrears under the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS). The program was designed to boost local vehicle manufacturing, but a significant portion of its funding was slashed from the 2026 General Appropriations Act. The BOI had requested P3.99 billion to cover unpaid tax payment certificates, which are earned by companies based on meeting specific production targets. However, the 2026 National Expenditure Program provided only P225.653 million in current appropriations and P333.504 million in unprogrammed funds. The latter was ultimately struck down by the president. “We fully respect the decision of the President,” Rodolfo said. “To our investors, we firmly as-
sure that we are already working with other agencies, principally the DBM, in identifying a mechanism to ensure payment of CARS arrearages, especially as these had been based on validated delivery of performance commitments,” said Rodolfo. Data from the BOI showed that P5.43 billion in tax payment certificates have been issued under the program since its inception, but only P1.443 billion have been funded. The remaining balance includes debts accumulated during the 2024 and 2025 budget cycles. The P4.98 billion in outstanding obligations does not include a pending application from Toyota Motor Philippines for P1.557 billion. That claim covers the production of 38,127 Vios units manufactured between September 2023 and July 15, 2024. Rodolfo said settling these debts is critical for maintaining investor confidence in the government’s industrial policies.
Vietnam says GDP grew 8.0% in 2025
HANOI—Vietnam said Monday its economy grew 8.0 percent last year, thanks to gains in services, construction and exports and despite fresh US tariffs taking effect. “GDP in 2025 is projected to grow significantly at an estimated rate of 8.02 percent compared to the previous year,” the General Statistics Office (GSO) said in a statement. Vietnam has long been a success story among Asian economies. Its economy expanded last year despite new trade levies from the United States, its largest export market, on a range of products including clothing and shoes. The global manufacturing hub earned about $475 billion from exports last year, up 17 percent year-on-year, and spent $455 billion on imports, up 19 percent from 2024, according to the GSO. China was its largest source of imports, the office said. Vietnam in July secured a minimum 20 percent tariff with the United States, down from more than 40 percent, in return for opening its market to US products including cars. “Despite potential downside risks from tariffs imposed by the US, Vietnam has shown resilience through strong domestic consumption, business investment growth and government spending,” said Chad Ovel, a partner at private equity firm Mekong Capital. AFP
DOE adopts bidding for renewable projects
THE Department of Energy has issued a new circular adopting an open and competitive selection process for the award of renewable energy service contracts to boost transparency in the exploration and development of local resources. Department circular DC2025-12-0029 establishes a review and evaluation committee to oversee the selection of projects for hydropower, geothermal, onshore and offshore wind resources. The move follows a 2024 directive requiring the agency to identify pre-determined areas to be offered through competitive bidding to meet the power supply requirements of the Philippines. The Renewable Energy Management Bureau will identify and nominate areas for development, providing location maps and technical descriptions for each site. Under the new guidelines, the Department of Energy will issue a notice of bidding along with the terms of reference for every selection round. Applicants may be individuals or corporations, including foreign-owned entities, provided their articles of incorporation allow for renewable energy exploration and utilization. However, the appropriation of water from natural sources remains reserved for Filipino citizens or corporations where at least 60 percent of the capital is Filipino-owned. Alena Mae S. Flores
Philodrill seeks larger petroleum service area
THE Philodrill Corp has applied with the Department of Energy for a development and production petroleum service contract to expand and revitalize the West Linapacan Block, the company said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange in December. The proposed contract for Service Contract 14C2 seeks to increase the current 17,724-hectare area to about 82,000 hectares. The expansion would incorporate adjacent open acreage to the east of the site. Philodrill and its joint venture partners submitted the formal application under a new framework introduced by the energy department for expiring service contracts that have ongoing production or validated reserves. Philodrill aims to use modern technology to restore West Linapacan A and bring West Linapacan B into production. The original service contract was awarded on Dec 17, 1975, and its final 15-year extension is set to expire on Dec 17, 2025. The block consists of structural traps formed by fault-related folding, with a main reservoir in the fractured Linapacan Limestone. Alena Mae S. Flores
PCCI urges policy reforms to fight corruption THE Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) asked the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to implement procedural and policy reforms to address systemic corruption and government abuse. PCCI president Ferdinand Ferrer said in an interview that corrective measures should be institutionalized to prevent the large-scale misuse of public funds from recurring. Ferrer said while accountability steps are underway, long-term solutions should extend beyond the prosecution and jailing of offenders. He said corruption indirectly disrupts business operations by affecting worker morale and productivity. These systemic issues ultimately hamper overall enterprise operations despite efforts by the private sector to remain resilient, he said. Ferrer estimated that billions of
pesos lost to corruption could have instead funded critical digital connectivity and infrastructure projects. Such investments are necessary to strengthen the position of the Philippines as a top destination for foreign investment. Digitalization remains a primary focus for the chamber to improve the ease of doing business and promote transparency. Ferrer said digital tools reduce human intervention and align government processes with international best practices. While starting a business in the country is relatively easy, he noted that sustaining operations remains difficult due to inconsistent regulations. However, he expressed hope as various government agencies push for the simplification of these processes. Othel V. Campos
EASIER PAYMENT. EastWest cardholders discover an easier, simpler payment with just a tap of their phone through Google Pay. Google Pay is now available in the Philippines for compatible Android and Wear OS devices, and EastWest is one of the first local banks to support it.
