Manila Standard - 2026 February 18 - Wednesday

PH, US flag China WPS actions

By Katrina Manubay and Rex Espiritu

THE Philippines and the United States on Monday condemned China’s “coercive and aggressive” actions in the South China Sea while reaffirming their commitment to regional security, freedom of navigation, and the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT).

By Maricel V. Cruz, Rex Espiritu and Ram Superable

A PARTY-LIST lawmaker on Tues-

Season of grace begins this week

IN A powerful and rare alignment this year, Catholic and Muslim communities in the Philippines are beginning their sacred seasons of Lent and Ramadan this week.

Church leaders are embracing this convergence as a unique opportunity for shared spiritual reflection, inviting both faiths to a collective period of prayer, fasting, and conversion, according to Fr. Mark Robin Destura, RCJ in his article in the Vatican News.

The eve of the first full day of fasting for Ramadan, which commemorates the first revelation of the Qur’an to the Prophet Muhammad, aligns with Ash Wednesday for Catholics, the start of the 40-day Lenten journey in preparation for the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo of Kidapawan, chairman of the Commission on Interreligious Dialogue of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, describes this shared beginning as “a grace”, writes Destura.

“It invites us to slow down, to return to God and to walk together in faith,” he quotes Bishop Bagaforo

By Ram Superable

THE Senate plans to hold a closeddoor caucus to discuss the International Criminal Court’s move naming Senators Christopher Lawrence

“Bong” Go and Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa as alleged co-perpetrators in killings linked to the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign, Senator Bam Aquino announced Tuesday.

“We will discuss that tomorrow; we will probably hold a caucus. But first, we should wait for the ICC’s formal declaration on February 23 to see exactly what is there,” Aquino said. Dela Rosa has been absent from the Senate sessions since the reported is -

suance of arrest warrants by the ICC for Duterte’s co-conspirators. Despite the move initiated by the ICC’s Office of the Prosecutor, Aquino said cases involving alleged

By Charles Dantes and Pot Chavez

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday urged the people to “move forward with discipline, prudence, and clear direction” as the country welcomed the Lunar New Year. On the other hand, Vice President Sara Duterte called on Filipinos to embrace the spirit of bayanihan and move forward with courage and unity as we welcome the Year of the Fire Horse.

By Maricel V. Cruz

Marcoleta eyes ethics rap vs. Ping

By Charles Dantes

SENATOR Rodante Marcoleta on Tuesday said he will file an ethics complaint against Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson over an alleged “spliced” video posted on the latter’s social media account.

In an interview with Net 25’s Ganang Mamamayan, Marcoleta said the video, which shows him stating that the Kalayaan Island Group is “way beyond” the country’s exclusive economic zone,

failed to present the proper sequence of exchanges during a Commission on Appointments confirmation hearing, resulting in what he described as a misleading narrative.

The video, posted on Lacson’s Facebook page, shows senators debating the country’s rights over the Kalayaan Island Group before a senior Philippine Navy officer.

“One of a senator’s duties is to express what is correct because the public looks up to you,” Marcoleta said. “You were entrusted with the mandate to serve honestly. Then you create that kind of narrative, very different from what truly happened— your case will surely end up before the ethics committee.”

ply that such cooperation could be withheld as a form of leverage or retaliation,” the DFA said.

Marcoleta said he has drafted the complaint and cannot ignore what he described as the actions of Lacson’s camp. Lacson confirmed he is aware of the plan but denied splicing any video.

“Reports have reached me that a fellow senator has threatened to file an ethics complaint against me for supposedly splicing a video taken during a CA confirmation hearing. How do you even splice a video? I have no idea. Please teach me,” he said on X, adding he is unsure which video Marcoleta was referring to.

time, we firmly oppose any slander or smear against China, as well as irresponsible remarks that incite hatred,” he said in a statement.

“As for what is happening right now, it could not be denied that we, people with unknown names, simple people with simple lives, are easy targets for those bullies,” Albayda said in a press conference.

The Kalayaan officials earlier passed a resolution seeking to remove from the Senate record Senator Rodante Marcoleta’s remarks that the Philippines should just give up the KIG to “make it easier” amid maritime tensions with China.

For his part, Akbayan party-list Rep. Percival Cendaña said he intends to propose the funding for the municipality during the 2027 budget crafting.

“Our support for the Kalayaan island municipality residents must go beyond rhetoric. As they say, put your money where your mouth is. Our countrymen, the residents, the heroes of the Kalayaan Island Group have many needs,” he said.

extrajudicial killings should ideally be handled by Philippine courts so justice is pursued locally for victims and their families.

The lawmaker clarified that he continues to respect the legal process underway at the ICC in The Hague.

The confirmation of charges against former president Rodrigo Duterte is scheduled to begin on Feb. 23, with hearings also set on Feb. 24, 26 and 27.

Malacañang has urged current and former officials named in the International Criminal Court proceedings to face any legal process and avoid going into hiding if they believe they are innocent.

“First of all, if you are hiding, what does that mean? Do you have guilt, are you hiding so you won’t be heard and escape or evade the liability of what you have done? So, there is no need to hide if they know they have done nothing wrong; face it and be brave in the possible process,” she said in Filipino. Castro emphasized that the government would cooperate with Interpol in the same manner it had in previous cases, but not directly with the ICC.

She added that any arrest warrants issued by the ICC would be enforced by Philippine authorities, but stressed that no such warrants have been received to date.

In a joint statement on Tuesday following the 12th Philippines-United States Bilateral Strategic Dialogue, both nations reiterated that the MDT covers armed attacks against their armed forces, aircraft, and public vessels—including coast guards—anywhere in the Pacific, including the South China Sea.

“They underscored their support for preserving freedom of navigation and overflight, unimpeded lawful commerce, and other lawful uses of the sea for all nations,” the joint statement read.

“Both sides condemned China’s illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive activities in the South China Sea, recognizing their adverse effects on regional peace and stability and the economies of the Indo-Pacific and beyond.”

As this developed, the Department of Foreign Affairs urged the Chinese Embassy in Manila to maintain a responsible and measured tone in its public statements, expressing concern that recent remarks dangling possible job loss amid heightened tensions could affect constructive dialogue between the two sides.

“We take strong exception to the Embassy’s tone, which appears to im-

“In the current atmosphere, this framing (of the issue) risks being perceived as coercive and undermines constructive bilateral dialogue,” it added.

Chinese Embassy spokesperson Ji Lingpeng earlier warned that significant disruptions to diplomatic relations could lead to severe economic consequences, potentially impacting “millions of jobs.”

Maritime law expert Jay Batongbacal criticized the embassy’s warning, describing it as a threat and a sign of failed diplomacy.

Batongbacal also disputed the claim that “millions” of jobs were at stake, citing Department of Migrant Workers data showing there are about 165,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Hong Kong, 28,800 in Macau, and 12,250 in mainland China.

On Tuesday, Li reaffirmed China’s commitment to resolving differences with the Philippines through dialogue and consultation, urging the DFA to help prevent remarks that could undermine diplomatic efforts.

“China remains committed to managing differences and resolving disputes with the Philippine side through dialogue and consultation. At the same

monitor government funds, programs, and projects.

eyeing to pass the proposed Anti-Political Dynasty measure in March.

Her committee has conducted four public consultations and will wrap up the hearings in Cagayan De Oro.

source, reducing their dependence on family members or the need to sell assets,” he added.

The measure, titled the “Comprehensive Farmers’ Pension and Social Protection Act,” is co-authored by Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre.

The bill defines an elderly farmer as someone aged 60 and above who is not receiving any pension from the Social Security System (SSS), Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), or private retirement systems.

A disabled farmer is one medically certified as permanently or temporarily unable to perform farm work. Indigent farmers are those classified as such by their local government units (LGUs) under the Community-Based Monitoring System Act.

A farmer is defined as any individual directly engaged in crop production, livestock raising, aquaculture, or related agricultural work, whether as landowner, tenant, or worker.

Under the proposal, the Department of Agriculture (DA), in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp., will implement the program.

It will provide a ₱3,000 monthly pension and basic life and disability insurance for farmers not covered by SSS or GSIS. Claims may be processed through accredited banks, cooperatives, or remittance centers.

The bill sets basic life insurance at ₱50,000 and accident or disability assistance at up to ₱25,000 per claim. Funding will be included in the annual budgets of the DA and DSWD.

The measure also mandates the creation of a national database of elderly, indigent, and disabled farmers. Fraud related to the program will be punishable by one month to one year of imprisonment, a fine of ₱10,000 to ₱100,000, or both. Public officials found liable will face temporary disqualification from office, in addition to administrative and criminal sanctions.

CBCP president Gilbert Garcera said political power must reside with the people rather than a select few, and that accountability should apply to all.

“So that we may hold power accountable, let us rally together for the passage of an authentic Anti-Dynasty Bill. Power must remain in the people, not in a few,” Garcera said.

He also urged the faithful to remain vigilant by organizing local, diocesan, or parish-based volunteer groups to promote public accountability and

Garcera said such efforts could include community dialogues, participation in civic activities, voter education initiatives, and programs promoting good citizenship and governance, as well as supporting leaders who genuinely serve the public.

The prelate described EDSA as an “awakening” that continues to challenge Filipinos four decades later, noting that many still experience poverty and hardship.

He called on the people to remember the “unnamed heroes of the historic event” and to reject complacency in the face of corruption.

“Repentance demands that we confront our sins—our complicity in systems and structures that mock EDSA’s promise,” he said as he advised for personal and communal conversion.

“We urge the DFA to play a responsible role in restraining certain individuals in the Philippines from making such remarks, in order to prevent any undermining or harm to ongoing diplomatic efforts,” he added.

As this developed, two Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) warships were spotted near Bajo de Masinloc during the 14th Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity involving the Philippines, Australia, and the United States.

The Chinese vessels kept their distance, did not form up with, nor approach, the participating ships, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said Tuesday.

Sailors aboard the Philippine Navy’s newest guided-missile frigate, BRP Diego Silang, observed the PLAN ships toward the latter part of the activity.

While foreign vessel movement is common in international waters, AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla—who was also aboard the Diego Silang—described the presence of the Chinese ships as illegal.

“Basically, these are illegal presences in the area, so this will be submitted to the proper agency accordingly,” she said.

According to him, change should begin within everyday spaces—homes, parishes, institutions, organizations, and dioceses— through persistence in upholding truth and translating faith into action.

The CBCP president also reminded Catholics to seek guidance from God, describing EDSA as a sign of divine love and mercy and a continuing source of hope.

Earlier, the CBCP and the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines encouraged Catholic schools and educational institutions to declare February 25 an academic holiday in observance of the anniversary.

During a public consultation in Bacolod, Negros Occidental, Hontiveros said she favors extending the proposed restriction to relatives up to the fourth degree of consanguinity, similar to the version filed by Senator Robinhood Padilla.

“We can’t leave them hanging. We need to give them much-needed resources. We need to strengthen and support our heroes... because freedom must be taken care of,” Cendaña added.

He said the proposed amount will also cover dormitories for medical personnel and teachers, local government operations center, housing units, multipurpose building, and a mini bus for local government operations, among others.

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

Akbayan Rep. Chel Diokno, for his part, appealed to Congress to prioritize the enactment of key West Philippine Sea measures, including the WPS Education Bill and the declaration of a National West Philippine Sea Victory Day.

Meanwhile, Senator Rodante Marcoleta on Tuesday said he would push through with the debate with retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, to be hosted by the Philippine Bar Association, for as long as there are no limitations on the topics.

“I’m willing anytime... (but) it should not be restricted, especially when the supposed limitations are based on statements allegedly coming from me that I did not actually make,” Marcoleta said.

The senator outlined three propositions for debate: whether recognition of the West Philippine Sea obligates Philippine agencies to deposit exclusive economic zone limits with the United Nations, whether certain KIG features and their territorial seas should be corrected through updated coordinates, and whether chart submissions and notifications are required under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

“How can you limit a vast subject matter such as the West Philippine Sea? It’s not just broad, it’s complex and its consequences are far-reaching. So, no limit should be set,” Marcoleta added.

Carpio already accepted the Philippine Bar Association’s offer to host the public debate.

as saying. “In these sacred seasons, Muslims and Christians enter a time of prayer, fasting, repentance, and generosity. We turn our hearts to the Merciful. We learn again to see one another as brothers and sisters.”

Bagaforo emphasized that “Fasting opens our eyes to suffering and enlarges our compassion,” proving that the “Love of God is proven in love of neighbor, especially the poor and the forgotten.”

Drawing from both the Gospels and Islamic tradition, the Kidapawan bishop

The Bishop, according to Destura, highlighted the common ethical and spiritual core of the two seasons. Both traditions call for a renewed commitment to peace, service, and justice.

Meanwhile, Manila Mayor Francisco Moreno Domagoso suggested unity, peace, and stronger ties between the Philippines and China as the country joined in the observance of the Chinese New Year with Binondo, Manila as the center stage of the revelries.

In his message marking the start of the Year of the Fire Horse, the President described the celebration as a “moment for renewal and reflection,” stressing that progress is built on daily effort, sound judgment, and consistent public service.

“The nation does not advance on symbolism alone,” he said.

Mr. Marcos noted that development is achieved when households manage resources wisely, workers fulfil their duties, and both government and industry ensure

continuity in services and policy.

He said the Year of the Horse symbolizes movement and courage, while the Fire element represents energy that “challenges complacency.”

These traits, he added, reflect the need for purposeful momentum—swift when necessary, but measured when careful judgment is required.

The President also underscored the importance of protecting essential public services, expanding opportunities, and strengthening productivity and value chains, while ensuring that vulnerable sectors are not left behind.

He said prosperity must be built through discipline and sustained effort, translating into job creation and initiatives that reinforce social cohesion.

“If we keep our course firm and our standards high,” Mr. Marcos said, “we can shape a more prosperous, agile, and empowered Bagong Pilipinas.”

noted the shared emphasis on concrete acts of mercy: “what we do for the least, we do for God” (Matthew 25:40) and the teaching that the best among us are “those who do good for others.” Bishop Bagaforo connected the spiritual observance to the Filipino Lenten practice of Alay Kapwa (Lenten Offering), stressing that prayer and sacrifice must have a social dimension, wrote Destura.

