Manila Standard - 2026 January 19 - Monday

Bonoan back, to face probe

As Leviste to skip Blue Ribbon hearing today amid

By Vito Barcelo and Vince Lopez

FORMER Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan made a surprise return to the country yesterday, about a month ahead of schedule, and will attend today’s hearing of the Senate Blue Ribbon committee.

In a statement, the Bureau of Immigration said Bonoan arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA)

3 in Pasay City on Sunday morning aboard China Airlines flight CI0701 from Taipei, a connecting flight from

his origin in the United States. Bonoan left for the US on November 11, 2025 to accompany his wife Yolanda for a medical procedure. He had earlier requested for an extension of his stay in the US until February 12. Meanwhile, the Bilyonaryo News Channel reported that Bonoan’s representatives confirmed his attendance in today’s Blue Ribbon Committee

By Minerva Newman

CEBU CITY— An estimated crowd of three to four million filled the streets of Cebu City yesterday, vibrating with the drumbeats and dances of people from all walks of life with the 37 contingents participating in the Sinulog Grand Parade and Ritual Showdown.

“We had 4M in 2025, about 2.5 to 3M in 2024 and probably four to five million today because big prizes are at

stake for the Street dancing, free interpretation and Sinulog based categories, ranging from P500,000 to P1.5 for the 3rd placer, P2M for the 2nd placers and P3M for the 1st placers,” Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival bared in one of his media briefings. There were six categories in yesterday’s performance competitions including the Sinulog-based category at the Ritual Showdown, Free Interpretation

New

Dizon also says flood area data inaccurate

By Ram Superable

PUBLIC Works Secretary Vince Dizon has confirmed that many flood control project coordinates listed on the “Sumbong sa Pangulo” website are inaccurate, citing errors in data submitted by the agency’s previous leadership under Manuel Bonoan. Dizon is the second government official to confirm the erroneous data after Ombudsman Crispin Remulla.

“Totoo na merong mga maling coordinates at yun ay nanggaling sa DPWH noong Agosto… Pagpunta mo doon sa coordinates na yun, wala kang makikitang proyekto. Na-experience ko mismo yan personally sa Oriental Mindoro at

‘State witnesses should help reveal masterminds’

THE four state witnesses who admitted involvement in the multibillion-peso flood control anomalies should help expose the masterminds behind the irregularities, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon said. “The important thing is that there is a process, and we are confident these witnesses were properly vetted by the Department of Justice and the Office of the Ombudsman,” Dizon said on Saturday, adding “that comes with the expectation that they will help identify the masterminds behind this large-scale theft.”

Solons see SC reversal on VP Sara impeach case

By Rio N. Araja

AT LEAST two congressional leaders remained hopeful that the Supreme Court (SC) would grant a motion for reconsideration of the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte which was dropped earlier by the high tribunal.

By Rolando Ng III

A 10-YEAR reform program is needed to address the country’s education crisis, according to the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2).

Meanwhile, data released by the agency showed that Filipino students’ proficiency rates continued to decline.

“Under the program that we compiled for almost three decades, we need at least 10 years of necessary reform,” EDCOM 2 executive director Karol Mark Yee told Super Radyo dzBB on Sunday.

Yee issued the statement as EDCOM 2 prepares to submit its third and final report on Monday, Jan. 19, which also contains a national education plan.

He said that within two years, the recommendations of EDCOM 2 will

“With regard to the motion for reconsideration, it is already with the SC, and we are waiting for its action on that. So presumably, if ever it is lifted or given due course, we expect the process will take off where it started where it ended,” TINGOG party-list Rep. Jude Acidre said. On the other hand, Lanao del Sur

Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong said the SC decision regarding the impeachment suit “was more on the technicality and not on the merits of the case that we have filed,”. Acidre cited Senate President Vicente Sotto III’s commitment that he would “act forthwith” on any impeachment case

VIVA PIT SENOR!. At least 3 million Catholic devotees turned up, inspite of the rains, in Cebu City to watch yesterday’s Annual Sinulog Grand Parade and Ritual Showdown and show their devotion to the Child Jesus (Santo Nino). Minerva Newman, Alan Tangcawan

Search ends for Binaliw victims

By Rex Espiritu

ESCUERS recovered the last missing victim of the landfill landslide in Barangay Binaliw, Cebu City on Sunday morning, with authorities confirming that all reported affected individuals have now been fully accounted for.

The body of the last missing victim was found at 5:41 a.m., according to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Central Visayas fire station in Cebu City.

“Ultimately, we leave this to the justice agencies, and we trust that the vetting was thorough,” the official said in a news conference with Governor Luis Raymond Villafuerte in Pili, Camarines Sur..

Dizon clarified that the four are granted immunity from criminal liability only for cases in which they are able to provide credible evidence for the prosecution.

“This does not mean they are absolved of all charges. The public should understand that being accepted as state witnesses does not automatically shield them from other cases they may still face,” he said.

Meanwhile, Dizon declined to comment on the motive behind the alleged incorrect coordinates earlier presented by former DPWH secretary Manuel Bonoan to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. regarding flood control projects.

“I do not want to speculate on the motive—whether it was intentional, an honest mistake, or information passed on to Secretary Manny. What is clear is that many of the coordinates given around August 2025 were inaccurate, in the sense that there were no projects in those locations,” he said.

On Friday, Dizon led an inspection of several sections of the Maharlika Highway, also known as the Pan-Philippine Highway, covering Lopez, Calauag, and Tagkawayan towns in Quezon province, as well as Del Gallego and Lupi towns in Camarines Sur.

He said the 3,500-kilometer highway will, for the first time, undergo major rehabilitation since it was constructed in the 1970s under former president Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. At the same time, Dizon said temporary repairs will be carried out on damaged portions of the highway to ensure smoother traffic flow during the Holy Week in April.

“We will begin temporary road works from February to March to provide safer and smoother travel for motorists expected to use these roads during the Holy Week,” he said.

hearing into the flood control projects corruption issue.

The ex-secretary, who resigned from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) effective September 1, 2025, arrived without any reported travel companion, the BI said.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the bureau has already relayed Bonoan’s arrival details to Acting Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida, in accordance with standard operating procedures.

One month before he resigned in August, Bonoan said in a video posted on DPWH’s Facebook page that leaving the country or avoiding responsibility was not the right way to find a solution to corruption in the government.

Bonoan added that he would “accept accountability,” but reminded the public that he would not tolerate any kind of corruption happening in the department.

In later interviews, he denied involvement in the scams, saying his track record at the DPWH speaks for itself.

Last week, Ombudsman Jesus Crisp-

“All reported individuals have now been fully accounted for following the dumpsite landslide incident in Barangay Binaliw, Cebu City,” it said.

With this development, the official death toll from the incident stood at 36.

“Responding teams have completed systematic search, rescue, and retrieval operations, ensuring that no further missing persons remain,” BFP Cebu City noted.

“Coordination among ground units and partner agencies remains in effect as post-operation assessments and site monitoring continue,” it added.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the families affected and our utmost respect to all responders who worked tirelessly under challenging conditions to bring closure to this incident.”

transmitted by the House of Representatives to the upper chamber.

The House is moving to adopt new impeachment rules for the 20th Congress that shall align with the High Court’s jurisprudence to ensure any future case filed against the Vice President is procedurally airtight and built on clear guidelines, Acidre said.

“Once we approve the rules, because we haven’t approved the rules for impeachment yet for the 20th Congress, that would be more or less cognizant of the direction set already by the Supreme Court and its latest jurisprudence. But nonetheless, that is not to preempt what the final resolution would be on the pending motion for reconsideration,” he explained.

fies stool shape and hardness into seven categories, while volume and color are recorded in three levels.

Users can keep track of their stool status on a smartphone app and even receive dietary advice based on analysis of their

Category, Street Dancing Competition, Float Category, Higante Category and Puppeteers Category, Archival added.

The Sinulog Festival started with the daily Novenario and masses for nine days from January 10 to 18 drawing an estimated number of 20,000 to 30,000 devotees to the scheduled masses and offering prayers and lighting candles at the Basilica Minore del Santo Nino de Cebu from 4:00 AM to 7:00 PM. There are typically nine masses scheduled daily during the Sinulog nine-day Novenario.

The most anticipated events included the Fluvial Procession on January 17—a river parade where the Santo Niño image is carried on a decorated boat, com-

bowel movements, such as a recommendation to increase vegetable intake.

The new product is intended to help users “to turn everyday toilet habits into a gateway to better health,” a company official said.

Meanwhile, Panasonic Corp. developed a device named Toirepo for nursing-care facilities, which records the timing, frequency and volume of resi-

Lacson, as Senate Blue Ribbon Committee chair, subpoenaed Bonoan and 11 others to the panel’s hearing scheduled today.

maraming mga ganyan,” said Dizon in an ABS-CBN report.

(It is true that there were incorrect coordinates, and those came from the DPWH last August. When you go to those coordinates, you will not find any project there. I personally experienced this in Oriental Mindoro, and there are many cases like that.)

But whether or not Bonoan — who returned to the country on Sunday after leaving for the United States last November to accompany his wife for a medical procedure — did this intentionally, Dizon said he could not say for sure. (See related story on Bonoan’s arrival – Editors)

“Ayoko munang magsalita tungkol sa motibo, whether sinadya ba yan or nagkamali lang or may nagbigay kay Sec. Manny (Bonoan) ng mga datos tapos sinubmit na niya,” he added.

(I do not want to speak yet about the motive—whether it was intentional, just a mistake, or whether someone provided Sec. Manny Bonoan with the data and he simply submitted it.)

Dizon’s statement comes days after

This followed Senator Panfilo Lacson’s statement last week that he received reliable information that Bonoan deliberately misled President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. with the data he submitted to Malacañang as part of a cover-up for the multibillion-peso scandal.

“Niloko niya si Pangulo,” Lacson said of Bonoan. “Sa cover up palang kitang-kitang mo yung kanyang complicity.”

(He deceived the President. From the cover-up alone, you can clearly see his complicity.)

Meanwhile, Dizon said the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) continues to revalidate the data they have on thousands of flood control and other infrastructure projects.

He admitted the department also inadvertently used the same inaccurate database to put up the DPWH Transparency Portal initiative, which led to their ongoing validation of all flood control projects.

Rodolfo Azurin, Independent Commission for Infrastructure Special Adviser, and DPWH Undersecretary Arthur Bisnar are leading the effort, Dizon said.

in Remulla said the former Cabinet official was already overstaying in the US and could be deported.

Remulla noted that it would be best for Bonoan to return to the country on his own accord.

In another development, Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste, who was initially slated to appear before the same Senate panel, has begged off, citing threats to his life owing to his possession of the so-called Cabral files.

In a press conference Friday, Leviste said if anything were to happen to him, the full truth behind the alleged issues involving the DPWH -- of which the late Undersecretary Catalina Cabral, after whom the files were named, was reportedly deeply involved -- would come out.

Leviste said what has so far surfaced in the media on the flood control scam is only the “tip of the iceberg,” and the public would understand why he has become a target of various personalities once he releases the files he holds.

Cabral died last December 18 after falling down a 30-meter ravine along Kennon Road in Benguet province after she was implicated in the scandal by former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo.

memorating its arrival in Cebu—and the Grand Parade and Ritual Showdown on January 18, with colorful street dancing and float processions showcasing Sinulog performances. This year’s 37 contingents are composed of 12 out-of-town representatives, eight from Cebu Province and cities, and 17 Sinulog sa Dakbayan 2026 participants.

Sinulog Origins

According to historical narratives, the Sinulog Fluvial Parade is a re-enactment of the arrival of Ferdinand Magellan and his crew in the Philippines, specifically the presentation of the Santo Niño (Child Jesus) to Queen Juana, wife of Rajah Humabon, in 1521.

The Sinulog parade on the other hand, commemorates the baptism of Rajah Humabon, Queen Juana and their

dents’ excretion with a sensor attached to the toilet.

As conventional self-checks can be unpleasant for both facility residents and staff, the new device has been well-received, it said.

Japan’s toilet industry is known for having developed a variety of products to meet changing social needs, such as bidet toilets focusing on cleanliness

Last week, Remulla said the Office of the Ombudsman had information that some suspects deliberately made the wrong coordinates.

“Iyong 421 ghost projects is much less, hindi siya 421… Noong tinitingnan namin iyong 421 ghost [projects], marami talagang improbable kaya alam namin nanggaling din sa first district [of] Bulacan iyong binago para iyan ang mangyari,” he said.

(The 421 ghost projects are much fewer—it is not 421. When we were reviewing them, many were clearly improbable, so we knew that the changes came from [DPWH] Bulacan’s first district for that to happen.).

Remulla added that it was done by Bonoan or any of the officials from the said Bulacan district.

“May nagmali talaga ng grid coordinates para hindi siya ma-geotag ng tama,” said Remulla.

(Someone really made an error in the grid coordinates so that it would not be properly geotagged.)

Sumbongsapangulo.ph is the official website for the government’s “Sumbong sa Pangulo” (Report to the President) initiative.

The former public works chief had sought to extend his stay in the US up

Philippine Ambassador to Washington Jose Manuel Romualdez also said last week that Bonoan was still in the States, but promised to return to Manila on February 15.

“We know where he is. He’s not hiding. He’s in California now and he asked for permission if he can stay for another month because his wife has eye problems,” Romualdez told radio dzBB.

Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro also said she could not speak for Bonoan when asked if the former DPWH chief made any commitment to President Marcos, because he earlier promised to come back to the Philippines last month.

Bonoan’s name surfaced again after Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson said the former DPWH chief allegedly submitted inaccurate data on flood control projects to confuse government inspections.

In December, the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) earlier recommended the filing of criminal and administrative charges against Bonoan and other former DPWH officials over a P95-million flood control project in Bocaue, Bulacan.

followers, marking the introduction of Christianity to the Philippines thus, the Santo Niño image, given by Magellan, is considered a symbol of faith and devotion and became the symbol of Christianity in the Philippines.

The Dance of Sinulog to honor the Santo Niño performed by the early Cebuanos, is an expression of gratitude and devotion. “Sinulog” comes from the Cebuano word “sulog,” meaning “like water current” describing the dance’s flowing movements.

The Sinulog dance involves two steps forward and one step back, mimicking the movement of water currents. Dancers wear colorful costumes and accessories, often depicting biblical stories or themes related to the Santo Niño.

Over time, the Sinulog evolved into a grand festival, incorporating indigenous dances and music.

and comfort after western-style lavatories became mainstream in the country, followed by water-saving designs as environmental awareness grew later.

“Products have been born out of extremely inquisitive minds,” said Tsutomu Yamada, a market analyst at Mitsubishi UFJ eSmart Securities Co., adding that the industry still has room for further expansion. Kyodo News

to February 15 to continue taking care of his wife Yolanda, Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez said last week.

“Hopefully with our interventions like satellite images, we will know for sure, since the image will not lie, right? If the coordinates are wrong, the satellite will take the wrong pictures. If correct, it will be right,” Dizon said.

This is also why the DPWH is partnering with civil society organizations -- to gain extra eyes and ears on the ground, he added.

“That’s where they will help us. Then hopefully we can validate the coordinates with correct locations then we can monitor properly,” he said.

Last week Lacson said information reaching his office showed that incorrect grid coordinates were provided for thousands of flood control projects nationwide.

“This resulted in grossly inaccurate data involving some 421 ghost projects on previously inspected flood control projects earlier reported to the public by the said department and which they are now trying to rectify by comparing the records in their multi-year planning and scheduling or MYPS, Project and Contract Management Application or

“And I’m sure when things are procedural and there’s greater clarity on the part of the House and more clear guidelines from the Supreme Court’s jurisprudence, I don’t think it’s going to affect the final result, which is to make sure that we have a strong impeachment complaint should an impeachment be filed in the House,” Acidre pointed out.

“Without conceding the pending motion for reconsideration, we will have to come up with rules that are ‘Supreme Court-proof’ and in a way cognizant with what the indications presented in the latest ruling on the third mode,” Adiong said.

“But what we can assure you is should there be any adoption of new rules covering impeachment processes and procedures, this would be in compliance,” he added.

begin to be implemented by the Department of Education, the Commission on Higher Education, and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority. These recommendations include the number of additional teachers and classrooms needed on a yearly basis.

