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EALA BEATS PARIS SILVER MEDALIST IN AUCKLAND By Peter Atencio ALEXANDRA Eala’s steady rise on the global tennis stage continued at the 2026 ASB Classic as the young Filipina pulled off a gritty 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 victory against seasoned Croatian star Donna Vekic to advance to the next round of the women’s singles on Tuesday in Auckland, New Zealand.

Eala drew energy from a large and vocal group of mostly Filipino supporters, who packed the Manuka Doctor Center Court, cheering her through a grueling two-hour and 40-minute battle against the Paris Olympics’ silver medalist as she clawed back from a set down to seal the statement victory. “This is so special, this one in 2026. A whole lot of people came out and saw me play,” said the fourth-seeded Eala.

STRONG START.

Alexandra Eala outlasts Paris Olympics silver medalist Dona Vecik of Croatia, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 to enter the round of 16 at the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand. ASB Classic Facebook page

The 20-year-old Eala, who received a standing ovation after her upset win, will next face another Croatian, Petra Marcinko, who survived a three-set thriller of her own against Camille Osorio, 6-4, 0-6, 7-6(7-2). Vekic, 29, also a semifinalist at the 2024 Wimbledon Championships, appeared increasingly unsettled as the match wore on. Next page

VOL. XXXIX • NO. 326 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P20 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2026

No letup in getting ‘big fish’ More cases to be filed in flood control mess soon—Palace Budget veto affects 259k contractuals, JOs—Tinio

By Charles Dantes and Pot Chavez

RESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is himself waiting for key resolutions from the Office of the Ombudsman and the Department of Justice on anomalous flood control projects, the Palace said as it assured the public that more cases will be filed amid criticisms that not a single “big fish” has been held accountable.

By Maricel V. Cruz

NEARLY 260,000 job order (JO) and contract of service (COS) workers in government will be affected by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s veto of a portion of unprogrammed appropriations in this year’s P6.793-trillion national budget, House Deputy Minority Leader Antonio Tinio said. “I strongly condemn the veto by President Marcos Jr. of P43.245 billion intended ‘For Payment of Personnel Services Requirements’ under the [UA],” Tinio said. He said the appropriation was originally included in the National Expenditure Program submitted by

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in just over four months, the administration has recorded unprecedented developments in corruption cases tied to flood control projects. “When the President said some people would not have a merry Christmas, those who were jailed definitely did not have a merry Christmas… The President’s term is not yet over. Many more things will happen,” she said.

DepEd goes after ‘ghost’ SHS students

MAYON RUMBLES. Mayon Volcano, pictured here at 1 p.m. of January 6, 2026, is experiencing an eruption and lava flow as Phivolcs raises the alert level to 3. Inset shows a closeup of Mayon’s crater. Screen grab from PIA Albay, Screengrab from Phivolcs.

By Charles Dantes THE Department of Education (DepEd) has filed cases and strengthened screening safeguards in the senior high school voucher program after state auditors flagged the presence of “ghost students” that could skew the release of public subsidies. Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara said seven cases are already pending and about a dozen more are under evaluation in connection with suspected irregular entries in student lists used for voucher payments. “We filed cases several months Next page

Nazareno 2026 – Road closures –

By Rex Espiritu

Forced evac ordered as Mayon throws up rocks By Rex Espiritu THE Albay Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) on Tuesday ordered the preemptive evacuation of residents within the six-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) of Mayon Volcano following the raising of the volcano’s

alert status from Level 2 to Level 3. An advisory issued by Albay Gov. Noel Ebriega Rosal through PDRRMC– Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office (APSEMO) said the move was prompted by increasing volcanic unrest at Mayon, as reported by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

AFP rebuffs Chavit, vows loyalty to charter

City and municipal disaster risk reduction and management offices (C/ MDRRMOs) were directed to immediately evacuate villagers within the six-kilometer PDZ and to maintain 24hour monitoring, with regular situation reports submitted to APSEMO. Classes at all levels were suspended for Next page

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday said it will remain firmly within its constitutional mandate and chain of command, responding to public statements by former Ilocos Sur governor Luis “Chavit” Singson urging AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. to take a public stand against alleged corruption in government. In a statement, AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said the military “has taken note” of Singson’s remarks but stressed its unwavering adNext page

PNP to strictly enforce gun, liquor ban during Traslacion By Charles Dantes, Vince Lopez and Vito Barcelo PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. ordered yesterday the strict enforcement of liquor and gun bans as part of the security measures for the Feast of the Black Nazarene on Jan. 9. This as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared Friday, Jan.9, a special non-working day in Manila to accommodate millions of devotees expected to attend the annual Feast of the Black Nazarene, and ensure an orderly procession (Tralacion). Meanwhile, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines Next page

TIGHT SECURITY. Road closures, a liquor and gun ban, are

among the measures authorities will impose to ensure a safe Traslacion for hundreds of thousands of devotees expected to participate in the annual procession on January 9. See list road closure on A2. MMDA/ Diana Noche

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2026

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List of Manila road closures - Independence Road northbound and southbound from Katigbak Drive to South Road; - Roxas Blvd. Northbound from Katigbak Drive to Quirino Ave. and southbound from Katigbak Drive to U.N. Ave.; HE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, in - P. Burgos Eastbound and Westbound from Roxas Blvd. to Mehan Garden; collaboration with the Manila City government, issued - Finance Rd. Eastbound and westbound from P. Burgos Ave. to Taft Ave.; yesterday the list of road closures starting January - Ma. Orosa St. Northbound and Southbound from P. Burgos Ave. to Kalaw Ave.; - Taft Ave. Northbound and southbound from Ayala Blvd. to U.N. Ave. 8, as part of the preparations for the traditional Traslacion. Motorists are encouraged to plan their journeys accordingly to - Romualdez from Ayala Blvd. to U.N. Ave.; - Ayala Blvd. Northbound and southbound from Taft Ave. to P. Casal; prevent any inconvenience. - C. Palanca St. northbound and southbound from McArthur Bridge to P. Casal; - P. Casal Northbound and Southbound from Ayala Blvd. to San Rafael; - Legarda St. northbound and southbound from San Rafael CM Recto; According to the latest MMDA traffic advisory, the closures will take effect - Quezon Blvd. Northbound and southbound from A. Mendoza to Quiapo Ilalim; starting at 9 p.m. on the following roads: - Lerma Westbound from P. Paredes to Quezon Blvd. - Bonifacio Drive Northbound and Southbound from Anda Circle to P. Burgos Ave.; - McArthur Bridge Northbound and Southbound; and - Katigbak Drive and South Drive from Roxas Blvd. to Independence Road (one - Jones Bridge Northbound and Southbound. lane accessible to Manila Hotel and H2O Hotel);

By Joel E. Zurbano

The government has also been able to recover at least P248 million from individuals involved in the flood control mess. “The President is also waiting for the resolutions of the Ombudsman and the DOJ. He wants strong evidence against all those who may be involved, and due process must be observed,” Castro said. Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano earlier said the Office of the Ombudsman must “balance speed, quality and due diligence.” He said the pronouncement of Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla that arrest warrants against senators Francis Escudero, Joel Villanueva, and Jinggoy Estrada as well former senators Bong Revilla and Nancy Binay may be available by December 15 was a personal deadline. “Obviously, there is a process and as per his pronouncements, it is not a strict deadline. It is a deadline that he imposed on himself,” Clavano said. Since investigations into anomalous flood control projects started, over a dozen individuals have already been

detained, mostly officials and personnel of the Department of Public Works and Highways, as well as private contractors, including Sarah Discaya. Former lawmaker Zaldy Co, who was tagged as among those behind the anomalies, remains at large. Earlier, members of the Makabayan bloc at the House of Representatives lamented that not a single “big fish” in the flood control scandal has been put behind bars. “The deadline has passed, yet not a single ‘big fish’ has been apprehended,” the Makabayan lawmakers said. “So much for ‘some people will spend Christmas in jail.’” Mamamayang Liberal Rep. Leila de Lima said the public must continue to demand accountability as she urged the government to intensify its fight against corruption. “We have to double our fight against corruption because the central personalities and their cohorts are trying to muddle or weaken our efforts to hold them accountable,” De Lima said.

The crowd noise intensified after the world No. 53 Eala broke serve to take a 5-3 lead in the deciding set, visibly rattling the world No. 17. “She (Vekic) is such an experienced player, super talented and decorated. So, I really had a tough time today,” Eala said of her opponent. With fatigue clearly setting in during the third set, Vekic even asked for

silence after Eala claimed the first point of the ninth game. She briefly steadied herself to reach game point at 4-5 following an Eala double fault. Momentum, however, had firmly swung Eala’s way. Vekic crumbled under pressure, committing a series of errors that allowed Eala to win the final four points of the ninth game and close out the match. The Croatian finished with nine double faults, two of them coming in the decisive final game.

Eala was efficient and aggressive on serve, winning 34 of 59 first-serve points as she overcame a player widely tipped to contend deep into the tournament. Her singles’ breakthrough came just a day after another headlinegrabbing performance, when Eala and doubles’ partner Iva Jovic stunned tennis legend Venus Williams and Elina Svitolina, 7-6(8-7), 6-1, in the women’s doubles. “I’m quite happy at being able to compete at this level, especially after a tough pre-season,” Eala said.

complaints against personnel are acted upon swiftly through internal mechanisms and proper courts. “We do not shield offenders,” she added. The military also cautioned against calls for soldiers to engage in partisan politics or act outside the chain of command, warning that such actions undermine institutional integrity. While respecting freedom of expression, the AFP said it remains focused on its mission and defers political accountability to appropriate civilian institutions. “At a time when national unity is paramount to defend our sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea, we urge the public to be discerning,” the AFP said, warning against narratives that “masquerade as patriotism” but may align with the interests of foreign entities seeking to encroach on Philippine territory. Singson, speaking at a press conference on Monday, called on Brawner to publicly denounce what he described as “massive and systemic corruption,” arguing that internal decay, not foreign

threats, poses the gravest danger to the country. He insisted his appeal did not seek to undermine civilian authority or violate the Constitution. Seeking to avoid legal complications such as a possible sedition complaint, Singson said: “At a time like this, your role becomes critical. I am not asking you to violate the Constitution. I am not asking you to remove the President. What I ask is far simpler and far braver: announce your stand against graft and corruption in a public place.” He also said he plans to organize a “one-time, big-time” rally against corruption, with the date to be determined by religious and youth groups. “Everyone who loves our country will be invited. I will ask them to decide on the date,” Singson said. The AFP reiterated that it will remain professional, disciplined, and nonpartisan, committed to constitutional order, lawful processes, and the maintenance of peace and stability.

city government of Manila to achieve a specific goal, which is to ensure that this religious activity will be peaceful and orderly similar to what the PNP did over the years,” he said. “We’ve been doing this for years, but we don’t want to lower our guard. Every year has a new security challenge and every year, we have been improving our security operations,” he added. Nartatez also appealed to the public to cooperate with authorities and comply with the regulations especially during the Traslacion. “I am urging our kababayans to work with us. We will not succeed if we act alone to keep the Feast of the Lord Nazarene in order,” he said. During his remarks at the Monday flag-raising ceremony, Nartatez gave assurance that the PNP’s efforts will remain continuous and proactive in secur-

ing the event. “This event gathers millions of devotees. It presents a complex security environment that requires careful planning and full coordination. Let me be clear. There will be no letup in our security preparations,” he said. “We will remain alert and ready to protect lives. We will respect faith and ensure the orderly conduct of this significant occasion,” Nartatez added. As preparations continued for Nazareno 2026, Church leaders urged the faithful to rely only on official announcements from the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene (Quiapo Church) and verified Church social media platforms, warning that misinformation and exploitation often circulate through unofficial sources during the buildup to the feast. The CBCP said discipline and order are

DepEd... From A1

No letup... From A1

ago. We have seven pending cases, and about 12 more are under investigation and close to filing,” Angara told Palace reporters. The Commission on Audit earlier noted instances in which names appeared multiple times or were listed despite nonattendance, raising the risk that funds meant for legitimate learners could be misallocated. Angara said the DepEd has changed how voucher payments are released, noting that the department previously advanced payments but now requires validation before funds are disbursed. “Before, payments were released in advance. Now, we verify actual enrollment, confirm learner reference numbers, and cross-check our databases,” he said. “We are putting safeguards both at the school level and within DepEd,” he added. Angara said database matching is now being implemented to detect duplicate or nonexistent entries after it was not routinely done in earlier cycles. Asked whether the department is confident the new controls will curb “ghost students,” Angara replied, “Yes, definitely.” He also said DepEd is coordinating with local government units on classroom construction, with most of the estimated 20,000 additional classrooms expected to be built or bid out through LGUs.

“More investigations will be conducted, more cases will be filed. The issuance of warrants of arrest, however, will be within the jurisdiction of Sandiganbayan and other regular courts.” “In more than four months, there have been arrests, warrants of arrest issued, some have gone into hiding, and others are negotiating and returning most of their kickbacks—something that never happened under any administration,” Castro added. As of December 19, the Anti-Money Laundering Council said it has frozen 6,538 bank accounts, 367 insurance policies, 255 motor vehicles, 178 real properties, and 16 e-wallet accounts of individuals linked to allegedly anomalous flood control projects. AMLC said the total value of the frozen assets has reached P20.3 billion and is expected to increase as the investigation continues.

AFP... From A1 herence to the 1987 Constitution, particularly the provision that “civilian authority is, at all times, supreme over the military.” “The AFP operates strictly within a chain of command that is anchored on this supremacy,” the military said, adding that it performs its duties under civilian authority and employs force solely to fulfill its constitutional role as “protector of the people and the State.” The AFP emphasized that while it consistently supports good governance and anti-corruption efforts, allegations involving civilian governance, public finance, or economic policy fall exclusively under the jurisdiction of civilian courts and oversight bodies, not the military, and must be addressed through established legal processes. “Within our own ranks, the AFP maintains zero tolerance for misconduct,” Padilla said, noting that valid

PNP... From A1 (CBCP) reminded devotees planning to join the annual procession of the Black Nazarene to observe discipline and reverence, underscoring the sacred character of one of the country’s largest religious gatherings. In another move, Nartatez approved a recommendation of Metro Manila police chief Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin to suspend the permit to carry firearms outside residence on Jan. 8-10. Nartatez said enough policemen will be conducting operations not only for the enforcement of the gun and liquor bans, but also the prohibition on the use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic materials during the religious rites. “We have been coordinating with the

Eala... From A1

Budget... From A1 Malacañang itself and maintained as such in the House General Appropriations Bill (GAB). “But (it was) bumped off to Unprogrammed Appropriations by the Bicameral Conference Committee to make room for insertions, and has now been completely cut from the GAA with the President’s veto,” the lawmaker said. Of the P43.235-billion veto, Tinio said P10.772 billion was meant for the hiring of new personnel. “This affects the over 259,000 [JO] and [COS] workers in national government, including over 41,000 professors, instructors, and administrative staff in State Universities and Colleges (SUC) who work on contracts and are deprived of regular employment status, pay, and benefits,” Tinio said. He said the veto message “makes no explanation or justification whatsoever for this specific veto, despite the fact that funding for these personnel expenses was originally proposed by the President himself.” “Neither has the President made any commitment that additional or supplemental appropriations to cover this deficiency will be forthcoming,” he added. In a briefing at the Palace yesterday, Commission on Higher Education (CHED) chairperson Shirley Agrupis said while the veto can be “very problematic now for higher education institutions,” hiring can still be done as long as it is “justifiable.” “But the law clearly states that there will be no additional COS or JOs. If there are additional deliverables that cannot be done by present JO or COS, then we can justify (hiring),” she said. “If there are increases in enrolment (and) because we have to comply with the student-faculty ratio, as long as it is justifiable, the law provides we can hire. So, it does not at all affect the teaching and learning environment in higher education.” “What will be affected is the nonteaching personnel. It is very clear that if the COS or JO job is already present in the existing organizational structure, we need to justify why we need additional COS or JOs,” Agrupis added. Tinio said the remaining P32.472 billion that the President vetoed was intended for the terminal leave benefits of retiring personnel in the civilian and uniformed bureaucracy, including the police and military. “This can only mean that personnel benefits will be delayed or denied, with the perennial excuse of ‘lack of available funds,’” Tinio said.

schools located within the danger zone. The Department of Education (DepEd) and school administrators whose campuses will serve as evacuation centers were advised to shift to alternative teaching modalities and to coordinate with local government units for support. Authorities also imposed strict security and access controls around the volcano. The Albay provincial police office and the Philippine Army were tasked to prohibit entry into the six-kilometer PDZ, where all human activities, including mountain climbing, farming, and foraging, are strictly banned. Tourism-related activities were likewise restricted. All-terrain vehicle (ATV) rides were limited to the Cagsawa Ruins area, while operations in other areas were temporarily suspended.