In a video statement, Duterte urged the people to “embrace the new beginnings with courage,” highlighting a year of possibilities and growth.

“As we welcome the Year of the Fire Horse, let us embrace this beginning with courage. This is a year of high energy and bold action—offering big rewards for those with the courage to take them,” she said.

“Now is the time to ignite the spirit of bayanihan and charge forward into a new year of possibilities,” she added.

Duterte also expressed hope that this year will bring ‘abundance, good health, and peace to every home’. She further encouraged collaborative efforts to promote a more prosperous and thriving Philippines for all.

Addressing Manilans gathered in the world’s oldest Chinatown, Domagoso expressed appreciation for the growing exchanges between the two countries,

The PBA earlier offered a neutral and secure venue and professional moderators with expertise on the subject matter as well as constitutional and public law.

“We recognize that the matters concerning the West Philippine Sea carry significant implications. A structured debate—grounded in facts, law, and civility—would meaningfully contribute to national discourse,” the group said.

particularly in tourism and trade.

“Through the leadership of our new Ambassador in the country, there will be more flights coming from China to Cebu. More flights, more tourists, more jobs and business for the country,” he said. Domagoso welcomed visiting dignitaries and guests, including Jing Quan, ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Philippines.

He emphasized Manila’s deep historical and cultural links with the Filipino-Chinese community, pointing out that the city hosts the country’s largest concentration of Filipino-Chinese residents. Likewise, he credited local business groups in Chinatown for sustaining the annual celebration and fostering unity. Domagoso also assured local and foreign entrepreneurs that Manila remains open for business, pledging protection against abuse while promoting fair enterprise.

DepEd: Trimester schedule not final

By Rolando Ng III

THE

Department of Education (DepEd)

said Tuesday that the proposed trimester school calendar has yet to be finalized as consultations with various groups continue.

In a statement, DepEd acknowledged concerns raised by several sectors and committed to further discussions with stakeholders. “DepEd is actively conducting consultations and will continue engaging education officials and stakeholders in the coming days to ensure that all voices are heard and considered,” it said.

The agency said it has held consultations with private sector representatives and public school teachers, including regional curriculum division chiefs, school heads, master teachers and educators from different divisions.

It is also set to meet with groups such as the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines and the Private Education Assistance Committee.

Senator Bam Aquino said no law is needed to shift to a trimestral system, noting that the school calendar may be adjusted through an administrative order. While recognizing the proposal’s good intentions, Aquino urged DepEd not to rush the transition. “Teachers’ groups are saying this should not be rushed. There must be broad consultations and different perspectives from various groups should be heard in our hearing,” he said, adding that a Senate hearing on the proposal will be held in March.

NBI files raps vs. vloggers over false medical info

By Pot Chavez

THE National Bureau of Investigation

(NBI) has filed criminal complaints before the Department of Justice against online personalities Jay Sonza and Jeffrey Celiz for allegedly spreading false medical information about President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

In a statement Monday, the NBI recommended their prosecution for cyber libel under the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. “In an era where information can rapidly influence public perception, we remind all stakeholders that freedom of expression carries with it the responsibility to ensure accuracy and accountability,” said NBI Director Angelito DLP. Magno.

The NBI Cybercrime Division conducted surveillance last month that led to the identification of Sonza and Celiz as primary sources of the alleged misinformation. Sonza posted the content on his Meta-verified Facebook account, while Celiz aired it on his YouTube channel, which drew nearly 10 million views.

The posts showed a CT scan report alongside images of the President and questioned his “fitness for duty,” alleging deterioration in his medical condition. Investigators secured digital forensic screenshots and tracked the spread of the content even after the original posts were deleted or restricted.

BLACK HAWK TRAINING. Third Class Cadets of the Cadet Corps Armed Forces of the Philippines undergo Air-to-Ground Operations Skills training as part of their Soldier Skills Development Course, gaining hands-on experience in joint operations using Philippine Air Force S-70i Black Hawk helicopters.

‘Bringing

By Katrina Manubay

back Co needs coordination’

THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday clarified its role in the repatriation of fugitive former lawmaker Zaldy Co, saying his return requires coordination among multiple agencies and the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol), not the DFA alone.

In a statement, the DFA acknowledged the efforts of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) but stressed that Co’s arrest and repatriation involve joint law enforcement and judicial processes.

“While the DFA values the DILG’s collaboration, the DFA clarifies that

Mr. Co’s arrest and repatriation involve coordinated law enforcement and judicial processes, particularly Interpol coordination,” it said.

The clarification came after DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla said in a radio interview that diplomatic channels and legal procedures for Co’s return fall under the DFA. “That is no longer under me. That’s already with the DFA. They will take the necessary diplomatic steps to bring him back,” he said.

The DFA countered that such a view “does not fully capture this whole-ofgovernment approach, which requires joint action across concerned government agencies.” It reiterated its support for the rule

of law and urged the public to share information on Co’s whereabouts. Reports indicate Co appeared in Stockholm, Sweden, based on an apostille attached to a petition filed with the Supreme Court. The Ombudsman on Nov. 18 filed corruption and malversation charges against Co, Public Works officials and Sunwest Corp. directors before the Sandiganbayan over an alleged P289-million anomalous flood control project in Oriental Mindoro. On Dec. 10, Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro announced the cancellation of Co’s passport in line with a Sandiganbayan resolution and a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Generika, Valenzuela launch GAMOT

GENERIKA Drugstore and the

Valenzuela City government have launched the first partnership between a nationwide drugstore chain and a local government unit to provide citywide access to free essential medicines under PhilHealth’s Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment (GAMOT) Program.

On Friday, around 600 residents received medical consultations from Yaman ng Kalusugan Program-accredited doctors of the City Health Department and were given prescribed medicines on site through the GAMOT program.

“This is relief at its fullest. Working with the City Government of Valenzuela allows us to showcase our Ginhawang Generika promise while serving our fellow Filipinos,” said

Generika Drugstore President and CEO Adrian Gino Guinto. Under the partnership, registered residents who consult in accredited clinics and receive prescriptions with unique security codes may claim up to P20,000 worth of essential medicines from 10 PhilHealth-accredited Generika branches in the city.

PhilHealth President and CEO Dr. Edwin Mercado said, “With active partners like Generika Drugstore and Valenzuela City, Filipinos can rest assured that PhilHealth can help, wherever and whenever they need it.”

Valenzuela City Mayor Wes Gatchalian welcomed the initiative, saying, “We thank Generika Drugstore and PhilHealth for helping us make Valenzuela City a truly progressive city where no Valenzuelano family gets left behind.”

IN BRIEF

4 cops charged over death of murder suspect

A HOMICIDE complaint has been filed against four police officers after a murder suspect was killed in a reported shootout while being transported from Pasig City to Catanduanes on February 6. Del Gallego Police Station chief Capt. Bernie Undecimo said two persons under police custody were being escorted by four personnel from the San Miguel Police Station when one asked to stop to relieve himself.

The vehicle stopped in Del Gallego, Camarines Sur, where officers removed the suspect’s handcuffs. Undecimo said the suspect allegedly elbowed and kicked an officer, grabbed his Galil rifle, and tried to fire it but failed because it was not chamber-loaded.

“He took the service firearm but could not fire it since there was no chamber load,” Undecimo said, adding that the suspect ran into the woods, prompting a chase and an exchange of gunfire. Vince Lopez

Army reports NPA leader killed in Agusan

A RANKING official of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed in a clash with government troops in Agusan del Sur on Sunday, the military reported Monday.

The fatality was identified as Bonifacio Lutawan, also known as “Tado,” commanding officer of the Regional Operational Command of the NPA’s North Central Mindanao Regional Committee.

The Army’s 8th Infantry Battalion said the encounter occurred in Sitio Tacocon, Barangay Kasapa II, La Paz, and involved rebels operating in nearby Bukidnon.

No government casualties were reported in the clash.

“The identity of Lutawan was confirmed by former rebels,” the military said in a statement. Rex Espiritu Nartatez honors SWAT team in Dubai challenge

POLICE Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., chief of the Philippine National Police, on Tuesday commended the PNP-Special Action Force SWAT team for its performance in the UAE SWAT Challenge 2026 in Dubai.

The Philippine contingent placed 14th overall out of 109 teams from 48 countries in the international tactical competition.

“On behalf of the proud men and women of the Philippine National Police, I commend and hold in high regard the PNP-SAF SWAT challengers,” Nartatez said, noting their performance shows the force’s readiness to compete globally.

He said the competition was no small feat, acknowledging the exhaustion and sacrifice behind the team’s achievement. Vince Lopez

HEROES AWARD. Members of Akbayan Party-list pose during the West Philippine Sea Heroes Award ‘Kalayaan 16’ in Quezon City on February 17, 2026, honoring 16 Kalayaan officials for defending Philippine sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea. Manny Palmero

GAMOT LAUNCH. Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro, Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival and other officials attend the launch of PhilHealth’s Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment (GAMOT) program in Central Visayas on February 17 at the Cebu Capitol Social Hall.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2026

SC: Same nicknames not basis for DQ

IN BRIEF

Death toll in Kerstin tragedy now at 58

THE fatalities in the passenger ferry M/V Trisha Kerstin which capsized off Basilan Island on Jan. 26 has risen to 58 with the recovery of one more body from the shipwreck by Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) drivers.

In a statement, PCG spokesperson Capt. Noemie Cayabyab said the recovered body brought the total number of fatalities in the incident to 58, with 293 survivors and 21 people still missing.

“The PCG emphasizes that these figures are consolidated through the joint validation efforts of the Philippine National Police-Scene of the Crime Operatives (PNP-SOCO), City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao (CGDSWM), and the affected families who conduct daily coordination with interagency search and rescue authorities,” Cayabyab said. Rex Espiritu

Manila launches 10-year trash management plan

THE Manila city government on Monday launched its updated 10-year solid waste management plan, highlighting waste reduction and stricter source segregation.

Mayor Francisco Moreno Domagoso said the long-term strategy aims to address the capital’s persistent garbage problems, stressing that “maintaining cleanliness remains the local government’s basic responsibility, regardless of where the waste comes from.” He also commended the Department of Environmental and Public Services (DEPS), including the Estero Rangers and Manila Bay cleaning teams, for clearing floating debris from waterways and coastal areas.

DEPS director Kenneth Amurao said the updated plan focuses on reducing overall waste generation and limiting the volume sent to landfills. He said the city is expanding composting operations in its materials recovery facilities and partnering with private firms to boost recyclable collection. Pot Chavez

Army expects 18 more Israei-made tanks in ‘26

THE Philippine Army expects the remaining 18 units of its Israeli-made Sabrah light tanks to arrive within the year, Army commander Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete said Monday.

“We have nine units of Sabrah light tanks now in service and we are still waiting for 18 units,” Nafarrete said in a press briefing.

“This is a big item, ongoing pa din ang negotiations, and we hope within this year matatapos na yung delivery natin,” he added.

Nafarrete declined to give specific delivery dates for security reasons.

At least nine or ten Sabrah units are currently deployed with the Army’s Armored Division, with deliveries reported between 2022 and 2025. Developed by Israeli defense firm Elbit Systems, the Sabrah is the Army’s first armored vehicle equipped with a 105mm cannon. Rex Espiritu

ASEAN, India reaffirm maritime cooperation

By Katrina Manubay

THE Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and India, in a meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia on Friday, Feb.13, highlighted maritime cooperation as a priority issue, citing the imperatives of sea safety, environmental protection, connectivity, and adherence to international law across the Indo-Pacific.

As ASEAN chair, the Philippines co-led the 26th ASEAN-India Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) meeting, with permanent representative of the Philippines to ASEAN, Ambassador

Evangeline Ong Jimenez-Ducrocq, reaffirming the Philippines’ proactive role in strengthening ASEAN-India dialogue relations.

Both parties highlighted 2026 as the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation, dedicated to promoting practical collaboration in maritime safety, marine environmental protection, sustainable blue economy, and capacity-building in maritime governance.

“The initiative reflects the shared commitment of ASEAN and India to uphold international law, particularly UNCLOS, promote freedom of navigation and overflight, and strengthen maritime

DILG: Two solons eyed in illegal tobacco trade

By Vito Barcelo and Vince Lopez

DEPARTMENT of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Juanito Victor Remulla disclosed they are looking at the possible complicity of two Central Luzon lawmakers and a so-called “tobacco lord” in Pampanga and currently tagged as “persons of interest.”

“They are under investigation. So, we cannot name them yet, but they are persons of interest here,” Remulla told reporters.

The investigation was launched after a compositre team of law enforcement operatives uncovered three more abandoned warehouses in Pampanga believed used for illegal cigarette production.

The discovery was made during intensified joint operations by the DILG, the Bureau of Customs (BOC), and the Philippine National Police (PNP) against illicit tobacco production and smuggling.

Remulla emphasized the importance of inter-agency coordination to dismantle organized illegal tobacco operations.

Combined with undocumented cigarettes found at the sites, the confiscated items were valued at over P400 million. Each location could produce up to P160 million worth of cigarettes per day, DILG Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla said.

The BOC, in a separate statement, said its teams confiscated about P160 million worth of dried tobacco leaves, recycled cigarettes, and filters branded “Chungwa” and “Fort” in Mexico, Pampanga.

connectivity and resilience in the IndoPacific region,” a statement released on Tuesday read.

ASEAN member-states and India also discussed the implementation of the ASEAN-India Plan of Action (POA) 2026–2030, which aims to steer cooperation across political-security, economic, and socio-cultural areas.

“The adoption of the successor Plan of Action reflects the high level of trust and commitment between ASEAN and India, and provides a clear roadmap to translate our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership into tangible outcomes for our peoples,” Ducrocq said.

By Pot Chavez

THE Supreme Court has ruled that the use of a nickname similar to another candidate in a previous election is not sufficient ground to declare an individual a nuisance candidate.