“This allows us to determine, for each year, how many teachers and classrooms are needed in order to calculate the required budget,” Yee said.

“For the next two years, EDCOM will ensure that implementation is not l lacking,” he added.

In September 2025, EDCOM 2 reported that a shortage of 165,000 classrooms nationwide is forcing kindergarteners to attend school as early as dawn or stay home.

Yee also pointed out that repeated class suspensions due to holidays, bad weather, or extreme heat disrupt students’ education, contributing to the country’s literacy crisis.

The EDCOM II findings were mustered from scores in school-based assessment tools, such as the Early Language, Literacy, and Numeracy Assessment (ELLNA) and the National Achievement Test (NAT).

Only 30.52 percent of Grade 3 learners assessed through ELLNA were registered as “proficient and highly proficient,” while the remaining 69.48 percent scored poorly. It has since regressed as its levels fall to 0.47 percent of Grade 12 students who have aced their scores in the NAT.

PCMA,” the lawmaker explained. The inaccurate coordinates were included in submissions linked to the Sumbong sa Pangulo platform and allegedly affected the validation of hundreds of flood control projects that had earlier been publicly flagged as questionable.

According to Lacson, the submission of flawed data indicated complicity in concealing wrongdoing, regardless of assertions that Bonoan was not a central figure in the alleged corruption.

“He misled it to weaken or destroy the credibility of the claim that there are ghost flood control projects. If it fails, people will think the Sumbong sa Pangulo website is unreliable,” he said.

The senator warned that if the data on the presidential complaints platform were shown to be unreliable, public confidence in the entire investigation into anomalous flood control projects could be undermined.

The issue, he said, may also explain why Bonoan previously challenged the accuracy of data on a flood control project in Mindoro during earlier Senate proceedings.

“That is why he kept saying the grid coordinates were wrong, because in his mind he knew he had falsified them,” Lacson said.

Solon says complaint may extend Barzaga suspension

By Rio N. Araja

SHOULD another ethics complaint be filed against suspended Cavite Rep. Francisco Barzaga, his suspension could be extended beyond its original end date, Tingog party-list Rep. Jude Acidre said.

Acidre said Barzaga’s current suspension is set to last until early February, but subsequent actions during the suspension period could warrant another complaint.

Congress may consider Barzaga’s conduct following the imposition of the penalty as a possible new violation that could justify fresh proceedings and a longer suspension, Acidre said.

The possibility of a second complaint emerged as Antipolo City Rep. Ronaldo Puno called for stronger action, including Barzaga’s expulsion, citing his continued public statements and social media posts.

Businessman Enrique Razon earlier filed two counts of cyberlibel against Barzaga over allegations of bribery involving House lawmakers, while Acidre said he heard the National Unity Party, chaired by Puno, is preparing to file an ethics complaint.

DSWD says AICS will serve 3.9m under defunded AKAP

By Rio N. Araja

WITH a P63.8-billion budget this year, the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program will serve the 3.9 million clients of the now-defunded Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita (AKAP) program, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said over the weekend.

DSWD Crisis Intervention Program director Edwin Morata said in a Facebook post that there

ASEAN PREP. DFA Undersecretary

Maria Hellen B. Dela Vega delivers the keynote address as the ASEAN National Organizing Committee activates the JTGEPR and accredits disaster response units, underscoring the AFP’s commitment to a safe and successful ASEAN 2026. Richard Carmelotes

ICC witness call shows case now moving forward, says lawyer

THE International Criminal Court’s (ICC) call for witnesses to provide information on the Philippine government’s antidrug campaign shows the case is progressing and does not signal weak evidence, a lawyer assisting families of victims said.

Speaking on radio on Sunday, ICC assistant to counsel

Kristina Conti rejected claims that prosecutors lack evidence against former president Rodrigo Duterte, who is in ICC custody in The Hague.

Conti said the appeal for witnesses reflects the ICC’s thorough investigative process and serves as an opportunity for others with information to come forward. She added that evidence already exists, noting that a confirmation of charges hearing had been scheduled before it was postponed over defense concerns about Duterte’s fitness to proceed.

Conti said thousands of pieces of evidence have been exchanged and that about 100 witness names have been submitted, while Duterte’s defense has criticized the public witness appeal as inconsistent with adversarial proceedings.

is sufficient funding under AICS to accommodate former AKAP beneficiaries, including the

issuance of guarantee letters for qualified clients.

“These 3.9 million people will be part of AICS this year. They are all undergoing a crisis, such as needing medicines or hospitalization. If they are removed, they may feel they have nowhere else to go, but AICS remains available,” Morata said in a radio interview.

AKAP was implemented as a 2-year program in 2024 and assisted 3.9 million Filipinos in 2025 alone, disbursing ₱24 billion nationwide

for medical, burial, transportation, and food assistance, as well as guarantee letters. Morata said integrating AKAP beneficiaries into AICS ensures aid is properly targeted, noting that past cash assistance was sometimes not used for its intended purpose. He added that AICS has expanded partnerships with hospitals, pharmacies, therapy centers, supermarkets, and transport firms, with strict non-partisanship enforced in issuing guarantee letters.

Cardinal Advincula urges faithful to face truths

By Vito Barcelo

AMID continuing hardships faced by many Filipinos, Manila

Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula on Sunday urged the faithful to remain open to painful and difficult truths, saying genuine devotion requires growth, courage, and concern for others.

Speaking during the Feast of the Santo Niño at the Santo Niño de

Pandacan Parish, Advincula said the Child Jesus did not remain a child but grew to face suffering and sacrifice in fulfilling his mission.

He said true devotion to the Santo Niño must go beyond ritual and be expressed through responsibility toward those bearing the heaviest burdens, including the poor, the hungry, the sick, persons deprived of liberty, and the homeless.

The archbishop called on the

faithful to actively uplift the weak and marginalized in their communities, stressing that faith must be reflected in compassion and concrete action.

The Mass was held at the Sto. Niño de Pandacan Parish, where devotion remains strong despite a devastating fire in 2020, as hundreds of devotees joined the procession while the community continues rebuilding its church.

IN BRIEF

Cops arrest suspects over fake appliances

CRIMINAL Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Director Maj. Gen. Robert Alexander Morico II on Sunday, January 18, reported the arrest of five individuals for allegedly selling substandard appliances in Bocaue, Bulacan.

Morico said the suspects included “Yibian,” a Chinese national and warehouse manager, and four employees identified as Jonalyn, Arjelyn, Josias, and Generose, all residents of Bulacan.

The arrests stemmed from the implementation of search warrants on January 14, 2026, from 1:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in two warehouses along Narra Street, Barangay Taal.

CIDG operatives seized about 12,000 boxes of TIXX-branded appliances lacking mandatory Department of Trade and Industry labeling, in violation of the Consumer Act of the Philippines.

The confiscated items, valued at P43.7 million, included stoves, air fryers, water dispensers, heaters, vacuum cleaners, and air coolers, with the CIDG stressing its mandate to protect consumers from unsafe products.

Vince Lopez

PNP,

PDEA destroy marijuana plantations

THE Philippine National Police (PNP), in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), destroyed 37 marijuana plantations in Barangay Licungan, Sugpon, Ilocos Sur on January 17.

The operation, which lasted from early afternoon until near midnight, involved units from the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 1, PDEA Region 1, and local police.

Authorities uncovered cultivation sites spanning more than 32,000 square meters, yielding over 156,000 fully grown marijuana plants, 93,680 seedlings, and 96 kilos of dried marijuana. All plants were uprooted and destroyed on site after proper inventory and documentation, with samples preserved for laboratory examination.

Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the operation disrupted the illegal drug supply at its source and vowed sustained monitoring to prevent replanting. Vince Lopez PNP nabs two Indians for Las Piñas robbery

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) reported the arrest of two Indian nationals involved in a robbery in Las Piñas City following a swift pursuit on January 16.

Operatives from the Daniel Fajardo Sub-Station responded to a report of a hold-up in Villa Fidela Subdivision, Barangay Elias Aldana, at around 12:54 p.m. Police said the suspects, aged 27 and 33, allegedly robbed a fellow Indian national of a cellphone worth P73,000 and P10,000 in cash. Using the stolen phone’s GPS, officers tracked and apprehended the suspects, recovering a motorcycle, helmets, and a red jacket used in the crime.

Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez

HOLY CHILD. Believers lift images of the Santo Niño to seek blessings during Mass honoring its feast at a church in Tondo, Manila on January 18. The Feast of the Santo Niño is celebrated annually in parts of the country, including Manila and Cebu. Norman Cruz

Marcos approves expansions of Tanauan, Iloilo ecozones

IN BRIEF

at P141 million, another 30 sacks of footwear accessories estimated at P39 million, one injector machine worth P2.5 million, and three sets of molding machines valued at P14.2 million, for a total of P196.7 million. Arrested during the raid were three Chinese nationals who have been placed under the custody of the CIDG Regional Field Unit (RFU) 3, while the confiscated items were turned over to the appropriate authorities for proper handling.

In the Pampanga operation, the CIDG team also arrested a Chinese national following the seizure of counterfeit Crocs slippers estimated at P513.2 million and a molding machine worth P4.75 million, from a warehouse located at an industrial park in Barangay San Pablo Libutad, San Simon town. Vince Lopez

TWO former inmates, also called persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) travelled more than 10 hours from the Bicol Region just to attend their alumni homecoming on Fridaty, Jan. 16, at of the University of Perpetual Help Bilibid Extension School in Muntinlupa City, Metro Manila.

The two ex-PDLs, identified only as Ted of Legaspi, Albay, and Pedro from Sorsogon, have since regained their freedom and started life anew using their academic knowledge obtained from the special Perpetual Help school. Ted, now 63, has set up his own soapmaking business in Legaspi, while Pedro is currently a duly-licensed full-time teacher in Sorsogon. More than 31 graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship from the school inside the national penjtentiary attended their reunion, mostly all of them having a

By Katrina Manubay

PRESIDENT Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. has approved the creation of new economic zones in which are actually expansions of existing ones in Tanauan City and Iloilo City to boost investment and regional development.

The approval was embodied in Proclamations No. 1127 and 1128 signed by acting Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, designating four lots in the barangays Pagaspas and Trapiche in Tanauan City, Batangas, to be ceded to the existing First Industrial Township–Special Economic Zone.

tion Technology Park known as Atria Gardens, an ecozone covering 49,569 sqm of land along Donato Pison Ave. in Barangay San Rafael, Mandurriao District, Iloilo City.

The Iloilo City ecozone was previously established under Republic Act No. 7916, as amended by Republic Act No. 8748, following a recommendation from the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA).

PEAC guarantees integrity of SHS voucher program

THE Private Education Assistance Committee (PEAC) has ensured strong safeguards to protect public funds and promote the integrity of the Senior High School (SHS) Voucher Program.

“The integrity of the SHS Voucher Program is a non-negotiable for us,” said PEAC executive director Doris Ferrer in a statement on Tuesday.

“We have clear systems, validation processes, and monitoring mechanisms to ensure that vouchers are properly used and that any concerns are addressed immediately,” she said.

The PEAC, according to Ferrer, has been in close coordination with the Department of Education (DepED), and validates voucher grantees through its Voucher Management System and cross-checks records with DepEd’s Learner Information System (LIS) before processing any billing.

“We do not process billing documents unless schools have been cleared from the previous school year,” Ferrer said.

“When issues are identified, refunds are required. And when necessary, sanctions such as suspension or termination from the program are imposed on erring participating schools,” she added.

PEAC also recommended requiring quality assurance to ensure SHS providers deliver for eligible learners. Ferrer emphasized that PEAC works closely with DepEd in handling cases and strengthening program policies.

“We remain fully committed to transparency, accountability, and protecting the welfare of our learners,” she said. “Our role is to ensure that the voucher program continues to serve students while safeguarding public trust.”

The expanded ecozone in Tanauan City covers a total land area of 55,859 square meters (sqm), strategically located near the CALABARZON Road and the San Juan River.

In the same fashion, Proclamation No. 1128 creates the Informa-

“The establishment and expansion of these economic zones are expected to attract more investments, generate employment, and contribute to sustained economic growth in the regions,” the Presidential Communications Office said in a press statement.

Meanwhile, the President also signed last Dec. 16, Proclamation No. 1112 establishing designating multiple lots along National Road, Purok 9, in Barangays Cabug and Maanas in the municipality of Medina, Misamis Oriental, as an AgroIndustrial Economic Zone called the Alloco Development Corp. Industrial Estate.

By Vito Barcelo

THE Bureau of Immigration has on Saturday deported a Russian vlogger after months of detention in Manila over a series of viral harassment incidents that drew public outrage in the domestic front.

The BI said the deportee, Vitaly Zdorovetskiy, left onboard IrAero flight bound for Irkutsk, ending his detention following his arrest last April for harassing Filipinos in upscale Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Taguig City.

Zdorovetskiy was collared by BI operatives after videos went viral showing him committing unlawful acts of public disturbance at the BGC.

The Russian national is known for

posting prank videos on social media.

In the Philippines, he recorded himself harassing a security guard, cursing at a Filipina wearing a face mask, stealing a heavy-duty electric fan, and hijacking a tricycle that later crashed into a parked jeepney.

During inquest proceedings, Zdorovetskiy admitted to his misdeeds. He was detained at the Immigration jail inside Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig, after his application for bail was denied.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said Zdorovetskiy’s name has been placed on the bureau’s blacklist, barring his return to the Philippines.

“The country warmly receives guests from all nations, but respect for our laws is non-negotiable,” Viado said.

PEAC consisted of the presidents of the Association of Christian Schools, Colleges and Universities (ACSCU), the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP), the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities (PACU), and PEAC regional program directors nationwide.

To date, approximately 6.7 million learners have benefited from the voucher program since its launch in December 2014.

embassy

offers help

for Filipinos amid Seoul blaze

THE Philippine Embassy in South Korea on Saturday called on Filipinos who might have been affected by two separate fire incidents in Seoul to immediately contact the embassy for assistance.

In an advisory, the embassy conveyed condolences to all individuals and families affected by the incidents.

“The Embassy of the Philippines extends its sympathies to all individuals and families affected by these two separate fire incidents,” the advisory read.

The embassy also urged everyone to remain vigilant and exercise caution in the aftermath of the blaze.

On Friday, Jan. 17, a major structural fire in a blighted area of the upmarket Gangnam district of southern Seoul prompted the force evacuation 47 people.

Meanwhile, two firefighters died as some 200 residents fled their homes in eight villages as the blaze swept Sancheong County, South Gyeongsang province. Katrina Manubay

SIKHAYAN FESTIVAL. Santa Rosa City in Laguna explodes with colors and vibrancy in celebration of its 27th Sikhayan Festival drawing

OPINION

The poor always pay

DUE to persistent rains in the mountain areas of Cebu City, the garbage landfill operated by a private contractor collapsed, and buried scores of people under tons of society’s refuse.

The barangay where the landslide of garbage occurred is called Binaliw.

The landfill is operated by Prime Integrated Waste Solutions, Inc. which is part of Prime Infrastructure of the Razon multibillion business empire, which began with port operations, then gambling casinos, later electric power and water services, and now garbage.

We are writing this article when more than 20 people have been found dead, and a dozen more workers are being unearthed from a mountain of garbage which cascaded into the Binaliw landfill site.

Only the poor engage in the “dirty” work of garbage collection, sorting and other activities in refuse management. In Binaliw, it is the poor who paid with their lives.

I was a member of Pres. Estrada’s Cabinet as presidential adviser on political affairs and general manager of the Philippine Tourism Authority when in July 2000, what happened in Binaliw also occurred in Payatas, the garbage dump used by most Metro Manila cities.

Payatas is just a few kilometers off the Batasang Pambansa where our legislators craft laws that are supposed to protect the people.

200 perished in that garbage slide in Payatas, including women and children who eked a livelihood out of scavenging, like that young basurero from Tondo, Isko Moreno, who at a very young age, scoured through garbage to earn a few bucks to support himself and his mother.

A year before the Payatas incident, Congress passed RA 8749, also called the Clean Air Act which, in trying to protect us from toxicity in the air, forbade waste incineration.

I wondered then, with the quantum leaps in technology and the worldwide demand for a clean environment, what if years after RA 8749, state-of-the-art waste incineration facilities were developed?