Entrance to the Mayon Skyline was also prohibited until further notice, and a no-fly zone was declared directly above the volcano. The PDRRMC advised the public to take precautionary measures in case of ashfall, including the use of face masks or damp cloths to cover the nose and mouth. “All city, municipal, and barangay disaster risk reduction and management councils surrounding Mayon Volcano are advised to be on highest alert and monitoring status,” the advisory stated. Residents were urged to remain vigilant and await official updates from Phivolcs and local authorities. Phivolcs director Teresito Bacolcol said the near-doubling of rockfall events—from 44 recorded between Jan. 4 and 5 to 85 between Jan. 5 and 6—indicates increasing instability at the volcano’s summit, a condition commonly associated with magma rising from below. The Phivolcs recorded an incandescent rockfall from the summit lava dome on Monday night.

essential expressions of genuine devotion, especially as millions are expected to take part in the Traslación on Jan. 9, when the centuries-old image of Nuestro Padre Jesús Nazareno is ceremonially transferred from the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta to its shrine at Quiapo Church. The Minor Basilica has also unveiled the official theme and emblem for Nazareno 2026, bearing the scriptural message: “He must increase; I must decrease” (John 3:30). Church officials said the theme highlighted humility as the heart of devotion, calling on the faithful to exalt Christ not through spectacle, but through lives of faith and service. Under the banner “Debosyon • Traslacion • Misyon,” the 2026 emblem reflects three core values—praise, humility, and faith—which Church leaders said should guide devotees beyond

the physical rigor of the procession and toward a deeper journey of discipleship. “With his visit just nearing, let’s also take the Quiapo fiesta as an opportunity to show to the Holy Father that Filipinos have discipline in their devotion, and that it truly brings them closer to God and their neighbors,” the CBCP said in a statement. The bishops also called on the faithful to embody the true meaning of Nazareno devotion through prayer, sacrifice, penance, and self-giving, stressing that these virtues—not sheer numbers or endurance—define authentic faith. The Traslación, held every Jan. 9, draws millions of barefoot devotees from across the country, making it one of the world’s largest annual religious processions and a major test of public order, faith, and communal responsibility.

Forced... From A1

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2025 Bar exams set to be released, says High Court By Pot Chavez THE Supreme Court is set to release the results of the 2025 Bar Examinations on Wednesday. SC Associate Justice Amy Lazaro-Javier, the 2025 Bar Chairperson, will lead the presentation of the results, examination statistics, and key announcements. In a notice, the Court reminded the public to be vigilant against misinformation and disinformation and to refrain from sharing inaccurate information. “In light of the sensitive character of the information to be released, all Bar examinees and concerned stakeholders are enjoined to rely solely on the Court’s official communication channels for accurate, verified, and updated information regarding the results,” Lazaro-Javier said. She also reminded that all persons entering the SC courtyard must be in proper and decent attire and will be subjected to a security inspection. The SC courtyard will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. A total of 11,425 out of 11,437 examinees completed the 2025 Bar examinations, setting a new milestone as the largest number of finishers in Philippine Bar history. The three-day digitalized examinations were held on September 7, 10, and 14, 2025, in 14 local testing centers nationwide.

Palace says no replacements yet for vacant ICI posts By Charles Dantes MALACAÑANG said investigations by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) will continue despite the body having only one remaining member, noting that its work has not stopped and that the Office of the Ombudsman remains actively involved. Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said the Palace has yet to receive any update on whether President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will appoint new ICI members. “As of now, we have not been given any update on possible replacements,” Castro said. “At present, those in the ICI are still working, and the Ombudsman has promised to continue and has the enthusiasm to speed up the investigation of the cases already filed,” she added. Castro said the committee’s operations are ongoing despite the vacancies. “Even if we say only one member remains in the ICI, the executive director is still there,” she said. “The investigations continue, so the work will not stop,” Castro added. She said the focus remains on accelerating case resolution and ensuring that pending investigations move forward. Earlier, the commission vowed to continue carrying out its mandate despite the resignations of former DPWH chief Rogelio Singson and Rossana Fajardo.

SOVEREIGNTY PATROL. Members of the Philippine Navy’s Western Naval Command conduct a maritime and sovereignty patrol in the Kalayaan Island Group in the West Philippine Sea on New Year’s Day.

Malacañang: 2026 budget can withstand challenge By Charles Dantes

ALACAÑANG is confident the 2026 national budget can withstand any constitutional challenge before the Supreme Court, even as some lawmakers prepare to question portions of it. Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said the administration recognizes the right of lawmakers to seek judicial review, following statements from Reps. Edgar Erice and Leila de Lima raising concerns over the legality of unprogrammed appropriations. “They have the right to go to the Supreme Court and ask whether this part of the 2026 national budget is unconstitutional,” Castro said during a Palace briefing Tuesday. “If they file a petition, the ad-

ministration will respond and we will wait for the result and the decision of the Supreme Court,” she added. Erice earlier said he was preparing to challenge the budget in court, particularly over unprogrammed fund appropriations, while De Lima expressed dissatisfaction with reducing rather than removing the questioned items, calling them unconstitutional. Asked if the Palace is confident the spending measure will survive judicial scrutiny, Castro said the ad-

ministration believes the document complies with the law and the Constitution. “Yes, they are confident that the budget crafted now is the cleanest and most orderly, and that it is for the people,” she said. “The President is confident,” Castro added. The 2026 national budget, signed by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday, January 5, 2025, has drawn scrutiny over unprogrammed appropriations, which critics say grant the executive excessive discretion over funds. Malacañang, however, maintained that the proposal underwent review and aligns with government priorities. Castro said the administration will abide by any eventual ruling from the Supreme Court once a petition is filed.

UNITED ARCHITECTS. Officers of the United Architects of the Philippines–Cebu Chapter mark 50 years

of shaping the architectural profession in the country, while continuing to confront the stigma of being an ’invisible profession.‘ Minerva Newman

Remulla targets stronger 911 in 2026 By Vince Lopez

MENUDO COMPETITION. Participants compete in the first Menudo Competition in Imus City on Sunday, January 4, at the Mandarin Homes Covered Court in Barangay Malagasang 2-B, Cavite. Dennis Abrina

THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Monday outlined its plans for 2026, highlighting efforts to enhance the efficiency of the Unified 911 System as the backbone of public safety. In a message to the DILG family, Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla said additional auxiliary assets will be procured to strengthen emergency response. “This year, we will prioritize additional firetrucks, police vehicles, and emergency response assets to strengthen the Unified 911 system as investments in public safety,” he said. The Unified 911 system was launched last September to consolidate emergency hotlines into a single central number and modernize emergency response. It recorded a 97.92 percent efficiency

rate for more than 2.4 million handled calls in November 2025 through its national call center in Manila and regional command center in Cebu. Remulla reaffirmed the responsible and purposeful use of public funds following the signing of the General Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2026, in line with President Marcos’ call for prudent fiscal management. With the National Police Commission achieving zero backlog, the DILG is also considering video proceedings for cases involving police personnel to enhance transparency and due process. As the Philippines chairs the Association of Southeast Asian Nations this year, the DILG committed to rigorous preparations as lead for the ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meetings on Transnational Crime and the ASEAN Smart Cities Network.

IN BRIEF LTO: Show-cause order versus drivers in Cavite THE Land Transportation Office (LTO) has issued a show-cause order and subpoena against the drivers and owners of a Ford Everest van and a public utility bus over a viral road rage incident in Cavite. LTO chief Markus Lacanilao ordered the SUV driver and the vehicle’s registered owners to appear before the LTO Intelligence and Investigation Division in Quezon City on January 14. They were directed to explain why the driver should not be held liable for reckless driving and why his license should not be suspended or revoked. Based on a video, the Ford Everest driver is seen damaging the bus’ windshield wiper while shouting at the bus driver, endangering passengers and other motorists. Rio N. Araja

Imus City holds first-ever menudo cooking contest IMUS CITY, Cavite—Eleven residents from barangays Malagasang 1-A to Malagasang 2-G competed in the city’s first Menudo Competition on January 4, 2026. The event was held at the Mandarin Homes Covered Court in Barangay Malagasang 2-B and aimed to showcase local cooking skills and promote the signature Malagasang menudo. The competition was organized by the Imus City Government’s Office of the City Tourism and Heritage Officer, Comité de Festejos 2026, and Cluster 9 led by Barangay Captain Armando Fauni. Filipina Monzon of Barangay Malagasang 1-E won first place, followed by Ernesto Saria of Malagasang 1-C and Reggie De Leon of Malagasang 1-F. Dennis Abrina

AFP says 2,018 Reds, supporters neutralized THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported Tuesday that 2,018 New People’s Army members and supporters were neutralized from January 1 to December 31, 2025. AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said 1,798 surrendered, 93 were arrested, and 127 were killed in operations nationwide. She added that 1,134 firearms and 531 anti-personnel mines were seized or surrendered, while 149 NPA encampments were captured during the period. National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict officials earlier said only about 780 NPA members remain nationwide, down from an estimated 25,000 in the 1980s. NTF-ELCAC said it will not allow the Abra de Ilog clash in Occidental Mindoro to be used for propaganda amid allegations of rights violations. Rex Espiritu

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AFP warns against online deepfakes T By Rex Espiritu

HE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday warned the public against a YouTube video circulating online that falsely claims the Philippines has reversed its security alliances, saying the content is misleading and does not reflect official policy or actions of the military or government.

KEEP TRASLACION CLEAN. Placard-bearing members of the EcoWaste Coalition, Samahan Ng mga Mangngalakal sa Capulong and the Barangay Silangan Resource Collectors’ Association press their call to make the upcoming Feast of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila safe and free of garbage. Norman Cruz

IN BRIEF PH, Australia vow to fight violence, terrorism Isabela gets new police chief at onset of 2026 THE new year finds Isabela province with a new police chief, Col. Manuel Bringas, who received the reins of leadership from outgoing Col. Allen Bauding during a turnover ceremony on Monday. Jan. 5, presided by police regional director Brig. Gen. Antonio Marallag. During the change of command, Bringas underscored his goal for a stronger and safer Isabela. “Together, let’s make Isabela a beacon of peace and prosperity, where every officer is empowered to serve with excellence, every community grows, and every citizen feels safe.” Bauding extended his gratitude to the provincial police force, stakeholders, and the community for their support during his tenure. “I am honored to have served as your provincial director, and I am grateful for the trust and cooperation you have given me,” he said. Jessica M. Bacud

Jubahib hails signing of ‘26 national budget DAVAO del Norte Gov. Edwin Jubahib has lauded the enactment of the 2026 General Appropriations Act, saying the President’s approval of the national budget would benefit the national economy and the people in general. In an interview, Jubahib said the General Appropriations Act was “very important as this will fund critical programs and services of the government nationwide.” He said the budget will not only fund programs and services of the local and provincial government, but the entire national government as well. “We are grateful to the President for approving the national budget for the year 2026, it means services will continue not only for local and provincial government, but for our national government as well, and it is good for our economy,” Jubahib said. Cherrie Anne Villahermosa

DSWD program offers livelihood assistance THE Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) is one of the core development initiatives of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) which helps provide livelihood opportunities to qualified vulnerable and disadvantaged sectors in Philippine society. Through the program, the DSWD offered livelihood opportunities to 235,074 beneficiaries as of Nov.30, 2025, said Asst. Secretary and spokesperson Irene Dumlao. She said the data only showed that the program supports the Department’s significant mandate to bring development to those who need it most. “The Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) is among the primary programs of the Department, addressing its mandate to provide development. Hindi lang puro welfare or ayuda (It is not just welfare or assistance). Ang SLP ang matibay nating programa na nagsusuporta sa ating kagustuhang mabigyan ng development opportunities ang ating mga kababayang nasa sektor na bulnerable (The SLP is our strong program that supports our desire to provide development opportunities to our countrymen in the vulnerable sector),” Dumlao said. Maricel V. Cruz

By Katrina Manubay THE Philippines and Australia have vowed mutual commitment to combat terrorism and ward off violent attacks against their respective citizenries. The pledge was made during a press briefing in Canberra, Australia on Dec. 30 regarding bilateral collaboration in the investigation of the Dec. 14 Bondi Beach shooting incident that left multiple victims dead.. In a statement released on Tuesday, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledged the cooperation provided by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Philippine law enforcement agencies

in resolving the issue. “I also want to take the opportunity to thank… President Marcos, my friend, the President of the Philippines as well. Through him, the agencies in the Philippines have done everything they can to provide information in a timely way, and that’s a good thing,” Albanese said. This statement comes in response to reports suggesting that the suspects in the deadly Bondi Beach attack received military training in the Philippines. For her part, DFA Secretary Theresa Lazaro reaffirmed the Philippines’ strong commitment to counter terrorism, preventing violent extremism, and enhancing

intelligence and law enforcement cooperation with Australia and other foreign partners. The DFA also noted the Australian Federal Police Commissioner initial assessment of the Philippine National Police, noting that “there is no evidence to suggest they (suspects) received training or underwent logistical preparation for their alleged attack”. The Commissioner further indicated that “there is no evidence to suggest these alleged offenders were part of a broader terrorist cell or were directed by others to carry out an attack,” while emphasizing that this assessment is still under investigation.

Meanwhile, AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. enjoined the troops and civilian personnel to start the year with a renewed mindset grounded on gratitude, forgiveness, excellence, and hope. In a statement, the AFP said the video contains false information and commentary designed to sound authoritative but are not based on verified facts. “This is a prevalent tactic used by disinformation agents to create authoritative-sounding but false narratives. Such materials are designed to mislead, sow confusion, and erode public trust in national institutions,” the AFP explained. The military urged the public to remain vigilant and discerning, and to verify information through official AFP and government platforms. It also cautioned against engaging with or sharing AI-generated content and unverified materials from questionable sources Earlier, the military raised the warning the public against sharing, promoting, or engaging with online content that incites participation in armed struggle, rebellion, or acts of violence, stressing that such actions are punishable under Philippine law. In his New Year remarks, Brawner said these positive attitudes should guide the actions of every soldier, airman, and sailor as the organization “moves forward in the new year.” “Let us be thankful for all the blessings that the Lord has given to ourselves, to our families, to the AFP, and to our nation. Because when we have an attitude of gratitude, we feel blessed and content,” Brawner said. He also emphasized the importance of forgiveness as the AFP.

DAR writes off P23.9-b loans, hands out e-titles By Rio N. Araja THE Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has condoned a total of P23.9 billion in delinquent loan and distributed 439 individual electronic land titles (e-titles) covering 835 hectares of agricultural lands in Palawan. Under the Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling project, DAR converted collective certificates of land ownerships into individual titles, enabling 416 farmer-beneficiaries to secure ownership of their lands. With individual titles, farmers can go into long-term planning, invest confidently in their farms, access credit, and build more stable future for their families. The DAR further eased the financial burden of farmers by awarding 1,027 certificates of condonation with release of mortgage to 757 beneficiaries in a 684-hectare land. The debt condonation lifted decades-old land amortization delinquencies, allowing beneficiaries to redirect their income toward farm improvements, education, health and daily household needs. Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III underscored that fast-tracking land distribution and debt condonation nationwide empowers farmers, stimulates local economies, and promotes lasting peace and development in rural communities. He said the achievements affirmed DAR’s strong commitment to people-centered agrarian reform.

TURNOVER OF COMMAND. Region 2 police director Brig. Gen. Antonio Marallag presides at the turnover of command of the Isabela police force between Col. Manuel Bringas and outgoing Col. Lee Allen Bauding in simple ceremony held Monday, Jan. 5, at the provincial police office. Jessica M. Bacud

Villafuerte bares plan to set up Chromebook plant in CamSur By Maricel V. Cruz

SUNBURST. The glorious sun breaks through a shroud of mist hovering over San Mateo, Rizal and nearby environs, as a new day dawns amid the cold front of the northeast monsoon or amihan. Edd Castro

A LANDMARK public-private partnership initiative aimed at accelerating the digital transformation of Philippine basic education and strengthening local manufacturing is moving forward as a privately owned firm, in collaboration with Google, has confirmed plans to establish a local Chromebook manufacturing facility in Camarines Sur. This was disclosed by former lawmakerturned Camarines Sur Gov. Luis Raymund Villafuerte who said the proposed facility will be located in the province’s Uptown Global City, a master-planned development of the provincial government currently in the process of being declared a Philippine Export Zone Authority (PEZA)-registered economic hub. The proposed project by Allied Manufacturing Corporation Asia Pacific Pty Ltd,,

in collaboration with Google, is targeted to begin initial operations this this year, focusing on the local assembly of Chromebook laptops and related education technology devices for distribution to public schools nationwide. “The initial five-hectare information technology (IT) park allocated for Allied Manufacturing at the Uptown Global City can be scaled up to 100 hectares (ha) to 200 ha. to accommodate more high-tech and electronics manufacturing companies, including data centers, that are likely to set up shop there later,” said Villafuerte. The planned facility in CamSur reflects growing investor confidence in the Philippines under the leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., whose administration has consistently emphasized inclusive growth, education reform, countryside development and job creation, he added.

