Manila Standard - 2026 February 23 - Monday

At least 3 missing in Rizal landfill collapse

By Vince Lopez and Rio Araja

AT LEAST three people are missing after a mound of garbage collapsed at a privately owned sanitary landfill in Rodriguez, Rizal late Friday, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Sunday.

The NDRRMC also denied claims

by an urban poor group that around 50 garbage collectors are buried in the garbage heap. The incident occurred at the Rizal Provincial Sanitary Landfill in Barangay San Isidro, Rodriguez town, where a large pile of waste reportedly gave way in what local officials described as a “pagbuka ng gabundok na basura” (an opening in a hill-sized pile of garbage).

“As per MDRRMO Rodriguez, the cause is not a trash slide but ‘pagbuka ng gabundok na basura,’” said Office of Civil Defense deputy spokesperson Diego Agustin Mariano.

“Casualties (Missing): 3 (for validation), reports of 50 casualties are neither accurate nor factual,” Mariano added.

Senators to craft protocols for China envoy meet

By Ram Superable

AN ALL-SENATOR caucus is scheduled today to establish ground rules for a possible dialogue with the Embassy of China in Manila regarding the West

Philippine Sea (WPS) issue, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson said over the weekend.

On Saturday, Lacson said he has extended an invitation to members of the minority bloc to join the dialogue and attend the cau-

cus if they choose to participate.

The Manila Standard however, has not received word from members of the minority bloc regarding their attendance in the caucus. The

‘ICC testimony to link Sara’

By Jimbo Gulle, Katrina Manubay, and Vince Lopez

TESTIMONY

VP Sara says she has chosen running mate

in 2028 polls

By Ram Superable and Katrina Manubay

that she already has a running mate for the 2028 elections, having recruited the person last year, but declined to identify them.

“I recruited the person last year, but let’s not talk about that for now. Let’s protect the person until he can decide

By Vito Barcelo and Ram Superable

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) said on Sunday the implementation of an anti-political dynasty law should begin at

the local government level before extending the ban to national positions.

“Simplify for the time being, What is important, in my view, is to implement it simply,” Comelec chairman George Garcia told Super Radyo dzBB, as he expressed

support for the proposed measure.

Local elective government positions cover provincial governors down to the barangay. It was not clear from Garcia’s proposal if all elective posts are included in the ban.

He said it would be better if the country implemented the anti-dynasty law so that more people can run in elections.

“It is often said the concentration of political power at the local level is regressive,”

By Othel V. Campos

By Vince Lopez

SWALLOWED. A mound of garbage opened up in a landfill and swallowed at least three people in Rodriguez, Rizal. Grab from Sumbungan ng Bayan FB page

Mandiaye Niang (Deputy Prosecutor)

Nicholas Kaufman (Defense lead counsel)

Creation of OFW hospital backed

By Rio N. Araja

LEYTE Rep. Martin Romualdez on Sunday batted for the approval of a bill that seeks to establish and institutionalize the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) Hospital, framing it as a concrete way to repay what the country owes its “modern heroes” with better, more reliable healthcare.

“Our OFWs carry our economy on their backs. One way to recognize their contribution is to ensure that they and their families get quality healthcare,” he said.

“And we can do this through the establishment of an OFW Hospital.

what to do with his career,” she told SMNI’s Vox Populi segment.

Duterte added that she prefers to wait until the individual has finalized their political plans.

She said accountability would be a priority if she wins the presidency. “It is not possible for no one to be held accountable. The one I am recruiting as vice president will hold accountable those who have done wrong in the country so I can focus on the president’s job,” Duterte explained.

Duterte also rejected claims that her early announcement of her 2028 bid was meant to pressure lawmakers amid four impeachment complaints filed against her.

“So how can I intimidate members of the House of Representatives who are anchored to the power of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the administration?” she said.

Meanwhile, Senator Robin Padilla clarified Sunday that he has no intention of running for Vice President in 2028.

“I have no intention of running for Vice President. I am not like your allies who are so eager to run that they follow all your advice just to pursue their ambitions,” Padilla said. He noted that decisions on candidacies are determined by party leadership, with former President Duterte as PDP-Laban chairman.

“A political party has rules and policies that are followed, and only the chairman decides who runs for what position among its members. I have a sense of propriety,” he added.

Isang institusyong tututok sa ating mga OFWs, mula sa kanilang pangangailangan bago umalis, sa pangangailangang pangkalusugan ng kanilang pamilya, at sa kanilang medical needs pagdating muli sa ating bansa,” he added. (An institution that will focus on

our OFWs—from their needs before departure, to the healthcare needs of their families, and to their own medical needs when they return to our country.)

House Bill No. 7227, or the OFW Hospital Act, was filed by Romualdez along with Tingog party-list Rep. Jude Acidre. It seeks to establish the OFW Hospital as a Level III hospital in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga under the direct supervision and control of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) with services geared primarily toward OFWs and their qualified dependents.

It builds on the policy direction already set by Executive Order No. 154, which ordered the establishment of an OFW Hospital and an inter-agency committee to support it.

Under the bill, the hospital’s mandate is not limited to bedside care but is designed as a full-service facility that can cover the needs of migrants before deployment, while on contract, and upon return. This reflects the reality that the risks OFWs face do not end when they come home and often surface after years of strenuous work abroad.

The proposed law directs the facility to provide comprehensive healthcare services to migrant workers, including Overseas Workers Welfare Administration contributors (active or inactive), their legal dependents, and even the general public. It clarifies that nothing in the measure prevents the hospital from accommodating non-OFW patients as capacity allows.

minority did not sign the resolution condemning the Chinese embassy for their criticisms of lawmakers and government officials defending the Philippine position on the WPS issue.

Lacson said the meeting aims to define clear parameters for communication among senators to prevent misunderstandings and personal conflicts.

Lacson earlier expressed interest in initiating sit-down discussions between senators and the Chinese embassy officials after Chinese ambassador to Jing Quan signaled readiness to engage Philippine leaders in dialogue to ease the acerbic debate over the maritime dispute.

no rally’ since we need to prepare for the two major gatherings,” NCRPO spokesperson Police Major Hazel Asilo told Super Radyo dzBB. Police personnel were reminded to observe maximum tolerance, exercise restraint, and maintain professionalism.

Several groups from different sectors have expressed plans to hold a third iteration of the Trillion Peso March to protest corruption and political dynasties.

