manilastandard.net
@ManilaStandardPH
@mnlstandardph
@manilastandard
@ManilaStandardYT
Missed your copy of Manila Standard? Call or text our Circulation Hotline at 0917-8848655 or email: circulation@manilastandard.net . For advertisement: email: advertise@manilastandard.net •09173382170 / 85646229
USPBBM toFIVE continue Trump eyes G’land, LOCAL WANTS ICI TO CONTINUE FACT-FINDING, INVESTIGATIVE MANDATE oilHOLIDAYS blockadeINvs. OCT. sees Cuba’s fall, V’zuelaNEWS —/ A3Rubio warns Colombia By Charles Dantes and Joel Zurbano
ISRAEL CONTINUES US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on TO POUND HEZBOLLAH Sunday said Washington would conBy Alena Mae S. Flores
tinue to enforce an existing “oil quaranWORLD / A6 tine” against Venezuela.
PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. wants the Independent Commission for Infrastructure to continue carrying out30, its 2024 mandate VOL. XXXVIII • NO. 227• 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 •MONDAY, SEPTEMBER •
VOL. XXXIX • NO. 325 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2026 •
Next page
PNP resurrecting probe PBBM vetoes P92.5b Alcantara puts end unprogrammed funds into PCSO official's slay to recantation yarn VOL. XXXIX • NO. 333 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2026
‘26 budget pork-free, bars politicians from ‘ayuda’ distribution Speaker grateful for PMA Class '83 vote of confidence in Quad Comm
Says committed to witness protection obligations
By Charles Dantes, Thony Rose Lesaca, By Rio N. Araja Ram Superable, mation only from verified, identifiable, By Pot Chavez Maricel Discaya, 9 others Cruz and Vito Barcelo and reliable sources. Any information HE Philippine coming from sources other than the Deplead not guilty ORMER Department National Police partment of Justice or from the underRESIDENT of PublicisWorks and NEWS / A3 signed should be treated with caution (PNP) reopening Ferdinanddistrict Marcos Highways for potential inaccuracy,” he added. its investigation intolaw Last week, Ramon Esguerra, lawJr. signed into engineer Henry Alcantara the 2020 murder of yer of Senator Joel Villanueva, claimed former Alcantara this P6.793 trillionhe has recanted has year’s put an end to claims retracted his earlier statements on his involvement in the Philippine Charity his testimonies on flood control project national budget, vetoing flood control project anomalies. Sweepstakes Office Villanueva was among the sitting senators, along with kickbacks of politicians, saying these are almost P92.5 billion in Jinggoy Estrada, named by Alcantara in September during (PCSO) board secretary “false and misleading.” unprogrammed funds while
T F P
Wesley Barayuga. putting tighter “In short, Engr.controls Alcantara on is not recanting his prior statements,” said Alcantara’s lawyer, On Sunday, PNP including Chief Police Emil Karlo Joven, public spending, in a statement. General Rommel Francisco Marbarring politicians from public must the remain vigilantofand should obtain inforbil “The said he ordered reopening distributing other the cold case cash after and whistleblower Police Lt. Col. Santie Mendoza told forms of “ayuda.” the House Quad Committee that he helped the killing the "Withcarry the out National Budget at2026, LANDMARK behest of ex-PCSO general manager your government's direction is clear, it PACT. President Royina Garma. will be more prudent and more responFerdinandnarrated Marcos Jr.,before conMendoza sible in spending the people's funds," together UAEallegedly fagressmen howon with Garma the President Monday said, adding President Sheikh cilitated the PCSO official’s roadside that unprogrammed appropriations Mohamedon binJuly Zayed30, 2020 by assassination will not be treated as "blank checks." witness information providing the be necessary “LetAl Nahyan, me clear: the Unprothe signing ofdetails the about his about his schedule, grammed Appropriations are not blank Comprehensive vehicle and the funding necessary to Next page carryEconomic it out. Partnership Agreement (CEPA) The whistleblower also implicated the sidelines incumbentonNational Police Comthe Abu Dhabi missionerofEdilberto Leonardo in the Sustainability Week planning of the murder. 2026 on January Barayuga was a 13, retired police 2026. Trade Secretary general and lawyer who supposedly Cristina Aldeguerthreatened to expose corruption withRoque signs the in the PCSO shortly before he was agreement with UAE City. shot dead in Mandaluyong State Garma,Minister herselfof an ex-police Lt. Foreign Trade Colonel, for allegedly gained the top By Charles Dantes bin Ahmed Al of her inspot atThani the PCSO because
a Senate hearing as being involved in budget insertions and alleged kickbacks from flood control projects. The senator has yet to issue a statement as of press time on Alcantara’s denial of Esguerra’s claim. Next page
If come Feb. 6, walang pang ‘big fish,’ ibig sabihin at least si Zaldy Co, hindi pa naibabalik dito, hindi ako makikiisa [sa impeachment complaint laban kay VP Sara]. REP. TOBY TIANGCO
Zeyoudi. Presidential
Next page
DOTr’s Bautista says online news report‘unfounded'
PH airsPAGASA concern over V’zuela dev’ts
NEWS / A3 Gov’t readies P1.48b aid as 'Julian' strengthens
Washington’s military intervention in Venezuela has reignited fears for Greenland, which Trump has repeatedly said he wants to annex, given its strategic location in the Arctic. THE government While aboard has Airreadied Force P1.48 One billion worth of aid for communienroute to Washington, Trump reiterties may be hit hard by typhoon ated that his proposal. ‘Julian’ which PAGASA says “We need Greenland from the could standturn into a supertyphoon. point of national security, and Denmark ‘Yung mgaPM ganyang Asgoing of 5:00 ondoSunday, PAis not to be able to it,” he said in argumento ay question. GASA raised Tropical Cyclone response to a reporter’s Wind Signal No.ng3 rabid over Batanes argumento DDS Next page andsupporters the northeastern portion of Bana ginagamit buyan Islands. ang flood control issue “’Julian’ is forecast to continue bilang pandepensa intensifying over the nextsa24-36 Bise Presidente. hours as it moves towards Batanes and/or Babuyan Islands. With the current in its TINIO intensification, REP. trend ANTONIO the possibility of reaching super typhoon category is not ruled out,” PAGASA said in its advisory. Meanwhile, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said that a total of 1.9 million family food packs worth P1.48 billion, other to sign a possible new impeachment food items worth P276 million, and complaint items against(NFIs) Vice President Sara non-food worth P919 million were already prepared by Duterte unless a so-called “big fish” the Department is caught first. of Social Welfare andTinio Development (DSWD). said the argument mirrors Some P171 million in Next standby page fund is also available for utilization by the DSWD, including P123 million which can be allotted as Quick Response Fund (QRF) in the central office of the DSWD. In Batanes, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) advised residents to secure their roofs and install window shutters as Typhoon Julian is expected to make landfall
‘DDS logic’: Tinio hits Tiangco remark on VP Sara impeachment By Maricel V. Cruz HOUSE Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio on Tuesday took a swipe at Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco for refusing
DOE cancels Leviste firm’s 33 contracts
Next page
By Alena Mae S. Flores
A WEB OF CRIME? House leaders Aurelio Gonzales and David Suarez presented this matrix during the last QUAD CommAhearing shows the operations a criminalR.syndicate fugitive Michael then economic THE at Department of Energy NEWwhich BEGINNING. Presidentof Ferdinand Marcos Jr.allegedly presentsled theby signed copy of theYang, 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA) the Ceremonial Hall ofon Tuesadviser of former President Rodrigo Duterte, that controlled the illegal activities of the POGOs and was involved in the drugRevoli Cortez Malacanang Palace yesterday. The national budget, enacted as Republic Act No. 12314, amounts to Php6.793 trillion. day announced it has cancelled 33 trade and extrajudicial killings.
DBCC cuts growth target to 5-6% Yang's lawyer mocks probers amid heated inquiry Poquiz held on inciting sedition amid headwinds THE country is expected to post solid Communications growth in the medium term even as Office economic managers lowered targets amid global and domestic headwinds, Department of Economy, Planning, and Development Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said. Balisacan said the Development Budget Coordination Committee now expects gross domestic product to expand 5 percent to 6 percent this year, lower than the previously set 6 to 7 percent. "The reason for the scaling down of By Othel V. Campos growth rose from the realities we have and Charles seen, both globallyDantes and domestically," Balisacan said during a Palace briefing PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos yesterday, citing recent assessments Jr. on Tuesday witnessed the from the International Monetarysigning Fund, of a landmark trade agreement World Bank andfree Asian Development between the Philippines and the Bank. Next page United Arab Emirates (UAE) during his working visit to Abu Dhabi. Together with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President Marcos
as a fact-finding and investigative panel on questionable flood control projects, Malacañang on Tuesday said. PRESIDENT Trump’s calls that PresidentialDonald Communications OfGreenland should become part of the fice (PCO) Undersecretary Claire United States was met with international page condemnation Monday as the Next autonomous Danish territory’s prime minister putting his foot down on the issue.
raps, freed after posting P48k bail
THE legal counsel of Chinese businessman Tony Yang sought to disparage lawmakers’ conclusions about client’s supposedly By Pothis Chavez sketchy past and his alleged ties and Philippine Rex Espiritu with Overseas Gaming Operators (POGOs) and Major even Retired Philippine Air Force organized crime. Poquiz was arrested General Romeo LawyerAquinoRaymond Fortun at Ninoy International Airport questioned House Quad Terminal 3 on the charges of inciting to Committee’s impartiality and after its sedition but was later released ability pin Chinese national Yang postingto bail. down for posted ay wrongdoing in a real Poquiz bail of P48,000 as criminal set by thecourt. court and was subsequently “I am very interested in how they freed. [Quad Comm members] canwarrant prove He has a standing arrest this network City in court. In issuedcriminal by the Quezon Regional observed signing exchange Congress, lawmakers act as both Trial Courtthe Branch 77 onand December 5, of the Comprehensive Economic prosecutor and judge,” he said. 2025, for inciting to sedition. Partnership Agreement (CEPA), Yang, already admitted The casewho stemmed from his earlier signed on behalf of the Philippines having a armed fake forces Philippine birth call for the to rise against by government Trade and Industry secretary Ma. certificate, is the brother of Michael the during anti-corruption Cristina Roque. Yang, presidential rallies in aNovember last year.economic The ceremony was held at the Abu Poquiz’s lawyers criticized poDhabi Center lice overNational the arrest, Exhibition but police officials on the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2026 Summit. The CEPA is the Philippines’ first free trade pact with a
adviser of former President Rodrigo Duterte. Fortun, a lawyer who often finds said due process observed in the himself at the was center high-profile implementation of the warrant. cases, apparently sought to mock ‘‘The case was investigated and congressmen, calling their probe pieces of evidence were referred and “unacceptable.” forwarded to House the prosecution, the However, members and argued courtdid found This was they not probable come by cause. their suspicions a result of the work of the prosecuabout Yang recklessly. tionOn service and now Deputy he will be tried. Friday, Senior Speaker That’s theGonzales process; there’s perAurelio Jr. ofnothing Pampanga sonal,’’ a police official said.Suarez of and Deputy Speaker David Poquizpresented said the police force should Quezon a matrix showing follow due and enforce Yang’s firstprocess appearance and the his law without fear or favor.at the Quad subsequent activities He underwent Comm hearing. booking procedures Eastern country, marking atMiddle Camp Crame after his we arrest anda “We saw a pattern, and tracked significant of the country’s was court that isit to presented the topexpansion ofbefore thesethe corporations... global reach. The ,agreement sued the trade warrant. we stripped it of its layers to get to provides tariff reductions, The Forces the top Armed and for through itofall,the wePhiliphave improved market access goods pines (AFP)and on Monday said the arrest discovered identified at for least two and increased investment of theservices, retiredorofficer wasincarried out main actors players the issue flows, lawful and expanded opportunities through means, reflecting the for Filipino professionals and service Next page providers in the UAE. It covers key areas including digital trade, micro, small and medium enterprises, sustainable development,
of illegal drugs and illegal activities associated with POGOs,” Suarez said in a mixture of Filipino and English. The solons explained how the matrix details Yang’s connections to other individuals involved in illicit activities, including the operations of illegal POGOs. Among the companies implicated are Brickhartz Technology Inc. and Xionwei Technology Co. Ltd., which are being linked to alleged kidnapping. The two firms supposedly have connections with the Baofu Compound in Bamban, Tarlac, which, in turn, can be directly traced tointellectual disgraced property, ex-mayorcompetition Alice Guo. and consumer protection,Quad government During Friday’s Comm procurement, technical hearing, lawmakers and cited Tony Yang Philippine exports incooperation. contempt for “lying” to about his expected to benefit include bananas, businesses and business partners. pineapples, canned tuna, electronics, Next page and machinery. Bilateral trade between the two countries reached nearly $1.83 billion in 2024, with the UAE ranking 18th among the Philippines’ trading
Philippines, UAE sign landmark free trade agreement
PH lobbies UN renewable energy service contracts of project company Solar Philipfor Security pines Power Project Holdings Inc. led by Rep. Leandroseat Leviste. Council This ARRESTED. developed as the DOE an-
Retired Major General Romeo V. Poquiz is nounced a total of 163 relinquished handcuffed after being arrested THE Philippine government on and cancelled contracts covering yesterdaycalled at thefor Ninoy Sunday publicly the Aquino Unit-the period 2024 to 2025 with total International Airport (NAIA) ed Nations (UN) to give it aaseat oncapacity of 17,904 megawatts. Terminal 3 in connection with the UN Security Council, highlightand contracts sedition of the the rebellion cancelled ingBulk the country’s strong record and charges filed against him before are undertoSolar Philippines, with dedication upholding the ruleAtty. of a Quezon City court. a total capacity of 11,427.83 MW, law. Ferdinand Topacio
representing the total Department64ofpercent ForeignofAffairs cancelled contracts. Most of its in con(DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo aredelivered located in atracts speech at Luzon. the UN GenDOE also aims to collect eralThe Assembly in New York said the an Philippines continues emphasize estimated P24 billiontocovering perthe “importance upholdingobligathe formance bonds,ofcontractual rule lawfinancial and the integrity of the tionsofand obligations from multilateral system in the face of toSolar Philippines. day’s globalSecretary challenges.” Energy Sharon Garin Quoted by reports, Manalo also Next page said: “The Philippines has consistently pursued peace, the sovereign equality of states, the rights and dignity of all persons.” He added that the country is also recognized as the “first Asian Re-
PH will seek all means, including extradition, to bring back Co Next page
Navy spokes debunks China claim Jovic trump of military exercises inEala, Scarborough shoal By Charles Dantes and Williams, Svitolina Maricel Cruz By Rex Espiritu Mattel unveils ‘autistic’ Barbie By Darwin Amojelar DOJ confirms new plunder charges in Auckland event BINALIW UNDER By Angelica Villanueva Next page
BAUTISTA
THE Philippine Navy debunked on Sunday the recent announceTRANSPORTATION Secretary Jaime ment by China that it conducted Bautista denied an online news report military exercises off Bajo de claiming that Malacañang was angry NEW KIND Masinloc, also known as ScarborOF BARBIE. with the increase in airport fees without NEWS / A2members. oughMultinational Shoal, intoythe West Philipthe approval of the Cabinet pinemanufacturer Sea (WPS).and “The Bilyonaryo article is malientertainment China reportedly made the ancious and unfounded,” Bautista said company Mattel nouncement coinciding with the in a Viber message, referring to the introduces its fourth Multilateral Maritime Cowebsite that published the said story. latest version operative Activity between the “Bilyonaryo is inconsistent,” he added. of the iconic Philippines, Australia, Japan, Bilyonaryo reported online that ‘Barbie’ designed Newto represent Zealand, and the United “Bautista and his long-time protege in withinIva Manila’s exclusive Philippine Airlines, Undersecretary autistic VICTORIOUS. Rising starsfor Alex EalaStates andthe American Jovic economic zone (EEZ) in community on Williams Aviation and Airports Lim, are tennis congratulate each Bobby other after beating veterans Venus andthe rewaters over the weekend. January 13, 2026. Svitolina, 7-6 (7), 6-1, doubles gional opening round of the ASB Classic in at theElina center of the storm NEWS/ A2afterin itthewas Philippine Navy Spokesperson Auckland, New Zealand. WTA for WPS Rear Admiral Roy VinNext page
STATE OF CALAMITY
SENATE WILL HOLD IMPEACHMENT ‘FORTHWITH’—SOTTO
cent Trinidad told reporters that Manila troops did not monitor any such activity, adding that BeiTHE Philippines will look for all jing’s statement was meant only possible means, apart from pushing for its internal audience. for an extradition treaty with “Our MATTEL troops did not observe By Peter Atencio has unveiled an autistic Barbie, the toy giant’s latest offering Portugal, to bring back fugitive any exercise, have to under-range of children “to see themselves” in the aimed atwe allowing a broader former congressman Zaldy Co. stand that THE PHILIPPINES' Alexdoll. EalaChina began is iconicsometimes, plastic However, Martinez to “Extradition is almostdeclined impossible By Pot Chavez thisjust forastheir internal audithedoing new year she last Theended Barbiethe line, which first introduced dolls with disabilities in 2019, identify the specific flood control projbecause we do not have a treaty. We ence,a significant right? Forvictory. them to look THE Department Justice (DOJ) and on —with alreadynot features Barbies with type 1 diabetes, of Down syndrome ect as not to preempt willinvolved look forso all possible meansthe to weak andher embarrassed,” Trinidad Monday thatSunday. former Ako Fresh off gold-medal clinching blindness, the US company said in aconfirmed statement late panel of prosecutors. repatriate Zaldy Co to the Philippines,” Party-list Representative winsaid. at the 33rd SEA GamesAutism in Thailand, is a complexBicol and broad-spectrum neurodevelopWhile no of counsel appeared the AWARD. Hans Sy, Chairman ofZaldy the Executive Committee Holdings, Department ofSM thePrime Interior andfor Local Two that Chinese warships were Cowas is facing a plunder complaint filed Eala carried winning momentum to It has multiple mental disorder. origins, primarily linked to a former lawmaker, Martinez clarified honored by the Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) with its Outstanding Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic at the acombination distanceround ranging byFilipino the National Bureau ofAward Investigathemonitored center court in opening of of predominantly genetic and environmental factors. that leadership the proceedings not be susRetailers President for his visionary in retailwould development. Remulla said yesterday. eight to Mattel 14 nautical miles. (NBI). thefrom women’s doubles action at the 2026 said it had developed tion its(From “first-ever Barbie doll” with left to autistic right): PRA Director and Director pended. of SM Retail Jorge T. Mendiola, PRA In a press briefing, Group) the DILG One of guidance these went upAutistic to 1,000 InNetwork an interview justice Vice President andwith President andreportCOO ABC, Inc. Penshoppe ASB Classic of the ASB Center fromTennis the Self Advocacy (ASAN), a disability rightsof Golden,‘‘We are(The working with a timeline confirmed that President T. Liu,Department SM Holdings Chairman of the Executive Hans T. Ferdinand Sy, they yards atorganization the MMCA site but ers,Alice Justice spokesperson in Auckland, New Zealand, where she seeking equalevenrights and greater visibility forPrime autistic people. here. Any Committee respondent, whether Marcos Jr. instructed government PRA President and Chairman of Quorum International, Inc. (Toby’s Sports) Roberto tually went away. “It was not Attorney Polo Martinez the DOJ and doubles' partner Iva Jovic pulled off The doll is designed “to represent common ways autisticsaid people may appear or not, we will proceed in acagencies to begin exploring available S. Claudio, PRA Director and President of Sportshouse Int’l. Leisure, Inc. and threatening, just normal,” accordreceived oneand additional plunder case Next page with the timeline under the NextAward page Marscordance proponent of PRA OFR President’s C. Chua against Co. rules,’’ he said. Next page page Next page
filed vs. Co, unnamed co-accused
A2
NEWS
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2026
mst.daydesk@gmail.com
Sotto says he will act ‘forthwith’ on impeach rap vs. PBBM , VP SENATE President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III on Tuesday said he would act quickly act on any impeachment complaint that might be filed against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte. “One thing is certain, as SP (Senate President), I will act on it with dispatch, forthwith!” Sotto said in a message. Sotto is referring to a constitutional provision that mandates the Senate to “forthwith proceed” to a trial after an official has been impeached by House lawmakers. Under the Constitution, the House of Representatives has the exclusive power to initiate all cases of impeachment, after which the case is transmitted to the Senate which has the sole power to try and decide whether the public servant is guilty or not. The Senate, under the leadership of then-Senate President Francis Escudero, previously archived the impeachment complaint against the Vice President in August 2025 after the Supreme Court declared it unconstitutional for violating the proviso on filing more than one impeachment case within one year against a specific official. The Supreme Court though has yet to resolve motions for reconsideration assailing its decision. As of this writing, there has been no official impeachment case filed against Marcos at the House. But House Senior Deputy Minority Leader and Caloocan Rep. Edgar Erice said he had been invited to endorse the supposed impeachment complaint against Marcos, but he refused. Erice did not say who reached out to him about the issue.
‘DDS... From A1
talking points used by hardline Duterte supporters to shield the said family from accountability. “Such arguments are the arguments of rabid DDS supporters who use the flood control issue as a defense against the Vice President,” Tinio said in Filipino during an interview. “Does this mean we should forget all corruption issues? In the first place, what the Vice President is facing is not a small matter,” he added. The lawmaker stressed that accountability should not depend on political convenience or the stature of other personalities allegedly involved in separate controversies. “Whatever anyone says, if funds were stolen, there must be accountability,” Tinio said.
Mattel..
Binaliw under ‘state of calamity’ C By Rex Espiritu
EBU City has declared a ‘state of calamity’ at the Binaliw Landfill as more bodies are being recovered from the massive mound of trash with the official death toll placed at 13 as of Tuesday afternoon, local authorities said.