BPI set to issue P5b worth of SIGLA bonds By Jenniffer B. Austria and Thony Rose Lesaca BANK of the Philippine Islands (BPI) said Monday it plans to issue at least P5 billion worth of peso-denominated fixed-rate bonds due 2028. BPI said in a disclosure to the stock exchange the issuance, called BPI Supporting Individuals Grow, Lead and Achieve (BPI SIGLA) bonds, will have a two-year tenor and include an option to upsize. The bonds will be issued as second tranche under BPI’s P200-billion bond and commercial paper program approved by its board of directors on Oct. 16, 2024. BPI said the Securities and Exchange Commission on Dec. 18, 2025 affirmed the bonds’ “ASEAN Social Bond” label. The bank said it would use the net proceeds from the offer to finance or refinance eligible social projects under its Sustainable Funding Framework in line with the ASEAN Social Bond Standards. The public offer period is scheduled to run from Jan. 26 to Feb. 4, 2026. The bonds are expected to be issued and listed on the Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp. on Feb. 13, 2026. BPI Capital Corp. and ING Bank N.V., Manila Branch are serving as joint lead arrangers and selling agents for the offer. BPI and the joint lead arrangers said they reserve the right to update the offer terms, periods and dates, with due notice. Interested investors may visit any BPI branch or contact the joint lead arrangers and selling agents for more information.
Mañalac gets Entrepreneur Leadership award HAVITAS Developments Corp. chairman and co-founder Alejandro Mañalac received recognition at the Global Entrepreneur Leadership Awards 2025 in December for his contributions to the Philippine property sector. The ceremony, held at the Seda Hotel Vertis North, honored individuals whose leadership and vision have created significant industry and community impact. Mañalac, a PRC-licensed real estate broker and was recently named the PRC Outstanding Professional of the Year for real estate, also serves as Keller Williams Manila Bay operating principal. He is widely recognized for promoting “responsible real estate,” a philosophy focusing on ethics,
long-term value, and professional development. The event highlighted national economic stewardship by honoring other prominent figures, including Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry president-elect Perry Ferrer and Employers Confederation of the Philippines chairman Sergio Ortiz-Luis. The awards celebrate business excellence that extends beyond commercial profitability to include broader economic leadership. Mañalac has focused on industry education and international speaking engagements. He leads development projects that integrate sustainability with investment discipline while mentoring the next generation of real estate professionals. Mañalac said during the event the award serves as a reminder that leadership involves a responsibility to uplift people and contribute to the country rather than just building businesses. The Philippine real estate market adapts to shifting global trends. Industry analysts note that leaders who balance growth with purpose, such as Mañalac, are becoming increasingly central to the sector’s evolution.
Real estate professional Alejandro Mañalac is recognized at Global Entrepreneur Leadership Awards 2025.
