Manila Standard - 2026 February 10 - Tuesday

By Maricel Cruz and Katrina Manubay

Palace firm on WPS issue

By Charles Dantes and Rex Espiritu

MALACAÑANG on Monday doubled down on its position that not an inch of the country’s territory will be given up to any foreign power under the Marcos administration.

“The President’s position remains the same: No part of our territory nor any of our interests will be surrendered to any foreign power,” Presidential Communications Office

Undersecretary Claire Castro said.

“What the President wants is for every Filipino to be able to express what our rights are over our territory and what our interests are in the West Philippine Sea,” she added.

But while the Palace did not agree with the statement of Senator Rodante Marcoleta that the Philippines should just give up the Kalayaan Island Group to “make it easier” amid maritime tensions with China, Castro said the remark does not amount to treason under Philippine laws.

“As you know, a requirement of treason is that there should be an actual state of war. And we are not in an actual state of war,” the Palace official said.

Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela earlier described Marcoleta’s remark as potentially treasonous.

The senator eventually said his statement was taken out of context.

Senate adopts reso censuring Chinese embassy

By Ram Superable

THE Senate yesterday adopted Resolution 37 expressing the sense of the Senate in condemning recent public statements issued by the Chinese Embassy that criticized Philippine officials and institutions over their positions on national sovereignty and maritime rights.

Chinese Embassy official departed from the restraint and courtesy expected in diplomatic exchanges and ran counter to principles of mutual respect and noninterference among states.

The measure, principally authored by Senator Francis Pangilinan as SRN 256, also reaffirmed the Philippines’ sovereign right to assert and defend its

“The West Philippine Sea is ours. We stand behind our men in uniform, we oppose, and we condemn the lies, the disinformation, and the maligning being undertaken by China against senators, congressmen, against our men in uniform,” Pangilinan said.

During plenary deliberations, Pangilinan responded to questions from

discuss the draft Blue Ribbon committee report, Senator Erwin Tulfo said on Monday.

Tulfo said however, that only a handful of senators were present—Senate President Vicente Sotto III, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo

son, Senators Loren

By Ram Superable

LAWMAKERS have consulted with the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Anti-Money Laundering Coun

cil (AMLC), and the Ombudsman to

and himself. Tulfo said he had not reviewed

By Alena Mae S. Flors

By Peter Atencio

FOLLOWING her quarterfinal run at the World Tennis Association 500 Abu Dhabi Open, the Philippines’ Alex Eala will have higher ranking ahead of

By Charles Dantes

Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is

Nations meetings, including events focused on gender equality and multilateral cooperation, Malacañang said. The President is scheduled

Lac-

Legarda, Sherwin Gatchalian, Raffy Tulfo,

HYDRO POWER. President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. presides over the turnover of the Caliraya–Botocan–Kalayaan (CBK) Hydroelectric Power Plants to Aboitiz Power in Laguna yesterday. With the President are Aboitiz Equity Ventures CEO Sabin Aboitiz, Danel AboitizChief Commercial and Stakeholder Engagement Officer (CCSEO) of Aboitiz Power and Finance Secretary Frederick Go. Revoli Cortez

IN A ROW. Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima endorses the filing of the third impeachment complaint by members of the clergy against VP Sara Duterte at the House of Representatives. AFP

ASHFALL. Mayon Volcano belched the largest pyroclastic density current (PDC) or ‘uson’ yesterday morning, showering villages around it with ash, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs). Photo shows

Palace reviewing ICI report

By Charles Dantes

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is still reviewing the accomplishment report submitted by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), Malacañang said on Monday.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said the report has been transmitted to the Office of the Executive Secre -

ments incorporating statements from the Chinese Embassy as well as related responses from the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of National Defense.

“We promise not only to take care of it, but to invest to improve and maximize its operations and squeeze every megawatt, so to speak,” said Sabin Aboitiz, president and chief executive of Aboitiz Equity Ventures and chair of AboitizPower.

The Thunder Consortium, composed of Aboitiz Renewables and Japanese firms Sumitomo Corp. and Electric Power Development Co. Ltd. (J-Power, won the bidding for the facility’s privatization in July 2025 with a P36.266-billion bid. The Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. conducted the sale.

The Philippine Competition Commission approved the acquisition of the complex’s hydroelectric and pumped-storage assets in November of that year.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led the ceremonial turnover alongside PSALM officials. The event was witnessed by Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya, Philippine government officials, and representatives from the consortium.

The CBK complex, particularly its Kalayaan pumped-storage units, serves as a critical energy buffer for the Luzon grid. The facility stores energy and rapidly dispatches power to strengthen system stability and support the integration of renewable energy sources.

Mr. Marcos underscored the strategic importance of the turnover to the country’s energy future.

“Today’s turnover of the Caliraya-Botocan-Kalayaan hydroelectric power plant marks a deliberate step toward an energy system that is steadier in operations, smarter in design, and ready for the future that we are building,” Mr. Marcos said.

Ambassador Endo characterized the transition as a milestone in Philippine-Japanese cooperation.

“It is clear that this power plant is not merely an energy provider but a pillar supporting the country’s development,” Endo said.

Aboitiz said the consortium is prepared to operate the facility to meet the country’s shifting energy needs.

“It allows us to manage peaks in demand, support reserves, and integrate more renewable energy into the grid without compromising reliability,” Aboitiz said.

“As we add more solar and wind into the system, facilities like CBK become even more critical.”

Aboitiz identified the CBK complex, and the potential privatization of the Agus and Pulangi plants, as platforms for economic opportunity and nation-building.

“At the end of the day, energy security is economic security,” he said.The turnover marks a major milestone in the government’s power sector privatization program.

For AboitizPower, the acquisition represents one of the largest hydropower deals in the country, significantly expanding its renewable energy portfolio and adding substantial pumped-storage capacity to its mix.

tary, where it is currently undergoing initial review.

“At present, it has already been provided to the Office of the Executive Secretary, and for now it will be studied further,” Castro said in response to questions during a Palace briefing.

Senate Deputy Minority Leader Rodante Marcoleta separately addressed the chamber to reject allegations that he supports abandoning the country’s claim over the Kalayaan Island Group.

“In diplomacy it’s not a zero-sum game. It’s a continuous dialogue, continuous communication. This issue is complex,” he said.

Castro urged public officials to be cautious and consistent when discussing sensitive issues involving national sovereignty.

“Whatever is being debated in the Senate, they are just performing their duty, and we have what we say about freedom of expression…But we should also ensure we are consistent in what we are expressing. As the saying goes, ‘One who sows air will reap a typhoon,’” Castro said.

For his part, Tarriela said while Marcoleta had clarified his previous statement, he still found the position of the senator “very disappointing.”

“As Filipinos, it is disheartening, infuriating, and disappointing that we have an elected member of the Senate and Congress who speaks this way, seemingly disregarding our position on the WPS,” he said in a radio interview.

For Tarriela, the senator’s remarks were “very clear.”

“Why does it seem that instead of condemning China’s illegal and aggressive actions, he appears to align with the interests of the People’s Republic of China and undermine our position?”

Tarriela also reiterated his invitation for Marcoleta and his son to join a future maritime domain awareness

funds—P500 million under the Office of the Vice President from 2022 to 2023 and P112.5 million during her tenure as Education secretary.

the opening of the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, one of the United Nations’ largest annual gatherings that bring together government leaders, civil society groups, and international organizations to assess progress and challenges in

another rising star, Tereza Valentova, on Monday evening (Manila time) at the center court of the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex in Doha.

“We should simplify the issue so people understand that there is no divide and rule and that we are not neglecting our responsibilities. When it comes to the South China Sea or the West Philippine Sea, our position is the same. It belongs to us, but our approach may differ,” the lawmaker explained.

Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cay-

(MDA) flight to the KIG.

“So they can see that in Pag-Asa there are young Filipinos and a Filipino community. This is the most important reason why the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the PCG are standing their ground, and why this should not be given away,” he said.

Marcoleta, for his part, invited Tarriela to a “friendly debate” first amid the latter’s invitation to join an MDA flight to KIG.

Marcoleta said the debate should also include retired Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio and University of the Philippines Institute of Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea professor Jay Batongbacal.

Tarriela rejected it outright, saying the West Philippine Sea issue is not a matter for debate, but one of settled law, national interest, and patriotic duty.

“I would be happy to arrange a light-hearted discussion on less consequential matters—perhaps food preferences, current fashion trends, or other societal topics—but our nation’s territorial integrity and legal entitlements in the West Philippine Sea are not subjects for public debate,” the PCG official said.

“As a Senator of the Republic, Senator Marcoleta is duty-bound to uphold and defend these very rights. By framing them as debatable, he risks undermining the very oath he took to

advancing women’s rights and gender equality worldwide.

The Chief Executive will also deliver a message at a special session of the United Nations General Assembly, underscoring the Philippines’ positions on key global issues and its commitment to multilateralism, the Palace said.

Details of the report have not yet been publicly disclosed.

Asked whether there had been any formal communication or direct discussion between President Marcos and ICI Chairperson Andres Reyes following the submission of the report, Castro said that any such meeting had already taken place.

The ICI recently submitted its accomplishment report to the Office of the President, outlining its work and findings related to infrastructure concerns under its mandate.

etano, meanwhile, emphasized the need for disciplined foreign policy and constructive engagement, drawing on his experience as a former foreign affairs secretary.

Cayetano said diplomacy requires sustained dialogue and careful communication, particularly on complex territorial disputes, while upholding the country’s claims in the West Philippine Sea.

preserve true faith and allegiance to the Republic and to support its Constitution and laws,” he added.

Local KIG officials and residents earlier took offense at Marcoleta’s statement, with the local government set to meet today (Tuesday) to file a resolution requesting the Senate secretariat to strike out the senator’s comment.

Kalayaan is the country’s only municipality located in the West Philippine Sea.

For its part, the Armed Forces of the Philippines yesterday said it remains guided by the President’s policy of “not giving up one square inch” of Philippine territory.

“Guided by a policy of ‘not giving up one square inch’ and a matching strategy of comprehensive archipelagic defense, your military will continue performing its mandate with utmost professionalism and love for country,” Philippine Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said.

Trinidad said the extent of the national territory that the Armed Forces has sworn to protect includes the contested Bajo de Masinloc and the Kalayaan Island Group.

“Throughout history, the Armed Forces has never wavered in performing this mandate and we have proven it time and again,” he added.

“This is not political, we are not politicians,” Reverend Joselito Sarabia, a Catholic friar and one of the complainants, told reporters outside the House of Representatives complex.

“We believe there is a moral concern. That’s why we are here again,” he said, adding it was time for Duterte to “answer all accusations.”

The complaint also cited an alleged death threat against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. made during a latenight press briefing that Duterte has since said was misinterpreted.

Duterte’s defense spokesperson, lawyer Michael Poa, said the filing of a third impeachment came as “no surprise.”

“Let us just wait for the developments in the House regarding when that will be included in the order of business, when it will be referred to a committee, or if it will be fasttracked,” Poa said.

Asked whether Duterte would personally appear should the House Committee on Justice summon her, Poa said the defense team would first assess developments before deciding.

“As far as I remember, at the committee level, impeachable officials usually do not appear. But we will evaluate if her presence is necessary and inform the Vice President accordingly,” he said.

The daughter of former president Rodrigo Duterte was impeached by the House of Representatives last year only to see the country’s Supreme Court throw the case out over procedural issues. Under the Philippine constitution, an impeachment triggers a Senate trial. A guilty verdict would see Duterte barred from politics and sidelined from a potential 2028 presidential run.

Mamamayang Liberal party-list Rep. Leila de Lima, who endorsed the complaint, said she was confident it would advance to a House vote, calling it an “improved version of the articles of impeachment” sent before.

As this developed, the House Committee on Justice on Monday voted 39-4, with no abstentions, to adopt its committee report and accompanying resolution dismissing the two impeachment complaints against the President for lack of substance, panel chairperson Gerville Luistro said.

Malacañang said the trip will likewise cover engagements focused on advancing Philippine interests within the UN system and strengthening ties with international partners.

Further details of the meetings and composition of the Philippine delegation were not immediately disclosed.

During the visit, Mr. Marcos is expected to meet with multiple UN officials to discuss cooperation in areas aligned with Philippine development priorities, including social development, human rights, and inclusive growth.

De Lima, a former Justice Secretary, said she agrees with the committee’s finding that the impeachment complaint filed by lawyer Andre de Jesus was insufficient in substance, but does not agree that the petition lodged by 36 complainants led by former Gabriela Rep. Liza Maza was also lacking in substance.

De Lima cast a “concur and dissent vote,” which Luistro said was noted.

After that, Eala eked out a hardearned triumph over Aliaksandra Sasnovich in the second round, before losing to world No 11 Ekaterina Alexandrova, 6-3, 6-3, in the quarterfinals.

In Doha, Eala will seek to avenge a loss she absorbed to the 18-year-old Valentova in the Japan Open last September.

Eala rose from no. 45, following her stint in Abu Dhabi, where she defeated Zeynep Sonmez in the first round.

“Some are hesitant because, like me, they feel something is missing or weak... and some have very strongly worded opinions. Reactions are mixed,” the senator noted.

He also described the meeting as an exchange of ideas and notes rather than a formal briefing for all committee members.

“The committee hearing is already finished, so they’re just polishing the committee report since the first version was only a draft,” he admitted.

Tulfo said the meeting was meant to ensure that the committee report was aligned and that there was sufficient evidence for the recommendations.

He confirmed that no member of the minority bloc attended the consultation, and that the discussions focused on whether the DOJ, the AMLC, and the

Ombudsman had enough evidence for the potential cases against three senators.

“They keep saying the warrants will be released around Christmas, and then after that, New Year, so that’s probably what they are finalizing. I even asked them about the conviction versus dismissal rate, and they said they are confident,” the neophyte senator said.

Tulfo emphasized that any recommendation for warrants of arrest should be fully supported by evidence to avoid dismissal and wasted efforts.

Lacson has said the contents of the draft committee report recommending charges against some incumbent senators will be retained.

“The version may change, but not the substance,” he said in an interview with radio dzBB on Sunday, adding that the Senate Blue Ribbon investigation into the anomalous flood control projects was still “a work in progress.”

Lacson confirmed that a draft report from the committee recommended

To reach the main draw, Valentova hurdled Arina Rodionova and Ella Seidel in the qualifiers.

Valentova is coming off campaigns in the Australian Open and the Adelaide International netfest.

At the Australian Open, Valentova made it to the third round with victories over Maya Joint and Linda Fruhvirtova, before falling to no. 5 seed Elena Rybakina.

the filing of charges against Senators Jinggoy Estrada, Joel Villanueva, and Francis Escudero.

“That’s correct, and among others, the three senators were highlighted, but the important content of this report was the [proposed] legislation. There were others recommended to be charged, there were a lot of DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) officials… there were a lot recommended for the DOJ (Department of Justice) or the Ombudsman to look into,” Lacson said.

Asked if the recommendation to charge Villanueva and Estrada would still change, Lacson answered “No.” He also said the committee has so far found no basis to hold President Marcos accountable in connection with the flood control irregularities.

Lacson had said the issue of the President’s accountability is better left to the judgment of the House Committee on Justice.

A draft of the Blue Ribbon commit-

At the Adelaide International, Valentova got into the second round, upsetting former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko, who retired in the second set. Eala is expected play an aggressive baseline game, and rely on her powerful groundstrokes, while Valentova is known for her powerful, “first-strike” baseline game.

tee report was initially leaked to the media last week.

“What we discussed during the Wednesday meeting was about the use of appropriate language in some of the paragraphs which they said can still be improved,” he said.

Lacson earlier clarified that the report was merely a draft and for the document to become the actual panel report, it needs to be signed and approved.