I asked the president why we should outlaw incineration when technology might develop a clean alternative in the future, yet he signed the bill into law anyway.

After the Philippine Tourism Authority was done with supplying Boracay with clean water piped under the sea from mainland Aklan, we next worked on the wastewater treatment facility for the island.

I went to Japan to look at technologies for solid waste management.

I visited two incineration facilities that generated electric power out of solid waste, without toxic smoke being spewed from its plants.

But that required segregating household waste, which is supposed to be made ob-

ligatory by our LGUs. If I recall right, only Marikina mayors Bayani and Marides Fernando implemented a successful waste segregation program for their city.

And so, we have landfill after landfill -- in Montalban and elsewhere in the country, to include Binaliw upon Cebu City. Incidents like Payatas and Binaliw will be replicated in other parts of the country, and all government does after is to give “ayuda” to the bereaved families of the victims but do nothing thereafter.

If the masterminds and their accomplices are ever charged in court, why, they just pay up, because in this country, only the poor pay

They are poor, anyway. And the poor always pay, for the callousness of officials with unlimited greed, as in ghost and substandard flood control that contributed more to flooding.

The rich and the scandalized upper middle class threw out Joseph Estrada for accepting money from jueteng operators, but that was not about government funds. No one died while betting on jueteng, whether operated by Atong Ang or rival Bong Pineda, or chief collector Chavit Singson during Erap’s time.

Jueteng, a “victimless” crime, caused Erap’s downfall. But flood control now, with deadly consequences, has yet to get a big fish hooked.

Always, it is the poor who pay -- losing their long-saved for appliances and furniture, while suffering unbearable living conditions due to floods.

But over and above the loss of possessions, many lives were lost, never to be regained.

A few hundreds in the greater Manila area to include neighboring provinces like Bulacan, almost two hundred in Cebu and Negros when Typhoon Tino struck, others elsewhere in the benighted land -- dead.

The greedy “proponents” buy Rolls Royce wheels and private planes, or houses in Forbes Park, hotels and resorts even, designer bags and atrociously expensive, but tastelessly crafted Richard Mille’s, otherwise called Reloj ng Magnanakaw. And if the masterminds and their accomplices are ever charged in court, why, they just pay up, because in this country, only the poor pay.

It’s not all about speed

WHEN Filipinos complain about internet service, the first thing they usually mention is speed.

We often hear the rant “Ang bagal!” But what frustrates people most is not a low number on a speed test.

It’s when video calls drop mid-meeting, mobile data weakens or disappears in the commute, e-payments fail at the counter, or mobile signals down during storms.

That’s why quality of service should be about reliability and consistency, not just numbers on a speed test app.

This point is reinforced by a Jan. 2025 GSMA study, “Towards Better Mobile Quality of Service in Asia Pacific: Assessing the Role of Regulation.” GSMA is a global industry body for the mobile sector that works with operators and governments on connectivity and policy.

The report maintains that good network service must be a shared priority of both operators and policymakers, and that a fixation on speed targets can miss what users actually need.

A practical example: the study notes that streaming high-definition video generally needs only around 5–10 Mbps.

Many everyday online activities and even video streaming will work fine at about 10 Mbps. So, the goal shouldn’t be “as fast as possible” everywhere.

The goal should be “fast enough, most of the time,” with fewer dropouts, fewer dead spots, and smoother service during busy hours.

The report also explains, in plain terms, why “quality” is more than speed.

Quality of service is whether the net-

work can support basic needs like calls, messages, and data. Quality of experience is how people feel using it. A connection can be “fast” but still feel terrible if it’s unstable, keeps buffering, or falters in crowded places.

This is especially relevant to the Philippines. Responsive regulations aren’t limited to policing telcos. The study reminds governments that spectrum decisions, taxes and fees, and policies that slow down tower and fiber builds can all shape service quality— sometimes more than any speed mandate.

That’s why quality of service should be about reliability and consistency, not just numbers on a speed test app

We’re an archipelago with dense cities, far-flung islands, mountain terrain, and frequent typhoons. Service quality is shaped by more than operator effort: typhoons, floods, power outages, fiber cuts and theft, right-of-way delays, and local permitting barriers all affect the expansions of quality connectivity infrastructure.

The regional numbers also matter. In ASEAN, which includes the Philippines, average mobile data use per connection was about 12 GB per month in 2023 and

Let facts lead, not speculation

NIANY any public controversy, restraint matters as much as resolve.

Allegations deserve scrutiny—but only when they are anchored on evidence, not inference.

Contractor Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya has now plainly denied claims that he served as a “front” for former House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez in the alleged purchase of a luxury property in Makati City.

His statement was straightforward: he has seen Romualdez only once at a public event and has never spoken to him.

That denial is significant—especially because it comes from the very person whose name has repeatedly been invoked to imply a hidden link. Discaya did not stop there.

Despite being detained at the Senate in connection with the flood control controversy, he said he is even willing to “own up” to the Makati property—even if it is not true—so it can be reviewed by the Anti-Money Laundering Council.

He insisted he has nothing to hide and welcomed scrutiny based on

records and due process.

Earlier, Romualdez had already denied any involvement in the alleged transaction, with his counsel stating that the claim lacks factual basis and documentary support.

To date, no deed of sale, title, bank trail, or sworn testimony has been presented to connect him to the property or to Discaya’s dealings.

It should prompt critics to pause, recalibrate, and return to the fundamentals: facts first, documents second, conclusions last

Yet some critics continue to press the narrative—often repeating insinuations without presenting concrete proof. This is where caution is needed. Investigations are meant to clarify facts, not to amplify conjecture. Public discourse benefits when

questions are pursued responsibly and conclusions are drawn only after evidence is weighed.

The Senate inquiry remains a proper forum for truth-seeking, and all sides should be given the chance to be heard.

At the same time, fairness requires that individuals not be implicated by association alone.

Names should not be dragged into controversies simply because they are politically prominent or convenient targets.

If there is evidence linking Romualdez to the alleged property purchase or to any irregularity in flood control projects, it should be presented clearly and under oath.

If there is none, then continuing to imply wrongdoing serves no one— not the public, not accountability, and not the institutions tasked with upholding both.

At this point, Discaya’s categorical denial removes a key pillar of speculation.

It should prompt critics to pause, recalibrate, and return to the fundamentals: facts first, documents second, conclusions last. That is how credibility is preserved—and how justice is best served.

NATO chief’s tactic on Trump’s Greenland threats? Change topic

BRUSSELS – US President Donald Trump’s demands to take over NATO ally Denmark’s territory Greenland have thrust alliance chief Mark Rutte into an uncomfortable position.

His strategy for now: say as little as possible and try to change the subject.

Facing warnings the crisis could tear the 76-year-old military alliance apart, the former Dutch premier has sought to keep himself and NATO out of the fray.

Instead, he’s tried to deflect Trump’s desires by stubbornly focusing on joint efforts to boost Arctic security, dodged tricky questions and even kept on praising the US leader.

That approach hasn’t always gone down too well.

At a meeting with members of the European Parliament this week Rutte was repeatedly put on the spot.

“Allow me to address you as the guy who’s looking after all of us,” said agitated Danish lawmaker Stine Bosse.

“Please give us an indication of what this alliance can do if two countries within the alliance cannot agree?”

Rutte, however, remained unfazed.

“My role as secretary general, I’m very clear -- I never ever comment when there are discussions within the alliance,” he stonewalled. “You work behind the scenes.”

The alliance chief insisted his energy was squarely on making sure NATO was doing enough to protect the Arctic -- a key justification in Trump’s rationale for wanting Greenland.

“I believe there is a bigger issue at stake here, and that is the defence of the high north, the defence of the Arctic area,” Rutte said.

He then went even further and repeated his argument that Trump has in fact made NATO’s alliance stronger by forcing others to spend more on defence.

“I know you will all hate me now saying this, but this is what I believe,” he said.

‘Keep the Americans onboard’

is projected to rise to 44 GB by 2030. As people use more video, work apps, and digital payments, and AI, the pressure on networks grows. Users will care less about peak speed and more about steady performance when everyone is online.

A key insight of the study is that strict, strict quality rules—often built around speed targets—have shown little evidence of improving real-world performance across the region.

In some cases, they raise compliance costs and push spending toward monitoring and reporting, instead of network upgrades and coverage expansion. Even harsh penalties can backfire by discouraging investment.

That doesn’t mean “no regulation.” It means smarter regulation. The report urges regulators to work closely with operators and other stakeholders when setting benchmarks, and to consider factors outside op-

That sangfroid is a large part of the reason why Rutte is in the job.

Billed as a “Trump-whisperer”, he is one of a handful of European leaders who have been able to win the ear of the unpredictable US president.

The wily political operator converted the goodwill into a major success at NATO’s summit this summer by securing a landmark spending deal that kept Trump happy.

Among diplomats at the alliance’s headquarters, there is a general understanding of Rutte’s low-key approach.

Facing warnings the crisis could tear the 76-year-old military alliance apart, the former Dutch premier has sought to keep himself and NATO out of the fray

“It’s difficult for Rutte to take the lead here as he has to keep the alliance together and keep the Americans onboard,” said Jamie Shea, a former senior NATO official now with Chatham House think tank.

“He can’t take the European side against Washington.”

While some European leaders like Denmark’s Mette Frederiksen and France’s Emmanuel Macron have been more outspoken -- the concrete steps taken so far have focused on reinforcing NATO’s position in Greenland and the Arctic.

Copenhagen has sent more troops to the island and other European powers have dispatched personnel as a possible prelude to a bigger NATO deployment.

erator control before imposing targets and sanctions. Consumer-focused tools can often do more good such as simple service comparison tools, and responsive complaint channels that actually lead to fixes. We also have to be realistic about digital infrastructure investments. Telcos and ISPs work within internal capital budgets. They are not bottomless wells of funding that can build everything, everywhere, all at once. If policy piles on costly compliance while deployment hurdles remain, the public pays twice: through poorer service today and slower improvements tomorrow. Government has a role beyond regulating. A hybrid strategy—public investment paired with private rollout—has worked in many countries.

Government funding can help with backbone links, shared facilities, and last-mile connectivity in hard-to-serve areas, while

Shea said Rutte needs to hammer out the details for a potential NATO mission in the Arctic and get Trump to agree to it as a possible part of the solution.

“He needs to work behind the scenes quickly but quietly to sell the idea to the US,” Shea said.

‘Silver bullet’ The furore over Greenland comes at a delicate time as Europe grapples with Trump’s push to end Russia’s war in Ukraine. After months of nudging, Washington finally seems to have drawn closer to Kyiv’s position -- but any progress is fragile. Meanwhile NATO itself is eyeing a potentially combustible summit with Trump in Turkey this summer where allies will have to show him they’re making good on the vow to spend more.

“Rutte knows that if he fails now he could get burnt and lose his capital with Trump,” a senior NATO diplomat told AFP.

“He wanted to save his silver bullet for Ukraine, but maybe now will have to try to manufacture another one for Greenland.” But if Trump does eventually press ahead with his threats against Greenland, possibly even resorting to force, the NATO chief may not have an option but to intervene more forcefully.

“Rutte still has a responsibility, which is to decide when he thinks it is most appropriate to chip in,” said Camille Grand, another former senior NATO official.

“At the moment, he says he is not getting involved in disputes between member states. That may work for now, but at some point he risks being caught up in it”. The man himself appears to be unperturbed.

“I’m thoroughly enjoying the role and the job,” he said, when an EU lawmaker asked if he feared being the last NATO secretary general.

“I was not planning to quit already, but I’m sure there will be a successor someday.” AFP

operators focus on expansion, upgrading, and operating networks efficiently. Done right, this reduces bottlenecks and raises quality where the market alone struggles.

For broadband operators, the message is simple: service quality is paramount. Resilient networks, backup power, better capacity planning, and honest communication during outages matter as much as speed claims.

For regulators, the goal should be to protect consumers by making service more reliable, and not just chasing the highest speed number.

In the end, broadband speed still matters—but it’s only part of the story.

For Filipinos trying to work, study, do business, and stay connected, real quality means a network that works when it matters most.

IN BRIEF

NASA moves moon rocket to launch pad

UNITED STATES – NASA on Saturday (Sunday, Manila time) rolled out its towering SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft as it began preparations for its first crewed mission to the Moon in more than 50 years.

The maneuver, which takes up to 12 hours, will allow the US space agency to begin a string of tests for the Artemis 2 mission, which could blast off as early as February 6.

The immense orange and white Space Launch System rocket and the Orion vessel were slowly wheeled out of the Vehicle Assembly Building at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, and painstakingly moved four miles (6.5 kilometers) to Launch Pad 39B.

If the tests are all satisfactory, three Americans and one Canadian will head to the Moon sometime between February 6 and the end of April -- they will not land, but instead fly around Earth’s satellite. The mission -- which would last about 10 days -- would be a huge step towards Americans once again setting foot on the lunar surface, a goal announced by President Donald Trump in his first term. AFP

Thousands in France march for Iranian protesters

PARIS – Thousands of people rallied in France on Saturday in a show of support for demonstrators in Iran risking their lives to demand an end to theocratic rule.

The protests in Iran over past weeks are the largest since the “Woman, Life, Freedom” street movement in 2022-2023, sparked by the death in custody of an Iranian Kurdish woman arrested for allegedly not following a required dress code.

“Woman, Life, Freedom,” chanted marchers in the French capital, some holding portraits of deceased Iranian protesters.

“Death to Khamenei,” cried some, in reference to 86-year-old supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Galia, a 36-year-old woman who did not give her surname to protect her family, said she felt hopeful -- despite “the repression, the torture, the fear, the upcoming executions” in Iran. AFP

Trump threatens Europe with tariffs

PALM BEACH – US President Donald Trump on Saturday escalated his quest to acquire Greenland, threatening multiple European nations with tariffs of up to 25 percent until he achieves his goal of controlling the Danish territory.

Trump’s threats came as thousands of people protested in the capital of Greenland against his wish to acquire the mineral-rich island at the gateway to the Arctic.

Thousands more protested in Copenhagen and other Danish cities.

The US president aimed his ire at Denmark, a fellow NATO member, as well as several other European countries that have deployed troops in recent days

to the vast autonomous territory with a population of 57,000.

If realized, Trump’s threats against Washington’s NATO partners would create unprecedented tension within the alliance.

From February 1, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland would be subject to a 10-percent tariff on all goods sent to the United States,

Trump said on his Truth Social platform.

“On June 1st, 2026, the Tariff will be increased to 25%. This Tariff will be due and payable until such time as a Deal is reached for the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland,” he wrote.

“These Countries, who are playing this very dangerous game, have put a level of risk in play that is not tenable or sustainable,” Trump said.

“Therefore, it is imperative that, in order to protect Global Peace and Security, strong measures be taken so that this potentially perilous situation end quickly, and without question.”

Trump added that he was “immediately open to negotiation with Denmark and/or any of these Countries.”

at the gateway to the

Iran leader wants crackdown on ‘seditionists’

PARIS – Iran’s supreme leader said during the weekend authorities “must break the back of the seditionists,”, whom he accused of killing thousands during the wave of protests that were brutally repressed in the country.

China has for

to relocate its embassy, currently in the British capital’s upmarket Marylebone district, to the sprawling historic site in the shadow of the Tower of London. The move has sparked fierce opposition from nearby residents, rights groups and critics of China’s ruling Communist Party. AFP

der an internet blackout that has lasted more than a week.

Schools were set to resume Sunday, the ISNA news agency said, following a one-week closure, with postponed university exams set to be held in a week.

Denmark called Trump’s announcement a “surprise,” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said it was “completely wrong,” and French President Emmanuel Macron added: “Tariff threats are unacceptable and have no place in this context.”

“We won’t let ourselves be intimidated,” Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson told AFP, adding that the governments involved were working on a joint response. In a statement, European Union leaders said the bloc “stands in full solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland.” An extraordinary meeting of EU ambassadors has been

JERUSALEM – Israel said during the weekend it objected to the line-up of a Gaza panel that will operate under US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace, which oversees post-war governance in the Palestinian territory. The panel, known as the Gaza executive board, notably includes Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and a Qatari official and was announced by the White House on Friday.

The Board of Peace began to take shape on Saturday as the leaders of Egypt, Turkey, Argentina and Canada were asked to join.

