ICC junks move to bar drug war victims’ lawyers
THE International Criminal Court (ICC) has rejected an attempt of former president Rodrigo Duterte’s camp to thwart the appointment of lawyers for the victims of the drug war, whom they claim accused them of “judicial trolling.”
15 senators, 10 solons slam China aggression
By Maricel V. Cruz, Ram Superable and Rex Espiritu
SOME 15 senators and 10 House lawmakers have crossed party lines in pushing back against what they described as increasingly aggressive and undiplomatic public statements by the Chinese Embassy in Manila.
Under Senate Resolution No. 256, the senators slammed the language used by a Chinese embassy official against lawmakers and other Philippine officials as “contrary to accepted standards of diplomatic conduct and mutual respect between states.”
The resolution also called on the Department of Foreign Affairs to take the necessary diplomatic measures to ensure that relations with other states are conducted in accordance with international law and established principles of state relations.
It was signed by Senate President Vicente Sotto III, Francis Pangilinan, Panfilo Lacson, Juan Miguel Zubiri, Erwin Tulfo, Risa Hontiveros, Raffy Tulfo, Sherwin Gatchalian, Loren Legarda, Joseph Victor Ejercito, Bam Aquino, Camille Villar, Mark Villar, Jinggoy Estrada, and Lito Lapid.
In the House of Representatives, minority lawmakers filed House Resolution 680 on Tuesday, calling on the Executive Branch, particularly the DFA, to adopt stronger measures in response to Chinese embassy remarks.
PH, US navies conduct first maritime war games for 2026
By Rex Espiritu
THE naval forces of the Philippines and the United States conducted their first bilateral maritime war games for 2026 in the West Philippine Sea from January 25 to 26, aimed at enhancing interoperability and joint maritime patrol capabilities. For the 11th bilateral maritime cooperative activity (MCA), the Philippine Navy sent one of its newest warships, the guided-missile frigate BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151) as well as the Philippine Coast Guard offshore patrol vessel BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301). Next page
CHINESE Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan met with Davao City
Mayor Sebastian Duterte on Monday to discuss enhancing bilateral ties and economic cooperation.
In a social media post, the Chinese Embassy in Manila said Jing, who stayed in Davao City for two days, also met with members of the Filipino-Chinese community.
“Ambassador Jing had a fruitful meeting with Mayor Sebastian
Duterte and City Councilors of Davao, exchanging views on enhancing bilateral ties and exploring cooperation in economic, high-tech, cultural, educational fields and so on,” the embassy said.
Before he flew to Davao Monday, Ambassador Jing first met with Cebu Governor Pam Baricuatro and Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival where they discussed boosting economic co
Aleson ships grounded; PBBM orders thorough probe into sinking
TRANSPORTATION Secretary Giovanni Lopez on Tuesday grounded all passenger ships of Aleson Shipping Lines until a thorough and comprehensive maritime safety inspection and audit of its fleet and crew are completed.
In a 15-page decision dated Jan. 26, the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I said majority of the victim-applicants wished to be represented by ICC-accredited lawyers Joel Butuyan and Gilbert Andres, or the Office of Public Counsel for Victims (OPCV).
Both Butuyan and Andres are eligible to be appointed as legal representatives of the victims, the pre-trial chamber noted.
However, Duterte’s camp argued that it will object to the involvement of any common legal representative who has accused Mr. Duterte’s
This action follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.‚‘s directive to the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to conduct a full-scale investigation into the tragedy. Lopez‚‘s directive to the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) to ground all Aleson vessels comes after the sinking of the MV Trisha Kerstin 3.
Return $1b first, Jonvic tells Zaldy before negotiations can begin
While en route to Jolo, Sulu, from Zamboanga City, the vessel sank, leaving 18 people dead and 10 others missing, including the ship‚‘s captain, Next page
By Vince Lopez
“RETURN $1 billion, then we can talk.” This was the curt message of Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla of the Department of the Interior and Local Government to former Ako Bicol
party-list congressman-turned fugitive Elizaldy Co who had been a central figure in the multibillion-peso flood control scandal. Meanwhile, Remulla also brushed aside as a mere “suspicion” the
THE Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued subpoenas to Senator Jinggoy Estrada, former Public Works secretary Manuel Bonoan, and former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. regarding plunder complaints filed against them, Justice spokesperson Polo Martinez said Tuesday.The preliminary investigations for the complaints are scheduled for Monday, February 2, and Thursday, February 12.
have been issued, and we are waiting to complete the service of copies to the respondents,” Martinez said in a message to reporters. Estrada and Bonoan are co-respondents in one of three plunder complaints filed with the Justice Department. Other respondents in the complaint include former
FIRST FOR 2026. The Philippine and US militaries conduct the rst Maritime Cooperative Activity for this year in Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal). AFP
Tito Sotto
Camille Villar Jinggoy Estrada
JV Ejercito Risa Hontiveros
Pan lo Lacson
Loren Legarda
Mark Villar
Kiko Pangilinan
Erwin Tulfo
Ra y Tulfo
Sherwin Gatchalian Miguel Zubiri
Bam Aquino
Lito Lapid
Palace respects impeach bids
By Charles Dantes
MALACAÑANG on Tuesday said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. respects the referral of two verified impeachment complaints against him to the House Committee on Justice, stressing that the Palace will allow the constitutional process to take its course.
But Castro acknowledged that impeachment efforts could be viewed as an attack against the Marcos administration.
“In a way yes dahil sabi po natin ang anumang pagsasampa ng impeachment complaint ay hindi lang ang Pangulo ang maaapektuhan kundi mismo ang bansa at ang ekonomiya,” she said.
The US Navy deployed the guided-missile destroyer USS John Finn (DDG-113) during the joint naval exercise.
While the two forces were conducting drills, the Xianning, a frigate of the China People’s Liberation Army Navy, was spotted nearby.
“Lumayo rin siya nang lumayo at hindi rin naman siya naka-distract, hindi sila naging obstruction sa daanan ng exercise. Wala namang radio challengers,” said the Luna’s commanding officer, Captain Jennifer Monforte PN (GSC).
(It also moved further away and did not cause a distraction. They did not become an obstruction in the path of the exercise. There were no radio challenges either.)
Among the drills in the bilateral MCA was the deck landing qualification, wherein a Philippine Navy AW109 helicopter had to land on the Luna while underway. Lessons from the exercise could be used during search and rescue, supply missions, and medical evacuations.
The PCG’s BRP Gabriela Silang also joined the deck landing qualification drill, which also marks the first time that the vessel was used in any maritime exercise activity with other allied countries.
The Philippine and US Navies also practiced night steaming in company during the first night of the MCA. It is a simulation of joint patrolling of the sea in low light conditions in open water. Meanwhile, the replenishment at sea drill aimed at improving muscle memory and mastery. Such exercises could be used during exchanges or deliveries of supply like fuel to other vessels while out in the sea.
Participating units conducted a series of combined naval and air operations, including Replenishment at Sea (RAS) Stationing, Replenishment-at-Sea Approach (RASAP), Surface Warfare Exercise (SUWEX), Night Steaming in Company (NSIC), Photo Exercise (PHOTOEX), and Passing Exercise (PASSEX).
eight crew members, and a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) marshal.
A total of 316 others were rescued, according to the PCG.
Lopez ordered the PCG to complete the probe within 15 days and immediately dispatch personnel to conduct emergency readiness evaluations, safety inspections, and audits on two Aleson vessels traveling from Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, to Zamboanga,
camp of “fueling online hatred and judicial trolling” or has persistently criticized defense strategy in media interviews, voiced denigratory slurs concerning counsel, expressed preconceived views as to Mr Duterte’s guilt or derogatory comments on his character.”
The ICC Pre-trial Chamber also adopted the schedule for the confirmation of charges hearing against Duterte in connection with his alleged crimes against humanity in connection with his war on illegal drugs.
According to a nine-page document dated Jan. 27, the confirmation of charges will begin on Feb. 23 and run until Feb;. 27.
All hearings will begin at 10 a.m. and every hearing will be divided into
Castro said the President honors the actions and decisions of the House of Representatives and will not interfere with proceedings related to the impeachment complaints.
“Ginagalang po ng Pangulo kung anuman po ang activities, ginagawa at mga desisyon po ng House of Representatives so hayaan po natin ang proseso na
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These include the filing of formal diplomatic protests, summoning the Chinese ambassador, and, if warranted, declaring certain embassy officials persona non grata for conduct deemed improper and inconsistent with diplomatic norms, the resolution read.
“They have no right to belittle, insult and abuse our officials. We will not allow the fact that while they are spreading lies about us, we will remain silent,” said House Deputy Minority Leader Leila de Lima.
“Just as we defend the West Philippine Sea (WPS), we must resist such acts and instead move to defend our officers who only stand by what is true and what is worthy of the dignity of our country,” she added.
De Lima of the Mamamayang Liberal party-list filed the resolution along with Liberal Party lawmakers Reps. Edgar Erice (Caloocan City), Adrian Amatong (Zamboanga del Norte), Arlene Bag-ao (Dinagat Islands), Jaime Fresnedi (Muntinlupa City), Krisel Lagman (Albay), and Alfonso Umali Jr. (Oriental Mindoro), as well as Akbayan party-list
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operation and protecting Chinese nationals and the Filipino-Chinese community from crime, among others, the embassy said.
For his part, Senator Robin Padilla said Duterte’s meeting with the Chinese ambassador is a step in the right direction in pushing for diplomacy over confrontation.
“Thank you, Mayor Sebastian Baste Duterte for showing diplomacy in the midst of misunderstanding and foreign influence,” Padilla said.
For his part, Senator Rodante Marcoleta said Beijing is unhappy about being portrayed as the “villain” amid issues on the West Philippine Sea.
Marcoleta took exception to the statements made by Philippine Coast
and Jolo, Sulu, to Zamboanga.
“We are grounding the entire fleet of Aleson Shipping Lines, and I‚Äôm asking MARINA to conduct a maritime safety audit together with the Philippine Coast Guard‚” not just the ships, but their crew as well,” Lopez said.
He stated that the ongoing probe aims to determine the cause of the sinking and identify all possible lapses by both the government and the ship owner.
“If we exact accountability from the ship owners, we will exact even
three sessions, with 30-minute and 90-minute breaks.
The Pre-Trial Chamber 1 also allocated schedules for the oral presentations of the prosecution, common legal representatives of victims (CLRV), and the defense.
For the prosecution, 30 minutes for opening statements, two hours and 30 minutes for submissions on the merits, and 30 minutes for closing statements; for the CLRV, 30 minutes for opening statements, one hour and 30 minutes for submissions on the merits and 30 minutes for closing statements; and for the defense, 30 minutes for opening statements, three hours and 30 minutes for submissions on the merits, and 30 minutes for closing statements.
Meanwhile, the hearing on the review of detention will be held on Feb. 27, the last day of the hearing.
umandar na naaayon sa batas,” Castro said during a Palace briefing.
(The President respects whatever activities, actions, and decisions are made by the House of Representatives, so we will allow the process to proceed in accordance with the law.)
(In a way, yes, because any impeachment complaint affects not only the President but also the country and the economy.)
Castro said the impeachment complaints will not distract the President from fulfilling his duties, emphasizing that Marcos remains focused on governance and addressing national concerns.
“Unang-una po, itong mga im-
lawmakers Chel Diokno, Percival Cendaña and Dadah Kiram Ismula.
Tulfo, in his own privilege speech, strongly rebuked the Chinese Embassy over its comments on freedom of expression and its warning that Philippine officials would face consequences for statements related to the West Philippine Sea.
He said foreign representatives have no authority to dictate the limits of speech in the Philippines and maintained that Filipino officials were exercising their mandate in speaking out on issues of sovereignty.
“If they do not like how democracy works in our country, the answer is clear: leave. This is our house. They are not our bosses, and we are not their servants,” Tulfo said.
“We do not take lessons on democracy from a government that jails critics. We do not take lectures on free speech from a system that suppresses it,” Tulfo added.
The House resolution also cited a pattern of public statements and social media posts that lawmakers said employ disparaging and inflammatory language, go beyond legitimate expressions of a foreign state’s position, and undermine the principles of mutual respect and non-interference.
Guard spokesperson Jay Tarriela, who showed included satirical images of Chinese President Xi Jinping in a recent presentation.
Marcoleta said the government should also be more careful in issuing statements that can “cause panic” or result in “misinterpretation.”
“If there is misinterpretation, even a small problem can become worse,” Marcoleta said.
Tarriela late Monday criticized what he described as “brazen and abrasive” statements issued by the Chinese Embassy in Manila that showed “blatant disrespect against Philippine elected officials in our own soil.”
“As Filipinos, we must recognize that this attack on our sitting Senators by foreign diplomats is not merely an assault on the Senate as a democratic institution, but a direct challenge to our sovereignty and to the Filipino
higher accountability from the government,” he said.
The transport chief likewise ordered MARINA to submit a complete maritime safety audit and inventory of the entire passenger vessel fleet in the country.
The maritime transport regulator is expected to submit the results of the audit and inventory in the coming days.
Lopez stressed that the current priority is for the shipping company to expedite the issuance of insurance claims and provide emergency assistance to the victims‚’ families and
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allegation of whistleblower Julie Patidongan that Charlie “Atong” Ang who was facing multiple criminal charges over the missing sabungeros has fled the country.
Remulla said Co should first return the one $1 billion before talking to him. The DILG chief was responding to reporters’ question if the government was ready to have a dialogue with the former lawmaker.
This was also following Co’s reported surrender feelers perceived as an indication he wanted to return to the country and face the charges lodged against him.
“Yes, he sent a statement, not to me directly, not to my brother directly but to our friend who was a friend of the priest he spoke to in a gated community in Lisbon. He looks like he’s thinking
peachment complaint na naisampa laban sa Pangulo ay hindi po mapapahinto,” she said. (First of all, these impeachment complaints filed against the President cannot be stopped.)
“Hindi po mapapatigil ang Pangulo sa patuloy niyang pagtatrabaho para iangat ang buhay ng bawat Pilipino,” Castro added.
(The President will not be stopped in his continued work to raise the lives of every Filipino.)