The document needed 11 signatures before it is submitted for plenary discussion.

He added that at least one member of the Senate minority bloc, particularly minority leader Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, has to sign the report.

“If he does not sign, we will then discuss how to deal with a committee report that has no signature of the minority. We have to look at our rules further to see the implication of having 11 signatures, but all coming from the majority bloc,” Lacson explained.

Sandigan says Revilla, Mendoza arraignment moved to Feb. 16

THE Sandiganbayan Third Division

on Monday again postponed the arraignment of former senator Ramon Revilla Jr. and former Department of Public Works and Highways Bulacan First District Engineering Office finance section chief Juanito Mendoza over a malversation case involving an alleged ghost flood control project in Bulacan.

The anti-graft court reset the arraignment after noting pending motions filed by Revilla and Mendoza questioning the malversation charge linked to the supposed P92.8-million flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan.

Their arraignment was moved to February 16 at 8:30 a.m.

Revilla and Mendoza have appealed the Sandiganbayan’s February 5 resolution denying their motions seeking dismissal of the criminal case and other reliefs.

Despite the postponement, the court proceeded with the arraignment of the other accused, all of whom pleaded not guilty.

Asked for comment upon arriving at the Sandiganbayan, Revilla briefly told reporters, “I love you all.”

Ombudsman prosecutors earlier charged Revilla, Mendoza, and five others with conspiring to facilitate the release of about P76 million for a flood control project allegedly never implemented, based on inspections and witness accounts.

IN BRIEF

Seven le COCs for Antipolo seat

SEVEN candidates filed their certificates of candidacy (COC) for the March 14 special elections in the second district of Antipolo City, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

This marks the start of the contest to fill the congressional seat left vacant by the late representative Romeo Acop. Comelec chairnl George Garcia said the filing of COCs was conducted from February 5 to 7.

The poll body said the candidates who formally submitted their COCs were Dandin Infante, Reden Llaga, Lorenzo Sumulong III, Ma. Trinidad Galang, Philip Conrad Acop, Nathaniel Lobigas, and Irvin Paulo Tapales. Comelec said the official campaign period will run from February 12 to March 12, while the overall election period is set from February 12 to March 29. Vito Barcelo

PNP

seizes P11m

cannabis in Pasay

THE Philippine National Police–Aviation Security Group (PNP-Avsegroup) announced the seizure of four abandoned parcels containing illegal drugs worth more than P11 million at the Central Mail Exchange Center in Pasay City over the weekend.

The parcels contained 7,840 grams of suspected hybrid cannabis, authorities said. Initial screening indicated the parcels were part of a batch of abandoned inbound shipments.

During cargo X-ray examination by the Bureau of Customs, suspicious images prompted coordination with the Manila Airport Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group, with a K-9 team from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency yielding positive results. The illegal drugs were turned over to PDEA for laboratory analysis, proper disposition, and case documentation.

Joel E. Zurbano

BOC destroys P235m cigarettes in Davao

THE Bureau of Customs–Port of Davao has destroyed smuggled cigarettes worth about P235 million as part of the government’s intensified campaign against illicit trade.

The condemnation activity aimed to strengthen enforcement and ensure seized illegal goods are properly disposed of and prevented from re-entering the market.

A total of 6,400 master cases of illegal cigarettes were condemned, most of which were seized during operations in Mindanao.

The confiscated products included Bosqu, Cannon Menthol, and Gajah Baru cigarette brands, the BOC said. With assistance from the Bureau of Fire Protection and Greenleaf 88 Non-Hazardous Waste Disposal, the cigarettes were dampened and crushed using a road roller to ensure complete destruction. Vito Barcelo

Ex-naval officer new maritime spox

By Katrina Manubay

THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday announced that a former naval and Coast Guard officer who later transitioned into a diplomatic role will serve as the new spokesperson for maritime issues.

Rogelio Villanueva, the DFA’s acting deputy assistant secretary, has been officially appointed as spokesperson on maritime issues.

The appointment comes on the heels of recent public exchanges

between Chinese diplomats and Philippine legislators, aimed at ensuring a unified government response to issues concerning the West Philippine Sea and the South China Sea.

Villanueva previously served at the Philippine Embassy in Lisbon as third secretary and vice consul from 2011 to 2014, and later as consul at the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver from 2014 to 2017.

Most recently, he was assigned to the Philippine Consulate General in Frankfurt, where he served as consul and deputy consul general from 2019 to 2025 before his recall to the Home Office in January 2025.

Villanueva graduated from the Philippine Military Academy in 1994 and served in both the Philippine Navy and the Philippine Coast Guard

before joining the Foreign Service in 2008. He also holds a master’s degree in maritime administration from the World Maritime University.

In January, the DFA said it made “firm representations” to the Chinese ambassador and embassy over concerns regarding escalating public exchanges between the Chinese Embassy and Philippine legislators.

The department reiterated its commitment to supporting Philippine officials in the lawful defense of the country’s sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction.

PNP probes alleged P2.5m bounty on Cebu governor

By Vince Lopez

PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has ordered intelligence units to investigate reported death threats against Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro, including allegations that a P2.5-million bounty has been placed on her life.

Nartatez directed the Police Regional Office-7 and the Cebu Police Provincial Office to intensify intelligence monitoring and security measures after Baricuatro disclosed receiving information about a serious threat.

70 Bangsamoro cops relieved over alleged hazing

AROUND 70 police officers from the Regional Mobile Force Battalion of the Police Regional Office Bangsamoro Administrative Region were relieved from their posts over alleged hazing during reception rites for 129 new police officers, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Monday.

“All members of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 14-B were removed and replaced with members of 14-A. So, all of them, 70 plus, were administratively relieved,” PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño told reporters.

Tuaño said 12 police noncommissioned officers were positively identified by complainants as suspects.

The complaint was initially filed by one recruit, followed by statements from 18 classmates and later 110 others, according to police.

“All victims are now undergoing medical evaluation,” Tuaño said, adding that investigators are still determining whether more officers were involved.

“Their injuries were physical.

There were hematoma, assault, punches, slaps, and others,” he said. The alleged incident occurred

“We have already mobilized our regional personnel not only to step up security measures but also to identify and go after all those behind this threat,” Nartatez said in a statement.

While verification of the intelligence report is ongoing, additional tactical personnel were deployed to prevent any security lapses, he said.

PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño said 14 additional police security aides were assigned to Baricuatro, increasing her security detail beyond the two guards normally allowed.

FLOOD JUMPER SUITS. Manila Mayor Francisco Isko Moreno Domagoso inspects newly purchased chest wader jumper suits issued to Manila disaster, public services, engineering, and health workers for added protection during oods and typhoons. Norman Cruz

SPRING FESTIVAL.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2026

CFO seeks review of inheritance law

IN BRIEF

LTFRB flags impatient PUV franchise applicant

THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has directed a franchise applicant to explain why he was already operating a public utility vehicle without the required government permit.

LTFRB chief Vigor Mendoza III warned applicants for PUV franchise against prematurely operating under pain of penalties.

He said the LTFRB has issued a show cause order against this particular applicant for operating while his application has not been approved.

“Just because you submitted the documents required for certificate of public convenience (CPC) does not mean that you can already use the vehicle for public transportation. Common sense dictates that you still have to wait for approval and release of the necessary permits,” Mendoza told the applicant. Rio N. Araja

Bill enhances welfare, protection for journos

TWO party-list lawmakers have filed a bill seeking stronger protection, welfare, and labor standards for media practitioners. In filing House Bill (HB) 7431, or the Media Personnel Protection and Welfare Act, newly sworn-in lawmakers Alfredo Garbin Jr and Jan Almario Chan of Ako Bicol party-list cited the risks and economic challenges faced by journalists and other news workers.

The measure aims to strengthen labor and safety protections for media personnel across various platforms, including reporters, field correspondents, photojournalists, camera operators, editors, producers, and other workers involved in news gathering and dissemination nationwide. Under the proposed measure, the state recognizes the role of media workers in delivering information from the frontlines of conflict, disasters, public emergencies, and issues involving public accountability. Maricel V. Cruz

Bill eyes periodic review of entire gov’t operations

ALL laws, programs, and agencies of the government should be subject to periodic congressional review to ensure that their existence, effectiveness, and operating costs are justifiable.

Toward this end, Solid North party-list Rep. Ching Bernos and Abra Rep. Joseph Bernos filed a bill prescribing an automatic sunset review of all laws creating regulatory regimes or government programs funded through the General Appropriations Act, and government agencies created by statutes.

“Government operates on limited resources, therefore it is only proper that we constantly review how the funds we pour towards implementing our statutes are being spent,” Ching Bernos said. She said House Bill 7467 or the Sunset Review bill aims to promote accountability, fiscal responsibility, and evidencebased governance “so we can ensure that our laws and agencies do what they are meant to do, and discard them when they are no longer up for the job or have been rendered unfit for the times.” Maricel V. Cruz

Magistrate eyes gender equality in law

By Pot Chavez

SUPREME Court (SC) Associate Justice Amy Lazaro-Javier eyes strengthening institutions for gender equality from the standpoint of the judicial system.

Speaking before the Asia-Pacific Regional Preparatory Meeting from January 29-30, Javier underscored the significance of supporting female leadership.

She cited the SC’s Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027 that outlined the judiciary’s initiatives to promote equitable and inclusive justice.

Among the measures suggested were guidelines on the use of GenderFair language and Gender-Fair courtroom etiquette, which have been recognized as pioneering efforts in the region.

There is also an ongoing devel-

By Rex Espiritu

SIASI, Sulu has been officially declared as both Rido-free and gun-free, as well as a peace-centered community, marking a major milestone in ongoing efforts to strengthen peace and security in the area.

The declaration was made in simple ceremony held Feb. 8 at the Laminusa Island covered court in Barangay Kongkong, through a joint initiative of the 11th Infantry “Alakdan” Division, led by the 104th Infantry “Para sa Bayan” Battalion under the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade, in partnership with the municipal government and the Sulu Police Provincial Office.

The declaration was formalized through a municipal resolution read by Vice Mayor Arnashrif Muksan, affirming the local government’s commitment to public safety and lasting peace.

“The declaration stands as a testament to what unified action among citizens, local government units, and security forces can achieve in building peaceful and resilient communities,” the Army said.

opment of a manual and protocol for handling cases of women in conflict with the law, aimed at recognizing and protecting the gender-based rights of persons deprived of liberty. Representatives from the United Nations Development Program also sought Lazaro-Javier’s suggestions on strengthening the capacity of judicial actors in the region to address gender-related issues.

By Vito Barcelo

THE Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) on Monday sought a review of Philippine inheritance and property laws to better protect Filipinos who live abroad and make sure Filipino expatriates can safely inherit and keep family properties at the home front.

CFO Secretary Dante Ang called for a comprehensive, evidence-based review of Philippine succession and property laws to better protect the inheritance rights of Filipinos living overseas.

The call for reform was raised during a recent meeting between Ang and Sylvester Lee Salcedo, a Filipino-American lawyer and retired U.S. Navy officer. Salcedo highlighted the increasing legal difficulties encountered by overseas Filipinos when claiming ownership and inheritance over properties in the Philippines.

By addressing long-standing inheritance issues, the CFO aims to protect the expatriates’ economic interests and ensure that family assets are preserved across generations. Ang emphasized the importance of a research-driven approach in addressing these concerns, noting that policy decisions must be grounded on “empirical evidence.”

He said identifying gaps in existing laws is essential to developing effective interventions that safeguard the rights of Filipinos abroad.

Salcedo noted that the distance, procedural complexity, and limited access to legal assistance often place overseas Filipinos at a disadvantage and frequently result in the loss of inherited property, weakening both economic ties and emotional connections to the country.

Salcedo recommended the establishment of a streamlined and systematic legal framework, potentially through new legislation, to simplify inheritance processes for Filipinos living overseas.

By Vince Lopez

devotees.

“We are asking for unity and vigilance from everyone. This is a rare moment where our Christian and Muslim brothers and sisters are observing their sacred seasons together,” Nartatez said.

YEAR OF THE HORSE. Rev. Father Wong Sheng Tian of the Sheng Lian Temple in Quezon City holds up miniature horse figurines as incense burns during

a religious ritual as offerings to deities, Buddhas, and deceased ancestors. The aromatic smoke symbolizes rising prayers and devotion, reaching the spiritual realm and carrying wishes and gratitudes in a ceremony ahead of the Chinese New Year. Manny Palmero

OPINION

39 years in existence

ON FEB. 11, the Manila Standard as a newspaper will celebrate its 39th year in existence, founded in 1987 by Manda Elizalde, born Manuel Elizalde Jr.

I am glad I was part of the founding of the newspaper as it is today and I have been with the Manila Standard since it was founded and I like the people I am working with, especially its staff.

Before Martial Law, declared by then President Ferdinand Marcos in Sept. 1972 – he lifted the emergency in Jan. 1981 – Manda Elizalde was a controversial figure, being head of PANAMIN (Presidential Assistance on National Minorities) during the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. . Elizalde was sued by his political enemies which forced him to go on self-exile in Costa Rica, where the president was his classmate at Harvard University. Elizalde’s self-exile ended when his friend was already out of political power. After the fall of the Marcos regime, Elizalde called his friend Rod Reyes, a former journalist of the Manila Times, which was then published by the Roces family., asked Rod Reyes to call me to assist him.

When Elizalde returned to the country after Martial Law, Rod Reyes and I started working on the newspaper. Our workplace was at the 4th floor of the Elizalde & Co. and Tanduay Rum Building along Ayala Avenue. the home of the Elizalde businesses.

Rod Reyes and I started our skeleton staff with Reyes himself as Editor in Chief . I was Chairman of the Editorial Board. Our idea then was to make the Manila Standard something different from the ordinary newspapers, so we decided to come out with a tabloid form.

On Feb. 10, 39 years ago we came out with the first tissue in tabloid form. We had overestimated our plan to have a tabloid because we found it very difficult to have advertisements because the advertisements that were accepted by the mainstream newspapers at that time followed the usual newspaper format of 6 columns. It was difficult because the advertising agencies could not have advertisements in tabloid form. So we had to change format right away.

Santa Banana, the Manila Standard has its own story to tell because the readers at that time were not accustomed to a new newspaper being run by Elizalde. So we had to make a lot of adjustments because aside from Elizalde financing

the newspaper, we had other financiers. Actually, the other financiers were the Soriamont, which included at that time, the Sorianos, Enrique Razon and Al Yuchengco.

Soon enough the members of Soriamont started separating, like the Yuchengco group which did not like to use the newspaper for personal purposes, and Razon family which was asserting its own business empire the ICTSI (International Container Terminal Services Inc.) which is now a business empire in itself operating in ports worldwide.

One of the members of our staff at that time was the late Nestor Mata, the lone survivor of the plane crash on March 17, 1957 that killed Ramon Magsaysay

Soon enough Elizalde started complaining he was losing money at the rate of P5 million pesos a year.

So he started to think of selling out. Because the Sorianos decided to pull out their businesses from the Philippines, Ricky Razon was left as the sole owner of the paper.

Soon after, Razon sold the Manila Standard to the Romualdez brothers, Philip and Martin, who to this day are the present owners.

As I said earlier, the Manila Standard has its own story to tell.

One of the members of our staff at that time was the late Nestor Mata, the lone survivor of the plane crash on March 17, 1957 that killed Ramon Magsaysay.

In any case I am proud to say I have never thought of leaving the Manila Standard. I like its vision and the people around it like its Publisher, Rolando “Rollie” Estabillo who was formerly the vice president of Philippine Airlines and its Opinion Editor, Honor Blanco Cabie, a former international news agency and broadcast journalist.

I am now 98 years old and have been a journalist for the past 70 years. I must be the oldest journalist in existence in the Philippines and I am proud of it.