The decision overturned a Commission on Elections (Comelec) resolution against Ilocos Sur First District congressional bet Charles “DB” Savellano.

In an 11 page en banc decision made public on Monday, the SC said Comelec committed “grave abuse of discretion” when it cancelled Savellano’s certificate of candidacy (COC) for the 2025 midterm polls.

The High Court clarified that while the deliberate use of a nickname to confuse voters may indicate a lack of genuine intent to run, “similarity of nicknames alone is not sufficient evidence of such intent.”

Ronald Singson had asked the Comelec to declare Savellano as a nuisance candidate, arguing that his nickname resembled that of Singson’s previous rival, Deogracias Victor “DV” Savellano.

The Comelec granted the petition and cancelled Savellano’s COC. But the SC said the poll body failed to present substantial evidence to support its conclusion.

“Petitioner himself indicated in his COC that his name should appear on the ballot as Charles DB Sevellano. This is markedly different from the name of the previous candidate,” the SC noted.

“If the true intent were to confuse voters, including his full name rather than emphasizing the nickname contradicts that intention,” the High Tribunal said.

The tribunal also rejected as baseless Comelec’s claim that Savellano lacked real intent to run because he did not join campaign activities.

Army set to deploy 3 divisions for historic BARMM elections

By Rex Espiritu

THE Philippine Army is set to deploy three full infantry divisions to help secure the first Bangsamoro parliamentary elections this September. Army chief Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete expressed confidence in maintaining peace during the regional polls, citing a significant decline in local terrorist strength as a key factor for the optimistic outlook. He said the 1st Infantry Division (1ID), 6th Infantry Division (6ID), and 11th Infantry Division (11ID) are more than capable of securing the region as Bangsamoros exercise

their right to vote.

“We have enough forces to cover everybody. We have our templates ready and our forces are capable of securing the election,” Nafarrete said in latest press briefing. After being postponed four times, the inaugural parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) are set to be held in September.

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, principal author of Senate Bill 1823 which reset the first regular BARMM polls, is pushing for the elections to take place on September 14.

KUNG HEI FAT CHOI. Filipinos-Chinese residents of Chinatown in Binondo, Manila venerate the Medicine Buddha inside the Seng Guan Temple during the Lunar New Year which is celebrated by Chinese communities worldwide. Norman Cruz

FISHPORT. In order to buy fish at bargain prices, go where the locals go—the fishport. Cavite province has several of such facilities, among them the Julugan Fishport in Tanza, the Pandawan in Rosario, and Long Beach in Noveleta. Dennis Abrina CELEBRITY RIDER. Former Philippine National Police chief-now general manager of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Gen. Nicolas Torre III

OPINION

House tackles legislative priorities amid impeachment duties

YOU would think the House of Representatives is too busy in carrying out its Constitutional mandate to act on impeachment complaints to the detriment of its duty to pass priority legislation.

But nothing can be further from the truth, according to Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega V of La Union.

In fact, Ortega said, Majority Leader Sandro Marcos of Ilocos Norte is making sure the chamber remains fully functional and productive by shepherding the passage of priority measures in line with the legislative direction set by Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III and continues to approve key national and local bills, advance reforms, and adopt significant resolutions.

The La Union lawmaker pointed out the Constitutional process of impeachment, while a serious and time-bound responsibility, did not derail the chamber’s broader legislative mandate to pass laws and attend to urgent national concerns.

“The impeachment process is a Constitutional duty that we take seriously, but it is only one of many responsibilities of the House. Amid a packed legislative agenda, Majority Leader Marcos took the lead in securing the approval of vital measures, acting on the guidance of Speaker Dy. We remained focused on our work—passing priority measures, protecting public welfare and ensuring that the legislative agenda continues to move forward,” said Ortega, a stalwart of the ruling Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats.

Ortega also credited Marcos for the latter’s twin priority measures aimed at reinforcing accountability in public office and strengthening the country’s tourism sector.

He was referring to Marcos’ House Bill 7432, or the “No Work, No Pay for Members of Congress Act,” which seeks to link the salaries and other emoluments of senators and representatives to their attendance and participation in plenary sessions, committee hearings and other official legislative functions.

The second measure, HB 7443, proposes the outright abolition of the travel tax imposed on travelers, with the goal of making travel more accessible and enhancing the country’s competitiveness as a tourism destination.

“These measures reflect a strong commitment to public accountability and economic growth. By ensuring that lawmakers are held to clear standards of performance while easing the burden on travelers, Majority Leader Marcos has advanced reforms that benefit both governance and the broader economy,” Ortega said.

He noted even as the House processed impeachment complaints in accordance with the Constitution and House rules— a political exercise rooted in accountability and due process—committees and the plenary continued to deliberate on measures affecting energy security, worker protection, public safety and national observances.

Among the measures recently approved on third and final reading is HB 6676, or the proposed Energy Systems Storage Act, which seeks to ensure stable and continuous electricity supply through the development and commer-

cialization of energy storage systems, seen as crucial in strengthening the country’s power resilience.

Also approved on third reading was HB 7239, mandating compulsory insurance coverage for electrical and telecommunications line workers, reflecting broad support for additional protection for workers who ensure the country’s power and communications networks remain operational even during calamities.

—“—

Ortega credited Marcos for the latter’s twin priority measures aimed at reinforcing accountability in public office and strengthening the country’s tourism sector

The House also recently approved on second reading HB 7565 mandating the proper installation and maintenance of overhead electric distribution and communication lines for public safety, alongside the omnibus approval of several local holiday bills affecting Parañaque, Muntinlupa, Dapa in Surigao del Norte, Lapu-Lapu City, Mendez-Nuñez in Cavite, the Cordillera Administrative Region, Rosario and Taysan in Batangas, and Calamba in Misamis Occidental.

Beyond legislation, the House adopted House Resolution 758 expressing profound condolences to the family of former Speaker Jose C. De Venecia Jr., as well as additional resolutions honoring four former lawmakers, affirming the chamber’s institutional memory and respect for public servants who shaped legislative history.

The chamber also adopted multiple commendatory resolutions recognizing outstanding Filipino athletes, Clark Development Corporation, and the Philippine tourism sector.

Ortega emphasized that the record of approvals on third reading, the steady progress of bills on second reading and the adoption of numerous resolutions reflect a chamber that remains institutionally disciplined and focused on governance, even while performing its constitutional oversight functions.

* * *

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A turning point for Education

LAST month, we submitted the final report of the Second Congressional Commission on Education, Turning Point. It is what its name says it is—a turning point. A moment to stop, take a long, hard look at where we are, and ask where we’re going. The findings were painful. Test scores have dropped. Too many students struggle with reading and basic math. Many schools are overcrowded, underresourced, and uneven in quality.

Teachers are doing their best, but many are tired, burdened, and lacking the support they need. The truth hurts— but it also clears the way for action. Turning Point doesn’t leave us in

despair. It offers a roadmap. In the introduction to the report, which I had the privilege of writing, I offered three values to shape the way forward. These values—co-responsibility, collaboration, and community—must guide how we move from crisis to hope. First, co-responsibility. Education is a shared duty. It is not just the task of government, or of one department, or of teachers alone. It belongs to all of us. Parents, school heads, local officials, civil society, and the private sector all have a stake. That means moving from “yours” and “mine” to “ours.” Oversight becomes stewardship. It is not about pointing fingers. It is about

OAuspicious

N THE surface, it seems odd that the Philippines celebrated the Lunar New Year Tuesday, drawing much from its affinity with China with the usual fanfare, while also navigating a problematic relationship with our giant neighbor to the West.

The relationship is far from neighborly these days, given the latter’s forays into the West Philippine Sea, its harassment of our fisherfolk and military personnel on duty, its insults to our officials merely defending our rights, and the slew of disinformation aimed at distorting the narrative that very clearly points to our established sovereignty.

Nonetheless, the day was declared a holiday, and many of our officials issued New Year statements to mark the entry of the Year of the Fire Horse.

Centuries of dealings between the two peoples warrant the widespread celebration of the New Year. The cul-

tures have blended instead of clashed over time. Much is shared in terms of trade, traditions, and beliefs. In a message to the public, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. invoked movement and courage symbolized by the horse, and the element of fire that challenges complacency.

Usher in the new year with its new hopes

Then again, whether it’s a horse or any other animal, or fire or any other element, Chinese or any culture, a new year is always auspicious be-

cause it brings a fresh perspective, a clean slate, and an opportunity to look back on the past with the benefit of hindsight. Certainly, what is happening in our country calls for introspection. Why have we not triumphed over ills that have been plaguing us for decades anyway – corruption, systemic problems in health and education, and so on?

It would be good to mark the beginning of the new lunar year with renewed purpose, especially since our country faces multiple challenges on numerous fronts. And even if vested interests, bad blood, and recrimination always seem to be par for the course in Philippine politics, it may not be too ambitious to imagine a future that is driven by good intentions and genuine public service.

Usher in the new year, all right, and do away with the negative attachments that have kept us from achieving our true potential as a people and as a nation.

Indonesia capital faces ‘filthy’ trash crisis

JAKARTA – Garbage-choked streets, overloaded landfills and the fear of trash avalanches haunt greater Jakarta, as the world’s most populous metropolis grapples with a waste crisis.

Jakarta and its satellite cities, known collectively as Jabodetabek, are home to 42 million people and produce up to an estimated 14,000 tons of waste daily.

That has placed increasing strain on the approximately eight landfill sites that serve the region, which are now all close to or entirely full, according to local media reports.

At a traditional market in the city’s south, Nurhasanah said the garbage piling up by her coffee and snacks stand was bad for business.

“The smell is awful, very pungent. It is also unpleasant to look at. It looks filthy,” said Nurhasanah, who like many Indonesians only has one name.

Experts say population growth, rising incomes leading to higher consumption, and a chronic lack of sorting and disposal enforcement have created the crisis.

Capacity is even an issue at the massive Bantar Gebang site, one of the world’s largest open landfills, sprawling over more than 110 hectares.

It already holds around 55 million tons of trash, according to a local environment agency official, who did not specify how much space was left despite reports it is at overcapacity.

‘I’m disappointed’ In South Tangerang, some pedestrians gagged and swatted at swarms of flies as they walked down littered streets.

“I’m disappointed. We, as civilians, pay taxes, right? So why is the government like this? Waste management should be their responsibility,” Muhammad Arsil, a 34-year-old motorbike taxi driver, told AFP.

Another resident, Delfa Desabriyan, said people threw rubbish in the street

holding hands and working together to make sure no child is left behind. When we all do our part, the burden becomes lighter and the outcome becomes stronger.

Let’s take this turning point seriously. Let’s begin again—with open eyes, open hands, and open hearts

Second, collaboration. We can no longer afford to work in silos. DepEd, CHED, TESDA, SUCs, private schools—we are all part of one national learning ecosystem. Fragmentation holds us back. It leads to duplication, missed opportunities, and confusion on the ground. We need alignment. Alignment in policies, in goals, in effort. When we work together, when we listen to each other, and when we pool our strengths, the result is synergy. And synergy leads to real and lasting change.

because the local landfill was full.

“Every single day, there’s always someone dumping trash,” the 19-year-old shop attendant said.

“It’s annoying, to be honest, like when we want to eat, I lose my appetite. The smell is just off-putting.”

The nearest landfill only holds 400 tonnes of waste, well below the 1,100 tonnes South Tangerang produces daily, according to the local government.

The problem extends beyond the capital, with President Prabowo Subianto warning almost all the country’s landfills will be full (or over capacity) by 2028.

Experts say population growth, rising incomes leading to higher consumption, and a chronic lack of sorting and disposal enforcement have created the crisis

Hundreds still use open dumping, despite it being illegal, and waste is often burned, releasing potentially hazardous pollutants.

Overcapacity landfills come with additional risks.

In 2022, a 30-metre-high garbage heap at a landfill in West Java’s Cipayung triggered a landslide that entered a river, submerging a bridge to the neighbouring village.

Locals now rely on a makeshift raft made from plastic barrels and plywood to cross the river.

“If the trash keeps piling up higher,

Third, community. Education reform must grow from the ground up. It cannot be written only in policy papers or discussed only in boardrooms. It must live in classrooms, in barangays, and in the lives of learners. That means local leaders and communities must be part of the process. They are not just beneficiaries of reform. They are coauthors of it. We must listen to what they need. Understand what they face. And design policies that respond to the realities of the everyday. These three values are not abstract. They are already alive, quietly working in places where people refuse to give up. In parents who help their children with schoolwork after a long day of work. In teachers who find ways to inspire learning despite challenges. In barangay officials who find small funds to repair classrooms or buy school supplies. The challenge now is to multiply these stories. To turn exceptions into norms. The road ahead will not be short. This is a ten-year reform effort. And while the government is fully committed, it cannot do everything alone. We need educators who continue to believe in their calling.

the garbage from the top will slide down again,” resident Muhammad Rizal told AFP.

The Cipayung landfill has been at overcapacity since 2014, a University of Indonesia study found.

And in 2005, 143 people were killed by a garbage avalanche at another landfill in West Java’s Cimahi, triggered by a methane gas explosion and heavy rain.

Substantial investment’

The government says it plans to permanently close several landfills, including those in South Tangerang and Cipayung. It is promoting waste-to-energy sites that incinerate garbage and produce electricity, with 34 planned within two years.

“This is a substantial investment, almost $3.5 billion,” Prabowo said last week.

But the planned plants won’t tackle the lack of sorting and recycling, said Wahyu Eka Styawan of environmental group WALHI.

“This is a complex issue, a mix of poor awareness, policy, and a kind of inconsistency in how waste management is implemented,” he told AFP.

“It’s one of those things that has been left unaddressed for a long time,” he said. He said reforms are needed for a waste management system that is still designed on the collect-transport-dispose model without prioritizing reduction at the household level.

Jakarta’s environmental agency did not respond to AFP’s request for comment.

Nur Azizah, a waste management expert at Gadjah Mada University, said the government’s failure to educate people and a lack of law enforcement were partly to blame.