She stated that Malacañang is prepared to cooperate with Congress should the House Committee on Justice request documents related to the complaints.
The DFA earlier raised “serious concern” and lodged “firm representations” with Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan over the “escalation of public exchanges” between the Chinese Embassy in Manila and Filipino officials.
For her part, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the President has given clear instructions to government agencies to assert Philippine interests and sovereignty.
“The President himself has said that he will not surrender even a square inch of our territory,” Castro said Monday.
“So, whatever the agencies are doing in pushing for the interest of the country, that’s the President’s order. But we will remain diplomatic,” she said.
Assistant Director General Cornelio Valencia Jr., National Security Council spokesperson, said the “recent pattern of public statements” made by the Chinese Embassy was “undiplomatic and uncalled for.”
“The Philippines is a democracy governed by the rule of law. Public officials, spokespersons, and institutions are mandated to inform the Filipino people of developments affecting national security, including activities in the West Philippine Sea. This responsibility does not require approval from any foreign government,” Valencia said.
people as a whole,” Tarriela said.
Tarriela’s statement was in response to several social media posts and statements made by Chinese Embassy Deputy Spokesperson Guo Wei against him and other sitting elected officials, including Senators Risa Hontiveros, Erwin Tulfo and Kiko Pangilinan, among others.
Guo has since responded to Tarriela, claiming he even has “helpers” to support him.
“Can’t win the argument, so you call in helpers? When that fails, you fan the flames? Before posting, get one thing straight: Every time you speak up, who’s attacking, and who’s defending?” Guo said.
“A factual response isn’t ‘disrespect,’ let alone ‘assault.’ If you invoke the freedom to attack, we have the right to defend,” the Chinese embassy official added.
rescued passengers. He added that the firm should streamline its process to make it easier for claimants.
Malacañang meanwhile assured the public on Monday that safety measures are being strengthened for roll-on/rolloff (RoRo) vessels nationwide following the ferry sinking in Basilan.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said authorities have coordinated closely with the PCG to ensure compliance with passenger limits and other maritime regulations. With Charles Dantes.
about talking to us,” Remulla added. He also hinted at the possibility of discussing a plea bargain arrangement with Co.
He clarified however, that the possibility of negotiating with Co depended on the Ombudsman.
“That is up to the Ombudsman to answer. But if it were me, I would. Return $1 billion,(then we’ll talk. You’ll have an availability of a plea bargain,” Remulla said. He pointed out that Co “did not kill anyone, but took money, which he should return.”
Malacañang announced earlier that it supported a possible dialogue between Co and the Ombudsman only to uncover the truth about the anomalies in the flood control projects.
Currently, according to Remulla, Co is considered a fugitive, believed to be in Portugal and holding a Portuguese passport in addition to an alleged golden visa.
Senate may cut Bato’s salaries
SENATE President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson yesterday said the salary of Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa – who has been absent at the Senate since November last year – may be withheld should there be a recommendation by the Senate ethics committee,
In an ambush interview, Lacson said former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV went to the Senate earlier in the day to meet him and Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III. Among those that were discussed, he said, was Trillanes’ plan to file an ethics complaint against dela Rosa.
Quoting Trillanes, Lacson said the complaint may be filed in March.
The Senate may then use a possible recommendation by the ethics committee to amend the rules that would pave the way for sanctions against dela Rosa.
“More or less, one of the suggestions is that his salary might be suspended or be withheld. I told SP earlier that we should study that carefully because we are covered by the Civil Service Law. The plan not to pay a sitting senator might not work if there is no basis,” Lacson said.
PBBM health okay but limits engagements
By Charles Dantes
MALACAÑANG on Tuesday said
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is in good condition but has been limiting public engagements this week on the advice of his doctors.
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said the President has opted to hold private meetings inside Malacañang rather than attend public events outside the Palace as part of medical guidance to slow down his pace.
“His condition is fine,” Castro said in Filipino.
“This is one of the ways he may be instructed by his doctor to slow down a bit,” she added.
Despite the adjustment, the PCO official stressed that Mr. Marcos remains actively engaged in governance, continuing to meet with officials and attend to state matters within the Palace.
“He (Marcos) is still continuing to meet here at the Palace,” Castro said. Malacañang previously disclosed that the President is suffering from diverticulitis, but emphasized that his schedule adjustment was precautionary and did not affect the performance of his duties.
DPWH undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, the late Catalina Cabral, former DPWH regional director Gerard Opulencia, and former district engineer Henry Alcantara. Meanwhile, a separate complaint was filed against Revilla, Bernardo, Opulencia, and Alcantara. Both complaints, filed by the National Bureau of Investigation, allege violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, plunder, direct bribery, receiving gifts as public officers, and corruption of public officers. It was Alcantara who linked Revilla and Estrada to the flood control controversy, claiming he provided commissions from flood control projects to their respective camps. In a separate statement, Bernardo implicated Bonoan in the scheme, alleging that the then-DPWH chief directed him to submit a list of projects for possible inclusion in the National Expenditure Program. Estrada, Revilla, and Bonoan have all denied the allegations.
Revilla will be transferred to the New Quezon City Jail Male Dormitory following a seven-day quarantine.
Last week, he surrendered to police after the Sandiganbayan issued an arrest warrant against him over an alleged P92.8-million “ghost” flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan.
IN BRIEF
DPWH to expand, enforce no-build zones at Cebu river
THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will expand and enforce no build zones along the Mananga River and other waterways in Cebu province as part of efforts to in crease river capacity and mitigate flooding.
The move will be implemented alongside ongoing dredging and river cleaning operations.
DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said fencing will be installed along riverbanks, starting downstream and moving upstream, to help recover and widen rivers and improve their ability to carry floodwaters.
“The priority now is to recover the river. If we can widen it and intervene properly, we can increase its capacity,” Dizon said during an inspection of flood control projects in Cebu.
He stressed that the President is determined to prevent a re peat of the severe flooding that hit parts of Cebu last year, par ticularly during Typhoon Tino. Vito Barcelo
‘No position on Trillanes political alliance proposal’
MALACAÑANG on Tuesday said it has no position on for
mer Sen. Antonio Trillanes’ proposal to form a new political alliance aimed at the 2028 elections, saying the matter has not been discussed within the administration.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said the idea of a new “UniTeam”, reportedly involving supporters of former Vice President Leni Robredo and Presi dent Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., has not been brought to the President’s attention.
“Wala pa pong napag uusapan tungkol po diyan. Hindi pa po nababanggit sa Pangulo ito, so, wala pa pong response,” Castro said during a Palace briefing.
Trillanes earlier floated the idea of a new political coalition that could unite President Marcos and Robredo supporters to defeat the allies of Vice President Sara Duterte in the 2028 na tional elections.
Asked whether the Palace would be open to cooperating with individuals or groups that had opposed Marcos during the 2022 presidential race, Castro said it was premature to comment. Charles Dantes
No Filipino casualties in US winter storm—DFA
THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday an nounced that it has not received any reports of Filipino casu alties from Winter Storm Fern, based on confirmations from Philippine posts in the United States.
In a message to reporters, the DFA stated that this information was verified by the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C., and the Consulate Generals in New York, Chicago, and Houston.
“The Embassy and the aforementioned Consulates General have advised Filipinos to contact 911 or local authorities for live emergencies,” the DFA said.
Additionally, it urged Filipinos to reach out to embassies for consular assistance during consular emergencies via their respective hotline numbers, available on official websites and social media pages. Katrina Manubay
Bill mandates TESDA to train
drug dependents
By Maricel V. Cruz
THE House Committee on Higher and Technical Education on Tuesday approved a measure requiring the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to develop and im plement technical‑vocational training and livelihood programs for rehabilitated drug dependents.
House Bill 4699 was principally authored by Leyte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, along with TINGOG Party‑list Reps. Yed da Marie Romualdez, Andrew Julian Romualdez, and Jude Acidre. It seeks to institutionalize targeted Technical‑Vocational Educa tion and Training (TVET) programs to equip rehabilitated individ uals with employable skills and support their reintegration through gainful employment or sustainable livelihood opportunities.
The bill also directs the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to provide incentives to companies that hire program beneficiaries.
“This measure recognizes that rehabilitation must go beyond treatment—it must lead to real opportunities,” said committee chair Rep. Acidre.
“By institutionalizing TESDA‑led training and livelihood pro grams, we strengthen their chances of returning to society with dig nity and sustainable means of earning a living.”
Under the proposal, TESDA must integrate the program into its regular offerings, with funding sourced from the annual General Appropriations Act.
TESDA and DOLE are mandated to craft the implementing rules and regulations within 60 days of the law’s effectivity.
PH economy on a positive, resilient footing—Palace
By Charles Dantes
THE Philippine economy remains on a positive and resilient footing under President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., Malacañang said Tuesday following a high level economic briefing at the Palace.
Mr. Marcos presided over the 7th Economy and Development Council meeting in Malacañang on Monday, where his economic team reported that the government exceeded key targets on job gen eration and poverty reduction last year, according to Presidential Communications Office Under secretary Claire Castro. Government data showed the unemploy ment rate fell to 4.7% in 2025, down from
10.3% in 2020, signaling an increase in Fili pinos securing decent employment.
Underemployment, which refers to workers seeking additional hours or better suited jobs, also declined to 13.6% last year, from 16.2% in 2020, indicating improved job quality.
“The administration remains committed to creating more and better quality jobs and bringing down poverty to single digit levels
by 2028,” Castro said.
The economic team reported that the number of Filipinos living in poverty dropped by 2.4 million between 2021 and 2023. Poverty incidence stood at 17.5 mil lion in 2023, down from 19.9 million in 2021, consistent with the latest national survey showing a decline in poverty rates. Inflation, meanwhile, remains “manage able,” according to Malacañang.
During the meeting, Mr. Marcos direct ed agencies to urgently address persistent flood control issues, the impacts of climate change, and external risks affecting the economy. The president underscored the need for reforms in the use of public funds to prevent a repeat of anomalous flood control projects of the past.
PlayTime Entertainment expands entertainment ecosystem with launch of PT Sports following PT IDOL debut
PLAYTIME Entertainment today announces the launch of PT Sports, the company’s newest business vertical, following the recent debut of PT IDOL. With PT Sports, PlayTime Entertainment continues its evolution into a fully integrated entertainment platform—bringing together talent development, sports, and performancedriven content under one unified brand.
PT Sports is designed to manage athletes, produce premium sports and competitive content, and develop strategic partnerships across venues and platforms. The division treats sport as entertainment—where performance, storytelling, and spectacle converge— aligned with PlayTime Entertainment’s broader vision of celebrating Filipino excellence across all forms of competition.
“After the launch of PT IDOL, expanding into sports was a natural
progression for us,” said Krizia Cortez, Director of Public Relations at PlayTime Entertainment. “Entertainment today goes beyond traditional categories. Whether on stage, on screen, or in competition, performance is at the heart of what audiences connect with. PT Sports allows us to build that connection through sport.”
PT Sports Launches with Elite All-Filipino Esports Platform
PT Sports debuts with an all-Filipino professional esports team competing at the highest regional level in Southeast Asia. The team represents one of the top competitive organizations in the region, and will compete internationally under the PT Sports banner. The division will gradually expand beyond esports into traditional sports and emerging competitive formats, with new initiatives, partnerships, and athlete programs to be announced as the platform scales.
From Category Player to Entertainment Platform
The launch of PT Sports marks another milestone in PlayTime Entertainment’s transformation into a comprehensive entertainment company. Following the establishment of PT IDOL, the company continues to formalize its long-standing involvement across entertainment— from sports and live events to cultural and national platforms—into dedicated, scalable verticals.
“We have always believed that PlayTime is about entertainment in all its forms,” Cortez added. “Over the years, we have supported Filipino films, concerts, national pageants, and championship sports. PT IDOL and PT Sports are not pivots—they are the realization of a longterm vision. We built the relationships, credibility, and infrastructure first. Now we are scaling with focus, discipline, and championship standards.”
VENDOR’S KIOSK. First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos leads the cutting of ribbon during a turn over ceremony of the vendors kiosk at the Pasig Esplanade in Manila on January 27, 2026. PPA
PT Sports All-Filipino E-Sports Team
STAMFORD, CONNECTICUT. A resident plows snow from his driveway on January 26, 2026, in Stamford, Connecticut. A massive winter storm brought frigid temperatures, ice, and snow to millions of Americans across the nation. The storm left at least 10 people dead and hundreds of thousands without power. AFP
CLEARING EFFORTS. Marikina Mayor Maan Teodoro leads a clearing operation with city departments on Jasmin Street, Barangay IVC, following a fire. The city aims to quickly restore safety so affected families can begin recovery.
ICI holds asset recovery talks
By Joel E. Zurbano
THE Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) and several government agencies convened for their 7th Technical Working Group (TWG) meeting on Asset Recovery on Tuesday.
The virtual meeting, chaired by lawyer Renato Paraiso, Executive Director of the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center, concentrated on the ongoing development and consolidation of the asset list belonging to individuals and entities currently under investigation in connection with the multibillion-
Military watches Malampaya via space sensors
By Rex Espiritu
THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is employing all available means, including space-based sensors, to secure the Malampaya oil and gas field off Palawan against potential intrusions, a senior Philippine Navy (PN) official said on Tuesday.
At a press briefing, PN spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said the military is using all types of sensors to secure the energy field.
“Without going into details, the posture of the Armed Forces in securing Malampaya and Malampaya East-1 (MAE-1) is based, first and foremost, on the detection capability for maritime domain awareness. We utilized landbased, sea-based, air-based, and even space-based sensors,” he said when asked on what military assets are being used to keep watch on the gas field.
Asked whether space-based sensors were satellite surveillance systems, Trinidad declined to give specifics but said the AFP deemed it appropriate to use all forms of capabilities for this mission.
“The posture of the Armed Forces is to use all sources of information, this would include land, sea, air and spacebased systems. So without (going) into details that is part as I can go,” he added.
peso flood control project scandal. Member agencies possessing registration, regulatory, and supervisory authority over monetary, real estate, and movable assets provided updates on the assets that have already been identified and tagged within their respective jurisdictions.