ENVIRONMENT
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TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2026
& SUSTAINABILIT Y
extrastory2000@gmail.com RAY S. EÑANO, Editor
Cities, towns lead transition to circularity By Earl Paulo Diaz, Moeko Saito-Jensen, Voltaire Acosta and Erika Mary
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First of 4 parts
ITIES are where transformation becomes tangible. They show us how sustainability isn’t just a notion but a shared and relatable practice. In the way neighborhoods handle their waste, how food is produced and consumed, and how people protect the ecosystems that make their homes livable, all these are contributing to the shift from linearity to circularity. More than engines of technology, cities (and municipalities) have become classrooms for a smarter future: reflective of culture, shaped by ambition, and grounded in people. Through the EU-Philippines Green Economy Partnership, 20 pioneering cities have stepped forward to show what circularity looks like in everyday life: starting with Baguio, Pasig, Caloocan, Quezon City, Puerto Princesa, Iloilo, Ormoc, Davao, Island Garden City of Samal, and Del Carmen, now welcoming the cities of San Carlos, Ilagan, San Jose Del Monte, Bacoor, Sorsogon, Maasin,
Aerial view of the Quezon City Elliptical Road. Jilson Tiu/UNDP Philippines
Isabela, Cagayan de Oro, Koronadal and Cotabato into the fore. These localities are co-creating new systems, writing stronger policies, nurturing innovators, strengthening community enterprises, and making room for voices that strengthen local decision-making. Together, they are proofs that circular transitions are
unfolding in the Philippines while potentially holding lessons worth sharing, scaling, and sustaining. On the recent World Cities Day 2025, with the global call for “People-Centered Smart Cities,” we celebrate how three localities are redefining progress: one that values people, resources, and the continuity
of community well-being. Del Carmen: Circular futures rooted in community values In Del Carmen, circularity is a story of redemption. How a community once known for losing its mangroves is now leading a global example in protecting them. Today, the same mangrove forests
2025 marked by extreme heat, says WMO
Station to rise in Samar to monitor marine life and coastal ecosystems By Sarwell Meniano TACLOBAN CITY—The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has started establishing the Guiuan Marine Scientific Research Station (MSRS) in Barangay Baras, Guiuan, Eastern Samar. Once completed, the facility will serve as a dedicated center for marine research, training and scientific collaboration in Eastern Visayas, the DENR regional office said. The Guiuan MSRS is designed as a hub for the study of marine biodiversity and coastal ecosystems, generating critical scientific data to support the protection, conservation and sustainable use of marine and coastal resources. The station will also host capacitybuilding activities, providing training opportunities for researchers, local
government personnel, students and coastal communities. The facility is expected to support science-based policymaking, climate change resilience planning and the sustainable development of fisheries and ecotourism, with direct benefits for local fisherfolk and nearby coastal communities. “Once operational, the research station will strengthen collaboration among government agencies, academic institutions, and local stakeholders, serving as a venue for inter-agency cooperation, field research, and community engagement focused on marine conservation and resource management,” DENR Regional Executive Director Arturo Salazar said. As part of a nationwide initiative, the Guiuan MSRS will rise on a 1,796-square-meter site and will represent one of the country’s six marine biogeographic regions. PNA
Officials from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Eastern Visayas lead the groundbreaking of the Guiuan Marine Scientific Research Station in Barangay Baras, Guiuan, Eastern Samar. DENR Region 8 photo
DA Photo
DA wants to unlock farm potential of Liguasan Marsh THE government is pushing for more farm-to-market roads (FMR) in Mindanao to unlock its farmland potential, especially in the rich Liguasan Marsh. The Department of Agriculture (DA) said it is seeking to regain full control of the FMR program next year. Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said preparations are underway for roads that will cut through some of the country’s most promising—but chronically underutilized—food production zones, including wide tracts in Sultan Kudarat and the vast Liguasan Marsh. Liguasan Marsh, he added, could deliver an even larger windfall, with up to 300,000 hectares recoverable once road networks are in place. Liguasan is the country’s largest wetland and a haven for birds and a source of livelihood for thousands of families. The government included it under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) in 1992. He said hundreds of billions of pesos in untapped agricultural value can finally be unlocked once longisolated farmlands are connected to commercial hubs.