In a social media post, the Koalisyon Makabayan said it would push through EDSA on Wednesday, with or without a permit.

“The PNP is not your enemy. We are not the enemy of the people. We are here to ensure that every activity is orderly, safe, and peaceful,” Aberin said. “While we respect everyone’s right to freedom of expression, it is our duty to maintain order and protect the community. The NCRPO will continue to serve with discipline, respect, and accountability.”

against humanity against the elder Duterte, as defense lawyers and Common Legal Representatives for Victims (CLRV) will also be heard.

According to ICC assistant to counsel Kristina Conti, witnesses have testified that Sara Duterte was aware of the killings attributed to the so-called Davao Death Squad (DDS) and may have participated in discussions concerning how the crimes were carried out.

The testimony, she said, is relevant to Count 1 of the charges, which covers murder as a crime against humanity.

Conti was answering a question as to whether Sara Duterte’s recent declaration of running for President in 2028 was relevant to the ICC case.

“One witness said she (Sara Duterte) was first, aware of the killings happening in Davao, and secondly, probably participating in some way or another, in the planning or discussion about the commission of the crimes,” Conti said in a press briefing organized by rights advocates Duterte Panagutin EU monitoring the case.

Conti disclosed that a particular witness claimed it was Sara Duterte’s idea to advise then Davao police chief Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa against directly killing suspected drug targets.

Instead, the alleged proposal was to abduct the targets, make them disappear, and bury them in gravesites—effectively transforming homicide cases into enforced disappearances, the lawyer added.

The alleged strategy, Conti said, was meant to prevent Davao from being labeled the “murder capital of the Philippines.”

By recording incidents as disappearances rather than homicides, the number of reported murder cases would not spike in official crime statistics, she added.

While the prosecution has not yet completely revealed its presentation, Conti said more specific details could emerge once the case moves beyond the confirmation stage and into the submission of arguments on the merits of the case.

The current proceedings are designed to determine whether sufficient evidence exists to send the case to trial, not to establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt, she noted.

The charges against Rodrigo Duterte stem from his years as Davao City mayor and later as president, when he launched a nationwide anti-drug campaign that rights groups say resulted in thousands of extrajudicial killings.

The ICC investigation covers alleged crimes committed between 2011 and 2019, a period that includes Sara Duterte’s tenure as Davao mayor from 2010 to 2013 and again from 2016 to 2022.

The Vice President’s potential role in the Davao killings, while not the subject of formal charges at this stage, may come under scrutiny if the prosecution presents evidence linking her to knowl-

edge of or participation in the alleged criminal enterprise, the lawyer added. Conti also cautioned that not all details of the case will be made public during the confirmation of charges hearing.

Portions of the ICC’s livestream may temporarily cut audio or video when sensitive information is discussed, particularly details that could compromise the safety of witnesses and victims.

“This is for security purposes,” she said. “Nonetheless, the details as to how the crimes were committed will probably be laid out further in the submission of the merits or the arguments of the prosecution.”

The hearing marks a significant moment in the ICC proceedings, as it is the first time that victims’ accounts and elements of the defense’s response are being presented in a formal courtroom setting.

However, procedural disputes have also shaped the run-up to the hearing.

Duterte’s lead counsel, British-Israeli lawyer Nicholas Kaufman, filed an urgent request for leave to appeal a decision by ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I rejecting the defense’s attempt to disqualify the lawyers representing victims in the case.

The defense argued that the appointment of lawyers Joel Butuyan and Gilbert Andres as common legal representatives, as well as Nicolene Arcaina as case manager, created a conflict of interest because of Arcaina’s prior association with CenterLaw, where Butuyan and Andres are partners.

The Pre-Trial Chamber dismissed the claim, ruling that Article 12 of the ICC Code of Professional Conduct applies to counsel and their associates, not to non-counsel team members such as a case manager. It described the alleged conflict as speculative and unsupported by evidence.

Kaufman warned that allowing the arrangement to stand would create what he called a “structural imbalance” inconsistent with the requirement that proceedings be fair and appear to be fair.

He urged the Chamber to certify the issue for appeal, arguing that the defense’s ability to challenge the appointment was constrained by the timing of the court’s decision.

In a separate ruling, Pre-Trial Chamber I granted Duterte’s request to waive his right to physically attend the confirmation hearing, despite objections from the Office of the Prosecutor, which maintained that he was medically fit to appear in person.

Duterte remains in ICC custody in Scheveningen, The Hague, following his arrest in March 2025 on a warrant alleging crimes against humanity in connection with his anti-drug campaign.

His family has said that no in-person visits have been approved during the hearings, although telephone communication remains available.

Six Filipino lawyers are attending the proceedings to ensure he is represented by a legal team familiar with Philippine law and context.

Human rights lawyer Neri Colmenares, representing some of the victims, argued that the charges must be confirmed for three fundamental reasons: justice for the victims, accountability to the Filipino people, and the institutional credibility of the ICC.

First, Colmenares said the case seeks long-delayed justice for victims’ families who filed complaints as early as 2018, at a time when Duterte was still president and domestic accountability mechanisms were widely perceived as ineffective.

“These were very difficult years,” he said, noting that families of victims faced threats and intimidation. Confirmation of charges, he argued, would signal that their claims have passed a judicial threshold and merit a full trial.

Second, Colmenares emphasized that the charges are not limited to murder. The case also includes allegations of other inhumane acts, such as torture, illegal imprisonment, and rape.

Some victims, he said, survived but endured severe abuse and cannot be included in murder counts. The confirmation of charges would recognize the breadth of harm allegedly inflicted under the anti-drug campaign.

Third, Colmenares said the case carries broader implications for the Filipino public and the international justice system.

If the charges are confirmed and the case proceeds to trial, Duterte would become the first Asian head of state to stand trial before the ICC, he noted.

The proceedings would provide a formal forum for victims to narrate their experiences and for evidence to be tested in court.

“It’s not just about our clients,” Colmenares said. “It’s about ensuring that this will not be repeated again. Otherwise, what’s the message? Commit a program and get away with it?”

Supporters of Duterte have criticized the ICC proceedings as politically motivated and have appealed for compassion, citing his age and health.

Colmenares countered that accountability mechanisms exist precisely to deter future abuses of power.