“The problem lies in the consumption pattern, so what we need to fix is the way we consume,” she said. AFP

We need parents to stay involved. We need business leaders to invest in learning, not just as a corporate social responsibility program, but as a long-term investment in our country’s future. We need every Filipino to understand that the future of education is the future of our nation.

This is personal to me. I have seen the faces of children who walk long distances to go to school. I have listened to teachers who feel forgotten. I have visited communities where learning continues, not because the conditions are ideal, but because the spirit is strong. And I know this: we cannot afford to waste more time. We cannot accept the way things are. And we cannot lose hope. Turning Point gives us the path. The question is—will we walk it? If we choose co-responsibility, if we build collaboration, and if we strengthen our sense of community, we can turn this moment into something more than a report. We can turn it into a movement. A shared mission.

Let’s take this turning point seriously. Let’s begin again—with open eyes, open hands, and open hearts. May pag-asa pa. And the work begins now.

US warns Iran to strike deal in Geneva talks

GENEVA—President Donald Trump warned Iran of potential consequences should it fail to strike a deal with the United States, as negotiators prepare for the latest round of talks in Geneva on Tuesday.

Mediated by Oman, the recently resumed discussions are aimed at averting the possibility of US military action, with Tehran expressing cautious optimism at Washington’s “more realistic” position on its nuclear program.

Trump has repeatedly threatened to intervene militarily against Iran, first over a deadly crackdown on protesters last month and then more recently over its nuclear program.

A previous attempt at diplomacy collapsed when Israel launched surprise strikes on Iran in June, beginning a 12day war that Washington briefly joined to bomb Iranian nuclear sites.

“A cautious assessment is that, from the discussions that have taken place in Muscat to date, at least what we have been told is that the US position on the Iranian nuclear issue has moved towards a more realistic one,” foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said Monday, according to the official IRNA news agency.

According to Tehran, Tuesday’s talks in Switzerland will also be

Trump to decide ‘soon’ on sending arms to Taiwan

ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE—US

President Donald Trump said Monday he would decide soon on whether to send more weapons to Taiwan, after Chinese President Xi Jinping warned him not to do so.

“I’m talking to him about it. We had a good conversation, and we’ll make a determination pretty soon,” Trump said, adding that he has a “good relationship” with the Chinese leader, whose country claims the self-ruled island of Taiwan as its territory.

In a phone call with Trump on February 4, Xi called for “mutual respect” in relations with the United States, while warning Washington about arms sales to the democratically run island.

“The Taiwan question is the most important issue in China-US relations... The US must handle arms sales to Taiwan with caution,” Xi said, according to China’s state broadcaster.

Trump and Xi are due to meet in Beijing in April.

China’s Communist Party has never ruled Taiwan, but Beijing claims the island of 23 million people is part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to annex it.

Washington does not officially recognize Taiwan, but is the island territory’s main military backer—although the tone of that support has softened slightly under Trump.

The United States approved $11-billion worth of arms to Taiwan in December, Taipei said. AFP

mediated by Oman.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with his Omani counterpart Badr Albusaidi in Geneva on Monday to discuss his country’s position “regarding nuclear issues and sanctions relief”.

He also stressed Tehran’s “seriousness in using result-oriented diplomacy to secure the legitimate interests and rights of the Iranian people” and preserve peace in the region, according to a ministry statement.

Iran has insisted that the discussions be limited to the nuclear issue, though Washington has previously pushed for other topics to be discussed, including its ballistic missiles and support for armed groups in the region.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the ideological arm of the military, began a series of war games on Monday in the Strait of Hormuz to prepare for “potential security and military threats”, Iranian state TV said. AFP

France’s Macron eyes fighter jet agreement in India

MUMBAI—French President Emmanuel Macron bega a three-day visit to India on Tuesday, with talks focused on artificial intelligence cooperation and a potential multibillion dollar Dassault Rafale fighter jet deal. France is seeking to expand its military partnership with New Delhi, with discussions expected on a potential contract for 114 additional French fighter jets.

Macron and his wife Brigitte arrived around midnight on Monday in Mumbai, India’s financial capital, for his fourth visit to India since taking office in 2017.

He is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi later on Tuesday.

Macron will then travel to New Delhi for an artificial intelligence

summit on Wednesday and Thursday.

The visit follows New Delhi’s confirmation last week that it intends to place a major order for Rafale jets, as well as the signing of a landmark free trade agreement between India and the European Union in January.

New Delhi has sought over the past decade to reduce its dependence on Russia, its traditional main supplier of military equipment, turning to other countries while also pushing for more domestic production.

An Indian defence ministry statement last week said the proposed purchase of Rafale jets had been cleared —with “the majority” of them to be manufactured in India.

The statement did not specify the exact number of jets New Delhi

would purchase, but a New Delhi defence ministry source said that 114 was likely.

Christophe Jaffrelot, an India specialist at Sciences Po Center for International Studies in Paris, described the potential €30 billion ($35 billion) deal for 114 Rafales as the “contract of the century” and a potential “crowning achievement” for bilateral ties. If finalised, the jets would add to the 36 Rafales India purchased for its air force in 2016 and 26 it has ordered for its navy.

Negotiations over the additional aircraft still need to be concluded with manufacturer Dassault Aviation, but the French presidency has voiced optimism that what it calls a “historic” agreement could be reached. AFP

‘How long?’: Day 3 of hunger strike for Venezuelan prisoners’ release

CARACAS—With dark circles under their eyes and feeling weak but angry, about a dozen female relatives of Venezuelan political prisoners staged day three of a hunger strike Monday demanding their loved ones’ immediate release.

Reclining on mattresses outside the “Zona 7” prison in Caracas, some are starting to doubt if the interim regime left over after Nicolas Maduro’s ouster in a US military strike last month intends to keep its word on freeing hundreds of government detractors.

Inside Zona 7, about 60 inmates remain, along with hundreds more countrywide for whose release family members have been clamoring for weeks.

The Foro Penal rights NGO says 444 political prisoners have been freed since Maduro’s toppling. More than 600 remain behind bars.

“How long? How long are they go-

ing to leave us like this?” asked Evelin Quiaro, 46, lying feebly on her back with a small bottle of electrolyte water within reach. She hadn’t eaten solid food in over two days.

Quiaro’s son has been imprisoned since November, accused of taking part in a bomb attack Maduro’s security services claim to have foiled. He is one of hundreds, perhaps thousands, Venezuelans jailed in recent years over plots, real or imagined, to overthrow the regime.

Five days after Maduro’s toppling on January 3, an interim government led by Delcy Rodriguez—formerly his vice president—vowed under pressure from Washington to free all political prisoners. But Rodriguez and the rest of what remains of the regime are staunch Maduro acolytes, and some Venezuelans distrust their intentions. AFP

Hillary Clinton whacks Epstein ‘cover-up,’ calls for public testimony

BERLIN—Former US secretary of state Hillary Clinton has accused President Donald Trump of orchestrating a “cover-up” over files related to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, according to an interview with the BBC published Monday.

“Get the files out. They are slowwalking it,” Clinton, due to testify before a Congressional committee on the issue, told the British broadcaster in an interview in Berlin.

The Justice Department last month released the latest cache of so-called

Epstein files—more than three million documents, photos and videos related to its investigation into sex criminal Epstein, who died from what was determined to be suicide while in custody in 2019.

Clinton’s husband, former president Bill Clinton, features regularly in the files, but no evidence has come to light implicating either Clinton in criminal activity.

The couple has been ordered to give closed-door depositions before the House Oversight Committee,

Irish watchdog opens EU probe into Grok

which is probing the deceased financier’s connections to powerful figures and how information about his crimes was handled.

“We will show up but we think it would be better to have it in public,” Hillary Clinton told the BBC.

“I just want it to be fair,” she said.

“I want everybody treated the same way.”

The former secretary of state said she and her husband “have nothing to hide. We have called for the full release of these files repeatedly.”

DUBLIN—Ireland’s data protection watchdog, acting on behalf of the EU, launched a probe Tuesday into Elon Musk’s X over AI chatbot Grok’s generation of sexualized deepfake images, the latest step of an international backlash against the tool.

The “large-scale inquiry” relates to potential breaches of the bloc’s General Data Protection Regulation, said a statement by Ireland’s Data Protection Commission.

It will examine “the alleged creation and publication on X of potentially harmful, non-consensual intimate or sexualized images involving Europeans, including children,” generated using the tool, said the DPC.

“The purpose of this investigation is to determine whether X complied with its obligations under the GDPR ... with regard to the personal data processed of EU/EEA data subjects,” it said.

As X’s European operations has its headquarters in Ireland, the DPC is the lead regulator in Europe for applying EU rules on the platform.

DPC deputy commissioner Graham Doyle said the authority has “been engaging” with X “since media reports first emerged a number of weeks ago concerning the alleged ability of X users to prompt the Grok account on X to generate sexualized images of real people, including children.” AFP

The Department of Justice has said it has no more files to release, though lawmakers have criticized it for not publishing internal government memos, notes and emails on Epstein.

Clinton said the Republicans probing her are trying to deflect attention away from Trump, whose name is also mentioned in the files many times.

“Look at this shiny object. We’re going to have the Clintons, even Hillary Clinton, who never met the guy,” she said. AFP

Body of priest-turned-rebel identified six decades later BOGOTO—Colombian forensic experts have identified the remains of a priest-turned-guerrilla fighter killed in battle more than six decades ago, officials said Monday.

Camilo Torres had abandoned the clergy to fight with Colombia’s National Liberation Army (ELN) guerrillas in 1965, only to fall in combat with the military the following year.

He became an emblem of “liberation theology”—a leftist movement centered on uplifting the poor and challenging traditional structures of power.

The testimony of a soldier more than 20 years ago suggested Torres’s body had been exhumed from its initial burial place and transferred to a cemetery in the city of Bucaramanga, according to the Search Unit for Disappeared Persons.

The unit was created after the 2016 peace agreement that led to the disarmament of the FARC guerrilla army—until then Colombia’s biggest. The remains were tracked down and after two years of forensic examination, have now been officially identified, the UBPD said on Monday.

“It shows that the search can yield results even... after 60 years,” the unit’s director Luz Janeth Forero said in a video. AFP

Safa village, north of Ramallah in the occupied West Bank, opposite

hilltop overlooking the village on Monday. Israel’s

CONTRACT OF THE CENTURY. France’s President Emmanuel Macron (center-right) and his wife Brigitte (left) are welcomed by India’s officials upon their arrival in Mumbai on Tuesday, start of a three-day official visit to Mumbai and then New Delhi, his fourth trip to India since 2018, for an artificial intelligence summit on Wednesday and Thursday.

The visit follows New Delhi’s confirmation last week that it intends to place a major order for Rafale jets, as well as the signing of a landmark free trade agreement between India and the European Union in January. AFP

‘NOT A GAME.’ Relatives of political prisoners comfort each other during a hunger strike outside of the Bolivarian National Police Zone 7 prison in Caracas on Tuesday, Manila time. A dozen relatives of political prisoners began a hunger strike two days earlier to press for more releases, following the postponement two days ago of the approval of a historic amnesty law. The Foro Penal rights NGO says 444 political prisoners have been freed since Maduro’s toppling. More than 600 remain behind bars. AFP

Safety measures in focus as boxing debuts in NCAA

By Peter Atencio

SAFETY measures and strict competition protocols will be prioritized as boxing makes its debut as a demonstration sport in Season 101 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) president Marcus Manalo emphasized the importance of safeguards as the league prepares to stage bouts across five weight divisions next month.

“We want to keep it three rounds. But it’s critical for the referee to know when to issue a standing eight-count and when

to stop the fight,” said Manalo. Manalo explained that the initial staging of collegiate boxing events will also serve as an educational platform for NCAA member schools, helping them understand the sport’s fundamentals while ensuring athlete safety and minimizing the risk of accidents. The introduction of boxing into the

HOKA Cielo

NCAA was made possible through coordination between the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and league officials. Manalo also underscored the impor-

HOKA®, a division of Deckers

Brands (NYSE: DECK), introduces the Cielo X1 3.0, the brand’s lightest super shoe to date.

Propulsive and precision-tuned for race day, the Cielo X1 3.0 is engineered to minimize weight and maximize performance, helping runners chase their fastest results yet.

Driven by insights from HOKA elite athletes, the Cielo X1 3.0 is built for speed. The 3.0 sheds significant weight from the last Cielo iteration, while packing a propulsive carbon fiber plate, responsive PEBA foam and a grippy outsole. The Cielo X1 3.0 provides powerful energy return to sustain speed, while the compressionmolded polyurethane outsole balances a lightweight grip with durability. Its ultra-breathable Leno weave textile keeps weight down while locking the foot in place, and the dynamic vamp adapts to natural movement for a secure, flexible fit.

Finished with asymmetrical lacing to reduce pressure points and improve comfort, every detail on HOKA’s

tance of having medical personnel on standby during competitions, in accordance with global boxing standards.

“Medical personnel is also important, and this adheres to world boxing competition rules,” he added.

The PSC, through chairman Patrick Gregorio, initiated discussions to include boxing in the collegiate calendar as part of its broader goal of developing elite athletes for international competitions such as the Olympics.

In addition to boxing, the PSC has also proposed gymnastics, weightlifting, and golf as demonstration sports for NCAA Season 101, further expanding opportunities for student-athletes to compete at a higher level.

Cielo X1 3.0 is engineered to deliver maximum propulsion, efficiency, and comfort at race pace.

“The Cielo X1 3.0 delivers the lightest, most propulsive ride in the HOKA line up built to help pace-pushing runners perform at their best.” said Colin Ingram, Vice President of Global Product HOKA. “At HOKA, we’re constantly innovating our race-day offering to give athletes every advantage in speed and efficiency, helping them go faster and reach new personal records and podiums”.

The Cielo X1 3.0 is already proving itself on the world’s biggest stages, tested and trusted by HOKA elite athletes in major races and World Marathon Majors. Alex Masai delivered an extraordinary performance at the 2025 Chicago Marathon, finishing third overall with a personal best of 2:04:37. At the Valencia Half Marathon, Adrian Wildschutt ran a personal best of 59:13 to finish fifth overall, while Alessia Zarbo set a new French national record with an outstanding 1:08:20.