Trump had already declared himself the chair of the

The US

Board of

Marco

just as it broke the back of the sedition,” supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei told supporters during a televised address.

his

also named to

of

former British

minister Tony Blair, and

negotiators Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff -- most of whom are also on the Gaza executive board.

MAKASSAR, Indonesia – Rescuers on Sunday found the debris from a small plane that went missing in eastern Indonesia, but have yet to locate the 10 passengers who were on board, officials said. The Indonesian Air Transport turboprop plane lost contact with the air traffic controller on Saturday afternoon while en route from Yogyakarta to the city of Makassar in Sulawesi Island.

Among the debris, the joint search and rescue team found what is believed to be “the fuselage, the tail section, and the windows”, head of Makassar search and rescue agency, Muhammad Arif Anwar, said at a press briefing. A rescue unit was also deployed by air to search for the missing passengers, Arif said.

“Our current priority is locating victims, and we hope there are still some we can evacuate in a safe condition,” Arif added. The plane crashed into Mount Bulusaraung in Bantimurung-Bulusaraung National Park, which borders the city of Makassar, Arif said.

The search on land and by air involved more than 1,000 people including members of the air force, police and volunteers.

Local military chief, Bangun Nawoko, told reporters that rescue efforts were hindered by harsh terrain and fog.

Three government workers from the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries were among those on board, along with seven crew members.

Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono said they had been on a mission to conduct aerial monitoring of resources in the area. AFP

The demonstrations were sparked by anger over economic hardship that exploded into the biggest protests against the Islamic republic in more than three years. But demonstrations have subsided after the crackdown that rights groups say left thousands of people dead un-

Authorities have said demonstrations they condemn as “riots” had been controlled and calm returned, with statealigned media reporting thousands of arrests.

“By God’s grace, the Iranian nation must break the back of the seditionists

Syrian army extends hold over North Syria; Kurds report clashes

DEIR HAFER, Syria – Syria’s army took control of swathes of the country’s north during the weekend, dislodging Kurdish forces from territory over which they held effective autonomy for more than a decade.

The government appeared to be extending its grip on parts of the country under Kurdish control a day after President Ahmed al-Sharaa issued a decree declaring Kurdish a “national language” and granting the minority group official recognition.

The Kurds have said the announcement fell short of their aspirations.

The army moved forward after implementation of a March deal -- intended to see Kurdish forces integrated into the state -- stalled. Government troops drove Kurdish forces from two Aleppo neighbourhoods last week and on Saturday took control of an area east of the city.

Also Saturday, the Syrian army entered Tabqa in Raqa province and drove Kurdish fighters from the city’s military airport, the official SANA news agency reported. Authorities also announced the capture of two oil fields in the area.

An AFP correspondent in Deir Hafer, some 50 kilometres (30 miles) east of Aleppo city, saw several fighters from the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) leaving the town and residents returning under heavy army presence.

Syria’s army said four soldiers had been killed, while Kurdish forces reported several fighters dead. Both sides traded blame for violating a withdrawal deal.

Kurdish authorities ordered a curfew in the Raqa region after the army designated a swathe of territory southwest of the Euphrates River a “closed military zone”, warning it would target what it said were several military sites. AFP

“We do not intend to lead the country to war, but we will not spare domestic criminals,” he added, saying “international criminals” were “worse”. He added that “agents... murdered a few thousand people. They murdered some with the utmost inhumanity, meaning pure savagery” -- seemingly his first admission that thousands had died. AFP

On Saturday, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: “The announcement regarding the composition of the Gaza Executive Board, which is subordinate to the Board of Peace, was not coordinated with Israel and runs contrary to its policy.”

“The Prime Minister has instructed the Foreign Affairs Minister to contact the US Secretary of State on this matter.” The moves came after the Palestinian committee of technocrats tasked with governing Gaza under the oversight of the Board of Peace began held its first meeting in Cairo, attended by Kushner. AFP Hundreds

explosions could be heard throughout the day, an AFP journalist on the scene reported. Haitian police say they hope to “regain control of the capital in the short term” thanks to a series of “intensive operations” carried out since the end of December.

“We

‘MAKE AMEIRCA GO AWAY. ‘ This aerial view taken by Mads Schmidt Rasmussen and handed out by Arctic Creative shows people as they take part in a demonstration that gathered almost a third of the city population to protest against the US President’s plans to take Greenland, during the weekend in Nuuk, Greenland. US President Donald Trump escalated his quest to acquire Greenland, threatening multiple European nations with tariffs of up to 25 percent until his purchase of the Danish territory is achieved. Trump’s threats came as thousands of people protested in the capital of Greenland against his wish to acquire the mineral-rich island

Arctic. AFP

Zverev bucks shaky start to win; Alcaraz enters fray

MELBOURNE—

Alexander Zverev overcame a shaky start before reaching the second round on Sunday’s first day of the Australian Open, as topranked Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka get set to enter the fray.

Also in action later at a hot and sunny Melbourne is 45-year-old Venus Williams, who will become the oldest woman ever at the Grand Slam.

Well beaten in last year’s final by Jannik Sinner, the third seed Zverev threatened to implode in losing the first set to Canada’s 41st-ranked Gabriel Diallo on a tie-break.

But the 28-year-old recovered from the shock

to win 6-7 (1/7), 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 on Rod Laver Arena and next meets home player Alexei Popyrin or Alexandre Muller of France.

“Definitely when I saw the draw I was not too happy,” Zverev said on court of facing 24-yearold Diallo. “He is someone very young, talented and unbelievably aggressive.”

Asked how he reset from his first-set wobble, Zverev said: “I was thinking it can’t get worse than that.”

Also safely through was seventh-seeded Italian Jasmine Paolini as she outclassed Belarusian qualifier Aliaksandra Sasnovich 6-1, 6-2.

Elina Svitolina, the Ukrainian 12th seed, eased past Cristina Bucsa of Spain 6-4, 6-1.

But the seeds did not have it all their own way, with British qualifier Arthur Fery scoring an upset by taking down 20th seed Flavio Cobolli of Italy, 7-6 (7/1), 6-4, 6-1.

Ukraine’s 26th seed Dayana Yastremska was another surprise casualty, losing 6-4, 7-5 to Ro-

Wembanyama scores 39 as Spurs defeat Timberwolves

LOS ANGELES—Victor Wembanyama scored 39 points as the San Antonio Spurs overcame a magical career-high 55-point display from Anthony Edwards to defeat the Minnesota Timberwolves 126-123 in the NBA on Saturday.

French prodigy Wembanyama was backed by 25 points from De’Aaron Fox in a high-scoring heavyweight duel against the Edwards-inspired Timberwolves.

Minnesota had clawed their way back from a 25-point halftime deficit, with Edwards leading an astonishing second half fightback that included 26 points in the fourth quarter as the Timberwolves edged into a 119-118 lead with just over a minute remaining.

But Wembanyama and Fox reasserted themselves down the stretch, and the Spurs hung on for a win that sees them improve to 28-13 to remain second in the West.

Fox said the hard-fought nature of the San Antonio win would stand them in good stead in the later stages of the season.

“We’re playing in a lot of grind it out games, not just blowing teams out,” Fox said. “That does help you in the long run of being used to playing in games like this.

mania’s Elena-Gabriela Ruse.

Later, Spain’s Alcaraz embarks on his bid to make a slice of history.

He has won the US Open, Wimbledon and French Open, but the Melbourne Park crown is the one Grand Slam missing from his impressive resume.

The furthest the world number one has gone at the opening major of the year is the quarter-finals and he has made it clear that dethroning rival Sinner as champion is his main aim for 2026.

If he does so, the 22-year-old would surpass compatriot Rafael Nadal to become the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam, which is winning all four majors.

“I’m just hungry for the title, hungry to do a really good result here,” said the six-time major winner.

“I’m just getting ready as much as I can. I’m really excited about the tournament beginning.” AFP

Raducanu says Aussie Open schedule ‘does not make sense’

MELBOURNE—Former US Open champion Emma Raducanu has criticized the scheduling at the Australian Open starting Sunday, saying “it does not make sense”.

The 2021 winner at Flushing Meadows begins her Melbourne campaign in the last match of the first day on Margaret Court Arena, following a men’s clash. If the first-round match between Kazakhstan’s 10th seed Alexander Bublik and Jenson Brooksby of the United States goes to five sets, Raducanu could be looking at a start close to midnight.

The 23-year-old Briton, who faces Mananchaya Sawangkaew of Thailand, said: “I think it’s very difficult to be scheduling women’s matches after a potential five-set match.

“To me, it doesn’t really make as much sense.

“But I think after seeing it, you know, the initial reaction is probably, oh, it’s a late one.

“Then you deal with it, and you try and shift your day and adjust.”

The 28th-seeded Raducanu faces a tight turnaround after travelling to Melbourne following her quarter-final defeat on Thursday in a warm-up event in Hobart.

“You would love to have more time in the environment, more time

Parks’ powerful serves a concern, but Eala ready

“But you know, when you’re one of the better teams in the league you have to be able to put your foot on teams and put them away. As a team we have to learn how to do that.” San Antonio meanwhile remain in pursuit of Western Conference leaders Oklahoma City, who suffered an upset 122-120 loss to the Miami Heat on the road in Florida on Saturday. AFP

DISPLAYING both skill and stamina, UAAP Season 87 Tennis MVP Kaye Ann Emana of UST outplayed varsity rival Elizabeth Abarquez of NU 7-6 (72), 6-2 last Wednesday night at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center to book a ticket to the qualifying draw of the Philippine Women’s Open. Mixing her shots well throughout the match, Emana reasserted her mastery over the frustrated Abarquez with another straight-set triumph, reprising their clash in the UAAP women’s tennis tournament finals last year.

Even more impressive was the fact that the bespectacled netter was just an hour away from completing a 6-4, 6-4 conquest of top seed Tiffany Nocos in the semifinals after their match was suspended the previous night following the first set due to heavy rain.

When play resumed late yesterday afternoon, Emana showed grit in rallying from a 1-4 second-set deficit to win the next five games and set up a showdown with

Abarquez for the coveted wild card ticket in the qualifying meet organized by the Philippine Tennis Association and supported by the Philippine Sports Commission.

“Thankful po ako and excited to get the wild card (for the Philippine Women’s Open qualifying draw). At kinakabahan din po kasi first time kong makakalaban ang mga mas magagaling na player doon sa qualifying round,” she said. She credited her strong mindset in recovering from a 0-2 deficit in the first set against Abarquez to force the tie-breaker after they wound up deadlocked at 6-all after 12 games.

“Up and down ang laro ko po sa first set kaya nag-take advantage na lang po ako ng mukhang na-frustrate na siya, lalo sa tiebreaker when I took a 3-0 lead,” Emana said of the turning point in the match.

Gaining confidence with each shot in the second set, the player was in complete control, surging to an imposing 5-1 lead against her demoralized foe on the way to sealing her slot in the qualifying round of

By Peter Atencio

ALYCIA Parks’ powerful serves will make her a dangerous opponent when she and Alexandra Eala meet on Monday during the Filipina’s main draw debut in the first round of the women’s singles at the 2026 Australian Open Tennis Tournament in Melbourne Park.

“I’m confident with how I’m playing. That doesn’t mean the matches aren’t going to be tough here, so I’m ready for anything,” said the world’s no. 49 Eala in a presser during the Australian Open’s opening day. Parks has been struggling with consistency in her recent games. After a career-high ranking of world No. 40 in August, 2023, she ended 2024 ranked 112th and is now at 100th. The 5’9” Eala, whose encounter with Parks is slated at 10:30 a.m., comes into the fight in excellent form, having gotten momentum from a semifinal run at the ASB Classic and a straight-

the Philippine Women’s Open.

Abarquez acknowledged that she was flustered by her foe’s deceptive and unpredictable switching of shots that disrupted her game, leading to her downfall.

“Deceptive po ang mga shots niya (Emana). Akala ko malayo tapos malapit sa net babagsak yung bola. Hindi ako makaporma talaga,” rued the Cebuana player, who recalled that it was virtually the same result she had against her rival when they tangled in last UAAP women’s tennis finals.

Both players noted the marked improvement of the playing conditions on the resurfaced hard courts with more than a week to go before the start of the country’s first WTA 125 tournament sanctioned by the Women’s Tennis Association.

PHILTA official and co-PWO tournament director Dyan Castillejo advised Abarquez to keep practicing in case the wildcard opportunity opens up. The qualifying draw will be staged Jan. 24 to 25

sets win over world No. 70 Donna Vekic in an exhibition match at the Kooyong Classic.

Eala, who has a win-loss record of 40-26 during her breakout 2025 season, has been travelling a lot in recent weeks.

Her bruising schedule included a goldmedal run in the 2025 Southeast Asian Games, exhibitions in Macau and a long semifinal match with Wang Xinyu in the ASB Classic in Auckland.

Despite her hectic pace, Eala said she has prepared in advance for her situation.

“I think I’ve planned well, and my team has done a great job of getting me here in the best shape possible. It’s a Grand Slam, so we’re not overlooking that, and I’m ready. I’m here,” said Eala, who is coached by Joan Bosch. In her most recent match, Parks bowed out of the qualifiers with a loss to Ayano Shimizu last week at the Hobart International, 2-6, 6-2, 6-4. Parks also lost the Elisabetta Cocciaretto, 2-6, 5-7, in the Round of 32, of the ASB Classic, and missed a possible clash with Eala, had she made it to the quarterfinals.

draw

Germany’s Alexander Zverev hits a return to Canada’s Gabriel Diallo during their men’s singles match on Day 1 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne. AFP

Emma Raducanu

Alexandra Eala

Kaye Ann Emana (third from left) earned a wild card slot to the Philippine Women’s Open qualifying round after beating Elizabeth Abarquez (second from left) in the finals of the PHILTA qualifying meet at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center last Thursday night. Flanking them are PHILTA Executive Director Tonette Mendoza (left) and PHILTA board member and former national team standout Dyan Castillejo (right).

MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2026

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor

RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor

EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor

Baby Tams hand Bullpups 1st setback

MARC Burgos sank the game-winning free throw as Far Eastern UniversityDiliman handed National University Nazareth School its first loss, 79-78, in the UAAP Season 88 Boys’ Basketball Tournament on Sunday morning at the Blue Eagle Gym in Quezon City.

After Shaun Lucido made a perfect trip to the free throw line to tie the game at 78-all with 4.8 seconds left, the Baby Tamaraws — led by two-time UAAP champion coach Mike Reyes — ran a flawless play that saw Yosef Raneses toss an inbound alley-oop pass to Burgos.

The 6-foot-5 forward from Nueva Ecija didn’t convert the alley-oop, but he drew a shooting foul on Corian Cabantog with 1.1 seconds left. Burgos made his first free throw, missed the second, and Raneses grabbed the offensive rebound to seal FEUD’s comeback victory, bouncing back from a 71-90 loss to Ateneo de Manila University last Wednesday.

“That’s a regular inbound, that’s an option talaga for us kaya alam na alam talaga nila ‘yung gagawin. That’s an option, to toss an alley-oop. Four seconds, we drew something to get Cabonilas a shot, it did not work, kaya with two seconds left, that’s a regular inbound,” FEU-D head coach Mike Reyes said. Burgos’ heroics were a product of the Baby Tamaraws’ collective effort, as FEU-D methodically chipped away at a seven-point deficit, 69-76, with 2:47 remaining.

Cabonilas, Gambian center Assan Gaye, and Burgos scored consecutive inside baskets to cut the deficit to 75-76. Cabonilas — a Season 87 Elite Team member — then drilled a go-ahead triple, giving the Baby Tamaraws a 78-76 lead with 18.9 seconds left. Lucido tied it at 78-all from the free throw line, before Burgos delivered the pressure-packed, game-winning free throw to propel FEU-D to a tie with NUNS in the standings at 2-1.

Fajardo selected Mr. Basketball; Bagunas, Belen volleyball’s best SPORTS

THE most dominant force in Philippine basketball today headlines the list of special awardees set to be honored at the San Miguel Corporation–Philippine Sportswriters Association (SMC-PSA) Awards Night on February 16 at the Diamond Hotel Manila.