“Once we build it—like now—we want to put ₱2 billion into a single road in Sultan Kudarat that will open up 32,000 to 35,000 hectares of new farmland,” the DA chief said. “These areas aren’t being used now because there’s simply no road.” Beyond basic access, the DA plans to reinforce these corridors with post-harvest facilities under the World Bank–funded Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP). The program will roll out cold storage units, dryers, silos, and logistics links to ports and emerging agri-ports— facilities Tiu Laurel says are essential for lowering production costs and raising farmer incomes. To prepare for the transition, the DA has organized a dedicated FMR unit. It also plans to roll out a transparency system featuring time-lapse cameras, a farm-to-market portal and memorandums of understanding with farmer cooperatives to help monitor project progress. “It’s not rocket science to build a farm-to-market road,” Tiu Laurel said. “But we need people’s help to monitor those projects. Technology will also help.” DA News
4 countries changing their relationship with the natural world First of 2 parts THE Earth is in an environmental tailspin that threatens the future of billions of people, according to a major new report from the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). To rescue itself, the seventh edition of the Global Environment Outlook says humanity needs to make dramatic changes to the way it runs its economies, uses raw materials, manages waste, generates power, produces and consumes food and treats the environment. Sound like an impossible task? Not necessarily, say the report’s authors, a collection of nearly 300
Bengal Tiger
Credit: Biosphoto via APF/Valter Bernanrdeschi
multidisciplinary scientists. Several communities around the world have already started to remake crucial systems, with the early returns showing it is possible to protect the environment and create new opportunities. “Too often people look at it as a binary choice: the environment or the economy,” says Maarten Kappelle, Chief of Service in UNEP’s Office of Science. “But you can build an economy that benefits people and planet. In fact, that’s happening everywhere from Burkina Faso to India–right now.” Here are four examples of this kind of transformation in action. Marrying conservation and growth For years, many of India’s Advasi Indigenous Peoples–who live in and around a world-famous Periyar Tiger Reserve–had struggled with unemployment and poverty. But in the late 1990s, the government and donor groups launched a wide-ranging project that twinned development and conservation. Many of the 200,000 Advasi community members were taught how to become wildlife guides and forest rangers. That helped both protect the reserve’s
anchor the island’s resilience. These valuable ecosystems now protect coasts, support fisheries and draw travelers eager to experience nature that thrives. Mayor Alfredo Coro II’s leadership in the island municipality of Del Carmen in Surigao del Norte is anchored in a simple belief: “circularity must begin with what a community values most.” For the municipality, it means building a future where tourism sustains culture, where livelihoods reflect pride in local heritage, and where young people grow up seeing stewardship as a shared duty. Residents are active actors in this transformation. They participate in dialogues, run resource recovery systems, and integrate circularity into schools and youth programs. Coconut farmers, fisherfolk and small businesses are seeing the value of protecting the environment that provides for their livelihoods. As part of their commitment, Del Carmen has started building on ‘Circular Futures’––an approach to circularity that emphasizes strengthened partnerships within and beyond the island, allowing opportunities to test solutions with experts, investors, and neighboring towns. For the island municipality, circularity is lived every day: in the way community is honored, ecosystems are protected, and opportunities are shared. It is a reminder that sustainability succeeds when its roots are cultural and collective. (To be continued) UNDP Philippines News
E-Wate recycling
Credit: ImageChina via APF/Zhou SIhan
endangered big cats and kick off an eco-tourism boom in the region that provided jobs and stability for many local families. Capitalizing on electronic waste Through much of the 1990s, China was a dumping ground for electronic waste, a lot of it illegally imported from abroad. Everything from old computers to refrigerators flooded landfills and informal dumpsites, leaching toxic chemicals into the country’s soils and water. (To be continued) UNEP News
ANKARA—2025 ranked among the warmest years on record globally, despite a shift toward neutral or weak La Niña conditions that typically cool global temperatures, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the Copernicus Climate Change Service. Global temperatures in 2025 ranked second or third warmest on record, following the recordhot year of 2024, underscoring the growing strength of human-caused warming driven by greenhouse gas emissions. Scientists said natural cooling cycles are no longer sufficient to offset rising baseline temperatures, with many regions registering record or near-record heat levels throughout the year. WMO said its latest global climate outlook shows temperatures over the next five years are likely to remain at or near record levels, with an 80 percent chance that at least one year will exceed the current warmest year on record and a 70 percent chance that the five-year average will temporarily exceed 1.5C above pre-industrial levels. The effects of climate change are considered one of the biggest threats facing humanity today, according to many studies and scientific bodies. Summer 2025 heatwaves Extreme summer heat in 2025 caused widespread health impacts and record temperatures across multiple regions, with July ranking as the third-warmest on record globally. Europe recorded its fourthwarmest summer on record, with intense heat concentrated in western and southern areas. Land surface temperatures were significantly above average in northeastern Spain, southwestern France, the Balkans and parts of Fennoscandia, with anomalies reaching up to 6C (10.8F) in some locations. The UK recorded its hottest June on record in England and the second-warmest nationwide since records began in 1884, according to the Met Office. The Netherlands experienced its second-highest June temperatures since 1901, data from the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute showed. Spain endured its most intense heatwave on record in August, the State Meteorological Agency said. Scandinavia, including Finland, Denmark, Sweden and Norway, saw prolonged heatwaves in July, with temperatures well above seasonal averages across the region. A study by researchers from Imperial College London and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine estimated around 24,400 heat-related deaths across 854 European cities between June and August.PNA, Anadolu
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lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com NICKIE WANG, Editor ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer JASPER VALDEZ, Writer
SPEEd names new president, outlines new officers and vision
THE Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors (SPEEd) has elected Tessa Mauricio-Arriola, lifestyle and entertainment editor of The Manila Times, as its new president. Mauricio-Arriola now heads the organization that began as a social club of entertainment editors from national broadsheets, leading tabloids, and major online portals. SPEEd was co-founded by the late Manila Standard entertainment editor Isah V. Red, who also served as the group’s president emeritus. “With our new set of officers, we want to move forward with a bold vision, but at the same time stay true to the values that have always guided SPEEd and continue to support the direction the group believes in,” Mauricio-Arriola said. Joining her in the new set of officers are Maricris Nicasio of Hataw (vice president—internal) and Gerardine Trillana of Malaya Business Insight (vice president—external).