Isla LPG Corp. celebrates partners at 9th Isla Cup Golf Tournament

TAGAYTAY CITY—The fairways of Tagaytay Midlands set a breathtaking stage this year as Isla LPG Corporation hosted its 9th Annual Isla Cup Golf Tournament. Known for its challenging greens and panoramic views of Taal Lake, the venue provided the perfect backdrop for a day dedicated to camaraderie, sport, and professional synergy.

Since its inception, the Isla Cup Golf Tournament has been dedicated to expressing sincere gratitude to customers and partners for their unwavering trust and confidence. Isla LPG Corporation recognizes its customers, clients, and business partners as the primary drivers of its success—with the cultivation of these relationships as the core of this event. By hosting this annual tournament, the company reinforces its commitment to nurturing long-term partnerships and valuing the collaborative spirit that has fueled the growth of the brand over the years.

“We stand here today, proud of our accomplishments and deeply grateful for your faith in us,” said Jose Ricardo Delgado, Chairman of the Executive Committee (ExCom) for Isla Group.

“While we have never sought to be the biggest, we strive every day to be the

Anisimova enters Dubai Open last 16 via walkover

PARIS—Amanda Anisimova was handed a walkover into the last 16 of the Dubai Open on Monday after her opponent Barbora Krejcikova was forced to withdraw from the WTA 1000 event.

The American second seed will enter the round of 16 to face Janice Tjen without swinging a racquet as twotime Grand Slam winner Krejcikova pulled out due to an issue with her left thigh.

The story of the tournament so far has been withdrawals, with the Czech joined on the out-list by Canadian starlet Victoria Mboko.

They became the seventh and eighth players to pull out, a list that includes the world top two Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek.

Tjen booked her meeting with Anisimova thanks to a 7-6 (7/5), 6-4 win in her round-of-32 match against 2021 US Open runner-up Leylah Fernandez.

Emma Raducanu, who beat Fernandez in that New York final, tasted defeat in Dubai on Monday as she went out in the first round 6-1, 5-7, 6-2 to world number 67 Antonia Ruzic.

Rising star Iva Jovic booked her spot in the second round with a topsyturvy 6-1, 1-6, 6-1 victory over Kamilla Rakhimova.

Sara Bejlek continued her breakthrough Middle East swing by beating Zeynep Sonmez in straight sets to set up a second-round match with ninth seed Belinda Bencic, who bested Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 2-6, 6-1, 6-2.

Paula Badosa beat Katerina Siniakova 6-3, 7-5 to book a meeting with Elina Svitolina, while third seed Coco Gauff will open her tournament against Anna Kalinskaya after the 27-year-old beat Jelena Ostapenko in three sets.

In Tuesday’s action, defending champion Mirra Andreeva will enter the fray against Daria Kasatkina and top seed Elena Rybakina faces Kimberly Birrell, both in the round of 32. AFP

lowing members of the Isla network to strengthen professional ties in a relaxed, competitive environment. The 9th Isla Cup was characterized

by a high-level field where participants from across the country’s industrial landscape showcased their skills on the challenging Midlands course. Beyond the competition, the event fostered meaningful dialogue between Isla LPG leadership and the stakeholders who drive the brand’s success. Every swing and putt throughout the day served as a testament to the enduring loyalty and vibrant spirit of the Isla community. Furthermore, the milestone event showcases exclusive surprises and unique brand activations curated by Isla alongside special commemorative events to honor a decade of the Isla Cup tradition. As the 9th edition comes to a close, the message from Isla remains clear: the journey together is only getting better, and the best is yet to come. While the 9th Isla Cup was a resounding success, the excitement is already building for 2027. Next year marks a significant milestone with the 10th Isla Cup. Isla LPG Corporation has announced that this decade-long celebration will be even bigger and bolder, as it remains committed to its founding mission of valuing long-term business relationships and building a stronger, more connected community within the Philippine energy and industrial sectors.

LEADING THE WAY AT THE 9TH ISLA CUP. Isla Group Corporation Chief Executive Officer Tomoaki Asai and Chief Operating Officer Banjo Castillo lead the ceremonial tee off for the 9th Isla Cup Golf Tournament.

14 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE AND PARTNERSHIP. Jose Ricardo Delgado, Chairman of the Executive Committee (ExCom) of Isla LPG Corporation, delivers a heartfelt keynote.

Driven by insights from HOKA elite athletes, the Cielo X1 3.0 is built for speed. Alex Masai rocking his HOKA

Marcus Manalo

Amanda Anisimova AFP

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18,

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor

RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor

EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor

Proulx sees action in Winter Olympic slalom

BORMIO, Italy—After Francis Ceccarelli crashed out in the men’s slalom, Tallulah Proulx competes in the women’s side Wednesday as the Philippines wraps up its short campaign in the 25th Winter Olympics here.

Proulx, the first Filipina competitor in the Winter Olympics and at 17 one of the youngest in the field, will return to the Tofane Alpine Skiing Center in Cortina for a morning run and hopefully a second one.

Proulx saw action in giant slalom last Sunday, finishing 52nd out of 76 entries with an aggregate time of 2:41.62. She clocked 1:17.15 in the morning then 1:24.47 in the afternoon. It was a commendable finish for Proulx for her age. The gold winner in the event, Federica Brignone of Italy at 2:13.50, is already 35 years old, and the silver medalist, Sara Hector of Sweden, at 2:14.12, is 32.

“I’m looking forward to my next event. I’m excited,” said Proulx, who was born in the United States. She added that she can’t wait to make her first visit to the Philippines. The Philippines, a tropical country with just a handful of man-made ice sports facilities, first competed in the Winter Olympics in 1972 in Japan, but is in its fourth straight stint since 2014 in Russia.

The Philippine Olympic Committee under Abraham Tolentino and the Philippine Sports Commission headed by Patrick Gregorio both hailed Ceccarelli and Proulx for qualifying to these Games.

NU, Adamson clash for early volleyball lead

Athlete of Year Yulo regains form, eyes busy ‘26 season

By Peter Atencio

DOUBLE Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo is rediscovering his form as he prepares for a demanding international calendar in 2026, following an intensive training stint in Japan.

Yulo said his time overseas played a crucial role in helping him regain both his physical condition and competitive mindset after a challenging 2025 season.

“Kailangan hanapin ko ang sarili ko. ‘Pag nahanap ko ang sarili, alam mo kung ano ang gusto mo, at gagawin,” said Yulo, referring to his efforts to refocus and rebuild during his training in Japan.

Now back in the Philippines, the 26-year-old gymnast was honored as co-recipient of the PSA Athlete of the Year award alongside tennis standout Alexandra Eala during the 2026 PSA Awards Night at the Diamond Hotel in Manila.

He shared that he is steadily regaining competition form as he gears up for six major events this year, highlighted by the 2026 Asian Games.

“Focus na ako doon sa mga kailangan kong gawin,” Yulo said, emphasizing his commitment to refining his routines and sharp ening his overall performance through ongoing training camps.

This season, Yulo is targeting a strong showing in the indi vidual all-around category at the Asian Games, expanding his focus beyond his signature apparatus events.

His training in Japan followed a physically demanding 2025 campaign that included the World Championships. He also missed the Southeast Asian Games to prioritize rehabilitation and long-term conditioning in preparation for the new season.

Before returning home, Yulo competed in the closed On ward Apparatus Championship, where he worked on enhanc ing his floor exercise and vault routines while introducing new elements to his repertoire.

Yulo’s buildup toward the Asian Games will include competing on home soil at the 2026 Asian Artistic Gymnastics Championships. He will then cap his season at the 2026 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships, where he aims to further elevate his performance against the world’s best.

AFTER living up to pre-tournament expectations on opening weekend, National University and Adamson University clash for the early lead in an explosive UAAP Season 88 collegiate women’s volleyball showdown today (Wednesday) at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion Arena.

It promises to be an epic midweek duel between rookie Sam Cantada and last season’s top newcomer and historymaker Shai Nitura, as the league holds its first college volleyball outing in España at 11 a.m. Later, Far Eastern University and University of the East aim to bounce back from season-opening defeats in an all-UBelt clash to cap the QPav quadrupleheader at 5 p.m.

In the men’s division, ‘six-peat’seeking Bulldogs take on the dangerous Soaring Falcons at 9 a.m., while last season’s runner-up Tamaraws face the Red Warriors at 3 p.m. Tickets for the Adamson–NU and UE–FEU doubleheaders are sold separately.

The Lady Bulldogs showed promise in their first match in the post-Bella Belen era. Cantada shone in front of 15,215 fans at the SM Mall of Asia Arena last Sunday, posting 21 points and 14 receptions in NU’s 25-25, 2519, 23-25, 26-24 win over University of Santo Tomas. The match seemed destined for a decider when the Tigresses reached two points from set point, but Cantada delivered a masterclass in the service area, firing three aces in the Lady Bulldogs’ 7-1 finishing run.

Gregorio, Guiao see brighter future for PH sports

WITH Philippine Sports Commission

chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio as chief enabler and pro coach and former lawmaker Joseller “Yeng” Guiao providing the key to more funds, both heartily agreed that things are looking brighter for local sports and athletes during the San Miguel Corp.-Philippine Sportswriters Association Annual Awards held last Monday night.

In front of a packed and star-studded audience, including co-PSA Athlete of the year Carlos Edriel Yulo, at the Diamond Hotel Manila grand ballroom, Gregorio, the PSA Executive of the Year, and Guiao, recipient of the PSA President’s Award, shared their similar sentiments after being cited by the country’s oldest media organization during the celebration co-presented by the PSC and ArenaPlus

“The PSC and its staff are enablers, not gatekeepers, not disciplinarians.

The PSC’s success is not just about single authorship. We let all sectors participate in what we want to do, and that is our secret,” Gregorio said in getting things done in record time.

The dynamic PSC head said that when he took over the government sports agency in July 2024 “I already

had a plan. Alam ko na kung ano ang aking gagawin, paano gagawin at gagawin ng mabilis. “I have been committed and focused on three things since that day: athletes’ welfare, strategic infrastructure development and sports tourism.”

Being a former athlete himself and sports executive in various capacities, Gregorio was keen on creating “an enabling environment that creates opportunities for athletes. Let the athletes be in the limelight. They are our compass. For when our athletes succeed, we

know we have succeeded.”

“Sinabi ko na po ito minsan na dapat maging maligaya ang ating mga atleta, maligaya din ang 150 million Filipinos. Pinatunayan na ito ni Hidilyn Diaz. PInatunayan na nito ni Caloy (Yulo),” he said referring to the country’s gold medalists in the Tokyo and Paris Summer Games, respectively.

The PSC now has more than ample resources to fulfill these lofty goals, thanks to Guiao, whose uphill legal battle in the Supreme Court that began a decade ago finally resulted in an SC ruling restoring the full five percent of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation’s income and other remittances as mandated by the law.

“I would like to thank chairman Pato. I don’t know of any other person with his dynamic leadership who is deserving to manage the funds that we got from our Supreme Court victory,” the Rain or Shine mentor noted in the gala event backed by major supporters Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO, Cignal, Premier Volleyball League, Philippine Basketball Association, Akari, Rain or Shine, Capital1 Solar Energy, and Acrocity.

PH sectors unite to drive sustainable future thru sports tourism

By Nissi Icasiano

A GROWING alliance among government, sports leaders, and the private sector is shaping a new vision for Philippine sports, one that sees tourism as the driving force behind long-term sustainability.

This shared direction took center stage on Monday, February 16, during the launch of a new sports forum held at Wolfgang’s Steakhouse Grill in Quezon City.

The gathering brought together stakeholders from the sports community, local government units, and the food and beverage industry, all united by a belief that sports tourism can create lasting economic and social impact. Among those who have seen its benefits firsthand is Passi City Mayor Stephen Palmares. Since taking office in 2019, Palmares sought a distinct identity for his city, which often stood in the shadow of larger neighbors such as Iloilo City

and Roxas City. He turned to sports as the foundation.

Under his leadership, Passi City has hosted major events, including The Asian Tournament, PVL on Tour, and the 2023 PBA All-Star Weekend, and the upcoming Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association from March 16 to 21. The strategy has delivered measurable gains.

“Sports tourism is very important for drawing visitors into the city. And I am proud to tell everyone that we were once a small fourth-class component city, but now, in 2025, we are a third-class component city. We have improved because of sports. I am truly grateful to sports. When you talk about sports in Western Visayas, it is Passi,” Palmares said.

The upcoming regional meet will mark a milestone for the city.

“It may seem ordinary, but for me it is historical. This will be the first time that the WVRAA or any regional meet is being hosted not by a province, but by a component city and a small city like Passi. And that is because of sports,” he added. The national government is also

moving in the same direction. Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio shared that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has signed Administrative Order No. 38, creating the National Sports Tourism Inter Agency Committee.

Led by the PSC with the Department of Tourism as vice chair, the committee also includes the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Budget and Management, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation. Its mission is to strengthen the country’s position as a global sports hub while promoting tourism, regional development, and youth engagement through coordinated sports tourism initiatives.

“The biggest tourism events are sports, so it is really a great collaboration,” Gregorio stated. Support has also come from the business sector. Eric Teng, president emeritus of the Restaurant Owners of the Philippines or Resto PH, emphasized that sporting events naturally attract visitors and stimulate local economies.

Coach Yeng Guiao with lawyer Jun Guzman and former executive assistant Mon Navarro

Shown here are (from left) Atty. Albert Agra, PSC Chairman Patrick Gregerio, Bill Velasco, Passi City Mayor Stephen Palmares, Peter Zwiener and Lydia D’Amato of Wolfgang’s, Raymund Magdaluyo and Eric Teng Head of Resto PH. Peter Baltazar

Tallulah Proulx

Meralco names SMC unit lowest bidder for supply deal

By Alena Mae S. Flores

MANILA Electric Co. (Meralco)

on Tuesday announced that San Miguel Corp. unit Sual Power Inc. (SPI) submitted the lowest offer for its 200-megawatt baseload supply requirement.