The ICI is tasked with investigating irregularities in flood control projects involving lawmakers, including senators and members of the House of Representatives, as well as public works officials and private contractors.
Participants comprised representatives from the Bureau of Internal Revenue, the Department of Justice, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, the Land Registration Authority, the Land Transportation Office, the Maritime Industry Authority, the Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines, the Office of the Ombudsman, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Anti-Money Laundering Council,
the Bureau of Customs, the National Bureau of Investigation, the Philippine National Police, and the Department of Public Works and Highways, among others.
As of now, the ICI has taken custody of luxury vehicles valued at over P140 million, which are reportedly owned by former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Elizaldy Co.
Co is one of the primary subjects of an ICI investigation and is included in the list of former government officials charged before the Office of the Ombudsman.
The Bureau of Customs discovered that nine out of the 15 vehicles lacked
THE MAYOR’S REPORT. Mayor Jeannie Sandoval delivers her ‘Ulat sa Malabueño’ address at the Malabon City Sports Center on Jan. 27, 2026, reaffirming her commitment to a progressive and inclusive agenda for residents. Andrew Rabulan
IN BRIEF
3 kidnapping suspects arrested in Nueva Ecija
CABANATUAN CITY—Three suspected kidnappers, including a dismissed policeman, were arrested by Nueva Ecija joint operatives in different areas of Nueva Ecija and Bulacan early yesterday.
The suspects were identified as Dennis Go y Sta Ana, 49; Edwin James Rementizo y Baguio, 34; and Arman Earl Reyes y Bolisay, 27. Rementizo and Reyes were arrested in Cabanatuan and Palayan Cities, respectively. Police Colonel Heryl Bruno said Go, the alleged mastermind, is a dismissed policeman.
The incident occurred Tuesday morning when suspects abducted Emilio Calma, 59, at gunpoint from his warehouse in Cabanatuan City.
The suspects commandeered Calma’s pickup truck, fleeing south and running over two pedestrians, who were hospitalized.
Go was later arrested in San Miguel, Bulacan. The suspects face charges of kidnapping and carnapping. Ferdie G. Domingo
BI agents arrest Chinese linked to aircraft theft
THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested a Chinese national linked to a syndicate involved in thefts inside aircrafts.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado identified the passenger as Zhou Wei, who was stopped after attempting to enter the country aboard a Malaysia Airlines flight from Kuala Lumpur.
Zhou was flagged through the BI Advance Passenger Information System (APIS), which generated an alert from international intelligence data. He is allegedly part of an organized criminal group of Chinese nationals that steals from hand luggage in aircraft overhead compartments.
He was intercepted upon arrival and immediately denied entry into the Philippines. Viado said the operation utilized United Nations goTravel software with Australian government assistance. Vito Barcelo
BOC–Port of Clark seizes P1.068m marijuana haul
THE Bureau of Customs (BOC), through the Port of Clark and an interagency task force, seized 712 grams of high-grade marijuana valued at approximately P1.068 million.
Declared as “jeans,” the shipment arrived from California, USA, bound for Batangas.
The parcel was flagged by X-ray inspection due to suspicious images. A physical examination revealed a plastic bag containing dried leaves and fruiting tops suspected to be marijuana. Samples were turned over to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency for analysis.
The analysis confirmed the presence of marijuana, a dangerous drug. A Warrant of Seizure and Detention was issued against the shipment for violating customs and drug laws. Felino Santos
DENR blames weak RA 9003 enforcement in Cebu landslide
By Rio N. Araja
THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Tuesday blamed the weak enforcement of Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 for the garbage landslide that occurred at a sanitary landfill in Binaliw, Cebu City.
During yesterday’s 25th anniversary
of the law in Quezon City, DENR Secretary Raphael Lotilla said the Binaliw garbage collapse “reminds us of a weak implementation of RA 9003.”
A large pile of garbage collapsed, leaving 36 people dead and 18 others injured in Binaliw, Cebu on January 8.Lotilla stressed the need for a stronger political will among local government units, and for an urgency to revisit the law.
‘Obesity no longer a matter of willpower’
By Rolando Ng III
MANAGING obesity today is a concern that can no longer be managed by sheer willpower alone, if health experts are to be believed.
At Tuesday’s forum, several medical professionals aimed to rethink the relationship between excessive weight gain and diabetes, with both its causes and effects.
American Professor David Cummings of the University of Washington argued that obesity is linked to genetics, with 70% of a person’s genes accounting for its prevalence.
“For any trait in humankind, there (are) ways in determining how much of that is genetic versus how much of that is environmental. There is a linear correlation between the weight of the
child as an adult and the biological parents,” Cummings said, as cited in a study done on adopted children.
Medications are now being advocated in the market to help activate GIP and GLP-1 hormones, which both aid in producing insulin.
These medicines, which are currently available in the Philippine market under the generic name Semaglutide, are highly recommended by professionals in managing obesity and diabetes.
These injectable treatments also result in 15-22% loss of total weight compared to the older medicines that fare far less at 3-8%.“They make you feel full and safe, and help stimulate insulin secretion. These GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonists are just artificial bearings to molecules modified to last longer,” Cummings later said.
Under RA 9003, LGUs, including the barangays, are mandated to enforce solid waste management.Lotilla raised the law was not consistently implemented, citing “urbanization continues to generate pressure on our waste systems, and incidents like the one that took place in the Cebu landfill tragedy remind us of the cost of weak compliance.”
The DENR is now actively participating in congressional discussions on the proposed amendments RA 9003, including the use of new waste management technologies and accountability along the waste chain from households to the LGUs.
He said the provisions under RA 9003 are still sound and acceptable. He, however, lamented the law’s failure lies on poor implementation.
Marikina PIO
OPINION A5
Between the cross and the cradle
EVERY January, Filipino Catholics are drawn—almost instinctively—to two images of Christ.
One is the Black Nazarene, bent under the weight of the cross. Dark, wounded, silent. A Christ who does not escape pain, who absorbs it, who walks straight into suffering with no shortcuts.
The other is the Santo Niño, small and clothed as king. A child who smiles, blesses, and reassures. A Christ who reminds us that before we are sinners or servants, we are children—seen, known, and loved.
They seem like opposites. One speaks of agony, the other of joy. One is marked by blood and sweat, the other by music and dance. Yet every January, millions of Filipinos hold both images together in their hearts. And maybe that already says something important about who we are.
The crowds in Quiapo on Jan. 9 are not mere spectators.
Between the cross and the cradle is the story of the Filipino soul. The challenge is to live that story not just in January, but every day
They are mothers praying for sick children, workers hanging on to fragile jobs, elderly devotees whispering the same prayer they have carried for decades. Many walk barefoot. Many return year after year, fulfilling a panata born from gratitude or desperation—or both.
The Nazarene feels close because He understands what it means to hurt.
A week later, in Cebu and in many parts of the country, the mood shifts. Sinulog fills the streets with color and rhythm.
People dance for hours, not for entertainment, but as prayer.
The Santo Niño feels close because He is gentle, because He looks like someone who would notice small worries: daily bread, family troubles, quiet fears. In Him, people find reassurance that God does not abandon His children.
This kind of faith is often misunderstood.
From the outside, it can look excessive. Chaotic. Emotional. Some dismiss it as superstition, others as fanaticism. And yes, the external expressions can be overwhelming.
The danger is that the spectacle sometimes drowns out the deeper meaning.
But if you pause long enough to really look, what you see is sincerity.
Filipino faith is raw. It comes from lived experience. It grows in places where life is fragile and uncertain.
When people reach out to touch the Nazarene or dance before the Santo Niño, they are not making abstract theological statements.
They are saying, “Lord, I am tired.”
Or, “Thank you for not giving up on me.” Or simply, “I trust You.”
That kind of faith deserves respect.
Still, there is an uncomfortable truth we have to face.
For all the passion we show during these feasts, many of us struggle to carry that same faith into ordinary life.
Churches overflow in January, then thin out on regular Sundays. We profess belief, yet tolerate corruption.
We pray for blessings, yet ignore injustice. We honor Christ publicly, yet forget Him in private choices.
This gap between devotion and daily living is not new, but it is real. And it weakens the witness of our faith.
The paradox is striking. We are capable of great religious intensity, yet often settle for moral compromise.
We line the streets for hours, but hesitate to stand up for what is right. We trust God deeply, but sometimes doubt our own responsibility to do good.
Maybe the question this month of January asks us is simple: What happens after the procession ends?
What if the perseverance we show in reaching the Nazarene shaped how we deal with temptation and power?
What if the joy we bring to the Santo Niño shaped how we treat the poor, the stranger, the wounded?
What if our prayers did not stop at asking, but pushed us toward acting— with honesty, compassion, and courage?
The images we love already hold the answer.
The Nazarene teaches us that suffering does not excuse wrongdoing.
The Santo Niño reminds us that being God’s children calls us to grow, not stay small.
Together, they invite us to align prayer with practice, faith with life.
If we could do that—if the Gospel truly seeped into how we govern, work, and live with one another—there is no telling how much healing our society could experience. The same faith that fills streets could transform institutions. The same devotion that moves bodies could move consciences.
Between the cross and the cradle is the story of the Filipino soul. The challenge is to live that story not just in January, but every day.
Santo Niño, bato-balani sa gugma, panalipdi kami.
Defending West Philippine Sea, a legal and national imperative
By Jose Antonio Goitia
THE West Philippine Sea is more than just a coordinate on a map; it is the ultimate test of the Philippines’ resolve to uphold international law. Recently, the national conversation has been muddied by interpretations of maritime incidents—such as a Chinese Navy vessel allegedly assisting a Filipino fisherman—that attempt to rewrite our legal standing. In a recent column, Charlie V. Manalo echoed positions often favored by Beijing, suggesting the term “West Philippine Sea” lacks legal weight, that our Exclusive Economic Zone is essentially a free-for-all, and the 2016 Arbitral Ruling is non-binding. As a matter of national interest, these claims must be corrected. We cannot allow misinformation to weaken our sovereign rights. The name is administrative; the right is legal Critics argue that because “West Philippine Sea” was established by Administrative Order 29 in 2012, it lacks international standing. This is a fundamental misunderstanding. The name itself is an administrative tool for national standardization. Our maritime rights, however, do not spring from a presidential order—they flow directly from the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), a binding treaty to which both the Philippines and China are signatories.
Names do not confer rights; treaties do. Whether we call it the West Philippine Sea or the South China Sea, the law dictates that the resources within our EEZ belong to the Filipino people.
The EEZ has clear, non-negotiable boundaries
The 2016 Arbitral Award was categorical: Recto Bank and its surrounding features fall within the Philippine EEZ.
UNCLOS defines the EEZ as extending 200 nautical miles from a coastal state’s baselines.
The boundaries are not ambiguous.
Foreign vessels operating within these waters cannot claim ignorance or uncertainty.
When foreign entities perform law enforcement functions or resource extraction in our EEZ, they are not exercising “freedom of navigation”— they are committing a legal transgression.
The EEZ is not territory, but it is not ‘open’
A common distraction is the argument that the EEZ is not “sovereign territory.”
While technically true—it is a maritime zone rather than land territory—it carries exclusive sovereign rights.
Under UNCLOS, the Philippines has the sole right to fish, extract minerals, and manage the environment within this 200-nautical-mile zone.
Other nations enjoy freedom of navigation and overflight, but they do not have the right to conduct military intimidation or exploit resources. Freedom of navigation is a right of passage, not a license for coercion. Humanitarian acts are not a substitute for sovereignty
We must distinguish between the universal duty to assist mariners in distress and the geopolitical reality of militarization. Assistance at sea is a legal obligation under international law, but it does not
EDITORIAL
Still day-to-day economics
FILIPINOS remain most concerned about making ends meet every day and want the government to address this, according to a survey by poll research, and consulting firm OCTA taken between Dec. 3 and 11 last year.
Out of 1,200 adult Filipinos polled, 45 percent cited improving/ increasing the wages or salaries of workers, 41 percent cited controlling the increase in the prices of basic goods and service, and 30 percent want access to affordable food like rice, vegetable, and meat.
The two other concerns people want the government to act on are fighting graft and corruption in government (29 percent) and providing free quality education (28 percent).
Meanwhile, at least having enough to eat every day and having a secure and well-paying job and source of income also ranked among the top five urgent personal concerns of Filipinos, with 44 percent and 39 percent citing them, respectively.
Health and education top this list, with staying healthy and avoiding illness an urgent personal concern of 65 percent of respondents, and finishing schooling or providing schooling for their children cited by 45 percent.
Another 38 percent say they want to avoid being a victim of any serious crime.
These numbers tell a compelling story. Despite the noise and muck that
seems to pervade government in recent months, Filipinos ultimately just want to live in dignity by having the means to provide for their family’s needs.
At the end of the day, Filipinos want their basic needs met and expect the government to do its job to make this possible.
It also mirrors other polling firms’ results that Filipinos are primarily preoccupied with economics especially as it pertains to their daily survival. Leaders should take heed. Initiatives intended to empower the people to earn well and consistently provide for their loved ones. This is economic
WHEN the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), under the leadership of Secretary Vince Dizon, speaks firmly about accountability in public infrastructure, it strikes a chord with a public long weary of project failures and wasted funds.
The message is direct and understandable: substandard work will not be tolerated, and those responsible must be held to account.
That commitment to accountability is essential. But equally important is how accountability is pursued.
Public infrastructure failures are, at their core, engineering and systems problems.
When a dike, road, or flood control structure shows signs of weakness or damage, the immediate priority must be public safety and rapid correction.
This is precisely why DPWH contracts contain warranty provisions, to ensure that defects discovered within a specified period are addressed immediately, at the contractor’s expense, and without delay.
Secretary Dizon’s emphasis on repairing what needs to be repaired reflects a practical understanding of this principle.
Communities cannot wait for years of investigations or litigation while risks remain unresolved. The public interest is best served when problems are fixed first, while responsibility is established through proper technical and legal processes.
What often complicates public discussion is the loose and sometimes premature use of the term “substandard.”
In technical and legal terms, this word carries weight. Yet not every instance of damage or failure automatically qualifies as substandard construction.