Tessa Mauricio-Arriola is named president of the Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors (SPEEd), leading the organization into a new term
Ervin Santiago of Inquirer Bandera and Rohn Romulo of People’s Balita were elected secretaries, while Dondon Sermino of Abante TnT and DWAR1494 and Anna Pingol of Pika-Pika and Pilipino Star Ngayon will serve as treasurers. Jerry Olea
The officers and members of the Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors (SPEEd) at the recent edition of the annual Eddys
of PEP was named auditor. The group’s public relations officers are Nickie Wang of Manila Standard, who was reelected, along with Neil Ramos of Tempo and Janiz Navida of Bulgar. “As we enter a new chapter, we’re staying committed to supporting communities and, through the annual Eddys, continuing to honor the
workers in the film industry who make these meaningful stories possible,” Mauricio-Arriola added. Veteran entertainment journalist Nestor Cuartero, of Tempo, Manila Bulletin, and The Market Monitor, continues to serve as SPEEd adviser. Members of the council of past presidents include Ian Fariñas of People’s Tonight, Eugene Asis of
People’s Journal, Salve Asis of Pilipino Star Ngayon and PangMasa. SPEEd members include Dinah Sabal Ventura of Daily Tribune, Jun Lalin of Abante, Nathalie Tomada of The Philippine Star, Bobby Requintina of Manila Bulletin, Dindo Balares, retired editor of Balita, and Rito Asilo, retired editor of the Philippine Daily Inquirer.
Showbiz’s fresh bets to watch in 2026 ST A N D A R D ’S C H O I C E By Angelica Villanueva
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ROM reality-show standouts to fresh faces in upcoming series, Philippine entertainment is stepping into an exciting chapter in 2026 with new faces who bring talent, charm, and fresh energy to the industry. This year, a new generation of young stars is beginning to make its way into the spotlight, drawing attention through television roles, reality-show appearances, and major series projects. As the year unfolds, these names are shaping up to be the ones to watch. Caprice Cayetano Caprice continues her steady rise after transitioning from child roles to more prominent projects. She appears in the GMA drama Cruz vs. Cruz and is among the housemates of Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition 2.0. Caprice began her career as a child actress at the age of five and has since built a steady body of work on Philippine television, with earlier credits including Kambal, Karibal and Prima Donnas. Heath Jornales Heath is being introduced to a wider audience through PBB: Celebrity Collab Edition 2.0. He began his career appearing in commercials before joining GMA Network in 2020 and acting in series such as Lolong: Pangil ng Maynila, Pepito Manaloto, Mga Batang Riles, and Encantadia Chronicles: Sang’gre. The son of actor, fight director, and martial artist Michael Roy Jornales, he Heath Jornales gains wider attention after joining ‘Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition 2.0’
Caprice is known for her role Jessica in afternoon series ’Cruz vs. Cruz’
Eliza Borromeo builds momentum following her early acting roles and her appearance on ‘Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition 2.0’
has trained in taekwondo, boxing, and arnis, and also enjoys skateboarding, motorbike riding, basketball, and playing the guitar. Eliza Borromeo Eliza was also a former housemate of PBB: Celebrity Collab Edition 2.0. Before joining, she appeared in ABSCBN’s hit thriller series What Lies Beneath as the younger version of Janella Salvador’s character, marking one of her first significant acting roles. Lella Ford Lella Ford is the youngest daughter of actress and host Karla Estrada and the youngest sister of actor Daniel Padilla. Launched as part of Star Magic, she entered PBB: Celebrity Collab Edition 2.0 to step out of her famous family’s shadow and establish her own identity in showbiz. Emman Bacosa Pacquiao Emman, the 21-year-old son of boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, officially joined showbiz as a Sparkle GMA Artist Center talent in November 2025. Alongside his budding entertainment career, he continues to pursue boxing, recently securing a victory in Thrilla in Manila 2 last
Heart Ryan prepares to headline the series adaptation of ‘Hell University,’ taking on her first major lead role