The utility firm declared SPI as the best bid after the company offered P4.2955 per kWh for the entire 200-megawatt requirement. It said of the 15 initial interested parties, six generation companies with a total capacity of 531 megawatts submitted compliant bids on Monday.

The bidding followed an inverted pyramid of offers, with San Miguel firm Mariveles Power Generation

Corp. identified as a possible next best bid at P4.3805 per kWh for 200 megawatts.

Other potential runners-up included Bac-Man Geothermal Inc. at P4.5187 per kWh for 35 megawatts and San Manuel Solar Inc. at P4.5787 per kWh for 46 megawatts.

ACEN Corp. offered P5.2087 per kWh for 25 megawatts and First Gen Hydro Power Corp. offered P5.4906 per kWh for 25 megawatts to round out the list of possible next best bids. “As in previous years, this CSP has successfully secured the required power supply for customers at the lowest possible cost, achieved through an open and transparent process,” Meralco

bids and awards committee for power supply agreements chairman Lawrence Fernandez said.

The resulting four-year power supply agreement will cover Meralco’s 200-megawatt baseload requirement to comply with renewable portfolio standards. The agreement remains subject to approval by the Energy Regulatory Commission.

The utility’s bids and awards committee will conduct a postqualification evaluation before issuing a notice of award and executing the contract.

Meralco officials said the process aligned with the annual power supply procurement plan approved by the Department of Energy.

PH urges green lane to speed up infrastructure projects

By Othel V. Campos

THE Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) is lobbying for the creation of a green lane for qualified public works contractors to speed up infrastructure development and streamline government bidding processes.

PCCI president Ferdinand Ferrer said the proposal would replicate the fasttrack investment program introduced by the Board of Investments (BOI) which streamlined procedures for foreign investors.

The initiative is intended to help contractors mobilize faster and allow stalled projects to restart immediately to support economic growth, he said.

The proposed green lane would pro-

vide accredited contractors with quicker permit processing, simplified bidding procedures and predictable payment schedules from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Ferrer said some contractors face delays in receiving payments from the agency even after funds have been released.

PCCI is coordinating with the Philippine Constructors Association and the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board to establish stricter standards for the program. These measures are designed to ensure only reputable firms qualify for the expedited process.

To further bolster transparency, the business group is supporting a blockchain-based portal developed with the DPWH to track projects from the bid-

ding stage through to completion. Ferrer said the platform currently covers projects funded by international partners like the Japan International Cooperation Agency and the World Bank but will eventually expand to include locally funded works.

“Every centavo can be tracked, including project progress. The objective is to restore credibility and strengthen accountability,” Ferrer said during the group’s first general membership meeting Monday.

The chamber is also preparing to sign an integrity partnership with the DPWH, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines and local government leaders to enhance monitoring and governance of national infrastructure projects.

THE European Union and the Philippines are expediting efforts to formalize a comprehensive free trade agreement, with officials signaling a goal to close major portions of the deal’s text within the first half of 2026.

EU Ambassador to the Philippines Massimo Santoro said in a recent forum that negotiating teams have made significant progress in text-based discussions.

The momentum follows a partial bilateral trade of €8.3 billion in the first half of 2025, up 3 percent from the same period in 2024. Despite a volatile global economic landscape, the Philippines has maintained a trade surplus with the European bloc.

Santoro attributed this growth trend to the increasing competitiveness of Philippine exports and a robust appetite for

Filipino goods in the European market.

He said the Philippines stands out in the region due to its strong economic fundamentals, dynamic workforce and strategic location.

He lauded the economic reforms of the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., saying that efforts to streamline business planning and increase sector participation serve as clear signals that attract European investors.

The resumed negotiations gained fresh momentum in 2024 following directives from Marcos and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

The proposed agreement aims to go beyond traditional tariff reductions by establishing a stable framework addressing digital security and intellectual property to protect the modern tech-driven economy. Othel V.

LandBank raises P50b in ASENSO bond offering

By Thony Rose Lesaca

STATE-RUN

Land Bank of the Philippines

(LandBank) said Tuesday it raised P50 billion through its Agriculture, Sustainability, Environment and Socioeconomic Development (ASENSO) bonds, represeting its largest retail participation to date.

The bonds were listed on the Philippine Dealing and Exchange Corp. on Feb. 16, 2026 after orders surged more than 10 times the initial P5 billion minimum offer.

The state-run lender exceeded its P30 billion target and closed the offering early due to heavy demand from retail and institutional investors. The issuance represented the first corporate bond in the country available for direct purchase through a mobile banking app, with a minimum investment of P10,000.

“Beyond the scale of capital raised, this issuance stands out for its inclusivity and innovation. For the first time, corporate bonds were made accessible for direct purchase through a mobile banking application. This is finance with purpose. This is capital aligned with national progress. And for LANDBANK, this is only the beginning,” LandBank president and chief executive Lynette Ortiz said.

The offering attracted 16,914 investors through branches and digital platforms.

LandBank mobile banking app facilitated over 7,000 transactions across 1.5-year and 3-year tenors.

Securities and Exchange Commission chairperson Francis Edralin Lim and Philippine Dealing and Exchange

P50 billion 10 times P5 billion

Demand versus initial offer

Initial minimum offer

Corp. president Stephanie Marie Zulueta joined Ortiz for the listing ceremony, which provides investors with secondary market liquidity. Proceeds from the ASENSO bonds will fund projects under the bank’s Sustainable Finance Framework, which is recognized by Moody’s for its adherence to global standards. The capital is earmarked for renewable energy, food security, affordable housing, and socioeconomic empowerment initiatives benefiting farmers and small businesses.

Managing director for a private company and retail investor Jenie Aesquivel said the streamlined digital application and competitive yield were primary factors in her decision to invest.

“I was surprised by how seamless and user-friendly the entire process was, from application to confirmation. What ultimately convinced me was the strong yield—making ASENSO Bonds not just a financial choice, but a strategic investment aligned with my goals and values,” Aesquivel said.

Campos

LandBank president and chief executive Lynette Ortiz (seated, fourth from left), Securities and Exchange Commission chairperson Francis Edralin Lim (fifth from left) and Philippine Dealing and Exchange Corp. president Stephanie Marie Zulueta (right) lead the official listing ceremony of Land Bank’s P50‑billion ASENSO Bonds on Feb. 16, 2026. The listing marks the entry of the bonds into the secondary market, expanding opportunities for investors.

RE FORUM. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) led by Secretary Cristina Roque, participates in the Renewable Energy Investment Forum, underscoring the Philippines’ commitment to accelerating clean energy development and strengthening investor confidence in the sector. The forum highlights government efforts, led by the Department of Energy, to streamline regulatory processes and enhance policy frameworks to fast-track renewable energy projects.

Meralco unit eyes Semirara coal auction

By Alena Mae S. Flors

MERALCO PowerGen Corp., the power generation arm of Manila Electric Co., is considering participating in the upcoming auction for the coal operating contract for the country’s biggest coal mining operations, the company’s top executive said.

“Maybe better if it’s… Meralco, MGen to take a look at it. It’s a minemouth kind of auction,” MGen chairman Manuel Pangilinan told reporters. Pangilinan said that while the company has not firmly decided to bid, the project is “on the radar” for MGen.

He noted that the Semirara coal mine in Antique would help secure MGen’s future fuel requirements as the company continues to pursue baseload coal facilities to support national growth.

“If you secure your supply chain, localize… that must be the benefit. So

you save on freight, at least,” he said.

The Department of Energy plans to bid out the Semirara contract this year ahead of its 2027 expiration.

Currently held by Semirara Mining & Power Corp. (SMPC), the contract cannot be renewed further following a Department of Justice ruling that the agreement must end after its 50-year term.

The DOE expects to hold the auction within the year to ensure operations remain uninterrupted.

SMPC said it remains confident despite the looming auction, noting that it intends to participate in the process.

“Management believes that SMPC’s decades of experience in managing complex engineering projects, coupled with its established operations, technical expertise, and extensive equipment fleet... provide a strong competitive advantage,” the company said in a disclosure to the stock exchange earlier.

By Jenniffer B. Austria

MEGAWIDE Construction Corp. plans to build 100,000 housing units over the next five years under the government’s Expanded Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program.

Megawide chairman and chief executive Edgar Saavedra said the company is expanding its precast facility in Tanay, Rizal, to launch half of those units within the next three years. The commitment is part of a partnership with the Home Development Mutual Fund, commonly known as the Pag-IBIG Fund.

Megawide and Pag-IBIG recently signed an agreement to deliver more than 7,000 housing units in Dasmariñas, Cavite, within two years. At P1.8 million per unit, these projects are expected to generate as much as P13 billion in sales.

“The creation of the new Expanded 4PH Program by DHSUD and with Pag-IBIG Fund will change the perception of how we view our socialized housing,”

DA creates office to revive struggling PH coffee sector

Saavedra said. “We are implementing a world-class prefabricated system, comparable to any first-world country, like Germany or Japan.”

Saavedra added that the program offers “common Filipino homebuyers” the chance to own decent houses comparable to top developments at an affordable price, coupled with 4PH home loans.

Pag-IBIG Fund officials encouraged other developers to participate by offering incentives for quality, affordable projects.

“This is where the important role of the Pag-IBIG Fund comes in,” Pag-IBIG Fund chief executive Marilene Acosta said. “In line with our mandate to deliver sustainable financing for socialized housing in our country, we support projects like this to speed up construction, make construction more efficient, and deliver premium and quality housing.”

Albarracins pledge P400-m donation to support 30,000 PHINMA students

PHINMA Corp. vice chairman Magdaleno Albarracin Jr. and his wife, Trinidad, have pledged P400 million to help 30,000 underprivileged students complete college over the next 20 years.

The donation, formalized during a memorandum of agreement signing Feb. 16, will be channeled through PHINMA Foundation Inc. to provide annual financial aid to PHINMA Education students. Under the agreement, the foundation will receive P30 million annually to assist students with tuition and emergency expenses from enrollment until graduation.

The move comes as the PHINMA Group seeks to address high dropout rates in Philippine higher education. Data from the EDCOM 2 report indicate a 29 percent dropout rate for 2025, suggesting that

nearly one in five students leave college before earning a degree.

“Education is a very powerful instrument for uplifting our underserved youth — I myself have seen the many doors it opened and vast opportunities it unlocked for a better life,” Albarracin said. “It is our hope that investing in our students will help them realize their full potential.”

PHINMA Education will divide the funds between two primary initiatives. A scholarship fund will provide P30,000 annually to qualified students from their second to fourth year of college, while a separate financial assistance program will help students facing sudden crises that might otherwise force them to abandon their studies.

PHINMA Corp. vice-chairman Magdaleno Albarracin Jr., together with his family and executives from PHINMA, PHINMA Education and the PHINMA Foundation, leads the signing ceremony formalizing a P400million donation in support of PHINMA Education students on Feb 16, 2026.

Dozens of trucks line up to deliver coal from the Semirara coal mine in Antique province.

Moody’s affirms Baa2 rating for PH

By Thony Rose Lesaca

Finance Secretary Frederick Go welcomed the optimistic assessment on Feb. 12, 2026, which highlighted the country’s strong macroeconomic fundamentals, sound regulatory framework and resilient financial system.

“Moody’s assessment affirms that the Philippines is on the right track. We will continue to uphold fiscal dis-

cipline, accelerate strategic investments and fast track reforms toward sustainable growth,” Go said.

The credit watcher maintained the Philippines’ Baa2 rating, citing strong access to domestic and international funding markets, a stable banking system and ample foreign currency reserves to cushion the impact of global market volatility.

Other segments remained stable or faced slight declines. Rural and cooperative banks held P505.9 billion, matching their end-September figures but falling below the P527.1 billion seen in December 2024.

Non-bank financial institutions, including the Social Security System, the Government Service Insurance System and private insurance firms, also maintained their end-September level of P6.23 trillion.

Reyes Tacandong & Co. senior sdviser Jonathan Ravelas attributed the expansion to steady credit growth, sustained deposit inflows and the effect

of higher interest rates on balance sheets.

Ravelas said the figures reflect resilience and confidence in the domestic financial environment.

Ravelas expects a shift in strategy for the coming year. “In 2026, growth will likely be more measured but still solid, with banks focusing on targeted lending to priority sectors like infrastructure and consumption, while non-banks benefit from capital market activity, trust funds, and insurance. The story this year shifts from rapid accumulation to disciplined, higher-quality growth,” said Ravelas. Thony Rose Lesaca

Moody’s said it is confident that the Philippines will maintain resilient economic growth compared to its regional and rating peers.

This momentum is expected to be fueled by strong household consumption, overseas workers’ remittances, accelerated public investment and ongoing structural reforms, it said.

The government’s fiscal consolidation remains on track, according to the report. Moody’s expects the fiscal deficit to gradually reduce from an estimated 5.6 percent of gross domestic product in 2025 to 4.3 percent by 2028, supported by reforms to improve revenue collection and spend-

ing efficiency. Despite external challenges, the government’s policy and fiscal management remain relatively strong, it said. To protect the country’s credit standing, Moody’s recommends sustaining reforms that have strengthened the economy. It noted that a steady flow of public and private investments could help growth exceed expectations.

Under the leadership of Go, Department of Finance officials said they would continue to advance fiscal reforms and strategic policy measures to achieve a credit rating upgrade for the country.

Hopia, a round pastry symbolizing togetherness, recorded a 20-percent increase in median GMV in 2025, up from 14 percent in 2023. Central Visayas led the surge with a 240-percent spike in sales. Packworks attributed this to the

company, sari-sari stores have become hubs of festive spending as shoppers seek out goods believed to bring good fortune.

Using its Sari IQ platform, Packworks analyzed over 1 million transactions across 300,000 stores from 2023 to 2025. The data compared sales two weeks before and after the holiday to identify shifting regional preferences and product demands.

By Darwin G. Amojelar

DOMESTIC shipping operators are supporting a proposal by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) to mandate online ticketing for interisland vessels to modernize passenger travel and curb overbooking.