The confirmation of charges hearing, scheduled to run for four days, will determine whether prosecutors have presented sufficient evidence to establish substantial grounds to believe that Duterte committed the alleged crimes.

If the threshold is met, the case will proceed to trial, where the prosecution must prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

Back in Manila, the Philippine National Police has placed units on heightened alert in anticipation of possible mass gatherings by supporters and critics of the former president.

Civil disturbance management teams have been pre-positioned, and medical responders placed on standby, the PNP said in a statement.

Police officials have reiterated that maximum tolerance will be observed but warned that public order laws will be enforced.

The lawmaker added that he is amenable to returning to Pag-asa Island in the Kalayaan Island Group, which he previously visited in 2021. “If there’s another opportunity to go there I want to. We have established occupation. People vote there, and there are students there. I think it is incumbent upon us, especially the Armed Forces, to protect and defend Pag-asa from either intrusion or, in a worse scenario, invasion,” he said.

Pag-asa is the only community with residents in the area, with an estimated population of 400 to 500 Filipinos currently residing.

Lacson also dismissed speculation about his political future, declaring that he has no plans to seek any elective position after his Senate term ends in 2031. Lacson, who has spent more than five decades in government, made the statement when asked about potential alliances and offers related to the 2028 elections.

“I’m nearing the twilight of my career. I am still eligible for reelection in 2031, but I am not intending to. I intend to finish my public service career in 2031,” he said.

Garcia added. The measure cited by the poll chief calls for arelatively strict definition of political dynasties.

Garcia noted that the ban should cover up to the second civil degree of consanguinity or affinity.

“This would prohibit relatives within the second civil degree from running in the same province or city. This includes parents and children, siblings, grandparents and grandchildren, spouses, and parents-in-law and children-in-law,” he explained. This would cover both simultaneous and successive terms, he added. Garcia also said the proposed law does not only ban family members from holding office at the same time. It may also prohibit them from taking turns in office such as father-to-sonto-spouse succession. It would apply within the same province or city.

United States to 15 percent, doubling down on his promise to maintain his aggressive tariff policy a day after the Supreme Court ruled much of it illegal. Shortly after the court’s 6-3 ruling that rejected the president’s authority to impose tariffs under a 1977 economic emergency powers act, Trump had initially announced a new 10 percent global levy by invoking a different legal avenue.

Trump said on his Truth Social platform that after a thorough review of Friday’s “extraordinarily anti-American decision” by the court to rein in his tariff program, the administration was hiking the import levies “to the fully allowed, and legally tested, 15% level.” Throughout 2025, Philippine exporters faced an average 19 percent reciprocal levy.

The denial came after urban poor group Kadamay reported Thai a portion of the landfill, operated by International Solid Waste Integrated Management Specialist, Inc. (ISWIMS), collapsed around 2 p.m. Friday in Sitio 1B Harangan. Kadamay secretary-general Mimi

Doringo acknowledged there was no official data but said the estimate was based on accounts from affected families.

“Honestly, we don’t really have prop-

er data. We’re just talking about the 50 because there are estimates from the people we’re talking to that there are that many families who are still waiting for an update,” she said.

The group alleged that no rescue assistance was immediately provided by ISWIMS or the local government unit, and claimed a foreman ordered soil to be dumped over the area at around 4 p.m.

Kadamay also accused company representatives of offering P100,000 to P200,000 to families in exchange for their silence, and alleged that armed guards were restricting access to the

site. ISWIMS had yet to issue a statement on the issue as of press time.

Doringo said two minor siblings survived after being submerged in garbage for over an hour, while residents reportedly recovered the body of one woman through manual digging. The incident allegedly affected nearly 100 residents in the area.

Local government officials also have yet to issue a statement on the allegations.

The collapse comes months after the Binaliw landfill facility in Cebu gave way on Jan. 8, resulting in 36 deaths and 18 injuries.

Based on the latest available data

from the Philippine Statistics Authority and the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), the country had 343 sanitary landfills as of 2024.

Meanwhile, the EMB, under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, said it is closely monitoring the incident.

EMB Calabarzon conducted an onsite inspection at the Green Leap Solid Waste Management Inc./Rizal Provincial Sanitary Landfill and ordered immediate stabilization measures.

The operator was directed to level and slope the eroded area, conduct

waste compaction and daily soil covering, control heavy equipment movement, restrict access to high-risk zones, and implement slope stabilization.

The EMB also required the submission of a detailed action plan and daily status reports on retrieval and rehabilitation efforts.

A technical conference will be held to assess compliance with the landfill’s Environmental Compliance Certificate conditions, with notices of violation to be issued for any confirmed non-compliance.

The EMB central office said it remains in close coordination with its regional office as the investigation continues.

8 dead due to shear line in Davao Region, OCD says

By Rex Espiritu

AT LEAST eight individuals have died due to the effects of a shear line in Davao Region, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said Sunday.

Of the fatalities, four were recorded in Davao de Oro, while the remaining cases were logged in Davao Oriental, OCD Region XI Director Ednar Dayanghirang told Super Radyo dzBB.

He said the eight individuals died due to landslides.

Almost 20,000 families have been affected by the inclement weather in Davao de Oro.

Some bridges and roads in Davao Region have also been damaged amid the heavy rains.

Dayanghirang said an estimated P376 million worth of agricultural damage was recorded in Davao de Oro.

He also called for improvements to the local drainage system to address flooding in the area.

“Our road system is built along riverbanks, so when water rushes down from the mountains, it flows underground because the drainage system is inadequate,” Dayanghirang said.

“The drainage of our national roads is poor and incomplete. It is very disheartening to see the drainage system. There is one, but it is not complete,” he added.

In Caraga, more than 60,000 families have been affected by the shear line, OCD Caraga Region information officer Carlo Becera said in a Super Radyo dzBB report.

Residents in Surigao del Sur and Agusan del Sur experienced flooding due to the inclement weather.

Meanwhile, three barangays in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur were flooded for the first time.

“This area does not usually flood. One of the reasons the water overflowed was a clogged bridge filled with debris, which caused the creek to overflow. According to residents in one village, they had not experienced flooding before,” Becera said.

De Lima calls for probe into state of care for senior citizens

HOUSE Deputy Minority Leader and Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima filed a measure calling for an inquiry into the accessibility, affordability, and quality of existing support systems for senior citizens, particularly the standard of care in homes for the aged.