The Cebu City Fire Station reported that a 47-yearold woman was among the latest fatalities, her body was retrieved from the debris at around 1 p.m. The gender of the other cadaver has yet to be determined. Rescue operations continued for 23 others who remained missing, Cebu City Fire Station spokesperson SFO3 Wendell Villanueva said. The Cebu City council has approved a resolution to place the Binaliw Landfill under a state of calamity. “It resulted in the loss of lives, injuries, missing persons, and serious threats to public safety, public health, and the environment,” Councilor Joel Garganera, Chairman of the Committee on Environment, said of the disaster. The declaration of a state of calamity is anchored on Republic Act No. 10121, or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, which allows local governments to access disaster funds, fast-
Alcantara... From A1
Joven noted that Alcantara has already entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of Justice as a prerequisite for his regular admission to the Witness Protection, Security and Benefit Program. “(He) is steadfastly committed to cooperating with the Department of Justice,” Joven said. He said Alcantara would fulfill his obligations under the agreement “to assist authorities in the pursuit of truth and accountability.” Alcantara went to the Department of Justice on Tuesday, January 13, for the continuation of the prelimi-
track emergency procurement, and implement urgent response, rehabilitation, and recovery measures in the event of natural or human-induced hazards. In the resolution, the council cited the “grave and tragic incident” at the Binaliw landfill, which resulted in deaths, injuries, missing persons, and serious threats to public safety, health, and the environment. The resolution also called for P30 million to be released under the quick response fund for the garbage disposal services of the city. The city has yet to find a new garbage disposal site following the closure of the Binaliw Landfill, a privately operated facility that handles refuse for the city of nearly one million. Aside from Cebu City, Mandaue City also sends its garbage to the facility. About 50 sanitation workers were buried on Thursday when the mountain of garbage fell on them from an estimated height of 20 storeys. Last weekend, a rescue official said emergency workers had faced the danger of further collapse by the still-shifting mountain of trash, forcing pauses in their efforts. The city government of Cebu is hoping against hope as signs of life have reportedly been detected under the rubble. Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival said the province is still in search and rescue mode, five days after the landfill collapsed on Jan. 8.
nary investigation on the flood control projects in Bulacan. Esguerra claimed in an earlier television interview that Alcantara submitted a counter-affidavit on January 5. “Number 1, just to be quick about this, he says that Engineers (Brice) Hernandez and (Jaypee) Mendoza are the ones responsible for the execution of flood control projects. And two, he was not the one directly overseeing the dayto-day operations of the projects, again pointing to the two Engineers Hernandez and Mendoza,” Esguerra said. “Moreover, and this is very telling as far as we are concerned, according to him, there has been no witness that he facilitated any
PBBM... From A1
Castro said the chief executive has not issued any directive to halt the work of the ICI. She said the President has yet to receive or act on a formal request from ICI officials seeking guidance on the commission’s future, including concerns raised about personnel hired by the body. “As of now, there are no further directives from the President except to continue their mandate, to continue their investigations, and to remain a fact-finding committee,” Castro said in a Palace briefing. She said Malacañang is aware that ICI officials, including Special Adviser Rodolfo Azurin, have indicated plans to write to the Office of the President and seek clarification as the future of the commission. Asked whether the President plans to appoint replacements for the two commissioners -- Rossana Fajardo and former public works chief Rogelio
“Yesterday, there was this Apex mining. Mayroon silang equipment na nagpakita mayroon pang signs of life, so kaya nga although 72 hours nang naglapse (They have equipment that showed there were still signs of life, even though the 72-hour window had lapsed),” he said in a media interview. Archival said rescue operations are being done carefully and in stages, under extremely hazardous conditions, as rescuers are wary of another possible landslide. The collapsed structure, a sorting area or the materials recovery facility (MRF), is made of steel and is interconnected, raising concerns that moving one section could further trap victims underneath, he added. Archival acknowledged appeals from families to expedite operations, but explained that safety concerns have slowed the pace. He added bigger equipment just arrived days ago, limiting initial efforts to smaller equipment to reduce the risk of further collapse. A formal investigation into the cause of the incident has yet to start, but Archival said initial assessments point to the recent natural events, such as the earthquake in September and Typhoon Tino in November, that may have contributed to ground movement and soil saturation. He said that while weather conditions were fair on the day of the collapse, officials believe recent calamities may have weakened the site’s foundation.
payout… he is in effect negating, virtually negating, what he said that he did the payout,” Villanueva’s lawyer added. Alcantara previously told the Senate that flood control project proponents get as much as 25 to 30 percent of the proposed insertions. The former DPWH engineer has since turned over a total of P110 million in cash that he admitted to illegally obtaining from flood control projects. Malacañang on Monday cautioned potential witnesses in flood control mess cases against being misled by alleged promises of protection from politicians. Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Cas-
Singson -- who have resigned, Castro said there has been no update on possible successors. “We have not received any update if there will be replacements,” she said. Earlier on Tuesday, the ICI and various government agencies held its 5th Technical Working Group (TWG) meeting on Asset Recovery at the ICI office in Taguig City, according to a media advisory. The Asset Recovery TWG is led by lawyer Renato Paraiso, acting executive director of the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center. The meeting, which was held under an executive session, discussed ongoing inter-agency coordination efforts, according to ICI. The TWG seeks to improve collaboration among various agencies to enhance accountability and transparency concerning the multibillion-peso flood control project scandal being investigated by the ICI. ICI Chairman Andres Reyes Jr. said the TWG will address methods to prosecute all individu-
tro issued the statement following a social media post by columnist Ramon Tulfo, which suggested that witnesses have been offered protection in exchange for retracting their previous testimonies. “If there is any truth to this, witnesses who truly know the facts should not allow themselves to be deceived,” Castro said. “What the public needs now the truth right now,” she said. “These witnesses could be the key to strengthening the fight against corruption.” The Office of the Ombudsman, for its part, brushed off reports that Alcantara, as well as other former DPWH engineers Hernandez and Mendoza, were supposedly looking into recanting their statements.
als involved in the corruption scheme related to the flood control projects. Among the attendees at the conference are officials from the Bureau of Internal Revenue, the Department of Justice, the Office of the Ombudsman, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Anti-Money Laundering Council, the Bureau of Customs, the National Bureau of Investigation, the Philippine National Police, and the Department of Public Works and Highways, among others. The agencies are expected to evaluate current progress and identify any potential obstacles that may hinder the restoration of public funds. Former Bulacan District Engineer Henry Alcantara previously returned P110 million to the government, an amount he allegedly acquired from flood control projects. Restitution is a part of the Justice department’s efforts to recover funds and is also a prerequisite for Alcantara’s consideration as a state witness in ongoing investigations.
From A1
experience, process, and communicate about the world,” the El Segundo, California-based toymaker said. Unlike traditional Barbie, the new doll has elbow and wrist joints, enabling it to make gestures some autistic people use to process sensory information or express excitement, Mattel said. It was also designed with eyes gazing slightly to the side, “which reflects how some members of the autistic community may avoid direct eye contact.” The dolls come with a sensory stressrelief toy, noise-canceling headphones, and a tablet, the company said, adding that it has pledged to donate 1,000 of them to US pediatric hospitals specializing in autism care. Current scientific knowledge does not precisely identify all the causes of autism, which has left room for the circulation of numerous false theories, including alleged causal links with vaccines, excessive screen use, or taking paracetamol during pregnancy. AFP
Philippines... From A1
partners and accounting for almost 39 percent of Philippine exports to the Middle East. Preliminary studies indicate the CEPA could increase Philippine exports to the UAE by 9.13 percent, deliver consumer savings, and strengthen trade ties with the broader Gulf region. On services, the agreement ensures a stable, non-discriminatory operating environment for Filipino firms, including MSMEs, across sectors such as IT-BPM, tourism, healthcare, education, construction, and professional services. The CEPA complements the Philippines’ existing free trade agreements with Japan, South
PH... From A1
mechanisms to repatriate Co. “We suspect that Co is in Portugal. Our information is that he has a Portuguese passport under an immigration clause,”Remulla said. “Through Interpol, we will request the repatriation of Zaldy Co if he is indeed in Portugal,”he added.
Korea, the European Free Trade Association, ASEAN partners, and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, while reinforcing bilateral cooperation with the UAE in investment, trade, energy, logistics, innovation, and tourism. The signing ceremony was attended by First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, Foreign Affairs secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, Finance acting secretary Frederick Go, and special envoy to the UAE for Trade and Investment Kathryna Yu-Pimentel. It was followed by a brief meeting between Presidents Marcos and Sheikh Mohamed, their second engagement since November 2024, underscoring the deepening partnership between Manila and Abu Dhabi.
Remulla later pointed out that there are other avenues the President wants studied, including the Interpol and the United Nations. Meanwhile, House Deputy Minority Leader Leila de Lima backed government efforts to track down former congressman Zaldy Co, including the filing of an extradition case against him. “By all legal means, the government must act urgently and proactively on the matter of effecting the arrest of former Rep.
DOE.. From A1
said the awarded contracts, if they materialized, could have actually covered the annual increase of the country’s electricity demand in the country. “Unfortunately, we had to cancel these contracts. Why? Because they’re not doing anything….Actually, we waited until the last minute. We were hoping against hope that they will deliver because this is a much needed megawatts or power that the country needs,” Garin said. “Unfortunately, these contracts have obviously, despite the communications of DOE, insistence of DOE, they have failed to deliver,” she said. Data showed that some of the contracts over biomass, geothermal,
Zaldy Co,”said De Lima, a former justice secretary. However, she said negotiating an extradition treaty with Portugal solely to arrest Co would require too much effort and time and does not convey a sense of urgency. De Lima said the Philippine government should instead pursue Co’s deportation. “What is more reasonable at this point is to negotiate with Portugal for Zaldy Co’s deportation to the Philippines,”she said.
hydro, solar and wind projects. Some of the canceled contracts were also offered under the Green Energy Auction Program. “The purpose is not to scare off investors. It’s to make sure that we have the right investors in the Philippines,” Garin said. “So, what we want are really legitimate investors that have the financial, technical, and legal capacity to embark on a contract and an energy project in the Philippines. This is why we are cleaning it up.” She said the contract cancellations should serve as a reminder to the developers to also do their part. “We go the extra mile in order for these projects to finish. But if you don’t deliver, then we will also take the extra mile to make sure that the penalties are imposed,” she said.
“An extradition treaty is not indispensable for the return of a fugitive to his country. An extradition treaty merely compels the requested country to comply with its treaty obligation to surrender a fugitive found in its territory,”she added. De Lima explained that deportation at the instance of Portugal is another option, noting that Co‚Äôs deportation to the Philippines can be immediately negotiated diplomatically even without the formality of entering into an extradition treaty.
A3
NEWS
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2026 mst.daydesk@gmail.com
Sarah Discaya enters not guilty plea D
ETAINED contractor Sarah Discaya and nine co-accused on Tuesday entered not guilty pleas to graft and malversation charges over the alleged P96.5-million “ghost” flood control project in Davao Occidental. During their arraignment before Regional Trial Court Branch 27 in LapuLapu City, Cebu, Discaya, St. Timothy Construction Corp. executive Ma. Roma Angeline Rimando, and eight officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) denied the charges before Presiding Judge Nelson Leyco. The accused initially asked the court to defer the arraignment, saying they received only earlier in the day the resolution denying their motion to quash the case. “We ask for more time to study other possible options,” said lawyer Paul Sato, counsel for the DPWH officials. However, the court stressed that the defense may still pursue available legal remedies despite the conduct of the arraignment. The defense teams said they were considering filing a petition for certiorari and a motion for reconsideration, particularly on their challenge to the court’s jurisdiction over the case. Rimando’s lawyer, Cornelio Samaniego III, also sought a joint ocular inspection of the Davao Occidental project to prove that it exists, offering that his client would shoulder all related expenses if approved. “The project was there, it was erected, it was built. So there is no ghost project as alleged in the criminal information. It would be better to conduct an ocular inspection so we can see it, because we are just wasting time here if the project is really there,” Samaniego said.
Valid permits urged amid new European rules
HOLY CHILD. A church
worker cleans an image of the Santo Niño inside the Simbahan ng Santo Niño of the Philippine Independent Church in Pandacan, Manila. Norman Cruz
Health workers cry foul over unpaid PhilHealth By Maricel V. Cruz DOCTORS and other public health workers here are crying foul after the Navotas City government, during the time of Rep. Toby Tiangco as mayor, allegedly failed to release their rightful shares amounting to more than P9 million from settled claims with the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, with some payments pending for as long as one to seven years, according to the latest Commission on Audit (COA) report. Tiangco served as mayor of Navotas City from 2019 to 2022. The city is now led by his brother, Mayor John Rey Tiangco, a former congressman. Unreleased professional fees of doctors and other health workers at
the Navotas City government have ballooned to more than P9 million, based on the 2024 audit report released on December 9, 2025. As of press time, Rep. Tiangco has yet to issue a statement on the matter despite requests for comment. State auditors flagged the failure to release the payments as a clear violation of existing health and insurance laws and regulations. The auditors said the non-release of payments violated Department of Health Administrative Order No. 2016-033, Item IV, Section 34-A of Republic Act No. 10606, and PhilHealth Circular No. 0035, series of 2013. “Review and analysis of the Due to Officers and Employees account
disclosed that professional fees representing the share of doctors and health workers from PhilHealth claims had an outstanding balance of P10,318,334.61 as of December 31, 2024,” the auditors said. Included in the amount were unpaid professional fees and collections from the Animal Bite Treatment Center and the Tanza Lying-in Clinic, which auditors said should have been released to health workers but remained undistributed. Auditors clarified that P9,006,281.61 in undistributed professional fees had remained unpaid for one to seven years, even after the city released P1,933,301.79 during the year, leaving a substantial balance.
By Katrina Manubay THE Philippine Embassy in the Czech Republic on Tuesday, January 13, urged Filipinos to always carry valid travel and immigration documents when traveling within and beyond the Schengen Area. In its advisory, the embassy emphasized that Filipinos traveling abroad should keep their passports, residence permits, and other relevant immigration documents readily available. “Please be advised that Schengen countries may temporarily reintroduce border controls,” the embassy said. The reminder comes as Europe prepares to implement the new Entry/Exit System, a digital border control mechanism designed to track non-European Union citizens entering and exiting the Schengen zone. Reports said the system aims to prevent visa overstays, reduce identity fraud, and curb irregular migration within the Schengen Area. The embassy advised travelers to keep their passports with them at all times and to carry visas, residence permits, or other required documents when crossing borders.
IN BRIEF Manila cops nab top most wanted murder suspect MANILA Mayor Francisco Moreno Domagoso on Tuesday announced the arrest of the capital city’s top 1 most wanted murder suspect linked to the killing of a criminology student in Tondo in October 2023. Domagoso commended the Manila Police District for apprehending the suspect without loss of life, stressing disciplined police operations and strict adherence to due process. The suspect, identified as Prince Ethan Cruz, was arrested by MPD operatives following a manhunt conducted by district intelligence and tracker teams. “I am happy that the Manila Police District was able to arrest the suspect alive and bring him before the law and justice,” Domagoso said. He assured the victim’s family that the city government and MPD remain committed to securing justice. Pot Chavez
SC suspends sentence of child rapist THE Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday announced it suspended the sentence of a child in conflict with the law (CICL) to promote his best interests and rehabilitation. In its decision, the SC en banc affirmed the accused’s conviction but clarified that the crime was qualified rape and ordered the suspension of his sentence. The High Court cited a provision of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act providing that when the CICL reaches 18 while under suspended sentence, the court may discharge them, order the execution of their sentence, or extend the suspended sentence for a period or until they reach the maximum age of 21 years old. Pot Chavez
STREET DANCE. Students from various schools in Navotas City perform in a street dance competition during the Pangisdaan Festival celebration. Andrew Rabulan
AFP reports 1st harassment incident in WPS By Rex Espiritu
NEW OFFICERS. Major General Alvin Luzon, commander of the Philippine Army’s 10th Infantry Division, welcomes 44 newly assigned officers to the Agila Division.
THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) confirmed Tuesday the first harassment incident of 2026 involving Filipino fishermen in the West Philippine Sea after a Chinese Coast Guard vessel and a People’s Liberation Army Navy ship allegedly blocked a local fishing boat near Bajo de Masinloc. “There was a harassment incident yesterday in the vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc. A fishing boat, Prince LJ, was harassed by the China Coast Guard and a PLA Navy ship at around 12 noon, and this went on until 3 p.m.,” Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said. “There was no injury. Both ships approached within 30 meters of the fishing boat and blocked its path toward its fishing ground,” Trinidad said during a
press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo. According to Trinidad, the Philippine Coast Guard dispatched BRP Cape San Agustin (MRRV-4408) to assist the fishing boat. PCG personnel provided fuel assistance, while the boat’s captain briefly boarded the Coast Guard vessel for a medical check and was found to be in good condition. After about two hours, the fishing boat was able to resume its journey and proceed to the fishing grounds without further incident. Trinidad said the encounter marked the first reported harassment incident involving Filipino fishermen in 2026. In a separate statement, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela identified the Chinese vessels as PLAN 621 and CCGV 23521.
10th Infantry Division welcomes new officers MAJOR General Alvin Luzon, commander of the Philippine Army’s 10th Infantry Division, set a tone of unity, discipline, and excellence as he welcomed 44 newly assigned officers to the Agila Division. Luzon led the division’s first flagraising ceremony for 2026 at Camp General Manuel T. Yan Sr. in Tuburan, Mawab, Davao de Oro, which featured the induction of the new second lieutenants. He said the additional officers will strengthen leadership and support ongoing efforts to maintain peace and security in the Davao Region and nearby provinces. During the ceremony, Luzon also recognized key personnel, including Thea Grace Mission of the Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence, who was named Best Civilian Human Resource (Administrative Category) for 2025. Cherrie Anne E. Villahermosa
NEWS
A4
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2025
mst.daydesk@gmail.com
MMDA steps up road clearing ops in Metro Manila By Joel E. Zurbano OVER 150 vehicles were apprehended for illegal parking in the latest road clearing operation conducted by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), with more than 20 of them impounded. The MMDA Special Operations Group-Task Force for Road Clearing (SOG-TFRC), led by Gabriel Go, staged the operation on Monday, Jan. 12, targeting Bayanihan Road, Road 20, Central Avenue, and UP Arboretum, as well as the streets of Maalindog, Marilag, Maayusin, Matahimik, Mayumi, Matiwasay, Mayaman, Malamig, and Masaya, all in Quezon City. Twenty-two of the apprehended vehicles were towed to the MMDA impounding site in Tumana, Marikina City. The operation also involved the removal of obstruction encroaching into sidewalks. The Task Force emphasized that similar enforcement actions will continue in other areas of Metro Manila to restore order on major thoroughfares. The MMDA is carrying out largescale road clearing operations throughout Metro Manila, specifically targeted the areas that have been plagued by chronic gridlock and had raised complaints from residents. Go said the operations served as a clear indication that the MMDA “will no longer tolerate indiscipline on our roads.” MMDA chairman Romando Artes said these operations were part of the agency’s ongoing initiatives to clear roadways of obstructions, supported by reports from citizens
OFF TO IMPOUNDING. The Metropolitan
Manila Development Authority shifts to high gear its road-clearing drive, apprehending on Tuesday alone more than 150 illegally parked vehicles on major thoroughfares in Quezon City, with over 20 of them hauled to the agency’s impounding facility in Marikina City. MMDA photo
DSWD to construct five more BPA projects for young law offenders By Maricel V. Cruz
T
HE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is set to start construction of five regional Bahay Pag-Asa (BPA) facilities for young law offenders, also called children in conflict with the law (CICL).
Secretary Rex Gatchalian said P275 million had been earmarked under the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA) to finance the construction of additional BPAs across the country. Data of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council (JJWC), an attached agency of the DSWD, showed there are 118
operational BPAs nationwide. “For JJWC, another protective services increase is the construction of regional Bahay Pag-Asa, which is another multi-year commitment. Right now, we were given P275 million to build more Bahay Pag-Asa for our CICL,” Gatchalian said.
The DSWD chief pointed out that the project will help fulfill the 50-year commitment embodied in Presidential Decree No. 603 or the Child and Youth Welfare Code of 1974 to establish facilities or centers for the rehabilitation of CICLs. “Because we know that many years after the law, almost 50 years after the law, there is still a lack of Bahay Pag-Asa nationwide. So for us to fulfill the restorative justice provision of the law, it is necessary that the national government will take the lead in building these Bahay Pag-Asa,” Gatchalian said. The construction of BPAs is also
Public warned vs. scammers posing as Customs personnel By Joel E. Zurbano
SCAMMERS GET DIGITAL. The Bureau of Customs warns the public
against scammers preying on unsuspecting shippers who may lose substantial amounts of money over fictitious seizure and detention warrants posted online, ostensibly issued by Customs personnel, such as this image grabbed on the internet. BOC photo
THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Tuesday warned the public against fraudulent seizure and detention warrants supposedly issued by its personnel and demanding large amounts of cash to settle the problem.. The BOC raised the red flag in light of dubious social media posts about a purported package containing $1.4 million that was intercepted and seized upon arrival in the country. “Accordingly, the subject shipment and monetary instruments are hereby placed under seizure and detention pending administrative forfeiture proceedings and referral to the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) pursuant to Republic Act No. 9160, as amended,” the post read. “The lawful owner, importer, or claimant is hereby required to file a verified answer under oath, together with complete documentary evidence establishing lawful ownership, source, and intended use of the funds, within fifteen (15) days from receipt hereof. Failure to comply shall result in forfeiture in favor of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines,” it added. NAIA Customs collector Yasmin
Mapa categorically said the online notice was not an official issuance by the agency, adding it was apparently meant to mislead and possibly extort money from unsuspecting victims. “The BOC clarifies that no such warrant, notice, or demand has been issued in connection with this matter. The public is reminded that all Warrants of Seizure and Detention, as well as documents of the Bureau of Customs, are served or transmitted only through official and formal means,” Mapa said. She urged the public to remain vigilant, refrain from responding, and avoid making any payments related to this fraudulent document. “If you encounter similar suspicious communications, you may report them to us through the following official channels: boc.cares@customs. gov.ph or through our official hotline (02) 8705-6000,” she said. Previously, the NAIA Customs district also called on the public to be wary of a syndicate engaged in an online scam using the identities of Customs officials. The public was advised that certain unscrupulous individuals are using social media photos of B0C personnel and NAIA officials tp demand substantial amounts of money purportedly as clearance fees for the release of withhold shipments.
PAO steps into murder of Laguna boy, 8 By Rio N. Araja THE Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) has stepped into the murder of an eightyear-old boy in Laguna over a supposed quarrel among minors. PAO chief Persida Rueda-Acosta personally visited the child’s wake at their home in Barangay Santiago 2, San Pablo City and extended condolences after the family sought PAO’s legal assistance. “PAO, along with its legal and forensic teams, is ready to help the family and the investigators,” PAO deputy chief Erwin Erfe said. Annie Gabito of Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption said they are currently providing all forms of assistance that the family would need. Rueda-Acosta assured the boy’s parents, Jonjon and Rochelle Suarez, that
justice would be served for the death of their son Gianni Rick, a grade three pupil. The victim’s mother told police that he dressed up her son for school on January 9 at 6 a.m., saying the boy wanted to go to school for an examination and a dance competition. The boy reportedly went missing while waiting for his father to take him to school, leaving his school bag behind. Thinking his son went to school ahead, he brought the bag to the school only to find out he was not there. On the same day at about 11:00 a.m., the victim’s parents and other relatives found the boy lying in a pool of blood in a grassy lot. The boy sustained multiple stab wounds with his ear severed and neck almost cut off.
mandated under Section 51 of the Republic Act 9344 or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act. The BPAs are currently operated by local government units (LGUs) and accredited non-government organizations (NGOs). The facilities provide immediate care, assessment, and necessary intervention for CICL, particularly those requiring temporary shelter pending court resolution of their cases. “We’ve seen that our LGUs are struggling because of limited fiscal capacity on their side. So now, the national government will intervene by piloting five regional Bahay Pag-Asa,” Gatchalian said.
IN BRIEF Isabela to unfold anew annual scarecrow fest ISABELA puts it best foot forward once again with the celebration of Bambanti Festival that showcases the province’s top-notch commodities, world-class products, and rich culture and heritage, as well as scrumptious delicacies , captivating street dancers, and a host of other colorful activities. Organizers said Bambanti is their traditional way of thanksgiving for bountiful harvest and a tribute to the local people’s resilience, strength, fortitude, and other core values that made them a cut above the rest. The week-long Bambanti Festival 2026 has for its theme “Innovations through Tourism: Bagong Tuklas sa Bagong Bukas” or New Discoveries for a New Tomorrow). Jessica M. Bacud
DHSUD ends Wawang Pulo HOA’s 30-year wait THE Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and its attached agency, the Social Housing Finance Corp., recently released P14-million for Wawang Pulo Homeowners’ Association Inc. (HOA) Phase 1 in Barangay Wawang Pulo, Valenzuela City to end decades of waiting for land ownership. DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling, along with president and chief executive officer Federico Laxa and Valenzuela City Mayor Wes Gatchalian, led the check awarding ceremony last Jan. 9 to cover payment to a private landowner and grants to defray incidental expenses for the land acquisition. Rio N. Araja
Cebu hosts 4-day int’l investment conference
INVESTMENT SUMMIT. The Cebu provincial government is host to a four-
day international investment conference attended by some 200 investors from across the globe, notably South Korea, Singapore, Japan, China, Taiwan, Oman, and Saudi Arabia. Minerva Newman
THE Cebu provincial government is hosting a four-day global investors conference set Jan. 12-15 at the Capitol Social Hall with more than 200 local and foreign delegates in attendance. Investors from Korea, Singapore, Japan, China, Taiwan, Oman, Saudi Arabia are specifically among the participants in the Cebu International Investment Summit. “This is Cebu’s flagship global investor summit connecting world capital with real-economy opportunities, designed not just to talk about opportunities, but to convert global interest into structural pipelines, partnerships, and platforms for the next decade,” said Dr. Bryan To, consultant and one of the summit speakers. Minerva Newman
OPINION
A5
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2026
mst.daydesk@gmail.com
EDITORIAL
Moral rightness
NAIA fee hike highlights limits on privatization UP FOR decision by the Supreme Court is a case that looks at first glance as a mere dispute over higher airport charges, but here we have a fundamental question on the Constitutional limits of privatization in the delivery of essential public services. At its core, the controversy surrounding the Ninoy Aquino International Airport fee hike compels judicial scrutiny not only of economic policy choices, but of the constitutional principles that govern how far the State may go in transferring public functions to private hands without eroding accountability, equity, and public trust. PUSO ng NAIA, a collective of airport employees and workers, frames the controversy not as resistance to modernization or rehabilitation per se, but as principled opposition to the transformation of the country’s primary international gateway into a predominantly fee-driven facility. Petitioners emphasize that they do not reject infrastructure improvement; rather, they question a model of rehabilitation that relies heavily on imposing higher compulsory charges on the very public the airport is meant to serve. In their view, privatization becomes constitutionally suspect when it effectively converts access to a public utility into a privilege increasingly conditioned on one’s ability to pay. The rehabilitation of NAIA is thus portrayed as a framework that shifts the financial burden of upgrading infrastructure directly onto passengers and airport workers, instead of the State absorbing or equitably distributing the costs of modernization. The magnitude of the increases reinforces the gravity of the issue. Domestic terminal fees are reported to have risen from ₱200 to as much as ₱390, while international terminal fees allegedly climbed from around ₱550 to as high as ₱950. These figures cannot be dismissed as marginal regulatory adjustments or routine inflationary corrections. Such increases are said to impose abrupt cost shocks on a captive market, disproportionately affecting ordinary travelers, overseas Filipino workers, and budget passengers who lack meaningful alternatives. For many OFWs, air travel is not a discretionary luxury but an economic necessity tied to livelihood and family survival. The Court is called upon to examine petitions assailing both the legality of the fee hikes and the concession framework that enabled them. Serious questions have been raised regarding due process and lawful delegation of authority. Petitioners contend that the fee increases were implemented without sufficient transparency or genuine public participation, with affected sectors informed only after decisions had been finalized. Such a process, they argue, reduces consultation
to a mere formality rather than a meaningful safeguard. Procedural due process, long recognized in Philippine jurisprudence, requires more than notice in form; it demands a real opportunity to be heard before financial burdens of nationwide consequence are imposed. Public consultation, the Court has consistently held, must be substantive and meaningful, not perfunctory or ceremonial.