The proposed policy, titled “Rules and Regulations on the Mandatory Implementation of the Shipping Online Ticketing System (SOTS) for Inter-Island Passenger Ships,” was presented during a recent public consultation in Batangas City.

The regulation covers all domestic passenger ships, including Roll-on/ Roll-off (ROPAX) vessels and fast craft.

The system aims to replace traditional paper-based transactions with a secure digital platform to ensure real-time capacity monitoring and more accurate passenger manifests.

Island Water Ferries Dean Guinocor said the new circular would bolster the company’s existing “Book at Ease” program. Guinocor said the move helps achieve the goal of providing more efficient and comfortable travel for the public.

Beyond convenience, MARINA officials said the SOTS framework is intended to strengthen transparency and accountability. By requiring pre-booking and digital tracking, the agency expects to prevent fraud and the dangerous practice of overbooking vessels.

Montenegro Shipping Lines representatives welcomed the initiative as a “systematic step” in the right direction, noting the company has long advocated for full digitalization.

requirements.

THE Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) remitted P276.70 million in interest income to the Bureau of the Treasury in accordance with a Department of Finance mandate, the agency said.

The remittance consists of interest earned from bank deposits of funds earmarked for various rehabilitation projects and the Line 1 South Extension Project.

Under Department of Finance Circular No. 002-2022, government-owned and controlled corporations should remit all interest generated from such funds to the National Treasury unless otherwise provided by law.

The policy requires these entities to remit earnings within five banking days after each quarter,

upon project completion or upon the maturity of an investment.

LRTA officials said the action underscores a commitment to national fiscal policies and the proper stewardship of public funds to promote transparency and accountability.

While the agency met its fiscal obligations, its financial performance showed mixed results.

LRTA data showed it carried 58.75 million passengers last year, up 10.24 percent from 53.29 million in 2024. Gross revenues, however, fell 1.57 percent to P1.25 billion last year from P1.27 billion the previous year. Darwin

By Othel V. Campos

CLARK Development Corp. (CDC) said Tuesday it secured full compliance with the government’s 2024 Freedom of Information (FOI) requirements. The Presidential Communications Office–FOI Program Management Office granted the recognition on Feb. 10, 2026, under Memorandum Circular No. 2025-001. The award recognizes the state-run firm’s adherence to mandated disclosure and reporting standards intended to strengthen transparency within the freeport.

CDC officials said the recognition highlights continuing efforts to expand public access to information and uphold accountability in Freeport operations.

To achieve compliance, the agency updated its FOI manual, submitted all required narrative reports and certified it has no overdue information requests. The CDC also completed onboarding to the Electronic FOI Portal to improve digital access for the public.

The agency said it has maintained full compliance for eigth consecutive years since 2017 through its internal FOI committee.

The program implements the state policy of full public disclosure of government transactions under the 1987 Constitution, while safeguarding sensitive and security-related data.

G. Amojelar

FINANCIAL TRAINING. More than 200 nano-entrepreneurs from Quezon City learn with wealth coach Chinkee

Tan as he shares tips on starting and growing a business and effectively managing finances. The Quezon City Small Business Cooperatives Development and Promotions Office (QC-SBCDPO) and BDO Foundation teamed up for ‘Ayusin ang Pera, Palaguin ang Negosyo’, a learning session on financial literacy and entrepreneurship at the Amoranto Sports Complex in Quezon City.

Clark Development Corp. vice-president for administration Jose Miguel de la Rosa, with records management division manager Rodgardo Deang and records assistant Blezilda Fernandez, receive the certificate of compliance from the Presidential Communications Office–Freedom of Information (PCO-FOI) Program Management Office on Feb. 10, 2026. CDC has strengthened transparency in the management of Clark Freeport Zone transactions after being recognized as fully compliant with the government’s 2024 Freedom of Information (FOI)

HEALTHCARE ID. Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) assistant secretary Rosalinda Bautista, deputy national statistician of the PhilSys Registry Office (front row, fourth from left) leads ‘Pulong Para sa National ID’, a gathering of representatives from public and private hospitals, and other key stakeholders in the healthcare sector for the use of National ID in improving access to health services.

Finance Secretary Frederick Go

The work behind Tagaytay’s comfort food

Where homes rise, communities take root

By Lyschelle Joy Armijo

FOR many Filipino families, a home is more than four walls and a roof — it is security, dignity, and a foundation for raising children and building a future.

Across communities that have long waited for stable housing, that hope is steadily taking shape as Pag-IBIG Fund strengthens the Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program through modern construction technology and sustainable housing finance. That dream is moving closer to reality as Pag-IBIG Fund strengthens the Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program through modern construction technology and sustainable housing finance.

In partnership with Megawide Construction Corporation, a newly launched precast manufacturing facility will produce key housing components for 4PH developments. Using industrialized precast technology, major structural parts such as walls, slabs, beams, and columns are built in a controlled plant environment before being assembled on-site. This method speeds up construction, improves quality control, and reduces

costly delays.

Backed by a ₱10-billion investment from Pag-IBIG Fund, the initiative is expected to deliver more than 7,000 housing units in Cavite within just two years. For thousands of Filipino families, this means faster access to affordable, durable, and well-built homes. Beyond providing shelter, the program also stimulates local economies. Large-scale housing construction generates employment in manufacturing, engineering, transport, and on-site development, creating income opportunities for workers and businesses alike. Pag-IBIG Fund has approved ₱27.12 billion in housing development financing to support the construction of over 21,000 socialized housing units nationwide. In 2025 alone, the agency released a record ₱140.54 billion in housing loans, benefiting more than 90,000 Filipino workers seeking to purchase or improve their homes.

By combining Megawide’s modern construction technology with Pag-IBIG Fund’s long-term, affordable financing, the Expanded 4PH Program is not just building structures — it is building stability, opportunity, and stronger communities across the Philippines.

Sumo wrestling: From Tokyo arenas to TikTok fame

By Robert Harland

SUMO wrestling, Japan’s centuries- old sport of thunderous collisions and ritual pageantry, is enjoying an unlikely boom far beyond its homeland. Once seen as a cultural curiosity, sumo is now finding new audiences in Britain — thanks to social media, short-form video and a rare visit by Japan’s elite wrestlers.

I have fond memories of my own brush with the sport. When I lived in Japan, my company was a proud sponsor of sumo tournaments. That meant I had the privilege of attending countless bouts in Tokyo’s Ryogoku Sumo Hall. Each occasion was a feast of tradition: wrestlers stomping to ward off evil spirits, salt tossed to purify the dohyo (ring), and then the explosive clash of two giants that often ended in less than ten seconds. Always a fun occasion and always unforgettable.

These days, I catch the occasional match on television. Even from the sofa, the spectacle retains its charm. But what surprised me most was hearing that sumo is fast becoming a favourite sport for many Britons. In fact, it’s now being described as “very TikTok-able.” Short, dramatic bouts fit perfectly into the age of scrolling feeds and clips of wrestlers colliding have gone viral.

The craze was fueled last October when Japan’s top wrestlers (rikishi) visited London for a grand tournament at the Royal Albert Hall. Fans were delighted not only by the bouts themselves but by the sight

Baring the ‘silent violence’ of Philippine jails

By Danika Geronimo

CONVERSATIONS about Philippine jail congestion often begin and end with statistics: thousands of case backlogs, cells built for 50 crammed with 200 bodies, and facilities straining at 300 to 400 percent beyond capacity. Yet these numbers barely capture the everyday human cost of overcrowding. What does punishment feel like when

lapping sensory overload—sight, sound, touch, and smell—creating a persistent, invisible form of shackles that Antojado calls “silent violence.” Oppressive prison air Nowhere is this more apparent than in the prison air itself. Poor ventilation and tropical humidity trap the stench of bodily fluids, ineffective cleaning chemicals, sweat-soaked clothes, sourness of leftover foods, and the pervasive reek of shared toilets. Odors cling to everything, lingering even in visitors’ memories. Physical sensation also offers no relief. Overcrowded cells radiate heat, with wall-mounted fans merely circulating warm and foul air.

The sounds and visuals of confinement compound this sensory burden. Punctuated by constant hums: sporadic shouts, clanging gates, whirring fans, blaring televisions, and synchronized greetings to officials, make quiet nearly impossible. Meanwhile, the eyes encounter compression everywhere. Often repurposed from schools or offices,

jails reflect an architecturally crushing fullness of makeshift adaptations: plywood and cardboard wedged between bunks, forming fragile sleeping tiers, clotheslines hang from bars, shelves jam the walls, and belongings fill every gap. Yet amid this press for survival, murals, religious icons, family photos, and slogans accent the spaces, asserting dignity, resistance, and ownership within confinement.

Frustration with elite impunity

Antojado acknowledges that, within public discourse, harsh jail conditions are perceived to be a legitimate part of the Philippine penal system. However, public reactions to high-profile detentions—such as calls that former Senator Bong Revilla should receive “no special treatment”—reflect frustration with elite impunity and unequal justice, not just a desire for suffering. Antojado shows that calls for harshness usually stem from resentment and distrust in institutions, rather than a true belief in degrading punishment.

By Bernadette Araño

WHILE tourists slurp steaming bowls of bulalo on a cool February afternoon after a quick escape from the metro, vendors at Mahogany Market have already been on their feet for hours.

Long before the crowd lines up for lunch, the day’s trade has begun behind the stalls.

Mahogany Tagaytay Market remains one of the city’s primary trading hubs, known for offering more affordable meat to both residents and visitors.

Restaurant buyers, household shoppers, and tourists pass through daily, drawn by the promise of fresh supply and lower prices compared to commercial centers.

Among the longtime vendors is Nonilo De los Reyes, 57, who has been in the meat trade for 15 years. His products are sourced from Batangas and sold on both a wholesale and retail basis.

of wrestlers enjoying themselves at famous London tourist spots. The event sold out instantly, featuring two yokozuna (grand champions), Ōnosato Daiki and Mongolian rival Hōshōryū Tomokatsu. Amateur wrestlers across the UK and Ireland are now preparing for the first British Isles Sumo Championships. New clubs are opening, coaches are training and enthusiasts of all shapes and sizes are donning the mawashi (loincloth) to give it a try. Unlike the professional sport, amateur sumo has weight classes and welcomes women, making it one of the most inclusive martial arts.

One wonders if sumo could also catch on in the Philippines, but Filipinos have already left their mark on the sport. Back in 1988, three young men joined the Kataonami stable in Japan, becoming the first Filipinos to enter professional sumo. As of 2025, four wrestlers have officially listed the Philippines as their birthplace, but the large Filipino diaspora in Japan has produced stars of mixed heritage. Ozeki champions Takayasu and Mitakeumi both have Filipino roots, while Filipino -born Japanese wrestlers such as Masunoyama and Kotokuzan have reached the top division.

What began as a sacred contest in Shinto shrines now thrives on global stages and digital screens. Sumo’s journey shows how tradition can adapt without losing its soul — a sport rooted in ritual yet flexible enough to delight new audiences.

He begins his day around 4 a.m. and stays until 8 p.m., often closing only when his stock runs out. Mahogany Market has long been a go-to destination for consumers seeking reasonably priced meat products, drawing not only local households but also visitors to the city.

According to De los Reyes, demand increases significantly during peak periods, particularly during holidays.

“Mas malakas talaga kapag holiday. Hangga’t may bumibili, tuloy lang ang trabaho,” he said, explaining that longer hours are necessary to meet higher demand.

During peak seasons, De los Reyes said his daily earnings can reach up to ₱5,000, providing essential support for his family. He has four children, one of whom is now based in Australia.

The work, however, comes with physical demands. From predawn preparations to late-evening sales, De los Reyes maintains a routine shaped by the need to keep products fresh and meet customer expectations.

As small-scale vendors face rising operating costs and economic uncertainty, traders continue to play a crucial role in sustaining community markets.

Their daily labor ensures the steady supply of affordable food products that support both local households and the city’s tourismdriven economy.

Nonilo De los Reyes, 57, is among the longtime meat vendors at Mahogany Tagaytay Market, one of Tagaytay City’s primary trading hubs known for offering more affordable prices to both residents and tourists.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. leads the turnover of housing units under the Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) program in Taytay, Rizal on Monday, reaffirming the government’s commitment to provide more affordable homes for Filipino families.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 16, 2025

FEBRUARY 18, 2026

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

SHOWBIZ

ANGELICA Writer Writer

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

By Nickie Wang

How Ryza Cenon adapted to acting in vertical drama

VERTICAL series have become a streaming trend, with episodes running two minutes or longer, designed for easy consumption. Creators must find ways to hook viewers quickly and keep them engaged, encouraging them to scroll through the next episode.

Actors face a unique challenge in this format, needing to deliver performances that are both engaging and heightened without losing connection to the story.

Ryza Cenon, one of the lead stars of Inagaw na Anak, described her first experience working on a vertical series as both challenging and rewarding.

“This is my first time doing a vertical drama, and I have high expectations for it. Whenever I work on a project, I really study how to deliver my lines,” Cenon explained. She added that the director instructed the cast to use exaggerated movements for the scenes, requiring her to adjust her prepared acting style.

“Basically, we started with introductions. At first, it was just warming up, but after that, we started chatting more. That became our quickest ‘workshop,’ simple conversations during break times or setups to get to know each other better,” she shared.

The 60-episode family melodrama, directed by Lat , stars Cenon alongside Althea Ruedas, Maui Taylor, Reyes The story follows Lucy (Cenon), who, nine years after losing her baby, returns to the Villarosa household under the guise of a housemaid. Lucy, now wealthy and powerful, plans to get close to Grace (Ruedas), the nine-year-old daughter of Alex and Trisha Villarosa, whom she believes is her child.

Despite initial animosity, Trisha accepts Lucy into the household, surprising her husband, Alex. Lucy works to gain Grace’s trust while exposing the family’s exploitations to protect the child. The drama explores betrayal, confusion, trauma, and revenge.

Cenon noted that bonding with co-stars was limited by a strict shooting schedule, with most interactions happening during breaks.

Inagaw na Anak streams on Viva Movie Box.