In filing House Resolution No. 666, De Lima aims to identify policy and enforcement gaps related to reported cases of neglect and abuse of elders, and to recommend remedial legislative measures to improve current policies and their implementation affecting elderly care facilities, including the enforcement of licensing, accreditation, and professional caregiving standards.

“Every Filipino senior citizen deserves to live their remaining years with security, compassion, and the full measure of dignity guaranteed under the Constitution and international human rights instruments,” De Lima said.

“In light of the rapid growth of the aging population, rising cases of elder abuse and abandonment, and the alarming existence of unlicensed and substandard homes for the aged that endanger the well-being of older persons, there is a compelling need for the State to strengthen its approach to health and social development by ensuring accessible, affordable, and quality long-term care services, establishing and enforcing strict standards of care in elderly care facilities, and supporting families and caregivers,” she added.

According to the second report of the Longitudinal Study of Aging and Health in the Philippines (LSAHP Wave 2), the Philippines is projected to transition into an aging society by 2030, driven by declining fertility rates and increasing life expectancy — a trend that underscores the urgency of strengthening the accessibility and reliability of the country’s healthcare, social protection, and social security systems.

Palace: No truth to alleged harassment of convoy

By Katrina Manubay

MALACAÑANG

on Saturday night denied reports of an alleged convoy altercation in Bulacan involving a “presidential son.”

In a Viber message to reporters, Presidential Communications Office

Secretary Dave Gomez rejected reports that a “presidential son” was harassed by another group of vehicles.

“No such incident involving any presidential son,” he said.

Earlier, a social media post claimed that a three-vehicle motorcade blocked the vehicle of a “presidential son” along the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX).

The post indicated that around 15 men allegedly alighted from vehicles said to be registered in a municipality in Bulacan. It added that a passenger from one of the Bulacan-registered vehicles stepped out carrying a firearm. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos have three sons: Ilocos Norte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos, Joseph Simon, and William Vincent.

2026,

PMA to PNPA leadership an ‘evolution’

By Vince Lopez

RETURNING to the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) in Baguio City for the 2026 alumni homecoming on Saturday, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. described the shift in the organization’s leadership as a natural evolution rather than the end of an era.

Nartatez said the transition of PNP leadership from graduates of the PMA to those of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) reflects institutional growth and positive transformation.

“There are plenty of dedicated and hardworking PNP officers with different leadership styles but with one collective goal: to make every street and community safer and to make our country a much better place to live

in,” said Nartatez, a member of PMA “Tanglaw-Diwa” Class of 1992.

“If I am indeed among the last from the Long Gray Line to serve as Chief PNP, I see it not as an ending but as a transition. It is a natural and welcome evolution. While I am proud to be part of the Long Gray Line, the mission has always been bigger than the school we attended,” he added.

Nartatez emphasized that the PNP’s history is shaped not only by its leaders or their academic background but also by the sacrifices and daily work of frontline personnel.

“The history of the PNP as an organization was also defined, strengthened, and transformed into what it is now by both small and great good deeds, law enforcement excellence, and the sacrifices and dedication of all policemen on frontline service—our personnel on the ground,” he said.

IN BRIEF

HB seeks interest-free loans for departing OFWs

House advances key LEDAC measures

ILOCOS Norte Rep. Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos welcomed the steady progress of key Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) measures in the House. He cited the recent committee-level approvals of the Presidential Merit Scholarship Program and the proposed National Land Use Act as proof that priority bills are moving forward. The scholarship measure seeks to institutionalize merit-based support for top senior high school graduates under the Commission on Higher Education. The proposed National Land Use Act aims to establish a national framework for rational and sustainable land allocation and management.

Marcos said both measures have cleared their main committees and were approved by the Committee on Appropriations, paving the way for plenary deliberations. Rio N. Araja

NAPOLCOM takes down 145 fake pages

THE National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) confirmed the takedown of 145 unauthorized Facebook pages fraudulently using the agency’s name, logo, and identity.

The move followed a formal request for assistance to the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNPACG), which coordinated with Meta for appropriate action. The fake pages falsely presented themselves as official NAPOLCOM accounts and, in some cases, as affiliated examination review centers.

NAPOLCOM Commissioner Rafael Vicente Calinisan thanked the PNPACG for its swift and decisive action on the matter.

He said the removal of the pages protects the integrity of NAPOLCOM examinations and safeguards the public from online fraud and misinformation.

LA UNION FESTIVALS. Street performers in colorful costumes parade along San Fernando City’s main street during the La Union Battle of Festivals, part of the province’s 177th Foundation Anniversary celebration. The event highlights the theme #RiknaTiAgkaysa, as municipalities unite to showcase their rich culture and enduring pride. Dave Leprozo

KONTRA KURAKOT.’ Elderly members of Seniors Kontra Kurakot, led by anti-Martial Law activist and former Social Welfare secretary Judy Taguiwalo, join a Chinese New Year Anti-Corruption Walk from Tutuban Center Mall in Binondo to Bonifacio Shrine in Manila on Feb. 22,

ahead of the 40th anniversary commemoration of the 1986 EDSA People Power uprising. Norman Cruz

FLOOD CONTROL UPDATES. Task Force Kasanag (TFK), led by founder

Dr. John Chiong, holds a press conference to provide updates on legal actions over alleged irregularities in ood control and infrastructure projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2026

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

‘PH

faces unseen cyber war marked by disinformation’

THE Philippines is facing an “unseen war” in the digital domain as foreign interference and disinformation increasingly shape public perception and democratic processes, Stratbase Institute president Victor Andres Manhit warned on Thursday at the opening of a two-day cybersecurity conference in Manila. Speaking at the launch of Navigating Digital Crossroads: Advancing Cybersecurity and Democratic Resilience in the Indo-Pacific held at the Manila Polo Club, Manhit said the battleground has expanded beyond traditional military conflict.

“This is a war we cannot easily see,” Manhit said in a statement.

“It is no longer plainly measured by bullets, ships, or aircraft. It is measured by who controls the information space, who shapes the narratives being amplified, and who influences public perception,” he added.

The conference, organized by Stratbase in partnership with the Embassy of Canada in Manila, brings together senior government officials, security leaders, diplomats, technology experts, and academics to address escalating cyber threats, hybrid warfare, cyber espionage, and foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI). Manhit underscored that democratic resilience requires transparency and accountability, even in moments of geopolitical tension.

