‘Basyang’ dumps record rainfall as shear line worsens
By Rio N. Araja
TROPICAL storm ‘‘Basyang’’ has dumped extremely rare volumes of rain that exceeded Northern Mindanao’s 100-year return period and contributed to flooding in Iligan City due to overwhelmed rivers and drainage systems. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), in a Facebook post, said the rainfall amounts exceeded the 100-year return period in the Northern Mindanao area.
By Ram Superable and Rex Espiritu
SENATE President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson on Sunday warned against what he called “homegrown traitors,” amid renewed debate over China’s actions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and proposals to give up the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG).
“In geopolitics, the most common sources of information are technical intelligence and homegrown traitors who are willing to sell their country in
exchange for what’s in it for them. In intelligence operations, it is called ‘recruitment in place,’” Lacson said in a post on X.
The senator also denounced personal attacks against officials and lawmakers defending Philippine sovereignty.
He called as “uncalled for” a social media post by SAGIP Party-list Rep. Paolo Henry Marcoleta suggesting that a Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson and several senators be used as
“cannon fodder” in a war with China.
“The son also rises with his own ad hominem. Suggesting to use the PCG spokesman and some senators as cannon fodder if China declares war against the Philippines is uncalled for,” Lacson said, referring to Marcoleta, son of Sen. Rodante Marcoleta.
“He should visit Pag-asa Island in the Kalayaan Island Group and see for himself the functioning local government there,” he added.
By Charles Dantes
THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said Sunday that several flood control project coordi
By Rex Espiritu
THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said it will continue conducting patrols in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) despite China’s claims that such activities undermine peace and stability in the region.
Philippine Navy spokesperson for the WPS Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad said the Chinese Communist Party has been the source of instability in areas that lie within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
OMBUDSMAN Jesus Crispin “Boy
ing” Remulla said that probes involving Senators Francis “Chiz” Escudero and Joel Villanueva are moving, noting that the case against the latter is further along while the Ombudsman
'No basis to link PBBM in flood control mess'
The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee has so far found no basis to hold President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. accountable in connection with the alleged flood control irregularities, Senator Panfilo Lacson said on Sunday. Lacson added that the issue of Marcos' accountability is better left to the judgment of the House Committee on Justice, which had earlier dismissed the impeachment complaints against the President.
“Under investigation, maybe the
of
wala kang makikitang proyekto. Na-experience
“Our exercises in BdM (Bajo de Masinloc) are scheduled, duly coordinated, and pre-approved and are within our EEZ. They will be conducted by our forces, in partnership with our treaty ally and with other like-minded nations,” Trinidad said in a message on Sunday.
“This pattern of unlawful actions are also done against other maritime states in Southeast Asia. Their patrols and so-called exercises over Bajo de Masinloc is another illegal action that should stop as they have no basis in international law,” he added. China earlier said it conducted naval and air patrols in the South China
By Rio N. Araja
THE second impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte remains “very strong” and would have proceeded to a Senate trial were it not for a ruling of the
Court that voided the Articles of Impeachment on a
according to
mayang Liberal party-list Rep. Leila de
"For the complainants and for us — the endorsers of the
complaint -- the evidence is
Nadagdagan
nga ito," she said. De Lima stressed the complaint meets the requirements of both form and substance to move forward. "We are confident that it is sufficient in form and substance to move forward to evidentiary hearings in the House Committee on Justice and to be transmitted to the Senate for trial,” she said. Duterte on Saturday dismissed the new impeachment complaint against
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to be careful about everything that we… every move that we make on these matters,” Remulla said, adding the cases stem from flood control issues earlier denied by the senators involved.
Remulla said the investigations form part of a broader pipeline of cases at the Office of the Ombudsman that are nearing the formal case stage.
“We have around 12 very, very ripe cases or investigations that are about to ripen into cases. Twelve of them are already in the answering process. The respondents have started filing their counter-affidavits,” he said.
The Ombudsman did not go into specifics on the individual cases, but stressed that developments continue as required under the rules, with due process guiding each step as the investigations move forward.
Lacson has said the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee's initial draft report, which recommends plunder and other possible criminal complaints, will not omit the names of Escudero, Villanueva, and Sen Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada.
He emphasized that their investigation strictly follows the alleged facts and evidence that emerged during the hearings into the alleged multibillion-peso flood control scam.
Lacson reiterated that the Committee’s work remains evidencedriven, with the report reflecting what surfaced in the hearings, particularly in relation to plunder and other possible criminal liabilities.
“As I said, based on facts, based on evidence, and we should be led by or we should follow the evidence,” Lacson, panel chairman, pointed out during a Bilyonaryo TV interview with Pinky Webb.
“There’s no doubt. Even former senator, incumbent senator, once they were mentioned, their names will be mentioned definitely because, if I omit their names, I might as well omit other names that were also mentioned during the hearings, and I won’t do that,” Lacson said.
A copy of the draft and partial report earlier leaked to the media showed that the committee went beyond plunder, also pushing for charges of malversation of public funds and direct bribery against former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, former Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., Escudero, Villanueva, Estrada, former Caloocan City Rep. Mitch Cajayon-Uy, and others.
Lacson explained that the inclusion of names in the committee report is dictated by the narrative established during the investigation.
“Yeah, because it was there in the narrative. Once they were mentioned in the investigation, definitely they will be mentioned,” he added.
Lacson said the committee has already conducted preliminary discussions on the draft report and made revisions based on members’ inputs, without altering its substance.
“Yeah, we already did. We held preliminary talks then I revised based on their input. There was nothing substantial or substantive that was touched in the committee report,” Lacson said.
The changes, Lacson noted, were confined to refining the language of the document.
“We just revised some words, the proper language, more proper or appropriate language that we used in the report, and I’m ready again to present it to them, maybe on Monday,” Lacson said.
Earlier, Lacson said the draft report was given to senators on February 3 where six senators—Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri, Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito, Sherwin Gatchalian, Risa Hontiveros, Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV, and Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan—have so far signed the draft report.
However, Zubiri, Ejercito, and Gatchalian later pulled out their signatures, saying they needed more time to thoroughly study the final committee report.
Amid the controversy, Philippine Coast Guard WPS spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela invited the elder Marcoleta to join a future maritime domain awareness (MDA) flight to the KIG.
“Let us give Senator Marcoleta a chance. I suggest that the good senator join the MDA flight to the Kalayaan Island Group in the future,” Tarriela said, adding the visit would allow him “to stand for our rights in the West Philippine Sea.”
Separately, Sen. Erwin Tulfo urged lawmakers to fast-track Senate Bill No. 1625, or the proposed West Philippine Sea Education Act, to counter disinformation and strengthen public understanding of maritime rights.
“We have to act now. Despite being a critical point of Philippine sovereignty, many Filipinos are seemingly in the dark about the West Philippine
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‘‘This means that in any given year, there is a one percent chance that this kind of extreme rainfall event—or worse—could occur,’’ Pagasa said.
Basyang poured more than 350 millimeters of rain in several upstream areas, causing severe flooding that devastated communities, displaced thousands of residents, and claimed lives in Northern Mindanao.
Based on Pagasa’s 24-hour rainfall accumulation data from groundbased stations recorded on February 6, the Hindang automatic rain gauge (ARG) recorded 354.5 mm (heavy); Juan Tabla ARG, 361.0 mm (heavy); Doroteo D. Lloren ARG, 383.0 mm (heavy); Dulag ARG, 253.0 mm (heavy); Banggolo Bridge ARG, 280.5 mm (heavy); Iligan ARG, 144.5 mm (moderate); Agus 6 HEPP ARG, 130.5 mm (moderate); and Rogongon ARG,
Eala enters the prestigious WTA 1000 event looking to build momentum against a singles field headlined by some of the biggest names on the tour -- World No. 2 Iga Świątek of Poland leads the draw as the top seed, followed by Elena Rybakina (Kazakhstan) at No. 2 and world No. 3.
Valentova is a 5-foot-9 right-handed tennister from Prague, currently ranked 44th, her career-high.
“It feels pretty good to clinch my first Asian Indoor championship,” Obiena said. He previously won the Philippines’ first gold medal at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou in 2023.
The victory puts Obiena on track for the 2026 World Athletics Indoor Championships in Toruń, Poland, scheduled from March 20 to 22.
According to Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association
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Sea from February 2 to 6, accusing the Philippines of “stirring up troubles” by working with countries outside the region.
“In an attempt to stir up troubles in the South China Sea, the Philippine side roped in countries outside the region and conducted so-called ‘bilateral air patrol,’ undermining peace and stability in the region,” the
From A1 her endorsed by Akbayan Party-list as “baseless" and a supposed "abuse of process".
In a statement issued on social media, Sara Duterte asserted the complaint has no evidence to substantiate it.
“Ang impeachment complaint na inendorso ng Akbayan ay isang papel na walang kalakip na kahit anong ebidensiyang magpapatunay sa mga paratang na isinasaad dito,” Duterte said in a statement.
Yung sinasabi ni VP Sara na ‘isang papel na walang kalakip na kahit anong ebidensiya’ ay siya rin mismong mga akusasyon na matagal na niyang iniiwasang sagutin,” she said. She recalled that Duterte had already been impeached by the 19th Congress based on substantially the
Sea,” said Tulfo, the new chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “Time is of the essence.”
Lacson’s remarks followed backlash against Sen. Marcoleta over statements suggesting the Philippines could give up the KIG because some of its features lie beyond the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
The younger Marcoleta accused advocates of a strong WPS stance of being traitors and said the issue could not be fought through “posturing” or hashtags.
Lacson stressed that the Kalayaan Islands is a municipality of Palawan with an operating local government unit, a school, and Filipino residents.
Recalling his 2021 visit to Pag-asa Island, he said he personally saw Chinese Coast Guard vessels in nearby waters and urged Filipino Marines to continue challenging foreign ships.
“I told them to keep challenging the Chinese vessels because they are testing them and would likely enter if not challenged. That would be an in-
145.5 mm (moderate).
‘‘Satellite images show that tropical storm ‘‘Basyang’’ produced a significant amount of rainfall over Mindanao and the Visayas. Rainfall warnings and weather and flood advisories were issued over these areas due to the storm,’’ the weather bureau said.
The Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) pointed out that a 100-year flood refers to a one-in-100 probability that a similar or more severe event could occur in any given year.
Such an event could likely happen two years or more in a row, but ‘‘this remains extremely rare,’’ it said.
‘‘A longer return period (for example, 100 years versus 20 years) suggests a lower probability that an extreme hazard will occur in any single year,’’ it added.
‘‘The most common misconception is that a 100-year flood will occur only once per century, but that is not true. There is a small probability that such an intense event could occur ev-
(PATAFA), Obiena is set to compete next in the men’s pole vault at the INIT Indoor Meeting Karlsruhe 2026, a World Athletics gold-level event, on February 8 in Karlsruhe, Germany.
Philippine Ambassador Jaime A. FlorCruz congratulated Obiena for bringing pride to the country and thanked the entire national team. “We are always proud of them,” he said.
Despite strong competition and frigid conditions, other Filipino athletes also posted respectable finishes.
John Cabang Tolentino placed fifth in the 60-meter hurdles, high jumper Leonard Grospe finished sixth, while middle-distance runner Hussein Lorana ranked third fastest overall.
“I did not get a gold now, but I will be back,” Tolentino said after his race.
Officials supporting the Philippine delegation included PATAFA Secretary General Jasper Tanhueco, national team assistant head coach Jeoffrey Chua, Martin dela Fuente, and Christian Ferdinandi.
China Southern Theater Command said, adding it remains on high alert to safeguard what it claims as its territory.
During the same period, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and the US Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) carried out a Bilateral Bomber Air Patrol and Live Drop Exercise in various locations, including the West Philippine Sea via the Luzon Strait.
The activities were supported by the Special Operations Command Pacific and US Marine Corps Forces,
same issues cited in the latest complaint, which she herself endorsed. “Alalahanin natin na na-impeached na siya dati ng House based on essentially and primarily the same substantial grounds na nakalagay sa complaint na inendorso namin ni Rep. Perci Candaña (of Akbayan Partylist),” she said.
“Kaya nga lang, napawalang bisa ng Korte Suprema ‘yung Articles of Impeachment dahil sa teknikalidad. If it were not for a technicality, she should have been tried in the Senate,” she added.
Rhetoric will not be enough, she raised.
Meanwhile Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon said he hopes Ramil Madriaga, a former aide of Vice President Sara Duterte, will help identify “Mary Grace Piattos” and other alleged fictitious recipients linked to her confidential and intelligence fund
vasion because there are Filipinos living in Pag-asa,” he said. Lacson reiterated that abandoning the KIG would amount to surrendering national territory. “‘Giving up’ the Kalayaan Island Group is no different from giving up Luzon Island or the entire country,” he said, citing international law principles of “res nullius” (property belonging to no one) or “terra nullius” (unoccupied or uninhabited land).
He noted that lawyer and adventurer Tomas Cloma discovered and occupied the islands before turning them over to the Philippine government.
“Yan ang hindi ko mapalampas (That I cannot let slide),” Lacson said, adding that he could not accept claims that KIG should be abandoned simply because it lies outside the EEZ.
“Hindi ko matatanggap ‘yan dahil may mga Pilipinong nakatira sa Pagasa Island (I can’t accept that because Filipinos are living on Pag-asa),” he added.
Marcoleta later said his remarks were taken out of context, explain-
ery year,’’ it further stated.
Meanwhile, Pagasa attributed the rainy weather on Sunday to the combined effects of the shear line and the northeast monsoon, or amihan.
In an 11 a.m. advisory, Pagasa forecast 50 to 100 millimeters of rain over Quezon, Oriental Mindoro, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, and Sorsogon due to the shear line until Monday noon, February 9. The same weather conditions are expected to affect nearly the same provinces, including Northern and Eastern Samar, over the next few days. The weather bureau said no new low-pressure area is being monitored after former tropical storm ‘‘Basyang,’’ internationally named Penha, dissipated at 8 a.m. Saturday.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said Basyang affected 64,360 families in Western Visayas, Negros Island, Central Visayas, and Caraga.
Office of Civil Defense spokesper-
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ing that he was referring to technical issues related to listing the WPS with the International Hydrographic Organization.
“This is not possible because it would violate the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, unless of course we give up the Kalayaan Island Group to solve the problem,” he said.
Meanwhile, Tulfo’s bill seeks to integrate age-appropriate WPS instruction in basic and higher education, involving DepEd, CHED, DFA, NAMRIA, and other agencies.
“We can only fight for our rights if we know what those rights are,” Tulfo added.