Emman Bacosa Pacquiao balances his entry into showbiz with his boxing career after officially joining Sparkle GMA Artist Center
Lella Ford steps into the spotlight as a Star Magic talent, aiming to establish her own identity in showbiz
year. Emman has also appeared on some GMA shows, where he spoke about his personal life and interests, including expressing admiration for actress Jillian Ward. Heart Ryan Heart Ryan is set to headline the upcoming series adaptation of Hell University, portraying Zein, a strong-willed student who must fight for survival in a brutal school where violence reigns. She is also known for her roles in films such as Nanay, Tatay and Sunny, television appearances on Da Pers Family and hit series Ang Mutya ng Section E, and as a singer with solo releases and group affiliations including P-pop Generation and LITZ. Zeke Polina Zeke is an actor and model under Viva Artists Agency who has appeared on Ang Mutya ng Section E and will now colead Hell University as Ace Craige, the mysterious student council president whose role drives much of the series’ tension and narrative. Zeke’s casting alongside Heart Ryan marks his first major starring role in a scripted digital series. Zeke Polina lands his first major co-lead role in ‘Hell University’ as the series’ enigmatic student council president
SHOWBIZ Shticks
Joseph Peter Gonzales
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CTOR and film producer Alden Richards is taking on uncharted territory. For the first time in his 15-year acting career, the Kapuso star will play a villain in the upcoming international action film Big Tiger, which he is also coproducing through his own Myriad Entertainment.
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Alden Richards breaks typecast in first international film Co-producing the project, Alden said, allowed him to give back to the industry. “When my team and I decided to build a production company, our main goal was to give back. I hope that through this partnership, we have an opportunity to give back to the Filipinos. For us to be proud of something we have.” He added that the project has provided employment to many Filipinos. “We were able to give jobs to a lot of our fellow countrymen and showcase their talents. Most of the team from the US side has nothing but good words. That makes me proud as a Filipino.” Big Tiger also stars Byron Mann, Katherine McNamara, Luke Goss, and Max Collins.
Alden Richards takes on his first villain role in international action film ‘Big Tiger’
“It’s a dream come true on my part,” Alden shared. “Portraying an antagonist on screen has long been on my bucket list. I have been dreaming about this, the bad guy.” Describing the experience, he added, “Definitely, it’s very different. It’s kind of disturbing because I’m not used to it. But eventually, when I saw the teaser, I thought I was going to like the job.” Alden said the role challenged him emotionally and physically. “It’s a vital shift that required me to explore various emotional and physical demands. There are a lot of new experiences when it comes to feelings, emotions, body language. And since this is also an action vehicle, there are lots of stunt preparations.” He acknowledged that playing a villain is a demanding craft. “It allows for greater range and unpredictability, which adds depth to your performance. You can play a lot of angles to the role. The characterization of screen antagonists is quite eccentric and volatile. Good thing I was guided by our director (Keoni Waxman) and the writer.”
*** Angelica Panganiban opened up about her daughter, Amila Sabine, nicknamed Bean, and the possibility of her entering showbiz. “I won’t stop her if ever that comes. And when I support her, it will be all the way. She might be surprised with the support I will give,” Angelica said. Asked if she would be a stage mother, she laughed off the idea. “But I do have big dreams for my daughter. I would love for her to enter the British School of Acting if possible.” On her husband Greg’s [Homan] viewpoint, she added, “Of course, as of now, we’re just in that stage where we’ll consent to commercials first. Just commercials.” Angelica also shared which traits Bean has inherited from her. “My being lively, I think. She’s so energetic. This early, she is really showing signs that she wants to join the entertainment industry in the future.”