IN BRIEF

Fake cigarette plant dismantled in Cavite

GOVERNMENT agents led by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) have seized an estimated ₱200 million worth of illicit cigarette manufacturing equipment, raw materials, and finished products during a joint operation in Cavite.

The raiders said the warehouse was previously declared as a storage facility for canned goods, but concerned citizen reported strong tobacco odor emanating from it.

The BOC inspected the warehouse leading to the discovery of equipment and raw materials believed being used in the manufacture and distribution of counterfeit cigarettes.

The seized items included 11 suspected cigarette manufacturing machines, two generator sets, one forklift, and 10 brands of finished cigarette products. Vito Barcelo

Homecoming PMAer dies while playing golf

THE annual alumni homecoming of the elite Philippine Military Academy (PMA) in Baguio City was marked by a loss of one member, apparently due to cardiac arrest while playing golf with colleagues at Camp John Hay last Saturday.

Flight mates tried to revive the 54-year-old soldier from Laguna with emergency measures before taking him to the hospital, but was declared dead on arrival.

The victim was reportedly preparing to tee off at the second hole when he suddenly collapsed.

His identity was not revealed pending notification of the family. Vince Lopez

FPJ Panday party-list helps needy in P’sinan

THE FPJ Panday Bayanihan partylist has reached out to the underprivileged sector in Pangasinan, handing out thousands of food packs to the needy in the cities of Dagupan and San Carlos, as well as the town of Calasiao.

In Baragay Pagal in San Carlos, over 650 persons with disabilities (PWDs) received assistance, while 350 senior citizens in Barangay Longos, Calasiao were treated to a special feast.

Meanwhile, 450 fisherfolk, including workers involved in the production of smoked fish (tinapa) and dried fish, in Barangay Pugaro Suit, an island barangay in Dagupan City, also received aid.

The distribution was conducted in support of the fishing sector, which is one of the primary sources of livelihood in the province.

DENR adopts new policy protecting forestlands

THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has rolled out a major forest policy reform aimed at protecting forestlands while generating green jobs and climate-resilient livelihood opportunities for upland communities.

partners the right to manage forestlands for 25 years, renewable for another 25, the DENR said in a statement.

The framework was institutionalized through Department Administrative Order (DAO) 2025-22 and supports President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s development priorities on sustainable forest management.

In its year-end report, the agency said it conducted nationwide cluster orientations to prepare regional and field offices for implementation, including guidance on transitioning from old tenure instruments to the SFLMA and applying updated userfee structures. ‘P39.8b allotted for ’26

Environment Secretary Raphael Lotilla described the initiative as both a forestry reform and a climate and livelihood strategy aligned with the administration’s development agenda. At the center of the reform is the Sustainable Forest Land Management Agreement (SFLMA), a long-term productionsharing agreement granting qualified

The SFLMA consolidates previously fragmented forest tenure rules, streamlining requirements and approvals to make forest management more accessible. It allows cooperatives, People’s Organizations, local enterprises, and private part-

New hire deployment down 19.6%, rehires up 34.5% last year—DMW

By Vito Barcelo

DEPLOYMENT of new overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) dropped nearly 20 percent last year compared to the previous year, according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). DMW data showed that new hire deployments in 2024 decreased to 388,160 last year from 483,267 during the previous year, representing a decline of 19.68 percent. Conversely, the number of rehires surged by 31.5 percent, rising from 1,336,508 in 2024 to 1,756,175 in 2025. This increase in returning workers offset the decline in new hires. Combined deployments to the top ten and other destinations reached 2,154,773, covering both new hires and rehires. The sea-based sector contributed an additional 589,179 workers, bringing total DMW deployment in 2025 to 2,743,952 — up 15.43 percent from

2,337,138 recorded in 2024.

Hiring of new overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to key Middle Eastern destinations declined sharply in 2025, raising concerns within the recruitment industry despite overall deployment reaching 2.7 million for the year, according to a migrant expert. In a statement, migration analyst Emmanuel Geslani said the three largest labor markets in the Middle East registered significant drops in the hiring of new workers. Deployment of new hires to Saudi Arabia fell by 34 percent, while the United Arab Emirates recorded an 11 percent decline and Qatar posted a 16 percent decrease. Other countries among the top destinations for Filipino workers also reported lower intake of new hires. These include Singapore (-31 percent), Hong Kong (-20 percent), Japan (-16.4 percent), Malaysia (-30.4 percent), and Taiwan (-6.17 percent).

ners to invest in agroforestry, ecotourism, forest plantations, non-timber forest products, and sustainable pasture development. The DENR said the reform incentivizes partners to maintain forest cover, restore degraded lands, and protect ecosystem services that mitigate floods, landslides, and drought.

ATOTAL of P39.8 billion in fresh funding is available this year to bolster the country’s disaster-response and rehabilitation efforts, House Minority Leader and 4Ps party-list Rep. Marcelino Libanan said on Sunday.

“Congress allocated ₱39.8 billion for this year’s Calamity Fund, a 90-percent increase from the ₱21 billion set aside in 2025,” Libanan said in a press statement. He itemized the P39.8 billion Calamity Fund under the 2026 General Appropriations Act consisted of P15.3 billion for the Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Assistance Program for Local Government Units, P12.5 billion in capital outlays for repair and reconstruction of permanent structures, including pre-disaster operations, rehabilitation, and related activities, P11 billion in aid, relief, and rehabilitation services to communities affected by calamities, including personnel training and other pre-disaster measures, and P1 billion in adaptation projects and activities for local governments and community organizations under the People’s Survival Fund.

The disaster-response funds cover natural and human-induced calamities, epidemics as declared by the Department of Health, crises from armed conflicts, insurgency, terrorism, and other catastrophes,” Libanan said. Libanan’s announcement coincides with reports from the Region 11 Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, which on Feb. 21 confirmed that at least seven people were killed in Mati City, Davao Oriental, and Monkayo, Davao de Oro due to flooding and landslides triggered by heavy rains.