Infrastructure may be affected by extreme weather events, unexpected soil conditions, hydrological changes, or stresses that only become evident after completion.
Other cases may indeed involve deficiencies in workmanship or materials.
Distinguishing between these scenarios requires careful technical assessment, not assumption.
When such distinctions are ignored, due process becomes harder to preserve.
DPWH projects are implemented within a structured system.
Contractors build based on plans,
justify a persistent, unauthorized military presence in another nation’s EEZ. A single act of “aid” does not wash away years of systematic harassment of Filipino fisherfolk.
cannot
The 2016 arbitral award: Binding and final
There is a persistent myth that the Arbitral Ruling is invalid because China did not participate.
However, UNCLOS explicitly states that the absence of a party does not prevent
security as opposed to occasional doles handed out by politicians seeking to curry favor with the people in the guise of concern. The numbers also point to other issues that must be taken seriously. Specifically, the fight against graft and corruption has recently become prominent in the wake of the massive – and ongoing –public works scandal. But perhaps the connection between governance and economics has been muted. In fact, when people’s money is managed well and transparently, there will be more funds available for worthy projects. For their part, investors will have the confidence to come here, and stay, to help create sustainable jobs for Filipinos. Health issues, it could be argued, is an equalizer because diseases could strike anyone whatever their socio-economic bracket. Tragically, our health systems are anything but equitable, and the available reliefs for patients depend largely on their financial means. Everyone, too, deserves to feel secure in their person and their property, and perceptions of gaps in peace and order must be addressed.
Finally, Filipinos would always envision a better, fairer future for their children, and education is the only guaranteed long-term means through which this can be achieved. These surveys are not just a regularly-released bunch of numbers. Leaders—at least who have it in their hearts to truly serve—should listen and be guided.
Fix the work, respect the process
There
specifications, and methodologies approved by DPWH. Construction is supervised, inspected, and evaluated by government engineers at various stages. Projects are accepted only after meeting documented requirements. This layered process exists to ensure quality and accountability at every step.
In public works, credibility is built not by how quickly blame is assigned, but by how effectively problems are fixed and how fairly accountability is imposed
Acknowledging this system does not excuse failure.
Rather, it recognizes that accountability in public works is institutional and must be examined in full context. When something goes wrong, it is not only the final output that matters, but how decisions were made, how supervision was conducted, and how issues were identified, or missed, along the way.
Within this framework, the role of the contractor during the warranty period is clear. Responsible contractors are expected to comply with warranty obligations, coordinate closely with DPWH technical teams, and undertake corrective works as directed.
Doing so is not an admission of guilt; it is compliance with a contractual safeguard designed to protect public funds and public safety.
In fact, the ability of DPWH to compel repairs under warranty demonstrates that accountability mechanisms are functioning.
The government is not left powerless, nor is the public required to shoulder additional costs. Correction and accountability are not mutually exclusive; they are sequential.
the proceedings from moving forward or diminish the finality of the decision. The ruling’s authority comes from the treaty itself. To suggest the ruling is “just a piece of paper” is to suggest that international law only applies when it is convenient for the powerful. That is a dangerous precedent that the Philippines, and the rest of the world, must reject.
Diplomacy must be anchored in law
Diplomacy is the preferred path to peace, but it must be anchored in truth.
Abandoning the Arbitral Award in the name of “cooperation” would be a surrender of our strongest legal asset.
Diplomacy without law is not peace; it is weakness.
We must engage with our neighbors, but we must do so from a position of legal clarity. If we compromise on the law today, we lose the sea tomorrow.
public pressure rather than through technical and legal process. Premature public condemnation can discourage cooperation, slow down repairs, and push parties into defensive postures. Engineers step back, lawyers step in, and resolution takes longer, often to the detriment of the very communities affected.
Secretary Dizon’s call to review not just individual sections but the entire stretch of certain flood control projects is therefore a welcome signal. It suggests a comprehensive approach, one that looks beyond isolated headlines and examines how multiple contractors, designs, and supervisory mechanisms interact within a single system. Such an approach strengthens, rather than weakens, public trust. True accountability is not performative. It does not rely on speed or spectacle. It is methodical, evidence-based, and fair. It asks difficult but necessary questions: Were specifications appropriate for the site conditions? Were designs adequate for projected stresses? Were inspections thorough and independent? Were issues documented and addressed in real time? And if failures occurred, where exactly did responsibility lie? These questions deserve answers grounded in facts, not sound bites. The public deserves infrastructure that is safe, durable, and built to last. Contractors who fail to meet standards must face consequences. At the same time, fairness demands that responsibility be determined through proper technical evaluation and due process, not rushed conclusions.
If DPWH’s objective under Secretary Dizon’s leadership is lasting reform, rather than momentary outrage, then enforcing warranties, completing technical reviews, and respecting institutional process should be seen as strengths of the system. In public works, credibility is built not by how quickly blame is assigned, but by how effectively problems are fixed and how fairly accountability is imposed. Fixing what is wrong should come first. Accountability, when grounded in evidence, will follow, stronger, clearer, and more credible because of it.
(Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)
Conclusion The West Philippine Sea is not an emotional invention or a political stunt. It is a legally defined reality affirmed by the highest international maritime authorities. As misleading claims gain traction, we must remain vigilant. Not every reasonablesounding argument is true, and not every call for “quiet” serves the interest of peace. Defending our waters is a collective duty. True patriotism requires a firm, measured, and unwavering defense of our rights through the rule of law.
(The writer, who holds Juris Doctor, PhD degrees, is Chairman Emeritus of Alyansa ng Bantay sa Kapayapaan at Demokrasya, People’s Alliance for Democracy and Reforms, Liga Independencia Pilipinas, and the Filipinos Do Not Yield Movement. He holds advanced degrees including an MNSA, MPA, and MBA).
Trump attempts to pivot in face of Minneapolis killing backlash
MINNEAPOLIS—President Donald Trump sent his top border enforcer to Minneapolis on Monday and struck a conciliatory note in a bid to tamp down nationwide outrage over the second killing of a US citizen protesting militarized immigration raids this month.
The White House was scrambling as video of the latest shooting went viral, prompting street protests, criticism from former presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama and, increasingly, from within Trump’s Republican Party.
Trump said Tom Homan, his point man for border security, “will report directly to me.”
Homan’s new role appears to acknowledge the administration has run into political damage, with polls showing a majority of Americans disapprove of the often brutal crackdown by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.
In a marked change of tone, Trump said he held a “very good” talk with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, a Democrat whom he has repeatedly
Japan’s election drive kicks off ahead of Feb 8
TOKYO—Official campaigning began in Japan on Tuesday ahead of a snap election on Feb. 8.
Key issues in a high-stakes vote where Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has laid her political future on the line.
Candidates’ posters are up, vans topped with loudspeakers are cruising the streets, and Takaichi held her first rally Tuesday in central Tokyo, where dozens of people gathered to listen to her speak.
The lower house of parliament was officially dissolved on Friday, 16 days before the vote—the shortest window between the two in the postwar era. Yet the brevity of this pre-election period “will likely not have much of an effect”, said Michael Cucek, assistant professor of Asian Studies at Temple University’s Japan Campus.
“There is no need for time to introduce or explain anything: the parties are offering strikingly similar policy programs,” he told AFP, adding that the weather would likely have more impact on voter turnout, with severe snowstorms hitting the north.
Appointed in October as Japan’s first woman prime minister, hardline nationalist Takaichi is banking on strong poll numbers to boost her unpopular Liberal Democratic Party, which holds only a slim majority in the powerful lower house.
Takaichi has staked her political future on the vote, saying she will resign immediately if her coalition fails to win a majority.AFP
OBSERVERS
DOUBTFUL.
Evelis Cano, the mother of imprisoned Jack Tantak Cano, shouts slogans while holding a Venezuelan flag and chained to a railing as she waits for news about the release of prisoners outside Zone 7 of the Bolivarian National Police in the Sucre municipality of the Metropolitan District of Caracas on Tuesday, Manila time. Evelis questions the slow process of political-prisoner releases announced on Jan. 8 by Venezuela’s interim government, under pressure from Washington after Nicolas Maduro was captured on January 3 in a US forces operation. AFP
accused of corruption.
Trump also said he had called Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, another Democrat, with the latter saying “the president agreed the present situation can’t continue.” Frey also said “some federal agents” will begin leaving Minneapolis on Tuesday, without providing specifics.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that “nobody in the White House, including President Trump, wants to see people getting hurt or killed.”
She also expressed sorrow for the death of Alex Pretti, an intensive care unit nurse who was gunned down Saturday at point blank range by immigration officers while protesting in Minneapolis. AFP
Not allies, not foes: Britain’s ties with China
BEIJING—Britain’s Keir Starmer is in China this week, marking the first visit by a UK prime minister in eight years. It is the latest in a string of Western leaders seeking a rapprochement with Beijing, as US President Donald Trump turns on traditional allies. Starmer hopes to boost trade after years of strained relations, but must balance this with security concerns raised in the UK over a potential threat posed by China.
Here are the three key questions surrounding the visit:
London and Beijing enjoyed what they describe as the “Golden Era” a decade ago—a time when thenprime minister David Cameron
for
and Chinese President Xi Jinping famously enjoyed beers together at a British pub.
But relations soured since 2020, when Beijing imposed a national security law on Hong Kong and cracked down on pro-democracy activists in the former British colony.
Human rights abuses, alleged spying and cyber attacks, and China’s perceived support for Russia’s war in Ukraine also strained ties. Nevertheless, China remains Britain’s third-largest trading partner, though UK exports to the East Asian country plummeted 52.6 percent yearon-year in 2025, according to British government statistics. And in December, Starmer said that
it would be a “dereliction of duty” not to engage with Beijing.
Relations began to thaw soon after Starmer took the helm in 2024 following a closed-door meeting with Xi in Brazil in which the UK prime minister said Britain would look to cooperate with China on issues such as climate change.
But a protracted row over Chinese plans to build a vast new embassy in London complicated plans for Starmer to visit.
Beijing purchased the building, on the site of the former Royal Mint, in 2018, but opponents argued that the “mega embassy” will be used for espionage and pressure rights activists in Britain. AFP
‘Keep dreaming’ —NATO chief says Europe can’t defend itself without US
BRUSSELS—NATO chief Mark Rutte warned Monday Europe cannot defend itself without the United States, in the face of calls for the continent to stand on its own feet after tensions over Greenland.
US President Donald Trump roiled the transatlantic alliance by threatening to seize the autonomous Danish territory—before backing off after talks with Rutte last week.
The diplomatic crisis gave fresh momentum to those advocating for Europe to take a tougher line against Trump and break its military reliance on Washington.
“If anyone thinks here again, that the European Union, or Europe as a whole, can defend itself without the US—keep on dreaming. You can’t,” Rutte told lawmakers at the European Parliament.
He said that EU countries would have to double defense spending from the five percent NATO target agreed last year to 10 percent and spend “billions and billions” on building nuclear arms.
“You would lose the ultimate guarantor of our freedom, which is the US nuclear umbrella,” the former Dutch prime minister said. “So hey, good luck.”
France’s foreign minister JeanNoel Barrot hit back at the NATO chief’s statements, posting on X on Monday evening that “Europeans can and must take responsibility for their own security”.
Rutte insisted that US commitment to NATO’s Article Five mutual defense clause remained “total”, but that the United States expected European countries to keep spending more on their militaries. AFP
Israel brings home body of last Gaza hostage – from 251 – seized in 2023
JERUSALEM—Israeli forces brought home on Monday the remains of Ran Gvili, the last hostage held in Gaza, finally closing the chapter on a painful saga that has haunted Israeli society since Hamas’s Oct. 7, 2023 attack.
Militants took 251 hostages to Gaza that day, and the process of returning them has dragged over the course of the ensuing war in a series of ceasefire and prisoner-swap deals as well as efforts to rescue them militarily.
Hamas’s 2023 attack on Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,221 people, according to an AFP tally based on
official Israeli figures.
Israel’s retaliation has left at least 71,660 people dead in Gaza, according to the territory’s health ministry, which operates under Hamas authority and whose figures are considered reliable by the United Nations.
The most recent set of hostage handovers was part of the US-backed Gaza ceasefire deal that took effect on Oct. 10, aiming to halt more than two years of fighting that has devastated the Palestinian territory.
The return of Gvili’s remains paves the way for a limited reopening of the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt, a key entry point for aid into Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had signaled pedestrian crossings would resume at Rafah, subject to Israeli inspections, once every hostage had been recovered.
Gvili’s coffin was accompanied by a convoy of cars with blaring sirens and flashing lights, passing civilians waving Israeli flags on the side of the road.
At a ceremony held at a
development and contributing to mental health problems. “The emotions of our children and teenagers are not for sale or to be manipulated, either by American platforms or Chinese algorithms,” Macron said in a video broadcast on Saturday. Authorities want the measures to be enforced from the start of the 2026 school year for new accounts.
Former prime minister Gabriel Attal, who leads Macron’s Renaissance party in the lower house, said he hoped the Senate would pass the bill by mid-February so that the ban could come into force on September 1. AFP
military base near Gaza, the slain police officer’s father, Ytzik Gvili, addressed his son’s coffin, saying: “You should see the honours we’re giving you here.” “I’m proud of you my son,” he added.
Netanyahu lauded Gvili as “a hero of Israel”.
Hamas said it provided information on the location of Gvili’s body, and spokesman Hazem Qassem said Monday that his recovery “confirms Hamas’s commitment to all the requirements of the ceasefire agreement.” AFP
Hezbollah: Any attack
on Iran also targets group BEIRUT—Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem has said any attack on the group’s backer Tehran would also be an attack on the militants, and warned that any new war on Iran would ignite the region.
Last week, President Donald Trump said a US “armada” was heading toward the Gulf and that Washington was watching Iran closely after a bloody crackdown on protesters.
He had appeared to step back from military intervention, but has insisted it remains an option.
Speaking in a televised address to supporters at a solidarity rally for Iran, Qassem said Hezbollah and its backer were facing an “aggression that does not distinguish between us.”
“A war on Iran this time will ignite the region,” he warned.