—“—
While the Constitution permits private sector participation in public utilities, it does not sanction the surrender of the State’s duty to regulate in the public interest A second issue of Constitutional weight concerns the delegation of regulatory power, particularly rate-setting authority that carries direct economic impact. If a concession agreement effectively allows a private operator to determine airport fees with minimal governmental restraint, the arrangement may amount to an abdication of regulatory responsibility. While the Constitution permits private sector participation in public utilities, it does not sanction the surrender of the State’s duty to regulate in the public interest. The Court has previously ruled that private participation may enhance efficiency, but it cannot displace Constitutional control nor override the State’s obligation to protect consumers from unreasonable charges. Arguments that judicial intervention may discourage investment cannot prevail where legality itself is in question, for development must operate within constitutional bounds, not outside them. Investment, no matter how desirable, cannot justify arrangements that erode constitutional safeguards. Given the immediate and continuing financial burden imposed on millions of Filipinos, petitioners argue that each day the higher fees are collected, the harm becomes increasingly difficult to undo. In this context, the issuance of a temporary restraining order by the Supreme Court would serve not to hinder development, but to preserve constitutional equilibrium while the Court determines whether contractual arrangements must yield to citizens when fundamental rights and public interest are at stake. (Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)
Choosing the harder road THESE days, it’s easy to get swept up in the noise. A video goes viral, a name trends online, a rumor catches fire—and suddenly, we’re caught in the storm of opinion. In a world where performance is often mistaken for purpose, where outrage is easier than understanding, and where judgment is delivered before justice, we need to pause. Take a breath. And remember what kind of democracy we want to build. We don’t need a politics of form. We need a politics of substance. When political behavior is reduced to spectacle, we lose sight of the real work: the hard, unglamorous work of governance. Too many times, we confuse loudness with leadership, or public pressure with proof. But leadership isn’t always what makes headlines. Sometimes, it’s quiet conviction. It’s the discipline to do what is right, even when it isn’t popular. It’s standing still when everyone is rushing toward the easy answer. Take the growing public call for accountability. It’s valid. It’s necessary. Corruption is real and painful and it steals from the very people who can least afford it.
Public office should never be a refuge for impunity. Those found guilty must face the full weight of the law. That is nonnegotiable. But in the same breath, let’s not forget that we are a democracy. Not a mob, not a police state. In our country, guilt must be proven, not presumed.
—“—
Public office should never be a refuge for impunity. Those found guilty must face the full weight of the law The rule of law exists not to protect the powerful, but to protect everyone—even the unpopular, the accused, the imperfect. Shortcutting the legal process to satisfy a hunger for immediate justice only weakens the very institution we rely on to make that justice real. So, how do we move forward? Maybe we start with three things: educate, enlighten, empower. First, educate.A crisis, no matter how frustrating, always leaves something to
ManilaStandard
Published Monday to Sunday by Philippine Manila Standard Publishing Inc. at 6/F Universal Re Building, 106 Paseo de Roxas, corner Perea St., Legaspi Village, Makati City. Telephone numbers 8-5646225 and 8-5646229 (connecting all departments), (Editorial) 832-5554, (Advertising) 832-5550. P.O. Box 2933, Manila Central Post Office, Manila. Website: www.manilastandard.net
ONLINE
can be accessed at: manilastandard.net
MEMBER
PPI
Philippine Press Institute The National Association of Philippine Newspapers
R
ANK or prominence must, under whatever circumstance, be entitled to the same standards of justice expected of any citizen.
After all, justice means fairness, impartiality, and moral rightness, ensuring people are treated equitably by law and society, often involving fair consequences for actions, upholding rights, and restoring balance, though interpretations vary from legal systems to philosophical ideals of “rendering to each their due.” Depending on context, but justice centers on equitable treatment and rightness, whether through legal processes or moral conduct. Equitable treatment means treating people fairly according to their individual needs and circumstances to ensure a just outcome, different from equal treatment, which means treating everyone exactly the same, regardless of their individual situation. Rightness refers to the moral quality of an action, decision, or system, characterized by adherence to established ethical principles and moral integrity, fairness, and justice. Dragging names through the mud without proof does not strengthen accountability; it weakens institutions and cheapens public debate. We underline that dragging names to crimes without proof does not
strengthen accountability; instead, it undermines the justice system, violates basic rights, and can lead to false accusations. Accountability in a legal and ethical sense relies on due process, evidence, and the rule of law. A cornerstone of justice systems worldwide is the Constitutional presumption of innocence, meaning any person accused of a crime is considered innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
—“—
Accountability in a legal and ethical sense relies on due process, evidence, and the rule of law Accusations without evidence preempt this process. True accountability ensures that if an individual is found guilty, it is based on the strength of the evidence presented by the prosecution. Bypassing this process weakens the
legitimacy of the outcome. In essence, accountability is achieved through transparent, evidence-based legal processes, not through public shaming or accusations made without sufficient proof. It also bears recalling that during Martin Romualdez’s tenure as Speaker, the House pursued reforms, exercised oversight, and worked with the administration on key national priorities. If allegations arise, they should be tested properly – before the right forums, with sworn evidence, and with respect for due process. Respect for due process means the government must follow fair, established legal procedures and rules, ensuring everyone’s rights are protected before being deprived of life, liberty, or property, guaranteeing impartial treatment and a chance to be heard. It prevents arbitrary government action by requiring fair notice, an opportunity to defend oneself, and an unbiased hearing, applying to both criminal and civil matters. If there is none, the responsible course is to stop the harassment. The country deserves calm, evidence-based discussion – not political theater. When facts have spoken as clearly as they have now, it is time for the noise to fade and for institutions to be allowed to do their work.
Trump has options on Iran, but first must define goal WASHINGTON, DC – US President Donald Trump has options to intervene in protest-hit Iran that range from low to high risk, but choosing his course depends on him deciding his ultimate goal. It has been 10 days since Trump said the United States was “locked and loaded” and ready to “come to the rescue” if Iran’s clerical state kills demonstrators who have taken to the streets in major numbers. Since then, Trump has kept threatening a military option, even as hundreds of people have died, according to rights groups. Iran has been a sworn foe of the United States since the 1979 Islamic revolution toppled the pro-Western shah. The downfall of the Islamic republic in power since then would transform the Middle East. But Trump has previously lashed out against “regime change” as a goal, especially pointing to lessons from US involvement in Iraq, a smaller country. Trump on Monday exercised economic leverage, announcing 25 percent tariffs on Iran’s trading partners, and he has spoken of ways to forcibly restore internet access shut by Tehran. The two governments have also revealed that they have been in communication, coordinated by Trump’s friend and roving envoy Steve Witkoff. Momentum on streets In a message likely designed to galvanize Trump, Reza Pahlavi, the US-exiled son of the late shah, has publicly encouraged Trump not to be like Democratic predecessor Barack Obama, who hesitated at supporting 2009 protests for fear of co-opting a homegrown movement. Some experts say that Obama’s fears nearly a generation ago may no longer be as relevant, with demonstrations having spread
well beyond educated, urban circles that always opposed the religious state. Ray Takeyh, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations who wrote a book about the fall of the late shah, said that Trump could target forces including the elite Revolutionary Guards that have taken the lead in repressing the protests. Intervention could ease Iranians’ fears and “affect the fence-sitters in thinking about joining the protests or not,” Takeyh said. Sanam Vakil, director of the Middle East and North Africa program at the Chatham House think tank, agreed that intervention by Trump could bring momentum on the streets.
But she said: “It could equally play further into the hands of a regime that is paranoid and this would build further unity and propel them to crack down further.” How much action needed? Trump in June ordered strikes on Iranian nuclear sites in support of an Israeli campaign. While Trump had previously spoken of a diplomatic resolution, the attack was in line with his inclination, as seen again recently in Venezuela, for one-off military operations
he quickly claims as successes. Vali Nasr, a professor at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, noted 130 to 150 Iranian cities have seen protests. “Trying to hit security forces in all of these, or even major cities of Iran, is more than just a few airstrikes,” Nasr said. As Trump likely “doesn’t want to get his hands dirty, a performative strike may be more where he wants to go,” Nasr said. Behnam Ben Taleblu, a research fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, said the risk from intervention was less that Iranians rally around the flag than that they become afraid to go out. “The challenge of the strikes is how to make sure they don’t lead to the disbursement of protesters rather than the amplification of protests, if the strikes go off the rails -- if targeting is poor, if intelligence is poor,” he said. He said the impact would also be high if Trump finally decides not to strike. Inaction would “play into the regime’s narrative of painting America as not able to actually come through,” Ben Taleblu said. Pahlavi and a number of Republican hawks have voiced opposition to diplomacy, warning it would only give the Islamic republic a lifeline. But Mohammad Ali Shabani, editor of the Amwaj.media site that closely follows Iran, believed many Iranians would welcome a deal that eases sanctions and “lifts the shadow of war.” “I think this would supersede any kind of short-term survival for the Islamic republic because the way things are structured, I think most Iranians at this point accept that the Islamic republic is not going to be there forever.” AFP
teach. But we have to be willing to learn. Right now, there’s a lot of confusion, especially about how government works— the budget process, checks and balances, how agencies and departments operate. If people knew more about the nuts and bolts of governance, they could ask better questions. And if leaders explained more, instead of just defending or deflecting, maybe trust would be easier to rebuild. It’s time we invest in a more politically literate public, not just to inform, but to include. Second, enlighten. We need to relearn how to talk to each other. Democracy thrives not in agreement, but in respectful disagreement. It’s okay to have opposing views. But it’s not okay to dismiss others as blind or bad just because they don’t see what we see. There’s always a common ground, even if it’s small—love for country, desire for fairness, anger at injustice.
That’s where we start. Not by shouting, but by listening. Not by attacking, but by engaging. Enlightenment begins where pride ends. Third, empower. To uphold the rule of law is not to stay silent. It’s not about turning a blind eye. But empowerment means acting with intention, not impulse. Change that’s driven by anger alone is too fragile to last. It burns hot, then burns out. What we need is a steady flame—people who stay involved after the outrage dies down, who keep asking the hard questions, who hold their leaders accountable not just in scandals, but in silence too. Empowerment means showing up when no one’s watching. If we want real change—not just noise or outrage—we have to begin with ourselves. Educating opens our minds to the facts, the context, and the deeper story. Enlightening opens our hearts to others, helping us see beyond our own frus-
tration and fear. Empowering opens our hands to act— not out of rage, but out of reason and resolve. When these three come together, they form the foundation of the citizenship our democracy needs. Because democracy isn’t just about the people we elect—it’s about the kind of people we choose to be, every day, in thought, in word, and in deed. And so, here’s the call. Let’s choose the harder road. Let’s be people who want truth more than theater. People who are willing to ask questions before casting blame. People who believe that justice must be both swift and sure—but never sloppy. Let’s build a society that is not only better at punishing what is wrong, but better at protecting what is right. Because in the end, the politics that truly matters is not the one that wins applause. It’s the one that builds a country.
Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno Anita F. Grefal Baldwin R. Felipe Edgar M. Valmorida
Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser Treasury Manager Head—Ad Solutions Circulation Manager
—“—
Intervention could ease Iranians’ fears and ‘affect the fence-sitters in thinking about joining the protests or not,’ one analyst said
Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher Joyce Pangco Pañares Managing Editor Virgilio DC Galvez News Editor Miguel Gil City Editor
Honor Blanco Cabie Opinion Editor Aytch dela Cruz Online Editor Lino M. Santos Chief Photographer
Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board
WORLD
A6
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2026
mst.daydesk@gmail.com
Trump announces tariffs on Iran allies P
ARIS – US President Donald Trump announced a 25 percent tariff on any country doing business with Iran, ramping up pressure as a rights group estimated a crackdown on protests has killed at least 648 people.
FOUR-FRONT WAR. Anti-Iranian regime protesters wave Iranian flags during a gathering outside the Iranian Embassy, central London, on Sunday. In Tehran, Iranian authorities have blamed foreign interference for stoking the unrest and staged their own nationwide counter-rallies.Rights groups warned that the severed communications were aimed at masking a rising death toll. In Washington, the White House said Monday that Trump remained ‘unafraid’ to deploy military force against Iran, but was pursuing diplomacy as a first resort. AFP
France climate goals off track as emissions cuts slow again PARIS – France’s emissions cuts slowed for a second straight year in 2025 and remain off track to meeting its pledged climate goals, according to a provisional government-commissioned forecast published on Tuesday. Emissions were estimated to decline 1.6 percent year-on-year, said Citepa, a non-profit organization tasked by France’s ecology ministry with tallying the country’s greenhouse gas inventory. The reduction of 5.8 million tons of CO2 equivalent was “far below the pace needed to reach 2030 targets” and extended a slowdown seen in recent years, Citepa said. The country unveiled in December its updated pathway for achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. To stay on track, emissions need to fall 4.6 percent every year until 2030. After France slashed its emissions output by 3.9 percent in 2022 and 6.8 percent in 2023, the rate slowed sharply to 1.8 percent in 2024. Citepa had earlier predicted a decline of just 0.8 percent in 2025 but said fresh data and updated methods of calculation had allowed a “more accurate” estimate for the full year. While improvements were recorded in heavy-emitting sectors like industry, agriculture and transport, they remained virtually flat in energy and waste treatment, Citepa said. Cleaning up these sectors poses an enormous challenge for industrialized countries like France, a major economy seen as a leader in transitioning to a lowcarbon future. This latest assessment highlighted the urgency for France to phase out its use of fossil fuels, said Anne Bringault, a director at Climate Action Network France. “It is high time to take seriously the climate risk, but also the geopolitical risk of making us suffer from our dependence on fossil fuels, which are overwhelmingly imported,” she told AFP. Big, historic polluting nations are under pressure to make faster and deeper cuts to the heat-trapping emissions driving global warming. AFP
Trump, who has repeatedly threatened Iran with military intervention, said in a social media post on Monday that the new levies would “immediately” hit the Islamic republic’s trading partners who also do business with the United States. “This Order is final and conclusive,” he wrote, without specifying who they will affect. Iran’s main trading partners are China, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and Iraq, according to economic database Trading Economics. Trump has been mulling his options on Iran, which has been roiled by more than two weeks of demonstrations that have defied a near-total internet blackout and lethal force. Sparked by economic grievances, the nationwide protests have grown into one of the biggest challenges yet to the theocratic system that has ruled Iran since the 1979 Islamic revolution ousted the shah. Iranian authorities have blamed foreign interference for stoking the unrest and staged their own nationwide counter-rallies. Rights groups warned that the severed communications were aimed at masking
US slams Russia’s use of nuke-capable missile UNITED NATIONS, New York – The United States on Monday (Tuesday, Manila time) decried Russia’s use of a nuclear-capable Oreshnik ballistic missile in Ukraine, calling it an “inexplicable escalation” during an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council. Russia’s use Friday of the intermediate-range missile, which was not carrying a nuclear warhead, “constitutes another dangerous and inexplicable escalation of this war, even as the United States is urgently working with Kyiv, other partners and Moscow to end the war through a negotiated settlement,” US Deputy UN Ambassador Tammy Bruce said. “We condemn Russia’s continuing and
intensifying attacks on Ukraine’s energy facilities and other civilian infrastructure,” Bruce continued. Moscow on Monday said the missile hit an aviation repair factory in the Lviv region, in western Ukraine, and that it was fired in response to Ukraine’s attempt to strike one of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s residences - a claim which Kyiv denies. Ukraine confirmed the missile was fired on the Lviv region, close to the border with Poland, but did not say whether the plant was struck. Acting British ambassador James Kariuki called the attack “reckless,” adding that “it threatens regional and international security and carries significant risk
of escalation and miscalculation.” In addition to deploying the Oreshnik missile on Friday, Russia pummeled the capital Kyiv with air strikes, killing at least four people and leaving half the city’s residential buildings without heating during below freezing winter temperatures. A Russian attack on Ukraine’s northeastern city of Kharkiv killed four people and wounded several others, the regional governor said Tuesday. “The number of people killed in the enemy attack on the outskirts of Kharkiv has reached four,” Oleg Synegubov posted on Telegram. He also said six people were wounded in the overnight hit. AFP
Trump sets meet with Venezuelan opposition leader CARACAS – Washington announced Monday (Tuesday, Manila time) Venezuelan opposition figure Maria Corina Machado will meet President Donald Trump this week as pressure grew on the interim leadership in Caracas to speed up the release of political prisoners. Machado has been sidelined by Washington since US forces seized long-term authoritarian leader Nicolas Maduro on Jan. 3 and the Trump administration announced it would be “running” Venezuela. Disregarding Machado and her understudy Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, Trump has been working instead with acting president Delcy Rodriguez, left in power with other Maduro allies. Trump has warned Rodriguez to toe Washington’s line or face the consequences -- particularly on granting access to the South American country’s vast oil reserves. A US administration official told AFP the Republican president will meet Machado at the White House on Thursday. Venezuela, meanwhile, announced it had freed 116 more people jailed under Maduro -- many for taking part in protests after his disputed 2024 election. Rights groups questioned the numbers, and family members clamored for speedier releases promised by Caracas under pressure from Washington. Relatives have been camped out at prisons for days, growing increasingly restless as loved ones have failed to appear. AFP
IN BRIEF Australia’s ambassador to US leaving post SYDNEY – Australia said Tuesday its ambassador to the United States is leaving after a three-year tenure overshadowed by President Donald Trump’s verdict on him: “I don’t like you either.” Former prime minister Kevin Rudd, who departs his post on March 31 to become president of the Asia Society think tank in New York, had sharply criticized Trump while he was out of office. Trump expressed disdain for Rudd during a televised US-Australia meeting at the White House in October last year, prompting some Australian opposition calls for his posting to be ended. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it was “entirely” Rudd’s decision to step down a year early. “Kevin Rudd has a work ethic unlike anyone I have ever met. He has worked tirelessly. He’s moving on to a role that he believes is pivotal,” he told reporters. The prime minister praised Rudd for his “tireless work” for Australia, including lobbying in favor of the so-called AUKUS agreement to equip Australia’s navy with nuclear-powered submarines.AFP
US disguised military aircraft used in strikes
PRISONER RELEASE QUESTIONED. Women look out from a tent set up by relatives of political prisoners outside El Rodeo I prison in Guatire, Miranda State, 30 kms east of Caracas on Tuesday, Manila time. Venezuela said it had freed dozens more political prisoners as rights groups questioned the numbers and family members clamored for speedier releases after the US military ouster of long-term autocrat Nicolas Maduro. AFP
Leaders of Japan, South Korea meet as China flexes muscles
IMMIGRATION CRACKDOWN. US Customs and Border Protection agents patrol while looking to detain undocumented persons during immigration enforcement activity in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Tuesday, Manila time. Hundreds more federal agents were heading to Minneapolis, the US homeland security chief said Monday, brushing aside demands by the Midwestern city’s Democratic leaders to leave after an immigration officer fatally shot a woman protester. AFP
a rising death toll. The Norway-based NGO Iran Human Rights (IHR) said it had confirmed 648 people killed during the protests, including nine minors, but warned the death toll was likely much higher -- “according to some estimates more than 6,000”. The internet shutdown has made it “extremely difficult to independently verify these reports”, IHR said, adding that an estimated 10,000 people had been arrested. “The international community has a duty to protect civilian protesters against mass killing by the Islamic republic,” said IHR director Mahmood AmiryMoghaddam. The White House said Monday that Trump remained “unafraid” to deploy military force against Iran, but was pursuing diplomacy as a first resort. Iran on Monday sought to regain control of the streets with mass nationwide rallies that supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei hailed as proof that the protest movement was defeated. In power since 1989 and now 86, Khamenei said the pro-government turnout was a “warning” to the United States. AFP
NARA, Japan – Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi met with South Korea’s President Lee Jae Myung for talks on Tuesday aimed at demonstrating their cordial ties as Beijing pressures Tokyo over its stance on Taiwan. The two leaders are in Takaichi’s picturesque home region of Nara in western Japan, days after Lee visited Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing. Looming in the background is Japan’s heated diplomatic spat with China, triggered by Takaichi’s suggestion in November that Japan could intervene militarily if China attacks Taiwan. China, which regards Taiwan as its own territory, reacted angrily, blocking exports to Japan of “dual-use” items with potential military applications, fueling worries in Japan that Beijing could choke supplies of much-needed rare earths. “In this increasingly complex situation
and within this rapidly changing international order, we must continue to make progress toward a better future,” Lee said at the beginning of the meeting with Takaichi. “Therefore, cooperation between our two countries is more important than ever.” Takaichi said she told Lee that that “while advancing Japan-South Korea relations, both countries should cooperate to ensure regional stability and fulfill their respective roles”. The two US allies have already agreed to strengthen cooperation on economic security, regional and global issues, and artificial intelligence, according to South Korea’s presidential office. They are also expected to compare notes on Washington after President Donald Trump’s unpredictable tariffs and “America First” approach, analysts said. AFP
WASHINGTON, DC – The Pentagon disguised a military aircraft as a civilian plane to wage its first attack on an alleged drug smuggling boat last year, killing 11, the New York Times reported Monday. The alleged move would be in violation of international laws of armed conflict, which prohibit combatants from “feigning civilian status to fool adversaries...a war crime called ‘perfidy’,” the Times reported. The US strike was announced by President Donald Trump in a Sept. 2, 2025 social media post that charged the targets were members of the Tren de Aragua criminal organization “operating under the control of Nicolas Maduro, responsible for mass murder, drug trafficking, sex trafficking and acts of violence and terror.” The aircraft was painted to look like a civilian plane, and its munitions were hidden inside the fuselage instead of being carried visibly under its wings, the Times reported. The White House has confirmed that a US admiral acting under the authority of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered a “double-tap” military operation, striking the boat twice. AFP
Germany plays down US threat on Greenland WASHINGTON, DC – Germany’s top diplomat on Monday played down the risk of a US attack on Greenland, after President Donald Trump’s repeated threats to seize the island from NATO ally Denmark. Asked after meeting Secretary of State Marco Rubio about a unilateral military move by Trump, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said: “I have no indication that this is being seriously considered.” “Rather, I believe there is a common interest in addressing the security issues that arise in the Arctic region, and that we should and will do so,” he told reporters. “NATO is only now in the process of developing more concrete plans on this, and these will then be discussed jointly with our US partners.” Wadephul’s visit comes ahead of talks this week in Washington between Rubio and the top diplomats of Denmark and Greenland, which is an autonomous territory of Denmark. Trump in recent days has vowed that the United States will take Greenland “one way or the other” and said he can do it “the nice way or the more difficult way.” AFP
A7
SPORTS
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2026
Koepka rejoins PGA Tour under new rules for LIV players LOS ANGELES—Five-time major winner Brooks Koepka announced his return to the PGA Tour on Monday under a new progam that creates a pathway back to the tour for stars who joined the Saudi-backed LIV Golf circuit. Koepka, who confirmed last month he would play no part in LIV Golf’s 2026 season, said in a statement on X he accepted returning to the PGA Tour would come with financial penalties. “When I was a child, I always dreamed about competing on the @ PGATOUR, and I am just as excited today to announce that I am returning to the PGA TOUR,” Koepka said. “Being closer to home and spending more time with my family makes this opportunity especially meaningful to me. I believe in where the PGA TOUR is headed with new leadership, new investors, and an equity program that gives players a meaningful ownership stake. “I also understand there are financial penalties associated with this decision, and I accept those.” PGA Tour chief executive Brian Rolapp chief executive said Koepka’s decision to leave LIV last month had prompted officials to consider how they handled the issue of embracing players who wanted to rejoin the tour. The result was the PGA Tour’s new “Returning Member Program”, which Rolapp said would come with “severe and justified consequences”. “The Returning Member Program mandates heavy and appropriate limitations to both tournament access and potential earnings that we believe properly holds returning members accountable for substantial compensation earned elsewhere,” Rolapp said. The program is open to returning members who have who won either The Players Championship, the Masters, the PGA Championship, the US Open or British Open between 2022 and 2025. Koepka won the PGA Championship in 2023. Under the program rules, other LIV Golf players who could now be eligible for a return to the PGA Tour would be 2024 US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau, 2023 Masters winner Jon Rahm and Australia’s Cameron Smith, who won the 2022 Players Championship and Open Championship. Rolapp added that the program’s limitations included a five-year forfeiture of rights to participation in the PGA Tour’s player equity program. Rolapp said Koepka’s absence from the equity sharing program could mean him missing out between $5085 million in potential earnings. Rolapp said Koepka had also agreed to make $5 million charitable contribution to a recipient which will be determined jointly by Koepka and the PGA Tour. Rolapp meanwhile said the program would be open to other LIV stars mulling a switch back to the PGA Tour – but only during a limited window that expires on February 2. “Other eligible players interested in seeking PGA Tour reinstatement must do so by the time the returning member program closes on Monday, February 2,” Rolapp said. “This is a one-time defined window and does not set a precedent for future situations. Once the door closes, there is no promise that this path will be available again.” AFP
DeMar DeRozan of the Sacramento Kings is guarded by Deandre Ayton of the Los Angeles Lakers at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. AFP
Doncic scores 42 pts but Lakers humbled by Kings L
OS ANGELES—Luka Doncic scored 42 points but could not prevent the Los Angeles Lakers stumbling to a third straight defeat with a 124-112 loss against the lowly Sacramento Kings on Monday.