OPINION

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2026

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

EDITORIAL

The absolute bare minimum

Business wants decisive reforms RIGHT at the start of the new year, the business sector urged the Marcos administration to avoid complacency and instead drive for reforms as the nation stands at a “decisive crossroads” in 2026. It warned the country’s growth prospects will depend on decisive action to address governance challenges. At the core of this news is a grim warning: without decisive governance reforms, the Philippines risks squandering its growth potential and undermining political stability. Business groups are saying 2026 is a turning point where optimism alone will not be enough to sustain investor confidence. The business community appears to have grown wary after corruption scandals in public works projects, which adversely affected trust in government institutions. Restoring credibility through reforms is essential to attract both foreign and domestic investment. Business coalitions have already outlined 14 key reforms ranging from tax rationalization to digitalization of government services, labor market flexibility, and infrastructure transparency. These reforms are seen as prerequisites for sustained growth. The warning from the business sector that the Philippines stands at a “decisive crossroads” is significant not only as an economic assessment but also as a political signal. It reflects a growing consensus among investors and employers that impressive growth figures and upbeat official rhetoric will not be sufficient to sustain momentum unless long-standing governance and structural issues are addressed with urgency. The country has benefited in recent years from relatively strong domestic demand, remittances, and a post-pandemic rebound in services. However, business groups are serving notice that these tailwinds are fading. Inflation pressures, high interest rates, infrastructure bottlenecks, energy costs, and weak productivity gains are increasingly constraining growth. Their call for reforms suggests concern that without improvements in regulatory quality, ease of doing business, and policy predictability, investment, particularly longterm and foreign direct investment, may stagnate or be diverted to regional peers such as Vietnam and Indonesia. For businesses, governance reforms translate into lower transaction costs, faster project approvals, stronger contract enforcement, and reduced exposure to rent-seeking behavior. These are critical to moving the economy up the value chain rather than remaining reliant on consumption and low-value services. What is clear is that the business sector is growing impatient with piecemeal reforms. They are saying that the window for reform is narrowing as global conditions become more volatile and as competition for capital intensifies in Southeast Asia. From a political standpoint, the latest statement of the country’s main business

groups is a clear warning against complacency within the Marcos Jr. administration. Early in every administration’s term, political capital is typically strongest. By 2026, attention will increasingly turn to midterm dynamics, succession politics, and coalition management. Businesses are reminding the government that reform momentum tends to slow as political calculations begin to dominate policymaking. Governance challenges such as corruption, weak accountability, and uneven rule of law do not only serve as economic constraints, they are also sources of political risk.

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Business groups are saying 2026 is a turning point where optimism alone will not be enough to sustain investor confidence Failure to address them can erode public trust, fuel perceptions of elite capture, and intensify social dissatisfaction, particularly if growth becomes less inclusive. Given this, reform inertia could undermine political stability by widening the gap between economic expectations and actual realities. We must point out that credible reform efforts can reinforce stability. When businesses see the government addressing governance problems seriously, this strengthens confidence not only in the economy but also in our political and social institutions. This can help insulate the political system from shocks, such as global downturns and corruption scandals. The emphasis on “decisive crossroads” is significant because it implies that the costs of inaction are definitely on the rise. Businesses are not merely asking for progrowth policies; they are warning that failure to reform could lock the country into a lower-growth trajectory. Such a path would make it more difficult for the government to meet employment targets, fund social services, or sustain infrastructure spending, all of which carry political consequences. In the end, the business sector’s warning highlights a confluence of economic and political risks. For 2026, optimism alone is no longer an adequate strategy. The administration’s response: whether it chooses bold governance reforms or settles for managing short-term gains, will shape not only the country’s growth prospects but also whether it can maintain political stability in the years leading to a change in administration in 2028. (Email: ernhil@uyahoo.com)

Choosing forward JANUARY is named after Janus, the twofaced Roman god who looks backward and forward at the same time. One face studies what has been. The other scans what might still come. That image fits the mood of a new year. We pause. We remember. We hope. Wisdom from the past, courage for the future. Those may be the two most important things we can carry into any beginning. The start of a new year also invites bigger questions, not just about our personal lives, but about the life of the nation. Lately, the idea of a political reset keeps coming up. It is a sign of restlessness. It tells us many Filipinos feel that something is not working as it should. Trust is thin. Patience is worn. Confidence in institutions is shaky. Some voices speak of radical options. Revolution. Extra-Constitutional shortcuts. A hard reboot. These may sound bold, even tempting, especially in moments of frustration. But history is unkind to shortcuts that bypass the rules. They often promise renewal but deliver deeper division. They tear down faster than they can build up. But what about a constitutional reset? That idea deserves a more careful and sober discussion. Constitutions are not sacred relics meant only to be preserved and revered without question. They are working agreements, designed

to guide a society as it grows, adapts, and confronts new realities. The very fact that our Constitution lays out clear paths for amendment and revision reminds us that it was crafted with change in mind. Revisiting it is not an act of disloyalty. It can be a deliberate and thoughtful way of strengthening the democratic project we have inherited.

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Trust is thin. Patience is worn. Confidence in institutions is shaky There is no denying the deficit of trust in our political system today. Courts are questioned. Legislatures are doubted. Elections are viewed with suspicion. In this context, a well-designed constitutional reform process could become a moment of national rebuilding. Not because everything is broken, but because improvement is always possible. Democracies do not survive by clinging to nostalgia. They survive by learning. Constitutional reform does not automatically cure what ails a nation, nor does it work by sheer declaration. It can either

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T IS a relief that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed the P6.793- trillion budget for 2026 on the first working day of the year. For a while there, we were worried that disagreements would lead to a reenacted budget. Such would be detrimental to our economic and social targets. Equally important is the chief executive’s decision to veto seven of the 10 unprogrammed items in the budget. The vetoed items totaled P92.5 billion out of P234.4 billion. UAs now only total P150.9 billion. Mr. Marcos said the unprogrammed funds that had been allowed represent “the absolute bare minimum.” Unprogrammed funds have historically had bad press. Their discretionary nature has enabled too many politicians to promote themselves in the guise of public service. It’s a common affliction among officials regardless of political persuasion, geographical roots, even age. Their presence, even names and photos, have always accompanied events where citizens obtain assistance for their basic needs. It is the people’s taxes working for them, of course, but somebody who just received a food pack would tend to remember

the smiling, caring politician who handed the goods to him. In his statement at the signing – where curiously, and, we believe, unnecessarily, the use of mobile and other recording devices on the part of reporters was banned — President Marcos said that every peso of the budget would be used responsibly.

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May the public sustain its vigilance But some sectors remain skeptical of the President’s move. Vetoing some items and allowing the rest are not enough, say some critics. These are still gaps that can be exploited by those who know how to game the system.

We are being taken for a ride, say others, with all these pronouncements on transparency in the budget process. These views are valid and deserve to be heard. We cannot lay blame on those airing them, what with the sneaky way the budget has been manipulated for years. Nonetheless, the relatively more transparent deliberations and the conversations on unprogrammed appropriations are something to begin with. We are sure that the truly cunning minds will find a way to continue milking the imperfect system for their own benefit. But that is where the public comes in. We have shown that public clamor gets things done, even if not completely. Over time, we will be able to improve this feedback system as we aspire for a truly transparent budget process and an equally transparent execution of what has been passed. Institutionalizing transparency is the bare minimum for our leaders – that is, if they are genuine public servants instead of clowns and thieves. It is also the minimum for us, the people, because while the budget may be a technical subject, it is far too real involving our lives, and involving our future.

Where’s next? Trump eyes new targets after Venezuela WASHINGTON, DC – An emboldened US President Donald Trump has hinted that he has other countries in his sights after toppling Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro, leaving the world asking: where’s next? Trump took aim at Colombia, Cuba, Greenland, Mexico and Iran in the space of a single half-hour exchange with reporters Sunday (Monday, Manila time) aboard Air Force One. Trump, who openly campaigned for last year’s Nobel peace prize and has scorned interventionism, now says he is enforcing Washington’s right to do what it pleases in his backyard. Greenland In the days since the Venezuela operation, Trump has doubled down on his desire to annex Greenland from Denmark. “Trump has given us a long list of potential future conquests — but the most likely target of his administration will be Greenland,” Asli Aydintasbas, fellow at the Center on the United States and Europe at Brookings institution, told AFP. Trump insists Washington needs the mineral-rich, semi-autonomous territory for national security reasons, arguing Denmark is unable to protect Greenland from Russia and China. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has responded by warning that any move to take Greenland by force could mean the end of the US-led NATO military alliance itself. But Washington could instead increase diplomatic pressure on its already nervy European allies, for example by insisting on a referendum in Greenland. Colombia Colombia has been the target of Trump’s most hardline threats. The US leader warned leftist President Gustavo Petro to “watch his

ass” and said military action “sounds good to me.” Trump accuses Petro of being in league with drug traffickers — just as he did with Maduro in the run-up to his capture. Petro, who has traded barbs with Trump for months over the US pressure campaign against neighboring Venezuela, responded Monday he was ready to “take up arms” in the face of Trump’s threats. But Colombia could pose an altogether different challenge, with many armed groups left over from its civil war. Instead, Trump may be relying on Venezuela to tell other Latin American leaders to bend the knee.

“Basically he is saying ‘I can bully the country into submission,’ and saying that US hegemony must be accepted if they want to maintain their sovereignty,” Aydintasbas said. Cuba Trump claimed Sunday that Cuba — an enduring US foe and ally of Venezuela — was “ready to fall.” The communist-run island a few dozen miles from Florida has long been in the sights of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the son of Cuban immigrants. Havana said 32 Cuban bodyguards were killed in the operation to seize Maduro. But Trump said he believed military ac-

tion against Cuba would not be necessary, predicting that the sanctions-hit nation could not survive the loss of heavily subsidized Venezuelan oil. Mexico Trump on Sunday told Mexico it had to “get their act together,” following months of pressure over drugs and trade on the United States’ southern neighbor. He said President Claudia Sheinbaum — whom he met in Washington in December at the draw for the 2026 World Cup, to be held jointly in the United States, Canada and Mexico -- was a “terrific person.” But he said he was pushing her to let him send US troops to tackle drug cartels in Mexico, an offer he said she had previously rebuffed. Sheinbaum pushed back Monday against US claims of dominance over the region, saying the Americas “do not belong” to any power. Iran Iran — like Venezuela a major oil producer — faced US strikes against its nuclear program in June and is now under renewed pressure from Trump for clamping down on protests. Trump warned on Sunday that Tehran would “get hit very hard” if more demonstrators were killed. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham posted a photo of Trump holding a black hat with the logo “Make Iran Great Again” as they traveled on Air Force One. Aydintasbas, however, warned against Trump getting “too trigger happy.” “Right now he seems to be enjoying the moment of imperial presidency, she said. “But if things start going south either in Venezuela or the Middle East, we’re going to see President Trump very quickly lose interest in this role.” AFP

rebuild trust or deepen public doubt, depending on how honestly and carefully it is pursued. That is why three things must guide any serious effort: right purpose, right process, and right people. Right purpose comes first. Reform should not be driven by anger, fear, or the desire to escape accountability. It should begin with an honest acknowledgment that our political society has changed. Technology has reshaped power. Citizens are more vocal, more skeptical, more connected. Reform should not be about fixing a single problem or favoring a single group. It should be about strengthening democratic institutions so they can endure the next generation, not just the next election. Right process matters just as much. Among the available options, a constitutional convention stands out as the most democratic. It respects the need for an elected mandate

while recognizing that rewriting a nation’s basic law requires competence and depth. A convention composed largely of elected delegates, complemented by a limited number of respected experts and jurists, balances voice and wisdom. Right people, however, may be the hardest part. Safeguards are essential. Constitutional reform must never become a backdoor for extending power. Convention delegates should be barred from running in the elections immediately following ratification. Incumbent top officials s hould be allowed to complete their terms but prohibited from seeking the next ones. A Constitutional reset, if it is to be credible, must involve real sacrifice. Reform that costs nothing to those in power convinces no one. At some point, the conversation returns to us. What habits of politics have we learned to tolerate, even when they slowly corrode

public life? Which institutions still deserve our confidence, and which practices no longer serve the common good? Reform is not about erasing the past in frustration, nor about defending the status quo out of fear. It is about doing the harder work of discernment, choosing what must be preserved and what must finally change so the country can move forward without losing its bearings. If a constitutional reset is ever to happen, it cannot be left to politicians alone. It has to be claimed by ordinary Filipinos who choose wisdom over noise and courage over apathy. This means asking hard questions, paying attention to details, and refusing to be sidelined by slogans or fear. The new year opens a door, but walking through it requires a people willing to think carefully, act bravely, and insist that any reform serve the nation, not the powerful.

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Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser Treasury Manager Head—Ad Solutions Circulation Manager

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Trump says he is enforcing Washington’s right to do what it pleases in his backyard

Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher Joyce Pangco Pañares Managing Editor Virgilio DC Galvez News Editor Miguel Gil City Editor

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WORLD

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2026

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Denmark warns US vs. taking Greenland by military force C Venezuela’s deposed Maduro pleads not guilty

‘NATO LINKS WOULD STOP.’ A general view shows in this file photo central areas of Nuuk, Greenland, on March 6, 2025.

OPENHAGEN—Denmark’s prime minister has warned any US move to take Greenland by force would destroy 80 years of transatlantic security links, after President Donald Trump repeated his desire to annex the mineral-rich Arctic territory.