Efficient airports matter in nation building

By Melandrew Velasco

JANUARY 2026 sent a clear signal about Philippine aviation and tourism —both its progress and its limits.

Ninoy Aquino International Airport logged its busiest month on record, handling nearly five million passengers in January.

Per data released by the New NAIA Infra Corporation (NNIC), a consortium led by San Miguel Corporation, peak days breached 180,000 travelers, yet operations held steady.

For an airport long defined by congestion, this was no small achievement. Behind this turnaround is a decisive shift in mindset—and visionary leadership. Under NNIC management, NAIA showed what focused execution can deliver: biometric e-gates, smoother passenger flows, and tighter coordination among airlines and regulators. More tellingly, the government has already received tens of billions in revenues—proof that public-private partnerships, when done right, can work for both commuters and the state.

At the center of this shift is SMC Chairman and CEO Ramon S. Ang (RSA) who has long argued that infrastructure is not about prestige projects, but about capacity, reliability, and economic momentum.

At NAIA, that philosophy translated into rapid operational fixes and disciplined upgrades in just over 17 months. The result was not glamor, but stability

and efficiency —exactly what an overburdened gateway needed. But RSA also understands a harder truth: good management can only stretch a constrained airport so far. No amount of terminal improvement can overcome NAIA’s physical limits.

In aviation—as in nation-building— the real measure of leadership is not managing yesterday’s congestion, but preparing quietly for tomorrow’s growth

Runway length, aircraft movements, and surrounding urban density impose ceilings that efficiency alone cannot break.

As aviation leaders have noted, the country does not need flashier terminals—it needs bigger and better runways.

This is why the New Manila International Airport in Bulacan matters. A well-planned new gateway to the world could decongest the capital, reducing delays at our aging main airport. It could make the Philippines a more

The Filipino elderly are smiling

SOME 11 million Filipino elderly, or about 9.5 percent of the 117 million population of the country, have good reasons to feel profound joy or an emotion of intense happiness.

Last week, the Senate, by a 23-0 vote, passed on third and final reading Senate Bill 1509 titled Philippine Geriatric Center Act, filed and sponsored by Senator Risa Hontiveros, creating a specialty hospital for senior citizens, aimed at improving healthcare services for them.

We join Hontiveros and millions of the elderly in hoping the bill will be enacted into law as soon as possible, especially since a version of the proposal passed the House of Representatives last December and has been identified by the Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council as a priority measure.

The Senate bill carries an amendment from Hontiveros that will ensure the PGC will not become a “white elephant” or a useless government project.

The approximate 11 million senior citizens (60+ years old) in the Philippines as of early 2026 is a population that is growing, with individuals living longer (average life expectancy of 71.79 years in 2024).

This demographic is growing rapidly, with projections suggesting they will make up 20 percent of the total popula-

tion by 2055. Based on data from the government’s Philippine Statistics Authority, there were 701,884 registered deaths in the Philippines in 2024 (provisional). While the PSA does not always release a single daily “elderly” number in their top-level headlines, they report that over 57 percent of all recorded deaths in 2021 occurred in individuals aged 60 and above.

The PGCA creates a specialty hospital for senior citizens, aimed at improving healthcare services for them

Data from recent years suggests a significant majority of deaths occur in the 60+ age group, with top causes being non-communicable diseases. Figures show the leading causes of

THE promise of clean, affordable solar power for forgotten communities has once again collided with the familiar Philippine cocktail of ambition, politics, and regulatory failure.

Solar Para Sa Bayan Corporation (SPSB), the renewable energy firm founded by Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste, now faces potential penalties of up to P150 million from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).

The charges are serious: operating without authority, without a Certificate of Compliance, and charging electricity rates that were never approved.

Residents of Paluan, Occidental Mindoro, say they were promised electricity at P3 per kilowatt-hour. Instead, many claim they were billed as high as P18 per kWh — six times the promised rate — for years.

This is not merely a paperwork dispute.

It is a case study in how quickly noblesounding ventures can turn exploitative when oversight is absent and accountability is optional.

The Legal Violations

Under the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA), no entity may generate or sell electricity without first securing a Certificate of Compliance from the ERC and obtaining prior approval for retail rates. SPSB’s own legislative franchise, granted in 2019, explicitly requires compliance with these rules.

Yet records show the company began collecting payments from Paluan households as early as 2018 without ever applying for — much less receiving — the necessary authorizations.

The ERC’s show-cause order, promulgated late January 2026, lists three clear violations. Each carries administrative fines ranging from P50,000 to P50 million.

As a sitting congressman with substantial interests in the energy sector, Rep. Leviste is also subject to the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. Both laws demand strict separation between public office and private business interests that could benefit

attractive hub in Southeast Asia — not by rhetoric, but by capacity.

Early phases alone target 35 million passengers, with room to grow beyond 100 million in later expansions. That is transformation in scale and in reach.

Indeed, Bulacan is Ang’s long game. Designed for scale, with parallel runways and room to expand, it addresses the structural bottlenecks that NAIA can never fully escape. It is not meant to replace NAIA overnight, but to future-proof Philippine aviation for decades.

death, which primarily affect the elderly, include ischemic heart diseases (around 19.3 percent of deaths in 2024), neoplasms (cancers), and cerebrovascular diseases (stroke).

Out of the roughly 700,000 total annual deaths, several hundred thousand occur among the elderly (60+), primarily due to cardiovascular diseases and cancer. The passed bill mandates the established Philippine Geriatric Center be fully equipped, and operational within five to seven years, with Hontiveros hoping the Department of Health will spearhead its management.

The bill also contains an amendment from Senator Robin Padilla that ensures the PGC will prioritize poor and low-income as well as vulnerable aging populations, while amendments by Senator Pia Cayetano integrate social welfare and protection programs with geriatric care and ensure age-friendly amenities and facilities within the hospital.

Another amendment from Hontiveros and Senator Christopher Go also prescribes thePGC head must be a duly licensed physician with demonstrated experience and competence in geriatric care and in hospital administration and management.

Without causing panic among hospital visitors, after Dr. Hermione Santos is called on the intercom, the doctor is alerted via specialized medical alert apps after an elderly is admitted.

Solar Para

Sa Bayan?

More like solar para sa bulsa

from legislative or regulatory decisions. The Supreme Court has repeatedly affirmed that franchises are privileges, not exemptions from regulation, and that consumer protection remains paramount even in remote areas.

Political Theater and Convenient Timing

Rep. Leviste has framed the probe as political retaliation, linking it to his possession of the so-called “Cabral files” — documents he claims expose massive irregularities in flood-control projects. He says he was warned that regulatory and legal cases would follow if he continued to speak.

The lights in Paluan flickered on under false pretenses. It is time the system stopped treating that as acceptable

The timing is undeniably suspicious.

The ERC acted years after the alleged violations began — only now, as Leviste publicly brandishes his whistleblower credentials. At the same time, the Department of Energy has terminated 163 renewable energy contracts awarded under the Green Energy Auction Program, with 64 percent tied to companies associated with Leviste.

More than 11,000 megawatts of promised capacity never materialized.

Whether this is coordinated pressure or belated enforcement is a matter of interpretation. What is not debatable is that political motivation — even if present — does not erase the legal obligation to secure permits and rate approvals before charging consumers. The Real Victims: Paluan’s Households While lawyers, regulators, and politicians trade arguments, the people of Paluan bear the cost.

For years they lived without reliable

Seen together, NAIA’s record month and Bulacan’s steady rise tell one story. One shows what decisive leadership can fix quickly. The other reflects vision—building capacity before crisis returns.

Tourism is rebounding despite critics of Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco. Overseas Filipino travel is growing. Regional hubs are expanding. Demand is already pressing once more. Bottlenecks are meant to be removed. In aviation—as in nation-building— the real measure of leadership is not man-

electricity. Then came the promise of solar microgrids: clean, affordable power that would finally lift them out of energy poverty. Instead, many say they received bills that devoured household budgets already stretched thin.

In communities where daily wages often fall below P500, P18 per kilowatt-hour is not an inconvenience — it is punishment for trusting a promise of progress. What Happens Next Matters If the ERC imposes maximum penalties, it will send a strong signal that no franchise is above the law. If the case is quietly settled or dismissed, it will establish a dangerous precedent: that wellconnected players can operate first and comply later — or never.

Either outcome carries long-term consequences. Harsh enforcement risks chilling legitimate investment in off-grid renewables. Selective or politically tinged enforcement erodes public confidence in both regulators and green energy promises.

Reforms We Actually Need This scandal exposes systemic gaps that must be closed:

• Clear, expedited but non-negotiable regulatory pathways for microgrids in remote areas, without sacrificing rate oversight or consumer safeguards.

• Stricter divestment and conflict-ofinterest rules for legislators who maintain large stakes in regulated industries.

• Transparent, independent audits of the ERC’s enforcement record to explain years of apparent inaction followed by sudden zeal.

• Mandatory restitution mechanisms for consumers who were overcharged under unauthorized operations. Renewable energy is not optional for the Philippines. We need it — urgently, affordably, and equitably. But we will never achieve it if franchises become shields for profiteering, if regulators act only when politics demands, and if the poor continue to pay the highest price for everyone else’s ambition.

The lights in Paluan flickered on under false pretenses. It is time the system stopped treating that as acceptable.

aging yesterday’s congestion, but preparing quietly for tomorrow’s growth. In that sense, an airport isn’t just about flights. It’s about lifting a nation’s gaze upward — and onward toward a better Philippines!!!

(The writer, president/chief executive officer of Media Touchstone Ventures, Inc. and president/executive director of the Million Trees Foundation Inc., a nongovernment outfit advocating tree-planting and environmental protection, is the official biographer of President Fidel V. Ramos.)

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2026 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Pro-democracy mogul Lai jailed 20 years

TOKYO – Japan switched on the world’s biggest nuclear power plant again on Monday, its operator said, after an earlier attempt was quickly suspended due to a minor glitch.

A problem with a monitoring alarm in January forced the suspension of its first restart since the 2011 Fukushima disaster.

The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant in the Niigata region restarted at 2:00 pm (0500 GMT), the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) said in a statement.

The facility had been offline since Japan pulled the plug on nuclear power after a colossal earthquake and tsunami sent three reactors at the Fukushima atomic plant into meltdown.

But now Japan is turning to atomic energy to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and meet growing energy needs from artificial intelligence.

Conservative Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who pulled off a thumping election victory on Sunday, has promoted nuclear power to energize the Asian economic giant.

TEPCO initially moved to start one of seven reactors at the KashiwazakiKariwa plant on January 21 but shut it off the following day after a monitoring system alarm sounded. AFP

IN BRIEF

Bangladesh women demand justice

DHAKA – Bangladeshi women carried flaming torches through the streets of Dhaka on Monday, marching to demand justice and political representation in the coming elections. Despite helping spearhead the 2024 uprising that paved the way for the vote on Thursday, women are poised to be largely excluded from the South Asian country’s political arena.

Women candidates make up fewer than four percent of the election hopefuls, while 30 of the parties contesting this week’s race put forward male-only tickets.

“Whatever regime is in place, repression of women appears in many different forms,” said protester Priya Ahsan Chowdhury, 31, a Supreme Court lawyer, who joined around 100 women chanting slogans and singing in front of parliament.

“In some places, we haven’t seen any representation of women at all — only men. That is what drove us to come out and speak up.” AFP

Congress to depose Epstein accomplice

WASHINGTON, DC – Jeffrey Epstein’s accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell will be questioned behind closed doors by the US Congress on Monday, though she’s expected to invoke her right to not answer questions.

Maxwell, currently serving 20 years in prison for trafficking girls to the disgraced financier Epstein, will face questions from prison via videolink, in a deposition by the House of Representatives’ Oversight Committee.

Though no new US prosecutions are expected after the latest dump of government files on Epstein, numerous political and business leaders have fallen into scandal or resigned as their ties to the convicted sex criminal were revealed.

The Republican-led House Oversight Committee is probing Epstein’s connections to powerful figures and how information about his crimes was handled.

Maxwell, however, is expected to invoke her right to not incriminate herself, guaranteed in the Fifth Amendment of the US Constitution. AFP

Venezuela’s Machado: Ally ‘kidnapped’ after release

CARACAS – Venezuela’s Nobel peace laureate Maria Corina Machado said on Monday that armed men “kidnapped” a close ally shortly after his release by authorities, following ex-leader Nicolas Maduro’s capture.

The country’s Public Prosecutor’s Office confirmed later that same day that former National Assembly vice president Juan Pablo Guanipa, 61, was again taken into custody and to be put under house arrest, arguing that he violated the conditions of his release. Guanipa would be placed under house arrest “in order to safeguard the criminal process,” the office said in a statement on Monday. The conditions of Guanipa’s release have yet to be made public.

Machado claimed that her close ally had been “kidnapped” in the capital Caracas by armed men “dressed in civilian clothes” who took him away by force. AFP

Japan PM Takaichi basks in historic election win

TOKYO – Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi savoured an election landslide Monday, with her ruling party projected to have won a two-thirds majority in the powerful lower house for the first time in its history. If confirmed by official results, the outcome gives Japan’s first female premier a strong mandate to implement her conservative agenda and stamp her mark on the country of 123 million people over the next four years.

The Asia-Pacific region will be watching closely, however, to see if the 64-year-old ups the ante or lowers the temperature with China after enraging

Beijing in November with comments about Taiwan.

Financial markets may also be nervous about Japan’s public finances and its gargantuan debt pile if Takaichi decides to cut taxes and boost spending in Asia’s number-two economy.

“We have consistently stressed the importance of responsible and proactive fiscal policy,” Takaichi insisted late Sunday.

“We will prioritise the sustainability of fiscal policy. We will ensure necessary investments. Public and private sectors must invest. We will build a strong and resilient economy,” she said.

On Monday, the Nikkei jumped

five percent to hit a new high, with equities “poised

according to analyst Kyle Rodda of Capital.com.

With a stronger mandate, Takaichi is also expected to push through her ambitious policy agenda, which includes boosting the defense budget, tougher immigration measures and potentially changing the constitution.

Capitalizing on her honeymoon start after becoming Japan’s fifth premier in as many years in October, Takaichi called the snap election last month. AFP

after enraging Beijing in November with comments

New Zealand’s Christchurch mosque killer of 51 people appeals conviction

WELLINGTON – A white supremacist who shot and killed 51 people at two New Zealand mosques in 2019 launched an appeal Monday seeking to overturn his conviction.

Brenton Tarrant, an Australian former gym instructor, admitted carrying out New Zealand’s deadliest modern-day mass shooting before being sentenced to life in jail in August 2020.

But the convicted killer now argues “torturous and inhumane” detention conditions during his trial made him incapable of making rational decisions when he pleaded guilty, according to a court synopsis of the case.

Tarrant is being held in a specialist unit for prisoners of extreme risk at Auckland Prison, seldom interacting with inmates or other people. He appeared in the Court of Appeal in Wellington via video link, his head shaved and wearing black glasses and a white button-up shirt.

“I did not have the mind frame or mental health required to be making in-

formed decisions at that time,” Tarrant told the court, according to the New Zealand Herald.

Tarrant said his state of mind was such that he had considered trying to implicate US President Donald Trump in the crime.

“What I said at the time is ‘perhaps I could go out and say there was a second shooter on the roof, perhaps I could say it was Donald J Trump’,” he said, according to national broadcaster RNZ.

If the Court of Appeal in Wellington upholds Tarrant’s conviction, it will also need to consider an appeal against his sentence. If his conviction is overturned the case will be sent to the High Court for a retrial. His penalty

HONG KONG – A Hong Kong court sentenced prodemocracy media mogul Jimmy Lai to 20 years in prison on Monday for national security crimes, a punishment rights groups condemned as “effectively a death sentence” and a symbol of the city’s shriveling press freedoms.