Maritime law expert Jay Batongbacal criticized calls to give up the KIG as “unacceptable” and dangerous to national security, saying such statements weaken the Philippines’ position and reinforce China’s claims. “They are deceiving the people into giving up something that is already theirs by right,” Batongbacal said.
son Junie Castillo, citing 6 a.m. data, said 12 fatalities have so far been recorded, all subject to validation. Four deaths were caused by a landslide in Cagayan de Oro City, while the others were due to drowning.
Castillo said floodwaters have since subsided and clearing operations are under way in affected areas. The OCD reported 445 damaged houses, including 38 totally destroyed and 407 partially damaged, noting that the cost of damage to infrastructure and agriculture has yet to be consolidated.
In a separate radio interview, Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon said Basyang damaged one bridge and one unfinished flood control project.
‘‘We mobilized operations to have steel delivered for the fixing of the bridge, which sustained minor damage,’’ Dizon said, adding that the flood control structure will be repaired by the contractor since it is still incomplete. ‘‘We are continuing the repairs around the clock,’’ he said.
ko mismo ’yan sa Oriental Mindoro at marami pang ganito," Dizon said in a statement. (It's true that there are incorrect coordinates and when you go to those coordinates, you won't see a project. I've had this happen in Mindoro and there are many more like it.)
Dizon said joint inspections conducted by the DPWH with several private contractors showed that some projects earlier flagged as "missing" do exist, but were located in areas different from those indicated by the published coordinates.
He cited site visits in Bulacan as among the inspections that verified the presence of projects whose locations did not match the reported grid data.
The findings from the inspections have been formally reported and submitted by the DPWH, the agency said.
DPWH is continuing to reconcile and validate records to ensure the accuracy of information related to flood control projects, including correcting coordinates reflected in official reports.
Last week, Lacson said faulty coordinates caused completed flood control projects to appear missing from official databases despite their existence on the ground.
The issue was revisited during a recent Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing, where lawmakers stressed the need for accurate geographic data, proper project mapping and stricter verification procedures.
Pacific, and involved coordinated air operations to enhance cooperation and interoperability between Philippine and US forces.
On Monday, the PAF and PACAF conducted a live drop exercise at Colonel Ernesto Rabina Air Base in Tarlac City involving PAF FA-50PH fighters and US B-52 bombers. This was followed by an air defense scenario over the West Philippine Sea on Wednesday focusing on airspace coordination, command-andcontrol integration, and joint opera-
(CIF).
Ridon said Madriaga’s testimony could be crucial in clarifying the identities of Piattos, “Kokoy Villamin,” and other questionable names associated with the release of P612 million in confidential funds.
Madriaga’s lawyer, Raymund Palad, said his client is prepared to face proceedings related to the impeachment complaints against Duterte, whether before Congress or the Office of the Ombudsman.
“You know that he took up law. He knows, in fact, to execute an affidavit. He can be summoned in Congress, at the Senate or at the Ombudsman. So his willingness, yes. If he receives a subpoena, he will appear,” Palad said.
Duterte is facing two impeachment complaints before Congress. The first batch of complaints was earlier dismissed by the Supreme Court for being unconstitutional and for lack of
tional response.
The exercise concluded on Friday with a joint bomber air patrol over the West Philippine Sea and Luzon Strait, demonstrating coordinated planning and operational readiness.
“These activities enhanced bilateral interoperability, operational readiness, and strategic cooperation through joint planning, coordination, and execution in a realistic training environment,” the Philippine Air Force said in a social media post.
due process.
Madriaga said he graduated from the College of Law of San Sebastian College in 1995 but did not pass the Bar. In a previous affidavit, he claimed he acted as Duterte’s bagman and handled funds on her behalf.
Ridon said Madriaga could help explain how such names appeared in the official liquidation documents submitted by the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education to the Commission on Audit.
“If Mr. Madriaga knows the process, the handlers, and the real persons behind these entries, then his account can help close the gaps that continue to trouble this issue,” Ridon said.
Ridon said many of the names earlier flagged by the House of Representatives did not match any official birth, marriage, or death records from the Philippine Statistics Authority.
By Rio N. Araja
TINGOG party-list Rep. Jude Acidre on Sunday appealed to Senate President Vicente Sotto III to swiftly pass the Bagong Balikbayan Act, a priority reintegration measure principally authored by former Speaker Martin Romualdez and recently approved and transmitted by the House of Representatives.
The measure was approved and transmitted by Congress, Acidre said, adding that the timing underscored the urgency of institutionalizing programs that help overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) transition back into local employment, en-
By Vince Lopez
PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP)
chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez
Jr. on Sunday directed police units nationwide to intensify operations against strategic transit and storage hubs used in the illegal cigarette trade.
Nartatez stressed the need for sustained pressure on organized criminal networks that use key areas as transit points and warehouses for smuggled cigarettes, noting that the focus is on syndicates, not communities.
“Our ongoing intelligence assessment shows recurring smuggling activities in strategic transit and storage areas, particularly in parts of Central Luzon and some areas in Mindanao,” Nartatez said.
He said the PNP will sustain aggressive operations to counter cigarette smuggling, which deprives the government of billions of pesos in tax revenues.
“We have to counter every aggressive move by these cigarette smugglers because this illegal activity involves billions of pesos in supposed taxes to the government. We have to sustain our efforts to locate the smuggled items, dismantle their networks, and identify and hold accountable all those involved,” he added.
trepreneurship, and community life after years of working abroad.
House Bill No. 6643, or the Bagong Balikbayan Act, seeks to consolidate reintegration services, expand access to livelihood assistance, and provide a more
predictable support system for returning migrant workers and their families.
Acidre said early Senate action on the measure would send a strong signal that the 20th Congress is ready to match the sacrifices of OFWs with concrete and lasting reforms.
As the principal author in both the 19th and 20th Congresses, Acidre said the measure forms part of Romualdez’s legislative push as former Speaker to institutionalize long-term protection and reintegration support for OFWs.
The bill was approved by the House of Representatives on December 16, 2025, and transmitted to the Senate the following day.
The Bagong Balikbayan Act aims to address long-standing weaknesses in existing reintegration programs.
“Every first quarter of the year, we see OFWs come home with plans to rebuild their lives. This bill ensures they are not left to navigate that transition alone, but are met with clear pathways to work, livelihood, and family stability,” Acidre said.
Under the proposed law, reintegration assistance would begin as early as six months before an OFW’s return through migrant workers offices abroad, allowing workers and their families to plan ahead for employment, entrepreneurship, education or skills upgrading, and psychosocial support.
MARKETBOUND. A vendor pushes a cart loaded with green and red chilies at Balintawak Market in Quezon City. Andrew Rabulan
108 cyber criminals arrested by PNP in Jan.
THE Philippine National Police–Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNPACG) said Sunday that it arrested 108 cybercrime offenders in January, filed 211 cases, and rescued 20 victims, including children in need of immediate protection.
Of the arrests, 38 were made through the service of warrants, 67 through entrapment operations, and three during the execution of Warrants to Search, Seize, and Examine Computer Data.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said online crimes are treated as real crimes and warned offenders that authorities will pursue them even in virtual spaces.
The ACG also rescued 20 victims, with three children in conflict with the law immediately referred to proper authorities, while conducting 1,291 cyber patrolling operations nationwide.
In January, the group executed 102 cyber warrants and filed 211 cases—56 inquest and 155 regular— resulting in 13 convictions during the same period. Vince Lopez
Gov’t backs CFC voluntary contribution
THE Philippine government on February 4 made a $15,000 voluntary contribution to the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC), reaffirming its support for smallholder commodity producers worldwide.
The Philippine Embassy in the Netherlands said the contribution underscores the country’s commitment to the CFC’s mission of promoting equity and opportunity, particularly in developing nations.
Philippine Ambassador to the Netherlands J. Eduardo Malaya said the donation aims to support the organization’s CFC 2.0 transformation.
CFC Managing Director Sheikh Mohammed Belal expressed gratitude to the Philippines, citing Malaya’s active leadership within the organization. Katrina Manubay
2 Silver Anvil Awards
ABOITIZPOWER earned two Silver Awards at the 61st Anvil Awards organized by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines on January 28. The company received a Silver Anvil for Sustainability Communication for its “Baka1Bataan: Mangrove Adoption and Protection Program” in Orani, Bataan.
The initiative, led by GNPower Mariveles Energy Center Ltd. Co. and GNPower Dinginin Ltd. Co., highlights community-driven mangrove restoration while supporting local livelihoods.
The program is implemented in partnership with the DENR, the Bataan provincial government, the Orani local government, and the Tubo-Tubo Fisherfolk Association. Butch Gunio
By Rio N. Araja
MAMAMAYANG Liberal party-list
of the principles he fought for: integrity, moral courage, accountability, national dignity, and justice,” her statement read.
born on February 8, 1960, in Sampaloc, Manila, and died on June 24, 2021, at the age of 61 in Quezon City.
Rep. Leila de Lima on Sunday greeted late President Benigno Aquino III a “happy birthday in heaven.”
“With everything that is happening in our country today, we not only miss him but are also reminded of the significance
“He relentlessly stood up against corruption, implemented genuine good governance reforms, and defended our country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the party-list lawmaker said. Aquino, also known as PNoy, was
“During the toughest trials of my life, you made me feel like I wasn’t alone— from greetings in letters and public speaking to your visits, where there was never enough time for your seemingly endless jokes and stories,” De Lima said.
“Thank you very much, PNoy, for being a true inspiration, for showing us true leadership and pure service not only with all your heart and sincerity but also with honor and courage. Despite the belittling, insults, and slander, you served faithfully, fought for what was right and proper, and displayed the bravery, honor, and excellence of Filipinos and the Philippines to the whole world,” she added.
By Katrina Manubay
THE German and Finnish embassies in Manila reaffirmed their support for press freedom and journalist safety in the Philippines on Saturday, marking six years since the arrest of journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio.
In a statement issued as co-chairs of the Media Freedom Coalition Embassy Network in the Philippines, the embassies expressed deep concern over the practice of red-tagging, which “vilifies journalists and frequently leads to physical threats and legal harassment.”
“The recent developments in her case and the other numerous cases of red-tagging, including those involving human rights workers like Marielle Domequil and Chakoy Abinguna, risk cre-
ating a chilling effect on independent reporting and the democratic right to free expression,” the statement read.
The embassies vowed to continue advocating for the protection of journalists and to call for the upholding of international human rights standards, ensuring that the media can serve the public interest without fear of retribution.
The Czech Embassy in Manila also echoed the statement, urging the protection of journalists.
On February 7, 2020, troops raided Cumpio’s boarding house in the middle of the night, allegedly finding a hand grenade, a firearm, and a communist flag in her bed.
On January 26, she was acquitted of charges related to illegal possession of firearms and explosives but convicted on a charge of terrorism financing.
A FRIEND who works for an international think tank was here for the January festivals, which he and his Filipina wife missed since the pandemic struck.
Speaking in Taglish, he remarked, “ang gulo-gulo” in describing the state of the nation he has adopted as second home. Well, “hindi siya nag-iisa.”
It’s the same lament that businessmen keep repeating about the environment that they contend with in their day-to-day existence.
My friend left the country before the war of the 24 “republics” erupted in the onceupon-a-time “august” chamber of our Congress. What used to be a congenial assembly of 24 nationally elected representatives of the people has become a theater of war, cold most of the time, with heated eruptions that have become increasingly frequent. Some majority and minority bloc senators hardly speak with each other these days.
At the start of the 20th Congress, Chiz Escudero was able to thwart Tito Sotto’s publicly expressed desire to lead the chamber once again. Having supported two re-electionists and two new winners, Chiz was able to collect instant fealty and thus ensured retention of the presidency but also got the chamber to thrash the “midnight” impeachment by the HoR of the vice-president supported by a considerable number of his colleagues.
But fealty is conditional among Filipino politicians.
This “balimbing” syndrome is both systemic due to Constitutional error, and the gradual diminution of character amply demonstrated through the years as the legislature became less and less “august.”
And so one fine afternoon, Escudero was decapitated. Even those whose election he supported financially despite unsatisfactory survey numbers abandoned him. Sotto’s dream came true, just as the flood control scandal boiled in the blue ribbon teapot.
Sotto immediately installed his protem as concurrent blue ribbon chair, and because the whole nation is going ga-ga over ghosts in infrastructure projects, the limelight was on its pro-tem more than the chamber’s president, who was left to mouthing inanities like proposing Constitutional change just because the Supreme Court made impeachment a more deliberate process.
Meanwhile, colleagues who were accused in the scandal, rightly or wrongly, felt the chamber’s leadership had been less than “fair” to them. Never mind if the DOJ and the Ombudsman railed against them. What they resented was being pinned down in their own house.
Casus belli for another war emerged.
The culprit was in a prematurely released blue ribbon partial report where three senators plus one former senator were given top billing in the rogues’ gallery, while the House leadership was untouched except for fugitive Co.
The minority worked quickly over the weekend, and could have snatched leadership last Monday, were it not for the physi-
cal absence of the “rock” of Davao who feared being shanghaied to Den Haag.
The plot which could have been executed swiftly on Monday was exposed. Those who were excluded from the instant plot wanted “in,” actually two more, which would have made it 15-9 in favor of the new majority by Wednesday noon.
But the lady who was to be crowned seemed to waffle. Was it “jele-jele” or coronation jitters?
The CA Chair, himself the Senate President, seems to have forgotten its allimportant mandate of vetting presidential appointees as part of the system of checks and balances
Enter the puppeteers afraid the status quo would be disturbed: two tycoons whose munificence fueled campaigns, and two high officials whose proximity to the top was power itself. Instant calls were made to the defectors, and the tide quickly turned.
The lady who was to make history as the first female head of the once-upon-a-time august chamber retreated. Thus ended the war of the 24 republics. For now.
***
Meanwhile, the re-acclaimed Senate President, who chairs the Commission on Appointments, should focus on a Constitutional anomaly that he and his “commissioners” from both houses of Congress have allowed without protest.
I refer to a huge number of “acting” department heads allowed to function without confirmation, some not even bothering to submit their bona-fides to the powerful CA. And these are not just-just departments, but some of the most important in the executive branch: Department of Finance, Public Works, Transportation, Justice, Environment and Natural Resources, even three offices within the Malacanang ambit itself: presidential communications, the all-important Budget and Management, and the primus inter pares, the Executive Secretary. These “acting” department heads bind government to contracts, implement programs, initiate policies that affect us all, but are they legally authorized to do so under our Constitution?