Nine-time PBA Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo once again claims the Mr. Basketball title, joining volleyball superstars Bryan Bagunas and Bella Belen, who will be recognized as Mr. and Ms. Volleyball, respectively, during the annual gala organized by the country’s oldest media organization and presented by ArenaPlus.

The recognition marks the seventh time the 35-yearold Fajardo has received the Mr. Basketball honor, underscoring his sustained dominance on the local hardwood. Bagunas earns the award for the second time, while Belen becomes a first-time recipient after a breakout year that cemented her status as one of Philippine volleyball’s brightest stars.

Fajardo, Bagunas, and Belen are among the distinguished athletes to be celebrated in the 2025 PSA honor roll, led by Carlos Yulo and Alex Eala, who will be feted as Male and Female Athletes of the Year.

The awards night is supported by major sponsors including the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO, Cignal, Philippine Volleyball League, Philippine Basketball Association, Akari, Rain or Shine, Capital1 Solar Energy, and Acrocity, highlighting the event’s stature as the country’s premier sports recognition ceremony.

The 6-foot-11 Fajardo again stood tall during Season 49 of the PBA when he reset his own record by winning an unprecedented ninth MVP trophy after

steering San Miguel to its 11th Philippine Cup championship by beating TNT, and foiling the grand slam bid of the telecommunication franchise.

The veteran center out of University of Cebu also continued to be the pillar in the middle of Gilas Pilipinas men’s basketball team that saw action in the FIBA Asia Cup in Saudi Arabia and the first window of the FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers.

The 28-year-old Bagunas from Balayan, Batangas spearheaded Alas Pilipinas’ maiden campaign in the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship which the country hosted for the first time ever. Bagunas and Co. stunned world no. 21 Egypt, 2927, 23-25, 25-22, 25-21, for their first ever win on the world stage, before falling short against no. 14 Iran in a closely-fought battle 21, 21-25, 25-17, 23-25,

Allen blamed as Broncos rip Bills in thriller

LOS ANGELES—A tearful Josh Allen

took the blame as his Buffalo Bills’ latest bid to capture their first ever Super Bowl ended in an agonizing 33-30 playoff defeat to the Denver Broncos in overtime on Saturday.

Allen threw two interceptions as topseeded Denver rallied from the brink of defeat late in the fourth quarter and pushed through a season-ending injury to their own quarterback to clinch the crucial divisional round clash.

The Bills have never won a Super Bowl despite reaching four consecutive editions in the 1990s, and defeat to the Broncos was the seventh time their reigning Most Valuable Player quarterback has fallen short in the postseason.

“I feel like I let my team-mates down tonight,” said Allen, wiping away tears in the post-game press conference.

“I hate how it ended... when you shoot yourself in the foot like that you don’t deserve to win football games,” said the quarterback, who also gave up two fumbles on sacks.

“I’m extremely sorry and disappointed in how this ended.”

There was also heartbreak for his opposing number Bo Nix. The victorious quarterback fractured a bone in his right ankle during the penultimate play of overtime. Nix will require surgery, said Broncos coach Sean Payton.

The injury robs Nix of the chance to play next weekend’s home-field AFC Championship Game against either the New England Patriots or Houston Texans -- and a potential Super Bowl. AFP

Tabuena brings global pedigree to TCC Invitational

MIGUEL Tabuena brings a more compelling dimension to this year’s The Country Club Invitational – not as a former champion chasing a repeat, but as a player who has fully established himself as a bona fide world-class contender.

While he fell just short of securing a spot in the lucrative LIV Golf League, Tabuena’s strong finish to the 2025 season and his gritty showing in the LIV Golf Promotions underscored his resilience, maturity and readiness to compete at the highest level. His recent body of work speaks louder than any missed opportunity, affirming his status as the standard-bearer of Philippine golf on the international stage.

That pedigree will be put to the test when the TCC Invitational fires off on Jan. 27 at one of the country’s sternest and most exacting layouts. The field is stacked with past champions and the Top 30 finishers from the last Philippine Golf Tour Order of Merit, ensuring that no margin for error exists across the grueling 72-hole championship.

Serving as the traditional kickoff leg of every PGT season, the TCC Invitational also remains the richest event in local golf. The sponsoring ICTSI has raised the stakes anew, bumping the total purse to ₱6.5 million, reinforcing its status as the crown jewel of the domestic circuit, with every leg guaranteeing at least ₱2 million.

A champion here in 2017, Tabuena will undoubtedly carry the proverbial bull’s-eye on his back. He enters the event

fresh off a stellar campaign on the Asian Tour International Series, where he finished third in the Order of Merit – a feat that places him in rare company and well ahead of most of his peers in terms of consistency, ball-striking and competitive exposure.

Tabuena came agonizingly close to an automatic LIV Golf berth, with only the top two earning direct entry. He later earned another shot through LIV Golf Promotions but faltered in the decisive third round. Still, those near-misses do little to dent his reputation. If anything, they highlight his ability to contend under immense pressure and against elite competition – an experience few in the field can match.

At TCC, where patience, precision and course management are paramount, Tabuena’s well-rounded game – anchored by elite iron play, improved putting and battle-tested composure – gives him a clear edge. He is not merely one to watch: he is the player everyone else must measure themselves against in this blue-ribbon event held in honor of ICTSI founder Don Pocholo Razon.

He nearly pulled off back-to-back victories in 2018, only to be denied by Korean-American Micah Shin, who edged him by a single stroke in a dramatic finish and became the first non-Filipino champion of the PGT’s flagship tournament. Dutchman Guido van der Valk later followed suit, claiming consecutive titles in 2020 and 2023, with the 2021 and 2022 editions shelved due to the pandemic.

Junior Altas seek to extend reign; Altas Girls aim to reclaim crown

By Dennis Abrina

THE Perpetual Help Junior Altas teams are set to launch another title bid as the NCAA Volleyball Fiesta Season 101 opens on Monday at the Arellano University Gym in Pasay City, with the Las Piñas-based squads aiming to reclaim glory in the girls’ division and extend their reign in the boys’ competition. Fresh from a runner-up finish in Season 100, the Perpetual Junior Altas Girls, who are seeking to bring the championship back to Las Piñas, face La Salle Greenhills at 9 a.m. in the tournament opener.

The match will also serve as an early test of the offseason preparations of coaches Sandy Rieta and Jason Sapin. Leading the girls’ squad under team manager Anton Tamayo are holdovers Jasmine Monte (setter and team captain), Sherrie Rose Acosta, Isabel Baser, Ram Panganiban, Kayesha David, Toledo, Ashanthy Felizardo,

Greenhills, San Beda University, Jose Rizal University, Emilio Aguinaldo College, Lyceum of the Philippines University, and Arellano University— will compete in a single round-robin format. The top four teams will advance to the Final Four, with the top two seeds enjoying a twice-to-beat advantage. Meanwhile, the defending champion Perpetual Junior Altas Spikers aim to secure back-to-back titles as

and ace libero Janie Espiritu. They will be reinforced by Imus City standouts Michaela Boticario and Elizha Joyce Sildo, alongside rookies Chrisline Ashley Ajid, Lut

Angeline Bacalla, Joycell Casil, Arianne Casillan, Rihanna Criztelle Corpuz, Ashley Deanon, Keilla Kolby Demillo, and Jhurrys Rosales. Seven teams—Perpetual, La Salle

Nine-time PBA Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo (left) once again claims the Mr. Basketball title, joining volleyball superstars Bryan Bagunas (center) and Bella Belen, who will be recognized as Mr. and Ms. Volleyball, respectively.

Baguio

Torio,

Ciriaco,

Ornos,

Cruz,

Concina,

Members of the Junior Altas Girls team. Dennis Abrina

Marc Burgos

Miguel Tabuena

SPNEC says not liable for P24-b fines

P24 billion

Fines cited by DOE on delayed projects

12,000 MW

Terminated Solar Philippines contracts

57.33%

Meralco group’s stake in SPNEC

UAE trade deal expected to lift PH exports

DEPARTMENT of Trade and Industry Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque expressed confidence that the Philippines is set for a strong export performance this year, led by a newlysigned free trade agreement with the United Arab Emirates.

Despite challenges in 2025, particularly regarding US tariffs, Philippine merchandise exports remained resilient, she said.

Roque said over the weekend that the government expects a better turnout following the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the UAE, under which many Philippine exports will carry preferential or zero tariffs.

She said the UAE hosts the secondlargest Filipino population in the world and presents a huge market for Philippine goods, specifically food products and franchised brands.

Under the UAE-Philippines CEPA, 95 percent of traded goods already enjoy preferential tariff treatment, with most qualifying for 0 duty.

Roque identified several sectors expected to benefit from the agreement including agricultural products, cosmetics, personal care items, canned goods such as sardines and tuna, electronics, aerospace and automotive components.

The trade secretary said services would also be a major win for the Philippines, especially for Filipino professionals in the Middle East.

The CEPA will allow Philippine companies to set up operations in the UAE more easily without the need for joint ventures in certain sectors, which could lead to immediate job creation.

Roque cited sectors such as engineering, architecture and IT-BPO as potential growth areas under the new agreement.

To ensure Philippine exporters are ready for the UAE market, she said the government is working to strengthen regulatory and certification systems.

Government measures include beefing up the Food and Drug Administration approval process, improving halal certification and upgrading packaging standards.

Campos

Othel V.

THE Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) expressed confidence that the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) would resume the issuance of letters of authority (LOA) using a more controlled and data-driven approach.

FFCCCII president Victor Lim said Finance Secretary Frederick Go provided assurances that tax

By Alena Mae S. Flores

SP New Energy Corp. (SPNEC) said over the weekend it is not liable to pay P24 billion in penalties cited by the Department of Energy (DOE) regarding terminated service contracts originally held by Solar Philippines Power Project Holdings Inc (SPPHI).

The renewable energy firm, now a unit of Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGen), said of the nearly 12,000 megawatts (MW) of terminated SPPHI contracts, only the 280-MW Sta. Rosa project falls under SPNEC.

The company said the project’s former management was awarded the capacity in the first round of the DOE Green Energy Auction Program but has since filed a notice of force majeure.

SPNEC cited reasons beyond its control for the inability to meet the December 2025 completion target.

MGen increased its grip on the solar developer through a block sale on the Philippine Stock Exchange on Oct. 27, 2025.

The transaction followed the maturity of exchangeable note facility agreements, bringing the Meralco group’s total ownership in SPNEC to 57.33 percent.

MGen subsidiary MGen Renewable

Energy Inc (MGreen) acquired 10.8 billion shares for P13.8 billion, while MGen itself previously acquired 5.8 billion shares in 2024 from the firm led by Rep. Leandro Leviste.

The company highlighted the execution record of MGen Renewables, which recently finished two projects ahead of schedule.

These include the 19.8-MW Bongabon Solar project in Nueva Ecija and the 52.8-MW Cordon Solar project in Isabela, completed six and four months early, respectively.

MGen operates seven solar sites with a total capacity exceeding 400 MW and is developing the 3,500 MWp MTerra Solar project.

As of October 2025, MGen maintained a combined net sellable capacity of 5,079.2 MW across its traditional and renewable energy portfolio.

Finance Secretary Frederick Go and National Treasurer

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) said over the weekend it is speeding up the construction of major infrastructure projects and resolving right-of-way hurdles to boost the long-term competitiveness of the Philippines.

DOTr Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the government is ramping up infrastructure spending to ensure projects benefit the public. The agency was allotted P74.5 billion for flagship infrastructure projects in 2026.

The department received a budget of P103.05 billion in 2025,

of which P93.33 billion or 90.57 percent has been obligated, while P59.63 billion or 63.89 percent has been disbursed.

Lopez said the department is committed to completing existing projects within their target timelines and ensuring the budget is spent efficiently to address commuter needs.

Priority railway projects include the 147-kilometer North-South Commuter Railway, the Metro Manila Subway Project, MRT-7 and the rehabilitation of the MRT-3.

He said that in the road sector, the agency is modernizing the EDSA Busway while fast-tracking the Cebu

Bus Rapid Transit and the Davao Public Transport Modernization Project.

The department is also targeting the completion of new road sections for SLEX, CALAX, the Cavite-CALAX Link Expressway, C-5 and Skyway Stage 3 within 2026 to improve land travel for motorists.

Aviation improvements include the upcoming inauguration of the Antique and Laoag airports and the continued expansion of Ninoy Aquino International Airport. In Siargao, a new passenger terminal building is expected to be completed in April, increasing capacity from 200 to 750 passengers.

By Othel V. Campos

She said the role of VFS is to facilitate applications and that such facilitation is not currently happening. The association reported that its members have exhausted options including traveling to Cebu or Davao to find openings. Even travelers with itineraries scheduled for March 2025 are unable to book slots because the earliest dates on the VFS website have already shifted to April, she said. Taylan cited an instance where a travel group scheduled to depart on March 15 applied as early as January but was still assigned an April appointment.

She warned that the bottleneck results in a loss of potential travel tax revenue for the government and may force clients to choose different destinations due to the uncertainty. While raising these concerns, Taylan clarified that the GTBA is not singling out VFS Global for criticism but wants both the service provider and the embassy to take corrective action.

audits would be anchored to a digitized, risk-based system to prevent abuse.

Lim described the shift as a seminal advancement in the fiscal governance of the Philippines that minimizes discretion and strengthens accountability.

Lim said these changes provide necessary predictability for the private sector and signal a transition from an enforcement-centric model to one based on transparency and fairness.

The business group expects the new framework to fuel investor confidence and encourage both domestic and foreign investments.

The FFCCCII said intelligently-

The reform includes a commitment to reduce the number of offices authorized to issue LOAs and a limit on how many letters a taxpayer may receive within a year.

crafted policies are essential for maintaining a stable and equitable environment for sustained economic growth. Go earlier said the move aims to foster a climate of mutual trust between the government and its economic contributors.

The FFCCCII said it remains in support of the leadership as the bureau moves away from arbitrary measures in its audit processes.

Government officials sign the deed of donation transferring nine properties in the cities of Mandaluyong, Makati and Davao to the Supreme Court. Signing the deed are (from left) Court Administrator-Associate Justice Ma. Theresa Dolores Gomez-Estoesta, Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo,

Sharon Almanza.

TOURISM PROMOTION. Pick Up Coffee executives discuss a partnership with the Department of Tourism to promote ‘Love the Philippines’ through regional beverages and international expansion. The proposed partnership seeks to leverage the coffee chain’s international presence by bringing the national tourism campaign to Mexico.

Globe to raise up to P25b via preferred shares

By Jenniffer B. Austria

Globe Telecom Inc. plans to raise as much as P25 billion through the issuance of non-voting preferred shares to refinance debt and fund network expansion, according to its latest filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The Ayala-led telecommunications firm intends to offer a base of 7.5 million preferred shares priced at P2,000 apiece to raise P15 billion. It also included an oversubscription option for another 5 million additional shares, which could bring the total deal size to P25 billion.

The company said it would use about P14.88 billion from the base offer to redeem its outstanding US dollar-denominated senior perpetual capital securities.

These securities were part of a $600-million issuance from November 2021 and have a first call date on Aug. 2, 2026. If the oversubscription option is fully exercised, the company will allot P8 billion for the same purpose.

Globe expects to utilize roughly P1.95 billion of the proceeds for capital expenditures.

The firm said the spending would support expansion of its

mobile and broadband networks, fiber infrastructure upgrades and the modernization of enterprise solutions.

The shares will be issued under the company’s shelf registration of 20 million non-voting preferred shares and will be listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange.

This marks the company’s first fund raising activity in the equities market for the year, pending regulatory approval.

The timetable submitted to the SEC sets the initial dividend rate setting for Feb. 10, 2026. The offer period is scheduled to run from Feb. 13 to Feb. 20.

BPI Capital Corp, BDO Capital & Investment Corp., China Bank Capital Corp., First Metro Investment Corp and Security Bank Capital Investment Corp. will serve as joint underwriters and bookrunners for the transaction.

BIR launches interactive digital tax calendar to boost compliance

THE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) launched its first interactive digital tax calendar for 2026 to help taxpayers manage filing and payment deadlines through an online interface.

The agency introduced the tool through Revenue Memorandum Circular 110-2025.Accessible via the official website, the calendar allows tax practitioners and individuals to track daily requirements as part of a broader push to modernize the tax administration system.