The 78-year-old founder of the nowdefunct Apple Daily newspaper was found guilty in December on two counts of foreign collusion under a sweeping national security law imposed by Beijing, as well as one count of seditious publication.

His sentence is by far the harshest handed out under the national security law, surpassing the previous record of 10 years given to legal scholar Benny Tai in 2024.

A summary document from the judges said they had settled on 20 years’ imprisonment “after considering the serious and grave criminal conduct of Lai.”

Two of those years will overlap with Lai’s existing prison term, meaning that he will serve an additional 18 years, the judges wrote.

Lai, who has been behind bars since 2020, sat impassively in the dock as his sentence was read out, an AFP journalist in the court saw.

As he was led away, he waved solemnly to people in the public gallery, including his wife Teresa, former Hong Kong bishop Cardinal Joseph Zen, and former Apple Daily reporters.

His defence lawyer Robert Pang declined to comment on whether Lai would lodge an appeal, which can be done in the next 28 days.

Asked if the sentence was in line with expectations, Pang told AFP: “In these times I don’t know what to expect.” Teresa Lai was grim-faced during the hearing and made no comment as she left the court, but their children, who live abroad, condemned the sentence in a statement. AFP

‘GRIM MILESTONE.’ Teresa Lai (right), wife of convicted pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai and Joseph Zen (front center), retired cardinal of the Catholic Church, leave the West Kowloon Magistrates Court following Lai’s sentencing in Hong Kong on Monday. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison following his high-profile national security trial that rights groups and Western nations have condemned as a symbol of the city’s shriveling

Seahawks’ Walker rushes to Super Bowl MVP honors

SANTA CLARA—

Kenneth Walker III provided a crucial offensive spark in the Seattle Seahawks’ defense-dominated victory over New England on Sunday to become the first running back in 29 years to be named Super Bowl Most Valuable Player.

Walker finished with 135 rushing yards on 27 carries and added 26 receiving yards on the way to bagging MVP honors in Seattle’s 29-13 triumph at Levi’s Stadium.

His 135 rushing yards were the most since Broncos running back Terrell Davis ran for 157 to be named MVP of Denver’s upset win over the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl 32 in January 1998.

In a first half in which offensive fireworks were conspicuously absent, Walker delivered runs of 29 and 30 yards in the course of three plays to set up Seattle’s second field goal.

When Seattle went into halftime with a 9-0 lead Walker had more than half of the offense’s yards.

Walker reeled in a 20-yard catch and run to set up Seattle’s fourth field goal and added runs of 14 and 10 yards to help Seattle take a 22-7 lead.

About the only thing missing from his stat line was a touchdown -- something

he was denied when a 49-yard charge to the end zone was disallowed after a holding call on center Jalen Sundell.

“It’s just a dream come true,” Walker said. “Because a lot of people, they’ll play their whole career and never make it this far. And they could, so it’s a blessing.” Walker, drafted 41st overall by the Seahawks

the

was especially sweet for a

team that powered through a tough NFC West division behind unheralded quarterback Sam Darnold -- who battled an oblique injury in the

Walker himself shouldered an extra load with top running back Zach

Sports integrity strengthens as global match- xing declines in ‘25

ST. GALLEN, Switzerland – Global match-fixing activity showed continued progress toward containment in 2025, with enhanced monitoring, enforcement, and education initiatives driving a reduction in suspicious matches, according to Integrity in Action 2025: Global Analysis & Trends, an annual report published by Sportradar Group AG (NASDAQ: SRAD).

In 2025 Sportradar monitored more than 1,000,000 events across 70 sports worldwide, identifying 1,116 suspicious matches, representing a 1% decrease from 2024. With more than 99.5% of sporting events worldwide monitored free from suspicion, the findings highlight the continued effectiveness of coordinated integrity measures across the international sports ecosystem.

Europe once again accounted for the highest number of suspicious matches in 2025, though the region maintained its downward trajectory with 66 fewer cases than in 2024. South America also reported a notable decline, with 64 fewer suspicious matches detected year-on-year. In contrast, Asia, Africa, and North and Central America experienced modest increases.

Soccer continued to be the sport most impacted by match-fixing in 2025, with 618 suspicious

matches detected. Basketball followed with 233 cases, while tennis (78), table tennis (65), and cricket (59) recorded notable increases. This distribution underscores how match-fixing activity is increasingly dispersed across multiple sports rather than concentrated within a single discipline.

A major development in 2025 was the continued advancement of Sportradar’s AI-powered Universal Fraud Detection System (UFDS AI). Building on the proven foundations of its monitoring framework and enhanced by machine learning, UFDS AI enabled the real-time analysis of extensive betting datasets, uncovering irregular patterns often undetectable through traditional methods. As a result, the number of suspicious matches flagged through AI analysis increased significantly year-on-year (+56%), reinforcing the system’s expanding role in identifying emerging and evolving manipulation techniques.

Alongside education, detection, and investigation,

enforcement continued to play a central role in protecting sporting integrity. In 2025, Sportradar supported 125 sporting sanctions across seven sports and all six major continents, bringing the all-time total to more than 1,000. Prevention efforts also expanded further in 2025, with Sportradar’s Integrity Education initiatives reaching more than 34,000 participants, a 25% increase from 2024.

Andreas Krannich, Executive Vice President, Integrity Services at Sportradar, said: “The relative stabilisation of suspicious match numbers in 2025 is encouraging, yet it reinforces the importance of continued vigilance. Match-fixing remains an evolving threat, and sustained investment in technology, intelligence, education, and collaboration is essential to staying ahead of those seeking to corrupt sport.”

Throughout 2025, Sportradar delivered integrity support for major international sporting events, including the expanded FIFA Club World Cup and the UEFA Women’s EURO. Looking ahead, the company is preparing to support its partners in safeguarding integrity of several landmark events in 2026, including the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Australia, FIFA World Cup in North America and the Olympic Winter Games in Italy.

Bation’s clutch goal sends Maroons to football finals

IT MAY have taken the depths of extra time, but Ramil Bation III struck at the perfect moment to send the University of the Philippines back to the championship stage.

Facing a resilient De La Salle University, Bation’s clutch goal secured a dramatic 1-0 win for UP in the Final Four of the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Football Tournament on Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

The third-year midfielder seized the moment in the 120+7th minute, unleashing a thunderous free kick past John Salavante. The setpiece opportunity came after a high-stakes foul by Green Booters captain Frank Labayen, setting the stage for a last-gasp winner.

“We mentioned earlier that we trust each and every one’s ability,” said coach Popoy Clarino after leading the Fighting Maroons to their second final in three seasons.

“We put our trust in Ramil, and he delivered for the team. He did his job, and we are grateful that he is part of our team.”

Before Bation’s late strike, the Fighting Maroons had several chances to score in the final minutes of regulation and the additional period.

Liam Lampayan and Adri Caraig tested the La Salle defense in the final 10 minutes of regulation, but neither could find the back of the net. Florenz Tacardon thought he had broken the deadlock for UP in the 105+1st minute, but his header was ruled out for offside.

As La Salle players began cramping, the UP attackers kept pressing.

Shan Lorque’s header went over the bar, and Lampayan had another attempt that sailed wide.

Gunning for its 20th crown, UP now awaits the winner of the matchup between defending champion Far Eastern University and University of Santo Tomas, with the final set for February 23. The FEU-UST do-or-die game will be played on Friday at 5 p.m., also at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

“I would like to thank God for giving us an opportunity to be in the final,” said Clarino, whose team failed to beat the Green Booters during the eliminations, settling for a goalless draw on October 2 and a 2-1 loss last January 29. “He blessed us with tremendous talent and fantastic boys who stepped up and gave their commitment to the team.

“La Salle played very well. They deserved to be in the semifinals. We wish them luck in their future.

They’re a young team full of energy and desire, and they’ll be a contender for years to come,” he added.

It was still a remarkable season for the Green Booters, who won their last two matches in the eliminations to reach the Final Four for the first time since Season 85 and pushed the Fighting Maroons to the limit.

Flying Titans, Cool Smashers light up MOA Arena again

ON paper, the Creamline-Choco Mucho rivalry in the Premier Volleyball League looks painfully one-sided. The Cool Smashers have dominated the Flying Titans in almost every meaningful encounter up to the 2025 Reinforced Conference, including two championship series victories that only widened the gap between the sister teams. But rivalries aren’t built on statistics alone – they’re forged by anticipation, identity and emotion, and this is where Creamline vs Choco Mucho transcends the win-loss column. Every time these two teams collide, the MOA Arena transforms into neutral ground. Creamline’s massive, loyal fanbase meets Choco Mucho’s equally vocal supporters head-on, creating a rare PVL atmosphere where crowd momentum swings point by point. Chants overlap, cheers collide and every rally feels amplified – a spectacle that few league matchups can replicate. This time, the stakes in the 6:30 p.m. showdown tonight feel heavier. Both teams are coming off shaky starts in the All-Filipino Conference, making this clash a psychological pivot. A loss doesn’t just dent the standings –it threatens confidence in a tournament where parity reigns and no opponent can be taken lightly.

Creamline is under unusual pressure. After a title-less 2025 following their historic Grand Slam, the Cool Smashers find themselves in unfamiliar territory, staring at the possibility of consecutive losses – a rarity that underscores just how unforgiving this conference has become.

Still, reinforcements are in place – Jia De Guzman and Jema Galanza are back, Tots Carlos and Bea de Leon are finally healthy, and ace libero Jen Nierva adds stability to a team eager to reassert its identity. Choco Mucho, meanwhile, smells opportunity.

The Flying Titans have retooled with intent, headlined by Eya Laure, whose arrival has diversified an offense once overly dependent on Sisi Rondina. With Dindin Manabat and Lorraine Pecaña showing early consistency, and Rondina back to full strength, Choco Mucho enters the matchup believing this could finally be the moment they flip the script against the league’s most decorated franchise.

Yes, history favors Creamline –heavily.

But momentum, emotion and urgency favor no one.

Quezon

SOUTH Division champion Quezon Province and former national titlist San Juan test their tinkered rosters against unfamiliar rivals on Tuesday in the 2026 MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Preseason Invitational at the Caloocan Sports Complex.

The Quezon Huskers tackle the Junior MPBL DLeague selection at 3 p.m., while the San Juan Knights, the 2019 MPBL titlists, battle the Marikina Shoemasters at 5 p.m.

Although LJay Gonzales, Ximone Sandagon, Will Gozum, Joseph Gabayni and JP Sarao are gone, the Huskers remain formidable with the acquisition of veterans Will McAloney, Chris Lalata, Michael Canete and Cyrus Tabi, and collegiate standouts Cedrick Manzano from Adamson, John Abate from University of the East, and Jolo Manansala from National University.

Returning for the Huskers are chief gunner Judel Fuentes, Gab Banal, Jason Opiso, Christian Pagaran and Joshua Yerro.

The Jr MPBL selection includes teen sensation Kenji “Chog” Moral, 6-foot7 Zain Mahmood, 6-5 Ronjie Go and Mark Gojo Cruz.

The Knights, with Orlan Wamar at the helm, have bolstered their ranks with young stars Patrick Sleat, John Paul Boral and Jericho Nunez of Perpetual Help, and Terrence Fortea, Harold Alarcon, Gerry Abadiano and Reyland Torres of the University of the Philippines.

Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III of the Seattle Seahawks holds the Vince Lombardi Trophy after his team defeated the New England Patriots, 29-13, to win Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. AFP

in 2022, said

victory

Seattle

playoffs.

Charbonnet sidelined by a torn knee ligament suffered in a playoff win over San Francisco. The Super Bowl marked Walker’s third straight playoff game with 100plus scrimmage yards, making him the only player in Seahawks history to accomplish that feat. AFP

Kenji ‘Chog’ Moral

Ramil Bation III

Obiena on a roll, bags bronze in Germany

By Peter Atencio

FOR the second time in three days, Filipino Olympian Ernest John Obiena leaped to a height of 5.7 meters to settle for the bronze medal (Monday in Manila) in the INIT Indoor Meeting in Karlsruhe, Germany.

The world no. 11 Obiena made clearance on his first attempt, beating Dutch bet Menno Vloon, and Norwegian Simone Guttormsen, who made it on their second and third tries.

Sondre Guttormsen topped the event at 5.84 meters, while US vaulter Cole Walsh was behind at 5.78 meters.

It was Obiena’s fourth indoor season medal.

Obiena jumped at the same height of 5.7 meters for the gold medal on Saturday evening at the 12th Asian Indoor Athletics Championships 2026 in Tianjin, China.

The 30-year-old Obiena also did it on his first attempt, and missed clearing 5.8 meters afterwards, just enough to beat Chinese bets Li Chenyang and Chen Yang, who cleared 5.6 and 5.4 meters, respectively, for the silver and bronze.

His leaps in both events, however, are 7 centimeters below Obiena’s best this season.

On Jan. 28, Obiena shared the top honors with Dutch standout Menno Vloon at the International SpringerMeeting held at the Lausitz Arena in Cottbus, Germany.

Back then, Obiena and Vloon both went up to a height of 5.77 meters to claim the gold medal together.

Also last month, Obiena grabbed the bronze at the 6th ISTAF Indoor meet Dusseldorf, after leaping to a height of 5.65 meters, behind Vloon, who grabbed the gold at 5.75m.

Lady Altas, Lady Knights eye top spot

CO-LEADERS of Groups A and B, the Perpetual Lady Altas and the Letran Lady Knights will battle for the top spot in the NCAA Season women’s volleyball tournament on Tuesday at 2 p.m. at the San Andres Gym in Malate, Manila. Both teams sport identical 5–0 records in their respective groups and are looking to preserve their unbeaten runs heading into the quarterfinals.

Perpetual is coming off a hard-fought straight-sets victory over the EAC Lady Generals, 26-28, 14-25, 24-26, on February 7, while Letran posted a fourset win against the San Beda Lady Red Spikers, 17-25, 25-13, 25-13, 25-13. The Lady Altas, coached by Sandy Rieta, are eager to take on the Lady Knights, led by newly appointed head coach Mayeth Carolino.

The two squads were closely matched in their previous meetings last season.

Perpetual edged Letran in a five-set thriller, 23-25, 25-23, 14-25, 25-22, 1513, in their first-round encounter on April 3, 2025. However, the Intramurosbased Lady Knights returned the favor with a straight-sets win, 27-25, 25-23, 25-21, in their Round 2 clash of the NCAA Season 100 women’s volleyball tournament on April 25, 2025.

The Lady Altas will rely on Cyrille Almeniana, Fianne Ariola, Charisse Enrico, Geraldine Palacio, Shaila Omipon, Jemalyn Menor, libero Joanna Denise Lozano, Pauline Reyes, Camille Bustamante, Nicollete Gaa, and Alexie Villanueva.

Letran, meanwhile, will be led by Judiel Nitura and Natalie Estreller, along with Gia Maquilang, Lara Silva, Sheena Sarie, Jade Isar, and Marjorie Napal. Dennis Abrina

PSA to honor Yeng Guiao with ‘25 President’s Award SPORTS

THE man widely regarded as the modern-day knight in shining armor of Philippine sports will take center stage at next week’s San Miguel Corporation–Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) 2025 Awards Night at the Diamond Hotel Manila.

Veteran champion coach Joseller “Yeng” Guiao will receive the prestigious President’s Award from the country’s oldest media organization during the February 16 ceremony, co-presented by the Philippine Sports Commission and ArenaPlus.

Guiao, 66, earned the special honor after successfully leading a solitary but decisive fight to enforce the full remittance of the PSC’s mandated shares from both the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, in

finally coming into realization following the landmark decision recently made by the Supreme Court rejecting with finality the appeal made by both the government gaming institutions. The milestone was a testament to Guiao’s principle of fighting for what is right and just, having initiated the move when he was still House of Representative of the First District of Pampanga back in 2016.