Washington’s military intervention in Venezuela has reignited fears about Trump’s designs on the autonomous Danish territory, which has untapped rare earth deposits and could be a vital player as polar ice melts, opening up new shipping routes. “We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security, and Denmark is not going to be able to do it,” the US leader said Sunday. In response, Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen told Trump to back off, while several European countries and the European Union rushed to back Denmark, which has urged Washington to stop threatening a NATO ally. In Copenhagen, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen told the TV2 network: “If the United States decides to military attack another NATO

country, then everything would stop —that includes NATO and therefore post-World War II security.” Greenland is on the shortest route for missiles between Russia and the United States, and Washington already has a military base there. With the situation in Venezuela more pressing, “we’ll worry about Greenland in about two months,” Trump quipped Sunday. Nielsen told Trump on social media: “That’s enough now. No more pressure. No more insinuations. No more fantasies of annexation.” “We are open to dialogue,” he said. “But this must happen through the proper channels and with respect for international law.” On Monday, he called for renewed contact with the US and urged against panic. AFP

Any US attack on a NATO ally would be the end of ‘everything,’ Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned on Monday, after US President Donald Trump repeated his desire to annex Greenland.’If the United States decides to militarily attack another NATO country, then everything would stop -- that includes NATO and therefore post-World War II security,’ Frederiksen told Danish television network TV2. AFP

NEW YORK—Ousted Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking and other charges at a defiant appearance in a New York court Monday (Tuesday, Manila time), two days after being snatched by US forces in a stunning raid on his home in Caracas. Maduro, 63, told a federal judge in Manhattan “I’m innocent. I’m not guilty.” Smiling as he entered the courtroom and wearing an orange shirt with beige trousers, Maduro spoke softly. “I’m president of the Republic of Venezuela and I’m here kidnapped since Jan. 3, Saturday,” Maduro told the court, speaking in Spanish through an interpreter. “I was captured at my home in Caracas, Venezuela.” Maduro’s wife Cilia Flores

on Fox News in her first public comments since the weekend, Machado added that she plans to return to Venezuela “as soon as possible” after leaving under cover last month to accept her Nobel Peace Prize. After the raid, Trump declared that the United States was “in charge” in Venezuela and intends to take control of the country’s huge but decrepit oil industry. The 79-year-old president also dismissed the idea of Caracas having new elections in the next month. “We have to fix the country first. You can’t have an election. There’s no way the people could even vote,” Trump told broadcaster NBC News in an interview aired Monday. However, US House Speaker and Trump ally Mike Johnson said he thinks an election “should happen in short order” in Venezuela. AFP

Thailand says Cambodia border strike hurts soldier, violates 10-day-old truce

Lee snaps Xi selfie with smartBEIJING—South Korean President Lee Jae Myung snapped a selfie with Xi Jinping using a smartphone gifted to him by the Chinese leader, who had joked at their last meeting that the device might be capable of spying. Lee posted a selfie of himself, Xi and their wives on social media platform X on Monday during a visit to Beijing. “A selfie with President Xi Jinping and his wife, taken with the Xiaomi I received as a gift in Gyeongju,” Lee wrote. “Thanks to them, I got the shot of a lifetime,” he said. “I will communicate more frequently and collaborate more closely going forward.” Lee’s office also posted a short YouTube video of the scene, with Xi complimenting the South Korean leader’s photo skills. The Xiaomi handset made headlines in November when Xi cracked a joke to Lee on the sidelines of an APEC summit in South Korea. When Lee asked if the communication line on the device was secure, the Chinese leader urged him to “check if there is a backdoor” -- referring to pre-installed software that could allow third-party monitoring. The banter was a rare display of humor from the Chinese leader, who is not often seen making jokes, let alone about espionage. AFP

likewise pleaded not guilty. The judge ordered both to remain behind bars and set a new hearing date of March 17. The presidential couple were forcibly taken by US commandos in the early hours of Saturday in airstrikes on the Venezuelan capital backed by warplanes and a heavy naval deployment. Thousands of people marched through Caracas in support of Maduro as his former deputy, Delcy Rodriguez, was sworn in as interim president. Venezuela opposition leader Maria Corina Machado slammed Rodriguez, saying she was “rejected” by the Venezuelan people and calling her “one of the main architects of torture, persecution, corruption, narcotrafficking.” Speaking from an undisclosed location to broadcaster Sean Hannity

‘BACKDOOR’ PHONE. South Korea’s President Lee Jae Myung (left) and

his wife Kim Hea Kyung (2nd left ) take a selfie with China’s President Xi Jinping (2nd right) and his wife Peng Liyuan (right) after a dinner at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Monday. Lee snapped the selfie with Xi Jinping using a smartphone gifted to him by the Chinese leader, who had joked at their last meeting that the device might be capable of spying. AFP

BANGKOK—Thailand’s army said Tuesday its Cambodian counterpart claimed fresh cross-border fire was an accident, after Bangkok accused Cambodian forces of violating a 10-day-old truce with a strike that wounded a soldier. The decades-old dispute between the Southeast Asian neighbors erupted into military clashes several times last year, with fighting in December killing dozens of people and displacing around one million on both sides. The two countries agreed a truce on December 27, ending three weeks of clashes. “Cambodia has violated the ceasefire” on Tuesday morning, the Thai army said in a statement, accusing Cambodian forces of firing mortar rounds into Thailand’s Ubon Ratchathani province. One soldier was wounded by

shrapnel and being evacuated for medical treatment, it added. The Thai army said in a later statement that the Cambodian side had contacted a Thai military unit and claimed “there was no intention to fire into Thai territory,” adding “the incident was caused by an operational error by Cambodian personnel.” “The Thai military in the area warned Cambodian forces to exercise caution and stressed that if a similar incident were to occur again, Thailand may need to take retaliatory action,” the statement said. Cambodia’s defense ministry spokeswoman Maly Socheata declined to comment on the alleged strike. Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said his government had lodged a protest with Phnom Penh, “stating that the truce was violated.” AFP

Foreign media group slams Israel gov’t for refusing to lift Gaza press ban JERUSALEM—An international media association on Tuesday criticized the Israeli government for maintaining its ban on unrestricted media access to Gaza, calling the move disappointing. The government had told the Supreme Court in a submission late Sunday that the ban should remain in place, citing security risks in the Gaza Strip. The submission was in response to a petition filed by the Foreign Press Association—which represents hundreds of journalists in Israel

and Palestinian territories—seeking immediate and unrestricted access for foreign journalists to the Gaza Strip. “The Foreign Press Association expresses its profound disappointment with the Israeli government’s latest response to our appeal for full and free access to the Gaza Strip,” the association said on Tuesday. “Instead of presenting a plan for allowing journalists into Gaza independently and letting us work alongside our brave Palestinian

colleagues, the government has decided once again to lock us out” despite the ceasefire in the territory, it added. Since the outbreak of the Gaza war in October 2023, triggered by an attack on Israel by the Palestinian militant group Hamas, the government has barred foreign journalists from independently entering the devastated territory. Instead, Israel has allowed only a limited number of reporters

IN BRIEF Arson attack sparks mid-winter blackout

SECURITY ADVISERS MEETING. Ukraine’s Minister of Economy,

Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine Oleksii Sobolev (left) and Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Taras Kachka speak during a meeting of national security advisors of European countries in Kyiv during the weekend, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Ukraine is hosting security advisers from NATO and European allies for further negotiations on a plan to end the war with Russia. AFP

BERLIN—Anger is simmering in parts of Berlin where an arson attack claimed by a far-left group has caused a blackout that has plunged tens of thousands into icy darkness in mid-winter. The power cut in the German capital’s leafy southwest—which has also halted local trains and forced the closure of shops, schools and hospitals—has sparked questions about how resilient the country is to sabotage of its critical infrastructure. Jutta Herter, 77, said she was “simply furious” with those behind the arson attack on high-voltage cables first reported Saturday morning, which left 45,000 households in the snow-covered city in the dark and many without heating. Herter said she and her husband had lit up the fire in their bedroom —but even this only raised the temperature to a chilly 13C. Around her at the town hall in Zehlendorf, dozens of other residents were searching for warmth, hot drinks and electricity to charge their mobile phones, laptops and other devices. Herter said friends had offered to put them up, but the couple wanted to stay near their home, worried about the water pipes freezing if they left the house for too long. “You wonder what kind of people they are, what kind of feelings they have,” she told AFP about the attackers. “It’s unbelievable, you just can’t comprehend it.” The arson was claimed online by an extremist group that calls itself Vulkangruppe (Volcano Group) and said it was targeting “the fossil fuel economy” driving climate change. AFP

to enter Gaza on a case-by-case basis, embedded with its military inside the blockaded Palestinian territory. The FPA filed its petition in 2024, after which the court granted the government several extensions to submit its response. Last month, however, the court set January 4 as a final deadline for the government to present a plan for allowing media access to Gaza. In its submission, the government maintained that the ban should remain in place. AFP

Japan lawmaker says Taiwan ‘independent’

TAIPEI—A China-born Japanese lawmaker sanctioned by Beijing arrived in Taipei on Tuesday, vowing to tell the world that “Taiwan is an independent country”. Hei Seki, a member of Japan’s parliament, was sanctioned in September by China and banned from entering the country for “spreading fallacies” on issues such as Taiwan, Hong Kong and disputed islands. China claims Taiwan is part of its territory and has an ongoing spat with Tokyo over islands in the East China Sea claimed by both countries, and considers foreign criticism on sensitive political topics to be acts of interference. “The fact that I am able today to smoothly enter Taiwan... fully demonstrates that the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of China are completely two different countries,” Seki told reporters, using Taiwan’s official name. “I came to Taiwan today, first of all, to prove this point, and to tell the world that Taiwan is an independent country,” he said. China’s foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told reporters at a press briefing the “rantings of petty villains aren’t worth responding to.” Seki will attend a banquet on Tuesday, along with Taiwanese Premier Cho Jung-tai, the Indo-Pacific Strategy Thinktank in Taipei, which is hosting Seki’s visit, said. China’s foreign ministry said previously that Seki, a naturalized Japanese citizen, had “spread false information, colluded with Japanese anti-China forces, and wantonly attacked and smeared China.”AFP

SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2026

High school baseball back in UAAP after 6 years Games Wednesday (Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium) 8 a.m. - DLSZ vs UST 11 a.m. - Southridge vs Ateneo

Brandon Miller of the Charlotte Hornets celebrates a made basket with his bench during the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. AFP

Hornets shock Thunder; Pistons dominate Knicks L

OS ANGELES—The Charlotte Hornets thrashed the NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder 124-97 on Monday, as Eastern Conference leaders Detroit delivered a statement win over the New York Knicks. The struggling Hornets, 12th in the Eastern Conference, dominated in Oklahoma City, where the leagueleading Thunder suffered just their seventh loss of the season but their second in a row after a setback against Phoenix on Sunday. Brandon Miller scored 28 points and Kon Knueppel added 23 for the Hornets, who grabbed 52 rebounds to the Thunder’s 33 and held a 23-13 edge in second-chance points. Even 20 Hornets turnovers, leading to 26 Thunder points, couldn’t help Oklahoma City, who never led after the opening minutes and connected on just 36.6 percent of their shots from the field. NBA Most Valuable Player Shai

Gilgeous-Alexander scored 21 points to lead five Thunder players in double figures, but OKC’s streak of 24 victories against Eastern Conference foes came to an end. Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said Oklahoma City wouldn’t panic after dropping six of 12 games since their blazing 24-1 start to the season. “We’ll evaluate it as we do every game, learn from it and then we’ll turn the page and try to be a better team,” he said after the Thunder were held below 100 points for the first time this season. - Cunningham leads Pistons In Detroit, Cade Cunningham scored 29 points and handed out 13

assists to propel the Pistons to a 12190 victory over the Knicks in a duel of the top two teams in the Eastern Conference. Detroit improved to 27-9 and stretched their lead atop the East to four games over the Boston Celtics -who overtook the Knicks for second spot in the conference with a 115-101 victory over the Chicago Bulls. Javonte Green added 17 points off the bench for Detroit and Jaden Ivey chipped in 16 for a Pistons team without injured starters Tobias Harris and Jalen Duren. Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 25 points, but he had precious little scoring support. Miles McBride added 17 off the bench and Mikal Bridges scored 10, but Karl-Anthony Towns scored just six points on oneof-four shooting and OG Anunoby made just one of three shots on the way to five points. “Obviously we knew there was a little extra to this game,” Cunning-

ham said of the first meeting between the teams since the Knicks eliminated the Pistons in the first round of last season’s playoffs. “But (we’re) just trying to continue what we’ve been doing all year and trying to keep our momentum.” Brunson kept the Knicks in touch early with 12 points in the first quarter and New York trailed by just one point after a strong finish to a tight first frame. But nine Knicks turnovers in the second quarter helped the Pistons push their lead to 64-54 at half-time. Cunningham’s 15 third-quarter points matched the Knicks’ total for the period -- New York’s lowest scoring quarter of the season leaving the Pistons firmly in control. Knicks coach Mike Brown said New York didn’t match the physicality of the Pistons. “It’s pretty simple,” he said. “They just physically kicked our ass. There’s no ifs and buts about it.” AFP

Rockets, Mavs to play pre-season NBA games in Macau NEW YORK—The Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets will play two pre-season NBA games in Macau next year, the league announced on Monday. The games will be contested October 9 and 11 at the Venetian Arena and follow the NBA’s return to China last October with two pre-season games between the Phoenix Suns and Brooklyn Nets. “The games in Macau earlier this season showed how much passion and enthusiasm there is for the NBA among fans in China and across Asia,” said NBA deputy commissioner and chief operating officer Mark Tatum. “We look forward to welcoming the Mavericks and Rockets to Macau and to once again engaging fans, aspiring players and the local community through the games and surrounding events.”

The Venetian is owned by the Sands Corporation, whose president is Patrick Dumont, owner of the

Mavericks, while the Rockets are the former club of Chinese star Yao Ming. The Rockets, featuring Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun, are off to a 21-11 start this season and rank third in the Western Conference while the Mavs, 1323, are sparked by rookie Cooper Flagg and veterans Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson. The NBA and Sands China Limited will also host youth clinics, a fan area and social impact programs on health, wellness and sustainability. The latest games show continued healing followed a rift between the NBA and China in 2019 after Daryl Morey, then the Rockets’ general manager and now president of basketball operations for the Philadelphia 76ers, tweeted support for anti-government protestors in Hong Kong. AFP

Boracay Platinum International Open Water Swim Race slated March 7, 8 BORACAY ISLAND — In celebration of the 70th anniversary of Aklan Province, the Provincial Government of Aklan has partnered with Liquid Events to stage the Boracay Platinum International Open Water Swim Race on March 7 and 8, 2026. Led by Governor Jose Enrique M. Miraflores and Provincial Assessor Kokoy B. Soguilon, the landmark sporting event will unfold at White Beach, Station 1, promising world-class competition in one of the country’s most iconic backdrops. Spearheaded by race director Coach Vince Garcia, a veteran multisport organizer, the meet will feature elite 5-kilometer and 10-kilometer open water swim races, complemented by a Beginners Day that includes aquathlon events and shorter swim distances aimed at first-time and recreational participants. “This event is a race and a celebration of Aklan’s 70 years of progress, resilience and natural beauty,” Miraflores said. “By partnering with Liquid Events and Coach Vince Garcia, we aim to showcase our province to the world while promoting health, tourism and community spirit.” Organizers said the Boracay Platinum Open Water Swim Race is being positioned as one of the safest open water events in Asia, with comprehensive safety

protocols in place. These include coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard, deployment of deep-water buoys, realtime current monitoring, and on-site medical and rescue teams. The race is also sanctioned by the World Open Water Swimming Association, giving athletes global recognition and ranking points. Registration is offered in tiered phases, with earlybird rates ranging from ₱1,300 to ₱5,900 depending on distance and category. Family-friendly options, including kids and beginner divisions, are also part of the program. Soguilon underscored the expected tourism and economic benefits of the event. “We anticipate hundreds of local and international participants, along with their families and supporters, which will significantly boost our local economy through accommodations, dining and other activities during the peak season,” he said. The competition schedule sets Saturday, March 7, for the main 5K and 10K elite races, while Sunday, March 8, is dedicated to the Beginners Day featuring aquathlon and shorter open water swims. Registration is now open via RaceYaya, with par-

ticipants set to receive finisher medals, race shirts, post-race refreshments and a chance to create lasting memories in Boracay. For more information, registration and sponsorship inquiries, visit www.boracayplatinumowsrace.com or contact Coach Vince Garcia at admin@boracayplatinumowsrace.com or 0917-886-6341.

Shown here are (from left) Aklan Gov.Jose Enrique M. Miraflores, coach Vince Garcia and Provincial Assessor Kokoy B. Soguilon.

HIGH school baseball is set to make its return to the UAAP after a six-year hiatus. Last staged in Season 82 (2019), the UAAP High School Baseball Tournament comes back bigger this year with the inclusion of guest team PAREFSouthridge School. The Admirals’ entry turns the competition into a five-team field, joining defending champion University of Santo Tomas, Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle Zobel, and National University Nazareth School. The Junior Golden Sox will open their long-awaited title defense—seven years in the making— today (Wednesday) at the historic Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium, facing the Junior Green Batters in the opening game. First pitch is set at 8 a.m. “We are very much eager to defend the title. Kami ang kauna-unahang UAAP champion at kahuli-hulihang champion kaya we want to be the champion again sa pagbabalik ng UAAP high school baseball,” said UST head coach and local legend Jeff Santiago. In Season 82, the Junior Golden Sox, then bannered by John Regalado and Justine Rosales—both of whom went on to make their mark at the collegiate level—defeated Ateneo, led by Season MVP Matt San Juan, in three games in the Finals. Although the high school tournament has been held since Season 74 (2011), it only became a regular sport in Season 80 (2017). UST ruled the diamond in that inaugural run. Southridge will make its tournament debut at 11 a.m. against Ateneo. Admirals head coach Bocc Bernardo, who previously handled Ateneo’s collegiate team, where he remains as an assistant to Blue Eagles head coach Pepe Jose, is determined to make the most of the opportunity now that his high school squad has a platform to showcase its talent. “It’s something that all high school players are looking forward to. Yung mga pending na naghihintay sa college kasi walang paglalaruan, ngayon nakabalik na. Everyone has been looking forward to this. It’s going to be a very competitive tournament. Very happy ako na nagawan ng paraan and happy ako nakasama yung Southridge,” shared Bernardo. Southridge will lean on ace pitcher Joaquin Salvador, supported by a pitching staff that includes JC Basañes and Amiel Belga, along with slugger Matt Gelota. Ateneo, meanwhile, will be led by Grade 12 ace pitcher Lorenzo de Guzman, catcher Nicolas Sevilla, infielder Santiago Afuang, and former Xavier School standout Tres Saguisag.