DAYBREAK. Camera buffs await the sun bursting through the mist shrouding the majestic mountain ranges of Benguet viewed from a hilltop in Sudipen, La Union. Dave Leprozo

HAVE A HEART. Lawmakers, city officials, and public health advocates lead the ‘Step Up for Healthier Hearts’ wellness walk in observance of Philippine Heart Month, calling for stronger food policies to protect Filipino families from heart disease and other diet-related illnesses. Edd Castro

CHARITY WORK. Volunteer workers of the FPJ Panday Bayanihan party-list engage in a charitable endeavor by handing out food packs and other relief items to the needy residents of the cities of San Carlos and Dagupan and the municipality of Calasiao, Pangasinan.

OPINION

ON THE the third Sunday of 2021, then Pres.

Duterte had a dinner-meeting with this writer, a senator, two Cabinet members and two GOCC heads, all of whom were part of his original support group when he first entertained the idea of running for the presidency. He began by telling us outright that Inday Sara will not run for president and will remain mayor of Davao.

Next he said the Marcos couple saw him during the holidays, where BbM told him that he would run for president. PRRD told us he neither encouraged nor discouraged BbM’s quest.

PRRD suggested Bong Go for president, echoing a clamor from many in his Cabinet ostensibly for “continuity,” but Go said he was not prepared for the burdens of the presidency. I then suggested an Isko Moreno-Bong Go tandem, but the president demurred.

And so Duterte endorsed no one publicly.

He even disparaged the qualities of all the candidates, from Pacquiao to Isko to Leni, but left the choicest diatribes against BbM, whom he described as “a spoiled kid” who “indulged in drugs.”

After months of trying to woo Sara, BbM’s Ate Imee was able to finally convince the latter in a Cebu City meeting to team up with her brother. What actually prompted the daughter to join the candidate her father spurned is something between them. Thus was the second “Uniteam” in contemporary political history born. The first was the ill-fated Cory-Doy team for the snap elections of 1986. After the “game over” team-up was announced, BbM publicly stated that Sara wanted to be defense secretary. At that point, this writer observed that first, the Davao City mayor was quite unfamiliar with national politics, having been “local” all the time.

More importantly, having had a front seat in the political marriage negotiations between Cory and Doy, I said to myself that the BbMSara “Uniteam” would not last.

No president will give the defense portfolio to his VP for obvious reasons. After their victory, PBbM gave her DepEd instead.

She wanted to be a more accessible vice-president and started putting up satellite offices in major regional centers.

The president then offered to part away with some of the confidential funds left by Sara’s father to augment the veep’s second-half 2022 budget. Accordingly, the OVP wrote a letter to the president in August, requesting for 250 million pesos. The palace through DBM released half the requested amount, but only in the second week of December, leaving the OVP just 11 working days to spend the amount or these would revert to the treasury.

Sara fell for a trap. Pinklawans, communists

and administration stalwarts pounced on her hasty “misuse” of more than a hundred million in so short a time.

The HoR then launched inquisitorial hearings, assisted by their well-greased “spokesmen” and their highly paid PR machinery.

Then to get 215 HoR members to sign the articles of impeachment on the last session day, billions in pork barrel through ayuda and flood control projects had to be inserted in the notorious 2025 budget.

But all these failed, with the HoR’s deliberate actions chastised by the Supreme Court and the trial thrashed by the Senate after feeling the winds of public rejection of the mid-term administration.

The manipulation of the budgets of 2023, 2024 and 2025 was provenance for a slew of sub-standard and ghost flood control projects that worsened flooding.

If 2022 was a mistake and Uniteam was a scam, is 2028 Inday Sara’s rendezvous with destiny?

It has since haunted BbM and the resigned speaker along with their chief budget manipulators headed by an appropriations chair who flew the coop and began singing like a canary.

Ordinary folks now compare 600 million charged against the vice-president versus 1.5 trillion embedded in appropriations for the last three years, that funded the most unspeakable crimes of the DPWH and legislators with the approval of the palace.

Inday Sara had no projects. All she must do is explain why Piattos et al. were used as pseudonyms for CIF recipients, amid a political environment now kinder to her because she is far more popular and far more trusted than the president.

600 million is a small bag of peanuts compared to 1.5 trillion in corruption that caused hundreds of Filipinos to die in massive floods from Luzon, to Visayas and Mindanao.

Last Wednesday, Inday Sara Duterte, elected by 32 million Filipinos to an office just a heartbeat away from the presidency, declared that she is formally claiming what could be her destiny, using the same slogan her father used in 2016 --- Tapang at Malasakit, or courage drawn from compassion.

If 2022 was a mistake and Uniteam was a scam, is 2028 Inday Sara’s rendezvous with destiny?

Child of destiny? —“—

Confronting the digital siege

AS GEOPOLITICAL tensions spill beyond territorial waters and into the digital domain, cybersecurity has become central to national defense.

It is no longer a technical issue confined to IT systems or back-office operations.

It now sits at the core of how we protect our institutions, our economy, and the integrity of our democracy.

At the recent Stratbase Institute two-day conference, held in partnership with the Embassy of Canada in the Philippines, policymakers and experts confronted a reality that is becoming harder to ignore: our digital defenses are now the frontline in safeguarding national stability.

The conference, themed, “Navigating Digital Crossroads: Advancing Cybersecurity and Democratic Resilience in the Indo-Pacific,” brought together officials from government, the diplomatic community, the military, civil society, academia, and media.

The range of participation reflected a clear recognition that cyber resilience demands a whole-of-society approach to address real and evolving risks.

Professor Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit framed the stakes frankly.

We are facing a creeping battle of influence unfolding in the information space, shaping public perception long before policies are debated or votes are cast. Campaigns, he reminded participants, begin in the cyber domain, where narratives are seeded and amplified. What we face today, he emphasized, is no longer accidental or isolated. It operates under what is now widely understood as foreign interference and malign influence — deliberate, organized, and externally driven efforts to exploit political vulnerabilities and shape public perception in ways that serve foreign strategic interests.

But beyond the strategic warning, the conference focused on operational realities.

Usec. Alexander “Aboy” Paraiso, Executive Director of the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center, described how artificial

intelligence is reshaping the threat environment.

AI, he stressed, is both a defensive asset and an offensive weapon. On one hand, it strengthens detection, monitoring, and analysis, enabling authorities to identify patterns and respond more efficiently.

On the other, it is being used to profile victims and execute scams with alarming precision.

Many of today’s scams are no longer generic.

They are targeted. By analyzing personal data shared online, malicious actors can craft messages that feel credible and familiar.