The CA Chair, himself the Senate President, seems to have forgotten its allimportant mandate of vetting presidential appointees as part of the system of checks and balances. No wonder everyone and his mother says our government is “ang gulo-gulo.”
Keeping every child in school is a nat’l investment
THERE is an important shift happening in how we talk about education reform in this country. For a long time, debates have been framed around school buildings, classrooms, and systems.
The EDCOM 2 Final Report, together with recent statements from the Private Education Assistance Committee (PEAC), pushes us toward a more grounded vision: reform works best when policy follows the learner, not the other way around.
The numbers alone tell a sobering story. Despite tuition-free public education, Filipino families continue to make difficult choices about schooling.
EDCOM 2 data show that dropping out is still largely driven by cost. Nearly half of learners who leave school do so because they need to work, while many others cite direct financial pressure. This reminds us that “free” education does not mean costless education.
Transportation, meals, uniforms, school supplies, and the opportunity cost of time all add up. When families feel these pressures most acutely, children quietly withdraw from the system. What makes this problem more painful
is how predictable it is. Dropout spikes at transition points: Grade 1, Grade 7, and Grade 11. These are the years when children move schools, adjust to longer days, face higher transport costs, or need new learning materials and digital tools. By Senior High School, the dropout rate rises sharply, reflecting both financial strain and uncertainty about whether continuing is still worth it. These are not random failures. They are structural pressure points that we have learned to recognize, yet often fail to address decisively. EDCOM 2’s Top 20 recommendations reflect this diagnosis. They call for earlier investment, learn-
Strategic government support that will keep every child in school is a national investment
IFFERENT groups of people had different reactions when the billionaire financier, sex abuser, and sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide in his New York City jail cell in 2019.
To be sure, Epstein had seen jail before this incarceration. A“guilty” plea that came with a deal enabled him to get unbelievably light terms in 2008, which he violated anyway by going out of his home and flaunting his usual lifestyle. Nothing was learned except the fact that money does in fact buy powerful friends who could “make things go away.”
His many victims – girls and young women at the time he abused them –must have felt cheated out of the justice that had long eluded them. But in 2019, while Epstein was finally in the custody of authorities, and was looking at a long trial that would upend his luxurious lifestyle, his death prevented the trial and looming conviction to achieve their purpose.
The second group would be his powerful friends who at one point or another partook of his lifestyle including jets, mansions, overseas homes, an island, and young women. However
they regarded their friend, there must have been a wave of relief that his death would kept many things hidden from the public view.
The Epstein files tell people in powerful places that sometimes, secrets do not just die with the bearer
Thus, the Jan. 30 release of the most recent batch of Epstein files, amounting to some 3 million documents, brings these people’s fears back to life. While heavily redacted, some names, communication, and photos inevitably appear
By Jose Antonio Goitia
THERE are moments when a nation must
speak plainly. This is one of them.
As I look at the recent attacks on the Philippines’ legal position—especially those aimed at the Philippine Coast Guard and the Armed Forces of the Philippines— I believe they demand an unequivocal response.
When institutions tasked with defending our Republic are undermined, neutrality ceases to be prudence. It becomes surrender.
Such attacks weaken us precisely when resolve is required to defend our sovereignty under international law.
History shows us that those who argued for retreat never thought of themselves as traitors; they wrapped surrender in the language of pragmatism, only for history to expose the true cost. Today, I see the pattern repeating. Rights are portrayed as negotiable. Clarity is replaced by doubt. Retreat is sold as wisdom.
In my view, this is collaboration by another name. It succeeds only when Filipinos are persuaded to doubt themselves. What is presented as “debate” is, in truth, disinformation intended to hollow out the Republic from within. The Law Is Clear
On the law, there is no uncertainty. Our rights are firmly anchored in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and reinforced by the 2016 arbitral ruling that categorically rejected China’s sweeping maritime claims.
Even entertaining the idea of abandoning Philippine-held territory undermines our legal defenses and strengthens those who seek to dispossess us.
This is how nations lose territory without firing a shot: they surrender the argu-
er-centered financing, stronger public–private complementarity, credible quality assurance, and tighter links between education and workforce needs, anchored on sustained governance reforms and accountability across the system.
This is where the legislative initiatives on expanding the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education, or EGASTPE, becomes critical. Contrary to some concerns, this is not a radical proposal. The government has been using vouchers for decades through Education Service Contracting and the Senior High School Voucher Program.
These mechanisms already acknowledge a fundamental reality: public and private schools are not opposing systems but complementary parts of a single education ecosystem. Extending this support into earlier years of basic education represents a natural and progressive step forward in strengthening our educational system.
This enables public school learners to enroll in accredited private schools that meet established quality standards—particularly in locations where their schools are either overcrowded or difficult to access. In doing so, the policy expands system
nonetheless. The files show some of the most prominent names in society – royalty, academics, politicians, business giants -- as friends, belying their earlier claims that they had severed ties with Epstein after his first indictment.
Of course the biggest names on the list is that of the United States president, whose simultaneously megalomaniacal, racist, and erratic actions have pushed the world closer to the edge. There is nothing more that President Donald Trump would like better than to have everybody move on from Epstein. But the public can’t, because it exposes the real nature of the leader of the free world.
In a world fraught with injustice, mischief, and scandal, those with secrets bank on people’s short memory and the sheer amount of newer, more scandalous incidents happening by the day. This is true whether one talks about the abuse and trafficking of girls, wanton disregard of human life, corruption, or other shady transactions. On rare occasions, people do get to carry the weight of their secrets to their graves. For the most part, however, truth has a way of coming back and settling scores.
ment before it is even heard. Under UNCLOS, maritime zones arise by operation of law from archipelagic baselines. We do not require separate coordinates to establish our Exclusive Economic Zone.
I see the efforts by the Chinese ambassador and foreign minister to discredit the Philippine Coast Guard as deliberate falsehoods forming part of a coordinated disinformation campaign
China’s so-called “nine-dash line,” by contrast, has no legal basis, no recognized coordinates, and no standing under international law. Treating it as credible is not an error—it is an inversion of truth.
Accountability Begins at Home I find the remarks of Senator Rodante Marcoleta, Senator Robin Padilla, and several media figures do active harm to our Republic. By questioning settled maritime rights and amplifying narratives crafted by a foreign power, they compromise our legal position at a time when firmness is required. Sovereignty is not rhetorical. It is constitutional, legal, and binding. To cast doubt on it is to endanger the Republic’s defenses. Palawan Is Not in Dispute
capacity while easing congestion, without compromising accountability. Regulation, accreditation, and performance conditions can and should remain firm. Public funding does not mean relaxed standards. In fact, it can mean higher ones, because participation is earned, not automatic.
This is where the role of PEAC becomes especially relevant. Over the years, PEAC has built a track record in administering subsidy programs with clear eligibility rules, monitoring requirements, and quality benchmarks. Its experience in managing ESC and SHS vouchers shows that public funds can be deployed through private schools while maintaining oversight, transparency, and performance expectations. PEAC’s emphasis on quality assurance, school readiness, and continuous improvement demonstrates that learner-centered financing does not weaken standards. When done properly, it reinforces them.
There is also a deeper economic logic at work here. Keeping children in school, especially through critical transition points, strengthens the future workforce. Completion of basic education is strongly linked to employability, skills formation, and productivity. When learners drop out early, the costs are borne not
China is now claiming Palawan as its own. Let me be clear: this claim is baseless and categorically rejected. It lacks any historical grounding, legal basis, or legitimacy. No History. Palawan has never belonged to China; no Chinese dynasty governed it. No Treaties. No treaty ever transferred sovereignty over it to China. No Recognition. No international body has ever recognized such a claim. Equally dangerous is the portrayal of Philippine law enforcement, operating within our own territory, as “provocation.”
Defending what is lawfully ours is not aggression; it is an obligation.
I see the efforts by the Chinese ambassador and foreign minister to discredit the Philippine Coast Guard—including the factual briefings of Commodore Jay Tarriela—as deliberate falsehoods forming part of a coordinated disinformation campaign. There is no legal dispute over Palawan. There is only a systematic campaign of lies.
A Nation That Knows Its Worth Filipinos are not naïve. What is dangerous is the attempt to dress surrender as “realism” and retreat as “wisdom.”
Every colonizer begins by telling a people they are too small to resist. That lie collapses every time Filipinos choose courage over fear.
Defending Philippine sovereignty is not hostility toward others. It is fidelity to ourselves. No inch surrendered. No sovereignty negotiated. The Republic stands.
(The writer, who has Juris Doctor, PhD, MNSA, MPA and MBA 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.)
only by families but by the entire economy. Seen this way, targeted subsidies are not just social protection. They are longterm investments in national competitiveness.
EDCOM 2 frames this moment as a turning point, and rightly so. The country now has its highest education budget, clearer diagnostics of where the system fails learners, and a growing consensus that reforms must be practical, sustained, and learner-centered.
Expanding GASTPE to basic education fits squarely within this vision. It recognizes that access must be meaningful, affordability must be addressed honestly, and reform must work with existing institutions.
Ultimately, this isn’t a question of picking one path over another—it’s about building a bridge that connects public and private education, allowing both to support learners wherever their needs are greatest.
It is about choosing continuity over disruption in a child’s learning journey. Strategic government support that will keep every child in school is a national investment.
This represents a transformative change that promises enduring benefits for learners and the education system as a whole.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2026
Security officer nabbed over Syria killings
DAMASCUS – Syria’s authorities have arrested an internal security officer as a suspect in the killing of four civilians in the majority-Druze Sweida province, the local internal security chief said.
Four people were shot dead and a fifth seriously wounded in the incident on Saturday, in the village of al-Matana, said Hossam al-Tahan, the state news agency SANA reported.
The initial investigation, carried out with the help of one of the survivors of the attack, indicated that one suspect was a member of the local Internal Security Directorate, he said.
“The officer was immediately detained and referred for investigation,” he added.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights had earlier reported that four people were killed and a fifth wounded by gunfire from unknown assailants as they were harvesting olives.
The authorities had cleared the olive pickers to be in the northern part of the province controlled by government forces, it added. AFP
N. Korea to hold party congress in February
SEOUL – North Korea’s leadership will hold a party congress later this month, state media announced Sunday, in what will be the first such major gathering since 2021.
The decision was made Saturday in a meeting of top leaders of the country’s ruling Workers Party of Korea (WPK), including Kim Jong Un, the state-run Korean Central News Agency reported.
“The Political Bureau of the WPK Central Committee adopted with unanimous approval a decision on opening the Ninth Congress of the WPK in Pyongyang, the capital of the revolution, in late February 2026,” KCNA said.
The last party congress -- the reclusive nuclear-armed nation’s eighth -- was held in January 2021.
At that gathering, Kim was named the party’s General Secretary, a title previously reserved for his father and predecessor Kim Jong Il, in what analysts said was a move to reinforce his authority. AFP
Demonstrators in Berlin urge Islamic republic fall
BERLIN – Several thousand demonstrators rallied in Berlin on Saturday calling for an end to Iran’s clerical-led government and its bloody repression of protests.
Police said 10,000 people had attended one protest at the city’s Brandenburg Gate organized by the MEK, an exiled opposition group considered “terrorist” by Tehran.
Another demonstration, this one organized by supporters of Reza Pahlavi, the US-based son of the last shah of Iran, attracted 1,600 people, said police. They marched along a major avenue, carrying shah-era Iranian flags as well as US, German and Israeli ones.
The demonstrations followed protests in Iran that began at the end of December. Triggered by economic malaise in the sanctions-hit country, they spiralled into anti-government street demonstrations in January. They were countered by a crackdown by the security forces, which rights groups say killed thousands of people. AFP
– Voting opened
in a Thai general election pitting the popular reformists who came first last time against the conservative who ended up as prime minister, with ex-leader Thaksin Shinawatra looming large from his prison cell.
The Southeast Asian nation’s next government will need to reckon with a longstanding border dispute with Cambodia that erupted into deadly fighting twice last year.
“We need a strong leader who can protect our sovereignty,” said Yuernyong Loonboot, 64, the first voter to cast his ballot at a polling station in Buriram, the hometown of incumbent prime minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
“Living here, the border conflict has made me anxious. War was never something we used to think about.”
Economic growth is anemic, with the tourism sector vital but arrivals yet to return to their pre-Covid highs, and multibillion-dollar transnational cyberscam networks operate from several neighbouring countries. No party is forecast to win an outright majority, and coalition negotiations are expected to follow the results.
“There are forces beyond the political arena in Thailand that call the final shots,” said political scientist Thitinan Pongsudhirak ahead of voting day.
“It’s not about the election, it’s about the dissolutions.” AFP
DOHA – A senior Hamas leader said Sunday the Palestinian Islamist movement would not surrender its weapons nor accept foreign intervention in Gaza, pushing back against US and Israeli demands.
“Criminalizing the resistance, its weapons, and those who carried it out is something we should not accept,” Khaled Meshal said at a conference in Doha.
“As long as there is occupation, there is
resistance. Resistance is a right of peoples under occupation ... something nations take pride in,” said Meshal, who previously headed the group.
Hamas, an Islamist movement, has waged an armed struggle against what it sees as Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories. It launched a deadly cross-border raid into Israel from Gaza on October 7, 2023, which triggered the latest war.
A US-brokered ceasefire in Gaza is in its second phase, which foresees that demilitarisation of the territory -- including the disarmament of Hamas -- along with a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces. Hamas has repeatedly said that disarmament is a red line, although it has indicated it could consider handing over its weapons to a future Palestinian governing
‘KEEPING THE PEACE.’ This handout picture from US Central Command shows US special envoy Steve Witkoff (3rd left) and Jared Kushner (center), US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, and US Navy Admiral. Trump’s lead Iran negotiators Witkoff and Kushner visited during the weekend the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea, the US military said, with Washington and Tehran due to hold further talks soon. The US military’s Central Command said the two top officials visited the nuclear-powered vessel in a post on social media. In his own social media post, Witkoff said the aircraft carrier and its strike group was ‘keeping us safe and upholding President Trump’s message of peace through strength.’ AFP
WASHINGTON, DC – The Washington Post said Saturday (Sunday, Manila time) its CEO and publisher Will Lewis was leaving effective immediately, just days after the storied newspaper owned by billionaire Amazon founder Jeff Bezos made drastic job cuts that angered readers.
Though newspapers across the United States have been facing brutal industry headwinds, Lewis’s management of the outlet was sharply criticized by subscribers and employees alike during his twoyear tenure as he tried to reverse financial losses at the daily. Lewis, who is English, has been
replaced by Jeff D’Onofrio, a former CEO of social media platform Tumblr who had joined the Post as chief financial officer last year, the paper announced. In an email to staff shared on social media by one of the newspaper’s reporters, Lewis said it was “the right time for me to step aside.”