LeBron James wore a special patch on his uniform to mark his historic 23rd season in the NBA and scored 22 points on a frustrating night for the Lakers, who made just eight threepointers from 36 attempts. Doncic and James were among only four Lakers players to make double figures with Deandre Ayton finishing with 13 points and Jaxson Hayes adding 12 off the bench.
The Kings, one place off the bottom of the Western Conference with a 10-30 record, were led by 32 points from DeMar DeRozan with Russell Westbrook finishing with 22 points against his former team. “We literally couldn’t make a shot,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said. In other games, the Indiana Pacers bagged their third straight victory with an upset 98-96 win over the Bos-
Reyes, Strickland, Bustamante, Souquet set for showdown FOUR icons. One stage. A moment in pool history. Watch LIVE on WNT TV. WNT Legends makes its debut from January 21 to 23, 2026, bringing together Efren Reyes, Earl Strickland, Francisco Bustamante and Ralf Souquet for a landmark three-day showcase at Gateway Mall, Quezon City, under the World Nineball Tour banner and in partnership with Puyat Sports. Fans worldwide can witness this historic clash exclusively on WNT TV via a $30 pay-per-view, while viewers in the Philippines can access the live PPV on the Pilipinas Live app for only P499, with primetime coverage airing on One Sports. Designed as a celebration of legacy, rivalry and personality, WNT Legends reunites four of the most influential figures the sport has ever known. From Manila to the world, this event pays tribute to the golden era that inspired The Color of Money and helped shape pool’s global rise. Returning to Gateway Mall, the same venue that hosted last year’s packedout Philippines Open, fans can once again expect an intimate, electric at-
mosphere — placing them closer than ever to the action. Play runs across all three days, with scheduling designed to ensure each legend competes every day. Matches will be played as a race-to-11 with alternate break, striking the perfect balance between elite competition and entertainment, while delivering multiple iconic match-ups. WNT Legends marks the first global pay-perview event of its
ton Celtics in Indianapolis. Pascal Siakam led the scoring with 21 points for the Pacers, last year’s NBA Finals runners-up who remain rooted to the foot of the Eastern Conference with a 9-31 record. Siakam scored what turned out to be the winning basket, banking in a floating jump shot with seven seconds remaining to give the Pacers a rare home victory. Boston’s Derrick White missed a 32-foot three-point attempt with two seconds left on the clock as the Pacers held on for the win. In Toronto, the 39-year-old Kyle Lowry was given a rousing reception as the Philadelphia 76ers romped to a
kind for the World Nineball Tour. International viewers can watch exclusively on WNT TV for a one-off $30 pay-per-view fee, with full live and on-demand access to all three days of action. Please note that this event is not included in existing WNT TV subscriptions – all viewers must purchase the $30 PPV pass to watch. With four legends reunited, a proven venue secured, and global broadcast coverage confirmed, WNT Legends promises a celebration of greatness unlike anything pool has seen before. Follow all the action across Matchroom Pool’s social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok and YouTube. Efren Bata Reyes
115-102 win over the Raptors. Lowry, a beloved figure in Toronto after helping the Raptors to their lone NBA title in 2019, was given a standing ovation in the fourth quarter as the crowd saluted what was likely his final appearance in Toronto before he retires. Lowry made a fleeting appearance for Philadelphia, playing just under two minutes as the Sixers cruised to victory thanks to 33 points from Tyrese Maxey and a 27-point contribution from Joel Embiid. Maxey led the tributes to Lowry afterwards, revealing how the veteran had helped his career since arriving in Philadelphia in 2024. Maxey said: “We talk at least five times a day. It started as soon as he got here. He just told me, ‘Listen, man. I’m here for you. Whatever you need me to do, whatever you need from me, I’m here for you.’ “He’s been that way every single day no matter what.” The Utah Jazz scored an upset 123112 defeat of the Cleveland Cavaliers on the back of 32 points from Keyonte George and 28 points from Lauri Markkanen. AFP
Timberwolves’ Rudy Gobert suspended over flagrant foul NEW YORK—The Minnesota Timberwolves’ French center Rudy Gobert has been given a one-game suspension after accruing his sixth flagrant foul of the season, NBA disciplinary officials said Monday. Gobert picked up his latest flagrant foul during the fourth quarter of Minnesota’s 104-103 win over the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday. Gobert was sanctioned after game officials ruled he had not given Spurs star Victor Wembanyama enough room to land safely after a three-point attempt. The veteran told local media after the incident Sunday’s foul had not been ill-intended. “It’s tough, because I try to be contesting shots in the heat of the moment,” Gobert told the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. “I don’t think there’s at any time an intention of getting anybody hurt or putting people in dangerous situations. It’s tough. But got to play through it.” AFP
Rizal Memorial Tennis Center undergoes testing for inaugural PH Women’s Open
Rizal Memorial Tennis Center
PHILIPPINE sports officials began operational testing of the newly renovated courts at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center on Monday, just two weeks ahead of the historic Philippine Women’s Open (PWO). The Philippines’ top female players will face off for national ranking points and a coveted wildcard entry into the country’s maiden WTA 125 event. “The matches will not only test the facilities of the tennis center but also serve as a qualifying event for local players aiming to compete in the Philippine Women’s Open,” said Dyan Castillejo, Philippine Tennis Association (PHILTA) board member and PWO coTournament Director. The Philippines’ top two players— Alex Eala and rising star Tennielle
Madis of M’lang, Cotabato—have already been granted wildcards and will not compete in the playoffs. However, Castillejo noted that Eala’s participation remains dependent on her performance at the Australian Open; the PWO main draw coincides with the second week of the “Happy Slam” in Melbourne. A primary goal of this week’s matches is to stress-test the venue’s recent upgrades. “We need to evaluate the ball bounce and traction on the newly resurfaced hard courts under competitive conditions,” Castillejo explained. “This testing phase allows us to make any final technical adjustments to the surface to meet the international standards required for a WTA 125 event.” Three matches are scheduled for Mon-
day. No. 2 seed and 2025 SEA Games bronze medalist Stefi Aludo faces Justine Hannah Maneja, while Nina Angeline Alcala takes on Elizabeth Abarquez. In the third match, Kaye Anne Emana tackles Joanna Peña. Top seed Tiffany Nocos drew an opening-round bye and will face the winner of the Emana-Peña match in the semifinals. Meanwhile, Castillejo expressed gratitude to the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) for their swift action on the Rizal Memorial renovations and their technical support. At least 24 players from 19 different countries have signed up for the PWO. The entry list features Croatian Olympic silver medalist Donna Vekic, who may face a rematch after her recent three-set thriller against Eala in Auckland.
SPORTS
A8 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2026
RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor
Sabalenka favorite at Aussie Open
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus celebrates after winning the women’s singles final against Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine at the Brisbane International tennis tournament in Brisbane. AFP
PH President’s Trophy ‘26 aims to drive golf tourism By Randy M. Caluag
The new Asian Tour event, the Philippine President’s Trophy 2026, was officially launched on Tuesday at Manila Golf Club. Leading the media conference were NGAP chairman Al Panlilio (fifth from left), NGAP president Martin Lorenzo (third from right), PSC chairman John Patrick “Pato” Gregorio (fourth from right), and Wack Wack Golf and Country Club president Benjamin Abalos Sr.
T
HE Philippines will return to the Asian Tour spotlight with the launch of the Philippine President’s Trophy 2026, a top-tier international golf tournament set to be staged from February 5 to 8 at Wack Wack Golf and Country Club in Mandaluyong City. Sanctioned by the Asian Tour and managed by the National Golf Association of the Philippines (NGAP), the event carries a $500,000 prize purse and will feature a 144-player field competing in a 72-hole stroke-play format, with the cut set after 36 holes for the top 65 players and ties. “This isn’t just another tournament—it’s a statement,” Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick Gregorio said. “We offer foreign and guest players the chance to enjoy the country while competing. That’s the beauty of sports tourism.”
The field will include 97 Asian Tour members, among them Filipino professionals, along with 25 Philippine professionals and six national amateurs, giving local players a rare opportunity to test themselves against elite competition on home soil. Additional slots will be filled through special invitations from NGAP, the Asian Tour, the host venue and tournament sponsors. Organizers said the event confirms the Philippines’ place on the Asian Tour calendar while helping boost golf tourism, international exposure and the country’s credibility as a host of world-class sporting events. The tournament was formally unveiled during a
media conference at Manila Golf Club, attended by officials from the Asian Tour, PSC, NGAP and Wack Wack Golf and Country Club. The tournament is backed by the PSC and BingoPlus, underscoring strong collaboration between government and private stakeholders in elevating Philippine golf on the international stage. “This is to show our strong commitment to golf, making it more accessible to aspiring golfers and continuing to elevate the quality of the sport,” said Jasper Vicencio, president of major backer, BingoPlus.
MELBOURNE—Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka is favourite to win a third Australian Open in four years but faces strong competition from a United States contingent led by Coco Gauff and defending champion Madison Keys. World number two Iga Swiatek is another big threat while two-time Melbourne champion Naomi Osaka will hope to be in the mix when the first Grand Slam of the year begins on Sunday. Keys stunned title-holder Sabalenka 12 months ago in a classic threeset final to win her first major title aged 29. But she failed to kick on from there, not winning another tournament all year, and the world number nine will have a target on her back as the title holder. Three other Americans are ranked inside the world’s top 10: Gauff (third), Amanda Anisimova (fourth) and Jessica Pegula (sixth). The 21-year-old Gauff last year beat Sabalenka at the French Open for her second major crown, but her best performance on the Melbourne Park hardcourts was making the semi-finals in 2024. Speaking at the mixed-teams United Cup, where she launched her 2026 campaign, Gauff said she spent the offseason “just overall becoming better and more comfortable with my game”. Her serve has been her biggest failing and she suffered a surprise defeat to Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro at the United Cup, but recovered to defeat Swiatek 6-4, 6-2 in a statement victory. It was Gauff’s fourth win in a row over Swiatek. The 24-year-old Anisimova has emerged as a serious threat after enjoying the best year of her career in 2025, reaching the finals of Wimbledon and the US Open, and winning 1000 titles in Beijing and Qatar. She also made the season-ending WTA Finals for the first time, going down to Sabalenka in three sets in a high-octane semi-final. “She always pushes me to play my best tennis,” said Sabalenka. AFP
US Supreme Organizers announce affordable Court to weigh ticket prices for WTA tournament transgender athlete bans By Peter Atencio
WASHINGTON—The US Supreme Court on Tuesday wades into the hotbutton issue of transgender athletes in girls’ and women’s sports. The conservative-dominated court is to hear challenges to state laws in Idaho and West Virginia banning transgender athletes from female competition. More than two dozen US states have passed laws in recent years barring athletes who were assigned as male at birth from taking part in girls’ or women’s sports. The Idaho case to be heard by the nine justices stems from the Republican-led state’s 2020 “Fairness in Women’s Sports Act.” The act was challenged by a transgender athlete at an Idaho university, and lower courts ruled that it violates the equal protection clause of the US Constitution. West Virginia’s 2021 Save Women’s Sports Act was challenged by a middle school student who was not allowed to compete for the girls’ track team. An appeals court ruled that the ban amounted to discrimination on the basis of sex and violated Title IX, the federal civil rights law which prohibits sex-based discrimination in educational programs. Last February, President Donald Trump issued an executive order aimed at banning transgender athletes from girls’ and women’s sports after campaigning for the White House on the issue. “From now on women’s sports will be only for women,” Trump said. “With this executive order the war on women’s sports is over.” The executive order allows federal agencies to deny funding to schools that allow transgender athletes to compete on girls’ or women’s teams. AFP
AFFORDABLE ticket prices are set to open the gates for Filipino tennis fans when the Philippine Women’s Open Tennis Championships unfold from Jan. 26 to 31 at the newly renovated Rizal Memorial Tennis Center in Manila, marking the country’s first hosting of a WTA 125-level tournament. Organizers announced that tickets for the qualifiers will be priced at just P200, while admission for the first round up to the quarterfinals will cost P1,000. Fans can watch the semifinals for P1,500, with finals tickets pegged at P2,000. Philippine Tennis Association secretary general John Rey Tiangco said the pricing was designed to make worldclass tennis accessible to the public. “This will inspire our junior players, as they get to watch live, these top-caliber players play,” said Tiangco, who is also the mayor of Navotas. On the local front, national team member Tennielle Madis is drawing inspiration from fellow wildcard entry and tennis star Alex Eala as she prepares for the tournament. The 18-year-old Madis shared that
Eala has given her simple but valuable advice heading into the competition. “Lagi kaming nagtsi-tsikahan. Sineshare niya sa akin na she just had a lot of fun (in her games), and I just need to have fun (in my games),” Madis said on Tuesday during the tournament presentation at the Lanson Place Hotel inside the Mall of Asia complex. Eala and Madis are already assured spots in the main draw as wildcard entries, along with two others who will emerge from a mini-tournament scheduled from Jan. 12 to 15. The playoff for the remaining two wildcard slots will feature seven players: Tiffany Nocos, Stefi Marithe Aludo, Kaye Ann Emana, Elizabeth Abarquez, Justine Hannah Maneja, Niña Angeline Alcala and Joana Victoria Peña. The tournament will also showcase international stars, led by German Tatjana Maria, the highest-ranked entrant at world No. 45, who is coming off a stint at the Brisbane International, a WTA 500 event. Joining her is Croatian standout Donna Vekic, the Paris Olympics silver medalist and current world No. 69, who recently faced Eala at the 2026 ASB Challenge in New Zealand.
Alex Eala
PH Olympian Jung-Ruivivar wins bars’ title in NCAA Division 1 debut By Peter Atencio
Levi Jung Ruivivar in training
PARIS Olympian Levi Jung Ruivivar got off to a great start for Stanford University as it earned its second-best, season-opening team total since at least 2000 on Sunday at the start of the 2026 NCAA women’s gymnastics season. The 19-year-old Jung-Ruivivar, who saw action for the Philippines in the Paris Olympics, took the uneven bars’ title, even as the Stanford Cardinals lost 0.1 points to host Denver, 196.575196.475, at the Magness Arena over the weekend. The Cardinals, who re-
cently won the 2025 Atlantic Coast Conference Championship, got a high score from Jung-Ruivivar in the first rotation. Redshirted last year to allow her to recover from an eating disorder, Jung-Ruivivar scored 9.875 points in a routine consisting of a good handstand, a great pirouette, followed by a solid handstand on the high bar, and a stuck, double-back landing. Her score beat Denver University’s Mila Brusch’s 9.85 during her turn at the next rotation. Jung-Ruivivar’s teammate, freshman and fellow Olympian, Ana Bărbosu won the all-around title in her NCAA debut, after posting a 39.400, recording
the best all-around competition score by a first-year athlete since 2000. Barbosu’s beam score (9.900) was the second-best debut score by a first-year athlete on the event since at least 2000. Barbosu also finished in the top three on bars (9.825) and floor (9.875). Junior Sienna teammate Robinson captured the beam crown with a 9.925 and earned a second-place finish on floor with the same score. The Cardinals earned a 49.050 team total led, following Jung-Ruivivar’s 9.875 routine, with senior Ava Sorrento and junior Sienna Robinson opening the 2026 season with scores of 9.725.
BUSINESS
B1
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2026
extrastory2000@gmail.com RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor
GSIS studies loans for stocks, financial products
T
HE Government Service Insurance System said Tuesday it is studying a Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) proposal to allow state-run pension funds to revive loans for stocks and other financial products through a phased pilot program designed to protect its members.
GSIS president and generalmanager Jose Arnulfo Veloso said the agency recognizes the potential of these programs to expand retirement investment opportunities and strengthen the Philippine stock market. Veloso said the initiative comes at a time when markets require institutional support and members deserve broader options for retirement. The pension fund is proposing a framework centered on the accreditation of licensed stockbrokers rather than an immediate large-scale launch. Under this model, brokers would assess member suitability, evaluate risk appetite, provide investment advice and execute transactions. Veloso said while pension funds manage pooled investments and benefits, brokers are better equipped to manage
individual client accounts and capital market transactions. He said accrediting qualified professionals allows the agency to focus on governance and oversight while members receive expert guidance. The framework will establish accreditation standards requiring proper licensing and a proven track record of compliance with Securities and Exchange Commission regulations. It also sets eligibility rules and loan limits based on salary, length of service and existing retirement savings to ensure members do not borrow more than they can safely manage. Mandatory disclosures will be required to ensure members understand that financial product prices fluctuate and borrowed funds could be impacted by market volatility.
SMUGGLED CIGARETTES. A Bureau of Customs composite team assigned at the Port of Limay, together with personnel from the Philippine Coast Guard-Task Force Aduana, and in coordination with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Regional Office No. 4 Central Luzon-Regional Investigation Division, conducts an inspection of a compound located in Barangay Santa Isabel, Dinalupihan, Bataan on Jan. 9, 2026 that resulted in apprehension and seizure of an estimated P105.575 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes.
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
CIRCULAR NO. 1228 Series of 2026
Subject:
Amendments to the N-Regulations on Annual Supervision Fees for Non-Bank Financial Institutions with Trust Authority
The Monetary Board, in its Resolution No. 1265 dated 22 December 2025, approved the amendment of the Manual of Regulations for Non-Bank Financial Institutions (MORNBFI) – N Regulations to provide guidelines on annual supervision fees for Non-Bank Financial Institutions (NBFIs) with Trust Authority. Section 1. Section 1003-N of the MORNBFI is hereby amended to read, as follows: 1003-N TRUST AND OTHER FIDUCIARY ACTIVITIES Trust operations and investment management activities of NBFIs not performing quasi-banking functions, other than trust corporations, shall be subject to the applicable regulations on such activities of NBFIs performing quasibanking functions in Part IV of the Q-Regulations, to the regulations in the other parts of the Q-Regulations addressed also to trust entities, and to the regulations implementing the Truth in Lending Act in Sec. 305-Q. Examination by the Bangko Sentral. The provisions of Section 001-Q shall govern the supervision and the conduct of periodic or special examinations by the Bangko Sentral of the trust business of NBFIs. Annual supervision fees. An NBFI with trust authority shall pay to the Bangko Sentral an annual supervision fee equivalent to one twenty-eighth (1/28) of one percent (1%) multiplied by its Average Assessable Assets in the preceding year. Average Assessable Assets shall refer to the sum of month-end balances of total assessable assets divided by the number of months in operation during a particular assessment period, where Total Assessable Assets represent the total assets under management by the trust department, excluding securities held under custodianship.
FLOOD MANAGEMENT. The Department of Environment
and Natural Resources (DENR) completes the draft National Flood Management Framework, establishing a unified, long-term policy direction for flood risk reduction as part of the country’s broader water resources and national development agenda. The framework shifts flood management from a largely reactive, disaster-response approach to a core element of sustainable water resources management and development planning. It adopts an Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) approach, treating flood control not as a stand-alone intervention but as part of an interconnected system that supports irrigation, water supply, hydropower, food security, environmental protection and local development.
DA expands affordable rice program to stabilize prices
Said annual supervision fee shall be paid by NBFIs with trust authority on or before May 31 of every year. Nonpayment of the supervision fee within the prescribed period shall subject the concerned NBFI with trust authority to administrative sanctions. The guidelines on the collection of the annual supervision fee are provided in Appendix N-25. Sanctions. Pursuant to Section 91 of R.A. No. 8791, the Monetary Board may impose sanctions and monetary penalty for any violation of the provisions of the Q‐Regulations pertaining to trust entities and the regulations implementing the Truth in Lending Act in Sec. 305‐Q. This is without prejudice to the imposition of other sanctions as the Monetary Board may consider warranted that may include the suspension or revocation of an institution’s authority to engage in trust and other fiduciary business or in investment management activities, and such other sanctions as may be provided by law. If the offender is a director or officer of the trust entity, the Monetary Board may also suspend or remove such director or officer. If the violation is committed by a corporation, such corporation may be dissolved by quo warranto proceedings instituted by the Solicitor General. The guidelines for the imposition of monetary penalty shown under Sec. 1102‐Q shall govern the imposition of monetary penalty for violations/offenses with administrative sanctions falling under Section 37 of R.A. No. 7653, as amended by R.A. No. 11211, on NBFIs not performing quasi‐banking functions, their directors and/or officers. Section 2. Appendix N-25 is hereby added to MORNBFI, as follows:
By Othel V. Campos THE Department of Agriculture (DA) has launched the nationwide expansion of its “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!” program on Tuesday to provide low-cost rice to vulnerable citizens while boosting farmer incomes through large-scale procurement and improved logistics. The initiative targets roughly 177,000 families or 708,000 individuals in Pangasinan province. Priority recipients include senior citizens, indigents, farmers, fishers, persons with disabilities, solo parents and minimum wage earners. DA assistant secretary Genevieve Velicaria-Guevarra said the 2026 expansion through local government units institutionalizes food security and allows the National Food Authority (NFA) to buy more palay at sustainable prices. The program strengthens government inventory management by empowering local units to handle the distribution process. The DA views food inflation as a challenge of logistics and market coordination rather than production alone. By the end of January, officials plan to extend the program to Nueva Ecija, Bohol, Zamboanga City and Davao City, locations chosen for their high rice output or significant consumer demand.
BCDA opens bidding for P2.5-b New Clark City ICT infra project STATE-RUN Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has renewed its call for bids to commercialize passive information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure in New Clark City through a public-private partnership. The BCDA prequalification, bids and awards committee (PBAC) announced that interested joint venture partners should submit proposals for the P2.5 billion project by 1 pm on Feb. 16, 2026. The project involves the commercialization, expansion, repair and maintenance of passive ICT assets within the 9,450-hectare development. The initiative will utilize an open-access fiber model designed to create a competitive market for government agencies, businesses and residents. Under this framework, multiple data providers share a common physical network to lower costs and deliver innovative services. BCDA senior vice-president for investment and financial management and PBAC chairperson Hedda Rulona invited parties to help shape the area into a digitally connected metropolis. Othel V. Campos
GUIDELINES ON THE COLLECTION OF THE ANNUAL SUPERVISION FEES
(Appendix to Sec. 1003-N)
The following guidelines shall govern the collection by the Bangko Sentral and the payment by NBFIs with trust authority of the Annual Supervision Fees (ASF). 1.
Notification of amount due for ASF and mode of payment. The appropriate supervising department of the Bangko
Sentral shall send a billing notice to the NBFI with trust authority for its ASF payment indicating, among others, the computation of the ASF due, the period covered by the ASF, and the mode of payment.
Exceptions noted on billing notice of ASF. Upon receipt of the Bangko Sentral Notice of ASF billing, the NBFI with
trust authority is encouraged to check the accuracy of the billing and to submit any of the noted exceptions therein not later than ten (10) banking days before the specified deadline of payment as indicated in the billing notice. The said exceptions, together with supporting documents, shall be submitted to the appropriate supervising department of the Bangko Sentral. Any exceptions received after the cut-off date or any exception not duly substantiated with documents before the cut-off date will be evaluated and considered in the computation of the ASF for the immediately succeeding year.
2.
Withholding tax supervisory fees. Pursuant to BIR Revenue Regulations (R.R.) No. 2-2020, relayed to all BSFIs under
Bangko Sentral Circular Letter no. CL-2020-009, the income derived by the Bangko Sentral, including but not limited to supervisory fees, shall be exempt from national internal revenue taxes. Hence, NBFIs with trust authority no longer need to withhold tax on their payment of ASF to the Bangko Sentral.