For the giant victory he achieved for Philippine sports, the long-time Rain or Shine mentor is deserving of being recognized during the traditional awards night backed by major supporters Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO, Cignal, Premier Volleyball League, Philippine Basketball Association, Akari, Rain or Shine, Capital1 Solar Energy, and Acrocity.

“The choice of coach Yeng for the President’s Award is a fitting way to honor a sportsman who fought for our athletes – away from the spotlight and without regard for the fact that he had little to benefit from it,” said PSA President Francis T.J. Ochoa, sports editor of the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

Gotterup tops Matsuyama in playo to win Phoenix Open

LOS ANGELES—Chris Gotterup won the PGA Tour Phoenix Open on Sunday, topping Hideki Matsuyama with a birdie at the first playoff hole as the Japanese major-winner found the water just moments after surrendering the outright lead at the 72nd hole.

Gotterup, who started the day four shots behind thirdround leader Matsuyama, fired nine birdies in a sevenunder par 64 at TPC Scottsdale, picking up five shots in the last six holes to post a 16-under total of 268.

Matsuyama, meanwhile, endured a nervy round in which he hit just three of 14 fairways but arrived at the 72nd hole in the lead at 17-under.

His waywardness finally caught up with him, as he was in the church pews bunker left the fairway on the way to his first bogey of the day.

That saw him close with a three-under par 68 and join Gotterup on 268, and when they returned to 18 for the playoff Matsuyama was left again and in the water.

Gotterup drilled a long birdie to seal his first PGA Tour playoff win and his second title of 2026 after a triumph at the Sony Open in Hawaii last month.

Gotterup had put himself in position to strike with a late surge that included birdies at 13, 14 and 15 and

another pair at 17 and 18 -- where his shot out of the right rough left him a three-foot birdie putt.

“I knew I needed to make birdie on 18 but you never know,” Gotterup said. “Hideki was playing great, 17 is birdieable but there’s also some danger out there.

“I just figured I would stay loose. I didn’t think this would happen, especially after Friday and Saturday but here we are,” added Gotterup, who launched his week with an impressive 63 but lost ground with a second-round 71 and third-round 70.

Matsuyama, the 2021 Masters Champion and a two-time winner in Phoenix, had four birdies and had fended off multiple challenges before his final swoon.

“It’s disappointing, a shock,” Matsuyama admitted, adding he’d “just get back up on the horse next week.

“(I) was grinding all weekend,” he said. “Didn’t have my best stuff but hung in there.”

- Scheffler solidWorld number one Scottie Scheffler came up short in his bid for another epic Phoenix Open comeback and American Michael Thorbjornsen was unable to hang on after briefly taking the lead with an eagle at 15, bogeying the next two.

IRVINE, California — The Philippine Women’s U-17 National Team conducted a US Talent Identification Camp from January 30 to February 3 at the Great Park Sports Complex here, bringing together over 150 USbased Filipina players for a five-day national team evaluation program. The camp formed a key part of the national team’s preparations for the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup, which will be held in Suzhou, China, from April 30 to May 17, 2026. The tournament also serves as the qualification pathway to the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. The camp also marked the return of Nahuel “Naz” Arrarte, who will lead the program as Head Coach of the Philippine Women’s U-17 National Team. Arrarte previously served as assistant coach

accordance with Republic Act 6847. It was a lonely journey for Guiao – aided by his counsel Atty. Jun Guzman - that took a decade before

Gotterup

Filipino Olympian Ernest John Obiena leaped to a height of 5.7 meters to settle for the bronze in the INIT Indoor Meeting in Karlsruhe, Germany.

Yeng Guiao

The Perpetual Lady Altas Dennis Abrina

Peso advances to 3-month high; BMI warns of year-end weakness

By Thony Rose Lesaca

Peso’s closing on Monday

Peso’s record-low

THE Philippine peso closed at its highest level this year at 58.46 against the US dollar on Monday, but analysts warned the local currency may weaken in the second half of 2026 due to trade pressures and interest rate differentials.

Monday’s finish marked a rise from 58.59 on Friday and represented the peso’s strongest performance in more than three months, or since it settled at 58.41 on Oct. 22, 2025. The recovery follows a volatile start to the year where the currency hit a record low of 59.46 on Jan. 20. Despite the recent gains, the Fitch unit BMI expects the peso to remain weak throughout 2026. The research group projected a depreciation of 1.3 percent by year-end, reaching about 59.50 per dollar.

BMI said that in the short term, the currency is expected to trade sideways around the 59 level amid persistent downward pressure.

“We expect the countervailing forces of a weaker dollar and the BSP cutting rates ahead of the US Fed to keep the peso range-bound over the next few months,” BMI said.

The research group noted that the market has already priced in an expected 25 basis points rate cut by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) in February, following weak economic

growth in the latter half of 2025.

The policy rate differential between the Philippines and the United States is projected to stay narrow at 75 basis points by the end of the year, while inflation is anticipated to pick up.

External factors are also likely to weigh on the currency. A 19-percent ‘reciprocal’ tariff on Philippine exports to the United States is expected to dampen trade with the country’s largest market and strain the national external position.

To combat significant fluctuations, the BSP is expected to utilize its reserves.

“We think BSP will intervene against huge downside volatility beyond 60/USD to curb imported inflation. BSP has sufficient reserves to defend the currency with gross international reserves remaining robust, covering more than seven months of imports as of December 2025,” BMI said.

By Othel V. Campos

THE Philippine pharmaceutical industry has attracted more than P18 billion in investments within Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) zones as the country moves to strengthen healthcare manufacturing and supply chain resilience, a senior official said.

PEZA deputy director-general for operations Vivian Santos underscored

THE ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO) celebrated 10 years as an international organization today, marking its transition from a small surveillance unit into a professional policy advisor for regional economies.

Since achieving its international status in 2016, the institution has expanded its mandate to support the macroeconomic resilience and financial stability of the ASEAN+3 nations.

The organization originally launched to support the Chiang Mai Initiative Multilateralisation (CMIM) but has since grown to provide independent assessments and capacity building for its members. AMRO

the industry’s investment momentum during the Philippine Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PPMA) 1st general membership meeting on Feb. 4, 2026, at the World Trade Center.

Santos cited the Philippines’ strong macroeconomic fundamentals and steady growth momentum despite global uncertainties, adding that investor confidence remains robust within the economic zones.

PEZA hosts more than 50 pharma-

serves the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) along with China, Hong Kong, Japan and Korea.

AMRO director and chief executive Yasuto Watanabe said the first decade focused on building credibility and trust during a period of global uncertainty.

“AMRO’s first decade has been about building credibility, independence, and trust,” Watanabe said.

“It was also a decade of testing amid heightened global uncertainty and repeated shocks, including a global pandemic, sharp financial tightening cycles, trade tensions, and geopolitical conflicts. These challenges have shaped both the region and AMRO,” Watanabe said. 58.46

ceutical and medical device locators.

These companies have generated over P18 billion in investments and created more than 31,500 jobs for the local economy, she said.

Santos said the continued expansion of global and local companies inside ecozones signals long-term investor confidence and supports the country’s position as a reliable manufacturing base for essential and lifesaving healthcare products.

This marked a shift from previous years when activity was concentrated in longerdated securities to a mix that now includes more short and mediumterm instruments.

“The strength we are seeing in the secondary market is the clearest validation of our long-term strategy to deepen the government securities market,” Bureau of the Treasury National Treasurer Sharon Almanza said.

Almanza said that by building reliable benchmarks and modernizing infrastructure, the government is creating a more liquid and resilient market while ensuring efficient financing for economic growth. Retail treasury bonds (TRBs) became an increasingly liquid segment of the secondary market, with the turnover ratio for these securities reaching 2.4 in 2025.

Foreign participation also increased, with non-resident holdings rising from 2 percent to nearly 5 percent during the year. This progress led to the Philippines being placed on the positive watchlist for inclusion in the JP Morgan Government Bond Index–Emerging Markets. Thony Rose Lesaca

The pharma group highlighted industry collaboration and the participation of local manufacturers in expanding access to affordable and quality medicines. Industry leaders said sustained government–industry collaboration, competitive fiscal incentives and forward-looking policies are important to attracting new pharmaceutical investments and advancing the Philippines as an export-oriented healthcare manufacturing hub.

By Darwin G. Amojelar

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10,

PH stocks slide on cautious trading

By Jenniffer B. Austria

LOCAL shares opened the week in the red, erasing early gains after a late-minute sell-off as investors turned cautious ahead of fourth-quarter corporate results.

The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index hit an intraday high of 6,458 before sliding to 6,349.16, down 41.75 points, or 0.65 percent. The all shares index closed at 3,561.47, down 22.96 points, or 0.64 percent.

The peso closed stronger against the U.S. dollar Monday at 58.455 from Friday’s 58.585.

“The local index closed lower after late-session selling pressure,” said Luis Limlingan, Regina Capital Development Corp. head of sales. “Investor sentiment was also dampened by forecasts of peso weakness amid ongoing global uncertainties. This prompted a more cautious stance toward local equities.”

Four of the six sectoral indices ended in the green, led by mining and oil, which surged 4.71 percent, and holding firms, which advanced 1.06 percent. On the other hand, services declined 3 percent while financials fell 0.45 percent.

Value turnover reached P6.75 billion. Foreign investors were net buyers with inflows of P25.95 million.

Gainers edged decliners 100 to 95, while 69 stocks were unchanged.

GT Capital Holdings Inc. was the day’s top index gainer, climbing 4.53 percent to P669. International Container Terminal Services Inc. was the main index laggard, declining 4.69 percent to P630. Japanese stocks surged to a record high Monday following Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s election win, while healthy gains across the rest of Asia and Europe tracked a rally on Wall Street. With AFP

SMC unit plans P30-b bond issue

By Alena Mae S. Flores

HE board of San

Miguel

Global Power Holdings Corp., the power arm of conglomerate San Miguel Corp., approved the issuance of up to P30 billion in peso-denominated bonds.

SMGP disclosed to the Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp. Monday that the board approved the issuance during a special meeting Feb. 6.

The proposed issuance comprises a base offer of up to P20 billion and an oversubscription option of up to P10 billion.The company did not specify how it plans to use the proceeds.

The board also approved a consent solicitation for the corporation’s outstanding fixed-rate bonds and notes to amend certain provisions of trust agreements. Relevant details will be provided in consent solicitation statements available to holders.

This follows the January issuance of up to $300 million in senior perpetual capital securities to purchase and redeem outstanding securities and finance solar, hydro and battery storage projects. SMGP proceeded with the issuance after

postponing it in December.

SMGP said it will not apply the proceeds to its existing or planned coal-fired power assets or liquefied natural gas assets, including construction and working capital requirements.

SMGP is one of the nation’s largest power companies, controlling a combined capacity of approximately 5,710 megawatts as of July 25, 2025. The company has a diversified power portfolio including natural gas, coal, and renewable energy such as hydroelectric power and battery energy storage systems. It is also engaged in retail electricity services, distribution services and various projects in the pipeline.

Gov’t officials who still enjoy trust

SO THOROUGH a job have the media done of reporting on the numerous wrongdoings and anomalies in the government that the Filipino people have come to believe that the government is a den of thieves and that government officials

The following men and women are some of the government officials who clearly appear to have retained the Filipino people’s trust and respect.

are undeserving of respect and trust.

This is an inaccurate characterization of the government; not all officials in the Executive Department, Congress and the judiciary have become untrustworthy and despicable. The following men and women are some of the government officials who clearly appear to have retained the Filipino people’s trust and respect.

Antonio Carpio is often said to be the best Supreme Court Chief Justice that this country never had. Justice Carpio had several opportunities to become this country’s chief magistrate, but on each occasion he declined to accept the position for reasons of propriety or delicadeza. A lawyer with both Executive Department and judicial experience, Carpio was one of the key members of the team that successfully argued the Philippines’ claim against China before the Permanent Court of Arbitration. His views on important legal issues— particularly on the West Philippine Sea issue—are accorded the highest respect.

Conchita Carpio-Morales, a former Supreme Court Justice, is considered one of the finest women ever to have served in this country’s highest court. Appointed Ombudsman upon her retirement, Morales showed the nation how the office of the tribune of the people should operate.

Leni Robredo has kept out of the public eye since her 2022 presidential candidacy, but she continues to engage the interest and enjoy the respect of many Filipinos. At a time when the nation is about to learn about the gross misdeeds of her successor, Robredo is remembered for the propriety and decency with which she ran the Office of the VicePresident. Now mayor of Naga City, Robredo is increasingly being talked about as a presidential candidate in the 2028 election.

Benjamin Magalong’s greatest achievement as commanding

general of the Philippine National Police’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) was his straight-shooting report on the Masapapano fiasco, in which 44 Special Action Force troopers were mowed down by Muslim rebel gunfire. Upon becoming mayor of Baguio City, Magalong exposed the dishonest practices involved in the expenditure programs of the nation’s summer capital, earning him the disdain of other local government units. More recently, he refused membership in the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) created by President Marcos to investigate the flood-control projects scandal.

The speculation is that Magalong declined the ICI appointment because he thought he would not be able to function independently.

Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) head Rogelio Singson continues to enjoy the business community’s respect and trust in the face of the deep decline in the reputation of the DPWH and the loss of professional standing of DPWH officials. Why Singson and fellow-Commissioner Rosanna Fajardo resigned from the ICI remains a matter of wide speculation.

Chel Diokno has always enjoyed the reputation of a respectable and trustworthy person. When discussing Diokno, people are reminded of the saying that the fruit cannot fall far from the tree. The son of the illustrious Senator Jose Diokno, Chel was dean of the college of law of Dela Salle University before being elected in 2025 as a partylist Representatives.

Leila de Lima is making up for loss time after being jailed for seven years by the Duterte administration on the basis of trumped-up charges. The former secretary of Justice and Commission on Human Rights chairman was elected as a Mamamayan Liberal party-list Representatives in the 2025 election. De Lima is now in the forefront of House of Representatives discussions of important national issues. Thus far, Secretary of Public Works and Highways Vince Dizon is enjoying the respect and support of the Filipino people. The former chairman of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) decidedly has one of the most difficult jobs in this country. The Filipino people wish him well and hope that he will maintain the high reputation that he has continually enjoyed. Lastly, there is Vico Sotto, the three-term mayor of Pasig City. The man who dethroned the Eusebio family from Pasig City politics, Sotto is now the poster-boy of good local government administration.

(llagasjessa@yahoo.com)

VITRO’S AWARD. VITRO Inc., the pioneer and leading data center service provider in the Philippines, clinches the Gold Anvil Award in the PR Tools (Special Events and Exhibits) category at the 61st Anvil Awards. The company was recognized for its communications execution during the VITRO Santa Rosa grand launch. The award, conferred by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP), honors outstanding public relations tools that demonstrate creativity, strategic execution and measurable impact.

BUSINESS

PEZA approves new 7-hectare ecozone in

Camarines Sur

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) has approved a nearly 7-hectare special economic zone (SEZ) at the Camarines Sur Uptown in the provincial capitol complex.

Former congressman and Camarines Sur Gov. Luis Raymund Villafuerte said the PEZA approval “will clear the way to an even larger stream of capital into one of the country’s premier investment hubs outside Metro Manila.”

At its latest board meeting, PEZA passed Resolution 26-003, approving the provincial government’s application for prequalification clearance to develop, manage and operate a 6.7-hectare property.

Once the provincial government complies with all clearances and documentary requirements, including an endorsement by the Pili Sangguniang Bayan, the Office of the President will issue the proclamation establishing the CamSur Uptown Special Economic Zone.

Lawyer Christine Heidi Rosales, acting board secretary, certified the resolution, which the board approved Jan. 23.