The digital platform features clickable dates that display specific tax reminders for the day. It also includes integrated links to tax forms, an agency directory, and a list of authorized agent banks organized by revenue district office.

BIR Commissioner Charlito Martin Mendoza said the development is part of digitalization efforts to provide stakeholders with easy access to the forms and information needed for compliance. Mendoza

EVERY Pinoy household has that one drawer. You know, the “one” – filled with plastic bags, a pile of ice cream tubs, and three generations of Nokia chargers.

Our households are filled with these knickknacks because we always think, “uy, sayang!.” It’s the Filipino heartbeat of regret over wasted potential, when we keep things to use in the future -- “just in case.” Panghihinayang is inherently Pinoy. Our Japanese neighbors, similarly, has a principle called mottainai, which means “what a waste!.” It has then become a global sustainability movement, rooted in deep appreciation for resources and a collective mentality to maximize the use of products to its full potential. This results in mindful consumption by reusing, repairing, and recycling.

Our Pinoy parallel, the “sayang” mentality, is anchored on keeping things because we “might need it someday.” Linguistically, it also springs from scarcity: the economic struggles of everyday Filipinos that make us fixate on “saving.” For example, those small leftover soap bars hold tomorrow’s value when pieced together. Studies such as the one done by Teresita Barrameda of University of the Philippines Diliman highlights the fact that saving little things that may seem to have no value, holds survival significance in our culture.

We tend to keep a lot of stuff in our drawers as we wait for that prime opportunity where we can get the best out of them. Our moms neatly fold plastic bags in cute triangular shapes (where did they even learn this?), a geometrically efficient way of keeping these bags so we can easily pull out one when we need them. We keep ice cream

SHARE prices may move sideways with a downward bias this week, as the market’s four-week rally and a weakening peso could trigger profittaking.

“Following a four-week rally, the local market could be weighed by profit-taking pressures. The peso’s weakness, if it extends, may also challenge the local bourse,” said Japhet Tantiangco, research head at Philstocks Financial Inc.

Despite the recent rise, Tantiangco said the market is still at bargain levels. The price-to-earnings ratio as of Friday stood at 10.7, below its fiveyear average of 14.4 and the regional average of 19.3.

Along with relatively cheap stock prices, Tantiangco said hopes that the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas will cut rates during its February meeting may provide market support.

Last week, the Philippine Stock Exchange index rose 1.84 percent to close at 6,464.67, while the broader all shares index jumped 1.46 percent to 3,652.33. The average daily value traded remained steady at P6.9 billion. Foreign investors were net buyers, with total inflows of P3.01 billion.

Meanwhile, Investment & Capital Corp. of the Philippines president Jesus Mariano Ocampo said the market’s strong start may not be sustainable given the risks.

“I think when the first-quarter numbers come out, it will be a reality check for a lot of companies,” Ocampo said.

If the market declines, Ocampo said the 6,000 level would be a good base before prices start picking up again. Jenniffer B. Austria

encouraged all taxpayers to use the platform as a primary guide for their 2026 obligations.

The interface is divided into several functional areas to assist users. The home screen provides a full 12-month view, while a dedicated deadlines section contains daily alerts. A separate forms section lists all documents in PDF format and specifies the frequency and deadline for each specific filing.

The system also provides

Waste not, ‘sayang’ not

instructions on navigation and lists contact details for the national office. This initiative follows the agency’s recent moves to transition from traditional paperbased tracking to real-time digital solutions.

The bureau continues to emphasize that timely filing remains critical to avoid penalties. In previous years, late filings have resulted in surcharges starting at 25 percent of the tax due plus interest.

What we need are systemic changes that complement our ‘sayang’ mentality.

tubs to use in freezing ulam from this weekend’s cooking, which can also morph into sewing kits or junk repositories. But what do we do with electronics from years ago that can no longer be saved or repaired? While we wait for that window of opportunity to use them, they are just stored in our drawers, “hibernating”, as we face barriers in finding new use for them. Is there a better use for them, instead of idling indefinitely in someone’s drawer? Can personal clutter be turned into cultural flutter, a gentle movement towards sustainability? There seem to be two main reasons why these things remain as scraps instead of potential resources: lack of awareness and inconvenience. Many are not aware of post-consumer businesses that handle these products. There are already existing (and with an increasing number of) business models that deal with post-consumer products. Social media and online platforms, such as Carousell, provide avenues where we can sell pre-loved items. Some online platforms are even willing to buy your old phones. There are boxes in convenient places to drop off electronic waste. Repair shops help us extend the life of the “hibernating” products in our drawer. Need a patch on those pants with a hole? Go to a seamstress. Sole separation in shoes? Go to a shoe repair store. Most of us are just not aware of the existence of these post-consumer businesses. Second, we live busy lives and it is often inconvenient to purposefully find use of our used items. In our fast-paced life, we can no longer find the time to search the internet or post on social media. Even if we find a way, the effort needed is too much for the value we can get in return.

What we need are systemic changes that complement our “sayang” mentality. We need to raise awareness on where to bring our items and what items can be sold, repaired, or refurbished. Given there is already a demand of these services from our “sayang” mindset, information dissemination is the missing link in promoting post-consumer businesses. These business models have multiple beneficial impacts on society as they help reduce waste thrown into landfills while also promoting economic activities, giving employment opportunities. Another change we need is a robust reverse logistics or a supply chain from consumers to businesses. As long as inconvenience outweighs the item’s value, people don’t have the motivation to deliberately bring used item to a store. Having an easily accessible channel will make collecting and processing post-consumer items easier. Let us cherish our “sayang” mindset and embrace the ways we can make the best of our products.

Dr. Ivan Gue is the Chairperson of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Gokongwei College of Engineering, De La Salle University. Dr. Jonna C. Baquillas is an Associate Professor at the Department of Marketing and Advertising, Ramon V. del Rosario College of Business in the same university. They are engaged in research and projects focused on circular economy, sustainability transitions, and sustainable consumption and production.

The views expressed above are the authors’ and do not necessarily reflect the official position of DLSU, its faculty, and its administrators.

INVESTMENT and Capital Corp. of the Philippines (ICCP) is preparing for possible real estate investment trust (REIT) offerings from four infrastructure companies as regulators open the asset class to include infrastructure.

“We are talking to infrastructure companies that could be eligible under the SEC’s new infrastructurethemed rules,” said Jesus Mariano Ocampo, ICCP president and chief operating officer.

Ocampo said the new rules for REITs are now geared toward infrastructure assets, such as tollways, fiber optic networks, cellular towers, and data centers. He noted that it is easier to convince companies to take the REIT route compared to a regular initial public offering, or IPO, because investors in REITs are focused primarily on dividend yields.

The Securities and Exchange Commission earlier this month issued revised rules to allow a wider range of income-generating assets, including toll roads and airports, to qualify for public offerings. The new framework expands the definition of incomegenerating real estate to include properties with recurring and predictable cash inflows.

Beyond traditional leases, REITs can now include assets that generate passive income from toll fees, user fees, ticket sales, parking fees, and storage fees. The SEC said the move will deepen the capital market and provide more wealth-creation opportunities for Filipinos.

In preparation for possible listings, infrastructure companies will begin creating special purpose vehicles to hold their income-generating assets. Because this process takes time, Ocampo expects infrastructurethemed REIT offerings to occur in the second half of the year. Since the implementation of REIT rules in 2009, most listings have involved the country’s largest real estate companies, including AREIT Inc. of Ayala Land Inc., MREIT Inc. of Megaworld Corp., and RL Commercial REIT of Robinsons Land Corp. Jenniffer B. Austria

GREEN LIGHT

Ivan Henderson V. Gue and Jonna C. Baquillas

the ‘Hala bira!’ spirit for the whole ‘tropa’ in Kalibo, Aklan as it joins this year’s Ati-Atihan Festival. Kicking off the Philippine festival season, the Smart value mobile brand brings SAYA ALL promo to add more color, connection, and excitement to the celebration.

TOURISM PARTNERS. Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco underscores the importance of collaboration between government and the private sector in overcoming beyond-control issues that challenge the Philippine tourism industry during the post-yearend gathering of the Philippine IATA Agents Travel Association (PIATA) on Jan. 16. An active

of the DOT, PIATA is instrumental in facilitating travel-related services, including the issuance of

accommodations, and promotion of various travel deals for both domestic and international destinations.

DOE plans 7 green energy auctions in 2026 to push RE

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Department of Energy is preparing seven Green Energy Auctions this year as part of the government’s push for clean energy and energy security.

The DOE plans to launch a Green Energy Auction (GEA) exclusively for Mindanao in the second quarter of 2026 to offer integrated renewable energy and energy storage systems, with delivery set to begin by the first quarter of 2027. Auctions for rooftop solar in the Visayas and Mindanao are also scheduled for the second quarter, with delivery beginning in the first quarter of 2027.

Meanwhile, the DOE plans a second-quarter auction for rooftop solar infrastructure on socialized housing and irrigation canals managed by the National Irrigation Administration. The rooftop solar

projects are expected to begin delivery in the first quarter of 2026, while the irrigation canal projects are targeted for the third quarter of 2027. A special GEA for waste-to-energy projects is also set for the second quarter, with a delivery date in the first quarter of 2028.

In the third quarter of 2026, the DOE plans to hold three additional auctions. These include GEA 4.5, an offshoot of GEA 4 that will offer floating solar and onshore wind with a delivery period from 2026 to 2029. The DOE has also lined up GEA 5, involving offshore wind projects for delivery from 2028 to 2030, while an auction for planned agrovoltaic projects is also slated for the third quarter.

The DOE has yet to determine the total generating capacity of the scheduled auctions for the year.

DA to fix ‘broken economics’ in agriculture

By Othel V. Campos

THE Department of Agriculture is rolling out a reform agenda to address what it

At the Big Bold Reform business forum organized by the Department of Finance and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said longstanding problems like high rural poverty, uneven productivity, and recurring food supply shocks have persisted despite years of public spending. “Despite sustained public spending, outcomes on the ground remain fixed. Farmer incomes remain low, productivity gains uneven, and food

supply shocks continue to affect consumers,” Tiu Laurel said.

The reforms are meant to deliver better incomes for farmers and fisherfolk, a more resilient food system, and an agriculture sector that contributes more meaningfully to growth while attracting private investment.

Tiu Laurel said the challenge is not a lack of government effort but how resources are used. The DA is shifting from fragmented, input-focused programs to a unified, impact-driven

reform framework.

Reforms are centered on seven initiatives, beginning with sharper targeting of public investments toward areas with high poverty, strong production potential, and low productivity.

The DA will also move away from an overly rice-centric approach by expanding support for fisheries, sugar, coconut, corn, livestock, and high-value crops to diversify farm incomes and reduce vulnerability to shocks.

Governance reforms will institutionalize transparency, accountability, and participatory processes across the project cycle, including open access to program information and structured feedback from farmers and fisherfolk.

The department is strengthening co-investment with local governments through province-led extension systems and improved data management through the DA Command Center, using updated farmer and fisher registries. To address gaps in the value chain, the DA is investing P33 billion in logistics and post-harvest infrastructure, including farm-tomarket roads, cold storage, food hubs, deep-water ports, and post-harvest facilities.

Backed by the Philippine Development Plan, the reforms are intended to produce measurable outcomes and reposition agriculture as a competitive, investment-ready sector that delivers income, resilience, and long-term growth.

THE Railfans of the Philippines Organization issued a statement of support for the Department of Transportation’s issuance of Department Order 2025024, which establishes the Accessible Travel Policy guidelines for national railway systems.

The advocacy group said the move ensures that the country’s modernizing rail network serves all citizens

MUSLIMFRIENDLY HOTEL. The Department of Tourism Region 10 recognizes New Dawn Hotel and New Dawn Plus as the region’s first Muslim-friendly accommodation establishments.

Regional Director Marie Elaine Unchuan and Senior Tourism Operations Officer Beverly Tapongot led the awarding ceremony Jan. 13 at New Dawn Plus.

regardless of age or physical ability.

The organization noted that the true value of a transit system is measured by its inclusivity rather than its speed or technological specifications alone.

Under the new guidelines, the DOTr aims to provide a seamless and dignified commuting experience for senior citizens, people with disabilities and expectant mothers. The policy also cited specialized training for railway personnel to improve frontline service across the network.

Railfans of the Philippines Organization officials said the integration of these standards into upcoming projects, such as the North-South Commuter Railway and the Metro Manila Subway, would ensure the infrastructure is world-class from its first day of operation.

The group said a system that prioritizes accessibility is essential for moving the nation forward.

DOTr Secretary Giovanni Lopez received the group’s endorsement as the agency begins implementing the order.

The policy comes as the government continues to invest billions of pesos into the rail sector, where individual project costs often exceed P100 billion.

Industry analysts suggest that improving accessibility could increase ridership by 10 percent or more as more demographics find the rail system easier to navigate.

The organization said the “human heart” of the railway should remain as advanced as the physical infrastructure being built.

Private construction activities slumped 12.7% in November

By Thony Rose Lesaca

PRIVATE construction activity in the Philippines fell 12.7 percent year-onyear in November 2025 as approved building permits for residential and nonresidential projects slumped, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said.

Data from the PSA showed building constructions totaled 12,281, down from 14,066 in the same month a year earlier and 13,732 in October 2025. Residential buildings accounted for more than three-fifths of the total at 7,691, a 14.5 percent decrease from the 9,000 recorded in November 2024. The majority of these were singletype houses, followed by apartments and duplexes.

Nonresidential buildings dropped 9.7 percent to 2,854 from 3,160 last year. The PSA said most of these were commercial buildings, followed by institutional and industrial structures.

The addition of new construction to existing buildings, along with alterations and repairs, also declined. Addition projects decreased 22.7 percent to 357, while alteration and repair activities slumped 12.4 percent to 991. Conversely, “other” constructions—including demolitions and street furniture—rose 24 percent to 388 projects.

In terms of value, private construction in November totaled P40.2 billion, down 22.6 percent from P51.91 billion a year ago. Residential buildings amounted to P19.12 billion, while nonresidential constructions reached P17.51 billion. Both figures posted year-on-year decreases in value from P23.36 billion and P24.34 billion, respectively. Additions, alterations and repairs, and other constructions dropped to P380 million, P2.72 billion, and P470 million, respectively. Construction

partner

tickets, travel tours,

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.

Auto parts makers welcome funding for CARS program

By Othel V. Campos

THE Philippine Parts Makers Association (PPMA) on Sunday welcomed the government decision to secure P4.32 billion in funding for the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) program, saying the move restores investor confidence and reinforces domestic manufacturing.

The allocation, which comes despite earlier budget vetoes, is viewed as critical for sustaining the production schedules of vehicle manufacturers and their local supplier networks.

PPMA president Ferdinand Racquel Santos said the decision strengthens policy stability, protects jobs and preserves the manufacturing ecosystem the country has built over the years.

The Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) also supported the move, calling it a necessary step toward honoring commitments to manufacturers.

FPI chairperson Elizabeth Lee said automotive manufacturing drives technology transfer and local parts industry growth, noting that policy consistency is central to national competitiveness.

Lee urged government agencies to ensure timely and transparent action to ensure the Philippines remains a

trusted destination for long-term industrial investments.

The PPMA also renewed its call for the rollout of the Revitalizing the Automotive Industry for Competitiveness Enhancement (RACE) program.

Santos said only P125 million is required to operationalize the initiative, which would support local parts makers through technology upgrades, tooling investments and local content expansion.

The association identified the upcoming Electric Vehicle Incentive Strategy (EVIS) as a major opportunity for local manufacturers.

The PPMA said strengthening the local parts sector through RACE would position the country to supply the electric mobility chain, including electronics housings, structural parts and wiring harnesses as the industry transitions to electric vehicles.

BANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas Gov-

ernor Eli Remolona Jr. said the economic crisis of 2025 should serve as a catalyst for the government and private sector to implement sweeping economic reforms.

Speaking at a flagship economic briefing titled “Big Bold Reforms: The Philippines 2026” on Friday, Remolona told business leaders that the challenges of the previous year provide the necessary momentum to pursue structural changes. He the political leadership, economic agencies and the business community must collaborate to transform the recent instability into a period of opportunity.