Section 3. The following transitory provision shall be incorporated as a footnote to Section 1003-N of the MORNBFI under “Annual supervision fees”: All NBFIs with trust authority shall be subject to the annual supervision fee starting the reference year ended 31 December 2025. Section 4. This Circular shall take effect fifteen (15) calendar days following its publication in the Official Gazette or in any newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines. FOR THE MONETARY BOARD: (Sgd) ELI M. REMOLONA, JR. Governor 6 January 2026 Note : This Circular may be accessed at https://www.bsp.gov.ph/Regulations/Issuances/2026/1228.pdf
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT National Capital Judicial Region Branch 216, Quezon City BONIFACIO V. APORO, Plaintiff, -versus-
R-QZN-19-08798-CV For: Breach of Contract Rescission & Damages, Unjust Enrichment
BENEDICTO R. MALLARE, JR., LETECIA MALLARE SUNSHINE GRACE MALLARE-GUEVARRA, GEORGE O. MATUNOG and ARMANDO MORALES, Defendants. x---------------------------------------------x SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION WHEREAS, on June 5, upon motion of plaintiff, through counsel, the Hon. Alfonso C. Ruiz,II, Presiding Judge of this Court, issued an Omnibus Order in the above-entitled case, the dispositive portion of which really as follows: “WHEREFORE, the Court resolves: 1. The Motion to Declare Defendants Benedicto R. Mallare, Jr., Leticia Mallare, Jr., Letecia Mallare and Sunshine Mallare in Default is denied and 2. The Motion to Serve Summons by publication on Defendants George O. Matunog and Armando Morales is granted. Let an alias summons be issued and served upon defendants George O. Matunog and Armando Morales by publication once in a newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines. SO ORDERED. NOW THEREFORE, defendants George O. Matunog and Armando Morales are hereby summoned and required to file their Answer to the Complaint with the Regional Trial Court, Branch 216, Hall of Justice Building, Annex, within sixty (60) days from the day after the date of publication of this summons, serving a copy thereof upon plaintiff’s counsel, Atty. Cesar D. Vitales of Evelo Law Office, at Unit 801, 8th Floor, Medical Plaza Ortigas, San Miguel Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City. If you fail to file an Answer within the aforesaid period, the plaintiff will take judgment against you by default and demand from this Court the reliefs prayed for in the said Complaint. Let this summons together with the complaint be published once at the experience of the plaintiff, in a newspaper of general circulation in Quezon City and throughout the Philippines. Likewise, the plaintiff shall, at his expense, deposit a copy of the Order dated June 5, 2020, this summons, as well as the Complaint in the Quezon City Post Office, postage prepared and registered mail addressed to defendants George O. Matunog and Armando Morales at their last known address at No. 77 Dominador East, Alitagtag, Batangas and Lot 12, Block 24, Gumamela Street, City Park, Subd., Sabang, Lipa City, respectively Quezon City, Metro Manila, January 29, 2021. (Sgd.) LETICIA D. MASANGKAY CRISTI Clerk of Court V
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION BRANCH _ , QUEZON CITY BONIFACIO V. APORO, Plaintiffs, - versusCivil Case No. R-QZN 19-08798-CV For: Breach of Contract Rescission and Damages Unjust Enrichment BENEDICTO R. MALLARE, JR., LETICIA MALLARE, SUNSHINE GRACE MALLAREGUEVARRA, GEORGE O. MATUNOG, and ARMANDO MORALES, Defendants. x------------------------------------------------x COMPLAINT Plaintiff BONIFACIO V. APORO, by counsel, respectfully states: I PARTIES 1. Plaintiff BONIFACIO V. APORO is a Filipino, of legal age, married, sole proprietor of BONAPOR METAL CONTRACTOR SERVICES AND GENERAL MERCHANDISE [hereinafter “BONAPOR”] and with residence at No. 11 T.M. Kalaw Street, Tierra Pura Homes, Tandang Sora, Quezon City, where he may be served with orders, notices, resolutions and other processes of this Honorable Court, including pleadings filed by other parties. 2. Defendants are all of legal ages, Filipino citizens and with the following addresses: a. BENEDICTO MALLARE, JR. (hereinafter “DEFENDANT BENEDICTO”], LETICIA MALLARE [hereinafter “DEFENDANT LETICIA”] and SUNSHINE GRACE MALLARE-GUEVARRA [hereinafter “DEFENDANT SUNSHINE”] are doing business under the MAGLULUMA ENTERPRISES, and with address at No. 615 St. Anthony, Phase 3, Brgy. Inarawan, Antipolo City, where it may be served with summons, notices, pleadings and other legal processes of this Honorable Court; b. GEORGE O. MATUNOG [hereinafter “DEFENDANT MATUNOG”] is Chairman and President of River Concrete and Construction Development Corporation [hereinafter RIVERCON”] at No. 77 Dominador East, Alitagtag, Batangas; and c. ARMANDO G. MORALES - Lot 12, Block 24, Gumamela Street, City Park Subd., Sabang, Lipa City; II SUMMARY OF THE CASE 3. Parties entered into a contract for the sale of scraps of old buildings at FTI, Taguig City, which arE subject to demolition, in consideration of Seventeen Million (Php17,000,000.00) Pesos. However, despite receiving payment from Plaintiff, Defendants (dle SElLERS) failed to fulfill their obligation under the contract After about four (4) months of Plaintif’s hard work demolishing the old buildings in the site, Plaintiff was prevented from entering the site and pulling out the scraps. Upon information and belief, Defendants already sold said scraps to a third party. Since Defendants can no longer perform their obligations under the contract, Plaintiff now seeks to rescind the contract and his payment returned. 4. Plaintiff, through his previous attorney, previously filed a criminal complaint for Estafa against Defendants on May 19, 2014 at the Office of the City Prosecutor of Manila. It was based on Plaintiffs reasonable belief, as reflected by the records, that Defendants herein feloniously defrauded Plaintiff by conspiring with one another to prevent Plaintiff from pulling out the scraps he paid for and spent for manpower to demolish. However, the case was dismissed for wrong venue, Thereafter, Plaintiff filed the same case at the Office of the City Prosecutor of Taguig City. Despite Plaintiff’s efforts to prove Defendants’ deceit, Plaintiff’s complaint for Estafa was dismissed for lack of probable cause on February 4, 2019. The City Prosecutor found that Plaintiff only has a cause of action against Defendants for a civil suit arising from the Contract. Hence, Plaintiff commenced this civil action. III ALLEGATIONS COMMON TO ALL CAUSES OF ACTION 5. Sometime in January 2014 at FTI Compound, Taguig, one Marcelino De Jesus Onte approached and convinced Plaintiff to buy the scraps of old buildings, which are subject to demolition at FTI, Taguig City. The former, likewise, represented that there will be no problem thereon since his son,, a certain Mark Onte is a Chief Safety Officer of Ayala Land, owner of FTI, where the old buildings to be demolished are situated. 6. Shortly after DEFENDANT BENEDICTO was introduced to Plaintiff by said Marcelino De Jesus Onte while at the site. During the meeting, DEFENDANT BENEDICTO (acting for and on behalf of his daughter/Defendant SUNSHINE, for MAGLULUMA ENTERPRISES), represented that they owned the scraps by virtue of an award/authority given by RlVERCON through its Chairman and President, George O. Marunog [hereinafter “DEFENDANT MATUNOG”]. This is evidenced by the latter’s Special Power of Attorney (SPA”)1 executed on December 4, 2013 in favor of DEFENDANT SUNSHINE. The substance of the SPA is set forth as follows: a. That DEFENDANT MATUNOG appointed, named and constituted DEFENDANT SUNSHINE to be his true and lawful Attorney-in-Fact to act for and execute the following acts and deeds: a.1. “To have an access at FTI compound demolition site” a.2. ‘’To be the technical in-charge in the segregation of possible items to be sold in the market”; a.3. “To transact, dispose and sell all salvageable materials from the six warehouses being demolished at FTI compound; a4. “To sign and execute the release of all salvageable materials from FTI compound.”2 b. “HER[E]BY GIVING AND GRANTING unto my said attorney-infact full powers and authority to do and perform all and every act requisite or necessary to carry into effect the foregoing authorities, as fully to all intents and purposes as I might or could lawfully do if personally present, with full power of substitution and revocation, and hereby ratifying and confirming all that my said attorney-infact or her substitute shall lawfully door cause to be done by virtue hereof.”3 c. The SPA was signed by DEFENDANT MORALES. with the authority given by DEFENDANT MATUNOG, and DEFENDANT SUNSHlNE. in the presence of the following two (2) witnesses: (1) Divina D. Quinto and (2) Triston Huertas d. It was duly notarized by notary public, Atty. Marcinto Sarong.
and salvageable materials in the warehouses 1,2 and 3 located at FTI, Taguig, to Plaintiff. 9. That after being convinced by the representations and assurance of Mr. Onte and DEFENDANT BENEDICTO for and/or on behalf of his daughter/ DEFENDANT SUNSHINE/Magluluma Enterprises), Plaintiff agreed and bought the scraps in the said FTI buildings for the consideration of Seventeen Million (Php17,000,000.00) Pesos. The transaction was evidenced by an Agreement/Contract’ dated December 28, 2013; and Plaintiff released his hard-earned money to DEFENDANT SUNSHINE in the amount of Eight Million (Php8,000,000.00) Pesos and the remaining to be released as the demolition progressed. Said amount was then transferred and duly paid to the principal, DEFENDANT MATUNOG, as evidenced by bank deposit Slips7. 10. The substance of the Contract8 is set forth as follows: “That the, FIRST PARTY [DEFENDANTS] is willing to engag[e] the services of the SECOND PARTY [Plaintiff for demolition of Warehouse 1,2 and 3 located at FTI Taguig. That both parties agreed to the following terms and conditions: That the SECOND PARTY [Plaintiff] is willing to haul all salvageable materials found in warehouse 1, 2 and 3. That the SECOND PARTY [Plaintiff] will have an access on warehouse 1. 2, and 3 at FTI demolition site, That the SECOND PARTY [Plaintiff] has the authority to dispose and sell all salvageable materials from warehouse 1, 2, and 3.
11. That payments in consideration of the agreement abovementioned, which Plaintiff made and/or issued to DEFENDANT SUNSHINE, are the following: BANK/ CHECK BRANCHNUMBER
DATE
AMOUNT
PAYEE
Metrobank/ Culiat-Tandang Sora Branch 0305585 January 28, 2014 Php1,500,000.00 Sushine Grace M. Guevarra BDO/TondoPritil Branch 0113888 BDO/TondoPritil Branch0113890
January 28, 2014 Php3,500,000.00 Sunshine Grace M. Guevarra January 31, 2014 Php 3,000,000.00 Sunshine Grace M. Guevarra
TOTAL
Php8,000,000.00
12. In additional to the above, likewise given to DEFENDANT SUNSHINE (and/or group of Sunshine that includes her father DEFENDANT BENEDICTO and the spouse, Leticia Mallare (hereto referred as DEFENDANT LETICIA) is one (1) SUV Nissan Patrol, 2009 Year Model with Plate No. ZTX-580. where the current market value of which was pegged at Two Million (Php2,000,000.00) Pesos. 13. That in the late January 2014, Plaintiff started the demolition of the old Building 1, 2 and 3 (warehouse) pursuant to the agreement/contract entered into by us. The further agreement as per contract was that the remaining Seven Million (Php7,000,000.00) Peso balance will be paid via 70-30 sharing which means: whatever scraps that may be pulled-out from the premises, 70% of which shall go to the Mallare Group (consisting of DEFENDANTS Sunshine/Magluluma; -her father/mother DEFENDANTS Benedicta & Leticia Mallare; George Matunog and Armando Morales; while 30% is for Plaintiff as & his operating expenses for demolition. Subsequently, they had the agreement that instead of getting Plaintiffs 30% share of the scraps that will be pulled-out, the same shall only be credited in favor of the Mallare Group (DEFENDANT SUNSHlNE, BENEDICTO and LETICIA) and/or off-set from/to be deducted from Plaintiff’s balance of Seven Million (Php7,000,000.00) Pesos. 14. Thinking that everything falls in its proper perspective, sometime in March 2014, to Plaintiff’s shock & dismay, however, Plaintiff was prevented by the security guards of DEFENDANT MATUNOG’s company RlVERCON from assuming the works for unknown reasons. 15. Later, Plaintiff learned that DEFENDANT MATUNOG denies knowledge of having received payment from Plaintiff, through DEFENDANT SUNSHINE, and that no award/ authority was given to DEFENDANT MORALES to sign the SPA, which gives DEFENDANT BENEDICTO, LETICIA AND SUNSHlNE authority to sell the scraps to Plaintiff. 16. However, DEFENDANT MATUNOG’s claim is belied by the record, which includes bank deposit slips11 showing payment made to RIVERCON’s Banco De Oro bank account in the following amounts: a. 28 January 2014 in the amount of Php 3,000,000.00 b. 3 February 2014 in the amount of Php5,000,000.00 The abovesaid payments perfectly coincide with Plaintiff’s total payment of Eight Million (Php8,000,000.00) Pesos by checks12 postdated to January 28 and 31, 2014. 17. Moreover, according to the findings of the Office of the Hon. City Prosecutor of Taguig City through its Resolution dated August 11, 2014 in L.S. No. XV-16-INV-14C-00286 (a robbery case filed by DEFENDANT SUNSHINE against DEFENDANT MATUNOG), DEFENDANT MATUNOG and DEFENDANT SUNSHINE had perfected an agreement for the demolition and sale of scraps. As evidenced by a sworn instrument/ authorization by DEFENDANT MATUNOG to DEFENDANT MORALES and signed and notarized Special Power of Attorney, DEFENDANT MATUNOG, through DEFENDANT MORALES, gave DEFENDANT SUNSHINE authority to access the demolition site, transact,dispose and sell all salvageable materials from the six warehouses being demolished. Further, said Resolution states: “Evidently, ownership over the subject scraps were transferred to complainant [DEFENDANT SUNSHINE] upon her payments therefore to Rivercon. Otherwise, Rivercon will not issue any gate pass to complainant [DEFENDANT SUNSHINE] for the transport of the same from the premises. Verily, nobody in his right mind will pay P20,000,000.00 to Rivercon merely to acquire the right to do a demolition work. The obvious reason is complainant [DEFENDANT SUNSHINE] will be entitled to the ownership of the scrap materials that can be savaged therefrom”13 Therefore, since there was a valid transfer/authority given by DEFENDANT MATUNOG to DEFENDANT SUNSHINE, BENEDICTO and LETICIA to sell and dispose the scraps and all salvageable material s, there was a valid sale, as evidenced by the Contract between Plaintiff and DEFENDANT SUNSHINE , BENEDICTO and LETICIA, who are acting as agents of DEFENDANT MATUNOG. 18. Moreover, noteworthily, on many occasions, during Plaintiff’s demolition of the old building, DEFENDANT MATUNOG was present at the site and supervised the progress of Plaintiffs demolition work. He had every opportunity to stop the work or even question the work being done by Plaintiff at the site; 19. It must also be taken into consideration that during the progress of the works, Plaintiff have already spent enormous amount of money for the demolition especially those sums given to DEFENDANTS. Plaintiff suffered damages, including, but not limited to, operational expenses, incurred in reliance on the contract in the amount of Two Million Four Hundred Fifty Nine Thousand Six Hundred Forty-Five Pesos and Twenty Cents (Php2,459,645.20)14 20. That somehow, perceiving some problems and misrepresentations, Plaintiff demanded from DEFENDANT BENEDICTO to return the sums Plaintiff advanced, which as of February 2014 is in the gargantuan amount of Eight Million (Php8,000,000.00) Pesos, and the SUV Nissan Patrol. According to him, he could only turn-over the SUV Nissan Patrol but with the promise that he will replace the project (Demolition of FTI Warehouses 1, 2 and 3), to which Plaintiff did not agree. DEFENDANTS returned the SUV Nissan Patrol but not Plaintiffs hard-earned money in the gargantuan amount of Eight Million (Php8,000,000.00) Pesos. 21. That likewise, Plaintiff made a demand CO DEFENDANTS to return the Eight Million (Php8,000,000.00) Pesos Plaintiff tendered to them. 22. That sometime March 2014, DEFENDANT MORALES, who is the authorized representative of RIVERCON/MATUNOG while at the [RIVERCON FTI Field Office, in Taguig, together with DEFENDANT BENEDICTO, intervened to settle the pulling out of the scraps and committed to return the money Plaintiff paid. 23. That the verbal undertakings became an empty promise and the demand made. proved futile. Then, Plaintiff’s previous lawyer caused sending a demand letter15 to all the Defendants to return the amounts Plaintiff gave. 24. That Plaintiff filed for Estafa against Defendants herein, for defrauding him, against DEFENDANTS, the father and son (Marcelino & Mark Onte), who, after returning the Toyota Yaris that Plaintiff gave them representing their commission, Plaintiff executed an Affidavit of Desistance against the two, was however dismissed by the City Prosecutor of Manila for wrong venue. Thereafter, Plaintiff flied a case with the City Prosecutor of Taguig Despite Plaintiffs efforts to prove Defendants’ deceit, Plaintiffs complaint for Estafa was dismissed for lack of probable cause on February 4, 2019. The City Prosecutor found that Plaintiff only has a cause of action against Defendants for a civil suit arising from the contract Hence, Plaintiff commenced this civil action. IV CAUSES OF ACTION [A] FIRST CAUSE OF ACTION 25. Plaintiff repleads the foregoing allegations insofar as applicable. 26. Defendants’ unjust failure to fulfill their obligation under the contract for Plaintiff to pull out the scraps and salvageable materials from the site constitutes a substantial breach of contract and gives rise to an action for rescission and payment of damages. 27. Pursuant to Article 1191 of the New Civil Code of the Philippines, “The power to rescind obligations is implied in reciprocal ones, in case one of the obligors should not comply with what is incumbent upon him. The injured party may choose between the fulfillment and the rescission of the obligation with the payrnent of damages in either case.” 28. In Gotesco Properties Inc., et al v. Sps. Eugenio and Angelina Fajardo16, the Supreme Court held that the seller’s substantial breach of contract, failure to deliver the title and possession of the lot property, accorded the buyer the right to rescind the contract pursuant to Article 1191 of the New Civil Code of the Philippines. 29. “It is noteworthy to point out that rescission does not merely terminate the contract and release the parties from further obligations to each other, but abrogates the contract from its inception and restores the parties to their original positions as if no contract has been made. Consequently, mutual restitution, which entails the return of the benefits that each party may have received as a result of the contract, is thus required. To be sure, it has been settled that the effects of rescission as provided for in Article 1385 of the Code are equally applicable to cases under Article 1191.”17
“This is to authorize ARMANDO G. MORALES of this firm, River Concrete Construction & Development Corp., (Rivercon for brevity) to represent and negotiate Sub-contract agreement for Demolition and Construction Projects at [FTI, Taguig City for and in behalf of this firm.” 5 The Authorization was duly signed by the principal, DEFENDANT MATUNOG, and the agent, DEFENDANT MORALES. It was duly notarized by notary public, Atty. Marciano J. Cagatan. . 8. Mr. Onte, DEFENDANTS MORALES and SUNSHINE assured Plaintiff that DEFENDANT MATUNOG authorized the sale of the scraps
31. Defendants’ failure to perform their obligations under the Contract accords Plaintiff the right to rescind the Contract pursuant to Article 1191 of the Code. The effect of such rescission is the restoration of the parties to their original position had the contract not been made. Thus, Defendants must return Plaintiff’s payment of Eight Million (Php8,000,000.00) Pesos to restore him to his original position.
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
33. Here, too, ALTERNATIVELY, in the unlikely event that the Court does not find a valid principal-agent relationship between DEFENDANT MATUNOG and DEFENDANT SUNSHINE, BENEDICTO and LETICIA, DEFENDANT MATUNOG’s act of preventing DEFENDANT SUNSHINE, BENEDlCTO and LETICIA from disposing and selling the properties to Plaintiff does not extinguish their liability under the Contract because Plaintiff already paid the contract price and Plaintiff remains prejudiced by the persisting inability to pull out the scraps he demolished from the site, which were already sold to other buyers. 34. Based on the foregoing, Defendants should be ordered to return Plaintiff’s payment of Eight Million (Php8,000,000.00) Pesos and pay Plaintiff for his damages incurred in reliance on the contract in the amount of Two Million Four Hundred Fifty Nine Thousand Six Hundred Forty-Five Pesos and Twenty Cents (Php2,459,645.20)18.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF. the parties hereto have signed this CONTRACT this 28th day of December 2013 at Antipolo City, Philippines.”9
30. Similarly, here, Plaintiff already performed its obligation by paying Eight Million (Php8,000,000.00) Pesos and Two Million (Php2,000,000.00) Pesos worth of SUV Nissan Patrol and the remaining balance to be paid as the work progressed. However, Defendants failed to perform their obligation under the Contract when Plaintiff was prevented from pulling out the scraps and all salvageable materials that Plaintiff painstakingly removed by demolishing the old buildings at the site. Instead, upon information and belief, DEFENDANT MATUNOG sold the scraps and all salvageable materials to a different buyer.
7. The abovesaid SPA was supported by an Authorization” dated December 12, 2013 duly signed by DEFENDANT MATUNOG. The substance of the Authorization is set forth as follows:
32. Further, the Supreme Court in Gotesco Properties Inc., Sps Eugenio and Angelina Fajardo, did not find merits in the contention of the seller that its non-compliance was impelled by circumstances beyond its control (i.e., the legal proceedings concerning the subdivision of the property into individual lots). Thus, the Supreme Court held that “it cannot be denial that only GPI benefited from the contract, having received full payment of the contract price plus interests as early as January 17, 2000, while Sps. Fajardo remained prejudiced by the persisting non-delivery of the subject lot despite full payment.” In addition, the Supreme Court held that “[i]n this case, indemnity for damages may be demanded from the person causing the loss.”
[B] SECOND CAUSE OF ACTION 35. Plaintiff repleads the foregoing allegations insofar as applicable. 36. Under Article 1898 of the Civil Code, “the principal’s ratification of the acts of the agent. done beyond the scope of the latter’s authority, may cure the defect in the contract entered into between the agent the a third person.” Sps. Delfin and Aurora Tumibay.19 37. In Sps. Delfin and Aurora Tumibay, 20 although there was no evidence that respondents sought the approval of petitioners for the subject sale of property and they acted beyond the scope of their Special Power of Attorney21, the Supreme Court, nonetheless, ruled that “whatever default attended the sale of the subject land should be deemed impliedly ratified by petitioners’ acceptance of the monthly installments paid by respondent.”22 38. Here, too, the written Authorization given by DEFENDANT MATUNOG to DEPENDANT MORALES may not have included the authority to sell and dispose the subject property. but only to negotiate subcontract agreement for demolition and construction projects at FTI, Taguig City. However, the records show that DEFENDANT MORALES, sought the approval of DEFENDANT MATUNOG for the subject sale to DEFENDANTS SUNSHINE, BENEDICTO and LETICIA. Thus, DEFENDANTS SUNSHINE, BENEDICTO and LETICIA had the right of ownership over the subject property making their sale of the same to Plaintiff valid and binding. 39. Moreover, whatever defect attended the saJe of the scraps and all the salvageable materials should be deemed impliedly ratified by DEFENDANT MATUNOG’s acceptance of the payment made by Plaintiff, through DEFENDANTS SUNSHINE, BENEDICTO and LETIClA, as evidenced by cash deposit slips23 of BDO in the following amounts: a. 28 January’ 2014 in the amount of Php 3,000,000.00 b. 3 February 2014 in the amount of Php 5,000,000.00 The abovesaid payments perfectly coincide with Plaintiff’s total payment of Eight Million (php8,000,000.00) Pesos given to DEFENDANTS SUNSHINE, BENEDICTO and LETICIA, as evidenced by checks24 postdated to January 28 and 31, 2014. Thus, DEFENDANT MATUNOG’S authorization to DEFENDANT MORALES for the sale of the scraps and all the salvageable materials to DEFENDANTS SUNSHINE, BENEDlCTO and LETICIA is deemed impliedly ratified. 40. In Sps. Delfin and Aurora Tumibay25 the Supreme Court, under the principle of unjust enrichment, ordered the principal to reimburse the payments made by the agent. 41. “There is unjust enrichment when a person is unjustly retains a benefit to the loss of another or when a person retains money or property of another against the fundamental principles of justice, equity and conscience.” Gaisano v. Development Insurance and Surety Corporation.26 42. Here, too, under the principle of unjust enrichment, DEFENDANTS MATUNOG and MORALES benefited from Plaintiff, money paid to DEFENDANTS SUNSHINE, BENEDICTO and LETICIA to the loss of Plaintiff. Albert retaining Plaintiff’s money, DEFENDANTS prevented Plaintiff from pulling out the scraps and all salvageable materials Plaintiff paid for and painstakingly demolished from the old buildings at FTI, Taguig. Thus. Defendants should reimburse Plaintiff for the payments he made.