“The imminent establishment of the CamSur Uptown SEZ underscores the capability of our province to provide a stable and competitive environment for both international and domestic investors,” Villafuerte said. He noted the province’s growth from one of the country’s poorest to the third wealthiest local government.

“This will usher in an even greater stream of capital into the province, which has emerged as one of the country’s premier investment magnets outside Metro Manila,” said Villafuerte, who is president of the National Unity Party and senior vice chairman for South Luzon of the League of Provinces of the Philippines.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10,

Megaworld expands footprint with new P3.5-b Palawan project

By Jenniffer B. Austria

MEGAWORLD Corp. is expanding its township portfolio in Palawan with the launch of Santé Residences Palawan, a wellness-focused condominium project expected to generate P3.5 billion in sales.

The 539-unit development will rise within Paragua Coastown in San Vicente. The company said Monday in a disclosure to the stock exchange that the project is positioned as the first WELL-registered residential property in the Philippines, aligning with glob-

al standards for health, sustainability and overall well-being.

Santé Residences Palawan is Megaworld’s third residential project in the ecotourism township, following Paragua Beach Village and Oceanfront Premier Residences. The project is

scheduled for completion by 2031.

Megaworld said the development supports its strategy of expanding outside Metro Manila by tapping emerging tourism destinations. Palawan remains one of the country’s top tourist draws, supported by improving infrastructure and increasing visitor arrivals.

The project will offer studio to threebedroom units, including bi-level layouts, with sizes ranging from about 34 square meters to more than 140 square meters. All units will have private balconies with views of the coast, the township landscape and nearby forest areas. Megaworld said all units will be

sales

engagement;

First

and accounting.

Truck manufacturers see stronger 2026 sales on infrastructure boost

THE Truck Manufacturers Association Inc. (TMA) expects stronger truck sales in 2026, building on stable industry performance in 2025 and sustained demand across key economic sectors.

TMA said the industry is positioned for growth this year, driven by continued government infrastructure spending, expanding logistics requirements and rising investments in fleet modernization.

TMA president Robert Carlos said meeting sales targets last year provides a strong foundation for expan-

sion in 2026.

“Having achieved our industry truck sales targets in 2025, we are confident about the positive outlook for 2026. With sustained infrastructure development and vibrant economic activity, our member companies are well-prepared to meet the growing demand for reliable, efficient and innovative commercial vehicles,” Carlos said.

Based on consolidated data from TMA and the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI), the industry sold 6,783

Category III trucks, 3,690 Category IV trucks and buses, and 888 Category V heavy-duty trucks in 2025.

The 2025 performance showed steady demand from the logistics, construction, manufacturing and public service sectors. Compared with 2024, overall sales levels were largely maintained, signaling a stable market as the industry adjusted to normalized demand.

TMA also announced its 2026 leadership lineup. Vicente Mills Jr. of Hino Motors Philippines Corp. continues as chairman emeritus, and Car-

CYBERPARK. KFC opens a new branch on the ground floor of CyberPark Tower 3, General Aguinaldo Ave., Araneta Center, Quezon City, expanding its presence in Cubao’s bustling integrated community. Joining the opening are, from left, BJ Velasco, KFC business development chicken champion; Godofredo Martinez, CyberPark 3 property manager; and Rona Osera and Ricky Laudiano of the KFC operations chicken champion team.

los, of Isuzu Philippines Corp., serves as president.

TMA said it will continue supporting local body application manufacturing and domestic parts suppliers to strengthen the automotive value chain and support small and medium enterprises.

“This year, TMA will take a more active role in government programs and initiatives, particularly those focused on road safety, environmental protection and strengthening local truck manufacturing,” Carlos said.

Othel V. Campos

equipped with wireless smart home systems, allowing residents to remotely manage lighting and selected appliances. The development will also integrate sustainability features such as energy-efficient fixtures, rainwater harvesting systems and electric vehicle-ready parking slots. Paragua Coastown is being positioned as a mixed-use tourism and lifestyle hub. Aside from residential projects, Megaworld is developing two hotels within the township: Savoy Hotel Palawan and Paragua Sands Hotel. The hotels will have a combined 548 rooms once completed.

DA creates task force to manage rice imports

By Othel V. Campos

AGRICULTURE

Secretary Fran-

cisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has ordered the

creation of a technical working group (TWG) on rice importation to adopt a data-driven approach to balancing supply, stabilizing prices and protecting local farmers.

The move comes as the Department of Agriculture (DA) moves to finalize rice import policies for May while laying the groundwork for a more structured system later this year.

“We have to work fast. It’s already February,” Tiu Laurel said during a recent meeting with industry players and DA officials. He directed the TWG to meet weekly and submit policy recommendations within weeks.

The TWG will include representatives from the DA’s office of the undersecretary for rice industry development, Food Terminal Inc. (FTI), the Philippine Rice Industry Stakeholders Movement (PRISM) and the Philippine Rice Importers Association (PRIA).

The group is tasked with strengthening oversight of rice importation through transparent and evidencebased decision-making. Instead of ad hoc approvals, the TWG will focus on a license-based access system validated by performance and guided by data on regional supply deficits, buffer requirements and real-time stock levels.

The immediate priority is to ensure sufficient imported rice reaches the market to temper prices without disrupting local harvests.

Primelectric eyes US utility models to prepare for future of PH electricity

PRIMELECTRIC Holdings Inc., the parent company of distribution utilities More Electric and Power Corp. in Iloilo City, Negros Power and Electric Corp. in Negros Occidental, and Bohol Light Co. Inc. in Tagbilaran City, is looking beyond traditional solutions and applying lessons from U.S. utilities to prepare for the future of electricity service.

Primelectric president and chief executive Roel Castro led the company’s delegation to the DistribuTECH International (DTECH) conference and exhibit in San Diego. The Philippine delegation also included representatives from the Department of Energy, the Energy Regulatory Commission and private distribution utilities from across the country.

The delegation, hosted by the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), attended the conference to discuss how new technologies are

reshaping power distribution systems. Castro said the focus was particularly on the “last-mile” level that directly serves households and businesses.

“We are grateful to USTDA for inviting us to this conference and for allowing us to learn from global experiences,” Castro said. “This platform allows us to see how emerging technologies, policies and regulations are coming together in more advanced power systems.” Castro noted that the current model of electricity as a simple one-way service—flowing from a utility to homes and businesses—is rapidly changing.

“Customers are no longer just consumers of electricity,” he said.

“They are becoming ‘prosumers’— people who both use and generate power, such as households with rooftop solar panels.”

Alena Mae S. Flores

San Miguel’s Masinloc power plant expansion on track for September completion, to add 700 MW

By Alena Mae S. Flores

MASINLOC Power Partners Co.

Ltd., a subsidiary of SMC Global Power Holdings Corp., is expected to complete its 700-megawatt coal-fired power plant in Zambales this year.

Data from the Department of Energy shows the power plant, one of

the nation’s committed power projects, comprises two units with 350 megawatts of capacity each. The facility is targeted to be fully operational by September. The DOE issued the project a letter of noncoverage from the coal moratorium.

During a recent site visit to oversee the progress of units 4 and 5, Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said unit 4 is 97.11 percent complete. Garin said the Masinloc expansions represent a significant milestone in providing a stable power supply for the Philippines.

The Masinloc plant is a premier energy hub vital to sustaining the nation’s growing power needs, Garin said. Currently delivering more than 990 megawatts of dependable energy through units 1, 2 and 3, the facility also features a 30-megawatt battery energy storage system (BESS).

“This modern integration ensures a smoother, more resilient flow of electricity, showcasing how traditional power and innovative technology work together to brighten Filipino homes and businesses,” the DOE said in a statement.

Meanwhile, SMGP, through Mariveles Power Generation Corp., is developing units 5 and 6 of the Mariveles coal-fired power plant in Bataan with a total capacity of 600 megawatts. The projects, targeted for completion by 2029, were also issued an exemption certificate from the coal ban.

SUPPLY AGREEMENT. Officials from Wilmar Edible Oils Philippines Inc. and First Gen Corp. pose for a photo after signing an agreement for First Gen to supply Wilmar’s processing facility in Gingoog, Misamis Oriental, with geothermal energy. From left are Arlene Soriano,

Gen head of

and

Carlo Vega, First Gen chief customer engagement officer; David Lim, Wilmar chief financial officer; and Imelda Pagaduan, Wilmar senior manager for finance

KFC

Globe Telecom forecasts 2026 revenue growth

By Dawn G. Amojelar

GLOBE Telecom Inc. said Monday it expects mid-single-digit revenue growth for 2026, banking on sustained momentum in its mobile data and fiber business segments to bounce back from a slight dip in annual profit.

The Ayala-led telecommunications firm is looking to carry over strength from the fourth quarter of 2025, despite reporting a 4-percent decline in net income to P23.3 billion from P24.3 billion in 2024. Total revenue in 2025 also edged down 1.3 percent to P178.24 billion.

Globe chief finance officer Juan Carlo C. Puno attributed the 2026 outlook to “strong and sustained demand for mobile data services, the impressive performance of G-Fiber prepaid and the strategic positioning of our enterprise business.”

“Overall, we are confident that we can carry the momentum from our fourth quarter to deliver a strong 2026,” Puno said.

The company’s mobile business posted record service revenues of P116.9 billion in 2025, up from P116.7 billion the previous year. The mobile subscriber base grew 8 percent to reach

IN BRIEF

Salmon Bank doubled client base in 2025

SALMON Bank (Rural Bank) Inc. doubled its client base in 2025 as affluent Filipinos flocked to time deposit products offering competitive yields and capital stability, the lender said Monday. The bank said in a statement it ended the year with affluent clients making up about 85 percent of its depositors. These savers showed a growing preference for structured products providing predictable returns and secure fund placement. Growth was bolstered by the “Bank on Eight” promotion, which offers an 8-percent interest rate per annum for placements of at least P1 million for terms between 1 and 5 years. The promotion, which launched on Dec. 1, 2025, is scheduled to run until June 1, 2026. Salmon co-dounder and Salmon Bank (Rural Bank) chairman Raffy Montemayor said the growth highlights a rising interest in time deposits among wealthy Filipinos.

“With competitive rates like ours, they now serve as an attractive way to grow one’s wealth. The response to our ‘Bank on Eight’ offer, in particular, shows that clients now highly value products that combine strong returns with predictability and security,” he said.

PH adopts roadmap for forest carbon

THE Philippines has adopted a national strategic framework to transform the country into a high-integrity investment destination for forest carbon to unlock the economic value of its natural sinks while meeting climate goals.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Raphael Lotilla issued a department administrative order adopting the Philippines’ Roadmap to Readiness in the Voluntary Forest Carbon Market for 2026 to 2030. Developed with technical support from the United Nations Development Programme, the roadmap seeks to ensure

forest restoration initiatives support the nation’s climate goals under its nationally determined contributions and promote sustainable livelihoods for local communities.

The administrative order mandates the implementation of four priority areas through 2030 to ensure a robust market.

These include creating a policy framework to harmonize rules governing forest assets and carbon rights, as well as developing digital infrastructure such as a National Forest Monitoring System to prevent double counting of credits.

Ayala Land expands in Negros Occidental

AYALA Land Inc. and its upscale residential subsidiary Alveo Land Corp. are expanding their presence in the Visayas region with the launch of a new residential village in Negros Occidental.

The project will be situated within Northpoint, an Ayala Land estate located in Talisay City. The development marks Alveo Land’s first residential village in the province, signaling a strategic move to capture growth in one of the country’s key regional hubs.

The expansion builds on Ayala Land’s 35 years of experience in masterplanned estates. The company has developed a portfolio that integrates residential, commercial and institutional components designed to create longterm value. In Negros Occidental, Ayala Land has focused on developments that support local economic growth and sustainable living.

Alveo Land, which manages more than 70 residential and mixed-use communities across 13 growth centers, aims to apply its design-driven approach to the Talisay City project. The firm’s existing portfolio includes high-rise condominiums and suburban lots in prime locations such as Bonifacio Global City, Makati and Nuvali. The new Northpoint development will reflect principles of sustainability and community-centric living while remaining attuned to the local character of Negros, the companies said.

SM Prime supports PMA’s new cadet hall

SM PRIME Holdings Inc. said it is supporting the Philippine Military Academy’s (PMA) growth strategy through the construction of a new cadet facility named the Henry Sy Sr. Hall to bolster leadership development and national defense efforts.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the two-story structure took place at the academy grounds in Baguio City. The project aligns with the PMA’s plan to expand its cadet corps to 2,000 members by 2040.

The facility is designed to strengthen the institution’s role as a premier defense education center and a future hub for disaster response operations in Northern Luzon.

Designed by JSLA Architects and scheduled for completion by 2028, the hall features a multipurpose space capable of accommodating 2,500 indi-

viduals for training, official functions and indoor sports. The infrastructure is tailored to the local climate and the long-term requirements of the academy as it prepares cadets for modern leadership and national service.

SM Prime executive committee

chairman Hans Sy cited the importance of private-sector support in institutional building during the ceremony.

“The future of the Philippines depends on strong leadership, and strong leadership is shaped by strong institutions. We believe the PMA is central to that effort,” Sy said.

“By building the Henry Sy Sr. Hall, we hope to provide a facility that supports the Academy’s continued evolution. Because leadership is shaped not by ideals and tradition alone, but by its environment,” he said.

65.8 million by the end of 2025, compared with 60.9 million in 2024.

Core net income, which excludes non-recurring items such as asset sales and foreign exchange movements, reached P20.9 billion last year, down from P21.5 billion reported in 2024.

The Globe At Home broadband unit generated P24 billion in 2025 revenues, a 1-percent increase from P23.8 billion as fiber adoption offset the decline in legacy fixed wireless services. Corporate data revenues also hit an all-time high of P20.7 billion, up 1 percent from P20.4 billion.

By Othel V. Campos

The Philippines is on track to reach a revised $116.1-billion export target for 2026 as the government leverages improved access to the United States market and a surge in shipments of electronics and agricultural goods.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority 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.

Export sales in December jumped 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.

Export Marketing Bureau (EMB) director Bianca Pearl Sykimte said a primary driver for the momentum is improved access to the US market.

She said the lifting of US tariffs on items including coconut, coffee, tea, tropical fruits, cocoa, spices and selected fertilizers has strengthened price competitiveness for local producers.

“The lifting of US tariffs on products such as coconut, coffee, tea, tropical fruits and juices, cocoa, spices, bananas, oranges, tomatoes, beef, and selected fertilizers has strengthened price competitiveness and expanded opportunities for Philippine food exporters,” Sykimte said.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is pushing for export diversification and strategic development to help local businesses navigate trade policy uncertainties. EMB officials attributed the widening market access to stabilizing demand and robust government support.

The government continues to implement market promotion initiatives to ensure exporters can capture new growth while facing global economic headwinds, the EMB said.

GCash contributes P6.1-b income to parent company

MYNT, the parent company of the GCash mobile wallet, said Monday it expects to maintain its strong growth trajectory by focusing on innovative payment and lending solutions as digital finance becomes more integrated into daily life.

The company reported that its attributable equity earnings to Globe reached P6.1 billion ($103.7 million) in 2025, a 64-percent increase year-on-year.

Mynt president and chief executive Martha Sazon said the company is doubling down on expanding financial access to the masses through everyday payments, fair lending, and inclusive wealth and insurance products.

In 2025, GCash operator GXchange Inc. teamed up with the government to modernize payments in the transport sector, starting with Metro Manila’s rail and bus systems. These systems now accept card, QR, and NFC payments, supported by the launch of Tap to Pay, a solution enabling contactless transactions across 150 million merchants worldwide.

Mynt’s expansion has reached underserved segments, with 90 percent of users coming from lower socioeconomic groups and 78 percent located outside Metro Manila.