“We will choose at that time how to act... but we are not neutral,” he said, adding that “on how we act, these are details that the battle determines, and we will decide according to the interests at stake”. Iran is Hezbollah’s main supporter, providing it with funding and weapons since its creation in the 1980s.
Qassem said in the past two months, his party had received via mediators “a clear and explicit question” about whether Hezbollah would intervene if the United States and Israel went to war with Iran. He said they sought a “pledge from the party that it would not intervene.”
More than a year of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, which largely ended with a November 2024 ceasefire, badly weakened the group, and the Lebanese government has begun implementing a plan to disarm it starting in the south. AFP
NO RETREAT. Demonstrators against US Immigration and Customs Enforcement stand behind a fence outside the Bishop Whipple Federal Building where federal agents are operating, following last weeks fatal shooting of 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Pretti by ICE agents during a federal immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Jan. 26, 2026. Two days earlier, federal agents shot and killed Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, while scuffling with him on an icy roadway in Minneapolis, less than three weeks after an immigration officer fired on Renee Good, also 37, killing her in her car. US President Donald Trump blamed their deaths on Democratic ‘chaos,’ as his administration faced intensifying pressure over its mass immigration crackdown in Minneapolis. AFP
NATO HEAD WARNING. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte (center) next to Chair of the European Parliament Foreign Affairs Committee David McAllister (right) prepare for a meeting of the Security and Defense Commission at the European Parliament in Brussels on Monday. France’s foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot hit back at the NATO chief’s statements, posting on X on Monday evening that ‘Europeans can and must take responsibility
their own security.’ AFP
Hontiveros pushes bill on stricter regulation to combat fake drugs
IN BRIEF
Pact offers scholarship for PAF staff in Mactan
here covering full tuition for the beneficiaries or an immediate member of their family. The accord was inked on Monday at the VVIP Lounge of the air base by executives of the Sto. Niño Mactan College, Inc. and officials of the Air Mobility Command on Mactan Island.
“The MOU (memorandum of understanding) is a constructive engagement that emphasizes education, training, and human capital development for the Air Mobility Command and the collaboration’s role in producing well-rounded, educated personnel and shaping responsible citizen-soldiers,” AMC chief Maj. Gen. Ramil Oloroso said at the signing event.
Oloroso described the pact as “very significant,” adding that the partnership would enhance the quality of the ROTC (Reserve Officers Training Corps) program at Sto. Niño Matan College, focusing on academic competence and leadership. He expressed appreciation for SNMC’s support and looks forward to a productive collaboration. Minerva Newman
Isabela solon commits P6m for Go Wow orgs.
ISABELA 2nd District Rep. Ed Christopher Go has committed financial assistance totaling P6 million each for the organization Go Wow to boost women’s empowerment initiatives in the towns of Benito Soliven, Gamu, Naguilian, Reina Mercedes, San Mariano, and Palanan.
“Empowering women is empowering the future. Every woman plays a crucial role in shaping the community, serving as the foundation for families that drive development,” Go said. “Let us continue to uplift and support our women for they are the heartbeat of our society.”
The assistance aligns with the lawmaker’s approach to championing grassroots public service alongside his brother, councilor Ed Christian Go, and other officials of the legislative district. The P6-million subsidy aims to boost livelihood programs, skills training, and economic opportunities for the 50,000-strong Go Wow organization. Jessica M. Bacud
Nartatez orders strict detention monitoring
PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) acting
chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has ordered his unit commanders to regularly and strictly monitor all police detention facilities amid allegations of wrongdoings of a detained Russian vlogger. Russian vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy earlier claimed corruption in the facilities managed by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) during his detention in the country prior to deportation. Nartatez said rules and regulations in police detention facilities must be strictly observed with the goal of ensuring that no allegation of
By Ram Superable S
ENATOR Risa Hontiveros on Tuesday pushed her proposed Counterfeit Pharmaceutical Products Prevention Act, saying the measure seeks to address growing risks faced by Filipinos who buy health
During a Senate Committee on Health hearing, Hontiveros lamented how consumers are exposed to counterfeit items that are falsely marketed as legitimate medicines but contain incorrect dosages, ineffective ingredients or even substances with no therapeutic value. She also raised concerns about unregulated products that have not undergone evaluation by the Food and Drug Administration and lacked scientific proof, proper testing and
clinical trials to support their health claims.
“In fact, my staff found illegal drugs such as CBD oil, magic mushrooms and LSD being sold online disguised as chocolates and trading cards, which should already raise red flags for parents based on the labels alone,” she said.
Hontiveros said online sellers can easily evade accountability by switching accounts or changing business models, while consumers are left vul-
nerable and insufficiently protected. She adverted to reports from dialysis centers showing young patients developing kidney problems, with some cases linked to the intake of supplements or medicines purchased online that lack clear origins and regulatory approval.
“Where exactly are we falling short, in the law itself or in its enforcement? That is why we want to hold our regulatory agencies, such as the FDA, as well as online platforms like Facebook, TikTok, Shopee and Lazada, accountable,” the lawmaker declared.
FOTO 1
Hontiveros warned that without stronger regulation and accountability, the country’s Universal Health Care program could be undermined by the continued spread of unsafe and potentially harmful products.
By Maricel V. Cruz
THE House of Representatives Committee on Higher and Technical Education on Tuesday approved a bill mandating the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to design and implement technical-vocational education,
livelihood opportunities.
It also directs the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to provide incentives to companies that employ program beneficiaries.
Approved during the committee’s regular meeting, House Bill 4699 underscores the role of skills development in reintegration efforts, complementing rehabilitation programs with concrete pathways to employment and self-reliance.
“This measure recognizes that rehabilitation must go beyond treatment—it must lead to real opportunities,” said committee chairman Rep. Jude Acidre.
“By institutionalizing TESDA-led training and livelihood programs for rehabilitated drug dependents, we are strengthening their chances to return to society with dignity, skills, and sustainable means of earning a living,” he added.
The refiled bill was principally authored by Leyte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, together with TINGOG Party-list Reps. Yedda Marie Romualdez, Andrew Julian Romualdez, and Jude Acidre.
Under the proposed measure, TESDA is mandated to immediately include the implementation of the program in its regular offerings, with funding to be provided through the annual General Appropriations Act. TESDA, in coordination with DOLE, is also tasked to formulate the implementing rules and regulations within sixty days from the law’s effectivity.
By Joel E. Zurbano
A COMPOSITE team of government agents intercepted on Monday a suspected drug mule carrying six kilos of methamphetamine hydrochloride locally known as shabu valued at over P40 million upon arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3. The Bureau of Customs did not disclose the identity or nationality of the suspect. However, it reported that the operation was launched with assistance from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the NAIA InterAgency Drug Interdiction Task Group, following intelligence reports concerning the contraband and the suspect’s arrival in Manila. Upon the passenger’s arrival, his luggage was subjected to rigid screening
including x-ray, resulting in the discovery of 6,006 grams of shabu stashed in the luggage, estimated at P40.8 million.
The confiscated substance and the passenger were handed over to PDEA for inquest proceedings concerning violations of Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, as amended) and Republic Act No. 10863 (Customs Modernization and Tariff Act).
Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno highlighted the significance of coordinated border enforcement. “This successful interception underscores the effectiveness of intelligence sharing and collaborative operations in preventing illegal drugs from entering our ports. The bureau remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding our borders and communities,” he said.
By Maricel V. Cruz
A LEGISLATOR on Tuesday pushed for the passage of a measure that aims to ensure the security of tenure and grant of decent pay and benefits to non-uniformed personnel (NUP) of the country’s military and law enforcement agencies.
With the implementation starting this year of increases in the salary and subsistence allowance of military and uniformed personnel, Parañaque Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan said their civilian counterparts have been left behind with low pay, excessive workloads, and lack of job security and benefits.
Yamsuan earlier filed House Bill (HB) 4796 or the proposed Magna Carta for NonUniformed Personnel to ensure the fair treatment of NUP and recognize their “indispensable” role in the uniformed agencies. His proposed law stands to benefit NUP in the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and all other uniformed agencies.
“The recent round of salary hikes and increase in the subsistence allowance of military and uniformed personnel all the more highlight the wide disparity between the pay and benefits that they and their civilian counterparts receive,” Yamsuan noted.
“Congress should do its part in championing the welfare of our non-uniformed personnel whose jobs are just as important and indispensable in keeping the uniformed agencies functioning efficiently and effectively,” added Yamsuan, a member of the House Committee on Public Order and Safety.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2026
RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor
RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor
EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor
Van der Valk strikes first, leads Mondilla by one at TCC
STA. ROSA, Laguna – A battle-hardened veteran with unfinished business seized early control of the leaderboard, shooting a five-under 67 to grab a one-stroke lead as another compelling chase for The Country Club Invitational crown took shape here Tuesday.
Guido van der Valk, shrugging off memories of a painful closing stumble a year ago, leaned on a blistering frontside and a strong finish to move one clear of Clyde Mondilla on a day shaped by shifting weather and a demanding layout.
A two-time winner at TCC in 2020 and 2023, van der Valk wasted little time asserting himself. He opened with three straight birdies from No. 2, showcasing crisp iron play and confident putting as he set the early pace. The Dutchman stayed composed as conditions toughened, navigating heat and intermittent rain while holding firm on TCC’s unforgiving back nine.
He reached four-under with another birdie on the 10th, then rebounded from a slip on the demanding par-3 No. 11 with clutch birdies on Nos. 14 and 17 to maintain his edge.
“Today was very nice because there wasn’t much wind,” said van der Valk. “It was raining, but hardly any breeze, which is very rare on this course. If the wind picks up, the scores will definitely go up and anything can happen. I’ll just keep playing my game. It’s a long week, but at least I got off to a good start.”
Mondilla mounted a spirited charge after turning in even-par 36, igniting a scorching backside run of five birdies over eight holes – including three straight from No. 13 – to briefly tie van der Valk at the top. But a costly bogey on the exacting par-4 18th dropped him back to solo second with a 68.
“I hit a bad drive into the rough and couldn’t get up-and-down,” Mondilla said of his final-hole miscue. “Sayang, but I’m still confident going into tomorrow. Ganun talaga dito sa TCC – you can be playing well, but you never know if you can maintain it the whole round.”
The multi-titled ace from Del Monte credited a hot putter and sharper iron play for his back-nine surge.
ALEXANDRA
Eala’s steady rise in the world rankings took center stage as she prepared for her next assignment in the Philippine Women’s Open WTA 125, a day after opening her homecoming campaign in emphatic fashion.
Already enjoying the best stretch of her young career, Eala is set to climb further up the WTA ladder following a dominant 6-1, 6-2 win over Russian qualifier Alina Charaeva on Monday night at the newly renovated Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.
The victory came despite a brief right thigh injury scare, marking a milestone for the 20-year-old Filipina, who is playing her first professional tournament in the country in eight years.
“I’m in a good moment of my career. I want to say I’m going up (in ranking). And I’m in my best ranking now,” said Eala after her opening-round win in the inaugural Philippine Women’s Open. Currently ranked No. 49 in the world,
MELBOURNE — Aryna Sabalenka
Eala gains momentum as rank rises to no. 45
Eala is projected to rise to No. 45 based on live rankings following her latest triumph. With no match scheduled on Tuesday, she welcomed a timely rest day to recover from the discomfort in her thigh ahead of her Round of 16 showdown. Eala’s next opponent will be the winner of the late Tuesday clash between Japan’s Nao Hibino and Himeno Sakat-
sume.
The win was made even more special by the presence of her family, who joined a large, supportive crowd during her 76-minute match.
“My family is there to watch me in person, finally,” Eala said. The last time Eala competed in the Philippines was in 2018 at the PHINMA-PSC International Junior Tennis Championships, when she was just 12 years old. She won that tournament before leaving for Spain to train at the Rafael Nadal Academy, a move that jumpstarted her rise in international tennis. By 14, Eala had emerged as one of the world’s top juniors, competing in Grand Slam events such as the US Open juniors and eventually reaching a careerhigh No. 13 in the ITF Junior rankings. From there, she transitioned into the professional ranks, steadily building her resume and climbing the WTA standings. AFP
THE US’s Cash Hoover, 16, flashed smarts seen mostly on veterans and Great Britain’s Ben Skinner hardly showed he was 41 and a father of four as they dominated the World Surf League (WSL) La Union International Pro World Longboard Tour Qualifier recently off Urbiztondo Beach in San Juan, La Union. Local bets Rogelio Esquievel Jr. and Jomarie Ebueza didn’t disappoint and finished second and third, respectively, in the men’s competition the first-of-its-kind event presented by the Philippines Sports Commission that granted 2026 Longboard Tour (LT) Wildcards to the winners and runners-up.
“I’m so incredibly happy, I don’t think I’ve been this happy in so long,” said Hoover, a standout throughout as she posted the equal highest women’s total in her very first heat with a smooth style and solid nose-riding and classic carves.
“I cried tears of joy coming out of the water. I’ve worked so hard for this, and this event has been so stressful,” she said after her remarkable performance at Monaliza Point. “And to be able to just feel that
overcame heat set to hit 45C and one of er into the semi-finals of the Australian Open, where Carlos Alcaraz bids to join World number one Sabalenka tamed 18-year-old American Iva Jovic 6-3, 6-0 and
I’ve officially made my spot on tour for this year is the best feeling in the world.”
Japan’s Natsumi Taoka also qualified for the LT Wildcards for finishing second in the women’s competition that attracted 120 of the world’s best surfers and supported by the PSC chaired by Patrick Gregorio, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp., Alima, LUSC, Kudo Surf , Province of La Union, Department of Tourism Region 1, Municipality of San Juan and San Miguel Corp.
A Longboard Tour veteran for over two decades, Skinner summoned his rich history and success to book his first major victory after nearly 15 years.
“I don’t know what to say, I just can’t,” said Skinner after his emotional victory.
“La Union, you’ve been so special to us. The local community, the waves, the weather. Honestly, we cannot thank you enough from the bottom of our hearts.”
Skinner’s not only a surfer but is also a shaper, providing boards for many of the world’s best, and won on one of his own designs—and interestingly, his son Lukas also competed in La Union, perhaps a first
faces either third seed Coco Gauff or 12th seed Elina Svitolina for a place in the final.