B2
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2026
extrastory2000@gmail.com
Standard Manila
TODAY
BUSINESS
PSE to halve preferred share requirements By Jenniffer B. Austria
T
HE Philippine Stock Exchange plans to reduce the minimum offering size for companies seeking to issue preferred shares to P500 million from the current P1 billion.
PSE president Ramon Monzon said the local bourse also aims to lower the shareholder base requirement to 200 from 1,000. The proposal is intended to make preferred share offerings more accessible by lowering both capital requirements and entry barriers. Under existing rules, unlisted companies planning to conduct an initial public offering through the issuance of preferred shares must offer at least P1 billion worth of shares and have a minimum of 1,000 shareholders. The move addresses concerns that the current P1-billion requirement is too costly and restrictive, particularly for unlisted firms. Monzon said reducing the shareholder requirement also reflects market realities, as preferred share offerings are often dominated by institutional investors rather than a broad retail base. Monzon said the proposed changes could help attract more small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and support financing needs. “Hopefully we can target some SMEs who need the financing,” Monzon said. In 2022, the PSE began allowing unlisted firms to issue preferred shares on the local bourse. Monzon noted that the original framework was tailored toward large corporations, such as San Miguel Global Power Holdings Corp., the power generation arm of conglomerate San Miguel Corp., which has conducted offerings overseas.
[C] THIRD CAUSE OF ACTION 43. In Defendants’ unjust failure to perform their obligations under the contract despite repeated demands, knowing fully well that they materially breached the terms and condition of the Contract, they acted in a wanton, oppressive and malevolent manner. 44. As a matter of law and to deter others who might be similarly minded, and to set an example for the’ public good, Defendants should be made liable to pay Plaintiffs the amount of at least Fifty Thousand (Php50,000.00) Pesos as exemplary damages. III FOURTH CAUSE OF ACTION 45. Plaintiff repleads the foregoing allegations insofar as applicable. 46. In Defendants’ unjust failure to perform their obligations under the contract despite repeated demands, knowing fully well that they materially breached the terms and condition of the Contract, they acted in bad faith causing Plaintiff mental anguish, serious anxiety, wounded feelings, moral shocks and social humiliation. 47, As a matter of law, Defendants should be made liable to pay Plaintiffs the amount of at least Fifty Thousand (Php50,000.00) Pesos as moral damages. IV FIFTH CAUSE OF ACTION 48. As a result of Defendant’s unjust failure to comply with their obligations under the contract, Plaintiff was constrained to file this case to protect his interests and to enforce his rights against Defendants. 49. Defendants should be ordered to pay the amount of at least One Hundred Thousand (P100,000.00) Pesos for the costs of suit. IV PRAYER WHEREFORE, Plaintiff BONIFACIO V. APORO respectfully prays that this Honorable Court:
WATER EXPANSION. Manila Water sustains massive
expansion of water service connections. From January to November 2025, the company installed 19,421 new water service connections, bringing the total to 1,213,213 across the East Zone concession area since 1997. Supporting this growth is a water supply network that extended by 92.59 kilometers from January to November 2025.
PSEi drops on profit-taking; Peso sinks to 59.34 a dollar
1. RENDER judgment after trial on the merits as follows: a, Rescinding the contract and directing Defendants to return Plaintiff’s payment of Eight Million (Php8,000,000.00) Pesos; b. Directing Defendants to pay compensatory damages for the operation expenses of Plaintiff in reliance on the contract in the amount of Two Million Four Hundred Fifty-Nine Thousand Six Hundred Forty-Five Pesos and Twenty Cents (Php2,459,645.20); c. Directing Defendants to pay legal interest of Twelve Percent (12%) on the foregoing amounts from the time of the filing of this Complaint until the same shall have been fully paid; and d. Directing Defendants to pay at least Fifty Thousand (Php50,000.00) Pesos as exemplary damages. e. Directing Defendants to pay at least Fifty Thousand (Php50,000.00) Pesos as moral damages. f. Directing Defendants to pay at least One Hundred Thousand (P100,000.00) Pesos for costs of suit. Other reliefs, just and equitable under the premises are likewise prayed for. Quezon City for Quezon City, 13 June 2019. By:
(Sgd.) ATTY. NENETH DIAZ APORO . Roll of Attorneys No. 721 PTR No. 8138249; 04-29-19; Quezon City lBP No. 085784/03-23-19; Quezon City
MCLE: The undersigned was admitted to the Philippine Bar in June 2018. Pursuant to Section 3 of Rule 3 of Bar Matter No. 850. otherwise known as ”Mandatory Continuing Legal Education,” in relation to OCA Circular No. 672008, the undersigned has already complied with the required credit units (12 c.u.) on April 5, 6, 12 and 13, 2019 at the New Era University Professional School Building, Quezon City in the MCLE 6th Compliance Period constructed by New Era University College of Law. However, the MCLE certificate is not yet available as of date” of filing of this Petition. Attached herein are the acknowledgment receipts evidencing said attendance. The SPA is hereto attached as Annex “A”. Id. ld. 4 Authorization is hereto attached as Annex “B.” 5 ld. 6 Agreement/Contract is hereto attached as Annex “C.” 7 Bank deposit slips are hereto attached as Annex “D.” 8 Agreement/Contract is hereto attached as Annex “C.” 9 Id 10 Photocopies of the three (3) checks arc hereto lluached as Annexes “E” to “G”, respectively. Also, acknowledgment receipts signed by DEPENDANT SUNSHINE are hereto attached as Annex “H.” 11 Bank deposit slips are hereto attached as Annex “D,” 12 Phorocopies of the three (3) checks are hereto attached as Annexes “E,” to “G”, respectively. 13 Office of the Hon. City Prosecutor of Taguig City Resolution dated August 11, 2014 in LS. No. 1.5. No. XV-16-INV-14C-00286. 14 A copy of the breakdown of expenses incurred in reliance on the contract is attached hereto as Anne “I” 15 A copy of the Demand Letter is attached hereto as Annex “J”. 16 G.R. No. 201167, February 27, 2013. 17 . ld 18 A copy of [he breakdown of expenses incurred in reliance on [he con met is attached hereto as Annex “I”. 19 G.R. No. 171692,June 3, 2013. 20 G.R. No. 171692,June 3, 2013. 21 The: SPA is hereto attached as Annex “A” 22 . ld. 23 Bank deposit slips are hereto attached as Annex “D.” 24 Photocopies of the three (3) checks are hereto attached as Annexes “E” to “G”, respectively. 25 G.R. No. 171692,June 3, 2013. 26 G.R. No. 190702, February 27, 2017. 1
LOCAL shares dipped slightly Tuesday on profit-taking but remained above the 6,400 level. The 30-company Philippine Stock Exchange index slipped 11.20 points, or 0.17 percent, to close at 6,408.76, while the broader all shares index fell 2.75 points, or 0.08 percent, to 3,638.38. The peso depreciated to 59.341 against the dollar Tuesday from 59.26 on Monday. Analysts said the index stayed above 6,400 following strong cues from overseas after Wall Street hit a record high. Most Asian stocks also closed higher. Japhet Tantiangco, research head at Philstocks Financial Inc., said the market digested the country’s October foreign direct investment data, which
showed a 40 percent decline in net inflows. “Investors are also waiting for the U.S. December consumer price index, which is expected to provide clues on the Federal Reserve’s policy outlook,” Tantiangco said. Sectors ended mixed. Industrials led the decline, falling 0.56 percent, while property dropped 0.44 percent. Financials and holding firms declined by 0.21 percent and 0.17 percent, respectively. Conversely, mining and oil climbed 2.10 percent, and services rose 0.48 percent. Trading was active, with value turnover hitting P6.75 billion. Strong foreign buying tempered the market’s decline, with net foreign inflows reaching P506.15 million. Jenniffer B. Austria
2 3
(MStandard - Jan. 14, 2026)
Burgundy taps MPower for retail supply By Alena Mae S. Flores BURGUNDY Corporate Tower has tapped MPower, the retail electricity supplier of Manila Electric Co., to participate in the Competitive Retail Electricity Market. The move follows the decision of the Energy Regulatory Commission lowering of the market’s eligibility threshold to 100 kilowatts in June. Burgundy Realty Corp. and Burgundy Corporate Towers Office Owners Association Inc. signed power supply agreements with MPower after the ERC’s move to lower the threshold. The regulatory change strengthens the “power of choice” for consumers, enabling
more commercial establishments to qualify as contestable customers and benefit from retail competition and open access. “By joining the retail market, we can explore cost-saving options without requiring additional funding,” said Bernard Ortiz-Luis, Burgundy Corporate Tower property manager. “Partnering with MPower will deliver meaningful savings for the building, making it a strategic and beneficial decision.” Burgundy Corporate Tower is a 38-story, strata-owned office condominium in Makati City. With its planned transition, the establishment is among the first to explore strategic energy solutions under the ERC’s new threshold.
BUSINESS
B3
Manila
Standard
TODAY
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2026
extrastory2000@gmail.com
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES METROPOLITAN TRIAL COURT NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION BRANCH XCVIII (98), MANDALUYONG CITY metc1mdl098@judiciary.gov.ph / (+163) 939-755-6929
Civil Case No. M-MNO-24-07845-CV FOR: Recovery of Possession with Application for Preliminary Writ of Replevin with Alternative Prayer for Sum of Money
SPS. RUSSEL U. BARRIZO AND JULIE ROSE B. BARRIZO, AND JOHN DOE, Defendants. x----------------------------------------X ORDER Acting on the “EX-PARTE MOTION TO SERVE SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION” filed by the plaintiff PHILIPPINE SAVINGS BANK, through counsel on 30 June 2025, considering that the summons was returned “UNSERVED” to herein defendants SPS. RUSSEL U. BARRIZO AND JULIE ROSE B. BARRIZO and any attempt to serve is proven futile, the same is hereby GIVEN DUE COURSE. Accordingly, pursuant to Section 16 of Rule 14 of the 2019 Amendments to the 1997 Rules of Civil Procedure (A.M. No. 19-10-20-SC), the plaintiff is hereby granted leave of court to effect service of the summons and its annexes in herein case upon the defendant by publication in a newspaper of general circulation once a week for 3 consecutive weeks, and to coordinate with the Office of the Clerk of Court of the Regional Trial Court of Mandaluyong City regarding the said publication.
SWEEP PROGRAM.
Smart Communications launches Phase 5 of its SWEEP program, integrating AI, automation and immersive technology into Philippine engineering education to prepare students for global careers. The country’s longest-running industryacademe partnership is pivoting its curriculum toward artificial intelligence to align engineering studies with modern telecommunications standards.
After the last day of publication, the defendants are hereby given a period of sixty (60) calendar days within which to file their answer. SO ORDERED. Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila, 10 July 2025. (Sgd.) CARL RON F. VILLAMIL Presiding Judge Copy furnished: ATTY. CHARLES WASHINGTON T. BACULI Salgado, Cabrera and Asociates, c/o Philippine Savings Bank, 4F PSBank Corporate Center, 777 Paseo de Roxas corner Sedeño Street, Makati City SPS. RUSSEL U. BARRIZO AND JULIE ROSE B. BARRIZO Block 9, Lot 16, Joy, SGR Village, Catalunan Grande Davao City, Davao Del Sur 01 8000 and TADECO ANFLOCOR DAMOSA BUILDING LANANG DAVAO CITY, DAAO DEL SUR 01 8000 and TADECO ANFLOCO DAMOSA BUILDING LANANG DAVAO CITY, DAVAO DEL SUR 01 8000
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES METROPOLITAN TRIAL COURT NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION BRANCH XCVlll (98), MANDALUYONG CITY metc1mdI098@judiciary.go.ph / (+63) 939-7556929 PHILIPPINE SAVING BANK, Plaintiff, CIVIL CASE NO. M-MND-24-07845-CV FOR: Recovery of Possessio with Application for Preliminary Writ of Replevin with Alternative Prayer for Sum of Money
-versus-
Agriculture chief backs P2-b deepwater port in Mindoro A
By Othel V. Campos
GRICULTURE Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. is backing the construction of a deepwater port in Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro, citing its potential to lower food prices by addressing long-standing logistics and farm-to-market bottlenecks.
The proposed P2 billion Abra de Ilog Deep Water Port, to be implemented by the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority, will accommodate large vessels and improve the transport of fish and
agricultural products between Mindoro, Luzon and export markets. Tiu Laurel said cheaper logistics directly translate to more affordable food. He noted that bulk shipping reduces costs across the supply chain—from farm inputs to final products—making modern port infrastructure a key factor in easing food inflation. He said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. plans to complete a network of at least 10 deepwater ports nationwide to strengthen logistics and food security. “Ports reduce costs, losses and delays— areas where food inflation often begins,” Tiu Laurel said, adding that the project is intended to lower input and food costs by fixing logistics bottlenecks. Abra de Ilog currently serves as a roll-on, roll-off gateway to Batangas,
MAIL MATTER
Former Metrobank Foundation president and public servant Aniceto ‘Chito’ Mangahas Sobrepeña. Source: Metrobank Foundation
Reaction to Jan. 9 column of Ray Eñano
Selfless leader, public servant and CSR pillar METROPOLITAN Bank & Trust Company (Metrobank) and Metrobank Foundation Inc. (MBFI) mourn the passing of Aniceto “Chito” Sobrepeña, a respected leader whose career was defined by unwavering commitment to service, community development and the advancement of others. A titan in corporate social responsibility, Sobrepeña dedicated his life to the pursuit of the common good. From his years in public service, including key leadership roles in the government, to his long and distinguished tenure as president of Metrobank Foundation, he exemplified integrity, compassion and principled leadership. In his three decades leading the Metrobank Foundation, he set new standards for corporate social responsibility. MBFI’s programs expanded meaningfully across excellence recognition, education, health, the arts and livelihood, creating enduring hope and
but limited capacity has constrained growth. The planned deepwater port is expected to expand its role, building on recent Philippine Ports Authority upgrades, including port expansion, additional roro ramps, breakwaters and dredging. The facility will feature a finger pier, modern fish market, cold storage, ice plants, warehouses, wastewater treatment facilities and solar power systems. These investments are expected to cut post-harvest losses and support export-grade food safety standards. The project is expected to generate local jobs and attract logistics providers, while easing congestion at the Batangas port. Once approved, construction is expected to take about 24 months.
opportunity for Filipinos from all walks of life. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Sobrepeña was known for his humility, quiet strength and deep sense of faith. He lived the Jesuit ideal of being a man for others, leading with both intellect and heart, and inspiring those around him to pursue excellence with purpose. Metrobank and the Metrobank Foundation extend their deepest sympathies to his family, loved ones, colleagues and the many individuals whose lives he touched. “We honor his legacy by continuing the work he so passionately advanced, service that uplifts, empowers and creates enduring positive change,” Metrobank and Metrobank Foundation said in their tribute. Sobrepeña will be remembered not only for what he led, but for how he led — with wisdom, empathy, and unwavering commitment to the greater good.
AS the President of the Mungia Multi-Purpose Cooperative, a community of farmers rooted in Dupax del Norte, I would like to express our appreciation for Mr. Ray Enano’s timely and grounded column, which reflects the realities farmers live with every day. His clear articulation of the value of Farm-toMarket Roads (FMRs) under the Department of Agriculture resonates deeply with us. We see how strategic infrastructure lowers transport costs, opens access to markets, and strengthens the food supply chain from the farm gate to consumers—outcomes that are felt immediately at the household level. At the same time, we respectfully echo the call that government attention must extend beyond Mindanao and include productive provinces such as Nueva Vizcaya. Our province is home to the renowned Katsuma oranges and a diverse range of lowland and highland crops that help feed Metro Manila and Northern Luzon. We humbly seek the consideration of Sec. Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. to include Dupax del Norte in future FMR programs, particularly in Barangay Mungia, where a major greening initiative of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the DA is already taking root. This 70-hectare Mungia Agro-Forestry Project, managed by our cooperative, integrates fruit-tree plantations, native tree regeneration, and smallholder intercrops to restore the land, protect watersheds, and strengthen local food security. With over 600 farmer-members, our produce flows directly to the Nueva Vizcaya Agricultural Trading Post—the DA’s largest trading hub in Northeastern Luzon—serving markets in Baguio, Benguet, and Metro Manila. As Mr. Enano’s column rightly underscores, equitable and well-placed infrastructure does more than move goods; it amplifies the returns of environmental and agricultural programs, sustains rural livelihoods, and reinforces our shared responsibility to safeguard the nation’s food security. ROGER MOLINA President Mungia Multi-Purpose Cooperative Dupax del Sur, Nueva Vizcaya
-versus-
18. Also attached hereto as ANNEX “E” is the Judicial Affidavit of the said witness. 19. Plaintiff reserves the presentation of such other witnesses and documentary and/or object evidence should the same become necessary based on meritorious grounds in the course of the trial. SERVICE OF SUMMONS OUTSIDE THE JUDICIAL REGION OF THE HONORABLE COURT
PHILIPPINE SAVING BANK, Plaintiff, -versus-
as ANNEXES “A” to “D” and sub-markings, respectively.
(SUMMARY PROCEDURE) SPS. RUSSELL U. BARRIZO AND JULIE ROSE B. BARRIZO AND JOHN DOE, Defendant/s. x--------------------------------------------------------x SUMMONS TO: SPS. RUSSELL U. BARRIZO AND JULIE ROSE B. BARRIZO - BLOCK 9, LOT 16, JOY, SGR VILLAGE, CATALUNAN GRANDE DAVAO CITY DAVAO DEL SUR 018000; AND - TADECO ANFLOCOR DAMOSA BUILDING LANANG DAVAO CITY DAVAO DEL SUR 018000
20. The give address of defendants is outside the judicial region of the Honorable Court. Hence, plaintiff is attaching hereto as Annex “F” an ex-parte motion for it to be authorized to serve the summons upon defendant/s pursuant to Sections 2 and 3 of Rule 14 of the Rules of Court as amended by A.M. No. 19-10-20-SC. 21. The Special Power of Attorney and Secretary’s Certification naming the representative of plaintiff who is duly authorized to serve the summons is attached hereto as Annex “G” and “H”. PRAYER ACCORDINGLY, it is respectfully prayed that: 1l. A writ of replevin be issued ordering the seizure of the mortgaged motor vehicle, complete with all its equipment, attachments and accessories from the defendants and its delivery to the plaintiff for purposes of foreclosure to satisfy defendants obligation; and 2. Judgment be rendered confirming and ratifying as legal and valid the seizure of the mortgaged motor vehicle and its delivery to plaintiff for purposes of extra judicial foreclosure, in accordance with the provisions of the Chattel Mortgage; on the alternating cause of action, in the event that the mortgaged motor vehicle cannot be recovered and delivered to plaintiff, to render judgment in favor of plaintiff, ordering defendants, jointly and severally, to pay plaintiff total amount due and collectible amounting to ONE MILLION EIGHT HUNDRED NINETY THREE THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED FORTY NINE PESOS AND SEVENTY NINE CENTAVOS (P1,893,449.79) inclusive of penalties, interest, attorney’s fees and exclusive of accruing other charges and legal expenses under the Promissory Note with Chattel Mortgage from due date until fully paid; Other appropriate reliefs are likewise prayed for. Makati City for MANDALUYONG CITY, 16 October 2024. SALGADO CABRERA & ASSOCIATES In-House Counsels for Philippine Savings Bank (PSBank) 4th Floor PSBank Center 777 Paseo de Roxas corner Sedeño Street, Makati City Telephone No. 02-8885-8208 local 8733 Email add: inhouselitigation@psbank.com.ph and psblitigation@psbank.com.ph By: DANILO S. SALGADO Roll of Attorneys No. 38262 IBP Lifetime Member No. 03789; Pasig City PTR No. 10074595; 01/02/2024; Makati City MCLE Compliance No. VII-0009141 issued on 02/12/2022 Email add: DSSalgado@psbank.com.ph NOLI A. CABRERA Roll of Attorneys No. 51998 IBP Lifetime Member No. 07324; Batangas PTR No. 10120601; 01/29/2024; Makati City MCLE Compliance No. VII-0030376 issued on 06/21/2023 Email address: NACabrera@psbank.com.ph MAICA MARIS D. MARANAN Roll of Attorneys No. 66704 IBP O.R. No. 301054; 01/02/2024; Laguna Chapter PTR No. 10077157; 01/03/2024; Makati City MCLE Compliance No. VII-0003781 issued on 06/14/2021 Email address: MDMaranan@psbank.com.ph MOUJECK STEVE OLAYVAR CABALES Roll of Attorneys No. 69661 IBP O.R. No. 384825; 01/02/2024; PPLM PTR No. 12653272; 01/02/2024; Las Piñas City MCLE Compliance No. VII-0003285 issued on 05/26/2021 Emailadd: MOCabales@psbank.com.ph STEFAN ELLISE A. BERNARDO Roll of Attorneys No. 69523 IBP O.R. No. 384783; 01/02/2024; PPLM PTR O.R. No. MKT-10074186; 01/02/2024; Makati City MCLE Compliance No. VII-0003519 issued on 07/09/2021 Emailadd: SABernardo@psbank.com.ph (Sgd.) ADORA CARMEL M. ESPARES Roll of Attorney No. 73717 IBP No. 391793; 01/02/2024; Masbate City PTR No. 7722783G; 01/02/2024 issued on 02/21/2022 Email address: AMEspares@psbank.com.ph CHARLES WASHINGTON T. BACULI Roll of Attorneys No. 70269 IBP O.R. No. 394995; 01/03/2024; PPLM PTR No. 12654475J; 01/03/2024; Las Piñas City MCLE Compliance No. VII-0019234 valid until April 14, 2025 Email address: CTBaculi@psbank.com.ph JON ERIC B. TIBURCIO Roll of Attorneys No. 71065 IBP O.R. No. 388195; 01/02/2024; Makati City PTR No. 12654474J; 01/03/2024; Las Piñas City MCLE Compliance No. VII-0017528 issued on 05/10/2022 Email address: JBTiburcio@psbank.com.ph AFFIDAVIT OF MERIT TO SUPPORT APPLICATION FOR WRIT OF REPLEVIN AND CERTIFICATION OF NON-FORUM SHOPPING I, LIZETTE P. BALUYOT, of legal age, Filipino and with postal address at 4th Floor, PSBank Centre, 777 Paseo de Roxas St., corner Sedeño St., Makati City, after having been sworn in accordance with law, hereby depose and state that:
GREETINGS: You are hereby required within THIRTY (30) DAYS after the service of this summons upon you, to file with this Court, and serve on the plaintiff, your answer to the complaint, copy of which is attached, together with the annexes. You are reminded of the provision in the IBPOCA Memorandum Policy Guidelines dated March 12, 2002 to observe restraint in filing a motion to dismiss and instead allege the ground thereof as defenses in the ANSWER. If you fail to answer within the time fixed, the plaintiffwill take judgment by default and may be granted the relief applied for in the complaint. WITNESS my hand under the seal of this Court, this 13th day of November 2024 at Mandaluyong City, Philippines. (Sgd.) JONATHAN F. LAZARO Branch Clerk of Court
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION METROPOLITAN TRIAL COURT MANDALUYONG CITY BRANCH__ PHILIPPINE SAVINGS BANK, Plaintiff,
-versus-
CIVIL CASE NO. M-MND 24-07845-CV FOR: RECOVERY OF POSSESSION WITH APPLICATION PRELIMINARY WRIT OF REPLEVIN WITH ALTERNATIVE PRAYER FOR SUM OF MONEY
1. I am the duly authorized representative of plaintiff pursuant to the Secretary’s Certification attached as ANNEX “H”. 2. I caused the preparation of the complaint and read its contents; and all allegations therein are true and correct based on my personal knowledge and authentic record/documents in the possession of PSBank; the instant compliant is not being filed to harass, cause unnecessary delay, or needlessly increase the cost of litigation; and the factual allegations therein have evidentiary support or will have evidentiary support after a reasonable opportunity for discovery. 3. I further certify that plaintiff has not commenced any other action or proceeding involving the same issue in another tribunal or agency; that to the best of my knowledge, no such action or proceeding is pending in the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, the Regional Trial Court, or any other tribunal or agency EXCEPT: a complaint for Recovery of Possession with Application for Preliminary Writ of Replevin with Alternative Prayer for Sum of Money, which was filed last October 7,2022 and raffled to Pasay Metropolitan Trial Court Pasay City, Branch No.46 with Civil M-PSY-22-03877 -CV, the same was later on dismissed without prejudice and that if I should thereafter learn that a similar action or proceeding has been filed or is pending before the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, the Regional Trial Court or any other tribunal or agency, I undertake to promptly inform the Honorable Court of that fact within five (5) days from my knowledge thereof. 4. Philippine Savings Bank is the mortgagee/assignee under a Chattel Mortgage dated on OCTOBER 5, 2018 of the motor vehicle described below: MAKE/TYPE: 2018 TOYOTA FORTUNER 2.4G 4X2 DSL MIT MOTOR NO.:2GD0452888 SERIAL NO.:MHFJB8GS5J1552579 - with all its equipment, attachments and accessories which defendants mortgaged to secure the payment of a Promissory Note with Chattel Mortgage dated OCTOBER 5, 2018 with a face amount of P1,316,000.00 payable in 60 months at a monthly installment of P32,534.00 beginning NOVEMBER 26, 2018 and on the 26TH day of every succeeding month thereafter until fully paid. 5. The estimated market value of the mortgaged motor vehicle is approximately P822,500.00. Moreover, upon the lapse of one year, the determination of the Estimated Market Value of the mortgaged vehicle for Replevin Bond is based on the Policy and Procedure Guideline of the bank which states that:
SPS. RUSSEL U. BARRIZO AND JULIE ROSE B. BARRIZO AND JOHN DOE Defendants. x----------------------------------------------x
COMPLAINT
Plaintiff PHILIPPINE SAVINGS BANK, by counsel, respectfully alleges that: 1. Plaintiff Philippine Savings Bank (PSBANK for brevity), is a thrift banking corporation organized and existing under Philippine Laws, with principal office and place of business at 4TH Floor PSBank Center, #777 Paseo de Roxas cor. Sedeno ,St., Makati City with branch located at CIFRA Bldg 641 Boni Avenue Mandaluyong City. 2. Defendants SPS. RUSSELL U. BARRIZO AND JULIE ROSE B. BARRIZO, both Filipino, both of legal age, with given addresses at: a.) BLOCK 9, LOT 16, JOY, SGR VILLAGE, CATALUNAN GRANDE DAVAO CITY DAVAO DEL SUR 01 8000 ; and b.) TADECO ANFLOCOR DAMOSA BUILDING LANANG DAVAO CITY DAVAO DEL SUR 01 8000 ; - where they may be served with summons and other judicial processes 3. Defendant John Doe, whose real name and address is unknown to the plaintiff, is whoever may be in actual possession of the motor vehicle described below if it is not in the custody of the defendants. 4. For value received, the defendants jointly and severally executed and delivered to TOYOTA DAVAO CITY INC. (Dealer, for brevity) a Promissory Note attached hereto as ANNEX “A” dated OCTOBER 5, 2018 with a face amount of P1,316,000.00 payable in 60 months at a monthly installment of P32,534.00 beginning NOVEMBER 26, 2018 and on the 26TH day of every succeeding month thereafter, with late payment penalty of 5% per month from due date until the entire obligation is fully paid. 5. To secure the payment of the Promissory Note, the defendants also executed in favor of the Dealer, a Chattel Mortgage dated OCTOBER 5, 2018 over the motor vehicle described below: MAKE/TYPE: 2018 TOYOTA FORTUNER 2.4G 4X2 DSL MIT MOTOR NO.: 2GD0452888 SERIAL NO. : MHFJB8GS5J1552579 - together with the body built or that may be built thereon and all the equipment, attachments and accessories which may now or from time to time be used with, added to or attached to the motor vehicle, covered by a Certificate of Registration attached hereto as Annex “B” 6. On OCTOBER 5,2018 the Dealer assigned to the plaintiff all its rights, title and interest over the Promissory Note with Chattel Mortgage through a Deed of Assignment indicated in paragraph 17 of the Promissory Note with Chattel Mortgage marked as ANNEX” A-1”. 7. In the Promissory Note with Chattel Mortgage, it is stipulated among others that the default in the payment of any installment/other stipulated charges due and/or the violation of other terms and conditions shall make the unpaid balance and the time of such default, immediately due and payable and shall entitle the plaintiff, to obtain possession of the mortgaged motor vehicle from the defendants who are bound, on demand, to deliver the same to the plaintiff for purposes of foreclosure, and who may foreclose such mortgaged motor vehicle at any place where it may be found or situated or where the plaintiff may have its principal or branch office. 8. Defendants violated the terms and conditions of the Promissory Note and Chattel Mortgage when they failed to pay at least two monthly monthly installments falling due on MARCH 26,2022 and subsequent installments plus other stipulated charges if any. 9. Notwithstanding, the waiver of the defendants in the Promissory Note with Chattel Mortgage to receive a demand before the filing of the complaint, plaintiff still sent oral and/or written demands upon the defendants to surrender the subject mortgaged motor vehicle for purposes of foreclosure to satisfy defendant’s obligation, or to pay their loan obligation. However, despite the said oral and/or written demands upon the defendants, they still failed and continued to refuse to pay their loan obligation. A copy of the Demand Letter dated OCTOBER 4, 2024 is hereto attached as ANNEX “C”. Total amount due and collectible as of OCTOBER 4, 2024 is at P1,893,449.79 inclusive of penalties, interest, attorney’s fees and exclusive of accruing other charges and legal expenses, as per Statement of Account dated OCTOBER 4, 2024 attached hereto as ANNEX “D”.