BEST Center clinics open in 2 venues THE multi-awarded BEST Center (Basketball Efficiency and Scientific Training Center) heats up the new year with basketball and volleyball clinics from January 10 to February 11 at the Ateneo covered courts in Quezon City. The Saturdays-only classes, backed by MILO with support from Chris Sports and SKLZ, will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon. Parents and interested students may contact bestcenter.inquiry@ gmail.com or call 83719724 and/ or 3411626. The group is also on Facebook. BEST Center is also still accepting enrollments for its basketball clinic in Calamba, Laguna. The Sunday classes fired off on January 4 and will last until February 15. Interested parties may call Ogie Velasquez at 09176720826 or through Facebook page Best Center Sports-Calamba.

SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2026

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor

Lagac claims 2-title feat in MAC’s Crank It Juniors’ tilt

Ginebra’s RJ Abarrietos and San Miguel Beer’s Rodney Brondial fight for the looseball in Game 1 of the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals. The Gin Kings won, 99-90.

Kings to carry momentum of 8-tiff win run in Game 2 By Peter Atencio

HE Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Gin Kings will once again try to bring out their A-game in Game 2 of their 2026 PBA Philippine Cup semifinal series with the San Miguel Beermen.

Gin Kings’ coach Tim Cone said this, now that they are riding on an eight-game winning streak, after beating the top-seeded San Miguel Beermen, 99-90, in Game 1 on Sunday. “We know last year, and the past that this (SMB) is a great team. So we have to play at the top of our game to have a chance to beat

them,” said Cone, a few days before their 5:15 p.m. encounter on Wednesday with the Beermen at the Araneta Coliseum. The Gin Kings have the momentum after winning eight consecutive times, following a seven-game winning run at close of the eliminations and into the quarterfinals. But for Cone, this no longer mat-

ters as the Gin Kings are back to zero in their series with the Beermen. “So, were back to zero. From the win streak that we had before, it doesn’t matter anymore when you enter a seven-game semis series,” said Cone. The Gin Kings, led by RJ Abarrientos with 23 points, snapped a dominant 10-game winning streak held by San Miguel, when they took Game 1. The Gin Kings’ reserves outscored the Beermen’s bench, 54-29, with Ralph Cu and Norbert Torres hitting six crucial fourth-quarter triples. Earlier, the TNT Tropang 5G also

seek a second straight triumph over the Meralco Bolts in their own bestof-seven affair. TNT coach Chot Reyes said playing better defense in Game 2 will allow the Tropang 5G to sustain their momentum over the Bolts, following a 100-95 win on Sunday. “Hopefully in Game 2, we are more ready to play from the start because I don’t think we can bring this kind of game to Game 2 and expect to come up with the same result,” said Reyes in describing the Bolt’s energetic game. After overcoming a 21-point deficit in Game 1, TNT took a 1-0 series lead.

Aussie Open winners to get $2.79M as prize money reaches record high MELBOURNE—Players at this month’s Australian Open will be competing for a record prize pool with organisers on Tuesday announcing a 16 percent increase in the total purse to Aus$111.5 million ($75 million). The winners of the men’s and women’s singles at the first Grand Slam of the year will each take home Aus$4.15 million ($2.79 million), up 19 percent from last year’s Aus$3.5 million. Players beaten in the opening round will get Aus$150,000 ($100,750), while even those knocked out in the first round of qualifying receive Aus$40,500 ($27,200).

Tournament director Craig Tiley said it reflected Tennis Australia’s commitment to supporting tennis careers at every level, from rising stars to Grand Slam champions. “From boosting qualifying prize money by 55 percent since 2023 to enhancing player benefits, we’re ensuring professional tennis is sustainable for all competitors,” he said. “By supporting players at all levels, we’re building deeper talent pools and more compelling storylines for fans.” The tour nament gets under way at Melbour ne Park on Januar y 18, with Jannik Sinner and Madison Keys defending their titles.AFP

Kyrgios urges Djokovic to play ‘as long as possible’ after Adelaide pullout SYDNEY—Nick Kyrgios urged Novak Djokovic to stay in tennis “as long as possible” after the Serbian great Tuesday pulled out of his only leadup tournament to the Australian Open, saying he was “not quite physically ready”. The 38-year-old was planning to use the Adelaide International from January 12 as a springboard to the opening Grand Slam at Melbourne Park a week later where he is targeting an 11th title and elusive 25th major crown. “To all my fans in Adelaide, unfortunately I’m not quite physically ready to compete in the Adelaide International next week,” Djokovic said on Instagram. “It’s personally very disappointing to me, as I have such great memories of winning the title there two years ago. I was really excited about returning as it truly felt like playing at home. “My focus is now on my preparation for the Australian Open and I look forward to arriving in Melbourne soon and seeing all the tennis fans in Australia.” The world number four has not played a tour match since he defeated Lorenzo Musetti in the Athens final in early November and has become very selective about when and where he plays. Australian showman Kyrgios, competing at the Brisbane International this week as he returns from a long injury layoff, urged everyone in-

volved in tennis to appreciate Djokovic while he was still playing. “There’s obviously something there that he wants to achieve, whether it’s another Grand Slam or something else,” he told the Sydney Morning Herald. “But I think we should just cherish the fact that someone that old in our sport is still at the top of it and still gives everything to it. “The longer we have guys like this around, the better it is for our sport. “I feel like there’s been a void in the sport ever since (Roger) Federer and (Rafael) Nadal left ... and obviously when Novak goes, that era is completely gone. I want him to stay for as long as possible.” Djokovic indicated last year that he wanted to stay in the sport until the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics so he could defend the gold medal he won in Paris. The Serb has had to settle for a secondary role since Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz took control of the men’s tour. He made the semis at all four majors in 2025 but failed to go further, with his last Grand Slam title coming at the US Open in 2023. His Adelaide withdrawal came a day after he announced he would cut ties with the Professional Tennis Players Association, a group

he co-founded. Djokovic cited “concerns regarding transparency, governance, and the way my voice and image have been represented”. AFP

Novak Djokovic AFP

UNRANKED Miguel Lagac III further burnished a rapidly rising tennis career by delivering a pair of commanding performances to clinch the lone two-title feat in the MAC’s Crank It National Junior Championships at the Olivarez Sports Center hard courts in Parañaque recently. Meanwhile, Jan Cadee Dagoon sustained her strong run on the girls’ side, earning co-MVP honors in the season-ending tournament of the country’s longest running talent-search under the Palawan Pawnshop junior tennis program. Lagac first outlasted second seed Rafa Monte de Ramos of Lipa City in a fierce baseline duel to post a 6-1, 6-4 victory in the boys’ 16-and-under singles final. The Cebuano standout then capped his remarkable campaign with an even more convincing 6-2, 6-2 triumph over No. 4 seed Julio Naredo of Quezon City to rule the 18-and-U division. On his way to the twin titles, Lagac opened with a walkover win over Krelz Gecosala, then drubbed Jan Caleb Villeno, 6-1, 6-2, in the quarterfinals. He followed that up by blasting past Cal Shinglee – who earlier upset top seed Lexious Cruz – with a dominant 6-1, 6-1 semifinal victory to arrange his showdown with Monte de Ramos in the 16-andU finals. Lagac also bundled out Monte de Ramos in the second round of the 18-and-U class, grinding out a tough 6-2, 2-6, 12-10 decision. He went on to shock No. 2 seed France Dilao, 6-2, 6-4, before thwarting Anthony Castigador, 6-1, 7-5, in the semis en route to the championship sponsored by the Crank It Foundation, which empowers youth through sports, education and mentorship while fostering a competitive tournament for young athletes. Dagoon narrowly missed matching Lagac’s two-title romp in the girls’ side, but the recent PPS-PEPP Olongapo leg winner still sparkled with a title and a runner-up finish to share MVP honors with Lagac. The Olongapo native rallied past Ella Mhae Paglalunan of Gen. Trias, Cavite, 2-6, 6-4, 6-3, to capture the girls’ 16-and-U crown before bowing to doubles partner Avegail Joy Ansay of Laguna, 6-2, 6-4, in the 18-and-U final. Other champions in the Philtasanctioned tournament, part of the PPS-PEPP program led by Palawan Pawnshop president and CEO Bobby Castro, included Iloilo’s Anthony Castigador, Olongapo’s Yuan Torrente, Quezon City’s Francis Angeles, Olongapo bet Ayl Gonzaga and Iloilo’s Donarose Olavides.

1st Alta Golf Cup slated Jan. 29 at Eagle Ridge GENERAL TRIAS CITY— The 1st Alta Golf Cup Tournament is slated on January 29, 2026 at the Aoki Course of the Eagle Ridge Golf and Country Club in Barangay Manggahan here. Also titled “Swing for a Cause: A Sports Development Project of the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta (UPHSD) Las Piñas City Campus”, the golf event is part of the 50th Foundation Anniversary of the educational institution. Registration starts at 6 a.m., with the shotgun tee-off set at 8 a.m., using a System 36 tournament format. Joining fee is P5,000 and P3,000 for Eagle Ridge members, inclusive of green fee, cart sharing, raffle, giveaway and lunch and snack. All interested golfers, alumni and university executives may contact the UPHSD Alumni Office at 8871-06-39, local 193, or 09164367954 and look for Carrene Bantucan, 0977-6807443, or Sara Alvaro at 09178978759. Dennis Abrina

BUSINESS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2026

extrastory2000@gmail.com RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor

WHAT’S INSIDE?

1.8% Inflation in December 2025

1.5%

Rockwell Land readies P10-b bond sale

Inflation in November 2025

FLAG CEREMONY. The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) holds its first flag ceremony of 2026 on Jan. 5, reaffirming the agency’s commitment to renewed service and unity. BIR officials and employees gathered to honor the Philippine flag and reaffirm their dedication to duty, professionalism and public service. In his New Year’s message, Commissioner Charlito Martin Mendoza cited the importance of momentum and unity.

Business groups cite improved budget

B4 Manufacturing output fell 1.5% in November—PSA PHILIPPINE manufacturing output contracted in November 2025 as significant declines in petroleum and beverages outweighed gains in other sectors, government data showed Tuesday. The volume of production index (VoPI) fell 1.5 percent year-on-year in November, a reversal from the 1.0-percent growth seen in October 2025. The performance was an improvement compared to the 4.5-percent decline seen in November 2024, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). The downturn was led by three industries. Coke and refined petroleum products saw a sharp 11.4 percent decrease, accelerating from a 2.7 percent drop in October. Beverage production fell 2.8 percent following a 4.9 percent increase the previous month, while food product manufacturing saw growth slow to 4.2 percent from 8.1 percent in October. The value of production index (VaPI) also moved into negative territory, posting a 1.4-percent annual decrease in November from a 1.5-percent increase in October. PSA officials said the slowdown in food manufacturing, which holds the highest weight in the index, contributed 27.9 percent to the overall decline in value. Within the food sector, the manufacture of vegetable and animal oils fell 4.1 percent, while meat processing growth slowed to 7.2 percent from 16.0 percent. Despite the overall contraction, 9 of 22 industry divisions reported growth. The manufacture of basic metals and chemical products remained among the top contributors to the remaining production volume. Average capacity utilization for the manufacturing sector stood at 77.4 percent in November, slightly lower than 77.6 percent in October but higher than 76.4 percent seen a year earlier. All divisions maintained utilization rates above 60.0 percent.

1.7%

Average 2025 inflation

December inflation rose to 1.8%; Outlook remains benign, says BSP By Thony Rose Lesaca

HILIPPINE inflation rose to 1.8 percent in December 2025 from 1.5 percent in November due to agricultural disruptions caused by Typhoon Uwan, the Philippine Statistics Authority said Tuesday. The December figure brought the average full-year inflation for 2025 to 1.7 percent. This landed below the government target range of 2 percent to 4 percent for the year. Department of Economy, Planning and Development Secretary Arsenio

Balisacan said the economy remained resilient against global headwinds due to timely and targeted interventions. The uptick in the final month of the year was led by food inflation, which climbed to 1.2 percent from -0.3 percent in November. Vegetable price

growth accelerated to 11.6 percent from 4 percent, with onion prices surging 79 percent. Fish inflation also ticked up to 9 percent from 8.6 percent because of limited import arrivals. These increases were tempered by slower price growth in meat products, which fell to 3 percent from 4.2 percent. A decline in African swine fever cases helped lower pork inflation to 4.8 percent from 7 percent, while surplus supply pulled chicken inflation down to 0.7 percent. Rice prices continued to record deflation at -12.3 percent. The government said it aims to maintain inflation within a 2 percent to 4

percent target range from 2026 to 2028. To support this, the 2026 national budget includes a P297.1 billion allocation for the agriculture sector. The funds will prioritize farm-to-market roads, cold storage facilities, and rice mills to boost productivity and food security. The Department of Energy is accelerating 200 power generation projects to manage energy price pressures as electricity demand rises. DEPDEv Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said these initiatives are part of a broader thrust to attain food security and enhance the quality of public service delivery.

Jollibee to spin off international unit for US listing By Jenniffer B. Austria

LABOR GOALS. Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Undersecretary Benedicto Ernesto Bitonio Jr. of the labor relations, policy and international affairs cluster and the regional operations cluster leads the department’s flag-raising ceremony on Jan. 5, 2026 at the DOLE Central Office in Intramuros, Manila. On behalf of Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, Bitonio expressed his gratitude for the meaningful contributions of the department’s attached agencies, regional offices, bureaus and services over the past year, particularly in workplace conflicts resolution, labor standards enforcement, employment promotion and disaster response.

Proposed REIT changes to unlock infrastructure deals PROPOSED changes to Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) rules could unlock a new pipeline of billion-peso offerings from large infrastructure operators, Investment & Capital Corporation of the Philippines (ICCP) said Tuesday. ICCP President Manny Ocampo said the planned amendments by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) would allow tollway operators, water concessionaires, fiber optic networks, cell tower companies and data center developers to raise capital through REIT listings. These infrastructure assets typically

possess the scale and long-term cash flows required for multibillion-peso offerings once issuers complete asset preparation and valuation, he said. The regulatory shift coincides with expectations of easing interest rates, a combination Ocampo said could encourage more issuers to tap the market. He noted that REITs are primarily a dividend story, and lower interest rates reduce the pressure on issuers to offer elevated yields, making public listings a more attractive capitalraising option. The local REIT market expanded

in 2020 and 2021 when lower interest rates drove a wave of listings. Ocampo said the policy direction of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas would be a key factor, with the possibility of further rate cuts into 2026 potentially creating a favorable window for large-scale infrastructure REITs. Despite the supportive regulatory and macroeconomic backdrop, Ocampo cautioned that actual listings would remain dependent on issuer readiness, asset valuations and broader market conditions. Jenniffer B. Austria

JOLLIBEE Foods Corp. said Tuesday it plans to spin off its international operations and list the business on a US securities exchange, while retaining its Philippine operations as a listed entity on the Philippine Stock Exchange. The proposed separation would create two independently-listed businesses with distinct strategic and investment profiles, Jollibee said in a disclosure to the PSE. The transaction is targeted for late 2027, subject to market conditions, due diligence and regulatory and legal approvals. Under the plan, JFC will retain all Philippine operations, positioning it as a domestic consumer platform anchored on its food-service business. The Philippine unit is expected to offer stable earnings and domestic expansion opportunities supported by its market presence and loyal customer base. The international unit, to be named Jollibee Foods Corp. International, will include all operations outside the Philippines. JFC said this business would represent a global growth platform comprising fast-growing concepts across multiple categories and geographies, operating under a capital-light model with room for expansion in markets that support international scale.

Pag-IBIG maintains 3% interest rate for 4PH housing units

BUSWAY REOPENING. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) reopens the rehabilitated sections of the EDSA Busway at the southbound lane from Taft Avenue to Orense and the northbound lane from Magallanes Ave. to Orense in Makati City. Beginning Jan. 5, 2026, roadworks would be conducted from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. to minimize disruption for motorists during rush hour.

STATE-RUN Pag-IBIG Fund said it will maintain its 3-percent subsidized interest rate for socialized housing loans even as the government raises price ceilings to help developers improve the quality of low-cost homes. The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) recently issued updated price ceilings under Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2025-001. The new rates are intended to reflect current construction costs and encourage developers to build safer, more durable units for Filipino

workers under the Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino program. Under the new rules, the maximum selling price for a socialized houseand-lot unit is now P844,440 for a 24 to 26 square meter unit and P950,000 for units 27 square meters and larger. For socialized condominiums, price ceilings have been set up to P1.8 million for buildings with more than five floors. In the National Capital Region and other highly urbanized cities, add-ons based on zonal values may increase the maximum price for select condominiums to P2 million. DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon

Aliling said the goal of the housing agenda of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is to ensure workers have access to homes that are decent and built to last. He said aligning project prices with today’s economic conditions allows the industry to deliver more homes at scale while keeping them attainable. Pag-IBIG Fund chief executive Marilene Acosta said the agency’s strong fiscal position enables it to keep loan terms affordable. She said the fund would work with developers to accelerate unit production and loan takeouts to meet the administration’s homeownership goals.