SM Cinema bets on immersive formats to draw audiences back

By Angelica Villanueva

AS GLOBAL cinema chains grapple with declining attendance, SM Cinema is rolling out a nationwide upgrade program aimed at drawing Filipino audiences back to the big screen.

Ultimate anthem for unspoken romance

SPARKLE artist and former Pinoy Big Brother 2.0 housemate Lee Victor released a new single, “Nagkakahiyaan,” aimed at listeners navigating “will-they-won’t-they” relationships. The track, under GMA Playlist, is intended as a soundtrack for those hesitant to confess their feelings.

“Just like the song says, being shy about confessing your feelings for your crush, that’s just how I am,”

Lee said. “It takes time for me to admit it because I’m shy, I don’t know if they’ll reject me or if they like me too.”

Produced by Rocky S. Gacho, the song blends pop sounds with sweet vocals. Arrangements were handled by Jade Mark G. Ferreras and Natasha L. Correos, and mixing by Andrea

Rae N. Culla

Lee said he hopes the single will help fellow Gen Z listeners move beyond the “just friends” stage and give them the confidence to express their feelings.

Zamboanga, scheduled to

in March. Alongside technical enhancements, SM Cinema said it continues to offer promotional pricing through partnerships with major studios. During the Valentine’s season, tickets for the romantic film The Loved One, starring Anne Curtis and Jericho Rosales, are priced at P275 in Metro Manila and P230 in provincial branches. Zabaljauregui said the company’s goal is to position its theaters as “a curated space for connection, culture, and entertainment that can’t be streamed,” as it seeks to redefine the local moviegoing experience.

on public service rather than engage with Alvin Aragon’s remarks

“I hope when they hear this, they won’t be shy about confessing their feelings for their crushes, it’s like a boost for them,” he said.

“Nagkakahiyaan” is now available for streaming on major digital platforms nationwide.

By Angelica Villanueva

BULACAN Vice Governor Alex Castro has chosen not to address remarks made by actor Alvin Aragon regarding his wife, dancer-actress

Sunshine Garcia In an interview on Tuesday, Feb. 17, Castro said that he saw Alvin’s interview but decided to focus on his government responsibilities rather than the issue.

Kahapon ko pa nakita, pati

Ryza Cenon recalibrates her performance approach for vertical storytelling in ‘Inagaw na Anak’

Sparkle artist Lee Victor releases ‘Nagkakahiyaan’ under GMA Playlist

Bulacan Vice Governor Alex Castro (right) chooses to focus

By Rolando Ng III

TELEVISION remains a useful commodity in the public’s consumption of media. It is where Joe Carlos made his name in the industry as a newscaster for Newswatch on Channel 9.

A newscaster’s recollections,

Carlos worked with various personalities for their respective Filipino and final editions. After years in front of the camera, he now works behind the scenes as a news executive and a university professor.

I caught up with him recently at a coffee shop in Pasig. A few months ago, he launched a guidebook for newscasters.

On Air Na!, published by UST Publishing House, explains how news anchors are meant to conduct their roles in front of and behind the camera, as told by those who occupy these positions.

Carlos witnessed how the industry changed throughout his long career. From simple news reading, news presenters have evolved into journalists in their own right. They have become immersed in the field as they gather stories themselves. To him, this was a significant leap.

had to be presented in a manner suitable for airing despite skeletal staff and audio feed issues.

Two hours of annotating. On the air. It took him two hours to annotate images from the Vatican before writers and production staff could provide additional notes.

“To become a news anchor, you really have to read a lot. Understand so many issues. As much as possible, you have to be a know-all. But that takes a lot of hard work— understanding, comprehending what the story is all about,” he recalled, adding that their work should go beyond the program’s airtime.

By Nash B. Maulana

But sometimes, news anchors still had to rely more on their own ability to read less.

In his book, Carlos recounts his experience covering the death of Pope John Paul II for Channel 9. He had to rely on whatever knowledge he had of the late Pontiff, whom he had covered during visits to Manila. Everything

“From mere readers to becoming more of a journalist, where you go out to fact-check, to verify. You interview sources, and then you write and package your stories for television news. You see them going out of the studio and doing reportorial work,” he later explained. Technology, he said, has also played a key role in shaping their work. Back then, news readers would glance at their scripts before lifting their eyes to the camera. Today, prompters are used extensively to deliver the written words as if memorized.

AN EXTREMELY rare Pokémon card owned by American YouTuber Logan Paul sold Monday for $16,492,000, smashing the record for the most expensive Pocket Monster trading card sold at an auction.

The supposedly unique PSA 10-graded Pikachu Illustrator was originally bought by Paul in another record-breaking sale in 2021 –for $5.28 million.

This time, it was purchased by AJ Scaramucci son of former White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci, according to a group from Guinness World Records, who was at the auction held by Goldin.

After the successful bid, Paul placed the card, which was attached to what Guinness said was a $75,000 diamond necklace, around Scaramucci’s neck.

Pikachu Illustrator, designed by Atsuko Nishida , the original creator of Pikachu, is

highly sought after because it was never commercially sold and was originally given as a prize in a 1998 illustration contest.

The PSA 10 designation indicates a virtually perfect card, with four sharp corners, full original gloss, and precise focus.

Paul previously displayed the card at a WWE event in Texas, wearing it on a gold chain in a protective plastic case.

The $16.492 million sale includes a buyer’s premium.

The Pokémon franchise, featuring more than 1,000 characters from Pikachu and Jigglypuff to Lucario, has seen its trading cards’ value surge in recent years. Prices are influenced by rarity, character, and artist, attracting collectors and investors, even those with little prior interest. AFP

News anchors are tasked with knowing the news before they read it. He said some contemporaries, despite their perceived credibility, were not interested in gathering stories outside the studio. Today, the role has become more crucial, requiring understanding from preparation to presentation.

When asked who could be the country’s equivalent of America’s Walter Cronkite, Carlos said no single anchor could match his stature.

childlike and whimsical perspective while observing the environment. SERO also serves as a moment of reflection for the artist, a pause to review his growth and consider where his work may lead.

Despite starting his artistic journey only five years ago, Kilayko has held three solo exhibitions: PDA (2021) at the Grey Room, Art District in Bacolod; Unknown (2022) at B17 Art Space, Bacolod; and Where/Saan/Diin (2025) at Ysobel Art Gallery in Taguig City. He has also participated in more than 30 group shows and fairs across

and Bangkok.

will be on view from

21 to

RICANOR “Dong” I. Uday will release his first album featuring original songs spanning social, historical, and environmental themes. Proceeds from the album will go to charity, supporting medical expenses and surgeries for underprivileged communities.

The album includes compositions such as “Maharlika,” a tribute to indigenous peoples; “O Marawi,” recalling the 2017 Marawi Siege; “Higit sa Lahat Kalikasan,” and “Mga Batang Lansangan.”

A public pre-launch is being considered at Cotabato State University, though no date has been set. Organizers are coordinating with local artists to highlight the social and historical relevance of the music.

Uday, who will retire from government service this year as a tourism worker with the Cotabato City Tourism Office, has tapped young local talents to interpret his songs. He said the decision aims to connect a new generation of listeners with the social messages embedded in his music, which he has written since high school in the late 1970s.

Uday’s work includes the songwriting for the film Muslim Magnum .357, remade with George Estregan Jr., and the song “Kapayapaan,” which was interpreted by the band Rivermaya He noted that his family ties to former Cotabato City Mayor Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi have slowed discussions with the current mayor on some civic initiatives, but he emphasized that his work is not politically motivated.

The Moro artist is also involved in supporting fellow artists, including local musician Ben Sapalon, who has lost his sight due to diabetes. Friends and relatives are pooling resources to assist Sapalon, with coordination from local songwriter Zulficar Salik Abdullah, heir to the 19th-century Sultan Matagmama Barongis of Buayan.

Ricanor ‘Dong’ Uday readies his debut album of original songs tackling social, historical, and environmental themes

Jadon Kilayko’s ‘Ano Ini I’ invites a childlike look at changing city-and-province landscapes

Jadon Kilayko’s latest body of work carries traces of lived experience and local culture

American YouTuber Logan Paul’s ‘Pikachu

Bacolod, Cebu, Manila,

SERO

Feb.

March 7 at Ysobel Art Gallery, 2nd Floor Shops at Serendra, 11th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.

Veteran broadcaster and news executive Joe Carlos launches ‘On Air Na!’ with UST Publishing House, distilling decades of newsroom practice into a guide for aspiring anchors

Joe Carlos recalls his years co-anchoring ‘Newswatch Final Edition’ with Jing Magsaysay The launch of

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2026

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, JASPER VALDEZ,

SPEAKING in a calm, self-effacing manner before a crowd, visual artist Isabel Santos described her newest collaboration with IQOS, “Curiosity Without Limits,” as both a professional milestone and a moment of personal growth.

“Since transitioning professionally into the arts, I’ve welcomed every opportunity to collaborate, and this experience has truly meant a lot,” Santos said during a dinner with guests and IQOS executives following the project’s official launch. “It pushed me to learn more, expand my skills, and explore different facets of myself as an artist.”

The collaboration explores the intersection of art and innovation through thoughtful design, translating Santos’s evolving visual language across IQOS devices and select retail spaces.

Defined by motion, refinement, and a sense of continuous transformation, her work turns everyday objects into expressive surfaces that echo curiosity and creative evolution.

Teener mounts photography exhibit at Chef

A PHOTOGRAPHY exhibit titled a world // apart is currently on display at Chef Jessie Rockwell Club.

The exhibit features works by 14-year-old photography enthusiast Sebastian Raffael J. Villasin, who discovered his passion for the art at age seven using his father’s old phone to capture anything that caught his eye.

The hobby deepened during the pandemic, when Villasin’s father passed away, and photography became a source of comfort and focus. Born and raised in the city, he also finds inspiration in the quiet and serene landscapes of his father’s hometown in Leyte, offering a peaceful contrast to the busy urban environment.

“I fell in love with photography because of its power to preserve moments that may never happen again,” Villasin said. The exhibit runs through Feb. 28.

Curiosity takes shape through Isabel Santos’ latest design collaboration

The project aligns with IQOS’s design philosophy of rethinking familiar rituals through technology that heats tobacco instead of burning it. Evgeny Ivanov, president of PMFTC Inc., said the initiative demonstrates how artistry can reshape routine experiences.

“‘Curiosity Without Limits’ reflects how innovation and artistry can transform the everyday. Isabel’s work brings a new dimension to the IQOS experience, one filled with color, motion, and intention. Through this collaboration, we invite legal aged nicotine users to express their creativity and discover new perspectives in the way they enjoy their rituals.”

Ivanov also pointed out that the partnership demonstrates continued backing for Filipino creativity.

“For our business, we continue to emphasize support for Philippine products and local creativity. Today is especially meaningful because this collaboration with Philippine talent allows us to highlight the brand values we strongly believe in. Having talents who truly represent the brand image is very important to us,” he remarked.

“This marks an important moment as we further recognize and celebrate local Filipino talent. And this initiative is not limited to Manila, we plan to showcase it in other global markets as well. This simply proves that the Philippines is home to remarkable talent and incredibly creative artists,” Ivanov added.

Santos’s artwork extends into a curated range of limited-edition pieces, including hand-painted IQOS devices available exclusively to IQOS Club members, collectible merchandise such as tote bags,

pouches, luggage tags and magnetic snap wallets, and a custom IQOS × ISABEL installation at the new IQOS boutique in Glorietta.

For a limited time, users may personalize their devices with the exclusive IQOS × ISABEL design at select locations in Bonifacio Global City, Mall of Asia and the Glorietta boutique, offering new ways to customize and engage with the IQOS experience.

Jessie Ayala Foundation names Reuben Keehan artistic director of Kontempo

The collaboration launched Feb. 6 and is available at participating IQOS Boutique Stores nationwide. It signals IQOS’s continued focus on design-led partnerships and its push to provide better alternatives for legal-age smokers who would otherwise continue smoking.

Henry Martin Yap, brand manager for IQOS at Philip Morris International, described the project as the next chapter in the brand’s creative collaborations.

“Today, we’re excited to introduce ‘Curiosity Without Limits.’ As you know, curiosity sits at the core of how we innovate, design, and continuously evolve as a brand. This mindset naturally connects with Isabel’s craft. Her creative process is driven by constant exploration, questioning what a canvas can be and how an idea can take shape,” Yap said.

THE Ayala Foundation has appointed Reuben Keehan as the incoming artistic director of Kontempo, a new center for contemporary art in Circuit Makati. His appointment will take effect after standard clearance and compliance procedures are completed.

Keehan, who will move to the Philippines later this year from Australia, has been curator of contemporary Asian art at Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art since 2011. He has played a key role in shaping the Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art, collaborating with artists, curators, and institutions across Asia, including the Philippines.

The foundation said the appointment reflects its goal of establishing Kontempo

as a platform for contemporary art, public engagement, and regional dialogue. The center will present exhibitions, commissions, research, educational programs, and community initiatives.

Kontempo will occupy a 2.5-hectare site in Circuit Makati, part of a broader cultural district built on the former Santa Ana Race Track. Designed by Kulapat Yantrasast of WHY Architecture with Philippine firm Lor Calma & Partners, the center will feature three galleries totaling about 2,500 square meters, along with 15,000 square meters of open green space for public use.

The center is part of the Ayala Foundation’s long-term commitment to arts and culture, complementing its stewardship of the Ayala Museum.

Young photographer Sebastian Raffael J. Villasin discovers his passion for the art at the age of seven using his father’s old mobile phone

Kontempo, located in Circuit Makati, will feature galleries and open green space

Reuben Keehan has been the curator of contemporary Asian art at Queensland Art Gallery since 2011

Sebastian finds inspiration in the serene landscapes of his father’s hometown in Leyte

Visual artist Isabel Santos (bottom, second to the left) poses alongside IQOS executives at the launch of collaboration with the brand

Visual artist Isabel Santos talks about her creative process and personal growth behind the ‘Curiosity Without Limits’ project

Isabel signs one of the installations at the launch