A statement from the Post said only that D’Onofrio was succeeding Lewis “effective immediately.”
Hundreds of Post journalists -- including most of its overseas, local and sports staff -- were let go in the sweeping cuts announced on Tuesday.
PARIS – Veteran French politician Jack Lang, a former minister, was forced out of a key cultural post Saturday as pressure grew on him over revelations in the latest release of the Epstein files.
He offered to resign in a letter to French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, who told reporters he planned to launch the process to name an interim president for the IMA.
But Lang continued to insist he was innocent of any wrongdoing.
Lang, who has headed the Arab World Institute (IMA) since 2013, is the most high-profile public figure in France caught up in the latest release of private messages from the convicted sex offender.
“I offer to submit my resignation” at the next board meeting, the 86-year-old wrote in the letter, seen by AFP. As recently as Wednesday, he had ruled out
stepping down from his post over the affair.
Lang had been summoned to the foreign ministry for a meeting on Sunday but that has now been cancelled, said a source at the ministry who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Lang’s lawyer, Laurent Merlet, told broadcaster BFM TV his client was “very sad” to be leaving an institution he loved so much but also “extremely combative and will not let slander gain ground”.
On Friday, French prosecutors said they had opened a preliminary investigation of him and his daughter Caroline over “laundering of aggravated tax-fraud proceeds” after they were mentioned in files related to Epstein.
Earlier Saturday, before news of his resignation emerged, Lang told AFP that the accusations against him were “baseless” and he welcomed the probe. AFP
authority.
Israeli officials say that Hamas still has around 20,000 fighters and about 60,000 Kalashnikovs in Gaza. A Palestinian technocratic committee has been set up with a goal of taking over the day-to-day governance in the battered Gaza Strip, but it remains unclear whether, or how, it will address the issue of demilitarization. AFP
PARIS – Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said during the weekend he hoped talks with the United States would resume soon, while reiterating Tehran’s red lines and warning against any American attack.
According to excerpts published on his official Telegram channel during an interview with the Al Jazeera network, Araghchi said that Iran’s missile program was “never negotiable” in Friday’s talks in Oman.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to raise the ballistic missiles programme in a meeting with US President Donald Trump in Washington next week. Araghchi meanwhile warned that Tehran would target US bases in the region if the US attacked Iranian territory. It came as lead Iran negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner visited the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea, signalling the persistent threat of US military action.
The US military’s Central Command (CENTCOM) said the two top officials visited the nuclear-powered vessel in a post on social media.
In his own social media post, Witkoff said the aircraft carrier and its strike group was “keeping us safe and upholding President Trump’s message of peace through strength.”
Araghchi on Saturday said that despite the talks in Muscat being indirect, “an opportunity arose to shake hands with the American delegation”.
The Post did not disclose the number of jobs being eliminated, but The New York Times reported approximately 300 of its 800 journalists were laid off.
The paper’s entire Middle East roster was let go as was its Kyiv-based Ukraine correspondent as the war with Russia grinds on.
Sports, graphics and local news departments were sharply scaled back and the paper’s daily podcast, Post Reports, was suspended, local media reported.
Hundreds turned out Thursday at a protest in front of the paper’s headquarters in downtown Washington. AFP
He called the talks “a good start”, but insisted “there is a long way to go to build trust”. He said the talks would resume “soon”. Trump on Friday called the talks “very good”, and pledged another round of negotiations next week. Despite this, he signed an executive order effective from Saturday that called for the “imposition of tariffs” on countries still doing business with Iran.
The United States also announced new sanctions against numerous shipping entities and vessels, aimed at curbing Iran’s oil exports.
More than a quarter of Iran’s trade is with China, with $18 billion in imports and $14.5 billion in exports in 2024, according to World Trade Organization data. AFP
TOKYO – Japan voted in snap elections Sunday with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi hoping to turn a honeymoon start into a resounding ballot box victory that could rile China and rattle financial markets.
Opinion polls suggest that Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), which has governed almost non-stop for decades, will easily win more than the 233 seats needed to regain a majority in the powerful 465-member lower house.
Pollsters even suggest — with some caution due to undecided voters and wintry weather — that the LDP and its coalition partner could secure 310 seats needed for a handy two-thirds majority. This would be the best result for the LDP since 2017 when Takaichi’s mentor, the late ex-premier Shinzo Abe, achieved a similar result.
“The future is something you have to build with your own hands,” Japan’s first woman premier said in a campaign video on YouTube that, like her others, has gone viral.
“The LDP will lead the way,” she said. Takaichi was a heavy metal drummer in her youth, an admirer of Britain’s “Iron Lady” Margaret Thatcher, and on the ultra-conservative fringe of the LDP when she became leader in
THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources has signed a department administrative order officially adopting the Philippines’ Roadmap to Readiness in the Voluntary Forest Carbon Market (2026–2030).
Environment Secretary Raphael Lotilla said the roadmap, developed with technical support from the United Nations Development Program, will provide a national strategic framework to transform the Philippines into a high-integrity investment destination for forest carbon.
It is also expected to unlock the economic value of the country’s carbon sinks while ensuring that forest protection and restoration initiatives support the nation’s climate goals under its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and promote sustainable livelihoods for local communities.
To ensure a robust and credible voluntary forest carbon market, the directive mandates the implementation of four priority areas for 2026-2030 – policy framework for VFCM engagement, data analytics and digital infrastructure, institutional mechanisms and sustainable financing and market development.
The roadmap was developed through extensive multi-stakeholder consultations involving national government agencies, local government units, the private sector. and civil society organizations with technical assistance from UNDP.
The order also emphasizes highintegrity standards, mandating that the DENR Climate Change Service would oversee alignment with national climate strategies.
It will take effect 15 days after publication. Rio N. Araja
‘P2.5b
By Rio N. Araja
ONGRESS has earmarked P2.5 billion in funding for cancer prevention and patient care, strengthening the country’s response to a disease that claims nearly 100 Filipino lives every day, 4Ps party-list Rep. Marcelino Libanan on Sunday said.
Under the 2026 General Appropriations Act, Congress allocated P1.5 billion for the Cancer Assistance Fund (CAF) and P1 billion for the Cancer
Control Program (CCP), he said.
“Both the CAF and the CCP are lifelines for cancer patients fighting for survival. This fresh funding means earlier
By Vito Barcelo
THE Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has clarified that a group calling itself the “Roman Catholic Society of St. John the Baptist” has no connection with the Catholic Church.
The Diocese of Baguio said the group is neither affiliated with the diocese nor recognized by the CBCP, stressing that it has no authority to conduct Catholic rites or represent the Church in any capacity.
The clarification was issued amid reports of
wedding ceremonies allegedly being organized by the group and scheduled from Feb. 25 to 28 at a private venue in Baguio City, raising concerns among the faithful over the validity of the rites.
The diocese emphasized that since the group “is not in communion with the Roman Catholic Church,” any wedding ceremonies it performs are not considered valid sacraments.
While such rites may resemble Catholic rituals, they do not meet canonical requirements, it added.
Church officials warned that marriages conducted by unauthorized groups are not recog-
SBMA set to release P158m in LGU shares of corporate revenues
By John Bayarong
THE Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is set to release ₱158.9 million representing revenue shares of eight contiguous local government units (LGUs) for the second semester of 2025.
SBMA chairman and administrator Eduardo Jose Aliño, in a statement, said Olongapo City will receive ₱36.73 million, followed by Subic, Zambales with ₱23.95 million; Dinalupihan, Bataan with ₱19.99 million; San Marcelino, Zambales with ₱19.14 million; Hermosa, Bataan with ₱17.06 million; Castillejos, Zambales with ₱14.44 million; Morong, Bataan with ₱14.09 million; and San Antonio, Zambales with ₱13.5 million. Community share are based on a formula of 50 percent population, 25 percent land area, and 20 percent equal sharing representing 2% of the gross income of the Freeport locators, Aliño explained.
detection, faster treatment, and better care, especially for patients who cannot afford it,” Libanan said.
The country is observing the National Cancer Awareness Month this February.
The CAF provides direct financial support for cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment and laboratory services, benefiting patients, survivors, and individuals at high risk.
The fund is accessible through Department of Health-run hospitals and public cancer centers nationwide.
“No Filipino should have to delay cancer treatment because of the cost.
GREAT TRADITIONS
DIE HARD. Consolacion, Cebu commemorates its 106th year with gala celebrations featuring the Sarok Festival, a time-honored ritual showcasing the sarok, a handwoven bamboo and bananaleaf farmer’s hat symbolizing the townsfolk’s rich heritage and vibrant community spirit. Alan S. Tangcawan
nized by the Church and may create complications in official records and pastoral care.
To avoid confusion, the diocese urged couples planning to marry to coordinate directly with their parish or any parish within the Diocese of Baguio to ensure proper canonical guidance, inclusion in parish registries, and completion of valid civil documentation.
The faithful were also advised to verify the legitimacy of groups or individuals claiming to offer Catholic sacraments and to seek guidance from parish priests or diocesan offices when in doubt.
The CAF ensures that help is available when it’s needed most,” Libanan said. The CCP focuses on prevention and long-term care, including the procurement of medicines, supportive therapy and palliative services.
“Cancer patients need continuous care, pain management and dignity throughout treatment,” Libanan said. Cancer remains the country’s second leading cause of death, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority, with an average of 96 deaths daily and 184 cases diagnosed positive per 100,000 population.
‘Flood
DEPARTMENT of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon on Sunday said that all future flood control projects will strictly adhere to existing plans and will undergo close monitoring to ensure proper implementation.
Dizon said any flood control initiatives undertaken by the government will be aligned with approved development plans and carefully supervised.
He said that this approach will also apply to projects slated for Iligan City.
Dizon added that the government is using the current situation as an opportunity to refine its planning process, so that by 2027, construction of much-needed flood control structures in flood-prone areas can proceed at full scale. Vito Barcelo
REFORMS under the administration of the government’s expanded housing program have yielded lifechanging results, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development on Sunday said.
DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling cited recent milestones achieved during the sustained nationwide implementation of the flagship Expanded 4PH Program as ordered by President Marcos “to bring dignified living condition to Filipino families.”
“Positive reforms have yielded positive results that changed lives and brought fresh hopes to our benefiaciries as envisioned by President Marcos Jr.,” Aliling in a statement.
“In January, the DHSUD sustained its strong 2025 performance with stronger opening of 2026, awarding certificates of entitlements to beneficiaries of decades-old presidential proclamations in Palawan; distribution of certificates of entitlement under the revived and Enhanced Community Mortgage Program; launching of the rental housing projects in Quezon City, Iloilo and Victorias, and turnover of house and lot packages in Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro,” the statement read. Rio N. Araja
THE National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) has condemned the New People’s Army (NPA) for the killing of a 74-yearold woman in Negros tagged as a spy by insurgents.
In a statement, NTF-ELCAC executive director Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr. described the killing of Leonora Anguit as a clear case of “spy-tagging” that escalated into a summary execution, a pattern he said the NPA uses to terrorize civilian communities.
“Leonor was branded a ‘spy’ and killed. Spy-tagging is not just a label—it is a death sentence,” he said.
Initial reports said Anguit’s killers identified themselves as NPA members, then shot her at close range.
“This method is familiar and horrifying. Accuse without proof, threaten without mercy, and kill without due process,” Torres said. Rex Espiritu
By Peter Atencio
AN army of dedicated Filipino fans is poised to descend upon the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex as homegrown tennis sensation Alexandra Eala steps onto the center court for her opening match against Czech netter Tereza Valentova on Monday evening (Manila time).
This time, Eala’s world ranking has earned her a direct entry into the main draw of the Qatar Totalenergies Open Tennis Championships 2026, a prestigious WTA 1000
event—the highest level in women’s professional tennis. But beyond the ranking milestone, what makes her campaign truly unprecedented is the demographic army
cheering her on -- the vast diaspora of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) residing in Doha.
The fan frenzy is reaching new heights, following a record-breaking turnout at the recent WTA 500 Abu Dhabi, where Pinoy supporters treated Eala like a hometown hero.
Event organizers there noted record attendance levels proving Eala’s unique power as a crowd-drawer. With a massive community of OFWs working and residing in the region, Eala’s matches are expected to feel like home games, providing unparalleled vocal support for the world no. 45. Her path in Doha will be a formi-
dable test, placing her directly in a tough half of the draw that features multiple Grand Slam champions and finalists. Should Eala best the World No. 44 Valentova in the Round of 64—a player who defeated her last year in the Japan Open—she could set up a second-round clash with 2023 French Open finalist Karolina Muchova. Further into the tournament, the same half of the draw includes topranked netters like multi-Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek and former world No. 4 Elina Svitolina, making Eala’s campaign a potential proving ground against the sport’s elite.
By Randy M. Caluag
a four-round total of 11-under 277 in the seasonopening $500,000 tournament, which was jointly sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the National Golf Association of the Philippines.
The 24-year-old, who turned professional in 2024, sealed the victory with a clutch 20-foot putt late in the round, celebrating briefly as he secured his first international title outside South Korea.
“This is my first event win, not in South Korea and my first international win, so it means a lot to me,” said Cho, a two-time winner on the Korean professional tour. “The most
Cho of South Korea hoists the championship trophy after winning the
Golf Championship at Wack Wack Golf and Country Club on Sunday. He received the award from Asian Tour CEO Cho Minn Thant, Wack Wack Golf and Country Club president Benjamin Abalos Sr., National Golf Association of the Philippines president Martin Lorenzo, Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick Gregorio,
difficult part today was the mental side. I just tried to focus on the next
and
Cho earned the championship trophy and the $90,000 winner’s purse. He also received an addi-
tional $10,000 special prize from host club Wack Wack Golf and Country Club, chaired by Benjamin Abalos Sr., awarded to the player who posted the lowest score of the final round. His closing 67 was his best round of the week after earlier scores of 69, 70, and 71.
Entering the final round, Cho was part of a four-way tie for second at four-under alongside Australia’s Travis Smyth, Thailand’s Sarut Vongchaisit, and South Africa’s Ian Snyman, all two shots behind overnight leader Karandeep Kochhar of India. Kochhar’s challenge unraveled early after he opened with a double bogey on the first hole of the BingoPlusand MVP Sports Foundation-backed event, allowing the chasing group to close the gap.