Finance Secretary Frederick Go

echoed this in his keynote address, saying the government is pursuing reforms anchored on solid long-term economic fundamentals. Go said the high-level dialogue at Bonifacio City was intended to inspire optimism and encourage greater investment following what he described as an extraordinary and difficult year.

The event drew more than 300 participants, including industry association heads and representatives from various chambers of commerce. The briefing focused on a unified commitment to fiscal discipline and strategic spending to restore investor confidence and ensure inclusive growth for the year ahead.

PH bank assets expanded 7.4% to P28.72t in November on lending growth

By Thony Rose Lesaca

THE total assets of the Philippine banking system rose 7.44 percent to P28.72 trillion as of end-November 2025 on the back of sustained doubledigit growth in bank lending, according to Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) data.

The figure climbed from P26.73 trillion recorded a year earlier and P28.29 trillion posted in October 2025.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort attributed the expansion to a steady 10.3-percent increase in bank loans during the month.

Ricafort said the performance was largely due to continued double-digit growth in bank loans, especially a more than 20-percent jump in consumer loans, alongside higher net income and trading gains that bolstered capital and total assets.

By segment, universal and com-

mercial bank assets grew 6.93 percent to P26.82 trillion in November from P25.08 trillion a year ago.

Thrift banks recorded a 23.82-percent increase to P1.34 trillion compared with P1.08 trillion in the previous year.

Digital banks saw the most rapid expansion as total assets reached P158.98 billion at end-November, up 38.67 percent from P114.64 billion in November 2024.

The BSP has yet to update fourthquarter data for rural and cooperative banks, which stood at P406.21 billion as of end-September.

Ricafort said a sustained increase in deposits and lower central bank interest and reserve requirement (RRR) rates supported the growth in earnings and investments.

He said further cuts in BSP and Federal Reserve rates could lower borrowing costs and stimulate loan demand, potentially allowing bank asset growth to outpace gross domestic product expansion.

INVESTMENT AWARDS.

AIA Investment Management and Trust Corporation Philippines (AIAIM Philippines) is recognized by The Asset as a Top Investment House in the Philippines, earning highly commended distinctions in two key categories: Philippine Peso Local Currency Bonds and Philippine Peso G3 Bonds. Receiving the awards are AIAIM Philippines chief executive Angie Pacis (right) and AIA Investment Management Philippines head of fixed income fund management Felino Valles Marana.

Megawide to build P1.2-b Baguio terminal

THE Philippine banking industry’s bad loan ratio eased to 3.32 percent in November 2025 as lower interest rates improved borrowers’ capacity to settle debts, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) data showed over the weekend.

BSP figures indicated the gross non-performing loan (NPL) ratio went down from 3.33 percent in October and 3.54 percent in the same month in 2024.

The improvement in ratio came despite a nominal rise in the value of soured loans, which reached P544.86 billion in November compared with P520.48 billion a year earlier and

P537.03 billion the previous month.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp.

chief economist Michael Ricafort said the decline was largely led by a series of rate cuts by the BSP and the US Federal Reserve.

He also said reductions in the reserve requirement ratio (RRR) injected more than P700 billion into the financial system, lowering intermediation costs and boosting loanable funds.

“All of these reduced borrowing costs and improved the ability to pay by various borrowers, thereby leading to slightly lower NPL ratio,” Ricafort said. Thony Rose Lesaca

MEGAWIDE Construction Corp. expects to begin construction on the P1.2-billion Baguio City Integrated Terminal (BCIT) by the third quarter of 2026 as it expands its portfolio of transit-oriented developments.

Megawide business development head Jaime Feliciano told reporters the company is scheduled to sign a formal agreement with the Baguio City government on Wednesday.

The signing follows a notice of award received in October 2025 after the company’s unsolicited proposal cleared the Swiss Challenge process.

Feliciano said construction of the project is expected to take about 2 years. The terminal will operate under a 40-year lease agreement with the Baguio City government and is designed to accommodate 25,000 passengers daily for both long-haul trips and daily commutes.

The facility will initially serve southbound routes including La Union, Pangasinan, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, Metro Manila and Cavite. Darwin G. Amojelar Gov’t automates electricity discounts

QUALIFIED beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) will automatically receive electricity discounts through the Lifeline Rate Subsidy Program if their monthly use falls under thresholds set by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC). The move aims to address low enrollment by streamlining the application process for marginalized users. Under a joint resolution titled the “Supplementary and Amendatory Framework for the Implementation of the Lifeline Rate,” the ERC, Department of Energy (DOE) and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will use automated data matching to expand coverage.

To implement these changes, the DOE, DSWD, ERC and Philippine Statistics Authority will establish protocols to share beneficiary information with distribution utilities. The DSWD will submit an annual list of 4Ps beneficiaries to energy regulators, who will then endorse the data to utilities for automatic registration. Beneficiaries will be registered automatically if they appear on the DSWD certified list as of Jan. 31 of the current year and

Infrastructure and energy secretaries detailed catch-up plans to support the recovery. Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon, Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez and Energy Secretary Sharon Garin presented various investment initiatives designed to modernize the nation’s utility and transit networks. Sector-specific updates were also provided for the primary industries.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. and Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III outlined reforms intended to stabilize food security and revitalize the travel sector.

CREC plans $2-b capital spending for green projects

By Alena Mae S. Flores

CITICORE Renewable Energy Corp.

(CREC) said over the weekend it is allocating $2 billion for its 2026 capital expenditure program to complete its portfolio of 3 gigawatts of solar and battery energy storage projects this year.

CREC president and chief executive Oliver Tan said the company plans to fund the spending through a mix of 70-percent borrowings and 30-percent equity. The firm spent about $1 billion on solar projects in 2025.

Tan said the bulk of the 2026 budget would support projects under the Department of Energy’s fourth round of the Green Energy Auction (GEA) program.

“Capex for the year is approximately $2 billion, compared to around half that, $1 billion, last year,” Tan said, noting that the company would energize its GEA-2 projects in the first quarter.

The company hopes to complete its second and third batches of 1-gigawatt projects this year, with sites located in Luzon and the Visayas.

Tan said the company is targeting substantial completion by the end of 2026, barring any weather conditions or force majeure.

The full-year impact of these projects is expected to contribute to revenues and the bottom line in 2027. The expansion is part of the company’s broader target to reach 5 gigawatts by 2028.

The company is applying lessons learned from its first gigawatt of development and new technology to current construction.

Tan, citing the firm’s background as an engineering company, said modularizing and building design disciplines are being used to accelerate solar construction.

Tan, however, identified the depreciation of the Philippine peso against the US dollar as a significant challenge to costs. He said the company imports 50 percent to 60 percent of its equipment.

High silver and copper prices are also impacting the budget, adding inflationary pressure to the capital program. CREC’s renewable energy portfolio includes solar, hydro and wind projects. It is the parent firm of Citicore Energy REIT Corp., the first renewable energy real estate investment trust in the Philippines.

Economic officials gather top business leaders on Jan. 16, 2026 to underscore the government’s resolve to pursue

‘big bold reforms’ that strengthen good governance and drive sustainable development. More than 300 participants, including business leaders, representatives from chambers of commerce, industry association, and financial sector members attended the flagship event.

REAL ESTATE

Cebu Landmasters brings life to Cebu heritage site

CEBU

Landmasters, Inc. (CLI), in partnership with the Archdiocese of Cebu, has officially opened Patria de Cebu, a revitalized mixeduse development located along P. Burgos Street at the heart of Cebu City’s heritage trail.

New phase at Greenfield district sets stage for growth

GREENFIELD Development Corporation (GDC) has officially launched the next phase of growth in Greenfield district with the groundbreaking of a new steel parking building with integrated retail spaces.

The project marks the start of phase 1 of GDC’s upcoming developments and signals a broader vision that goes beyond infrastructure.

Designed to support existing retail activity while preparing the district for future growth, the new facility reflects Greenfield’s long-term approach to urban development, one that prioritizes community, accessibility, and everyday wellness. The project is being designed and built by Ilo Corp.

The groundbreaking ceremony was led by GDC president lawyer Duane A.X. Santos, together with executives from GDC and Ilo Corp.

While the structure will provide five floors of parking, the development is positioned as more than a functional facility. Retail and commercial establishments will occupy the ground level, integrating the building into a walkable, green environment that supports daily movement and interaction.

Central to the project’s concept is the idea that the park is the development itself, with all other elements—parking, retail, and future offices—serving as

supporting amenities. The steel parking building forms part of phase 1 of GDC’s next major development, which is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2026 and targeted for completion by year-end.

Phase 1 will cover a 33,478-squaremeter block and feature a 295-meter linear walkway, four meters wide. The walkway is designed to encourage movement, connection, and everyday community life, acting as a key link between various spaces within the district.

Over the years, Greenfield District has steadily developed spaces that support both personal and social wellness, including wide pavements for running and walking, parks for yoga, basketball, volleyball, and padel courts, as well as open areas that naturally bring people together.

“We built the community; we built the health and sports facilities together with the parks and green open spaces as a venue to develop meaningful relationships, a sense of belonging and community engagement – the key attributes of social wellness,” said Atty. Santos.

“This steel parking area, together with this linear park, marks the first phase of our development. The park will be the spine of the whole District connecting health facilities and social spaces into one continuous story of wellness.”

Spanning a combined gross floor area of 21,000 square meters, Patria de Cebu is a fully integrated development that brings together retail, office, and hospitality components in Cebu’s downtown district. The project strengthens the area’s role as a commercial and community center while respecting its historical and cultural context.

The redevelopment retains the original Patria de Cebu structure and introduces a refreshed architectural design inspired by Filipino-Spanish heritage. The project preserves the site’s decades-old historical significance, blending traditional elements with modern spaces designed for contemporary use.

“Patria de Cebu is our way of honoring Cebu’s rich heritage and the unwavering faith of Cebuanos. We thoughtfully designed it to preserve its legacy and bring new life to the area for the community,” said CLI chairman and chief executive Jose Soberano III.

A key design feature of Patria de Cebu is its interior courtyard centerpiece and open-air façade, envisioned as a modern gathering space reminiscent of Rome’s

public squares. This design is further contextualized by its location directly across the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, reinforcing the development’s connection to Cebu’s Christ-centered history and long-standing role as a place of congregation.

The project also includes an international hotel component, Mercure Cebu Downtown, which will be CLI’s first international hotel in the downtown area. Operated by French multinational hospitality group Accor, the hotel will add 182 room keys to CLI’s hospitality portfolio.

Mercure Cebu Downtown is scheduled to open by the end of 2026.

Retail spaces within

development occupy 4,320 square meters and house a range of essential services, food and beverage concepts, and wellness offerings. Office spaces, covering 4,400 square meters, are set to open later in the year. With its thoughtful integration of heritage, architecture, and modern urban use, Patria de Cebu represents CLI’s commitment to sustainable redevelopment and the revitalization of Cebu’s historic downtown district.

Ayala Land’s Vermosa taps Abba’s Orchard for largest K-12 Montessori campus in Luzon

AYALA Land’s Vermosa estate has entered into a partnership with Abba’s Orchard to develop what will become the schoo’s largest K–12 Maria Montessori campus in Luzon. The collaboration was formalized through a contract signing in December, signaling a shared commitment to education as a cornerstone of community building.

The upcoming Abba’s Orchard Vermosa Campus is envisioned as more than a school. Both parties see the project as a long-

term investment in learning environments that nurture character, leadership, and lifelong curiosity. Its scale and scope reflect growing demand for highquality, values-driven education within the rapidly developing Vermosa estate.

Designed as a complete K–12 institution, the campus will follow the Maria Montessori approach, offering continuity in a student’s educational journey from early childhood through senior high school. The

school will uphold authentic, child-centered learning while providing depth and structure across all grade levels.

A key highlight of the Vermosa Campus is the introduction of the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) program, which will be implemented on an Abba’s Orchard campus for the first time. Founded by Dr. Maria Montessori, AMI is internationally recognized as the gold standard in Montessori education and teacher training.

This initiative supports Abba’s Orchard’s long-term plan to establish the Vermosa Campus as the country’s first AMI Training Center, further strengthening its leadership in authentic Montessori practice.

Development of the campus will follow a carefully phased timeline, covering design, regulatory approvals, construction, and intensive in-house teacher training. This structured approach is intended to ensure quality, preparedness, and sustainability upon the school’s opening.

Vermosa is a 700-hectare estate in Cavite City that aims to redefine suburban living by offering a mix of residential, retail, and business spots in one destination bolstered by sports and fitness amenities. It is the first estate development of Ayala Land in the fast growing province of Cavite.

The partnership positions Vermosa not only as a future-ready Ayala Land estate with key modern amenities, but as a community deeply invested in shaping future generations through education.

Patria de Cebu marked by a solemn blessing and ribbon-cutting ceremony led by His Excellency, Archbishop Emeritus Jose S. Palma. Mayor Nestor Archival, Cebu Landmasters, and valued guests joined the celebration.

Patria de Cebu has received industry recognition, winning Best Mega Mixed-Use Development at the 2021 PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards.

the

MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2026

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

On her own terms

Kris Bernal returns to television with new drama ‘House of Lies’

By Jasper Valdez

AFTER stepping away from television to focus on motherhood, Kris Bernal is returning to Filipino screens through GMA

Afternoon Prime’s upcoming series House of Lies —a comeback she admits came with pressure and self-doubt.

Kris headlines the new drama alongside Beauty Gonzalez, Martin del Rosario, and Mike Tan, but her return carries a deeply personal backstory. During the show’s grand media conference on Jan. 12, she revealed that before saying yes to House of Lies, she had turned down several projects because she was not ready.

“There was a time when I really asked myself if this was the point where I would just become a full-time mom,” Kris said.

“It felt like I needed to take a break from showbiz.”

For nearly three years, Kris stayed away from regular television work, choosing instead to focus on raising her daughter, Hailee. She said motherhood shifted her priorities and made her more cautious about returning to the demanding pace of daily taping.

Her eventual signing with Sparkle in August of last year helped her regain confidence, but even then, Kris approached her comeback carefully. She revealed that she initially agreed to a one-year contract, treating it as a trial period.

“I only signed for one year,” she said. “It was like a test run to see if I could really balance work and being a hands-on mom.”

Taking on House of Lies, however, also came with pressure. Watching the show’s trailer, Kris admitted feeling the weight of expectations, especially knowing the project would mark her return to the limelight.

“I felt pressured,” she said. “After all, this is my comeback, and I kept thinking about whether people would still see that I can do it.” Kris was candid about the adjustments she has had to make since returning to the set. She said memorizing lines now takes longer, and the physical demands of taping feel different compared to earlier in her career.

“To be honest, it feels new to me again,” she said. “I’m not as quick as I used to be, but I’m more focused now.”

That focus, she explained, often means keeping to herself on set. “I really isolate myself,” she said, adding that it helps her better internalize her scenes. Working with co-stars like

SHOWBIZ

“You

“She really comes

tell she studies her scenes, and she treats everyone on set fairly. She knows how to give back, and she never gets tired of helping.”

Outside work, Kris credited her husband, Perry Choi, for giving her the confidence to return, saying their relationship is built on communication and trust.

“He knows that it’s just work,” she said, adding that they talk things through

and understand the demands of her job, especially when it comes to daring scenes. Looking ahead, Kris said this chapter is about balance, after years of putting herself and her family first. At 36, she shared that she and her husband are also thinking about expanding their family.

RISING rapper Neeyong is sharing his journey of recovery and self-discovery in his debut EP, Personal Inventory

The 15-year-old artist said the five-track project reflects his experiences with substance abuse and his path to healing.

“I went through a chaotic life, a life full of vices, a life where I didn’t care about the people around me,” Neeyong said in the vernacular.

“When my dad sent me to rehab, that’s when I realized everything and took the time to properly reflect so I could change myself. While I was there, I poured all that I went through into the songs I wrote,” the young rapper added.

The EP features “Yellow Corner,” “Programa,” “Recuperation,” “9/21,” and “Neon,” all written by Neeyong and produced by Michael Cursebox under StarPop label head Roque “Rox” Santos . The track “9/21” addresses Neeyong’s perspective on the country’s harsh realities.

Neeyong debuted in 2024 with the single “Agos ng Tubig,” which he described as a song about overcoming negativity. He has performed at schools and concerts, citing influences from Gloc 9, Shanti Dope, Flow G, Hellmerry, Eminem, Tupac, Michael Jackson , and Snoop Dogg Personal Inventory is available on all music streaming platforms.