1/1.8.4 Determination of Estimated Market Value of the mortgaged vehicle for Replevin Bond. a. The estimated value of the mortgaged unit shall depend on the year model and the appraised value per CAMS / ILS. b. At the time of the filing of the case, the estimated value of the unit is computed for the first year at 80% of its appraised value and a corresponding depreciation of 10%, 15% or higher, whichever is applicable shall be allocated every year thereafter. c. The amount of the Replevin Bond shall be twice the estimated value arrived at after allocating the said percentage. d. The estimated value shall have a minimum amount of P100,000.00.” (The above-quoted percentage for the computation of the estimated market value is adherent to the current international financial standards.) 6. In the Promissory Note with Chattel Mortgage it was stipulated among others that the default in the payment of any installment / other stipulated charges due and/or the violation of their other terms and conditions shall make the unpaid balance at the time of such default, immediately due and payable and shall entitle the plaintiff, to obtain possession of the mortgaged motor vehicle from the defendant who are bound, on demand, to deliver the same to the plaintiff for purposes of foreclosure and who may foreclose such mortgaged motor vehicle at any place where it may be found or stipulated or where the plaintiff as mortgagee / assignee may have its principal of branch office. 7. Defendants defaulted/violated the terms and conditions of the Promissory Note and Chattel Mortgage when they failed to pay at least two (2) monthly installments due thereon and subsequently installments. 8. In view of defendants’ default / violation, plaintiff has become entitled to the possession of the mortgaged motor vehicle which the defendant appears to have wrongfully detained to defeat plaintiff’s mortgage lien thereon, when they failed and/or refused to deliver the same to the plaintiff for purposes of foreclosure, despite oral and/or written demands, contrary to the provisions of the Chattel Mortgage. 9. The mortgaged motor vehicle has not been taken for any tax assessment or fine pursuant to law, or seized under an attachment or execution against the property of the plaintiff or if so seized, the same is exempt from such seizure. 10. Plaintiff is willing to file a good, sufficient and solvent bond executed to the defendants in an amount double the actual value of the mortgaged motor vehicle to warrant its return to the defendants if its return is adjudged and for the payment of the defendants of such amounts as they may recover from the plaintiff on the action. (Sgd.) LIZETTE P. BALUYUT Affiant SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this 24th day of OCT 2024; affiant exhibited to me her Driver’s License with ID No.C10-18-010385 issued by Land Transportation Office valid until February 6, 2033. (Sgd.) ATTY. ROMEO S. MASANGYA, JR. ROLL No.45164 NOTARY PUBLIC FOR MAKATI CITY APPOINTMENT NO: M-28 UNTIL DECEMBER 31, 2024 MCLE COMPLIANCE NO. VII-0005549, APRIL 14, 2025 IBP LIFETIME NO. 018663. 01/03/2018 MAKATI CITY PTR NO. 10073915.01/02/2024 MAKATI CITY MEZZANINE FLR. PSBANK CENTER NO. 777 PASEO DE ROXAS COR. SEDENO ST., MAKATI CITY Doc. No. 392; Tel no. (02)8511-8042 Page No. 80; ANNEX “A” Book No. 32; Series of 2024.
ANNEX “B”
10. The Promissory Note and Chattel Mortgage further stipulate that any legal action arising therefrom, may be instituted at plaintiff’s option, in the court of competent jurisdiction in Metro Manila or in any province, city or municipality where plaintiff has a branch office. 11. Pursuant to Sec. 2 Rule 60 of the Revised Rules of Court and in support of plaintiff’s application for a preliminary writ of replevin attached is plaintiff’s Affidavit of Merit.
ANNEX “C”
ANNEX “D” ANNEX “E”
12. Plaintiff is willing to file a good, sufficient and solvent bond executed to the defendants in an amount double the actual market value of P822,500.00 of the mortgaged motor vehicle to warrant its return to the defendants if its return be adjudged and for the payment to the defendants of such sums as it may recover from the plaintiff. ALTERNATIVE CAUSE OF ACTION 13. Plaintiff incorporates herein by reference, the preceding paragraphs; 14. In the event that the mortgaged motor vehicle cannot be found, seized and foreclosed, that the defendants, their successors, assigns and such other persons as may be required by law, be held liable, jointly and severally to pay total amount due and collectible amounting to P1,893,449.79 inclusive of penalties, interest, attorney’s fees an exclusive of accruing other charges and legal expenses under the Promissory Note with Chattel Mortgage from due date until fully paid. WITNESSES AND DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE TO BE PRESENTED
EXHIBIT “E” ANNEX “F”
15 . Plaintiff will present JANICE L. SAN BUENAVENTURA, or in case of her unavailability , ENRIQUE A. DE ROJAS, LE ANNE FAY A. FLORES ; 16. The said witnesses will testify on the following: 16.1 That defendants obtained a loan from plaintiff to finance the purchase of the motor vehicle subject of the case. 16.2 That defendants executed a chattel mortgage over the subject motor vehicle in favor of plaintiff as security for the loan . 16.3 That defendants defaulted in the payment of their/his/her loan obligation and the latter has an outstanding balance payable to plaintiff covering the principal of the loan as well as accruing interest, penalties and other charges pursuant to the Promissory Note with Chattel Mortgage .
ANNEX “G”
ANNEX “H”
16.4 That by reason of defendants default, plaintiff has become entitled to the possession of the subject motor vehicle but defendants have wrongfully detained the same when they failed and/or refused to deliver it to plaintiff for purposes of foreclosure despite oral and/or written demands, contrary to the provisions of the chattel mortgage. 16.5 In the alternative, in the event that the mortgaged motor vehicle cannot be recovered and delivered to plaintiff, defendants are liable to jointly and severally pay plaintiff the principal amount of the loan plus all accruing interest, penalties and other charges under the Promissory Note with Chattel Mortgage from due date until fully paid. 17. The said witness will also testify on and identify the documentary evidence to be presented by plaintiff consisting of the documents namely: Promissory Note with Chattel Mortgage, Certificate of Registration, Demand Letter and Statement of Account attached hereto
(MStandard - Jan. 14, 21 & 28, 2026)
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
BUSINESS
B4
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2026
extrastory2000@gmail.com RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor
Atome raises $345m for expansion
By Thony Rose Lesaca
IGITAL finance platform Atome said Tuesday it secured an upsized $345 million syndicated debt facility to accelerate its expansion across Southeast Asia.
D
The funding marks a significant increase from the $200 million it secured in 2024. HSBC reprised its role as structuring bank and mandated lead arranger and bookrunner (MLAB), while DBS joined the facility as an MLAB. The expanded credit line will support Atome’s regional portfolio and products including buy now pay later
services, digital lending, insurance and the Atome Card in Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines. Other returning lenders included Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. Singapore branch, Brunei’s Baiduri Bank and Cathay United Bank. Fubon Bank and Shanghai Pudong Development Bank joined as new participants in the facility.
The company reported that growth momentum accelerated throughout 2025, with annualized net revenue surpassing $500 million and annualized gross merchandise volume reaching $6 billion. In December 2025, the company recorded its strongest monthly gross merchandise volume on record, representing a more than 70 percent year-on-year increase from December 2024. Atome financial chief commercial officer Andy Tan said the facility grew significantly within a year and positions the company to support a profitable loan book while scaling flexible credit solutions for merchants and consumers.
In its audited 2024 financial performance, Atome Financial said operating income rose 63 percent year-onyear to $236 million. The group processed over $2 billion in gross merchandise volume in 2024, an increase of 50 percent from the previous year. HSBC Singapore head of banking, corporate and institutional banking Gilbert Ng said the partnership reflects the bank’s commitment to supporting businesses through its global network and capital strength. DBS head of digital economy group Chua Shih Guan said the bank is
IN BRIEF 10-month FDI flows hit $6.2b
MONTESSORI CAMPUS. Abba’s Orchard and Ayala Land’s Vermosa sign a contract for the upcoming Abba’s Orchard Vermosa Campus in Cavite province. The agreement marks a step toward creating future-ready communities anchored on transformative education. Signing the agreement are (from left) Kristin Ofilada, Vermosa project development manager; Joseph Christopher Barrameda, Abba’s Orchard founding director; Norma Torres, Vermosa senior project development head; and Maria Angelica Barrameda, Abba’s Orchard founding director
DOTr: Electronic license valid identification for motorists By Darwin G. Amojelar DEPARTMENT of Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said Tuesday that electronic driver’s licenses are now fully recognized as valid identification for motorists, following a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to expedite administrative processes. Department Order No. 2023-015 authorizes the use of digital licenses alongside physical cards. Under the new guidelines, Land Transporta-
tion Office enforcement officers and deputized agents should accept the electronic format as a valid form of authorization to operate a motor vehicle. Lopez said motorists who do not have their physical cards can present their digital license through the Land Transportation Management System portal during traffic stops. The secretary noted that the availability of digital credentials eliminates the need for authorities to confiscate physical licenses.
The digital license is accessible through the LTMS portal or the eGovPH Super App. Motorists should maintain an active account on these platforms to present their credentials to law enforcement. The Department of Transportation also announced that fines associated with a temporary operator’s permit can now be settled online. Lopez said the shift to digital payments and licensing is part of a broader government effort to make public services more convenient.
FOREIGN direct investment (FDI) net inflows in the Philippines reached $642 million in October 2025, led by strong interest from Japanese investors and the financial sector, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas data showed on Monday. The October figure was higher than $320 million in September but lower than $1.067 billion recorded a year earlier. This brought the cumulative net inflows for the first 10 months of the year to $6.2 billion, down from $8.2 billion registered in the same period in 2024. The year-to-date equity capital placements came mainly from Japan, the United States and Singapore, the BSP said. The financial and insurance sectors emerged as the primary recipients of the inflows in October. For the January to October period, the manufacturing, wholesale and retail trade and real estate industries received the bulk of the foreign capital. The BSP said its statistics follow the balance of payments and International Investment Position Manual, 6th Edition (BPM6).
Gov’t asked to classify AI-related jobs THE Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) is calling on the government to classify artificial intelligence-related roles as apprenticeable occupations to prepare the local workforce for rapid technological integration across key sectors. The business group said the proposal aligns with the swift adoption of AI in manufacturing, finance, marketing and education. Companies are increasingly deploying the technology to enhance efficiency, decision-making and data utilization. PCCI president Ferdinand Ferrer said
HSBC economist forecasts 4% GDP growth in fourth quarter By Thony Rose Lesaca THE Philippine economy is projected to expand by 4 percent in the fourth quarter of 2025, bringing the full-year average growth to 4.7 percent, an economist said on Tuesday. HSBC ASEAN economist Aris Dacanay said the outlook reflects a continued drag from slower public infrastructure spending and spillover effects in consumption. Latest data from the Department of Budget and Management showed that infrastructure spending fell by 40.1 percent in October amid a continuous decline in disbursements for the Department of Public Works and Highways following a flood control corruption scandal. Dacanay said fourth-quarter growth
could slip below 4 percent if infrastructure spending continues to drop at the rate recorded in October. “There is a risk that if public infrastructure spending continues to dip by 40 percent in November and December, there is a risk that growth can go below 4 percent over the fourth quarter of 2025,” Dacanay told reporters in a media briefing. Meanwhile, inflation rose to 1.8 percent in December, bringing the full-year inflation figure for 2025 to 1.7 percent. Dacanay said inflation would remain below 3 percent for 2026 and 2027, giving the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas room for further monetary easing when deemed necessary. Dacanay also expects the Philippine economy to grow by 5.2 percent in 2026 and 5.6 percent in 2027.
business sector executive vice-president Jason Teng, representing GSIS president and general-manager Jose Arnulfo Veloso, turns over a check for P81.34 million to Manila Mayor Isko Moreno. The amount represents insurance claim following the Pritil Market fire in Tondo. The settlement addresses the destruction of about 584 market stalls and the resulting disruption to the livelihoods of hundreds of vendors.
the move would enable companies to train young Filipinos in actual workplace settings at a lower cost while developing a necessary talent pipeline. Ferrer said society’s mindset should evolve beyond basic skills to remain competitive. The expanded role of AI was a central theme in a recent dialogue between the chamber and AI4PH, a network of policy experts and industry leaders. The discussions focused on strengthening national competitiveness and ensuring Filipino workers remain relevant in a global market. While AI was initially concentrated in manufacturing and back-office automation, the chamber noted its reach now extends to customer service, creative industries, education, and research and development. Othel V. Campos
DOTr speeds up PITX upgrades THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) is accelerating operational improvements to manage rising passenger volumes at major hubs following a record-breaking year for commuter traffic at the Paranaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX). Total foot traffic at PITX reached 60,281,330 in 2025, reflecting an increase of 9,108,635 commuters compared to 51,557,965 recorded in 2024. The terminal served 5,692,840 passengers in December, with 3,431,341 of those recorded during the peak Christmas and New Year period. DOTr Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the agency remains committed to ensuring that terminals could safely and efficiently accommodate rising demand. He said the DOTr and PITX are fully prepared for the continued influx of travelers. “We will ensure that there is an adequate supply of buses and smooth operations at PITX, while also strengthening security for a smoother journey for our passengers,” Lopez said. Darwin G. Amojelar
Starpago, Coins.ph team up to boost digital payments
CARBON CREDITS. Shell Philippines awards certificates of carbon credits
retirement to two operating projects of TVI Resource Development Philippines Inc. (TVIRD)—Balabag in Zamboanga del Sur and Siana in Surigao del Norte. Both are honored under the petroleum company’s carbon compensation program, which allows business fleet and retail customers to offset unavoidable carbon dioxide emissions by investing in reforestation and conservation initiatives. Shown is TVIRD president Michael Regino (right) receiving commendations for the company’s Balabag and Siana projects from Shell Philippines sales manager for commercial fuels Jose Mari Macaspac.
GSIS to donate P12m in technology packages to 30 remote public schools
INSURANCE CLAIM. Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) core
pleased to support Atome’s efforts to scale transparent credit solutions for underserved consumers in Southeast Asia within a robust risk framework. Atome is part of the Singaporeheadquartered Advance Intelligence Group. The group is backed by investors including SoftBank Vision Fund 2, Warburg Pincus, Northstar and EDBI. The firm’s expansion in the Philippines continues to target the digital lending market, where transaction values are often denominated in pesos, such as P5,000 or P10,000 for consumer credit lines.
STATE pension fund Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) said it is donating technology packages and essential learning equipment valued at P12 million to 30 public schools across the country to support students in underserved communities. Under an agreement with the Department of Education starting 2024, each recipient school will receive a P400,000 package including information and communications technology equipment, furniture and appliances tailored to their specific needs. GSIS will oversee the procurement and delivery of the items. The initiative is part of the GSIS Adopt-a-School Program, which is designed to enhance the learning experience for students in indigenous communities and remote areas. The program aims to bridge the digital divide by providing resources
that support both online and face-toface instruction. “This is an investment in educational equity and the future of our young learners,” GSIS president and general-manager Jose Arnulfo Veloso said. “By bringing digital tools and modern equipment to schools, especially those in indigenous communities and remote areas, we are creating tangible opportunities for students,” he said. Since the program launched in 2014, the state pension fund has supported 195 public schools nationwide with a total expenditure of P64.6 million. These contributions have ranged from laptops and printers to infrastructure repairs and school furniture. As part of its sustainability efforts, the agency has also installed solar panels in 2 schools in Mindanao.
GLOBAL financial technology firm Starpago and digital asset exchange Coins.ph have launched a strategic partnership to streamline digital payments and global payouts for businesses operating in the Philippines. The collaboration allows international and local companies to collect payments via the national QR Ph standard and disburse funds to bank accounts or e-wallets through networks such as InstaPay and PESONet. The system aims to reduce the high fees and processing delays often associated with the country’s fragmented financial infrastructure. Under the new framework, businesses can accept Philippine pesos from customers using any QR Ph-enabled application while facilitating near-instant payouts to freelancers, suppliers and service providers. The partnership focuses on “in-andout” payment flows to improve financial efficiency for Filipino recipients. The companies said the platform adheres to rigorous security standards. Starpago holds ISO 27001 certification, while Coins.ph is regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas as a virtual asset service provider and electronic money issuer. The first phase of the rollout focuses on peso transactions. A second phase, scheduled for mid-2026, intends to expand the model to include international markets such as Thailand and Brazil. The expansion, facilitated by Coins. xyz, will support Thai baht and Brazilian real to create a multicurrency engine for global trade. Starpago Philippines representative Jeremille Raton said the mission is to simplify the complexity of global trade by building smarter payment rails.
COMMUNITY
C1
SPOTLIGHT
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2026 DIGITAL.MANILASTANDARD@GMAIL.COM / DIGITAL.MKTG@MANILASTANDARD.NET PETER PAUL DURAN, Issue Editor
Crowds surge through the streets of Quiapo, keeping pace with the Black Nazarene in this year’s Traslación procession. Jude Cabrera
Faith at home: How Quiapo lives the Traslación By Bernadette Araño
Q
UIAPO, Manila — Long before the image of the Black Nazarene begins its slow journey through the streets of Manila each January 9, Quiapo is already awake.
Rotary-led outreach brings health support to seniors and PWDs FOR many senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Barangay Bagumbayan, basic health and hygiene supplies can make a significant difference. This week, nearly 140 residents
received essential care through the community outreach ‘Handog at Alay Saya sa Bagumbayan’, led by the Rotary Club of Makati Business District (RCMBD) in partnership with philanthropist Nix
Officers of the Rotary Club of Makati Business District, led by President UGP Bing Daza (second from left), together with Youth Service Chair Rachel Harrison and Community Service Chair Marivic Aquino, distributed Handog Saya packs to senior citizens of Barangay Bagumbayan, Pilar, Bataan, with Punong Barangay Hon. Randy G. Gatdula joined the activity.
Residents sweep their doorways before sunrise. Store owners secure their stalls. Volunteers take their posts, knowing the day will be long, loud, and heavy with devotion. For the community that calls Quiapo home, the Traslación is not simply an annual religious event—it is a moment when faith, routine, and responsibility intersect. While millions arrive from different parts of the country to fulfill personal panata, residents experience the procession as something deeply personal and ongoing, unfolding quite literally outside their doors. Among them is Mark Vincent, 22, a Quiapo resident who has been a devotee of the Black Nazarene for eight years. Too young to remember his first Traslación as a child, Mark’s devotion began during his teenage years, shaped not by obligation but by influence and curiosity. “Walong taon na akong deboto at nagsimula ito noong ako ay Grade 10 pa lang, dahil sa panghihikayat sa akin ng mga kaibigan ko. Doon na nagsimula ang lahat.” Like many young devotees, Mark’s entry into the devotion was gradual. Roman. Local volunteers helped deliver vital health and hygiene support to those who need it most. The outreach focused on the daily needs of elderly residents and PWDs— many of whom face limited mobility and reduced access to healthcare. Beneficiaries received Nestlé products, hygiene kits, and other basic necessities aimed at preventing common illnesses and improving overall well-being. “This initiative is about bringing service directly to where it matters,” said Maria Victoria “Bing” Daza, President of RCMBD. “By collaborating with local partners, we can reach those often overlooked and ensure that support arrives where it is truly needed.” The mission underscores RCMBD’s ongoing commitment to community health, hygiene, nutrition, and support for vulnerable populations. Local leaders, including Punong Barangay Hon. Randy G. Gatdula and the Barangay Council, welcomed the outreach as a meaningful complement to municipal social services. This effort was made possible through the generous support of Nestlé Philippines and RCMBD’s mother club, the Rotary Club of Makati. The ‘Handog at Alay Saya sa Bagumbayan’ initiative is part of RCMBD’s broader dedication to rural community development in Bataan, with plans to extend similar health-focused programs to other communities across the country.