Cho also stumbled with an opening-hole bogey but quickly recovered with birdies on the second and third holes. He added birdies on the ninth, 10th and 14th to take control of the tournament. Kingad
By Nissi Icasiano
DANNY Kingad understands exactly what is on the line when he steps inside the ring on Saturday, February 14. Still, despite the looming possibility of another world title shot, the 30-year-old native of Sadanga, Mountain Province insists his full attention is locked on the man standing across from him first.
“The King” faces China’s Hu Yong in a flyweight MMA bout at ONE Fight Night 40, set to unfold at the legendary Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. It is a three-round encounter loaded with implications, but the Lions Nation MMA representative knows that getting ahead of himself could be costly.
The former ONE Flyweight World MMA Title challenger is well aware that a victory could position him for a showdown against reigning divisional king
Yuya Wakamatsu at ONE 175, scheduled for April 29 at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan. The scenario is tempting, especially given the unfinished business between the two.
“I really want that fight. I know that if I win, he could be the next opponent for me,” Kingad told this article’s author in an exclusive interview on In The Red Corner.
Their rivalry is perfectly balanced at one win apiece. Kingad struck first in September 2018, while Wakamatsu evened the score with a victory in January 2024. A rubber match for the top prize at 135 pounds would be a natural storyline. Yet for now, Kingad is deliberately pushing that thought aside.
“If it’s meant to be given, it will truly be given to me. But for now, my focus is on Hu Yong,” he stressed. That focus, according to Kingad, is
warranted. Hu is a dangerous and proven finisher, owning seven knockouts among his 13 professional victories.
Hu’s power is not theoretical. Filipino fans witnessed it firsthand when the Chinese dynamo stopped Kingad’s ex-teammate, Geje Eustaquio,
with a thunderous blow at the Mall of Asia Arena in December 2022. Kingad respects that threat, especially in striking exchanges. At the same time, he has been closely studying his opponent and believes Hu has grown beyond being a onedimensional athlete.
Lagac extends streak, shares stage with Ong
MIGUEL Lagac continued his scorching run on the Palawan Pawnshop junior circuit, carving out another two-title feat in the boys’ singles of the Arcillas National Juniors Tennis Championships at the Sta. Rosa Sports Complex and Zaballa 1 courts in Sta. Rosa, Laguna recently.
Riding the momentum of backto-back tournament triumphs, the fast-rising Cebuano once again asserted his dominance, toppling top-ranked rivals in both the 16and 18-and-under divisions of the Group 2, top-ranking event presented by Dunlop.
Lagac dismantled Monte de Ramos, 6-2, 6-3, in the 16-and-U finals before turning back Frank Dilao, 6-3, 6-2, to clinch the championship of the centerpiece 18-and-U division in the tournament, part of the nationwide Palawan Pawnshop junior tennis program spearheaded by president and CEO Bobby Castro.
The twin victories underscored Lagac’s sustained surge, coming on the heels of his title runs in the MAC’s Crank It tournament in Parañaque and the Zopiya Morales tournament in Pampanga, where he also pocketed the doubles crown.
Lagac went on to match his recent three-title feat as he teamed up with Antonio Ng Jr. to edge Frank and France Dilao in a grind-out 8-7(5) win to capture the 18-and-U doubles crown.
Sharing the spotlight – and the tournament MVP honors – was Erynne Ong, who also swept the 16- and 18-and-U titles on the girls’ side in the event sponsored by Mayor Arlene Arcillas and Vice Mayor Arnold Arcillas, and sanctioned by Philta and the Universal Tennis Rating (UTR).
15.2%
Exports growth in 2025
$84.41 billion
Merchandise exports in 2025
$73.27 billion
Merchandise exports in 2024
Meralco posted lower January sales amid cool weather
By Alena Mae S. Flores
MANILA Electric Co, (Meralco) reported lower energy sales in January 2026, as cooler weather dampened demand, but the utility remains optimistic about a rebound starting in the second quarter.
Consolidated energy sales reached about 4,048 gigawatt-hours in January, a 0.3-percent decline from the same period last year.
Meralco senior vice president and chief revenue officer Ferdinand Geluz attributed the slight dip to the lingering effects of a cooler weather pattern.
Despite the slow start to the year, the company expects a turnaround in 2026.
“We still forecast that Meralco is positioned for a rebound in 2026 starting second quarter, supported by continued customer base expansion, normalization of weather patterns, with the local economy showing signs of slight recovery following a sharp decline,” Geluz said.
The utility anticipates the commercial sector will lead this year’s recovery. Geluz said the company expects a reversal in vacancies previously left by offshore gaming operators and condominium developments.
Meralco recorded total consolidated energy sales of 53,997 gigawatt-hours in 2025, down 0.6 percent decrease from the 54,325 gigawatt-hours recorded in 2024, which was a record-high leap year influenced by the El Niño weather phenomenon. Residential consumption in 2025 fell 2 percent to 19,060 gWh from 19,455 gWh. Geluz said extreme weather conditions brought by La Niña caused the decline, but the impact was softened by contributions from new service connections.
Commercial sales also saw a marginal decline of 0.4 percent to 20,326 gigawatt-hours from 20,406 gigawatt-hours. Persistent vacancies in the real estate and hotel sectors continued to offset gains made in the retail and restaurant trades.
By Othel V. Campos
THE Philippines is preparing for further export expansion this year, following a record performance in merchandise exports in 2025, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque said over the weekend.
Preliminary Philippine Statistics Authority data show that total merchandise exports reached $84.41 billion in 2025, the highest level since the data series began in 1991 and an increase of 15.2 percent from the previous year.
This surpassed the $73.27 billion recorded in 2024 and helped narrow the national trade deficit to its lowest level in four years.
“Last year set a record, and with our free trade agreements, we can still push exports higher,” Roque said,
noting that new trade agreements continue to open new markets for Philippine products.
The PSA said that in December 2025, export sales rose 23.3 percent to $6.99 billion. Electronic products remained the primary export pillar during the month, accounting for 57.8 percent of total earnings at $4.04 billion, followed by other manufactured goods and machinery and transport equipment.
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 5 trading partners for the period.
“This also gives confidence to industries to explore opportunities in different countries, and we’re actively joining trade shows abroad,” Roque said.
The DTI is focusing on seven key sectors to create further export opportunities. Looking ahead to ASEAN 2026, the Philippines will host regional trade ministers to showcase local products and facilitate meetings with domestic business leaders.
Total imports rose 4.7 percent to $133.57 billion in 2025, resulting in a narrowed trade deficit of $49.17 billion compared to the $54.33 billion gap in 2024. December imports reached $10.52 billion, a 7.1 percent increase from the same month in 2024.
By Othel V. Campos
THE Philippines narrowed its agricultural trade deficit in December 2025 as a surge in tropical fruit exports and a dip in import spending bolstered the country’s trade position, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) show.
The agricultural trade gap shrank 27 percent from the previous year to $668.35 million, according to the PSA. Total farm exports rose 19 percent to $884.77 million, accounting for 36 percent of total agricultural trade, while imports fell 6.2 percent to $1.55 billion.
The export growth was led by edible fruits and nuts, which reached $329.72 million and made up 37 percent of outbound shipments.
Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the figures indicate that the government’s strategy to diversify its farm portfolio is working.
“We are now reaping the gains of our efforts to widen our menu of farm export products and open new markets,” Tiu Laurel said.
He said the performance “strengthens the case for pushing deeper into new destinations and higher-value goods.”
The DA has identified 12 priority high-value crops to further broaden
the export base, including asparagus, avocado, banana, cacao, calamansi, durian, dragonfruit, mango, okra, pomelo, pineapple and rambutan. The agency is targeting markets in Asia and Europe where demand for Philippine produce is rising.
RENTAL HOUSING. Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling and Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Trenas inspect the site of the first rental housing project in Barangay Sambag, Jaro District. In compliance with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to widen the reach of the Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) program, the DHSUD launched the rental housing project to cater to locals in need of shelter assistance.
Source: DHSUD
December trade flows reflected these market gains, with Malaysia becoming the top Southeast Asian buyer at $58.1 million. Shipments to the European Union hit $220.40 million, with the Netherlands accounting for $154.4 million.
ENERGY AWARD.
Globe Telecom Inc. is recognized at the ASEAN Energy Awards 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, where it secured the winning prize. Globe won the award with its innovative Chiller Optimization (EDD-RT) project at the Valero Telepark facility, which uses External Digital DemandResponse Technology to intelligently adjust the facility’s cooling system and significantly reduce energy use while maintaining critical cooling levels. Receiving the award on behalf of Globe is Unison Sayangco, expert –facilities management.
CONSTRUCTION of three Metro Manila Subway Project stations near the Uptown area, Market! Market! and the New Senate Building in Taguig City is expected to begin within the first quarter of 2026, a top official said.
Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) president and chief executive Joshua Bingcang said the project is moving forward following progress in securing rightof-way (ROW) requirements.
The stations are designed to ease traffic congestion and improve mass transport connectivity within the Bonifacio Global City (BGC) business district.
“We signed the agreement with the DOTr for the right of way in BGC last December. They already made a down payment, so anytime soon they will be announcing the start of construction for the three stations,” Bingcang said.
The BCDA chief said that while ROW issues frequently delay large rail projects, progress in BGC has remained steady because many affected areas were already under the agency’s control.
Negotiations continue for other segments, including the Clark-toSubic section supervised by BCDA, while the Department of Transportation (DOTr) manages concerns in other project areas.
The station near the New Senate Building has already been awarded and is undergoing detailed development planning, with payments proceeding as scheduled.
These stations are expected to support transit-oriented developments, specifically around Market! Market!, which will serve as a station plaza connecting commuters to surrounding business hubs.
percent
gain from a 10.7 percent contraction the previous month. Despite the year-end recovery, the full-year 2025 average VoPI slipped 0.02 percent, continuing a downward trend from growth rates of 0.7 percent in 2024 and 4.9 percent in 2023.
“The uptrend in the year-on-year growth rate of VoPI for manufacturing in December 2025 was primarily driven by manufacture of other non-metallic mineral products,” the PSA said.
The food sector, a major component of the index, was bolstered by dairy products which grew 44.3 percent during the month. This helped the annual average value of production index (VaPI) for food products reach 14.1 percent in 2025, a significant jump from 1.4 percent in 2024.
BCDA said it finalizing commercial arrangements with Market! Market! operators. The agency also sought assistance from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which prepared the master plan for the area.
V. Campos
By Jenniffer B. Austria
AYALA Land Inc. is rolling out a busy slate of mall openings and expansions this year, beginning with the launch of Ayala Malls Arca South in Taguig.
Paul Birkett, Ayala Malls chief operating officer, told the Manila Standard that phase one of the Arca South development will open Friday with about 50 tenants and food trucks. Phase two is scheduled to open in the second half of the year.
The project is part of a plan to add 200,000 square meters of new leasable mall space in 2026. Birkett said the company expects to open five to six projects this year, mostly through expansions and the reopening of renovated sites. These include additional phases of Evo City in Cavite, a major expansion of Solenad in Nuvali, the opening of Gatewalk in Cebu, and the reopening of Greenbelt 2 after refurbishment.
A new rooftop dining and nightlife destination at the Greenbelt complex is also targeted for a third-quarter opening.
“It is going to be a busy year for the malls,” Birkett said.
The growth extends beyond 2026,
FILINVEST’S AWARDS. The Filinvest Group won two awards at the HR Asia Awards 2025. From left: Bing Paraguas, FVP and head of HR strategy; Francis Gotianun, Filinvest Development Corp. director and Filinvest Hospitality Corp. FSVP; and Isabelle Gotianun Yap, FDC director and EastWest chief strategy and transformation officer. The group was recognized for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and as one of the Best Companies to Work for in Asia – Philippines Chapter.
as Ayala Malls is scheduled to open 600,000 square meters of retail space over the next three years. ALI began developing the four-story Arca South mall 10 years ago, but completion was delayed by the pandemic.
ALI has been redeveloping flagship malls across the country to capitalize on consumer spending and the growth of the middle class. In 2024, it embarked on a P13 billion redevelopment of Glorietta, Greenbelt, TriNoma, and Ayala Center Cebu. Last year, it allocated an additional P4.5 billion to redevelop Ayala Malls Abreeza, Cloverleaf, Fairview Terraces, and MarQuee Mall.
The company aims to add 700,000 square meters of retail space by 2030 by building three to five malls annually. During the first nine months of 2025, ALI’s mall revenues increased 4 percent to P17.4 billion, driven by new developments and healthy operations at existing malls.
WHAT makes a business sustainable? Not by publishing extravagant and thought-provoking marketing materials, or by announcing that it aims to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2050. ‘Green’ promises without concrete action are a form of greenwashing — a deceptive marketing tactic that portrays a company or product as more sustainable than it actually is.
A business also cannot be considered sustainable by highlighting its environment-related projects in corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs. While good-intentioned, these projects are generally one-off and short-term, and are often initiated to enhance or preserve corporate reputation.
A sustainable business, at its core, refers to one that is able to sustain its operations for a long time without causing significant harm to society and the environment. Sustainable businesses are businesses that integrate employee well-being, environmental protection, and good governance throughout their operations. While profit remains a main goal, sustainable businesses aim to balance this by not making profit at the expense of people and the planet. In short, for sustainability, there should be checks and balances when it comes to profitability.
The challenge is that sustainability continues to be misunderstood as a business practice. Generally, its function is being siloed within CSR and sustainability departments, when in reality it must be a core business principle, similar with financial management, strategy, and the company’s mission and vision, among others. It is not enough to hire a handful of individuals to lead an entire company’s sustainability initiatives. Sustainability
SHARE prices are expected to move sideways this week as investors maintain a cautious stance while waiting for fresh leads.
Following the release of key economic data, analysts said investors are looking for catalysts to push the benchmark index past the 6,400 level. Potential short-term drivers include the full-year earnings reports of listed companies.
Japhet Tantiangco, an analyst at Philstocks Financial Inc., said investors may also take cues from
upcoming foreign direct investment data and the movement of the peso against the dollar.
“A further appreciation of the peso against the US dollar may give the local market a boost,” Tantiangco said.
First Metro Securities noted that markets will also focus on overseas data, including U.S. imports and exports, headline and core inflation, and initial jobless claims.
“Resistance is seen at around the 6,500 zone, where the index may encounter near-term profit-taking as it
tests recent highs,” First Metro said. Last week, the Philippine Stock Exchange index ended the first trading week of February at 6,390.91, up 61.94 points, or 0.98 percent, week-on-week.