Fuse Financing, the lending arm of Mynt, disbursed loans worth P362 billion in 2025, marking a 65-percent increase from 2024. This growth was led by 10.5 million unique borrowers and the GScore proprietary trust scoring system. Darwin G. Amojelar

SEC upholds fines against NOW, chairman

By Jenniffer B. Austria

THE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has denied an appeal by NOW Corp. and Chairman Mel Velarde, affirming a P1-million fine each for allegedly disclosing misleading information to the public in violation of securities laws.

The SEC, in a 23-page decision, dismissed the appeal for “lack of merit” and upheld a previous ruling by its Enforcement and Investor Protection Department (EIPD).

The regulator also directed the EIPD to investigate whether other members of the NOW’s board of directors should be held personally accountable for the incident.

The case originated from a November 2021 disclosure following news reports that the National Telecommunications Commission was seeking to resolve an alleged P2.6-billion debt in unpaid fees from NOW Telecom.

When the Philippine Stock Ex-

change queried the firm, NOW claimed it was not a party to the Supreme Court case and had no knowledge of specific details, citing the sub judice rule.

The SEC rejected this defense, noting that the P2.6-billion claim was a material fact because NOW Telecom accounts for 97.82 percent of NOW Corp.’s total assets.

The regulator said it was “incomprehensible for NOW to claim that it has no knowledge on the detail of the case” and labeled the disclosure “false or misleading.”

“Mr. Velarde, as chairman of both entities had actual knowledge thereof, or is pressured to know the same. For him to authorize or allow a disclosure claiming ‘no knowledge of the specific details’ is at a minimum, a reckless disregard for the truth and an extreme departure from the standards of ordinary care required of a director of a publicly listed company,” the SEC said.

and data management solutions, joins the CyberSecPhil Conference 2026 to underscore the need for effective data protection. Huang says organizations should treat data protection as an organizational priority, not just an IT concern, and rethink strategies beyond traditional backups.

BETTER LEARNING. City Savings Bank, the thrift unit of the Aboitiz-led Union Bank of the Philippines, strengthens its commitment to promote quality education by supporting the construction and refurbishment of more than 30 learning spaces nationwide last year. In 2015, City Savings Bank teamed up with the Department of Education (DepEd) and other community partners in major construction projects in Bashoy Elementary School in Kabayan, Benguet, and Santiago South Central School in Santiago City, Isabela.

LAND BANK PROMO. Two Land Bank of the Philippines depositors from Mindanao and one from Central Luzon are the top winners of the Bank’s IpoNalo 2.0 Power Up Promo grand raffle draw. They will receive P1 million and p500,000 cash prizes, and a brand-new Toyota Zenix 2.0 Q Hybrid CVT. The lucky winners are Aileen Meniano Mohinog of Davao del Norte and An An David Galuno of Tarlac, who won the major cash prizes, while Darloh Jay Rosales Togon of Davao del Sur, will be taking home a brand-new hybrid vehicle.

DATA PROTECTION. Claire Huang, Philippine country manager of Synology, a leader in network-attached storage

ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY

CCC supports just and clean energy switch

THE Climate Change Commission (CCC) called for a just and inclusive energy transition to give communities and various sectors time and support to adjust.

The agency made the call as part of the commemoration of the International Day of Clean Energy in late January.

CCC vice chairperson and executive director Robert E.A. Borje stressed the importance of a gradual and inclusive approach.

“To reduce climate impacts, we must carefully and progressively move away from fossil fuels toward clean energy solutions.

Borje added that clean energy sources identified under national climate and energy frameworks include hydropower, geothermal, solar, wind and biomass, with grid modernization and smart grid technologies supporting the integration of these renewable energy sources into the power system.

The energy sector, according to the Philippines’ Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement, is a key contributor to the country’s emissions reduction efforts.

The NDC plan, developed and submitted during the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., underscores the need to scale up renewable energy deployment, with the Philippines targeting an increased share of renewable energy in the power generation mix by 2030 to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

The CCC noted that coal, oil and gas contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, driving extreme weather and rising temperatures.

Transitioning to clean energy is a key step toward a safer and more sustainable future.

A shift to clean energy brings tangible benefits for people and the planet.

Renewable energy reduces air pollution, improves public health, lowers long-term energy costs and protects ecosystems that communities rely on for food, water and livelihoods.

The CCC cited ongoing initiatives that support the country’s just transition to clean energy, including capacity-building programs for local governments, partnerships with private sector developers and policies that encourage renewable energy investments.

These efforts aim to ensure that communities are empowered and prepared to participate in the shift toward sustainable energy.

“Clean energy is not just about technology; it is about people and communities. Our programs focus on raising awareness, providing training, and creating opportunities so that everyone can benefit from a sustainable energy future,” Borje said. CCC News

Jollibee embraces sustainability at Cebu commissary

THE Jollibee Group highlighted the sustainability-driven design and community impact of its Danao Commissary in Cebu, underscoring how responsible manufacturing practices are embedded into the company’s operations as part of its global sustainability agenda.

“Designed with sustainability at its core, our Danao Commissary integrates environmental initiatives directly into everyday operations, supporting the Jollibee Group’s commitment to scaling our manufacturing and logistics footprint responsibly,” said Michael T. Ong, president of Jollibee Group’s manufacturing and logistics operations.

Kitchen gardens blossom in a Kenyan refugee camp

SHE adds that the passion for her children to have sufficient, diverse food was the main push behind her adoption of the kitchen garden.

“These vegetables are better than what I used to get from the market. They are fresh, and they have significantly reduced the amount I have to spend on buying,” emphasizes Mariam.

With the kitchen garden in place, she is saving about US$45 a month. This money she uses to buy other essentials for her family.

Mariam explains that her biggest constraint is the lack of space. She dreams of expanding her kitchen garden so she can grow more, enough to feed her family and even sell the surplus in the market.

“I am sure my vegetables will be preferred to the ones that are brought from other areas, since they will get to the market when they are still very fresh,” Mariam adds.

In addition to households receiving training on kitchen gardens, they are also taken through cooking demonstrations to build their practical skills and

strengthen their ability to prepare diverse, nutritious meals using locally available foods.

“It is great to see women like Mariam and many others taking up this food production technology which is very practical but most importantly impactful in terms of their nutrition and incomes,” says Elizabeth Kamau, the FAO project lead.

The project aims to reach another

2,000 households, also promoting the rearing of backyard chickens.

Iron-deficiency and anemia among women of reproductive age and poor dietary diversity among children under five remain a major concerns in Dadaab.

By growing vegetables and keeping poultry, families can access fresh and affordable foods that help address nutritional deficiencies.

Two sustainability features stand out at the facility. The Danao Commissary is powered by 99-percent renewable energy, primarily geothermal supplied by First Gen Corp., complemented by on-site rooftop solar panels. This transition significantly reduces the commissary’s carbon footprint while ensuring a reliable energy supply for operations.

The Danao Commissary also integrates responsible water management systems to support sustainable operations and protect local water resources. The facility is equipped with a rainwater collection system that helps reduce reliance on freshwater, alongside a

dedicated on-site wastewater treatment facility that ensures all wastewater generated is treated and that effluent discharge meets required environmental standards before release.

In total, 31 sustainability initiatives were incorporated into the facility, drawing from proven practices already implemented across the Jollibee Group’s manufacturing and logistics network. These initiatives align with the planet pillar of the Jollibee Group’s Joy for Tomorrow agenda, which focuses on waste reduction and water and energy efficiency, ensuring that sustainability is built into operations as the business grows.

Chevron and volunteers release 146 sea turtles into open waters

CHEVRON Philippines Inc. (CPI), marketer of Caltex fuels and lubricants, and several partner organizations released 146 Olive Ridley sea turtle hatchlings into open waters.

The release comes nearly five months after its last Coastal Cleanup Activity, which had volunteers collect trash along the shoreline of the brand’s Batangas terminal to create an ideal nesting ground for the turtle species.

CPI’s Coastal Cleanup in September rallied 250 volunteers across multiple organizations, including SRDC, CJI General Services Inc., 5G Security Inc. (5GS), the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).

Also joining the initiative are Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA), Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO), City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) and Barangay Danglaya. They collected 232 sacks of trash, preparing the shoreline for the turtles’

nesting season.

CPI has protected the shores along the Batangas Terminal to facilitate the sea turtles’ nesting and hatching. It has also worked with the CENRO, San Pascual MENRO, Barangay Danglayan and PCGA in conservation training and protecting the turtles during their mating season.

Although the Olive Ridley sea turtle is the most abundant sea turtle species, the International Union for Conservation of Nature has listed it as an animal at high risk of extinction. The species’ global population has declined due to illegal trade and the consumption of turtle eggs.

Plastic pollution has also been a major threat to the species, as the turtles can ingest and choke on microplastics in the ocean. Coastal development also reduces the space available for nesting.

Through the Coastal Cleanup, CPI not only clears trash from nearby shorelines, but it also plays a pivotal role in boosting the species’ local population.

Iloilo embeds circularity into 2 festivals

ILOILO CITY―The Iloilo provincial and city governments have raised the bar on sustainability by embedding circular economy practices into two of the region’s biggest cultural celebrations—the Dinagyang and Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan Festivals.

A historic first for the Iloilo provincial government, the Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan Festival this year launched the Circularity Creativity Award, challenging participating tribes to creatively embed sustainability and circular economy principles into their cultural presentations.

Festival director for program and production Alfonso Baldonado III underscored the integration of a circular economy framework into the festival’s updated guidelines, encouraging groups to ensure that at least 30 percent of their costumes and props are recyclable, reusable, or made from natural materials.

Without compromising creativity and ingenuity, three-time winner Tultugan showcased its bamboo-themed cultural performance using naturebased resources and biodegradable, reusable, repurposed and recyclable

Kasadyahan grand champion Tultugan Festival of the municipality of Maasin bagged the first Circularity Creativity Award for integrating circular economy and regenerative design in their overall production.

materials in their costumes and props. The circular transition initiative is being implemented in partnership with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Philippines and supported by The Coca-Cola Foundation through the PH Plastics Circularity

funding from the EU, FAO has supported kitchen gardens in the refugee camp, providing seeds and training on vegetable production and nutrition. FAO/Joseph Othieno

FAO News

Solar panels, installed on the rooftop of the City of Bacoor Sports Gymnasium, contribute to the clean and renewable power supply of the Bacoor Government Center complex.

Tiny steps toward a thriving marine ecosystem. As a result of Chevron Philippines’ long-running coastal cleanup initiatives in Batangas, 146 Olive Ridley sea turtle hatchlings were safely released into open waters.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2026

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

Horror flick

‘Send Help’ scares off box office competition

HORROR movie Send Help showed staying power, leading the North American box office for a second straight week with $10 million in ticket sales, industry estimates showed Sunday.

The 20th Century flick stars Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien as a woman and her boss trying to survive on a deserted island after their plane crashes. It marks a return to the genre for director Sam Raimi, who first made his name in the 1980s with the Evil Dead films.

Debuting in second place at $7.2 million was rom-com Solo Mio starring comedian Kevin James as a groom left at the altar in Italy, Exhibitor Relations reported.

Post-apocalyptic Sci-fi thriller Iron Lung—a video game adaptation written, directed, and financed by YouTube star Mark Fischbach, known by his pseudonym Markiplier—finished in third place at $6.7 million.

Stray Kids: The Dominate Experience, a concert film for the K-pop boy band Stray Kids filmed at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, opened in fourth place at $5.6 million.

And in fifth place at $4.5 million was Luc Besson’s English-language adaptation of Dracula, which was released in select countries outside the United States last year.

Rounding out the top 10 were Zootopia 2 with $4 million, followed by The Strangers: Chapter 3 and Avatar: Fire and Ash, which each earned $3.5 million. Shelter took in $2.4 million, while Melania finished close behind with $2.38 million. AFP

FIRE and Ice Entertainment has moved to consolidate its projects under a single, integrated creative structure, formally launching a multi-platform ecosystem that spans live concerts, music releases, film and series development, theater productions, and cultural consultancy.

The company unveiled the expansion during a media event in Quezon City, outlining plans that will roll out through 2026. Five interconnected units now sit under the Fire and Ice banner: Fire and Ice LIVE!, Fire and Ice Music, Fire and Ice Studios, Fire and Ice Media, and Fire and Ice Consultancy.

Chief Executive Officer Liza Diño said that the expansion draws heavily from a decade spent “navigating both creative work and cultural policy.”

“Creativity is important—stories, music, live work—but it doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Behind it is a system,” Diño told guests during their grand launch. “If we hadn’t prepared, if we hadn’t built systems, policies, and support structures, we would have been left behind.”

Diño pointed to shifts brought by streaming platforms, the pandemic, and changing audience habits as lessons that shaped the company’s approach. Audiences moved to devices, distribution models changed, and local industries were forced to think beyond domestic borders.

“How does an industry that has traditionally relied on local audiences begin to travel beyond its borders?” she asked. “What happens when local audiences shift away?”

Those questions now inform Fire and Ice’s development strategy, particularly its emphasis on long-term planning, proper project development, and international collaboration. Diño stressed the need to rethink financing models and creative scale.

“Instead of asking, ‘What budget do we have?’ and forcing big ideas to fit into it, we should ask what the story needs,” she noted.

“Can it represent our culture? Can it travel?”

Fire and Ice LIVE!, on the other hand, outlined a lineup of concerts

GMA Regional TV kicked off 2026 in full party mode, sending some of the country’s most familiar television faces across Luzon and the Visayas as January’s biggest festivals drew packed crowds, screaming fans, and nonstop performances.

From town plazas to shopping malls, Kapuso stars fanned out nationwide to join local celebrations, blending pop performances with long-standing traditions as festivalgoers welcomed the new year in high spirits.

The celebrations opened on Jan. 3 at the Mataas na Kahoy town fiesta in Batangas, where fans packed the venue to watch Hannah Precillas, EA Guzman, Arra San Agustin, Prince Carlos, Bryce Eusebio, Jeniffer Maravilla, and Lee Victor perform back-to-back numbers. Pepita Curtis hosted the event, keeping energy levels high from start to finish.

The excitement rolled into Lipa City on Jan. 11, as Robinsons Place Lipa filled with fans eager to see Born to Shine cast members Zephanie, Olive May, Gaea Mischa, and Miggs Cuaderno alongside Apoy sa Dugo stars Thea Tolentino and Patricia Coma during a

Fire and Ice lays groundwork for long-term creative work

and stage productions for the year, including performances headlined by Ice Seguerra, the Divine Divas, Sitti, and the Sessionistas, alongside touring plans that extend to Australia and Europe. Theater productions such as Still Alice and ’Night, Mother are also scheduled later in the year.

Fire and Ice Music introduced its initial roster of artists, including Seguerra, Princess Velasco, Louise, and the Divine Divas, with several EP releases planned. The label positions itself as a platform that allows artists closer involvement in their creative direction.

On the screen side, Fire and Ice Media presented a slate of feature films, series, documentaries, and audio proj-

ects, including works by Brillante Mendoza and John Paul Su, as well as original projects developed internally. A second season of the podcast Talk Sheets with Ice and Liza is also in development. Completing the structure is Fire and Ice Consultancy, which focuses on cultural strategy and advisory work, including involvement in UNESCO Creative City applications and QCinema Industry 2026. Seguerra, the company’s chief creative officer, traced the Fire and Ice’s origins to something far simpler: the need for a place to work.

“It feels good when you have something to do, when you have somewhere to put your energy, something

to prepare for,” Seguerra shared. “That’s often where creativity begins.” What started as a small rehearsal space eventually grew into Firelight Studios, now used by musicians, performers, and theater artists across disciplines.