Sabalenka, the top seed from Belarus, is aiming to win a third Melbourne crown in four years and looks in ominous form, yet to drop a set.
“These teenagers have been testing me in the last couple of rounds,” said Sabalenka, 27, who is on a 10-match win streak after victory in Brisbane this month.
“It was a tough match. Don’t look at the score, it wasn’t easy at all.
“She played incredible tennis. Pushed me to one step better level. And I’m super happy with the win.”
The match was played in hot sun on Rod Laver Arena, as temperatures reached 38C.
Just after the match, organisers closed the roof, meaning the other three quarterfinals will take place in far more comfortable temperatures.
The decision came after the tournament hit its maximum “heat stress” rating of five for the second time in four days.
The measure is designed to protect players, fans and officials.
Play on outdoor courts, which were to host junior boys’ and girls’ matches, were put on hold.
Temperatures reached 40C on Saturday, with matches on outside courts paused for about five hours. Defeat brought an end to a breakthrough tournament for Jovic, the youngest player in the women’s top 100 and seeded 29. She stunned seventh seed and two-time Slam finalist Jasmine Paolini and blitzed past experienced Yulia Putintseva for the loss of just one game to announce herself to the world. But Sabalenka was a bridge too far.
- Alcaraz in home testAlcaraz faces having to beat not just Alex de Minaur but also a patriotic home crowd to make his first Australian Open semi-final. Whoever comes out on top will meet German third seed Alexander Zverev, who lost the final last year to Jannik Sinner, or American next-gen star Learner Tien. The 22-year-old Spaniard Alcaraz has won six Grand Slams, but is yet to go past the last eight in Melbourne. De Minaur has failed to make it past the quarter-finals at any Slam and is hoping the home fans can help him pull off an upset in the last match of the day on centre court. AFP
semifinal against last year’s runner-up Perry Ventura with a buzzer-beater and Ebueza returning to the LT for only on his sophomore year.
THE Perpetual Help Lady Altas aim to build on their statement win over defending champions St. Benilde Lady Blazers when they face the winless Jose Rizal University Lady Bombers this Wednesday in the NCAA Season 101 Women’s Volleyball Tournament at the San Andres Gym in Malate, Manila. Set for 11 a.m., the matchup promises an intense battle as both squads remain hungry for victory.
The Lady Altas are looking to secure back-to-back wins,
hard-fought five-set triumph over College of St. Benilde, 25–21, 18–25, 25–23, 17–25, 16–14.
Cyrille Almeniana led the charge with a game-high 27 points and 12 digs.
The victory was historic for the Lady Altas, marking their first win on the Taftbased school’s home court in seven years, dating back to the 2019 Final Four.
“I told them to let winning be an inspiration, stay hungry, and focus on every game,” said head coach Sandy Rieta during practice at the Home of the Altas gym.
Almeniana received strong support from her teammates, as Shaila Omipon posted 12 points and 21 excellent receptions, middle blocker Charisse Enrico added 11 points, and Jemalyn Menor chipped in 10.
Setter Fianne Ariola tallied 20 excellent sets from 136 attempts, while libero Joanna Denise Lozano anchored the floor defense with 32 digs and 15 excellent receptions. In other matches, the San Beda Lady Red Spikers will clash with the EAC
Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka hits a return to USA’s Iva Jovic during their women’s singles quarter-final match on day ten of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne. AFP
Ben Skinner
Guido van der Valk shoots a fiveunder 67 to grab a one-stroke in The Country Club Invitational. Manny Marcelo
The Philippines’ Alexandra Eala hits a return to Russia’s Alina Charaeva. AFP
WHAT’S INSIDE?
Industry group eyes 503,000 auto sales in 2026
By Othel V. Campos
THE Philippine automotive industry expects modest growth this year with total vehicle sales projected to reach 503,000 units, Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI) president Jose Maria Atienza said.
“The foundation of the market itself is quite strong. We’re very hopeful that the market will reach 503,000 units,” Atienza said.
The forecast represents an increase of 2.0 percent to 2.5 percent from the 491,395 units sold in 2025, when the industry narrowly missed its 500,000unit target.
Atienza said the actual performance would depend on how demand trends evolve as the sector seeks to recover from a slowdown observed during the second half of last year.
While momentum was strong in the first half of 2025, growth softened due to macroeconomic pressures, adverse weather and earthquakes.
“We saw a big drop in pickup sales, but there are growth segments as well,” Atienza said, noting the increased demand for electrified vehicles and strong performance in multipurpose vehicle segments. Growth in 2026 is expected to be led by electrified vehicles, which saw sales more than double last year to account for 12 percent of the total market. Multipurpose vehicles also showed resilience amid the shifting consumer preferences.
The market appears to have bottomed out and may begin growing more steadily in the second or third quarter of 2026 as consumer confidence improves.
“I believe that this year will be better compared to 2025. EV sales will continue to contribute to the growth, as preferences shift,” Atienza said.
SWAP. ASEAN member central banks discuss the re-establishment of the ASEAN Swap Arrangement (ASA) in a meeting on Jan. 15, 2026 chaired by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. The ASA was in effect from 1977 to 2021 to provide short-term liquidity support to ASEAN members facing temporary balance of payment challenges. Since 2023, the BSP has led efforts to revitalize the swap arrangement as chair of the ASA Taskforce. The
PH reduced 2025 trade deficit as exports hit record $84.41b
By Thony Rose Lesaca
PHILIPPINE merchandise exports surged 15.2 percent in 2025 to reach an all-time high of $84.41 billion, led by a late-year rally in electronic shipments and manufacturing, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said Tuesday.
The record-breaking performance surpassed the $73.27 billion recorded in 2024, marking the highest export value since the data series began in 1991.
Total imports for the year rose 4.7 percent to $133.57 billion, resulting in a narrowed trade deficit of $49.17 billion. This was lower than the trade gap of $54.33-billion in 2024.
In December 2025 alone, export sales rose 23.3 percent to $6.99
billion.
Electronic products remained the nation’s primary export pillar during the month, accounting for 57.8 percent of total earnings at $4.04 billion. Other manufactured goods and machinery and transport equipment followed as the next largest contributors.
The United States emerged as the top destination for Philippine goods in December, receiving 15.7 percent of exports valued at
$1.10 billion. Hong Kong, Japan, China and Singapore rounded out the top five trading partners for the period.
December imports reached $10.52 billion, a 7.1-percent increase from the same month in 2024. Electronic products led the import growth, followed by telecommunication equipment and mineral fuels. For the full year, the $133.57-billion imports represented the highest level since 2022.
China remained the largest supplier of imported goods to the Philippines in December, providing 28.4 percent of the total at a value of $2.98 billion. By type of goods, capital equipment comprised the largest share of imports at 33.6 percent, followed closely by raw materials and intermediate goods.
DIGITAL GAMES. Online gaming platform megaFUNalo! Teams up with Gioco Games, an all-Filipino game development studio, to launch Gioco Arcade, a lineup of Pinoy-themed digital arcade games designed to celebrate Filipino creativity and bring locally inspired entertainment to Filipino players. Attending the launch at the Solaire Grand Ballroom in Paranaque City are (from left) Rickard Bergkvist, director for retention marketing (Online Gaming); Doug Bertinshaw, technical director, Gioco Arcade; Maricar Nepomuceno, technical director, Gioco Arcade; Ogie Alcasid, Jeepney Go ambassador; Gerardo Alfredo Bisnar, senior manager for legal & compliance (Online Gaming); and Justin Noel Cudaihl, director for acquisition marketing (Online Gaming). Norman Cruz
BIR lifts audit suspension, adopts new framework
THE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) on Tuesday lifted a suspension on the issuance of letters of authority (LOAs) following a review of audit systems to improve transparency and ease of doing business.
The resumption of audits comes after the agency halted the issuance of the legal documents in November to implement reforms.
“The suspension [of LOAs] last November gave the Bureau time to review audit procedures, consult with stakeholders and implement reforms. That review has now been completed,” said BIR Commissioner Charlito Mendoza.
Under a new single-instance audit framework, the bureau will now limit the number of LOAs to 1 per taxpayer for each taxable year.
The policy consolidates multiple audit authorities into a single letter to prevent redundant investigations.
To further streamline operations, Mendoza said the bureau will discontinue its VAT Audit Section and VAT Audit Teams and disband existing audit task forces.
Audit authority is now restricted to the large taxpayers service and regional offices.
The agency is also introducing an
audit-to-auditor program to ensure revenue officer accountability.
Taxpayers may now verify the authenticity of an LOA through the REVIE chatbot on the BIR website to confirm the document was properly issued. Regarding the examination of books, the bureau will offer options on the venue of inspections if records are voluminous and transport is disruptive.
Standard inspections will otherwise take place at the BIR office or the designated place of business of the taxpayer. Thony Rose Lesaca
$84.41 billion
PH exports in 2025
$133.57 billion
PH imports in 2025
$49.17 billion
Trade deficit in 2025
ERC allows Meralco to recover P31.3b from customers
By Alena Mae S. Flores
THE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) approved five power supply agreements for Manila Electric Co. involving P31.341 billion in total cost recovery, an amount equivalent to P0.2817 per kilowatthour that will appear on customer bills starting March 2026. The contracts involve change in circumstance applications from South Premiere Power Corp. (SPPC), San Miguel Energy Corp. (SMEC), ACEN Corp. and Panay Energy Development Corp. (PEDC).
“Despite the P0.28 per kWh rate impact, which we achieved by stretching the recovery periods for all these adjustments, we are still anticipating that the overall net effect on Meralco’s rates of the CIC adjustments will be minimal or none at all,” ERC chairperson Francis Saturnino Juan said.
The ERC allowed Meralco and San Miguel Corp.’s power units to recover a total of P5 billion last year for a period of six months starting September regarding a similar CIC case. In separate decisions, the ERC allowed SPPC to recover from Meralco the P15.85 billion and authorized it to implement the adjustments in the contract price as prayed for in the motion for price adjustment dated Nov. 20, 2024.
2026 pivotal year to restore public trust
THE Philippine government has designated 2026 as a strategic “rally point” to accelerate the implementation of its national development plan and restore public confidence through visible improvements in governance and infrastructure.
The Economy and Development Council, chaired by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., agreed during a Jan. 26 meeting to fast-track key programs in education, health, agriculture and job creation.
The Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) said the move addresses persistent gaps between public expectations and actual outcomes while managing fiscal constraints.
DEPDev Secretary and ED Council vice chair Arsenio Balisacan said the administration is shifting toward stronger execution and transparency to meet the commitments of the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028.
“Turning 2026 into a rally point means the entire government must deliver faster, more visible, and more meaningful results. Every peso must translate into better services and improved well-being for Filipinos,” Balisacan said.
“With less than three years left in the PDP’s implementation period, tighter prioritization and stronger coordination between planning and budgeting are essential so that the Filipino people feel the benefits of these transformative projects,” he said.
ASEAN
By Othel V. Campos
TFPI sees increase in trade remedies
HE Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) expects a rise in trade remedy cases this year as domestic manufacturers seek relief from sustained surges in imports.
FPI chairperson Beth Lee said that international trade is vital to the Philippine economy, particularly when imports are dumped, subsidized or enter the market in disproportionate volumes that injure local producers.
“Safeguards are lifelines, not barriers. We welcome decisive action to protect
Philippine industries and consumers,” she said.
From FPI’s perspective, the most urgent safeguards sought by industry must rest on fair competition, evidence-based intervention and timely policy action.
Lee cited the DTI’s imposition of definitive safeguard duties on cement
PH election spending drives temporary gains—PIDS study
THE Philippine economy is expected to see a short-term boost from election-related spending in 2026, but experts warn that long-term growth remains vulnerable to institutional weaknesses and inconsistent policy execution.
A study titled “Election-Year Stimuli and Economic Performance” presented by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) on Jan. 15 shows that heightened government spending and campaign activities traditionally lift the economy.
PIDS senior research fellow John Paolo Rivera said agencies often accelerate infrastructure and social pro-
gram disbursements to beat the statutory pre-election spending ban.
“Election years stimulate growth, but the effects are temporary,” he said.
The research indicates that political campaigns inject liquidity through logistics, advertising and temporary jobs. The “election employment” is estimated to trigger a 2.7-percent jump in jobs across the services, transport and construction sectors during early election quarters.
Private consumption is projected to surge by 8 percent to 18 percent during these periods, while government consumption could rise
SEC imposes 9-year term limit for firms’ independent directors
By Jenniffer B. Austria
THE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has imposed a maximum cumulative term limit of 9 years for independent directors of publiclylisted companies to strengthen board independence and align local practices with international standards. Under a new memorandum circular issued on Jan. 26, the regulator said independent directors are to be elected annually but may serve only up to nine cumulative years in the same company, whether on a continuous or intermittent basis.
The move marks a shift from previous guidelines that allowed extensions beyond the 9-year cap if a company provided a meritorious justification and obtained shareholder approval. The new rules will take effect on Feb. 1, 2026.
“The essence of having independent directors is that their ability to exercise independent judgement over a company’s affairs, making them an effective tool for promoting good corporate governance, transparency, and accountability,” SEC chairman Francis Lim said.
“A strict term limit ensures that independent directors maintain the objectivity and impartiality required to serve the very purpose envisioned under the law,” he said.
For independent directors who served prior to the effectivity of the new rules, the 9-year limit will be reckoned from calendar year 2012.
Once the maximum term is reached, a director will be perpetually barred from re-election as an independent director of the same company. However, the individual may still serve as a nonindependent director or officer without observing a cooling-off period.
by 7 percent to 14 percent on frontloaded spending.
Rivera, however, cautioned that these effects are cyclical and the economy typically slows down once the election ends.
De La Salle University Prof. Marites Tiongco said the findings highlight how election cycles compress spending into narrow windows, which can lead to post-election tightening.
She said such patterns impact macro volatility and public investment planning, adding that institutional weaknesses often limit the developmental impact of these funds.
imports from Jan. 19, 2026 to Jan. 18, 2029, amounting to P14 per bag, following the Tariff Commission’s (TC) finding that surging imports caused serious injury to the domestic cement industry.