The gains were largely attributed to selective buying of index stocks and steady foreign buying, which reached P1.34 billion. However, the average daily value traded weakened to P7.2 billion from the previous week’s average of P10.25 billion. Jenniffer B. Austria
PLDT’S AWARD. PLDT Enterprise won a Silver Anvil at the 61st Anvil Awards for its digital series ‘ROI’d to Success.’ The campaign, recognized in the Best Use of Influencer Marketing category, features success stories designed to accelerate digital adoption among Philippine enterprises. Launched in 2024, the multi-season series uses peer-led storytelling to show how digital transformation and technology investments translate into measurable business outcomes.
By Othel V. Campos
HONDA Cars Philippines Inc.
unveiled the 30th Anniversary Pearl Edition of its City and City Hatchback on Feb. 7 during the new CR-V launch at the Glorietta Palm Drive Activity Center.
The new variant commemorates three decades of the Honda City in the Philippine market. First introduced in 1996 as an Asia-exclusive model, the City has become one of the company’s best-selling vehicles with more than 150,000 units sold locally, said HCPI President Rie Miyake.
The model has evolved through three generations, including facelifts and special editions such as the City MUGEN Limited Edition and the City 1.5 Sport CVT.
The City has also earned recognition
for safety and design. In 2023, it was named best subcompact car at the Car of the Year Awards by the Car Awards Group Inc. In 2020, it received the ASEAN NCAP Excellent Award for its consistent five-star rating, reflecting Honda’s goal of a collisionfree society by 2050.
Priced at P1.039 million, the 30th Anniversary Pearl Edition is based on the City 1.5 S CVT Honda SENSING. It features black accents on the door mirrors, handles, front grille and alloy wheels.
The City Hatchback, launched in 2021, has sold more than 3,700 units and leads its segment. It has earned multiple honors from Sunshine Television’s Auto Focus People’s and Media’s Choice Awards, including best safety features in 2022 and best design and engine performance in 2021.
‘Green’ promises without concrete action are a form of greenwashing
is a company- or groupwide effort that requires the upskilling and continuing education of all kinds of employees.
In terms of high-level and strategic decision-making, sustainability is also usually treated as an afterthought in board meetings, and as supporting information during annual shareholder meetings. While company boards are starting to recognize its value through the integration of sustainability performance with executive compensation, these companies are currently a minority. On the other hand, while certain sustainability information can be found in annual reports, sustainability reports, or integrated reports, this is only half the story. It pays to read through these disclosures with a grain of salt.
One of the reasons why sustainability is widely misunderstood is that it does not lead to shortterm profit gains unlike current financial models. If a company were to significantly shift its strategy into a sustainable one, this means they are in it for the long haul and are willing to sacrifice several years of profit maximization. However, not many companies would be willing to do this, because the current system we operate in does not necessarily incentivize sustainable practices.
At the current rate, being a truly sustainable business seems like a sacrifice that only a minority of companies can afford to make. However, hope is never lost. Governments like in the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, and Singapore incentivize sustainable business practices through tax credits, grants, and loans, focusing on a variety of initiatives such as decarbonization, renewable energy, and circular economy, among others. In these countries,
being sustainable is being rewarded rather than treated as a sacrifice.
Essentially, we cannot rely on the private sector alone. While this may sound like a cliche, the ‘missing link’ in sustainable business is the proactive and holistic involvement of the public sector. In the Philippines, while we have already adopted the guidelines of the International Sustainability Standards Board or ISSB, we still have a long way to go before green initiatives truly get the support they need.
In the European Union, sustainability regulations are moving fast, and such provisions have a direct impact on the day-to-day activities of both European companies and Europe-based foreign companies. There is something that our own government can learn from this.
In the meantime, we must remain hopeful, because that is the whole point of sustainability. Losing hope is not an option, because sustainability is important not just to ourselves, but also to our children’s children and beyond.
Ian Benedict R. Mia is a part-time lecturer at the Department of Management and Organization of De La Salle University (DLSU). He works full-time as a Sustainability Researcher at one of the top Sustainability Ratings firms globally, specializing in the industries of Marine Transportation, Industrial Support Services, Commercial Support Services, and Trading Companies and Distributors. He can be reached at ianbrmia@gmail.com.
The views expressed above are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official position of DLSU, its faculty, and its administrators.
TOP Line Business Development Corp. is looking to expand its presence in Mindanao by acquiring an existing network of fuel stations.
An industry source said Top Line is in talks with major fuel retailers and independent oil players in Mindanao. The planned acquisition could potentially double Top Line’s existing network.
“If they buy everything, it could double their network. But they could also select the stations with higher volume,” the source said. Depending on the size of the deal, the source added that Top Line may tap the equities market to raise funds for the acquisition. However, the company must still address logistics, as its primary depot is in the Visayas.
There are currently five independent oil players in Mindanao, including Phoenix Petroleum Philippines Inc., owned by Dennis Uy.
Last year, Top Line acquired 38 retail fuel stations, a 2 million-liter depot and 15 fuel tanker trucks from Total Oil & Gas Resources Inc. and Ballston Metro Corp. for about P925 million. That acquisition, which included stations in Cebu and new locations in Leyte, Siquijor and Negros Oriental, marked Top Line’s first expansion outside Cebu province. It also acquired one Phoenix Petroleum station in Cebu.
Top Line listed on the local bourse last April, raising P732.62 million in fresh capital. Its fuel brand, Light Fuels, currently has more than 50 stations in various stages of development. Through its subsidiary, Topline Logistics and Development Corp., the company also engages in the importation, trading, distribution and marketing of petroleum-based products. Jenniffer B. Austria
THE Department of Agriculture is rolling out a village-based feed program to increase corn and livestock production, cut feed costs, and strengthen rural incomes through cooperative-led agribusiness.
Under Memorandum Circular No. 2, signed Feb. 2, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. approved the Village-Type Feed Complete Chain Project (VFCCP). The initiative allows farmer cooperatives to manage corn production, post-harvest processing, feed milling, and total mixed ration preparation in a single, value-adding enterprise.
“This addresses the weakest link in livestock production by putting control back in farmers’ hands,” Laurel said.
“Communities that grow and mill their own feed lower costs, raise productivity, and make the food system more resilient.”
Each VFCCP site will be run by an accredited cooperative managing up to 25 hectares of corn and forage.
The project uses mechanized, community-managed feed systems covering production, post-harvest handling,
milling, storage, and distribution.
The DA will provide up to P40 million per project, with 70 percent released upon the signing of a memorandum of agreement for equipment, infrastructure, inputs, and capacitybuilding.
Projects will use climate-resilient technologies, including solar-powered irrigation, biomass dryers, and mechanized forage production, to ensure yearround feed availability.
Financial projections indicate solid returns, with a VFCCP enterprise expected to generate P38.9 million in annual revenues against P30.7 million in costs over five years. This is projected to produce a net cash flow of P8.2 million, a 23 percent internal rate of return, and a benefit-cost ratio of 1.11.
The DA expects the VFCCP to boost inclusive agribusiness, with feed revenues reinvested and partnerships with local government units, Kadiwa outlets, and private buyers expanding market access and supporting community-driven livestock
By Othel V. Campos
EMERGING nickel producer DMCI Mining Corp. reported record production of 2 million wet metric tons (WMT) of nickel ore in 2025, a 33 percent increase from 1.5 million WMT in 2024. Shipments rose 31 percent to 1.9 million WMT, the second-highest level in the company’s history.
The growth was driven by higher output from its Zambales operations and the start of production at the Long Point mine.
“We are encouraged by the improving fundamentals of the nickel industry after a challenging period. Our record production, strong prices, and the ongoing progress of Long Point position the company for solid growth, benefiting both our business and host communities,” said DMCI Mining president Tulsi Das Reyes.
Average benchmark Philippine FOB laterite nickel ore prices for 1.5 percent grade rose 26 percent year over year, from $36.30 to $45.70.
NSCR right-of-way eyed for completion in June, says DOTr
By Darwin G. Amojelar
THE Department of Transportation said it targets to complete right-ofway acquisition for the 147-kilometer North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) system by June 2026.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed the DOTr to fast-track the acquisition of lots to speed up the completion of major transport projects.
Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez expressed confidence that the DOTr’s Right-of-Way and Site Acquisition (ROWSA) office will finish the process for the NSCR north segment by June of this year.
“President Marcos’ order to us is to expedite the completion of projects like the NSCR,” Lopez said. “That is why the DOTr is doing double duty in acquiring the right-of-way to continue and expedite the construction of the project so that commuters can benefit immediately.”
Murakami Kota, senior deputy director of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), said the agency supports efforts to accelerate site acquisition.
“We understand the great effort by the DOTr, and we appreciate Acting Secretary Lopez’s initiatives,” Murakami said. “The DOTr said they target to complete land acquisition, especially the north side of the NSCR, within 2026. I think it’s key, and we’ll give the cooperation to complete all the land acquisition.”
Transportation Assistant Secretary for ROWSA IC Calaguas said rightof-way acquisition for the NSCR north segment is at 56 percent, with 1,143 out of 2,034 lots acquired.
“This right-of-way and site acquisition of the North-South Commuter Railway is being expedited by Secretary Lopez,” Calaguas said. “At present, our acquisition is at 56 percent and because of the order of President Marcos, Secretary Lopez is completing it by June 2026.”
Following the country’s first approved Final Mine Rehabilitation and Decommissioning Plan (FMRDP) for a nickel mine, subsidiary Berong Nickel Corp. has rehabilitated more than 174 hectares, exceeding its Year 3 targets.
The program remains on track for completion in 2027, after which the area will be turned over to the government.
In November, subsidiary Zambales Diversified Mining Corp. received its second Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Award, highlighting the group’s dedication to safety and environmental stewardship.
WILMAR Edible Oils Philippines Inc. has shifted to geothermal energy for its Mindanao operations through a supply agreement with First Gen Corp. to reduce its carbon footprint.
Under the agreement signed ON Jan. 21, 2026, First Gen will provide power from its Mt. Apo geothermal plant in Cotabato to Wilmar’s processing facility in Gingoog, Misamis Oriental.
The 24-hour plant handles copra crushing and the refining of
edible oils.
The move marks a significant step in the decarbonization efforts of Wilmar, the local unit of Singaporebased agri-business giant Wilmar International Ltd.
“Our partnership with First Gen reinforces our commitment to responsible operations, climate action while ensuring reliable power supply to support our operations,” Wilmar Edible Oils Philippines Inc. chief financial officer David Lim said.
Lim said that since energy is a major source of operational emissions, shifting to renewable energy offers a practical way to reduce environmental impact while ensuring cost stability.
First Gen, the largest renewable energy provider in the Philippines, operates more than 1,700 megawatts of renewable capacity across 22 facilities. The company also maintains a 40-percent interest in four gas-fired power plants with a
2,017-megawatt capacity to ensure grid stability.
“Geothermal power is the only RE source that has baseload capability which can support the electricity demand of industries, while ensuring a reduction in its carbon footprint,” First Gen chief customer engagement officer Carlo Vega said.
First Gen aims to expand its total portfolio of renewable and low-carbon power facilities to 13 gigawatts over the next five years.
LEADING helicopter manufacturer Bell Textron Inc. has appointed INAEC Aviation Corp. as its Approved Maintenance Center (AMC) in the Philippines for the Bell 429 helicopter.
INAEC brings more than three decades of experience in helicopter operations and maintenance, having operated and maintained Bell helicopters since 1993. In its early years, the company supported critical missions using the Bell 206 JetRanger, including aerial news coverage for ABS-CBN and offshore transportation for oil and gas companies in the Philippines.
In 2015, INAEC expanded its Bell capabilities to include operation and maintenance of the larger, higherperformance Bell 429. Since then, the company has provided maintenance services on Bell 429 aircraft for private owners and general aviation operators nationwide.
Following the completion of Bell’s due diligence and qualification review, INAEC was officially approved as an AMC in December 2025.
“Bell values the Philippines as a
stable and consistent market for our helicopters, and it is essential that our customers have access to reliable, high-quality local support,” said Chris Schaefer, vice president of Global Customer Solutions at Bell. “INAEC’s extensive experience gives us confidence that they will uphold Bell’s standards and strengthen our support network for operators in the Philippines.”
“The growth potential of the local aviation industry extends beyond air transport,” said INAEC president Benjamin Lopez. “The Philippines has the technical capability and specialized skills required to operate and maintain modern aircraft. As a Bell 429 AMC, INAEC is well positioned to deliver reliable, high-standard maintenance services.”
The appointment further strengthens Bell’s global support network of over 50 authorized service centers, with INAEC named as the seventh AMC in the Asia-Pacific region. Bell supports more than 1,600 helicopters across Asia, including around 70 aircraft in the Philippines, 15 of which are Bell 429 models.
By Alena Mae S. Flores
THE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) approved a maximum allowable revenue totaling P376.41 billion for the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) for the fifth regulatory period spanning 2023 to 2027.
The ERC set the annual revenue limits at P63.45 billion for 2023, P69.14 billion for 2024, P74.3 billion for 2025, P81 billion for 2026 and P88.48 billion for 2027. This maximum allowable revenue, or MAR, is designed to let the transmission operator recover reasonable costs and earn a fair return.
The regulator also cleared an adjusted annual revenue requirement totaling P374.98 billion for the same five-year span.
“After a comprehensive review of NGCP’s application, together with its supporting documents and relevant stakeholder inputs... the ERC adopts its final determination of the ARR for NGCP,” the commission said.
The regulatory body noted that its findings relied on forecast, actual and historical data, as well as documents provided by the grid operator and insights from consultants.
The ERC said the final determination was guided by transparency and prudence in cost recovery to ensure the financial viability of the company and its ability to provide safe and efficient services.
For the period, the commission approved a weighted average cost of capital of 11.74 percent. It also cleared a return on capital totaling P241 billion, with annual allocations set to rise from P42.52 billion in 2023 to P54.29 billion by 2027. Capital expenditure for the grid was fixed at P182.34 billion for the period. The annual breakdown includes P37 billion for 2023, P31 billion for 2024, P31.27 billion for 2025, P45.94 billion for 2026 and P37 billion for 2027.
Operating and maintenance expenditures were approved at P67.688 billion, lower than the P72.6 billion originally proposed by the company.
By Darwin G. Amojelar
PLDT Enterprise is deploying Starlink Low Earth Orbit satellite technology to bridge the digital divide for public and private sectors in the most remote and disaster-prone regions of the Philippines.
Following its 2025 launch as the first and only telecommunications unit to become an authorized Starlink reseller, the corporate business arm of PLDT Inc. continues to integrate satellite-enabled connectivity into its portfolio of enterprise-grade solutions.
The service is being used by government agencies and enterprise customers, including the provincial government of Camarines Sur and SMS Global Technologies Inc.