Expanding the early warning radar recognizes a practical truth: cybersecurity is a shared responsibility

AI automates this process, allowing deception to scale rapidly. The threat is not technology itself, but how it is governed and understood.

Weak oversight and low digital literacy create openings that criminals are quick to exploit.

Usec. Julius Gorospe, DICT Undersecretary for Cybersecurity, placed these developments within a broader regional context.

The Indo-Pacific cybersecurity landscape, he explained, has evolved into a blended threat environment. Ransomware, fraud, and data breaches persist, but they now intersect with geopolitical tensions, supply chain vulnerabilities, cloud systems, AI-enabled tools, and an expanding network of connected devices.

In response, DICT is moving to institutionalize a national cybersecurity baseline and a clear incident reporting framework across government and critical infrastructure.

A baseline is not about achieving perfect security. It establishes minimum auditable pro-

Self-preservation instincts

ARTICLE II, Section 26 of the 1987 Constitution provides: “The State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service, and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law.” After almost 40 years, that law has been nonexistent.

As a result, political dynasties have proliferated, permeating all levels of governance, from the national leadership to barangay positions. Politics by consanguinity and affinity has also bred a mindset among the governing and the governed: that power is a birthright and an entitlement for the former, and that they have no other viable options other than the status quo, for the latter.

Worse, it has hindered the inclusive growth of our economy, with advantages and opportunities limited only to the ruling class. It has perpetuated the cycle of poverty and oppression.

But a recent pronouncement by the chief executive, who is himself a product of a dynasty, has lawmakers working to propose an anti-dynasty bill to finally actualize the intent and spirit of the Constitutional provision. Thus far, there have been 24 different versions of the anti-dynasty bill, and public consultations are still ongoing.

“We are equally firm in our be-

lief that any law we pass must be the product of wide, inclusive and sincere consultation—a law that is carefully crafted, thoroughly scrutinized and rooted on the true sentiments of Filipinos,” said House Speaker Faustino Dy, as he assured the public of their seriousness in passing a fair, just and implementable antipolitical dynasty law in the 20th Congress.

Could we really trust our politicians to pass a genuine antidynasty law?

Aside from the Congress-led meetings, civil society has also been making parallel efforts. In a joint statement released earlier this month, more than 30 organizations including the Justice Reform Ini-

By Melandrew Velasco

THERE are moments when policy meets purpose. Last Feb. 19, Manila

“Isko” Moreno Domagoso was given due

ognition by the Million Trees Foundation and leaders of the bamboo sector for his administration’s ambitious 100,000-bamboo tree planting program—a bold component of the city government’s expanded efforts to mitigate flooding and promote environmental sustainability.

During our courtesy call at Manila City Hall arranged by his Chief of Staff and former Palace Communication Secretary Cesar Chavez, our delegation formally expressed support for this initiative and conveyed our appreciation for what many in the bamboo industry now describe as visible, decisive leadership.

In fact, the sector has long searched for a strong urban advocate who would push for large-scale bamboo adoption, especially in highly urbanized areas where flooding and heat stress remain perennial challenges. In Mayor Isko, we have found a new icon on environmental leadership as we christened him as a “bamboo champion.”

The roots of this initiative were planted earlier, on Jan. 19, when the mayor ordered the planting of an initial 100,000 bamboo trees along Roxas Boulevard, R-10, and other major thoroughfares.

The objective was clear: reinforce riverbanks, cushion floodwaters during the rainy season, and integrate ecological solutions into Manila’s flood control strategy.

“We are doing a reinforcement in the riverside by planting bamboos all over the banks, so it will help in controlling the flood water that perennially affects our city during rainy and typhoon seasons,” the mayor explained.

It was a candid acknowledgment of Manila’s vulnerability—and a pragmatic response grounded in nature.

Flooding remains a concern during the wet season, but bamboo, with its extensive root system and rapid growth, offers both structural and environmental benefits.

It strengthens embankments, slows surface runoff, absorbs excess water, and even contrib-

tections everywhere: strong identity controls, disciplined patch management, segmentation of critical systems, proper logging, tested backups, and incident readiness. These are measurable standards designed to reduce systemic risk. Incident reporting is equally critical. Clear thresholds and mandatory disclosure provide national visibility. As Gorospe emphasized, effective defense requires both sight and coordination. A breach hidden from scrutiny can quickly become a wider vulnerability. To support this shift, DICT is operationalizing enabling mechanisms. The DICT Trusted Assessment Provider program will ensure agencies have access to competent and accountable security testing. The Cybersecurity Posture Assessment Lab-

tiative, the Management Association of the Philippines, and the Institute for Solidarity in Asia called for the passage of genuine anti-dynasty legislation, noting that the current bills fall short of the Constitution’s intent. The groups want, among other particulars, to “prohibit relatives within the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity from running or simultaneously or consecutively holding elective office, in order to uphold the ‘one local, one national’ representation principle, to limit family dominance.” The law should also prohibit substitution, rotation, and position-switching among prohibited relatives to circumvent term limits.

We can imagine how difficult it must be for political scions to go against their instinct for self-preservation and go for an truly anti-dynasty law. They are there because of the random accident of birth.

But this is the call of our times. Their action or inaction today will test whether the interest of the public truly trumps their own. Has their privilege enabled them to transcend their instincts and views, or has it only fueled a desire to preserve the status quo?

The next few weeks will reveal our leaders’ sincerity – or expose their hypocrisy.

Bamboo, leadership, and the Run for Million Trees in Manila

utes to improved air quality.

It is flood defense and climate action rolled into one living system. For the Million Trees Foundation Inc. and the Philippine Bamboo Development Industry Council, this is not merely symbolic. It is strategic alignment.

During the meeting, I was joined by MTFI Trustees—Maynilad VP for Communications Annette de Ocampo, former DepEd Undersecretary Alain Pascua, and Joel Madamba—as well as PBDIC Executive Director Butch Madarang and Green Media Events President Jenny Lumba. Together, we conveyed our foundation’s full support for Manila’s bamboo program and formally sought the mayor’s support for the Run for Million Trees on April 11 at the Quirino Grandstand in celebration of Earth Day.

If Manila succeeds in planting and sustaining 100,000 bamboos, it becomes a model for other highly urbanized cities

We invited Mayor Isko to take the lead and make the Run for Million Trees as an annual event to celebrate Earth Day and to showcase the beauty and grandeur of the City of Manila anchored on his landmark environmental bamboo project and urban renewal program. The connection is seamless. Urban greening in Manila complements watershed rehabilitation beyond it.