BUSINESS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2026

extrastory2000@gmail.com

Rockwell Land readies P10-b bond sale after mall acquisition

The real estate arm of the Lopez group will issue P7 billion in fixedrate bonds with an oversubscription option for another P3 billion. The offering represents the first tranche of a P20 billion bond shelf registration program currently awaiting approval from the

Securities and Exchange Commission. Philippine Rating Services Corp. (PhilRatings) assigned the bond sale an issue credit rating of PRS Aaa with a stable outlook. This is the highest rating assigned by the agency and indicates that the offering is of the highest quality with minimal credit risk. PhilRatings noted that a stable outlook suggests the rating will likely remain unchanged over the next 12 months. The rating agency based its decision on the established brand name of Rockwell Land, its diversified product offerings, geographical expansion and support from its parent company. PhilRatings also cited the firm’s sustained profitability, strong liquidity, and

By Jenniffer B. Austria

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Standard OCKWELL Land TODAY Inc. plans to raise up to P10 billion from an issuance of fixed rate bonds to replenish its capital after spending P21.6 billion to acquire a controlling stake in the company that owns Alabang Town Center. Manila

conservative capital structure despite recent expansion efforts. Rockwell Land recently acquired a 74.8-percent stake in Alabang Commercial Corp., which owns and operates Alabang Town Center (ATC). The 17.5-hectare retail and office hub in Muntinlupa houses approximately 500 tenants. While primarily focused on high-end residential and commercial projects, the developer has expanded into horizontal developments in Pampanga, Laguna, Batangas, Cebu and Bacolod. The company is also scheduled to begin construction on its first full-service hotel in Cebu in 2026 and plans to launch its second Power Plant Mall in Pampanga in 2027.

JOB OPENING FOR TRAINING AND SUSTAINMENT MANAGER

Position:

Training and Sustainment Manager

Job Description / Principal Duties:

•

• •

• Minium Qualifications (cumulative):

• • • •

Identify skill and knowledge gaps across the organization, and design sustainment programs that directly address said gaps, in line with the organization’s key business objectives; Oversee the implementation and execution of sustainment programs, manage its logistics, and facilitate implementation; Ensure long-term application of sustainment approach, maintenance and update of program content reflecting the changes in the needs of the organization, and promoting a culture of learning and professional development in the workplace; and Measure the effectiveness of sustainment approach through periodic reports highlighting key performance indicators (KPls). Holder of a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA) from a reputable university, preferably abroad; At least 10 years of professional experience in sustainment management, operations, risk assessment, and other allied fields; Fluency in English and other European languages; and Must possess excellent analytical and communication ability.

Applications may be sent to Christie Ann Masbad at inquiry@equinetsupport.com Employer:

A&E EQUINET SUPPORT, INC.

Registered Address:

Bataan Techno Park, Morong, Bataan

Venue of Workplace

No. 290, 15th Ave. Brgy. Silangan, Cubao, Quezon City

Nature of Business:

Providing support services, including but not limited to, Computer Aided Design (CAD) shop drawings, 3D BIM modeling, project management, estimation services, quantity surveying, procurement, etc.

The Employer declares that the following foreign national is able, willing, and is qualified to perform the aforementioned duties for the position of Training and Sustainment Manager. The Employer thus intends to employ the said foreign national and to apply for an Alien Employment Permit (“AEP”) for this purpose: Name of Foreign National:

Volodymyr Bilousov

Nationality

Ukrainian

Residential Address:

Makati City

Contractual Term:

Two (2) Years from the issuance of his Work Visa

DOLE Regional Office and Address:

DOLE-National Capital Region 3/F Wasmiya Building, Maligaya Street, Malate, Manila

INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPER.

Aboitiz Economic Estates continues to set the benchmark for industrial development in Southeast Asia, earning the title of Best Industrial Developer at the 2025 Dot Property Southeast Asia Awards in Bangkok, Thailand. The distinction is further reinforced by TARI Estate’s recognition as Southeast Asia’s Best Industrial Development, highlighting the company’s role as a pioneer in building large-scale, industry-anchored estates that catalyze investment, job creation, and inclusive regional growth.

Toyota reaffirms support for CARS program By Othel V. Campos TOYOTA Motor Philippines (TMP) reaffirms its support for the government’s nationbuilding initiatives through its participation in the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy program, even after a recent multibillion-peso budget veto. TMP president Masando Hashimoto said the company has made major investments of nearly P5.4 billion to meet the target of 200,000 units for the Toyota Vios. Vios is the company’s locally registered model under the program designed to generate jobs, deepen local parts capacity and promote technology transfer. The statement follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. vetoing P4.32 billion in 2026 CARS program funding. Despite the reduction, the automaker said it remains confident that

continued government collaboration would attract investment, create jobs and sustain a vibrant manufacturing sector. The CARS program, launched under Executive Order No. 182, provides performance-based fiscal incentives to automakers meeting local production targets and deepening domestic component sourcing. Only two carmakers enrolled in the program: Toyota Motor Philippines with the Vios and Mitsubishi Motors Philippines with the Mirage series. Both committed to producing at least 200,000 units under the original parameters. “After six years into the CARS program, we believe it has been a win-win concept between the government and private sector in attracting foreign direct investments while providing benefits to both manufacturers and consumers,” Hashimoto said.

AVIATION TRAINING. Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) hosts a

comprehensive two-day Electronic Terrain and Obstacle Data (eTOD) Training Workshop at the Civil Aviation Training Center (CATC) and Air Traffic Management Center on Dec. 11 and 12, 2025. The workshop was conducted by the agency’s eTOD Supplier, Geospectrum–RAJ Consortium in partnership with NTT Data Japan, and led by Dejan Damjanovic, one of the world’s foremost experts in Aeronautical Information Management (AIM), digital mapping and International Civil Aviation Organization-compliant data production. The training is designed to strengthen CAAP’s institutional capacity in transitioning to ICAO-compliant digital aeronautical data management, which is a critical requirement for aviation safety, modernization and future ICAO audits.

Globe Telecom calls for unified cybersecurity plan By Darwin G. Amojelar GLOBE Telecom Inc. is urging for unified national cooperation and increased investment in secure infrastructure as cyber threats become more sophisticated and artificial intelligence adoption accelerates across the Philippines. The telecommunications arm of the Ayala Group is developing enterprisegrade infrastructure to support an AIpowered future, focusing on agentbased architectures, shared landing zones and MLOps pipelines. The technical framework is designed to speed up development while ensuring systems remain auditable and aligned across internal teams. Globe head of AI and privacy governance Derick Adil said resilience now requires systems to remain ethical, secure and explainable as they scale. Globe is advocating for agile, sandbox-style regulation at the national level, citing models used in Singapore that allow innovators and policymakers to test new technologies in controlled environments. The company utilizes internal testbeds, such as its AI Kitchen and Center for Enablement, to experiment with low-code platforms and agentbased systems. Company officials believe this co-creation model will help develop grounded policies that protect the public while enabling innovation. To combat evolving fraud tactics like spoofed sender IDs and fake cell towers, Globe said it has implemented a policy of blocking all person-toperson SMS containing links.

PH stocks rise above 6,300 level; peso dips to 59.21 a dollar PHILIPPINE shares surged more than 2 percent Tuesday to close above the 6,300 level after the government reported fullyear inflation settled below its target range, boosting expectations for future interest rate cuts. The 30-company Philippine Stock Exchange index jumped 153.38 points, or 2.49 percent, to finish at a five-month high of 6,317.91. The broader all-shares index climbed 34.61 points or 0.97 percent to 3,588.35. Meanwhile, the peso slid to 59.21 a dollar Tuesday from 59.13 Monday, following the release of December inflation report. The Philippine Statistics Authority said Tuesday that the country’s full-year

inflation rate hit 1.7 percent, below the government target range of 2 percent to 4 percent. While December inflation rose to 1.8 percent from 1.5 percent in November due to agricultural disruptions, analysts said the overall trend remains supportive of a more accommodative monetary policy. Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort said the latest inflation data could support further interest rate cuts. He said the local index benefited from a continued start-of-the-year rally seen across several Asian markets that reached new record highs. Fast-food giant Jollibee Foods Corp. led the index gainers, surging 14.50 percent to P210. The company announced plans

to spin off its international business for a potential US listing in 2027. The local rally mirrored a broader global upswing as investors tracked a recordbreaking session on Wall Street. US markets were driven by bets on artificial intelligence and data showing a contraction in US manufacturing, which may provide the Federal Reserve room to ease policy. In regional markets, Seoul’s Kospi surpassed the 4,500 level for the first time, supported by a rally in SK hynix and Hyundai. Hyundai shares jumped after the automaker unveiled its AI-powered humanoid robot, Atlas, at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Jenniffer B. Austria with AFP

BUSINESS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2026

extrastory2000@gmail.com RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor

Groups welcome improved budget

By Othel V. Campos

USINESS groups on Tuesday welcomed the 2026 national budget for prioritizing education and agriculture, but warned that large discretionary funds could still be vulnerable to political patronage. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed the 2026 General Appropriations Act into law on Monday. The P6.79-trillion budget draws praise from a broad coalition for meeting international spending benchmarks while facing renewed calls for stricter safeguards.

The People’s Budget Coalition, which includes the Makati Business Club and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, said the new budget shows marked improvements in transparency. Education funding reached 4.36 percent of gross domestic product, surpassing the 4 percent international benchmark, while the P214.39 billion

allocated for agriculture marks the highest level in over 10 years. The coalition noted that while fund utilization has historically been a bottleneck, improved management could resolve long-standing delays in service delivery. The group also highlighted the restoration of funding for PhilHealth and Project NOAH, advocating for these resources to be integrated into a master plan for climate-resilient infrastructure. Despite these gains, the coalition warned that “constitutionally questionable” unprogrammed appropriations remain a risk. The group classified several social welfare and “ayuda” programs as “soft pork” that could be subject to

discretionary use by politicians. Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Ferdinand Ferrer said in a separate statement that the budget should drive inclusive growth and economic progress. He urged that implementation be carried out in close consultation with the private sector. “It is not enough to know what projects are funded. The detailed cost of each project must be clear to ensure efficient use of taxpayers’ money,” Ferrer said. Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX) officials said government spending remains a strong tool to boost growth and protect jobs,

but warned that governance quality will determine the real economic impact. The organization expressed concern about the scale of unprogrammed appropriations, noting they could weaken fiscal discipline if not subject to transparent conditions. Marcos vetoed P92.5 billion in unprogrammed funds following an open letter from the coalition that flagged P633 billion in risky line items. The president assured the public that politicians would not interfere in the disbursement of aid and that remaining unprogrammed funds would only be released once specific validation triggers are met.

IN BRIEF

Pisopay, NPC sign digital billing deal

PAYMENT technology firm Pisopay and the National Power Corp. signed a memorandum of agreement on Dec. 12, 2025 to deploy a digital billing and payment platform for residential consumers in remote areas. The partnership establishes the NPC e-Bills Payment System, a centralized platform designed to modernize the billing lifecycle for the Small Power Utilities Group. The system aims to automate bill generation, presentation and real-time payment reconciliation for customers in missionary and off-grid locations. The platform is powered by Pisopay e-Collect technology, which allows consumers to access electricity bills, track due dates and monitor balances through various electronic channels. The system is intended to improve service accessibility in areas where traditional payment infrastructure may be limited. For the state-owned utility, the technology provides real-time transaction updates and automated reporting. National Power Corp. officials said the move aligns with a broader digital transformation roadmap to reduce manual administrative overhead and improve collection performance. The agreement marks a shift toward a cashless-ready ecosystem for government-managed utilities. By adopting the digital framework, the National Power Corp. expects to enhance public service delivery and support national financial inclusion goals.

EastWest, PayMongo expand digital payment

TIKTOK SHOP SALES. Dood expands from a small student-led startup to a fast-growing brand on TikTok Shop,

supported by creator collaborations and live commerce programs. From live selling to digital tools, TikTok Shop helped drive over 200-percent increase in sales for local sellers in 2025, as Filipino micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and creators leveraged live commerce, digital tools, and capacity-building programs to reach wider audiences and grow their businesses nationwide.

Gov’t issues new contract for Galoc oil field extension By Alena Mae S. Flores THE government has issued a new petroleum service contract for the Galoc oil field in northwest Palawan to allow a consortium to recover remaining reserves at the site. PXP Energy Corp. said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange Tuesday its subsidiary Forum Energy Philippines Corp. (FEPCO) received a copy of Service Contract (SC) 88 signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

The new contract covers the former SC 14C-1 Galoc field, which expired on Dec. 17 2025, and permits the consortium to continue operations and optimize recovery over a 4-year period. The agreement was executed on Dec. 18, 2025 between the government and a consortium composed of operator NPG Pty. Ltd., The Philodrill Corp. and FEPCO. The contract area spans about 83,450 hectares in the Northwest Palawan Basin. PXP Energy said a Department of Energy transmittal dated Jan. 5, 2026

signifies the formal effectivity of the contract. While the company noted that Galoc is a mature and depleting field, it said SC 88 provides a framework to extend operations and maximize value from remaining resources subject to technical and commercial considerations. The Galoc field produces from two remaining wells, Galoc-5 and Galoc-6, at 1,000 barrels of oil per day. The field has reached an estimated cumulative production of 24.8 million barrels since 2008.

EASTWEST Banking Corp. has signed a partnership agreement with PayMongo to broaden digital payment options for Philippine businesses. Under the agreement, EastWest clients can integrate the PayMongo payment gateway into their operations with preferential merchant discount rates. The collaboration allows enterprises to accept credit card, e-wallet and other digital payments at competitive price points. EastWest Chief Executive Officer Jerry Ngo said the inclusion of PayMongo into the bank ecosystem enables easier online payments and faster settlement. Ngo noted the digital commerce experience is designed to support business growth through lower costs. The partnership provides entrepreneurs with tools to simplify digital transactions and manage operational needs, according to PayMongo Chief Executive Jojo Malolos. The two companies intend to explore further integration of financial technologies into future business solutions as the collaboration evolves. Thony Rose Lesaca

Microentrepreneurs cited for digital innovation

SEVENTEEN Filipino microentrepreneurs and three microfinance institutions were recognized for their successful adoption of digital tools to grow their businesses and support underserved communities at the 4th Digital Financial Inclusion Awards (DFIA). The program, organized by the Microfinance Council of the Philippines Inc. (MCPI) and the Citi Foundation with support from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), awarded each microentrepreneur P100,000 in cash grants and laptops to further their digital transitions. The winners represent various sectors including agriculture, food production, retail and handicrafts. The individual awardees for this year include Josephia Azores, Roby Grace Bernabe, Mylene Bersabal, Carmelita Dapanas, RJ De Chavez, Ailyn Flormata, Raquel Lanaban, Gladys Maipid, Edna Maloon, Annalisa Monil, Lorlie Noblezada, Rosalie Orijola, Cecilia Oroc, Maricar Pagao, Danise Palmero, Niel Danica Polong and Alan Romero. At the institutional level, the DFIA recognized GRF Hublag Microfinance Foundation Inc., MASS-SPECC Cooperative Development Center and Taytay Sa Kauswagan Inc. for leadership in advancing digitalization within the microfinance ecosystem. BSP Governor Eli Remolona Jr. said during the ceremony that the awardees prove digital tools are no longer out of reach or too complicated for small business owners. He said simple innovations such as online selling, QR payments and business systems are rewriting what is possible for local entrepreneurs.

GSIS to fund 1,000 STEM scholars to boost economic competitiveness THE Government Service Insurance System said Tuesday it will provide grants to 1,000 college freshmen for the 2026-2027 academic year through a new subsidy program designed to strengthen national economic competitiveness. The GSIS Subsidy for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Program will award each grantee an annual subsidy of P15,000 to assist with educational expenses. The initiative aims to support 4,000 students over 4 academic years through 2030, with a total budget allocation reaching P240 million by 2034. The program aligns with the economic agenda of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who has identified innovation as a primary factor for national survival. GSIS president and generalmanager Jose Arnulfo Veloso said

the subsidy is a direct response to the call for a technologically proficient workforce and aims to build a talent pipeline to drive future innovation. Eligibility is limited to children of active GSIS members and permanent total disability pensioners under 60 years old. To promote inclusivity, the agency will reserve 200 of the 1,000 annual slots for children of solo parents, indigenous peoples and persons with disabilities. The GSIS will prioritize applicants whose parents have the lowest pension amounts or salary grades of 15 and below. Qualified nominees must be incoming first-year college students enrolled in a STEM course at a Philippine institution recognized by the Commission on Higher Education. Applicants must also have a senior high school general weighted average of at least 90 percent.