ROBINSONS Department Store
(RDS) will hold a five-day celebration at its Robinsons Galleria branch in Ortigas from Feb. 13 to Feb. 17 to mark the Year of the Horse and Valentine’s Day.
The store will be decorated with red lanterns to symbolize prosperity and joy as it offers various interactive activities for shoppers. The event coincides with the lunar transition, providing customers with opportunities for fortune readings and traditional festivities alongside seasonal gift shopping.
From Feb. 13 to 17 between 12 p.m. and 7 p.m., customers can access a free in-store whimsical horse carousel ride with a minimum singlereceipt purchase of P500. During the same period, those with a minimum single-receipt purchase of P3,500 can participate in the Prosperi-tree activity for a chance to win up to P500 in
Robinsons Department Store gift certificates.
Shoppers looking for insights into the year ahead can avail themselves of a free fortune reading for every P2,000 purchase. This service is available from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. throughout the first 17 days of February. Additionally, a photo booth will provide free prints for shoppers who spend at least P500 between Feb. 13 and Feb. 17.
The department store has positioned the event as a destination for Valentine’s Day gifts, featuring a range of fashion, beauty products, and home essentials. On Feb. 14, the store will provide a special surprise to shoppers to mark the holiday.
RDS management said that whether customers are celebrating a spouse, partner, family, or self-love, the store is stocked to help find the perfect gift for everyone on their list.
STARTUP COLLABORATION. Executives of Security Bank Corp., Bank of Ayudhya Public Company Limited (Krungsri), MUFG Bank Ltd., MUFG Innovation Partners Co. Ltd. (MUIP), Krungsri Finnovate Company Limited (KFIN) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to strengthen inbound and outbound startup collaboration and advance innovation across the region. The partnership supports DTI’s mandate to promote Philippine startup growth and international participation.
Gross international reserves hit record-high $112.5b in January
THE Philippines’ gross international reserves (GIR) climbed to a record $112.5 billion at the end of January 2026, providing the country with a robust buffer against external economic shocks, according to preliminary data.
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said the GIR rose from $110.8 billion in December 2025 and $103.3 billion in January 2025. It said the latest reserve level represents an ample liquidity cushion equivalent to 7.5 months’ worth of imports of goods and payments of services and primary income. This exceeds the traditional adequacy benchmark, which requires a country to maintain enough foreign exchange to finance at least 3 months’ worth of
such payments. The reserves, which consist of foreign-denominated securities, foreign exchange, gold and other assets, ensure the country can meet balance of payments financing needs. This includes the payment of imports and debt service during extreme conditions where export earnings or foreign loans are unavailable.
The BSP reported that the current holdings cover about 4.1 times the country’s short-term external debt based on residual maturity. This measurement includes outstanding debt with an original maturity of 1 year or less plus principal payments on medium- and long-term loans falling due within the next 12 months.
The partnerships support mission-critical operations, digital services for local communities and resilient connectivity for education, healthcare and disaster response. The technology allows organizations in geographically isolated areas to maintain stable internet access where traditional infrastructure may be limited.
“Within one year of deployment, Starlink has reached customers across the public sector, agriculture, banking, and other key industries – underscoring the accelerating adoption of satellite connectivity as a practical, enterprise grade solution, particularly in underserved locations,” PLDT senior vice-president and head of the enterprise business group Blums Pineda said.
PSA to rebase inflation index to 2025
THE Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) is preparing to shift the base year for calculating inflation to 2025 to better reflect current consumer spending habits, National Statistician Claire Dennis Mapa said Thursday.
The rebasing of the consumer price index (CPI) from the 2018 benchmark is underway, Mapa told reporters during a press briefing.
Technical staff are identifying adjustments to the weights of items within the CPI basket using data from the 2025 Family Income and Expenditures Survey (FIES), following the conclusion of the survey’s second round in January.
“The data is being processed. The procedure there is we look at the expenditure side of the households, if they have adjustments in terms of weights. And from there, we do again our commodity outlet surveys and of course the retail price,” Mapa said.
The agency is also discussing a potential adjustment to the reference year for national accounts, though Mapa noted that inflation data remains the priority. The move would mark the latest update after the benchmark year for measuring inflation and gross domestic product was changed to 2018 during 2020 and 2022. Thony Rose Lesaca
OKADA Manila is deepening its environmental commitment by integrating sustainable practices across its retail operations and property design through its Okada Green Heart program.
The Forbes 5-star integrated resort is rolling out visual enhancements and improved layouts aimed at prioritizing energy efficiency and community support.
The resort recently refreshed The Gift Boutique to improve guest flow and product discovery while installing energy-efficient LED lighting. As part of the update, the store
transitioned to eco-friendly packaging to reduce the use of single-use plastics. The boutique now features a permanent Okada Green Heart Corner that showcases products from non-government organizations and community-based enterprises. The selection includes Manila Cookie Story treats, Fresh Hope handcrafted accessories and Aciapak souvenirs. These partnerships are designed to support ethical livelihoods and Filipino cultural identity through everyday retail.
Okada Manila retail and leasing assistant vice-president Alvaro Ramos said the resort views sustainability as a daily operational standard rather than a separate initiative. “We look at sustainability as part of how we operate every day, not as a separate initiative. Whether it’s how our retail spaces are designed, the products we carry, or the partners we support, our goal is to make responsible choices visible and easy for our guests,” he said.
AYALA Corp. warned the public against a fraudulent investment scheme involving fake social media accounts posing as Spinneys Philippines. The conglomerate issued a statement cautioning users about a Facebook page under the handle @spinneysphilippines2025 and a Viber account using @spineysph. These unofficial channels reportedly use the Ayala name to lure individuals into supposed investment opportunities that promise guaranteed returns, it said. Ayala Corp. executives said the company is not associated with and does not endorse these fraudulent activities.
The firm said it only shares official communication through its verified channels and authenticated social media pages.
“We reiterate our call for heightened vigilance as scammers increasingly use the names of reputable organizations to bait potential victims,” the company said.
“Please be cautious of investment offers and online content that appear too good to be true,” the conglomerate said.
The integration allows organizations to utilize satellite internet as primary access in remote locations or as a resilient backup for critical operations. The strategy is part of a broader commitment by the PLDT Group to expand digital access through multiple complementary technologies. Pineda noted that the service functions as part of a larger ecosystem rather than a standalone product. “We have been delivering it as part of a fully managed, end-to-end connectivity ecosystem across the PLDT Enterprise Business Group –integrating fiber, wireless, managed SD-WAN, cybersecurity, data centers, and cloud solutions – allowing businesses to achieve resilience and scale through a single, trusted partner,” he said.
Globe reports 99% network availability as mobile speeds rise
GLOBE Telecom Inc. maintained a network availability rate above 99 percent to ensure consistent connectivity for its users, the company said in a performance update.
Independent tests confirmed the network provides a smoother video experience than its competitors with less buffering on platforms such as Facebook.
The company reported that its average mobile download speed reached 34.8 megabits per second, an 8-percent improvement yearon-year. Broadband speeds saw a sharper rise to 120.4 Mbps, up 36 percent. These speeds exceed the requirements for commonly used platforms including Facebook, YouTube and Zoom.
According to the GSMA, only 57 percent of mobile internet users in low- and middle-income countries report having a good internet experience. Poor network quality remains a primary barrier to mobile internet use, particularly among rural and low-income communities.
“We build for reliability because that’s what people count on every day,” Globe president and chief executive Carl Cruz said.
“A steady, dependable connection means uninterrupted learning, working and living. That’s what we aim to deliver,” he said.
The telecommunications provider said it builds reliability into every layer of its network by increasing capacity in high-traffic zones and using traffic engineering to keep video and voice services steady.
The company utilizes restoration playbooks, backup power and secondary lines to maintain service during disruptions.
Globe is also shifting its performance reporting to include outcome-based tracking that mirrors actual user behavior.
New benchmarks will focus on metrics such as smooth video starts, fast-loading applications and clear calls rather than relying solely on peak speed tests.
As of 2025, the company recorded a net promoter score of 49, above the telecommunications industry benchmark of 31. The score measures a customer’s willingness to recommend a company and serves as an indicator of brand loyalty.
Darwin G. Amojelar
SM Prime Holdings Inc. continues to strengthen its foothold in the highend leisure residential market with the completion of Provence—a lowdensity residential enclave within the Tagaytay Midlands in Talisay, Batangas.
Developed by The Highlands Prime Inc., the leisure residential unit of SM Prime, Provence is located along Lakeside Fairways Drive and is designed to complement the natural beauty and exclusivity long associated with the Tagaytay Highlands estate.
Inspired by the architectural elegance of Southern France, Provence features a refined, open layout across its 8.3-hectare site.
The community is composed of 119 residential lots, averaging 14 lots per hectare, offering homeowners sweeping views of Taal Lake and Volcano. Lot
sizes range from 240 to 451 square meters.
“To capture the tranquil beauty of the French countryside, generous open spaces and landscaping are woven throughout this 8.3-hectare development, a vision that clearly resonated with discerning buyers as reflected in the substantial number of lots already sold,” said Mary Eleanor Mendoza, senior vice president at Highlands Prime.
Designed for year-round residential living, Provence is supported by an independent water supply infrastructure and full backup emergency power. It also offers a curated set of amenities aimed at encouraging community
DAMOSA Land, the real estate arm of the Floirendo family, formally launched TRYP by Wyndham Samal on January 29, marking a key milestone in the company’s hospitality portfolio and reinforcing its strategy of using tourism-led projects to support regional growth in Mindanao.
Located on Samal Island, TRYP by Wyndham Samal brings the international lifestyle hotel brand to the area, positioning the island as an emerging leisure and business destination.
TRYP by Wyndham Samal will feature modern accommodations, dining concepts, and leisure amenities aligned with international hospitality standards while incorporating local character.
The launch comes as Damosa Land enters 2026 with plans to expand its footprint across Mindanao and select provincial growth areas outside Metro Manila, focusing on sustainable and community-centered development.
“In 2026, our focus is on scaling responsibly by aligning commercial viability with long-term impact,” said Ricardo F. Lagdameo, President of Damosa Land, Inc. “We continue to see strong opportunities in Mindanao
where thoughtful development can unlock economic activity, strengthen local ecosystems, and improve quality of life.”
Against the backdrop of evolving market demand and broader macroeconomic environment, the company said it is prioritizing projects that address identified gaps in tourism, trade, and local enterprise.
Its 2026 pipeline includes new developments and expansions across business parks, hospitality assets, and integrated communities in Mindanao.
Damosa Land is currently advancing projects across its commercial, industrial, and residential portfolio, including Agriya township, Kahi Estates, Damosa IT Park, and ongoing developments within Anflo Industrial Estate.
These initiatives form part of the company’s strategy to anchor longterm regional growth through flagship developments, with TRYP by Wyndham Samal positioned as a key catalyst.
Beyond its commercial role, the hospitality project is expected to boost tourism activity, generate employment, and strengthen the Davao–Samal economic corridor.
Profriends transforming Pavia into a growing residential hub in Iloilo
interaction, including a central promenade, an infinity pool, a multipurpose pavilion, and treelined roads.
The development adds to the portfolio of luxury residential offerings within Tagaytay Highlands, reinforcing its positioning as a premier mountain leisure destination.
“Aside from enjoying a cool climate and exceptional leisure amenities, residents get to experience the serenity of wideopen spaces, seemingly endless nature views, and the exclusivity that defines the 1,300-hectare Tagaytay Highlands estate,” said Mendoza.
Provence is accessible from Metro Manila via major road networks such as the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), Cavite–Laguna Expressway (CALAX), and Manila–Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX), making it viable for both full-time residents and weekend homeowners.
An upscale, master-planned, lot-only residential community, Provence reflects SM Prime’s continued focus on premium developments that offer an alternative to dense urban living—whether as a primary home, retirement residence or long-term investment.
Jenniffer B. Austria
ROBINSONS Offices, the office development and leasing arm of Robinsons Land Corp. (RLC), has unveiled the reimagined lobby of Cyberscape Alpha in Ortigas, underscoring its push to continually upgrade existing office assets amid evolving workplace needs.
The refurbishment forms part of Robinsons Offices’ broader strategy to enhance tenant experience across its portfolio, which spans 34 office buildings in 12 key cities nationwide.
The company is also the largest office landlord in Pasig City, with six office buildings housing multinational firms and business process outsourcing companies.
Cyberscape Alpha anchors Robinsons Offices’ presence in Ortigas. Developed by RLC and owned by RL Commercial REIT Inc., the 26-story building is PEZA-registered and EDGE-certified, and serves as the headquarters of Robinsons Land. It is located near Robinsons Galleria and major transport hubs and is home to a mix of corporate and BPO tenants.
For Robinsons Offices, the initiative reflects a belief that growth is not limited to new developments.
“Robinsons Offices stays commit-
ted to continuously enhancing existing spaces, adapting them to meet the evolving needs of today’s professionals,” said Jericho P. Go, senior vice president and business unit general manager of Robinsons Offices, during the unveiling.
Go said the lobby upgrade is part of an ongoing initiative that began in 2023, with the company taking a systematic approach to reimagining office lobbies to ensure that both new and established buildings remain relevant.
The original Cyberscape Alpha lobby was designed primarily for functionality. The new concept, however, was intended to deliver a stronger sense of identity.
“Cyberscape Alpha is the headquarters of Robinsons Land Corporation, a premier developer of offices, malls, hotels, residences, logistics facilities, and destination estates. The lobby needed to reflect that stature. We reimagined the lobby as a social hub, a place to see and be seen. We wanted people to experience it and not just pass through it. We wanted the lobby to become a source of pride for everyone who works here and a space that creates a sense of wonderment for guests who visit,” Go said.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2026
NICKIE WANG, Editor
ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer
JASPER VALDEZ, Writer
PAUL Thomas Anderson won the top directing prize at the Directors Guild of America Awards on Saturday for One Battle After Another, boosting the film’s Oscar prospects.
The movie follows a former revolutionary trying to protect his teenage daughter as past conflicts resurface. Anderson accepted the feature-film award, seen as a key predictor of the Academy Award for best director, at a Beverly Hills gala.
“It’s a tremendous honor,” Anderson said. “We’ll take it with the love it’s given and the appreciation of all our comrades in this room.”
Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, the film depicts a contemporary America where white supremacists operate in secret, immigration raids sweep communities, and revolutionary groups take up arms. It previously received accolades at the Critics’ Choice Awards and Golden Globes.
One Battle After Another earned 13 Oscar nominations, second only to Ryan Coogler’s Sinners, which leads with 16. Coogler was also nominated for the DGA feature-film award.