“We believe everything should happen here first, before you hear it in music, see it on stage, or watch it on screen,” Seguerra explained. “It became a space where ideas could sit, grow, and be tested.” For Seguerra, the focus remains on process and care. “At the end of the day, we really have just one focus: to give artists the best possible experience while they’re creating.”

GMA Regional TV kicks off 2026 with star-studded festival celebrations nationwide

packed mall show. In Laguna, cheers echoed through San Pablo City Plaza on Jan. 15 during the Coco Festival, where Kristoffer Martin joined Derrick Monasterio, Elle Villanueva, and Ashley Ortega in a lively night of music and fan interaction.

Pangasinan saw nearly a week of Kapuso appearances, beginning with the Talong Festival Kapuso Fiesta in Villasis on Jan. 16. Andrea Torres, Jeric Gonzales, Arra San Agustin, Ronnie Liang, and other performers took the stage, with Pepita Curtis once again hosting. Youth Night followed in Malasiqui on Jan. 24, led by Boobay and Tekla with Bubble Gang stars Aldy Alday and Erika Davis. The celebrations wrapped up the next day with the Malasiqui town fiesta, featuring Anthony Rosaldo, Derrick Monasterio, Ashley Ortega, Elle Villanueva, and other Kapuso performers. Meanwhile, Cebu City turned into a sea of fans as Sinulog festivities unfolded with consecutive mall shows across major venues. Ayala Malls Central Bloc buzzed on Jan. 16 with appearances by Allen Ansay, Althea Ablan, and other young stars.

The following day, crowds gathered at Ayala Center Cebu for performances by Cassy Legaspi, Cheska Fausto, Beauty Gonzalez, and

Martin del Rosario. The Sinulog weekend peaked on Jan. 18 at SM City Cebu, where Kim de Leon, David Licauco, and Jillian Ward drew some of the loudest cheers of the festival.

That same day, GMA Regional TV’s live coverage of the Sinulog 2026 Grand Parade pulled in heavy online traffic, generating more than 849,000 views across YouTube and Facebook platforms.

Iloilo followed suit with Dinagyang celebrations that kept the momentum going. Ashley Ortega, Derrick Monasterio, and Elle Villanueva appeared at SM City Iloilo on Jan. 23, followed by Jillian Ward, Cassy Legaspi, and Cheska Fausto at Robinsons Iloilo the next day.

The Dinagyang weekend closed on Jan. 25 at Festive Walk Mall, where Charlie Fleming, Sean Lucas, Anthony Constantino, and Allen Ansay entertained festival crowds.

Online audiences also tuned in, with special coverage of the Dinagyang Ati Tribe Competition drawing more than 229,000 combined views across digital platforms.

As the year begins, GMA Regional TV continues its nationwide tour, bringing familiar faces, live performances, and festival energy straight to communities across the country.

‘Send Help’ stays on top of the North American box office for a second straight week, led by Rachel McAdams (in photo) and Dylan O’Brien in Sam Raimi’s return to horror

Liza Diño (left) and Ice Seguerra say the group’s next phase focuses on better planning and support so artists can create at their best

‘Never Say Die’ stars (from left) Kim de Leon, David Licauco, and Jillian Ward join the Sinulog Festival 2026 mall show circuit as GMA Regional TV brings Kapuso performances to packed crowds

Andrea Torres, Jeric Gonzales, Arra San Agustin, John Rex, Jessica Villarubin, Elle Villanueva, and Ronnie Liang join host Pepita Curtis for the Talong Festival Kapuso Fiesta stop in Villasis, Pangasinan

From left: Sean Lucas, Allen Ansay, Charlie Fleming, and Anthony Constantino of ‘Huwag Kang Titingin’ bring Kapuso energy to Dinagyang week in Iloilo

Zodiac-themed collectibles rolled out for Lunar New Year

MCDONALD’S Philippines is marking the Lunar New Year with a limited-time release of Chinese zodiac-inspired collectibles paired with a seasonal beverage offering

The fast-food chain has introduced 12 collectibles based on Chinese zodiac animals, featuring McDonald’s characters such as Grimace, Hamburglar, and Birdie. Each figure comes with a detachable zodiac animal shell fitted with a colored gem, with designs that can be interchanged across the collection.

The release coincides with the Year of the Fire Horse. A total of 13 zodiac animal shells are available, including a bonus golden horse shell created for the occasion.

Ada Almendras-Lazaro, chief marketing officer of McDonald’s Philippines, said the promotion

By Angelica Villanueva

For many families, Chinese New Year is less about what’s on the table and more about what happens around it— the gathering, the wishes spoken aloud, and the familiar rituals that mark the start of something new.

At Conrad Manila, the Year of the Horse is built around that same idea. The hotel is rolling out its Lunar New Year offerings from Feb. 11 through March 3, centering the season on shared dining, symbolic traditions, and gifting that fit the way many households celebrate today.

Much of the program runs through China Blue by Jereme Leung, Conrad Manila’s Chinese restaurant, where the format is designed for groups. The hotel’s set menus for the season lean into classic New Year themes like abundance, harmony, and prosperity, served in multicourse spreads meant for passing around and talking over.

One of the most animated moments comes with the Prosperity Yee Sang, a raw fish salad prepared with salmon, crab claw, and colorful vegetables. The dish arrives as a centerpiece, then the table stands to toss the ingredients high while calling out wishes for luck, health, and success. It’s loud, playful, and familiar to many diners who treat the toss as the point where the meal turns into a collective reset for the year ahead.

Conrad Manila is also extending the celebration beyond the dining room for families who prefer to mark the occasion at home. The hotel is offering take-away options tied to its Lunar New Year menus, a setup aimed at households that want restaurant-style dishes without turning the holiday into an all-day kitchen project.

Gifting remains part of the ritual. The hotel’s nian gao collection features traditional rice cakes shaped in symbolic forms and presented in boxes inspired by the Year of the Horse, positioned for the usual rounds of visiting elders, friends, and business contacts.

The celebrations culminate on Feb. 17, the Lunar New Year date in 2026, with a lion dance and an eye-dotting ceremony at the hotel’s entrance. This public tradition is intended to bring good luck and new starts.

As Lunar New Year gatherings continue to shift with modern schedules and mixed traditions, Conrad Manila’s approach keeps the focus on what tends to last. People still want a reason to sit down together, take part in familiar rituals, and leave the table feeling like the year has properly started.

is intended to tie the brand’s offerings to traditional Lunar New Year celebrations.

Customers can obtain the collectibles through a limited-time bundle by adding 168 pesos to any McDonald’s meal. The offer includes one collectible and an upgrade to the Golden McFloat, a seasonal drink.

The Golden McFloat is a Sprite-based beverage blended with peach and pear flavors and topped with vanilla soft serve. It is available only for the Lunar New Year period.

McDonald’s said the Lunar New Year campaign also includes app-exclusive deals and other in-store activities during the season.

The promotion is available nationwide for a limited time, while supplies last.

Gathering and traditions

US President Donald Trump criticized Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime performance on Sunday, calling it “absolutely terrible” and an “affront” because it was entirely in Spanish, even as the Puerto Rican superstar drew praise for a vibrant show celebrating his culture and promoting unity.

“Nobody understands a word this guy is saying,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, despite more than 41 million Americans speaking Spanish. He also objected to the show’s focus on Puerto Rico, where Bad Bunny was born.

The 31-year-old artist, born Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio, became the

first Super Bowl headliner to perform exclusively in Spanish, turning the stadium into a Puerto Rican street festival with a sugarcane plantation, a piragua cart, a wedding scene, and a backdrop resembling a Puerto Rican home. He opened with hits including

“Titi Me Pregunto” and “Yo Perreo Sola,” backed by dancers, with guest appearances from Pedro Pascal, Jessica Alba, and Cardi B. Dressed first in an all-white outfit with a football jersey labeled “64 Ocasio” and later in a suit jacket, Bad Bunny addressed social issues during “El Apagon,” a song

about power outages and displacement on the island, while carrying a Puerto Rican flag.

Surprise guests included Lady Gaga, performing a Latin-inflected version of “Die with a Smile,” the only English lyrics, and Puerto Rican singer Ricky Martin. The show ended with Bad Bunny spiking a football labeled “Together, we are America,” as a stadium screen read, “The only thing more powerful than hate is love.” Conservative backlash focused on his choice not to sing in English. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell defended the selection, calling Bad Bunny “one of the great artists of the world,” as the league seeks to expand its international audience.

Born in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, Bad Bunny rose from bagging groceries to global stardom via SoundCloud. His album Debi Tirar Mas Fotos recently became the first Spanish-language work to win the Grammy for Album of the Year. In Puerto Rico,

of

Conrad Manila’s Lunar New Year offerings focus on shared dining and

The Prosperity Yee Sang, a raw fish salad, is a highlight, with diners tossing the ingredients while making wishes for the new year

Conrad Manila celebrates the Year of the Horse by focusing on the gathering and rituals of Chinese New Year

Lady Gaga (right) joins Bad

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2026

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

Global Filipino Star Icon Awards honors Filipino leaders and trailblazers in Dubai

By Nickie Wang

DUBAI hosted a glittering celebration of Filipino excellence last month as the Global Filipino Star Icon Awards brought together leaders, icons, and rising changemakers from around the world.

The event reaffirmed the annual awards’ mission in celebrating excellence across generations and training a global spotlight on Filipinos who continue to inspire, innovate, and lead.

The ceremony, held at Kempinski Central Avenue on Jan. 31 was a showcase of talent, impact, and pride on the international stage.

The spotlight of the evening fell on Aquino Plotado, who was presented with the Global Filipino Legacy Award for Film, Real Estate, and Philanthropy. Known for his influence across industries, Plotado’s recognition highlighted his commitment to giving back, with initiatives that continue to benefit communities both locally and abroad.

He made a striking entrance in a skyblue suit by internationally acclaimed Filipino designer Michael Cinco. He said it was a dream fulfilled to wear Cinco’s signature creation.

In June last year, Plotado made headlines for clinching a landmark AED 1-billion beachfront development deal in Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah through an exclusive partnership with fäm Properties.

On the cinematic front, his film As The Call, So The Echo earned accolades at the 11th Emirates Film Festival, with

Enzo Pineda taking Best Actor and Rusty Palacio Guarin winning Best Director.

In March 2025, Plotado hosted a major alumni and community event worth around P3 million, featuring special guest Mark Herras. He donated P1 million to his alma mater and personally gifted cash to teachers and batchmates. He also provided Potrero National High School in Malabon City with printers, a sound system, a service van, and an e-bike to support education and community programs.

The evening also honored a host of prominent Filipinos making waves across industries. Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray received the Global Icon of Beauty, Advocacy, and Culture Award, while Piolo Pascual was recognized with the Lifetime Achievement in Filipino Arts and Global Representation Award.

Journalist Atom Araullo earned the Lifetime Achievement in Public

Service Journalism Award, and beauty

and business pioneer Ricky Reyes was named Lifetime Icon of Beauty and Business Innovation. Fashion and design were celebrated, too. Renowned designer Renee Salud became Global Ambassador of Filipino Fashion and Heritage, while Rian Fernandez was named Designer of the Year. Other honorees included Carl E. Balita for Lifetime Achievement in Education and Professional Empowerment, Zeinab Harake for Empowered Woman of the New Media Generation, Glenda Dela Cruz for Global Visionary in Beauty and Entrepreneurship, and Pia Marie Yanson for Iconic Filipina in Entrepreneurship and Philanthropy.

Organized by The Filipino Global Magazine, the Global Filipino Star Icon Awards celebrates the achievements and contributions of Filipinos in the Middle East.

Masterclass gathers coffee professionals to promote education, collaboration

THE specialty coffee scene in Cavite and Southern Luzon has been quietly gathering momentum, fueled by small cafés, committed baristas, and a growing appetite for better beans and better business practices.

That momentum was on display on Jan. 31, when Origins Coffee Company hosted Bean to Brand: A Coffee Masterclass & Private Concoction Throwdown at Dasca Centre in Dasmariñas, Cavite.

The gathering felt less like a product showcase and more like a working session for an industry finding its footing. Café owners, baristas, suppliers, and partner brands shared the same space, exchanging ideas on brewing, operations, and sustainability. Education and collaboration were not treated as buzzwords but as practical tools for businesses trying to stay steady in a competitive and fast-evolving market.

Origins Coffee Company, which organized the event, operates as a distributor of coffee products and equipment, supplying ethically sourced beans, espresso machines, barista milk, and syrups to cafés across the region. But the masterclass suggested a broader view of its role. Rather than focusing only on what it sells, the company positioned itself as part of an ecosystem, one that depends on skilled people, shared standards, and long-term thinking.

That approach resonated with participants navigating the realities of running coffee businesses outside Metro Manila. As more cafés open across Cavite and nearby provinces, the demand has grown for accessible training and stronger professional networks.

Bringing different players together in one venue helped surface shared

challenges, from quality control to workflow efficiency, and encouraged peer-to-peer learning.

The program mixed expert-led masterclasses with live product demonstrations and hands-on training. Guided tastings allowed participants to compare profiles and preparation methods, while the Private Concoction Throwdown added an element of creativity and friendly competition. It was a reminder that technical discipline and play often sit side by side in coffee culture.

Support came from a wide range of industry partners, including Carmen’s Best, DLA Naturals, Dionysus, Barista PH Essentials, Goodmate Oatmilk, Craft Coffee Masters, MHW-3Bomber, Baked D, Brewista, Bialetti, Singha Soda Water, Chroma Café, and Mango Events and Marketing, reflecting how interconnected the sector has become.

“Our goal at Origins Coffee Company is to empower the coffee community,” said Jhon Roe Rejas, the company’s president. He said the masterclass aimed to give professionals space to learn, connect, and strengthen both their craft and their businesses. For a region still shaping its specialty coffee identity, the event underscored a simple point. Growth is not only about opening more cafés or selling more cups. It is also about shared knowledge, steady collaboration, and building practices that can last.

Social-first campaign

‘Our

CALVIN Klein is turning up the heat this Valentine’s Day with its new social-first campaign, “Our Calvins,” asking fans worldwide one simple question: Who do you share your Calvins with?

Leading the campaign are Grace Van Patten and Jackson White, the reallife couple and stars of Tell Me Lies, rocking the brand’s limited-edition Valentine’s Day underwear and lounge pieces.

Shot by Zora Sicher, the pair is captured in candid, athome moments, showing off the effortless comfort and intimate vibes of wearing Calvin Klein together.

“Calvin Klein has always been about confidence, connection, and being comfortable in your own skin,” Van Patten said. “Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to celebrate closeness, laughter, and just having fun.” White added, “Stripped back to just our Calvins, we could be fully present and enjoy how effortless our connection is.” The Valentine’s Day capsule refreshes classic CK essentials with soft new colorways and limited-edition prints. Men’s Icon Cotton Stretch and women’s Icon Cotton Modal now feature the bold CK Emblem print, while the Cotton Poplin Brief and Short arrive in a new palette—perfect for mix, match, and share moments.

Fans in the Philippines can shop the Valentine’s Day capsule at Calvin Klein stores, exclusively distributed by SSI, in select malls or online via Trunc.ph, Rustans.com, Zalora, Shopee, and Lazada.

The Global Filipino Star Icon Awards gathers Filipino leaders, icons, and rising changemakers at Kempinski Central Avenue in Dubai

Aquino Plotado says wearing a sky-blue suit by Filipino designer Michael Cinco fulfills a long-held dream as he accepts his recognition in Dubai

Calvin Klein’s ‘Our Calvins’ Valentine’s campaign features real-life couple Grace Van Patten and Jackson White

The brand’s Valentine’s Day capsule refreshes classic essentials with new colorways and limitededition prints

Aquino Plotado receives the Global Filipino Legacy Award for Film, Real Estate, and Philanthropy at the Global Filipino Star Icon Awards in