PPA logs record 6.28m travelers during holidays By Darwin G. Amojelar

CARBON MARKET. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-

Climate Change Service, together with the United Nations Development Program, brings together participants from various DENR offices, government agencies and development organizations for a Carbon Registry Focus Group Discussion at the DENR Central Office in Quezon City. The discussion focused on how the Philippines is building its carbon market and why a carbon registry matters.

NPC launches probe on Jollibee Christmas campaign over privacy complaints

EASIER PAYMENTS. PayMongo chief executive Jojo Malolos and EastWest

chief executive Jerry Ngo join hands to broaden access to digital payments and help entrepreneurs run their businesses more smoothly. EastWest teamed up with PayMongo, one of the country’s leading online payment platforms, to give Filipino businesses easier, more seamless and more affordable ways to accept digital payments. EastWest clients can now integrate PayMongo’s online payment gateway at preferential MDR rates, giving them access to card, wallet and digital payment acceptance at significantly competitive pricing.

THE National Privacy Commission said it is investigating complaints on a holiday marketing campaign by Jollibee Foods Corp. after users reported receiving unsolicited branded greetings and digital stickers within private Viber chats. The “Buo ang Saya ng Pasko” campaign, which included an emotional brand film and nationwide activations, was designed to deepen customer engagement across digital and physical channels. The appearance of automated festive greetings and stickers in one-on-one and group messaging interfaces prompted a backlash from users who described the content as an intrusion into personal spaces. Critics and business leaders said the placement of brand content in private messaging transcends conventional advertising and violates user

expectations of privacy. The privacy regulator said it sought formal explanations from Jollibee and the platform provider to determine if the campaign implementation involved the processing of personal data under the Data Privacy Act of 2012. Under the law, personal information controllers must ensure all data processing for direct marketing is anchored in transparency, legitimate purpose and proportionality. If the campaign utilized personal data, the company should prove that consent was specific and freely given, while ensuring subjects had the right to object to such marketing. National Privacy Commission officials said individuals who believe their rights were violated by the Viber campaign may file formal complaints under the existing legal framework. Othel V. Campos

THE Philippine Ports Authority said Tuesday it recorded more than 6.28 million passengers during the recent holiday peak, marking the highest volume in the agency’s 52-year history. Passenger traffic between Dec. 15, 2025 and Jan. 5, 2026 surpassed the 4.7 million travelers recorded in 2024 and 4.4 million in 2023 in the same period. PPA general-manager Jay Santiago said the surge resulted from extended school and corporate breaks that provided longer travel windows for students and employees. A government directive, Memorandum Circular No. 111, s. 2025, boosted traffic by declaring Dec. 29, 2025 and Jan. 2, 2026 as additional non-working days. This allowed more Filipinos to plan extended trips to their home provinces. “Initially, our estimate was 4.6 million passengers, but because the vacation was longer, many of our countrymen took advantage of the opportunity to return home to the provinces,” Santiago said. He said the increase reflects growing public confidence in port staff and new facilities. The highest passenger volumes were concentrated in the Port Management Offices of Panay/Guimaras, Batangas, Mindoro, Bohol and Negros Oriental/ Siquijor. To manage the influx, authorities intensified security screenings and enforced safety regulations, leading to the confiscation of various prohibited items. “Most of what we confiscated are still bladed items such as scissors, card knives, Swiss knives, bolo knives, and nails. There are also flammable items such as lighters, matches, butane, and gasul,” Santiago said.

COMMUNITY

SPOTLIGHT Pinoy scientist earns international award in Egypt

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2026 DIGITAL.MANILASTANDARD@GMAIL.COM / DIGITAL.MKTG@MANILASTANDARD.NET PETER PAUL DURAN, Issue Editor

GLENN Banaguas, world‑renowned science diplomat and multi‑awarded scientist, has been chosen as one of the first Laureates of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina International Award, joining Prof. Hassan Shafik Abdullah of the University of East London in this historic recognition. The Bibliotheca Alexandrina In‑ ternational Award, inaugurated in 2025, is under the patronage of His Excellency President Abdel Fat‑ tah El‑Sisi of Egypt. The field of the inaugural awards is under the title:

“Green Technology Applications for Achieving Well‑Being and Happiness for Humanity.” This theme reflects the institution’s mission to honor in‑ dividuals whose work advances sus‑ tainability, innovation, and human flourishing. The award carries a mon‑ etary value of one million Egyptian pounds, along with a gold medal and an official certificate of excellence, and will be conferred by President El‑Sisi this coming February in Cairo. Banaguas extended his deepest gratitude to Dr. Ahmed Zayed, Direc‑

tor of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, and to the esteemed Board of Judges for their trust and recognition. “This honor is not mine alone; it is a tribute to the journey of resilience, stewardship, and service, a journey that binds us to‑ gether in purpose and hope,” he said. He added: “Above all, I believe that love is the greatest blessing a life can offer, for it is love that gives meaning to service and strength to resilience. Awards remind us not of what we have achieved, but of what we are called to continue… to serve human‑

ity with humility and courage. True happiness is found not in recognition, but in the lives we touch and the hope we inspire.” As the first Filipino Laureate of this prestigious award, Banaguas’s recognition underscores the growing role of science diplomacy and sustain‑ ability leadership in bridging nations and advancing resilience. The Bib‑ liotheca Alexandrina International Award affirms his enduring commit‑ ment to ensuring that science remains a beacon of hope for generations.

As holidays end, teachers return to their familiar role in the classroom

Photos from DepEd Philippines Facebook page.

By Lyschelle Joy Armijo

“N

EW year, new life” is a phrase that often appears on social media every January. It usually talks about change, new goals, and fresh starts. However, as 2026 begins, another set of phrases has caught attention online, especially among teachers and office workers. These include “back to reality,” “from fireworks to paperworks,” and “leche flan to lesson plan.”

These phrases reflect what many edu‑ cators experience after the short holiday break. While the New Year is filled with celebrations, teachers quickly return to their daily tasks once classes resume. Lesson planning, checking school re‑ quirements, and preparing materials be‑ come part of their routine again. Heidee San Agustin, a Grade 4 teach‑ er from Tanza, Cavite, said she could relate to the viral phrases shared online. “Although those phrases are true, we can’t change the fact that I’m a teacher and I will take full responsibility for my

work,” she said. “Those phrases made me laugh because they are very relat‑ able.” According to San Agustin, the transi‑ tion from vacation to work happens fast. “The holidays feel short. One day you’re celebrating with family, and the next day you’re already preparing lessons for students,” she shared. Despite this, she said she understands that teaching comes with responsibility. San Agustin added that being a teach‑ er requires commitment beyond person‑ al plans. “No matter how tired we feel

after the break, we still have to be ready for our students,” she said. For her, re‑ turning to work is part of choosing the profession. The phrases circulating online may sound like jokes, but they show a real situation faced by teachers and other

Go to Work on an Egg

to its normal pace. While the phrases may be said in fun, they show how teachers and other workers continue to do their duties. After the celebrations end, responsibility remains, and many choose to face it with patience, effort, and a sense of purpose.

A ‘Perfect’ turning point for disability representation in film

By Bernadette Araño

By Robert Harland I’M an egg lover — I eat at least one every day. But I was surprised to learn that Fili‑ pinos, on average, consume far fewer eggs than in neighboring countries: only about 95 per person each year. And that’s not 95 sunny-side-up breakfasts, but the to‑ tal count of eggs in every form — boiled, scrambled, baked into cakes or folded into dishes. By comparison, Indonesians aver‑ age 325 eggs annually, Thais 200, Viet‑ namese 220, Malaysians 280, the Chinese 360, and the Japanese 330. Rice, fish and pork dominate Filipino meals, while in Indonesia and Japan, eggs are woven seamlessly into daily dishes. In the Philippines, they are often relegated to the breakfast table or used in baking, rare‑ ly celebrated as a staple in their own right. In some countries, eggs are promoted as a primary protein source in public health campaigns. Here, nutrition programs tend to emphasize rice fortification, fish and vegetables, leaving eggs without the same spotlight. But should Filipinos pay more attention to the benefits of eggs? A Complete Protein, Packed With Nu‑ trients Eggs contain all nine essential amino

employees. Many workers return to their jobs right after the holidays, even if they wish for a longer rest. The humor helps make the transition lighter, but the work still continues. As the New Year starts, these jokes remind people that life quickly returns

acids, making them a “complete protein”. They are often cheaper per gram of pro‑ tein than meat or fish, and beyond protein, they deliver vitamins A, D, B12, choline and minerals like selenium and iodine. Increasing egg consumption could help address protein deficiencies, particularly among children, older people and lowerincome households. And let’s not forget — eggs are deli‑ cious. They can be cooked in countless appetizing ways: boiled, poached, scram‑ bled, fried, baked or folded into soups and stews. Few foods are as versatile, afford‑ able and satisfying. Eggs are not the health risk many were once taught to fear. Research in the 1950s mistakenly linked them to heart disease, and that idea persisted into dietary guidelines for decades. Today, nutritionists recognize eggs

as a dietary powerhouse, though — as with any food — moderation matters. Cooking Methods Matter For children, nutritionists recommend up to two eggs a day to support growth and brain development. But they also warn that how eggs are cooked matters. Processing, frying and heavy additions of fat and salt can undermine their health benefits. Poached eggs are a close second, though protein absorption may be lower if the whites aren’t fully cooked. Scrambled eggs can be healthy too, but often butter or cream is added, doubling the fat content compared to boiling. Fried eggs, unsur‑ prisingly, are the least healthy option, as high heat can alter cholesterol in the yolk, raising long-term risks of heart disease and stroke.

TWO weeks after its release, the Filipino film I’mPerfect continues to draw audi‑ ences across Metro Manila, prompting an expanded cinema run as word spreads about its message of inclusion and repre‑ sentation. The 2025 Metro Manila Film Festival Best Picture winner stands out for its cast led by actors with Down syndrome, a first in Philippine cinema. Directed by Sigrid Andrea Bernardo and produced by Sylvia Sanchez-Atayde of Nathan Studios, the film tells a story of love, independence, and acceptance—one that resonates deeply with families of persons with dis‑ abilities. For Lorna Ontoy, a mother to a 24-yearold child who is blind and has childlike cognitive development, the film reflects realities often overlooked by society. “Bilang magulang, ramdam ko yung mensahe ng pelikula,” Ontoy said. “Min‑ san akala ng iba wala nang kakayahan ang mga anak namin, pero may damdamin sila at may pangarap din. Kailangan lang talaga nila ng mga taong gagabay at susu‑ porta.” The film’s impact has extended beyond audiences. Mamamayang Liberal Party-

list Representative Leila de Lima praised I’mPerfect for challenging long-standing stigma surrounding persons with Down syndrome and for highlighting their ca‑ pacity for independence. She also com‑ mended lead actors Krystel Go and Earl Amaba for performances that, she said, prove they can “stand on their own.” National Council on Disability Affairs Executive Director Glenda Relova echoed these sentiments, calling I’mPerfect a powerful and timely film that challenges limiting views on disability.

Members of the I’mPerfect cast were joined by Mamamayang Liberal Partylist Rep. Leila de Lima, along with Sylvia Sanchez-Atayde, Earl Amaba, and Carl Garcia, among others.

SHOWBIZ

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2026 JULY 16, 2025

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com NICKIE WANG, Editor ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

Mrs. Asia Pacific Cosmopolitan 2025–2026 Novelyn Natividad stands alongside fellow winners at the pageant’s coronation ceremony

Very Wang

Nickie Wang

OVELYN N. Natividad’s victory in the Mrs. Asia Pacific Cosmopolitan 2025–2026 is a proud moment for the Philippines, showing the world that beauty and purpose can shine together.

Novelyn Natividad proves there is more to her journey than the crown and title

Who would have thought a housewife from Gapan, Nueva Ecija, would make headlines on the international stage? Natividad did just that, claiming the crown in a glamorous pageant held across Singapore and Malaysia. She didn’t just take home the crown, Natividad also earned several special awards, including People’s Choice, Special Queen Ambassador, and Noble Beauty. “This is very new to me, so I’m feeling a mix of excitement,” she admitted during a recent media conference in Quezon City. “Of course, there also has to be preparation. It’s a good thing I have people around me, especially my family. My husband, in particular, is very supportive, so I don’t really find it difficult.” Preparation was no small feat, Natividad explained. “Knowing the budget, we needed swimsuits and gowns, so I really had to

Novelyn Natividad

shows married women can chase dreams and shine it is a responsibility. I pledge to use my voice to advocate for kindness, empowerment, and unity. Let us celebrate our differences and work together to create a future where everyone can thrive. Together, we are unstoppable,” she said. Married to Ceasar A. Natividad, she described her journey as both challenging and fulfilling. Beyond the crown, she treasured the friendships she forged with fellow contestants, calling them one of the most memorable parts of the experience. As Mrs. Asia Pacific Cosmopolitan 2025–2026, Natividad will champion women’s empowerment, education, health awareness, and community service. She hopes to inspire married women to pursue their dreams fearlessly, embracing their unique stories along the way. “I hope to be remembered as a queen who represented not just beauty, but also compassion, authenticity, and resilience,” she said.

prepare myself. I worked out. But first and foremost, my family will always be there. They are my top priority. Then this is something I can still fit in, as long as there is proper time management.” For many married women, entering a pageant can feel daunting. But Natividad has a clear message for those hesitant because of family commitments: “Sometimes we don’t bring this side of ourselves out. But with this challenge, this is one way to showcase that I’m not just a housewife. People need to see that I have something in me—something I can be proud of.” Her pageant journey wasn’t without challenges. Competitors from Japan, Korea, Russia, and other countries included taller, younger candidates with impressive resumes. “But if there’s one thing I really banked on, it was my self-confidence,” she said. Three weeks of intense preparation, aided by her supportive team, had her ready to face the international stage. But Natividad admits she didn’t dwell on winning. “When I was already in Malaysia, I thought that if I didn’t bring home the crown, it wouldn’t just be me who would be sad— many others would be disappointed. My own feelings were secondary; I just knew I had to give my best.” Asked if she might pursue Miss Universe Philippines now that the age requirement has been lifted, she laughed: “I’m not closing any doors, but my focus right now is my title and the community I serve. We’ll see.” The newly crowned queen emphasized that her victory carries responsibility. “Winning this pageant is not just an honor;

Dustin Yu admits falling in love with Bianca de Vera

Novelyn Natividad celebrates her victory as Mrs. Asia Pacific Cosmopolitan 2025–2026

Kyle Echarri (left) and Donny Pangilinan leads ABS-CBN’s primetime series ‘Roja’

Maymay Entrata goes to war in ‘Roja’

By Angelica Villanueva DUSTIN Yu said he developed feelings for Bianca de Vera during their time inside the Pinoy Big Brother house. In an interview with broadcast journalist Karen Davila, Dustin described Bianca as someone he grew closest to. “Si Bianca [ang pinaka-naging close ko sa PPB]. Siya rin ang nag-open sa akin ng different perspective. Lagi kong sinasabi, first time ko maka-meet ng tulad ni Caca. Iba siya eh,” he said. When asked directly if he fell in love with the actress, he did not deny it but clarified that they are not in a romantic relationship. “Alam naman ng lahat ng tao na napahanga ako ni Caca… Oo naman, Miss Karen. Hindi ko naman ‘yun maitatanggi,” Dustin answered. The actor also noted that their bond continued to grow after leaving the PBB house, especially as they worked together on a film project. Dustin and Bianca star together in the 2025 Metro Manila Film Festival entry Love You So Bad, alongside Will Ashley.