Anderson received the statuette from last year’s winner, Sean Baker, whose film Anora went on to win the Oscar. Twenty of the last 22 DGA winners have also taken home the Academy Award, including the past three: Everything Everywhere All at Once Oppenheimer, and Anora Ukrainian filmmaker and journalist Mstyslav Chernov won best documentary for 2000 Meters to Andriivka, chronicling a Ukrainian platoon liberating a Russianoccupied village. AFP
F R O N T R O W
By Rolando Ng III
GLORIA in excelsis Deo!”
This signified a part of National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab’s Missa 2000, reinforcing the legendary pop composer’s influence in sacred music. The Manila Symphony Orchestra brought a majestic and triumphant feel to the piece as it closed its 99th concert season on Jan. 22, marking the centennial of its debut in 1926. It was my first time in over two years to see an orchestra live. The Manila Symphony Orchestra, dressed entirely in white, added a regal touch in honor of its inaugural performance. As foundation president Maan Hontiveros said, the orchestra continues to thrive by nurturing its future through music. The program was heralded by its guest performers, Chinese pianist Muyu Liu and Singapore-born conductor Darrell Ang Ang has taken on the baton for the MSO in several performances. As such, his presence that night was a familiar sight for its regular patrons who revere the group. Together with the orchestra, Liu and Ang performed Beethoven’s
By Nickie Wang
ATHAN Studios Inc. has launched its talent management division, signing a roster of rising stars from the Metro Manila Film Festival hit I’mPerfect, including actors with Down syndrome, alongside dance champion Ice Almeria
Metro Manila Film Festival Best
Actress Krystel Go, actor Earl Jonathan Amaba, and their fellow cast members officially joined Nathan Studios during a recent contract-signing ceremony.
“Today is a very special day for Nathan Studios and, more importantly, for our artists,” actress and producer Sylvia Sanchez said during the event.
“This is the beginning of a dream we are building together. Talent has no limits. It is measured by heart, hard work, and courage. These artists—our angels, our persons with Down syndrome—bring rare authenticity, creativity, and skills straight from the heart.”
She added that the artists’ achievements in I’mPerfect—including Best Picture, Best Actress for Go, and Best Cast Ensemble wins at the recent edition of MMFF—prove their potential.
“We see your potential. We see your hard work. And most of all, we believe in you not just as artists, but as individuals with voices, stories, and light that can open hearts and minds,” Sanchez said.
Almeria, grand champion of the ABSCBN dance competition Time to Dance, also signed with the company and will be managed by Sanchez, who now leads Nathan Studios’ new talent management division.
A centennial in white: The Manila Symphony’s anniversary concert that transcended moments of war and despair and ended with a newfound and prolonged relevance to Philippine music society. At this rate, the Manila Symphony Orchestra’s centennial year is bound to show its glory in its upcoming shows. Ballet Manila will perform Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake” under the orchestra’s beat in March. National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab will be paid tribute by the MSO in October. Its music should speak for its victory, a well-deserved triumph for over one hundred years, and more.
“Piano Concerto No. 5.” The seeming intersections of its movements were translated into a complementary mix of the orchestral and piano parts, which gave a triumphant welcome.
The conductor was a stunning sight to see that night. Ang’s way of keeping in touch with his baton exposed me to a posture that never let him lose his center. He moved around, swayed, and expressed all his senses, placing him in control of the orchestra. In turn, they chimed along with his movements. His commanding presence went beyond the rules taught by some established conductors, sustaining the orchestra’s jubilant setting until the very end of his allotted time.
The MSO further paid tribute to its past by performing Leonore, another Beethoven work. In its debut, this overture was part of the orchestra’s inaugural set. Beethoven’s work carved their history, as reflected perhaps in their familiarity with the piece. It left audiences gravitating toward the notes. It was life in the group’s essence, a life
“Even though we are mainly a production company, this contract is our way to honor our artists as they grow in and outside of show business. We cannot promise everything, but we will do our best to guide you and help you reach your dreams,” Sanchez emphasized, speaking with the newly signed talents.
“This contract means we trust each other. I also want to thank the parents for their support, trust, and love, which help these children be strong,” Sylvia said.
STAR Cinema’s 2025 Metro Manila Film Festival hit Call Me Mother has earned P392 million in worldwide gross as of Feb. 5.
The comedy-drama, starring Vice Ganda and Nadine Lustre, explores the sacrifices mothers make out of love, whether related by blood or by choice. Vice plays a queer mother to her adoptive son Angelo, portrayed by Lucas Andalio, whose bond is challenged when Angelo’s biological mother, Mara (Nadine Lustre), seeks custody. Vice Ganda expressed gratitude to director Jun Lana and co-star Nadine Lustre during the film’s thanksgiving dinner Thursday.
“Thank you Direk Jun Lana dahil naparanas mo sa akin ang isang bagong
pangyayari sa buhay ko. Dream role ko ‘to. I am also so thankful to Nadine Lustre,” Vice said. Lustre also thanked audiences for their reception. “Sobrang grateful ako kasi ang daming good things na nangyari sa pelikula. Marami tayong napaiyak at napatawa,” she said. The film, produced by Star Cinema, The IdeaFirst Company, and Viva Films, received praise from both audiences and critics. At the 51st MMFF Gabi ng Parangal, it won 3rd Best Picture and the Gender Sensitivity
By Angelica Villanueva
RISING passport costs and widening disparities in travel options are reshaping how individuals plan international trips in 2026. This shift affects lifestyles even in regions where travel documents are not among the most expensive globally.
Global comparisons released this year show stark contrasts in how much citizens pay for passports and how far those documents allow them to travel visa-free. While the headline figure centers on Australia, where a 10-year passport now costs AU$422, the highest in the world, the broader findings highlight how mobility access, not just price, defines modern travel freedom.
Mexico, after increasing its fees in 2026, is now one of the countries with the most expensive passports, alongside Australia. In contrast, Brazil provides the least expensive passport, costing just over USD 11 for a duration of 10 years. Other countries with some of the lowest passport costs worldwide include India, the United Arab Emirates, Spain, and South Africa.
But affordability does not always equate to mobility power.
Based on the Henley Passport Index, Singapore’s passport is considered the strongest globally in 2026, allowing people to visit 193 places without needing a visa. South Korea is next with 190 destinations. Many countries in the European Union, such as Italy, France, Germany, Finland, and Spain, provide access to 187 destinations.
Meanwhile, for Philippine passport holders, the contrast underscores long-standing travel realities.
The Philippine passport is ranked 73rd in the world, according to the 2026 Henley Passport Index. This means that people holding this passport can travel to 64 countries without needing a visa beforehand or can get a visa upon arrival.
This makes it easier for Filipinos to visit countries in Southeast Asia, some parts of Latin America, and Oceania. However, visas are still required for many long-distance destinations, including the United States, the Schengen Area, and Australia.
Filipino travel behavior is significantly influenced by the mobility gap. Industry observers note that factors such as visa processing timelines, financial documentation, and approval uncertainties often determine the destinations Filipinos choose for overseas trips.
While visa-free destinations in Asia remain popular due to their proximity, convenience, and cost predictability, other factors also play a role in shaping Filipino travel preferences.
In addition to vacation travel, the power of a passport influences working abroad, studying in other countries, and expanding businesses, which are important lifestyle factors for a nation with a significant diaspora and an increasing digital workforce. Researchers are also tracking “value per mobility,” measuring passport cost against the number of accessible destinations. Countries like Brazil, the UAE, and Spain rank among the bestvalue passports globally, offering broad travel reach at relatively low cost.
At the same time, the ability to move around the world is becoming more restricted. Studies show that in many countries, the number of nations offering visa-free entry has gone down annually due to shifts in diplomatic ties, more stringent border controls, and global political disputes.
For Filipinos who make travel a part of their regular spending, whether for tourism, working remotely, or visiting family, the passport is more than just an identification card. It functions as a gatekeeper that is affected by international relations, economic status, and policy agreements.
As more people travel around the world, the difference between the cost of a passport and its strength is becoming more obvious. This difference is affecting not only the places people can go but also how easily they can travel across the globe.
Do you have 2026 travel plans? A major travel fair lands at Glorietta this February
THE Metrobank Travel Fair will return from Feb. 20 to 22, at the Glorietta Activity Center, bringing together airlines, hotels, cruise operators, travel agencies, tourism boards, and travel-related merchants.
The three-day event is open to Metrobank cardholders and is aimed at travelers planning trips for 2026. Participating exhibitors include international and local airlines, hotel groups, cruise lines, and tour operators offering bookings during the fair.
Early access on Feb. 20 from 10 a.m. to noon will be available exclusively to Metrobank World Mastercard and Metrobank Travel Signature Visa cardholders. The fair will open to all Metrobank credit, debit, and prepaid cardholders from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Feb. 20 and from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Feb. 21 and 22.
Participating airlines include Philippine Airlines, AirAsia, All Nippon Airways, Cebu Pacific, Gulf Air, Japan Airlines, Jeju Air, Korean Air, Saudia, STARLUX Airlines, Sunlight Air, Thai Airways, Qantas, and United Airlines. Some airline bookings will be facilitated through travel agencies present at the fair.
Hotel and resort partners include Accor Plus, Ayala Land Hotels and Resorts, Crimson Resort and Spa Boracay, Discovery Hotels and Resorts, El Nido Resorts, Edsa Shangri-La Manila, Makati Shangri-La Manila, Quest Plus Conference Center Manila, Shangri-La Mactan Cebu, and The Ascott Limited.
Participating travel agencies include Ark Travel Express Inc., AMKOR Travel and Tours, Constellation Travels Inc., D’World Specialists Travel & Tours, Island Resort Club Tour Services Inc., Rakso Air Travel & Tours Inc., and Sharp Travel Service.
Cruise operators taking part include Disney Cruise Line, AmaWaterways, Swan Hellenic Expedition Cruises, Riverside Luxury Cruises, and Star Dream Cruises. Other participating merchants include American Tourister, AXA, Klook, Power Mac Center, and Samsonite. Tourism boards from Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan, and Thailand will also have booths at the event.
Online booking platforms available through on-site counters or digital access include Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways, Agoda, Booking.com , AirAsia MOVE, and Trip.com.
Metrobank said cardholders who make purchases during the fair may qualify for rewards and rebates, including cashback offers, electronic gift certificates, and promotional draws, subject to terms and conditions.
The Metrobank Travel Fair is part of the bank’s annual consumer events focused on travel-related spending and
CEBU Pacific (CEB) has released the official music video for its 30th anniversary original soundtrack, “Where Dreams Fly,” performed by Filipino pop/alternative rock band Over October
The song celebrates the airline’s three decades of service and its connection with Filipino travelers, highlighting the enduring appeal of Original Pilipino Music (OPM).
“This song is our love letter to all dreamers, reassuring them that Cebu Pacific will always be here as they take a step toward their dreams,” said Candice Iyog, Cebu Pacific’s chief marketing and customer experience officer. “Whether you’re flying to your dream destination, dream job, or dream adventure, Cebu Pacific will take you there.”
The music video echoes CEB’s belief that travel is not just about reaching places but about opening doors to possibilities. It encourages listeners to move forward with confidence, knowing they have a reliable partner in their journey as they create new memories, pursue opportunities, and spend time with loved ones.
Drawing from personal moments that resonate with listeners, the band brings authenticity to the OST that mirrors the airline’s long-standing connection with its customers.
This annual international event brought together ASEAN tourism ministers, senior officials, and key industry stakeholders for a high-level dialogue on the future direction of regional tourism cooperation. A key highlight of the conference was the official launch of the ASEAN Tourism Sectoral Plan 2026–2030, which articulates the region’s shared vision for a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient tourism sector. During the conference, the tourism ministers presented their respective national priorities and strategic directions, aiming to strengthen alignment, foster collaboration, and contribute to a cohesive and forwardlooking regional tourism agenda that responds to emerging challenges and opportunities in the ASEAN tourism landscape.
The opening ceremony was held at the Mactan Shrine, also known as the Lapulapu Monument or Liberty Shrine. It features a 20-meter bronze statue of Lapulapu, highly regarded as our first national hero. Nearby stands the Magellan Monument, built in 1866 by the Spanish authorities to honor Ferdinand Magellan. The area marks the exact location of the 1521 Battle of Mactan, considered the first documented resistance against foreign colonization in the Philippines.
The Mactan Shrine was transformed into a festive venue, filled with giant, attractively decorated tents over smartly
dressed dinner tables. Outside the tents were eleven food booths representing the member countries of ASEAN, each featuring a native delicacy. What I found amusing was this: when dinner was announced, instead of queuing at the other countries’ booths, we Filipinos immediately lined up at the Philippines booth, which was serving Cebu lechon Graced by First Lady Marie Louise “Liza” Araneta Marcos, the program that followed the dinner featured a colorful dance interpretation of the victory of our first national hero, Lapulapu, over the Spanish invaders. Welcome speeches
welcome for ASEAN Tourism Forum delegates, turning the Mactan Shrine into a festive venue for regional tourism leaders
The following day’s activities had two simultaneous events: the opening of TRAVEX at the newly opened Mactan Expo Center, featuring tourism products and services from ASEAN member countries with all-day B2B sessions, and the tourism conference at the plush NUSTAR Resort, where industry leaders engaged in serious discussions on the region’s tourism future. The Mactan Expo Center is located within Megaworld’s 30-hectare Mactan Newtown township in LapuLapu City. The facility features a 2,600-square-meter convention hall, a 1,426-square-meter pre-function area, three VIP rooms, and a dedicated showroom. It also features an openair balcony with a beach backdrop, all designed to enhance Cebu’s standing as a leading MICE destination. NUSTAR Resort, home to Fili Hotel and the world-class NUSTAR Hotel, is a landmark of Filipino luxury and global standards. Nestled
on a 22-acre peninsula, the resort further positions Cebu as a top MICE destination in the country.
The event’s closing ceremonies were held at the massive NUSTAR Ballroom and were preceded by the ASEAN Tourism Excellence Awards, given to a total of 211 winners from member countries. The program also included a fashion show featuring the designs of three of Cebu’s leading couturiers—Philip Rodriguez, Jun Escario, and Cary Santiago—and musical performances by Geneva Cruz and Jeffrey Hidalgo This year’s ASEAN Tourism Forum exceeded all expectations, according to foreign delegates who compared their experience in Cebu with previous forums held in other ASEAN countries. It was a glittering showcase of how Cebu shines in hospitality and a reminder of how the Philippines continues to make visitors fall in love with the country. For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@ gmail.com