BTS to drop comeback album in March, announce world tour details
Cebu Pacific’s latest brand film highlights the journeys and sacrifices of many Filipinos take toward new beginnings
Leading airline marks 30th year with new brand film BigHit says BTS’ upcoming album reflects the group’s experiences after a long hiatus
By Angelica Villanueva AWARD-WINNING K-pop boy group BTS is set to return with a new album and world tour this spring, as its agency, BigHit Music, released fresh details about the group’s longawaited comeback. On Sunday, Jan. 4, BigHit said in a post on fan community platform Weverse that the upcoming album will be released on March 20 and will mark BTS’ first full studio release in nearly four years. The record
Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio (left) and filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson at Critics Choice Awards
will feature 14 tracks and reflects the members’ direct involvement in songwriting and production. According to the agency, the album explores the emotions, reflections, and personal experiences the group went through during their years apart, with the members shaping the music through their own perspectives. BigHit described the project as a message of gratitude to its fans, who supported BTS throughout their hiatus. Pre-orders for the album will begin on Jan. 16 at 10:00 a.m. Philippine
time, the agency said. Following the album release, BTS will also launch a large-scale world tour, with full concert details scheduled to be announced at midnight on Jan. 14. BTS paused group activities in 2022 to focus on solo projects and complete South Korea’s mandatory military service. Its last group release was the anthology album “Proof” that same year. All seven members have since completed service as of June.
CEBU Pacific has released a new brand film, Si Cebie at Ako, to open its 30th anniversary celebrations in 2026. The film follows the journey of an aspiring flight attendant and centers on the challenges people face while pursuing long-held goals. Cebu Pacific said the story reflects experiences familiar to many Filipinos and mirrors the airline’s own three-decade history. Candice Iyog, Cebu Pacific’s chief marketing and customer experience officer, said the airline has continued
operating through various challenges by focusing on its role in connecting people to family, opportunities, and new beginnings. Since its founding, Cebu Pacific has carried Filipinos across the country and overseas for family reunions, work, cultural trips, and travel experiences. The airline said it has also been part of personal journeys that turn aspirations into milestones. The release of the film signals the start of Cebu Pacific’s anniversary activities this year.
Black comedy action thriller dominates Critics Choice Awards POLITICALLY charged drama One Battle After Another led the winners at the 31st Critics Choice Awards on Sunday, taking three trophies, including best picture. Paul Thomas Anderson earned best director and best adapted screenplay honors for the film, which topped the awards handed out by North America’s largest critics group. Anderson’s film also went home as the best adapted screenplay winner.
Timothée Chalamet won best actor for Marty Supreme, while Jessie Buckley took best actress for Hamnet, results that could boost both performers ahead of the Oscars. Chalamet and Buckley claimed the top acting prizes, while Jacob Elordi won best supporting actor for Frankenstein and Amy Madigan earned best supporting actress for Weapons. KPop Demon Hunters was named best animated feature, and The Secret Agent won best foreign language film.
Television honors were led by The Pitt, which won best drama series, with Noah Wyle taking best actor in a drama series and Rhea Seehorn winning best actress in a drama series for Pluribus. The Studio won best comedy series, with Seth Rogen named best actor in a comedy series and Jean Smart taking best actress for Hacks. Adolescence won best limited series, with Stephen Graham named best actor in a limited series, while Sarah Snook won best actress in a limited series for All Her Fault. AFP
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lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com NICKIE WANG, Editor ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer JASPER VALDEZ, Writer
Very Wang
Nickie Wang
LIFE The love story and crêpe craze behind Crêpe Glazik Chef Neven Charpentier (right) poses with his wife, Nicole dela Peña, whose partnership helped shape Crêpe Glazik from a pandemic gesture into a growing brand
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HE scent of a crêpe sizzling on a hot griddle can do something magical—it can transport you straight to a cozy café in the heart of Paris. But in Manila, that little bit of French magic now has a name: Crêpe Glazik.