“This safeguard is a critical step to stabilize the market, protect local producers, and ensure Philippine cement is not displaced in government infrastructure projects,” Lee said.
Cement, however, is only one front, she said, adding that the local steel industry also faces sustained import pressure.
While the Philippines remains import dependent, substandard and artificially cheap steel products can crowd out domestic supply and weaken competitiveness.
“Steel is a foundation industry. Without a viable domestic base, downstream manufacturing—from machinery parts to wires, springs, and bearings—cannot compete,” Lee said.
Other sectors, including food manufacturing, also face growing competitive pressures from imports that require policy responses.
in September 2030 and is now open for pre-selling, with prices starting at P6.7 million. Since the project was launched early this month, Avida Land has sold 119 units worth P900 million. Avida Land chief operating officer Aris Gonzales said the development is positioned to benefit from sustained interest along the Katipunan corridor, which has seen relatively limited new condominium launches in recent years. Jenniffer B. Austria
PCC, IRRI announce strategic partnership
THE Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) have signed a strategic partnership to strengthen market competition and sustainable development within the rice sector. PCC chairperson Michael Aguinaldo and IRRI director-general Yvonne Pinto signed a memorandum of agreement to coordinate efforts in research, enforcement and advocacy. The collaboration aims to support inclusive growth and economic resilience by identifying barriers to competition and promoting efficiency across the rice value chain.
and
nical cooperation in
Under the agreement, the two organizations will collaborate on capacity
The data will be used for
science and
and policy development to help the antitrust body enforce the Philippine Competition Act and other related laws. Aguinaldo said both parties would provide mutual support in project development and resource mobilization. “This collaboration reflects our common objective of improving outcomes across the rice value chain. By exchanging knowledge, strengthening institutional capacity and supporting joint research and market studies, the PCC and IRRI can better identify barriers to competition, promote efficiency and encourage innovation in the industry,” Aguinaldo said. Othel V. Campos
European poultry exports to PH surge on higher demand for quality products
Dariusz Goszczynski, the president of the management board at the National Poultry Council-Chamber of Commerce (KRO-IG) in Poland, says European poultry exports to the Philippines have surged in recent years as local consumers and importers increasingly favor products from the European Union.
EUROPEAN poultry exports to the Philippines have surged in recent years as local consumers and importers increasingly favor products from the European Union, a top industry executive said.
Dariusz Goszczynski, president of the management board at National Poultry CouncilChamber of Commerce (KRO-IG) in Poland, said the growth reflects a high level of trust in European production standards.
“This is a clear sign that local consumers and importers appreciate the European Union products,” Goszczynski said in an interview published recently in a European paper.
Poland alone shipped 26,000 tons of poultry meat to the Philippines in 2024. Through August 2025, that figure reached 29,000 tons.
Goszczynski said food safety is the foundation of European poultry production.
“European poultry is considered
stable,safe,and high quality.This builds trust with Filipino partners,” he said. He said every stage, including breeding, transport, processing and the final product, remains under constant veterinary supervision.
He described European poultry as stable, safe and high quality. He said manufacturers are investing heavily in modern solutions to reduce the environmental impact of production while adhering to extensive animal welfare regulations.
According to Goszczynski, many producers voluntarily raise standards above what is required by law. He said the product is an attractive choice for the hospitality industry and home cooking.
“European poultry is a product of high nutritional value,
in complete protein, vitamins and minerals easily digestible and low-fat,” he said.
By Alena Mae S. Flores
ACEN Corp. plans to revive a stock rights offering (SRO) during the second half of 2026 to support its accelerated capital deployment and renewable energy projects.
The energy company previously deferred a proposed P30-billion offering scheduled for September 2025, following adjustments to its capital expenditure timelines across Southeast Asia.
“Because of our pace of capital deployment, we are looking second half later this year for the next capital raising,” ACEN president Eric Francia said.
“Basically, we put it on hold indefinitely and then we’ll revisit it middle of the year,” Francia said.
“And then hopefully, we’ll be making a decision maybe in the second quarter on the latest plans for capital raising. But it’s on the table,” he said. The proceeds are intended to meet growing capital requirements as the company projects capital expenditure to exceed P80 billion this year.
This represents a significant increase from the P55 billion allocated in 2025 for solar, wind and battery energy projects.
ACEN aims to reach 8 gigawatts of operating and under-construction projects globally this year. About 4.3 gigawatts of that total are currently operational.
Francia said half of the projected 1 gigawatt growth expected by the end of 2026 would originate from the Philippines.
Principal shareholders AC Energy and Infrastructure Corp. and Arran Investment Pte. Ltd. have indicated support for the offering.
Both entities plan to subscribe to their pro rata shares once terms are finalized. The ACEN board has approved the issuance and subsequent listing of the primary common shares.
rich
A PIDS study reveals that while the Philippine economy will see a temporary 2026 election boost, long-term growth depends on institutional strength and investment recovery.
SHDA OFFICERS. The Subdivision and Housing Developers Association (SHDA) inducts its 2026 officers, marking the start of a year focused on supporting member developers and advancing the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development’s (DHSUD) beneficiary-centric housing program to help address the country’s housing backlog. SHDA Chairman Francis Richmond Villegas and national president Kerwin Padua will lead the organization through the implementation phase.
FPI chairperson Beth Lee
SPOTLIGHT
Teaching truth and responsibility through student journalism
JIn today’s digital age, where information moves fast and misinformation spreads even faster, teaching journalism has become more essential than ever. Journalism trains young people to question what they read, verify facts, and communicate ideas clearly and ethically. These skills are not only useful in newsrooms but are vital in shaping informed, responsible citizens.
Introducing journalism early helps students develop media literacy. When learners understand how news is gathered, written, and published, they become more critical consumers of information. Journalism education encourages curiosity with accountability, expression with accuracy, and freedom
with discipline. It also builds empathy, as students are taught to listen to others and tell stories that reflect real experiences in their communities.
Public awareness of journalism is equally important. A society that values journalism is better equipped to protect press freedom and uphold democratic ideals. Journalism allows communities to see themselves represented, heard, and understood. When people recognize its role, they are more likely to support truthful reporting and resist disinformation that can mislead or divide.
Student journalism competitions play a crucial role in nurturing these values. Through the Division Schools
Press Conference (DSPC), students are first introduced to the rigor of journalistic work at the local level. Those who excel move on to the Regional Schools Press Conference (RSPC), which will be held this January 2026. RSPC challenges young journalists to sharpen their skills, work under pressure, and uphold ethical standards while competing alongside peers from different divisions.
For many student journalists, these conferences leave a lasting impact. Aleah Tulaun, a campus journalist, shared that journalism conferences are more than just contests or experiences.
“For me, a journalism conference is more than just an experience—it is a space where we strengthen our learnings, skills, and our values of truth and integrity in media. In every conference, journalists from different places gather, allowing us to connect, share perspectives, and gain new knowledge
that helps us adapt to the evolving landscape of media and communication,” she said.
At the national level, the National Schools Press Conference (NSPC) serves as the highest platform for student journalists in the country. Reaching NSPC is not just an achievement but a testament to a student’s dedication, discipline, and growth. Across DSPC, RSPC, and NSPC, students learn that journalism is not about awards alone, but about responsibility to truth and service to the public.
Guided by the values promoted by the Department of Education, these press conferences shape young lives by instilling confidence, integrity, and social awareness. By teaching journalism and supporting student platforms like DSPC, RSPC, and NSPC, we invest in a future generation that values truth, understands society, and uses storytelling to make a meaningful difference.
Faith, family, and tradition light up Pasay’s Fiesta del Santo Niño
By Bernadette Araño
PASAY City once again came alive with faith and festivity as residents gathered for the annual Fiesta del Santo Niño, a time-honored religious celebration that continues to unite families, parishes, and neighborhoods across generations.
a solemn Mass, drawing devotees from different parishes and barangays. It was followed by a vibrant procession that wound its way through major streets of the city, transforming ordinary thoroughfares into spaces of prayer and reflection. While deeply rooted in faith, the fiesta was not limited to quiet ritual alone.
By Robert Harland
“WE are what we eat.”
That familiar saying is now starting to reshape medical education. In the United States, a new discipline called Culinary Medicine is teaching doctors to treat food as a cornerstone of health, not just an afterthought. For decades, medical schools offered little training in nutrition. Doctors learned to diagnose and prescribe but rarely felt confident discussing diet with patients. Yet poor nutrition is a leading cause of chronic disease. Obesity, diabetes, hypertension and heart disease are all linked to what we eat. The gap between medical practice and everyday diet has left patients without guidance on one of the most powerful tools for prevention.
At George Washington University, one of the first Culinary Medicine programs was launched to bridge that gap. Students learn not only the science of nutrients but also practical skills: how to cook, shop and design meal plans patients can follow. The U.S. Secretary of Health has emphasized that nutrition should be part of every doctor’s training, and similar programs are spreading across the country. The message is clear: food is medicine, and medical education is beginning to reflect that.
FOR fishing families along the Zambales coast, livelihood has long depended on the sea, and in recent years, that dependence has come with growing uncertainty.
This week, local fisherfolk received a boost as the provincial government turned over two newly built fishing boats aimed at helping them sustain their work and adapt to changing conditions at sea.
Built by a Cavite-based shipbuilder and powered by 125-horsepower engines, the boats represent more than new equipment. For many fishers, they symbolize continued access to livelihood at a time when traditional fishing grounds near Bajo de Masinloc have become increasingly difficult to reach and less productive.
Local officials acknowledged that fish catch in the area has declined over the past decade, forcing fishing communities to adapt to both environmental and geopolitical challenges. The new boats are part of a broader effort to help fisherfolk remain competitive while reducing risk at sea.
The two 45-foot fiberglass-hulled vessels, named FV Zambales III and FV Zambales IV, were formally turned over during a ceremony at the Coast Guard Substation in Barangay Amungan on January 23. Provincial officials led by Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. and Vice Governor Jacqueline Khonghun joined fisherfolk leaders and local stakeholders at the event. The boats will be operated by the Zambales Provincial Fisherfolks Association (ZPFA), a federation of 10 local fishing cooperatives headed by chairman Paulo Quitaneg. The vessels will serve as ancillary boats that collect fish from payaos, or fish-aggregating devices anchored in open waters, allowing small-scale fishers to work more efficiently and safely.
The devotion to the Santo Niño, or the Child Jesus, is among the oldest and most deeply rooted religious traditions in the Philippines. Its origins trace back to the arrival of Christianity in the 16th century, when the image of the Child Jesus became a powerful symbol of faith, hope, and protection for Filipino believers. From its beginnings in Cebu, the devotion spread throughout the country, taking on local character in every community that embraced it. In Pasay, the fiesta has grown into an annual expression of collective gratitude, devotion, and cultural identity.
This year’s celebration opened with
The procession was enlivened by the beat of drums, colorful street dances, and joyful chants that reflected the celebratory spirit of the Santo Niño feast. Performers and devotees alike moved in rhythm, turning the streets into a living expression of thanksgiving.
Images of the Santo Niño—many lovingly dressed and carefully carried—were accompanied by hymns, rhythmic prayers, and moments of quiet reverence. Along the route, families stood side by side, holding candles or small Santo Niño statues, some of which have been passed down through generations.
By Sasha Uy
The lesson is especially relevant for the Philippines. The national diet, while rich in flavor, is often heavy in fried foods, processed meats and sugar. Rice dominates the plate, but vegetables and lean proteins are often missing. The result is a growing burden of lifestyle -related diseases that strain families and the healthcare system. According to the Department of Health, non-communicable diseases now account for more than 70% of deaths nationwide — a crisis fueled in large part by poor nutrition.
Across Asia, the bond between good nutrition and better health is steadily gaining ground. The Philippine-based Asian Institute of Culinary Medicine (AICM) — the first of its kind in the region — offers structured programs for healthcare professionals, chefs and nutritionists, teaching them how to integrate culinary skills with medical practice. AICM collaborates with the Philippine College of Lifestyle Medicine and the Asian Lifestyle Medicine Council, positioning Asia as a leader in this emerging field.
The evidence is undeniable: what we eat shapes how we live and how long we thrive. As Culinary Medicine grows, it can offer doctors everywhere an opportunity to enrich their practice with nutrition, empowering patients to take charge of their health.
Challenge, applying lessons on accuracy, ethics, and clarity through short-form video storytelling. The event was supported by Luxent Hotel, Vital 1 Purified Water, and KitKat Ice Cream.
Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. (in red shirt and cap, front row) with provincial government officials and ZMDC officers during the turnover of FB Zambales III and FB Zambales IV on January 23 at the Coast Guard Substation in Barangay Amungan, Iba, Zambales. GO photo
RISING stars Zeke Polina and Heart Ryan are set to take audiences into one of the most dangerous schools imaginable in Viva One’s upcoming series Hell University, premiering Feb. 6.
Polina, who plays the stoic and commanding Supremo, Ace Craige, admits the role comes with its challenges.
“I enjoy embodying the cool character who punishes students,” he shared during the series’ press launch. “I enjoy it, but at the same time, Supremo is nonchalant. So I have a hard time acting as someone hiding his emotions, especially when it comes to showing romance and love. That’s the most challenging part.” Ryan portrays Zein, the brave and headstrong leader of her group of friends.
“For me, I don’t want to set expectations. I just want to do my best and show my best,” she said, adding that filming in dangerous, abandoned locations often left the cast “sticky, sweaty, and full of blood,” but also made the process enjoyable.
In Hell University, tuition is free and meals are provided—but the school operates outside the law. Violence is normalized, and even murder is allowed during the sanctioned “Bloody Night” from 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.
The story follows six friends who somehow find themselves enrolled and caught between two rival gangs: the Black Blood Gang and the Devil God Warriors.
Joining Polina and Ryan are Andre
Glaiza de Castro to attend Rotterdam Film Festival for ‘58th’ premiere
Glaiza de Castro will attend the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) in the Netherlands this January for the world premiere of the GMA Public Affairs and GMA Pictures documentary , which revisits the 2009 Maguindanao Massacre Reynaldo “Bebot” Momay, recognized as its 58th victim. Carl Joseph Papa , 58th stars de Castro , Momay’s daughter, whose story reflects the families’ enduring grief and pursuit of justice following the tragedy.