Bianca de Vera (left) and Dustin Yu’s bond continue to grow after leaving the ‘PBB’ house, especially while working together on a film project

Donny Pangilinan, Kyle Echarri starrer ‘Roja’ hits record online views ABS-CBN’s primetime series Roja opened the new year with a mid-season trailer featuring explosive action scenes as Donny Pangilinan and Kyle Echarri’s characters take their fight sequences to new heights. The series reached a record 541,446 peak concurrent viewers on Kapamilya Online Live for its Monday (Jan. 5) episode. Roja is also in the top 10 TV shows in the Philippines on Netflix and iWant. The story follows Liam (Pangilinan) and Olsen (Echarri), who, along with Luna (Maymay Entrata), team up with the police to escape the La Playa Roja resort, which is under siege by hostage-takers. The siege is accompanied by personal conflicts among the victims. Tensions rise between Magnus (Raymond Bagatsing)

and Greta (Lorna Tolentino) as dark secrets emerge, hinting at a possible love triangle involving Wendy (Janice De Belen), Greta’s friend and Olsen’s mother. Liam also begins to question his mother’s motives after overhearing a secret phone conversation. Meanwhile, Emil (Joel Torre), the leader of the hostage-takers, seeks revenge on Magnus for abandoning his daughter Ayen (Yassi Pressman) and faces challenges when some of his men consider surrendering. Roja airs weeknights at 8:45 p.m. on Kapamilya Channel on ALLTV2 and cable, as well as on A2Z and Kapamilya Online Live via YouTube and Facebook. Episodes are available 72 hours early on Netflix and 48 hours ahead on iWant. Viewers outside the Philippines can watch on The Filipino Channel via cable and IPTV.

LIFE

C3 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2026

By Angelica Villanueva

FTER more than three decades in professional wrestling, Chaz Mosh, best known as one-half of the WWE tag team The Headbangers, is preparing to step away from in-ring competition on his own terms. Mosh, who began wrestling in June 1993 at age 22, said the decision to retire from active competition this July followed a moment of reflection inside the ring. “I was in the ring probably about six or seven months ago, and I landed funny. I didn’t get hurt, but I laid there going, what am I doing? I had so many other things I could do. I don’t want to be out in the ring and not perform at my best. I want to go out on my own terms,” Mosh said during an intimate interview with the press.

baseball, or basketball—only 1 percent actually make it. You never know when it’s going to end. It can end in a heartbeat,” Mosh explained. Asked what he would tell his 23-year-old self, Mosh returned to the theme that defined The Headbangers’ punk-inspired identity. “My one piece of advice would be to be your own person. Be yourself and accept it. The best characters that have come out of wrestling are people whose character and gimmick are themselves,” he told Manila Standard Life.

Wrestling veteran Chaz Mosh reflects on life beyond the ring and more than three decades of experience through his debut book, ‘Beneath the Skirt’

The Headbangers’ Mosh chronicles wrestling life in debut book ‘Beneath the Skirt’

Looking back on the industry he entered more than 30 years ago, Mosh said professional wrestling has evolved in how it presents itself to audiences. “Back then, it was still the persona of being real. Now, they’ve totally adapted and embraced the fact that it’s sports entertainment. It’s just a violent soap opera. It’s like watching Rocky. Everyone knew Rocky got beat up, but he wasn’t really getting beat up. It’s all about the storyline and the characters,” he continued. Though he is retiring from in-ring action, Mosh emphasized that he is not leaving wrestling altogether. He remains under a WWE Legends contract and continues to work as a producer and coach, including at NXT’s Performance Center in Orlando, Florida. “I don’t think I could ever totally retire. Anyone who’s in wrestling, I don’t think you can ever totally retire,” Mosh added.

Celebrating 100 years of Art Deco in Philippines

The wrestler also praised the next generation of wrestlers now coming up through WWE’s system. “The kids at NXT, at the Performance Center in Orlando, Florida—the athleticism. These kids are all D1, D2 athletes coming straight out of college. The athleticism they have is ridiculously awesome,” Mosh shared. Outside the ring, Mosh has channeled his decades of experience into Beneath the Skirt, his first book, published in December. “It’s about how I was feeling and what I was thinking behind the scenes as I went through everything,” he said, describing the book as a candid look at the thoughts and insecurities that shaped his career. As he approaches retirement, Mosh said he hopes younger and aspiring wrestlers learn from both his successes and hard-earned lessons. “First piece of advice is to have a backup plan. They say in professional sports—whether it’s football, soccer, Tag team WWE champions The Headbangers

Repertory Philippines brings must-see productions in 89th season The calendar curates landmark Art Deco structures from across the Philippines, inviting a closer look at how form, symmetry, and style defined civic life in the 20th century

THE National Commission for Culture and the Arts has unveiled its 2026 calendar, turning the spotlight on a century of Art Deco in the Philippines as part of a global observance of the influential architectural style. Titled A Century of Art Deco in the Philippines, the calendar features 12 landmark structures from across the country, one for each month, tracing how Art Deco shaped civic buildings, schools, homes and cultural spaces during the 20th century. The project was conceptualized and designed by journalist, filmmaker and cultural researcher Roel Hoang Manipon, who also wrote the texts and took many of the photographs. Additional images were contributed by Mervin Concepcion Vergara, Gerard Rey Lico, Ben Scharlin, Bien Alvarez, Lorraine Sy-Lianteng, Iya Cabrera, and Roezielle Joy Iglesia. In the introduction, Manipon places Philippine Art Deco within both global and local contexts, noting its role in defining the country’s idea of modernity. “As it marks its hundredth year, Art Deco in the Philippines deserves recognition not only for its beauty but also for its role in shaping the country’s vision of modernity,” he writes. The calendar opens with the Generoso M. Villanueva House, also known as Daku Balay, in Bacolod City, followed by the First United Building in Binondo, Manila, among the country’s earliest Art Deco office buildings. Other featured sites include the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Malate; the University of Santo Tomas Central Seminary Building in Sampaloc; and the Bulacan Provincial Capitol in Malolos City. Also included are the Far Eastern University buildings in Sampaloc; Molo Mansion in Iloilo City; the Quezon Provincial Capitol in Lucena City; the Old Municipal Hall of Jaro in Iloilo City; the Old Tanauan Municipal Hall, now Museo ng Tanauan, in Batangas; and the Gala-Rodriguez House in Sariaya, Quezon. The calendar closes with the Metropolitan Theater in Ermita, Manila, one of the country’s most recognizable Art Deco landmarks, which turns 95 in 2026. Beyond marking dates, the 2026 NCCA calendar doubles as a cultural guide, inviting Filipinos to look again at how Art Deco left its mark on the nation’s cityscapes and its pursuit of modern life.

LOVE, longing, and larger-than-life dreams take the spotlight as Repertory Philippines rolls out its 89th season in 2026, built around the theme “By love, transformed.” The veteran theater company announced four productions for the season, ranging from classic comedies and a Tony Awardwinning musical to a fairy tale for young audiences and a Shakespearean favorite. Season passes are also returning, timed for the holiday gift-giving rush. The season opens with REP Unplugged: Staged Readings Reimagined, set for March 21, 22, 28 and 29 at the REP Eastwood Theater. The staged readings feature Noel Coward’s Private Lives, directed by REP artistic director Jeremy Domingo, and Anton Chekhov’s The Proposal, directed by Cara Barredo. The twin bill promises brisk pacing and sharp humor drawn from two enduring comedy classics. From June 5 to 28, the spotlight shifts to the musical stage with The Man of La Mancha, staged at the same venue. Directed by Nelsito Gomez and

performed in partnership with the Manila Symphony Orchestra, the Tony Awardwinning musical follows author Miguel de Cervantes as he spins an imaginative tale inside a Spanish dungeon, transforming into the idealistic Don Quixote. In August, REP’s Theater for Young Audiences brings Cinderella: A Tale of the Glass Slipper to life at the REP Eastwood Theater. Directed by Joy Virata and Cara Barredo, the production retells the familiar story of kindness, courage and a longawaited night at the royal ball, complete with a fairy godmother, a mischievous rat named Putterman, and plenty of twists along the way. The season closes with Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, opening in September at Saint Cecilia’s Hall of St. Scholastica’s College in Manila. Directed by Domingo in partnership with the college, the comedy follows four lovers and a group of amateur actors who wander into an enchanted forest, where fairies, spells and confusion collide. Alongside its productions, Repertory Philippines will continue its training

programs throughout 2026. The REP Workshop for the Performing Arts returns with two sessions, April to May at the REP Eastwood Theater and June to July at MINT College in Taguig, offering training in acting, singing and movement. The REP Learning Curve Masterclass Series will also run, focusing on specialized areas such as directing, playwriting for young audiences, puppetry and practical matters for theater professionals. Season passes for the 89th season are now available, offering discounts and perks across four productions. Options include Gold, Silver, Red and Eastwood Community passes, with packages tailored for regular patrons, students and Eastwood residents and employees. Discounts range from reduced ticket prices to workshop offers and priority access to training programs. Season passes may be purchased through REP’s online order form, at the REP main office in Makati, or at the REP Box Office in Eastwood Mall, Quezon City. Physical season pass packets and individual tickets will be available for pickup starting January 2026.

Repertory Philippines’ 89th season features four productions, including a classic comedy, a Tony Award-winning musical, a fairy tale, and a Shakespearean play

REP’s Theater for Young Audiences presents ‘Cinderella: A Tale of the Glass Slipper,’ retelling the story of kindness, courage, and a royal ball

Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream caps the season, bringing magic, mischief, and mistaken identities back to the stage in a celebration of classic theater

LIFE

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2026

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com NICKIE WANG, Editor ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

FDCP honored with Gawad Kaagapay award THE Film Development Council of the Philippines was honored as an Outstanding Stakeholder Award recipient by the Department of Education Schools Division Office of Quezon City during the 6th Gawad Kaagapay ceremony at the VS Hotel and Convention Center. The citation cited the FDCP’s continued partnership with the Eugenio Lopez Jr. Center for Media Arts Senior High School, highlighting its support for film education, media literacy, and capacity building for students and teachers. A key part of the collaboration is the FDCP’s Academic Film Society, which focuses on developing young Filipino filmmakers. Last year, the group led a two-day “Script to Screen” masterclass at the ELJ Theater, introducing students to scriptwriting and visual storytelling. The Gawad Kaagapay is an annual recognition given to education partners that have consistently supported public schools and contributed to improving the quality of education in Quezon City. FDCP technical consultant for Academic Linkages Seymour Sanchez received the award along with ELJ CMA Senior High School principal Romelita Tumaneng. The award underscores FDCP’s role in education partnerships and its involvement in school-based programs. The FDCP and the Department of Education said they are exploring additional initiatives under the strengthened Senior High School curriculum, with a focus on supporting public schools and film education.

The Film Development Council of the Philippines receives the Outstanding Stakeholder Award during the 6th Gawad Kaagapay ceremony in Quezon City for its support of film education

‘Ang Baboy at Buwaya’ presents a layered wood-carved commentary on Philippine political power, labor, and survival

Iloilo-based sculptor Jeanroll Ejar stands beside ‘The Seeker,’ a work shaped by personal memory, discipline, and inherited craft

Chong Ardivilla

Carving continuity

A sculptor’s lifelong dialogue with wood

OR Iloilo-based sculptor Jeanroll Ejar, woodcarving is not just a job. It is something handed down through his family. He grew up in a family of skilled workers, with a father who carved wood and built things and a mother who made furniture in their small family shop. His journey into sculpture started early and was clear from the beginning. The ideas in his art come from daily life in the Philippines: real situations, personal experiences, and events seen through his eyes as an artist. Who he is as a sculptor is closely tied to where he lives. He tries to capture what he sees around him— everyday challenges, hard work, and strength—by carving them into wood, a material that keeps memories and history in its lines. But he also feels a strong need to act quickly. He sees that traditional woodcarving is slowly fading away. More young people are choosing modern jobs, and machines and computers are taking over much of the carving work. He points out that many young

Glazing Life Glaiza Lee

AND with that, we are back to the grind in 2026. As we flip the calendar page, I can already see the promise of “This will be my year” written in invisible ink across the first weeks of January. I don’t know what the Year of the Fire Horse, officially beginning Feb. 17, will bring or whether it will live up to its fiery reputation. But there is something comforting about returning to the grind. It means structure. It means familiar Mondays and predictable habits that anchor the days, even when motivation wavers. In a world that feels unsteady, the grind itself becomes reassurance. Despite everything that changes, the headlines, the plans, the versions of ourselves we keep shedding, some things remain. Work still needs to be done. Time still moves forward. And maybe that constancy is the point. Not every year needs reinvention. Sometimes it’s enough to step back into the rhythm, put one foot in front of the other, and trust that meaning will quietly emerge from repetition. Before plunging into schedules and targets, it’s worth looking at how 2025 shaped culture, especially here in the Philippines, where art and creativity found fresh momentum amid daily life. The cultural scene did not arrive with spectacle, it endured. Creativity carved space even as resources grew scarce and attention spans shortened. Artists showed up consistently, quietly echoing the grind we now return to. Film workers pushed through limited budgets and production cycles, finding room for honesty and experimentation. Festivals like Cinemalaya and QCinema remained vital for intimate, political, and local stories, exploring labor, memory, climate anxiety, and migration. Even as streaming dominated and ticket prices became a concern, Filipino cinema

Primer

A return to routine defines the start of 2026, as familiar workdays and steady habits offer structure after a year of constant change (AI-generated image)

woodcarvers are even hired by cruise ships to carve ice, drawn by the chance to earn steady and good pay. While these changes make sense, they put traditional carving at risk of disappearing. To help, he founded Iloilo Woodcarving Services, a group that teaches young people traditional woodworking skills. The project also helps them sell their work, enabling them to make a living and keep this important tradition alive. His dedication to protecting Filipino craft has also led him to seek opportunities abroad. He applies for support and artist programs, hoping to showcase the work of Filipino woodcarvers to the world and help them gain recognition. Even as his work spreads, he stays humble. He says his parents are his creative heroes because they were the first to teach him. Their lessons still guide him, and he welcomes feedback, seeing it as a way to improve. For him, artworks serve as the artist’s voice. As someone who identifies as an introvert, he believes sculpture speaks where words often fall short. To young artists, his advice is honest and caring: art might not pay off right away, especially if you start with little. But keeping at it, being flexible, and finding ways to keep making art are important. He believes real art is not mainly about making money. It is about expressing yourself, finding happiness, and sharing your ideas with others. You may reach Chong Ardivilla at kartunistatonto@gmail.com or chonggo.bsky.social

the quiet tensions of everyday life. Live theater reminded audiences of the power of being in the same room, witnessing stories unfold in real time. Visual arts also made meaningful strides. New Thirteen Artists Awards recipients hinted at the country’s creative future, while the National Museum celebrated 100 years of Art Deco. Beyond institutions, murals, installations, and community exhibitions made art more present than permanent, sparking conversations on heritage, memory, and identity wherever people already were. In 2025, art became less about permanence and more about presence, about meeting people where they already were. It was all about endurance and consistency, showing up repeatedly and creating space for meaning, even amid uncertainty. *** ONE of the ways Filipinos welcome the new year is by decluttering and rearranging homes, making space for fresh energy and new beginnings. Like art and theater, homes invite engagement with space, story, and atmosphere. At its best, interior design supports daily rhythm, creating spaces that feel

Same old, brand new you for 2026 reminded audiences of the value of communal watching, sharing silence in dark theaters. Theater mirrored the same determination. Leaner productions focused on performance and immediacy. University and independent groups revisited classics while developing new material reflecting present realities, from political power struggles and important historical narration to

alive and welcoming without demanding constant attention. It’s less about perfection and more about intentionality, arranging furniture, objects, and light to reflect who we are and how we want to feel in the year ahead. Interior designer Roy Javier, a part-time faculty member at De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde, notes that Filipinos often “copy designs

without considering personality or practical factors like climate.” He urges homeowners to focus on what truly works in the Philippines without sacrificing style. “Interior design is not a walk in the park, it’s both an art and a science,” Javier says, adding that a thoughtfully designed home is an investment. Javier emphasizes balancing trends with longevity, style, and function. The COO-VP of Mod and Noble Design Studio predicts the rise of “wild stones,” bold materials for countertops, islands, backsplashes, vanities, or accent walls. Properly sealed, these stones are durable and well-suited for tropical homes. Chrome and stainless finishes are also returning. Durable and low maintenance, they resist tarnishing in humid climates and offer a clean, modern look. Deep blue accents for furniture add character, while neutral wall tones like soft beiges and warm off-whites keep interiors bright and airy. Bouclé fabrics, meanwhile, bring texture and warmth to accent chairs, sofas, and benches. In 2026, Filipino homes will lean into i n t e n t i o n a l i t y, durability, and personality, with spaces shaped to last through climate, trends, and time.

Interior designer Roy Javier encourages homeowners to prioritize climate, function, and personality over copying trends not suited to Philippine living