“After this show,” she said with a smile, “we might try for a second baby.” For Kris, House of Lies is not about reclaiming a former version of herself. It is about returning on her own terms, at a time she finally felt ready.

“This time,” she said, “I came back because I wanted to.” House of Life premieres today, Jan. 19, on GMA.

ENGLISH singer and actor Harry

Styles will release his fourth studio album, Kiss All the Time Disco, Occasionally., on March 6, marking his first full-length project in four years.

The announcement followed a series of cryptic posters appearing in major cities worldwide, featuring crowds with the message “WE BELONG TOGETHER.” His official website displayed the same phrase alongside footage of cheering fans. Styles, 31, last released Harry’s House in 2022, which won Album of the Year at the 2023 Grammy Awards. The album was praised by The Associated Press for showcasing “a breadth of style that matches the album’s emotional range.”

On Instagram, Styles shared the cover artwork for Kiss All the Time.

Disco, Occasionally. a T-shirt and jeans under a shimmering disco ball at night. The album, which contains 12 tracks, is executive produced by Kid Harpoon collaborator of Styles who has worked on all of his solo albums since his 2017 debut.

The project is also Styles’ first since the death of former bandmate Liam Payne Fans have speculated about the album’s sound after two new Apple Music playlists appeared on Styles’ profile. One playlist, titled All the Time., features slower love songs such as “Adore You” and “Fine Line,” while the other, Occasionally., includes upbeat tracks like “Watermelon

and “As It

Anticipation builds for the release of Harry Styles fourth studio album, ‘Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally’

Kris Bernal (right) and Beauty Gonzalez star opposite each other in GMA Afternoon Prime’s new series

official album artwork for Harry Styles’s upcoming album

DRAMATIC RETURN. Kris Bernal says she accepted the project only when she felt ready to return

Beauty has been a motivating experience, Kris added. She praised Beauty’s preparation and generosity on set, saying it helped create a supportive working environment.

prepared,” Kris said.

can

From left: Kokoy de Santos, Snooky Serna, Jackie Lou Blanco, Lito Pimentel, Mike Tan, Beauty Gonzalez, Kris Bernal, Martin del Rosario, and director Jerry Lopez Sineneng at the ‘House of Lies’ grand media conference

LIFE & SHOWBIZ

Heart Evangelista gains new ‘sister’

in

newly minted lawyer Gabriel Divina

HEART Evangelista has found an unlikely new “sister” in freshly minted lawyer Gabriel Divina, who sent social media buzzing after gushing over the fashion icon in a series of posts.

Divina, the son of University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Civil Law Dean Nilo Divina and founder of the high-profile Divina Law Office, recently took to X to share his encounter with Heart, saying the actress and style figure herself joked that they looked like siblings.

“Technically, it’s not a joke when I say ‘SISTERS!’ when I talk about Heart Evangelista because the one time I met her, her immediate response to me was ‘mukha tayong magkapatid!’” he wrote. He added, “She’s so funny and sweet,” alongside a side-by-side photo of the two wearing matching leopard-print coats, instantly fuelling online chatter.

But Divina did not stop there. In what

ALLY.

Fans continue to defend Heart Evangelista’s influence in the fashion world

appeared to be a pointed clapback at critics questioning Heart’s luxury lifestyle, he defended her ability to afford designer pieces, drawing a comparison with content creator and social media star Mimiyuuuh

“Keep in mind, Mimiyuuuh is also an endorser and influencer just like Heart Evangelista, and despite growing up from poverty and being the breadwinner, she’s now able to afford 2 houses, a Makati condo, several cars, Hermes and Chanel bags, and more,” Divina wrote. “What makes y’all think Heart Evangelista can’t afford all her luxuries and more?!,” he added.

Very Wang Nickie Wang

Mimiyuuuh is widely known for rising from humble beginnings to become one of the country’s most successful content creators and influencers, supporting his family along the way.

Much like Heart, Divina is also fond of sharing his outfits online. After the release of the 2025 Bar Examination results on Jan. 7, which confirmed he had passed, he joked about indulging in more designer suits.

PARK Inn by Radisson Clark, a property of SM Hotels & Conventions Corporation (SMHCC) in Central Luzon, has received a Special Award for Innovative Use of Technology at the Department of Energy’s (DOE) 5th Energy Efficiency Excellence Awards.

The recognition highlights the hotel’s energy efficiency and conservation efforts, including the use of advanced systems that deliver measurable energy savings while maintaining guest comfort.

The hotel uses an offsite cooling system that supplies chilled water from a nearby central plant, reducing the need for on-site chiller equipment. The approach allows for lower energy consumption, stableindoortemperatures,andminimalmaintenance requirements.

Energy-efficient

air-conditioning system, have helped the hotel save more than 240,000 kilowatt-hours annually and prevent roughly 174 metric tons of carbon emissions each year.

“This award reflects our commitment to integrating sustainability into the core of our developments,” said SMHCC senior vice president for Project Management and Technical Support Services Eric Uy. He added that Park Inn by Radisson Clark was designed with energy efficiency in mind, rather than being retrofitted to meet award criteria.

The energy reductions contribute to SMHCC’s Road to Net Zero by 2040, positioning the hotel as a model for environmentally sustainable operations in the Philippines.

SMHCC operates ten hotels with over 2,600 rooms and more than 42,000 square meters of convention space, including Taal Vista Hotel, Conrad Manila, Radisson Blu Cebu, and multiple Park Inn by Radisson properties across

For more information, visit https://smhotels.com.ph.

“Since I passed the 2025 bar exams, I have more excuse now to buy more Saint Laurent suits hehehehehe,” he posted, adding,

“Kailangan maging fresh for clients! Charot!”

Heart, meanwhile, began her career at a young age as a fashion model and actress before becoming one of the Philippines’ most influential style and lifestyle figures. She is a familiar face at major fashion weeks in Europe and is regarded as one of the most in-demand luxury brand endorsers.

Industry data backs this up. According to Favikon, Heart ranked Top 8 in the “Top 20 Instagram Influencers in the Philippines in 2026” based on reach, growth, and engagement. Data from influData.com also placed her at Rank 1 among the “Top 20 from Manila on Instagram Influencers by Follower Growth.”

These figures underline her massive Media Impact Value, with influencers capable of earning millions of pesos through endorsements and luxury brand partnerships. For her fans, the message is clear. Critics may question, but the numbers, influence, and now even a playful “sister” moment suggest Heart Evangelista remains untouchable in the digital spotlight, with every move she makes, big or small, still a talking point online.

By Angelica Villanueva

MICHAEL Pacquiao , the son of boxing icon and former senator Manny Pacquiao, drew online attention over the weekend after sharing a new photo, sparking speculation about a change in his appearance.

On Saturday, Jan. 17, Michael posted on his Instagram account a side-facing photo that drew attention to his nose. The post quickly gained reactions.

Some social media users compared the recent photo with his previous images and videos from last year, including clips taken during a family gathering with his parents. Some online commenters suggested that he may have undergone a nose enhancement procedure.

Michael, who currently serves as a councilor in General Santos City, has not addressed the claims. He has neither confirmed nor denied undergoing any cosmetic procedure.

THEY call Rogojeni the “hobbit village,” and its little half-buried houses, built to resist Moldova’s cold winters and hot summers, do look like something from The Lord of the Rings

The traditional dugout houses have put the shrinking settlement on the tourist map, and locals hope they may also help to save it.

“We do fear that the village could disappear, considering that there are so few people left,” said Mayor Ruslan Groza, with only 30 people left in a hamlet that once had a population of 200.

“My goal is to develop this locality, build roads, repair, where possible, the houses that can be preserved, and develop tourism,” he told AFP

Rogojeni is one of the last villages that still boasts the low stone “basca” houses built into grassy hills, with their small doors forcing people to stoop down when they enter.

More and more tourists are coming after one of the dwellings was repaired and opened to visitors in 2020, said Groza.

A South Korean student was visiting when AFP went to the village two hours north of the capital, Chisinau, earlier this month. He had even been invited to join a pig roast by locals ahead of the Jan. 7 Christmas celebration.

Such customs are “hard to see” elsewhere, said Sangkyoung Lee, 22, who looked amazed as smoke rose from the burning hay covering the pig as snow fell all around.

Inside the house-turned-museum, pig stew,

polenta with sheep cheese, pickles and red wine were served around a table in a small room with an arched entrance and blue walls decorated with traditionally handsewn carpets in lively colors. Mayor Groza, 46, a history teacher, takes pride in his village’s cultural heritage, though much of it has fallen into decay, like an old school and church reduced to outer walls. With tens of thousands of Moldovans leaving for EU countries each year, many villages are becoming ghost towns. Since 2014, nearly half a million have left, and around a million Moldovans now live abroad.

His wife, Mariana Groza, 45, a literature and French teacher, remains optimistic. She runs an embroidery and traditional costume workshop, sharing her work on TikTok.

“We must promote traditions,” she said.

During a pre-Christmas celebration, Mariana and other village women, including two grandmothers over 80, sang carols by the museum, ringing a bell while a man played accordion.

One grandmother laughed and danced with her friend.

“Now there’s no one left. Just us, a bunch of old women,” Maria Ardeleanu said, adding she enjoys talking to tourists. When the carols ended, they threw wheat grains for prosperity— Ardeleanu caught eight, saying, “Tradition says that’s how many years I’ve still got to live.” AFP

From left: SMHCC senior VP Eric Uy, Park Inn Clark chief engineer Cris Pimentel, and GM Lorenzo Tang at the awarding ceremony

Maria Ardeleanu (left) stands next to her friend outside

‘basca’ museum-house in Rogojeni

BEFORE AND AFTER. Michael Pacquiao currently serves as a councilor of General Santos City

Attorney Gabriel Divina is the son of Divina Law founder Nilo Divina

By Nickie Wang

THE

El Nido’s limestone cliffs and turquoise waters help cement Palawan’s place among Asia’s top travel destinations for 2026

experiences

U.S. News & World Report has ranked the best places to visit in Asia for 2026, factoring in affordability, accessibility, variety of attractions, local culture, and traveler feedback. Making a first-time entry into the top three is Palawan, Philippines, ranked No. 3. Often called the crown jewel of the Philippines’ 7,000-plus islands, Palawan lures sunseekers with its white sands, shallow turquoise lagoons, and dramatic limestone cliffs. El Nido and Coron are ideal bases for island hopping, canoeing through underground rivers, climbing jagged cliffs, or diving among sea turtles in Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park.

Japan dominates this year’s rankings, taking the top two spots. Mount Fuji, ranked No. 1, is Japan’s highest peak and most iconic attraction. A two-hour

train ride from Tokyo makes it perfect for a day trip, but the Fuji Five Lakes area offers a deeper experience with hot springs, Arakurayama Sengen Park views, and local hoto noodles. Tokyo itself, ranked No. 2, is a city of extremes. Neon-lit skyscrapers, crowded streets, quirky museums, and futuristic architecture blend seamlessly with historic shrines like Meiji Shrine and Sensoji Temple. Food lovers are spoilt for choice, from sushi and ramen to Michelin-starred dining and sky-high cocktail bars. Kyoto and Osaka also feature in the top thirteen, underlining Japan’s unmatched blend of tradition

and

at other hotels. Because the hotel marketed its guestrooms as serviced apartments, each room came fully equipped with kitchen and laundry facilities. There was a separate sitting area, a workspace, and 24-hour room service. I also liked its heated indoor pool. In fact, I remember checking in at the hotel

had was its food. Any item on the menu was so delectable—whether it was the appetizer, the main dish, or the dessert—I always finished every morsel on the plate. Chef Gus Mohamed is a culinary wizard. I often wondered what propels his creativity, because even the ordinary dishes on the menu tasted extraordinary.

I also remember that one time I checked in at the hotel simply because I wanted to spend the evening at The Roof, the al fresco dining area on top of the building. The glittering panoramic evening view of the metropolis was mesmerizing. That, and a bottle of ice-cold Engkanto craft beer, was the perfect antidote to stress. Those were the reasons Joy Nostalg Hotel and Suites Manila was dear to me. So when I found out from my friend, Laurie Cardeño, the hotel’s director of sales and marketing, that the hotel was going to close down, I felt sad. It will undergo a top-to-bottom renovation for several months and is expected to open again in the third quarter of this year, but with a new identity—Ascott Ortigas

Manila. Laurie invited me to check in and enjoy the hotel’s facilities again one last time, but I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy my stay, as I’m quite a sentimental person. I was worried that I might just spend my stay there recalling the beautiful moments I had at the hotel and feeling sad about its closure. I was still weighing things in my mind when I got another message, this time from another friend, Princes Anderle, the hotel’s director of marketing communications, inviting me again to spend a weekend there. After much thought, I realized it might be a good idea, after all, so I could add more to my “moments” at the hotel. I yielded to the tempting invitation and checked in. Like in the past, the spacious room was such a welcome sight. Right away, I found myself comfortably curled up in the massive bed. After a while, I decided to have lunch at the Nostalg Dining Lounge, to feast on my favorite kare-kare and

offering rainforests, golden beaches, and historic ruins without the crowds. Its 26 national parks are perfect for spotting elephants, leopards, and sloth bears, while Sigiriya’s 600-foot fortress and Polonnaruwa’s temples showcase its rich history.

Chiang Mai, Thailand, ranked No. 6, pairs centuries-old temples like Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh with night markets, cooking classes, and nearby Doi Suthep-Pui National Park. Ethical elephant sanctuaries nearby make it a haven for animal lovers.

Bhutan, ranked No. 7, rewards careful planning and a $100 daily sustainable development fee with solitude, preserved traditions, and breathtaking Himalayan landscapes. The Paro Valley is home to the famous Tiger’s Nest monastery and sections of the 250-mile Trans Bhutan Trail.

Vietnam’s capital Hanoi, ranked No. 8, balances lakeside calm with buzzing streets and scooters. Visitors can sip Vietnamese egg coffee before wandering the Old Quarter, sampling street food, or exploring historic sites such as the Temple of Literature and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

Bali, Indonesia, ranked No. 9, combines dense rainforests, mountains, beaches, and cultural treasures. Uluwatu and Tanah Lot temples are perfect for sunset views, while Ubud offers rice terraces and the Sacred Monkey Forest. Phuket, Thailand, ranked No. 10, boasts long beaches, turquoise waters, and tours to James Bond Island’s limestone formations. Lively beach clubs, nightlife along Bangla Road, and affordable accommodations make it ideal for all types of travelers.

U.S. News & World Report is an American media company known for news, rankings, and analysis, founded in 1948 from the merger of U.S. News and World Report. and modernity. Beyond Japan, Asia’s diversity is perfectly outlined in this top destinations list. Seoul, South Korea, ranked No. 4, is noted for its centuries-old palaces, shrines, and traditional villages with cutting-edge shopping districts like Myeong-dong. When the city’s pace becomes overwhelming, green spaces such as Namsan Park and Bukhansan National Park provide a welcome retreat. Sri Lanka comes in at No. 5,

and

settling back in my

I later learned that

was preparing a special dinner for me. I knew right away that this was going to be the highlight of my weekend stay.

Chef Gus described his specially crafted menu as something that “honors the deep roots of Filipino cuisine while fearlessly transcending its boundaries, a display of the future of food.” My dinner started with tuna and prawn tacos, which had bits of citrus fruits, herbs, and leche de tigre emulsion. Then came the New Zealand lamb rack, a heavenly dish made even more flavorful with Dukkah crust and mushy minted peas. This was followed by The

much-appreciated culinary experience, I ended the evening somewhat sad that I would be left with just memories—albeit beautiful—of one of my favorites in our country’s hospitality industry. But taking a cue from what Chef Gus said about his menu, “This dinner is a prelude to

Mount Fuji, Japan’s most iconic peak, tops the U.S. News & World Report list, drawing travelers with its scenic trails and postcard-perfect views

Shibuya Crossing captures Tokyo’s pulse, where neon-lit streets and nonstop movement

dynamic cities

Joy~Nostalg Hotel and Suites Manila stands tall in Ortigas, a former servicedapartment landmark remembered for its spacious rooms and residential comforts

Coron’s dramatic karst formations and clear lagoons showcase Palawan’s