“I am deeply honored and grateful to be part of 58th and to portray a role that gives voice to the victims’ families and keeps their call for justice alive,” de
The documentary retells the tragedy for a new generation. The film is also the final project of the , who portrayed Momay. Supporting Mikoy Morales, Marco Masa, Biboy Ramirez
De Castro said she was thrilled by the film’s selection for IFFR, calling it a personal milestone.
“When I heard about our film premiering at the International Film Festival Rotterdam, I was super excited because it’s GMA Pictures’ first feature to premiere outside the Philippines. And it’s also my first film festival,” she said.
She added she looked forward to attending panel discussions and watching films from around the world alongside other directors and actors.
De Castro will be joined in Rotterdam by GMA Public Affairs senior vice president and GMA Pictures executive vice president Nessa Valdellon and director Carl Joseph Papa. 58th is the first GMA Network film selected for IFFR, showing increasing international recognition for Filipino stories. The festival, founded in 1972, supports emerging and bold filmmakers through programs like CineMart, the Hubert Bals Fund, and Rotterdam Lab.
The 2026 edition of IFFR will also feature other Filipino films, including Quezon Moonglow First Light I Grew an Inch When My Father Died Noodles Our Love Was Instant and Forever , and Daughters of the Sea
Zeke Polina, Heart Ryan face deadly gangs and forbidden romance
Yllana as Matt, Zein’s loyal friend secretly in love with her; Gabbi Ejercito as Mia, the soft-hearted yet resilient member of the group; Derick Ong as Dave, Matt’s best friend; and Jastine Lim as Vanessa, the outspoken and clever student who shares a budding romance with Jerome, played by Jac Abellana Fresh from their hit Avenues of the
BTS will perform three dates in Mexico City in May.
The tickets, which went on sale last weekend, sold out in minutes, demonstrating the growing fervor among Mexicans for all aspects of South Korean culture, from television series to cuisine and, of course, K-pop.
The government has sought to cash in on the act. When it was announced that BTS would perform in Mexico, Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard, a longtime fan, posted a video on TikTok in which he is seen greeting Jin, a member of the band.
Now, President Claudia Sheinbaum has gotten involved.
Addressing reporters on Monday, she declared that “nearly a million young people” had vied for one of the coveted 150,000 tickets to BTS’s Mexican gigs.
So moved was she by the disappointment of the unlucky many that she said she wrote to South Korea’s President Lee Jae-myung to ask that he “bring the acclaimed K-pop artists more often” to her country.
Sheinbaum said she had also asked Ocesa, the promoter of the shows in Mexico, about the possibility of organizing more dates, but received a negative answer.
The K-pop group has not toured or released mu-
Diamond, Lance Carr and Aubrey Caraan return in new roles. Carr plays Raze, the masked leader of the Devil God Warriors with a striking red right eye and a secret identity that will shock the school. Caraan is Samantha, a mysterious student connected to the school’s dark past. Keagan De Jesus leads the Black
sic since 2022 as the members underwent the national military service required of all South Korean men under age 30. The band’s label announced on New Year’s Day that they would release a new album in March before heading on a mega-tour
Blood Gang as the charming but deadly Nazzer, while Jemima Rivera plays Nicky, the gang’s only female member and their self-proclaimed queen. Director Bobby Bonifacio, Jr. revealed during the cast unveiling last November that the actors were carefully selected after auditions and go-
sees to ensure the characters from the popular Wattpad and paperback novels come fully alive on screen. Based on KnightInBlack’s Wattpad webnovel, which has reached 182 million reads, Hell University promises to combine action, horror, and romance in a story where survival is the ultimate lesson.
Glaiza de Castro makes international film festival debut with ‘58,’ premiering in Rotterdam
Royce Cabrera (left) and Jasmine CurtisSmith bring contractual work, fragile love, and everyday survival to the stage in the theater adaptation of ‘Endo’
Heart Ryan takes on the role of Zein, a fearless student leader in ‘Hell University’
Zeke Polina plays the disciplined yet dangerous Supremo Ace Craige
A Symphony of Corals
Visual artist Sheila Osmeña-Go debuts solo exhibit
By Nickie Wang
PAINTER Sheila
Osmeña-Go presented her first solo exhibition, A Symphony of Corals , at the Opus Atrium in Opus Mall, marking her debut solo show with a body of work inspired by coral ecosystems and marine life.
The exhibition, which ran from Jan. 16 to 23, featured paintings that drew on the structure and movement of corals through layered forms and intricate linework, exploring themes of balance, resilience, and interconnectedness. It was supported by PLDT Home and presented in collaboration with Galerie Joaquin.
Osmeña-Go, a graduate of AB Psychology from Cebu Doctors University, began formally exploring painting in 2015, working across watercolor, oil, and acrylic. Her interest in art began earlier, starting with designing dresses in high school and progressing to drawing. It was recognized during college when
THOUSANDS of worshippers gathered at Luneta Park as the Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ (4th Watch) held the Home Free Global Crusade 2026 Manila Tour on Jan. 17 and 18 at the Quirino Grandstand. The two-night evangelistic event drew more than 100,000 people, according to organizers, bringing together church members and guests for worship and preaching along Manila Bay. The gathering formed part of PMCC (4th Watch)’s global outreach efforts aimed at spreading its message of faith and salvation.
Filipino pop-rock artist Yeng Constantino led worship on the first night, performing a set of praise songs that prompted the crowd to sing along. Her appearance opened the Manila leg of the crusade with music focused on encouragement and shared expressions of faith.
International Christian artist Taya headlined the second night, leading worship that included her well-known song “Oceans,” along with other praise selections. The performance drew widespread audience participation, with attendees raising their hands in worship throughout the set.
Global evangelist Jonathan S. Ferriol delivered the main Gospel message on both evenings, preaching on salvation, repentance, and Christian living. His sermons anchored the program, which combined music and ministry over the two days.
Church leaders described the Manila tour as a key stop in the Home
‘Grateful
she won first prize in a poster-making competition, which earned her an offer to pursue Fine Arts at the University of the Philippines Cebu. Her work is shaped by both personal and environmental concerns. A mother of two, Osmeña-Go creates her art alongside family life, which she has said informs her approach to balance and process. She is also the great-granddaughter of former Philippine president Sergio Osmeña Sr The exhibition centered on corals not only as visual subjects but also as vital components of marine ecosystems. Osmeña-Go, who enjoys snorkeling, highlighted the role of coral reefs in
supporting marine life and protecting coastlines. Several works referenced the full moon, reflecting the lunar cycles associated with coral spawning.
“I chose corals not just for their beauty, but for their purpose,” Osmeña-Go noted. “They sustain ecosystems, protect our shores, and remind us how interconnected life really is.” Osmeña-Go has also used her artwork to support charitable causes, including auctions benefiting children with cancer, fundraising for relief efforts in Cebu during the COVID-19 pandemic, and participation in group exhibitions supporting special education programs.
DF Art Agency, founded by Derek Flores, is celebrating its 15th anniversary with Grateful Horizons, a group exhibition reflecting on the relationships, collaborations, and shared histories that have shaped the agency since its founding.
The exhibition features 33 artists across multiple generations, pairing established figures with younger voices. The lineup highlights how artistic knowledge, discipline, and curiosity advance through continuity rather than replacement. Many participating artists have worked with DF Art Agency at different points in their careers, illustrating long-term relationships built on care, consistency, and mutual growth.
Since 2011, the agency has engaged with artists in the Philippines and internationally through projects and collaborations in Paris, Tokyo, London, Kuala Lumpur, Fukuoka, Venice, Berlin, Singapore, Jakarta, Busan, Seoul, Madrid, Basel, and New York. These engagements reflect a sustained commitment to dialogue and long-term artistic relationships.
Grateful Horizons opened on Jan. 19 and runs through Feb. 2 at Leon Gallery International in Makati City. Located at G/F Corinthian Plaza along Paseo de Roxas in Legazpi Village, the gallery has been a key partner in presenting exhibitions emphasizing artistic integrity and sustained practice.
A portion of proceeds from the exhibition will be donated to The Pawssion Project, extending the agency’s spirit of gratitude beyond the gallery walls.
At its core, Grateful Horizons is a gesture of thanks to the artists, collaborators, and community that have supported DF Art Agency over 15 years. The exhibition, Flores said, is “not a conclusion, but a horizon, a continuation shaped by shared commitment and care.”
A
Tita
Attendees stream into the open-air venue, joining the crowd for worship and preaching during the Manila Bay-side event.
Yeng Constantino leads worship on the first night, opening the Manila leg of the crusade with
Sheila Osmeña-Go poses with her brushes as her coral-inspired works take center stage for her debut solo exhibition, ‘A Symphony of Corals,’ at Opus Atrium in Opus Mall
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2026
lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com
NICKIE WANG, Editor
ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer
JASPER VALDEZ, Writer
Honoring lifelong service and leadership
JCI Senate Philippines presents 2025 The Outstanding Filipino Awards
By Nickie Wang
WThe Outstanding Filipino (Tofil) Awards recognize this ideal by honoring Filipinos who excel in their work, celebrating not only their accomplishments but also the positive influence they create within their communities and across the nation.
To celebrate these remarkable contributions, Junior Chamber International Senate Philippines (JCI) formally presented the 2025 The Tofil Awards at the Palawan Ballroom of Edsa Shangri-La in Mandaluyong City, bringing together leaders and changemakers who embody the spirit of true success.
Established in 1988 with the support of Insular Life, the Tofil Awards recognize Filipino leaders and achievers aged 41 and above whose contributions advance their fields, benefit the public, and support national development. This year’s awards were co-presented by the Ropali Group of Companies, continuing a tradition of multisector partnership.
The 2025 honorees included Maria Minerva Calimag for the academic community, Alfredo Pascual for the government sector, Neil Aldrin Mallari for nongovernment organizations and
Rene Meily
and Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito as a past
The Outstanding Young Men honoree.
The awardees were selected by an independent Board of Judges chaired by Associate Justice Ricardo Rosario, with members Ambassador Rosario Manalo, Professional Regulation Commission Commissioner Louis Valera Nona Ricafort, and Enunina Mangio
During the ceremony, Rey Felix Rafols, 2025 national chairperson of the Tofil Awards, praised the dedication of the awardees and reflected on the meaning of being an outstanding Filipino.
“Tonight, we gather not just to celebrate excellence, but to honor something deeper, something more demanding over time. Tonight is about showing up,” he said.
Rafols also spoke about the challenges of leadership, citing the organization’s national president as an example.
“Leadership is often romanticized, but those who serve know that it is rarely easy. It requires courage on difficult days, when answers are not clear, and strength, even when
When drag meets devotion
AT THE recent Sinulog festival in Cebu, there was talk about how the local drag community was involved in the event. Of course, there is the usual conservative anger about this. Some foam at the mouth at the prospect of drag queens participating in the Sinulog performances, stating that queers have no place in this sacred event. Comments like these show a truly narrowminded understanding of how culture is porous and allows certain alternatives to emerge. Back in 2010, I was being driven down to Talisay in Cebu, and I saw one of the back streets holding its own Sinulog parade. It was a slim procession because it was not on the sanctioned day of the parade. Who led the parade?
Two transwomen in full imagined precolonial regalia, dancing with the Sto Niño. Their faces were in full beat to the gods’ mode of makeup, and they were quite serious. No mugging. No elasticity of the face. Only deep reverence as they danced the traditional Sinulog—none of those acrobatics and spectacles deployed at the competition level of the festival. They were leading the procession via prayer-as-dance. So, queer presence is not new in religious festivals in the Philippines. Perhaps it is just the imposition of the American-dominant style of drag that is getting the spotlight now. This was also the same time I saw an old, gay, effeminate man dancing the Sinulog as a votive prayer outside Magellan’s Cross near the Basilica. He was being
paid by devotees to dance their intention. So the Babaylan tradition is very much alive in Catholic Philippines.
Speaking of which, a photo taken by Max Luwell Otadoy of the interior of Magellan’s Cross, next to the Basilica Minore de Sto. Niño shows how religion is “localized.” There are votive candles strewn at the foot of the cross. There is also cash left as a token of gratitude for a prayer answered by the faithful. None of these practices is observed at the very center of the Catholic faith, the Vatican. After all, for a colonial institution like religion to survive in a colony, local colors have to be involved. One just has to realize that these colors are vibrant and luminous, like a drag queen’s palette.
the work feels heavy.”
Rafols also emphasized the value of consistent service, adding that an outstanding Filipino shows up when it is uncomfortable, when it is exhausting, and when no one is watching.
“They show up for their work, for their communities, and above all, for the Filipino
people. That is precisely what our 2025 Tofil awardees represent. They are not defined by a single achievement or title. They are defined by a lifetime of choosing to show up again and again— showing up to serve, showing up to lead, showing up to stand firm in their values, even when the path is difficult, and the rewards are uncertain,” he said.
By Jasper Valdez
IF YOU grew up in a Filipino household, you know the rule: when you go out, you don’t come home empty-handed. Someone will ask for pasalubong, even if it’s just
A big part of the crowd pull was the mix of things to do. There were daily tastings, short demos, and live dance performances inspired by traditions from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The setup gave people reasons to stay longer—watch a performance, try something new, and then keep going. The event also tapped into shoppers who want gifts that feel thoughtful but are still easy to pick up. Kultura’s pasalubong corner leaned into that with ready-to-gift bundles and curated options that made gifting feel more straightforward.
Another detail that made sense for today’s shoppers was the Ship It Home Station, where people could pack and send their purchases on-site. Along with the Destination Wall, which mapped where guests came from and where their gifts were headed, it showed how pasalubong now travels beyond—often across cities and even countries.
JCI Senate Philippines honors the 2025 The Outstanding Filipino awardees (from left) Rene Meily, Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito, Maria Minerva Calimag, Alfredo Pascual, and Neil Aldrin Mallari during the ceremony at Edsa Shangri-La’s Palawan Ballroom
civil society,
for the private sector,