New leadership steers Philippine Eagles into 2026 By Kuya Patrick Bonales THE Fraternal Order of Eagles (Philippine Eagles) YAKAP Inc. stands as a beacon of service and brotherhood across the Philippines. As the nation’s first Philippine-born fraternal socio-civic organization, we have etched a profound legacy of humanitarian commitment, empowering communities, and contributing significantly to nation-building. Our journey, officially registered with the SEC, is a testament to unwavering dedication, fostering one of the most active volunteer networks nationwide, all guided by our foundational principle: “Service Through Strong Brotherhood.” This steadfast commitment to service is not merely a motto but a way of life, manifest in countless initiatives spanning disaster
relief, educational support, environmental protection, and community development. Each project undertaken reflects our deep-rooted desire to uplift the lives of our fellow Filipinos, reinforcing the bonds of brotherhood that empower us to achieve more. As we embrace 2026 with boundless optimism and renewed vigor, The Fraternal Order of Eagles (Philippine Eagles) YAKAP Inc. commenced the new year with a truly momentous occasion. The grandeur of Hotel de Fides in Tacloban City provided the perfect backdrop for the investiture ceremony of our esteemed National Leaders. This significant event marked a pivotal “Rebirth of the Philippine Eagle,” ushering in “a new era of strength, unity, and purpose.”
What began as companionship and shared experience eventually developed into a personal commitment—one that grew stronger with every Traslación he witnessed. In Quiapo, preparation for Traslación is communal. Days before the procession, streets slowly change character. Traffic patterns shift, vendors begin setting up, and residents adjust their schedules, fully aware that normal routines will pause to make way for faith. For Mark and his family, preparation is simple but intentional. “Inaanyayahan namin ang mga kamag-anak o kaibigan namin dahil malapit na ang Traslación. Nagkakaroon lang kami ng konting salu-salo o kaya ay nanonood ng parada ng mga santo sa pagdaan sa aming lugar.” This quiet form of participation is shared by many Quiapo residents—those who may not always be in the thick of the crowd, but who remain present, attentive, and devoted in their own ways. For Mark, devotion is not measured by proximity to the andas or the length of time spent walking barefoot. His panata is inward, consistent, and reflective. “Pasasalamat sa araw-araw na na-
tatanggap at paghingi ng tawad sa mga kamaliang nagawa.” As the years pass, Mark has observed how the Traslación continues to evolve. Safety protocols change, routes are adjusted, and yet the number of devotees continues to grow—an observation echoed by many long-time attendees. “Malaki ang pinagkaiba noon. Ngayon ay mas lalong dumadami ang mga namamanata o deboto sa pagsalubong ng pista ng Nazareno.” When the image of the Black Nazarene finally passes and the crowds thin, Quiapo slowly exhales. Streets are cleaned, shops reopen, and residents return to their daily rhythms. Yet traces of the Traslación linger—not just in the physical marks left behind, but in the shared memory of a community that once again carried faith together. For young residents like Mark Vincent, the Traslación is not a once-a-year expression of belief. It is a reminder that devotion does not always demand visibility. Sometimes, it is found in staying, in watching, in welcoming others, and in choosing to return—year after year—to a faith that has become part of home.
SHS traders shine in Enderun Stockmarket Showdown THE stock market may be volatile, but the energy inside Enderun Colleges last January 8, 2026 was anything but uncertain. From intense market analysis to high-stakes trading decisions, Enderun’s Stockmarket Showdown 2025 once again proved that financial literacy among the youth is not just possible, it’s thriving. Now in its latest run, the investment and trading simulation competition gathered 24 teams composed of 96 students from different schools. From November-December 2025, participants were challenged to think like real traders: analyzing market trends, executing strategies, and defending their decisions through presentations. What started as a crowded field narrowed down to five finalist teams, each bringing their own edge to the trading floor. Guiding the competition was Edmund Lee, President and CEO of Caylum Trading Institute, an Enderun Colleges faculty member who has been teaching Capital Markets and other finance subjects for more than a year, and a dedicated mentor to the students. For Lee, the competition goes beyond winning trades. “Financial literacy has been at the forefront of whatever we’ve been doing in all our business organizations. Education and the youth are always what we’re focused on, because the youth is the future,” Lee said.
The final round was evaluated by a panel of seasoned professionals. Attorney Fred Cruz, Moderator of the Enderun League for Economic Development and Adjunct Professor in the Department of Economics, brought an academic and policy-driven lens to the judging. Joining him was Antonio Takahashi, Chief Trading Officer of Tecnologías Financieras Capricorn, whose more than 30 years of international experience in treasury, trading, and quantitative analysis grounded the competition in real-world market realities. The Top 5 finalists represented a diverse mix of institutions and strategies: ABM Aces – Jubilee Christian Academy Thomasian Bulls – University of Santo Tomas Fourtfolio – De La Salle UniversityManila Chart Chasers – Jubilee Christian Academy Inside Trader – Chiang Kai Shek College After a closely contested final round, Fourtfolio from De La Salle UniversityManila emerged as Grand Champion, impressing judges with their disciplined strategy and clear market insights. Thomasian Bulls from the University of Santo Tomas secured 2nd runner-up, while Chart Chasers from Jubilee Christian Academy took home 3rd runner-up honors.
Edmund Lee (left-most), President and CEO of Caylum Trading Institute, poses with Grand Champions Team Fourtfolio, a senior high school team from De La Salle University-Manila, and Daniel Perez, Chief Operating Officer of Enderun Colleges, during the awarding ceremony of Stockmarket Showdown 2025.
C2
SHOWBIZ
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2026 JULY 16, 2025
lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com NICKIE WANG, Editor ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer JASPER VALDEZ, Writer
Rob Deniel
F
R O M a quiet corner of Laguna to the country’s biggest stage, 22-year-old Rob Deniel is living a leap he never quite planned. The singer-songwriter may be racking up hit after hit, but he says his provincial roots still keep his feet firmly on the ground. Back home, h e hears his songs playing f r o m neighbors’ houses, often without them realizing the voice on the speaker belongs to the boy next door. He still moves around like anyone else, he said, and does not mind stopping for photos when people finally recognize him. These are the reasons why the idea of headlining his own concert once felt wildly out of reach. But that changed when Viva management told him he would be staging a solo show at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, one of the most iconic venues in Philippine music. “Natakot ako at first. Who am I to hold a concert at the Araneta Coliseum?” Rob told Manila Standard Entertainment. “But I think our bosses believed in me, that’s why they pushed me to do it. I’m taking it from their trust. Boss Vic del Rosario trusted me.” Despite the scale of the announcement, Rob said the nerves have yet to fully sink in. “I’ll be nervous maybe when the concert date gets near, but right now I don’t feel any pressure. It will come, but I still don’t feel it,” he said. Having performed at the Big Dome before, he said the venue feels far less intimidating once you step under the lights. “The Big Dome is huge, especially in photos or if you’re in the audience. But onstage, with the lights blinding you, it feels different,” he said. “The only thing that makes me nervous is the thought of performing alone. I do have guests, but being the headliner is different.” Still, he added, the belief shown by his label outweighs the fear. “It’s just exciting that they believe I can do it.” Rob’s rise has been shaped by quiet persistence, bedroom songwriting sessions, and a sound that blends retro influences with soulful vocals and deeply personal lyrics. What started as simple experiments with melody has turned into a growing presence in the OPM scene. Songs such as “miss miss,” “ang pag-ibig,” and viral favorite “romcom” have helped him build a loyal following, while his reinterpretations of classics like “Ikaw Sana” and “Nandito Ako” introduced older hits to a younger audience. All that momentum now leads to his first major solo concert, The Rob Deniel Rob Deniel remains grounded despite his success, enjoying Show, set for Feb. 27 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Tickets hearing his songs played locally are available through Ticketnet. and interacting with fans Joining him onstage are Arthur Nery, Ashtine Olviga, Janine Teñoso, Pops Fernandez, and Ogie Alcasid. “People see me as a balladeer, but my artistry is diverse, and that’s what they’ll see during the concert,” Rob said. He added that the night is designed to be more than a standard performance. “You will experience it. I want people to feel like they’re part of the show,” he chimed.
Danielle breaks silence after NewJeans exit By Angelica Villanueva FORMER NewJeans member Danielle Marsh spoke publicly for the first time since her exit from the K-pop group, thanking fans and addressing the ongoing legal dispute surrounding her departure. On Monday, Jan. 12, during a livestream on her newly launched Instagram account, Danielle said she often found comfort in messages from supporters while remaining largely silent in recent weeks. “Sometimes late at night, I would read the letters and the messages you sent me,” she said, adding that their support stayed with her. Danielle said her situation is still unresolved and that she plans to share more details once legal matters are clearer. “When the time comes, I will update you all about what’s happening with the lawsuit
and about all the things that you’re curious about,” she added. She also addressed speculation about her relationship with the group, saying she fought to remain with her fellow members. “This is not the end. This is only the beginning,” she stated. Danielle exited NewJeans in December after record label ADOR terminated her contract and announced plans to pursue legal action involving her family and former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin. NewJeans debuted in 2022 and became one of K-pop’s fastest-rising acts before becoming embroiled in a contract dispute with ADOR and parent company HYBE. A Seoul court ruled in October in favor of ADOR, upholding the group’s exclusive contract.
Danielle was part of the fast-rising K-pop girl group NewJeans, which debuted in 2022
set for first Big Dome solo concert Very Wang
Nickie Wang
Rob admits performing at the Big Dome is less intimidating than it seems, especially with the blinding lights
Rob Deniel is known for hit tracks ‘miss miss’ and ‘Ulap’
Bela Padilla leads new action drama with Richard Gutierrez, Gerald Anderson BELA Padilla is set to lead one of ABS-CBN’s biggest drama offerings of the year, sharing top billing with Richard Gutierrez and Gerald Anderson. The actress said the project marks a major first in her career, as she takes on an action-heavy role unlike anything she has done before. “This is very new for me, bagong bagong character. Bagong genre rin, first time kong mag-a-action drama, so I’m very excited,” Padilla said in an interview on TV Patrol. She added that viewers may be surprised by the direction of both the story and her character. To prepare, Padilla revealed she has returned to Muay Thai training and is learning stunt work for the series. The upcoming teleserye will reunite Padilla with Gutierrez more than a decade after they worked together in GMA’s 2013 series Love & Lies. It will also mark her first television project with Anderson. The still-untitled action-drama was first teased during the 2025 ABS-CBN Christmas Special and is being directed by FM Reyes under JRB Creative Production. Reyes is known for helming hit dramas such as Ang Sa Iyo Ay Akin, Nag-aapoy na Damdamin, and Sins of the Father. The series is being billed as Padilla’s most anticipated television return following her string of successful Kapamilya projects, including FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, Sino Ang Maysala: Mea Culpa, and My Dear Heart. She last appeared on television with a special participation in the 2024 series Pamilya Sagrado and officially returned to Star Magic in August 2025. Actress and screenwriter Bela Padilla expresses her excitement about the new character and genre of her upcoming project
LIFE
C3 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2026
By Nickie Wang
F
ILIPINO cinema secures another international festival slot as Tara Illenberger’s Tigkiliwi (Longsided) lands a place at one of Europe’s most respected genre film festivals.
Contemporary artist showcases audio-visual collection of unfinished works
The Puregold CinePanalo-backed film has been selected for the Official Competitive Director’s Week of the 46th Porto International Film Festival, widely known as Fantasporto 2026, marking a major milestone for the director and the growing slate of Filipino films making waves abroad.
Director Tara Illenberger shares her excitement as ‘Tigkiliwi’ prepares to meet international audiences following its Jury Prize win at the 2025 Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival
A still from ‘Tigkiliwi,’ which follows orphaned siblings navigating fear, survival, and folklore as the Puregold CinePanalo-backed film earns a slot at Fantasporto 2026
FILIPINO contemporary artist Poklong Anading is presenting a collection of unrealized and abandoned ideas in #AVoidWork, an audio-video project that blends interviews, narration, and visuals to explore collaborative artistic processes. The collection features conversations with key figures from artist-run initiatives and self-organized spaces, including Surrounded by Water, Big Sky Mind, Green Papaya, Junk Shop, Future Prospects, Lost Frames, Spare Bedroom, Art School Now Salon, Golden Cargo Gallery, Bastards of Misrepresentation, and the Museum of Mental Objects..
Tara Illenberger’s ‘Tigkiliwi’ joins prestigious film fest in Portugal
cinema overseas. A haunting story rooted The Official Competitive in local folklore, Tigkiliwi Director’s Week focuses follows orphaned siblings Lala on feature-length films, and Marlin as they struggle to while Fantasporto also runs survive on their own and seek other sections open to Asian shelter with an elderly woman filmmakers, including the believed to be an aswang, Official Fantastic Cinema the shape-shifting creature of Section for short films and Philippine myth. the Oriental Express Section The film stars Ruby Ruiz, for Asian-produced features. Gabby Padilla, Julian Paul Films selected must be Larroder, and Sunshine Portugal premieres, produced Teodoro, whose performances in 2025, and presented with have drawn strong reactions English subtitles if not in from local audiences and are now English. headed for an international stage. Launched in 2024, Puregold The Fantasporto selection comes after Tigkiliwi won the Puregold CinePanalo’s ‘Tigkiliwi’ marks another milestone for Filipino cinema as it CinePanalo was created to spotlight Filipino stories of Jury Prize at the 2025 Puregold enters the Official Competitive Director’s Week of Fantasporto 2026 in Portugal perseverance and success CinePanalo Film Festival, while providing support for emerging filmmakers. Tigkiliwi’s becoming the second CinePanalo-supported feature to reach Porto, international run adds to a growing list of CinePanalo titles gaining following Sigrid Bernardo’s Pushcart Tales. recognition abroad. Set for Feb. 27 to March 8, Fantasporto is known for championing Other films from the program have also appeared at major bold and imaginative films in fantasy, science fiction, and horror. festivals, including Pushcart Tales, which became the Philippines’ The festival draws more than 110,000 attendees annually and has official entry to Thailand’s Pattaya Film Festival 2025. JP Habac’s been cited by Variety as one of the world’s top 25 film festivals. Olsen’s Day screened at the Minsk International Film Festival and Illenberger said she is eager to see how international audiences Asian Film Festival Barcelona, while TM Malones’ Salum earned will react to the film. She shared that she is curious whether viewers a Special Mention for lead actress Christine Mary Demaisip at abroad will respond with the same mix of laughter and tears as Filipino Morocco’s Festival International du Film Transsaharien de Zagora, audiences, adding that she is also looking forward to visiting Portugal along with selections in Dhaka and Barcelona. for the first time with her Puregold CinePanalo team. Several CinePanalo features and shorts Puregold Senior marketing manager Ivy Hayagan-Piedad have likewise found audiences overseas, said the selection shows how Filipino stories continue to resonate with screenings in Spain, Bangladesh, globally. She noted that the company remains committed to Germany, Pakistan, China, India, helping local narratives gain wider recognition and expressed pride in seeing another CinePanalo film represent Philippine Egypt, and the United States.
Singapore Museum launches multi-sensory tea exhibition THE Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM), in partnership with international tea brand Chagee and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), announced on Monday the launch of Garden of Senses: A Tea Reverie, an immersive exhibition exploring tea as a human ritual shaped by centuries of tradition and creativity. The showcase runs daily from Jan. 28 to June 7. The exhibition invites visitors to experience tea beyond taste and smell, incorporating sight, touch, and sound to highlight its cultural and social significance. Organizers said the multi-sensory approach aims to reconnect visitors with the reflective and communal aspects of tea drinking. “This co-curated showcase marks the ACM’s first collaboration with a global lifestyle brand,” said Clement Onn, director of the Asian Civilisations Museum and Peranakan Museum. “By integrating museum collections with contemporary practices, we offer visitors a fresh way to engage with cultural traditions and explore
A Linglong porcelain cup featured in ‘Garden of Senses: A Tea Reverie’ reflects the exhibition’s blend of historic tea traditions and contemporary interpretations
Limited-edition Chagee plush charms inspired by ancient tea routes and Singapore’s Merlion are among the exclusive merchandise offered to exhibition ticket holders
t e a ’s universal role across Asia.” Lawrence Wen, CEO of Chagee Singapore, said the exhibition reflects tea’s ongoing role as a cultural connector. “Tea has always brought people together across generations and geographies,” he said. “We’re proud to collaborate with ACM and STB to present tea not just as heritage, but as a living ritual that continues to evolve today.” The exhibition also aligns with STB’s strategy of combining local attractions with global brands to enhance Singapore’s destination appeal. Kenneth Lim, assistant chief executive of STB’s marketing group, said the collaboration creates “a fresh and compelling experience for visitors, strengthening Singapore’s position as a hub for authentic and innovative cultural experiences.” Garden of Senses: A Tea Reverie features historic collections, contemporary interpretations, and new commissions from local artists. Installations include Ashley Yeo’s floating paper sculptures evoking tea leaves, and Alecia Neo’s Symphony of Tea, a collaborative work with composer Clarence Chung, videographer Jonathan Goh, and sound recordist Wesley Meow, which explores tea through sound, rhythm, and human interaction. Visitors can also engage with sculptural installations inspired by tea leaves, immersive soundscapes, fragrances, and tactile explorations of tea-making tools. 3D-printed replicas of historic teawares, contemporary Chagee cups, and communal spaces encourage reflection and social interaction, emphasizing tea as a living cultural practice.
Filipino contemporary artist Poklong Anading presents ‘#AVoidWork,’ an audio-visual project examining unrealized ideas and artist-run spaces as part of MCADxMoving Image at Benilde
“In the late 1990s and early 2000s Manila, artist-run spaces thrived as vital platforms for contemporary art, and I came into this ecosystem in the late 1990s as an exhibiting artist,” Anading said. #AVoidWork was initially showcased through the Museum of Modern Art’s C-MAP Asia program and the Ctrl+P Biennale. It will be screened this month as part of MCADxMoving Image, a program of the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design (MCAD) at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, which features hybrid documentaries, video essays, filmed performances, and archival works that examine culture, society, and politics. Each entry in #AVoidWork begins with a recorded narration by Anading, paired with edited visuals from site visits, the surrounding environment, and sourced materials. The works explore sustaining artistic spaces, projects that were never realized, and ideas that emerged during moments of transition or closure. Anading, who studied painting at the University of the Philippines, often works with found and discarded objects to investigate notions of value and the role of art within and beyond capitalist production. #AVoidWork will be on view from Jan. 28, to Friday, Jan. 30, at the Ideation Room, The Atrium @ Benilde, 1040 Arellano Avenue corner Ayala Street, Malate, Manila. More information is available at facebook.com/MCADManila and mcadmanila.org.ph.
A designer’s impression of ‘Garden of Senses: A Tea Reverie,’ the Asian Civilisations Museum’s immersive exhibition exploring tea as a living cultural ritual across Asia
The exhibition extends to a Chagee pop-up along the Singapore River, offering beverages and merchandise previously available only in China. Exclusive plush charms combining a horse, referencing ancient tea routes, with Singapore’s Merlion will be available in a limited edition for ticket holders. Garden of Senses: A Tea Reverie is included in ACM’s All Access ticket, priced at S$25 for tourists and S$12 for Singaporeans and permanent residents, granting access to all exhibitions on the day of visit.
C4
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2026
lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com NICKIE WANG, Editor ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer JASPER VALDEZ, Writer
By Nickie Wang
F
ASHION designer Len Cabili’s life reads like a well-cut garment, with precise seams, heritage woven into every panel, and just enough room to breathe.
LIFE Creative force Len Cabili finds balance in life stitched with innovation PEOPLE ends, the same ease allows her to unwind, stream, and reclaim a sliver of stillness. In an industry built on deadlines and detail, those pauses matter. Communication, she says, remains the heartbeat of everything she does.
Staying in touch keeps her grounded, whether she is in Kalinga, Sulu, or somewhere between continents. The reassurance comes from coverage and that peace of mind knowing support is there when needed. Personal, responsive, human. It is a philosophy that mirrors her own approach to design, Cabili articulates. She believes craftsmanship thrives when patience meets innovation. Technology,
Technology becomes part of Cabili’s creative rhythm as she connects with artisan communities, relying on seamless communication to keep projects moving across locations The Filip+Inna founder has spent years championing Filipino artisans, carrying indigenous craftsmanship from mountain communities to international runways. Between generations, between cultures, between hands that weave and eyes that admire, her work has always been about connection. Yet behind the handloom poetry is a woman juggling airports, fittings, calls, and the quiet need to switch off. Balance, she admits, does not happen by accident. Cabili moves often. One week, she is in Mindanao, the next, she is speaking to global audiences about culture and design. The pace demands constant communication, and she leans on technology the way others lean on muscle memory. “I rely heavily on my network to get things done,” she says. The fashion designer relates connection to how smoothly life runs when everything is in place. She likens Smart Infinity to a kind of digital concierge that understands not just where she is going, but how she wants to move through the day. That matters when your office changes by the hour.
From remote artisan communities to city hotels, Cabili depends on reliable connectivity to keep projects moving. When the workday
Len Cabili (left) engages closely with indigenous weaving traditions, underscoring her long-standing commitment to elevating Filipino craftsmanship through thoughtful collaboration
Pandy Aviado and the making of Philippine printmaking Primer
Chong Ardivilla
VIRGILIO “Pandy” Aviado occupies a singular place in Philippine art history, not simply as a master printmaker, but as a figure who helped define what printmaking could mean in this country. At a time when the medium was often dismissed as secondary to painting and sculpture, Aviado committed his entire artistic life to its discipline, insisting on its intellectual, political, and aesthetic force. For much of the twentieth century, printmaking in the Philippines was regarded as marginal: too technical, too intimate, and too closely associated with craft rather than “major” art forms. Many of its practitioners were sidelined, and the medium itself was often treated as preparatory or auxiliary. Aviado rejected this hierarchy outright. Unlike artists who used printmaking as a stepping stone to more prestigious media, he made it central, staking his identity, reputation, and vision on the medium itself. Through decades of sustained practice, teaching, and collaboration, Aviado helped reposition printmaking as a serious and contemporary form. As a key figure in the Association of Pinoy Printmakers, a mentor to generations of artists, and a master printer who
Len Cabili (right) pauses amid contemporary artworks, reflecting the balance she maintains between creative rigor, cultural advocacy, and personal stillness
Virgilio Pandy Aviado stands amid his works, embodying a lifetime of experimentation that expanded the possibilities of Philippine printmaking
collaborated with figures such as Cesar Legaspi, he demonstrated that printmaking could carry the same conceptual weight and expressive power as painting or sculpture. His commitment ensured that the medium would no longer remain at the
in her world, does not replace tradition. It clears the path so the work can breathe. Faster coordination, smoother processes, fewer distractions. That efficiency supports the slower, more deliberate art of making something meaningful. Smart Infinity, with its concierge services, travel privileges, dedicated relationship managers, and priority support, fits neatly into that rhythm. It removes friction from daily life, allowing Cabili to focus on what matters most. The stories behind each weave. The people behind each piece. For her, the service is not just about staying online. It is about staying aligned. In a career devoted to honoring Filipino artistry on a global stage, Cabili has learned that balance is its own form of luxury. It lets her connect deeply, create freely, and still find space to rest. For more information on Smart Infinity’s offers, visit www.smart.com.ph/infinity, dial *800, or follow @smartinfinity on Instagram.
elements, such as dried mango pits, into assemblages and urged his students to treat technique not as an endpoint but as a platform for risk and inquiry. This openness to experimentation linked Philippine printmaking to broader contemporary practices while keeping it grounded in local experience. Equally significant is Aviado’s role as a cultural worker. Despite opportunities abroad, he chose to return The powerful ‘Evelio Javier’ aquatint piece confronts political violence head-on, to the Philippines, affirming printmaking’s role as a medium of protest and historical reckoning dedicating himself to teaching, workshops, periphery of Philippine art discourse. and community-building. His influence The political charge of Aviado’s work is among extended beyond urban centers into provincial its most enduring qualities. His 1986 aquatint art communities, where he generously shared Evelio Javier remains one of the most searing his knowledge and helped cultivate sustainable images in Philippine printmaking. Depicting printmaking practices. Through this labor, the slain lawyer-activist sprawled across the printmaking became less of an import and more Philippine flag, the image is framed by jagged, of a lived, localized tradition. discordant lines that resist visual comfort. Today, Philippine printmaking bears The work functions not as a quiet memorial Aviado’s imprint in studios, classrooms, and but as an indictment, collapsing grief, resistance, exhibitions across the country. His career and national trauma into a single, unflinching demonstrates that an art form does not image. Here, printmaking becomes a tool of achieve relevance on its own; it is shaped by protest, capable of confronting power with individuals willing to commit deeply, teach precision and force. patiently, and insist on the medium’s capacity Yet Aviado’s practice was never static. He to engage history and society. consistently pushed the boundaries of traditional Through Pandy Aviado, printmaking did not processes, experimenting with form, scale, merely survive in the Philippines; it asserted and material. He incorporated unconventional itself as vital.