What started as a small act of kindness during the pandemic has grown into a three-branch sensation in Salcedo Village and Uptown Mall, and now in Shangri-La Mall. During the pandemic, Chef Neven Charpentier, originally from Brittany, France, began sending crêpes to hospital workers as a way to say thank you. “At first, we were just sending crêpes to hospitals. Then something unexpected happened—they started asking if we could send crêpes to their families, and some even insisted on paying. We were honestly surprised,” Charpentier tells Manila Standard Life. Now, four years later, Crêpe Glazik is a fullfledged restaurant known for its crisp, generous galettes, sweet dessert crêpes, in-house gelato, and expertly brewed coffee. True to his roots, Charpentier uses imported buckwheat flour for savory galettes and locally sourced ingredients like artisanal sausages, Mindanao honey, and coconut jam for sweet treats. “Crêpes are popular all over the world, but in France, and especially in Brittany, it’s a real food culture and tradition,” he says. Crêpe Glazik (formerly known as Kuya Crêpes) is as much a story of love across continents as it is a celebration of food. Charpentier met his wife, Nicole dela Peña, on a plane to Paris. Sixteen hours of conversation later, they became inseparable. “I have to be humble. Filipina wives have strong character. It’s good. It works,” he says with a laugh. The couple married at the end of 2020 in the Philippines, celebrating personal joy alongside the growth of their culinary venture. The name “Glazik,” pronounced “Glasik,” is a nod to Charpentier’s hometown of Quimper in Brittany. “Every village in Brittany has its own way of making crêpes. When I say Glazik, it represents how crêpes are done in my hometown,” he explains. In his hometown, he said, crêpes are bigger, thinner, and crispier than elsewhere—a detail he brought with him to Manila, adjusting only slightly to suit local tastes. The restaurant has quickly become a cultural hub, where French patrons sit alongside Filipino families, sharing a love for simple, elegant food. “What I really love is seeing French customers sitting beside Filipino families. Crêpe Glazik has become a place where cultures meet through food,” Charpentier says. Charpentier believes that crêpes are a piece of home as much as they are a business. “Growing up, crêpes were everywhere in
Arched fixtures and warm wood tones define Crêpe Glazik’s café space, designed to echo neighborhood crêperies in Brittany
Signature galettes and dessert crêpes highlight Crêpe Glazik’s focus on Brittany-style technique and locally sourced ingredients
From left: Kris Bernal, Iza Calzado, Nicole dela Peña, Chef Neven Charpentier, French Ambassador to the Philippines, Her Excellency Marie Fontane, Coleen Garcia and husband Billy Crawford and their kid at the official opening of Crepe Glazik in Shangri-La Mall
Brittany. They’re like pizza in Italy. I know the product, the taste, and the technique. That familiarity helped a lot,” he says.
Manila has embraced it wholeheartedly, showing that even across oceans, love—and crêpes—can find a way.
Golden Haven Memorial Park in Manaoag is part of the company’s nationwide network covered by the newly launched Golden Anywhere program
Chef Neven Charpentier discusses bringing traditional Breton crêpes to Manila while adapting flavors for Filipino diners
A chapel inside a Golden Haven memorial park, one of the sites where families may now choose to inter loved ones regardless of original lot location
Interior spaces across Golden Haven parks are maintained to support interment, visitation, and remembrance in multiple regions
Golden Haven introduces ‘Golden Anywhere’ for flexible memorial lot use GOLDEN Haven, the Philippines’ leading developer of premium, beautifully designed memorial parks, has launched “Golden Anywhere,” a new program giving families unprecedented flexibility, convenience, and long-term value in memorial planning. The initiative allows both existing and future investors to inter loved ones in any Golden Haven Memorial Park nationwide, regardless of where
the original lot was purchased. This ensures that every investor’s memorial property remains valuable and relevant as life circumstances evolve. Recognizing that families move, careers shift, and new opportunities arise, Golden Haven created Golden Anywhere to adapt to these changes. Whether relocating for work, beginning a new chapter in another city, or settling in a different region,
memorial investments can now move with families. With more than 30 beautifully developed memorial parks nationwide, each designed to meet Golden Haven’s signature standards of elegance, dignity, and tranquility, families gain access to quality locations without compromising convenience. Golden Haven said the program reflects its commitment to providing
investor-centered, forward-thinking solutions that support families through every stage of life. “Golden Anywhere is a testament to our promise—ensuring your memorial investment continues to serve your family with flexibility, dignity, and lasting value wherever life
leads,” the company stated. Families interested in exploring Golden Haven’s offerings can visit www.goldenhaven.com.ph, reach out via social media, or call 0919-0790205, 0919-079-0208, or 0919-0790209 for inquiries.