Bamboo along riverbanks in the capital reinforces the same environmental logic we advocate in upstream watersheds—natural barriers against flooding, carbon capture mechanisms against climate change, and living investments in the future.

“Disiplina sa kalikasan, disiplina sa kinabukasan,” Yorme declared. Discipline in caring for nature is discipline in securing tomorrow.

oratory will strengthen assurance for products and systems deployed nationwide, including those in industrial and operational environments. Vulnerabilities must be identified before they become national exposures. Complementing these measures is a Bug Bounty and Safe Harbor Program, which encourages ethical security researchers to report weaknesses responsibly. Expanding the early warning radar recognizes a practical truth: cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. The information dimension remains just as urgent. Research presented at the conference showed how narratives originating on one platform are amplified across others, gaining scale and legitimacy through repetition. Social media surges around key political events are not ran-

Too often, environmental programs are episodic—planting without nurturing, announcements without sustainability. What Manila is attempting is integration: embedding bamboo into public works, flood policy, and urban planning. Because bamboo is not ornamental politics. It is watershed protection. It is flood mitigation. It is carbon sequestration. It is livelihood. It is climate resilience.

If successful, this initiative could become a template for other cities facing similar environmental pressures. Concrete alone cannot solve climate vulnerability. But concrete strengthened by nature just might.

In recognizing Mayor Isko Moreno as a bamboo champion, the foundation was not bestowing a ceremonial title.

It was acknowledging a shift—toward ecological governance that is visible, measurable, and rooted in long-term resilience.

We have long pushed for the planting of millions of bamboo and indigenous trees across critical watersheds to address flooding and climate vulnerability. Manila’s riverbanks may yet become lines of green defense.

If Manila succeeds in planting and sustaining 100,000 bamboos, it becomes a model for other highly urbanized cities.

If local governments embrace bamboo as flood defense and climate armor, we move from rhetoric to resilience. And from 100,000 bamboo shoots may grow a movement—one that begins in the capital but extends across the nation’s watersheds. In the end, this is not simply about trees.

dom spikes. They reflect coordinated amplification that deepens polarization and redirects public attention. Foreign interference moves at digital speed, while democratic institutions respond at procedural slow motion. That gap is where manipulation thrives. The discussion, as Professor Manhit noted, ultimately centers on defending democratic integrity. Building a secure and resilient digital archipelago requires integration, collaboration, and sustained capability enhancement. Cybersecurity cannot remain reactive. It must be institutionalized, measurable, and coordinated. It is a behavioral transformation that we must all adapt to thrive in the global digital ecosystem. Digital warfare is upon us. Our response must be unified, disciplined, and sustained.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2026

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Missiles hit Kyiv ahead of anniversary

KYIV – Explosions rocked Kyiv before dawn on Sunday after officials warned of a ballistic missile attack, just two days before the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion.

AFP journalists in the capital heard a series of loud blasts beginning around 4:00 am (0200 GMT), shortly after an air raid alert was issued.

“The enemy is attacking the capital with ballistic weapons,” the head of Kyiv’s military administration Tymur Tkachenko said on Telegram, urging people to remain in shelters.

The air force later extended the alert nationwide, warning of a broader missile threat.

Kyiv, regularly targeted by Russian missile and drone attacks since the start of the invasion on February 24, 2022, has faced waves of overnight strikes in recent weeks as Moscow has intensified its winter assaults on energy and military infrastructure.

Temperatures had plunged to nearly minus 10C when the capital was struck again, with emergency services deployed across the city.

Tkachenko later said the attacks had caused a fire on the roof of a residential building.

The strikes also prompted heightened vigilance across Ukraine’s western border.

Poland’s Operational Command said early Sunday it was scrambling jets after detecting “long range aviation of the Russian federation conducting strikes on the territory of Ukraine”. It also came hours after blasts in Lviv, a western city near the Polish border that rarely sees deadly attacks.

Explosions ripped through a central shopping street around 12:30 am, killing a policewoman and injuring 15 people after officers responded to a reported break in.

“This is clearly an act of terrorism,” mayor Andriy Sadovyi said, offering no details on perpetrators. Such attacks far from the front line have become more frequent

Artist creates ‘Mona Lisa’ with bottle caps

SAN SALVADOR — Call it a Renais-

sance in recycling.

A massive mural made of plastic bottle caps depicts Latin America’s version of the famed Mona Lisa, adorning a modest apartment building in a working class neighborhood outside the capital of El Salvador instead of the walls of the Louvre. Using a rainbow of colors and various sizes of caps, Venezuelan artist Oscar Olivares’s latest installation is 13 meters tall and takes inspiration from Renaissance master Leonardo da Vinci as well as the pointillist paintings of French artist Paul Signac.

“I wanted to portray a Latin American Mona Lisa,” Olivares told AFP. The mural is in Zacamil, in the Mejicanos suburb of San Salvador -- an area that was once controlled by violent gangs, whose activity has been curbed by President Nayib Bukele’s controversial security crackdown.

“The Mona Lisa is an ordinary woman, and she’s an icon of the Italian Renaissance” -- and now “we are living through a new Renaissance, both in El Salvador and the world,” Olivares said. Completed in three weeks, the composition is made of more than 100,000 recycled bottle caps, after they were gathered by local residents over several months, washed and sorted.

Instead of the muted palette of the Italian countryside, Olivares replaced da Vinci’s pastoral background with bright depictions of homes, a bold blue mountain and a colorful checkerboard sky.

And it wouldn’t be the Mona Lisa without her penetrating gaze and that ever-elusive smile, this time seen on a sun-kissed face rendered with red, orange and yellow caps. Her jewelry, hairstyle and colorful dress evoke a modern Latina woman’s graces.

Olivares has created murals using plastic caps in Venezuela, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, France and Italy, finding use for over 2 million caps in more than two dozen murals.

He hopes his work will give viewers “a completely different view of plastic waste.” AFP

Iranian students chant anti-gov’t slogans

PARIS – Iranian students chanted antigovernment slogans and scuffled with counter-protesters on Saturday in the latest display of anger at the country’s clerical leaders, who also face a US military build-up aimed at pressuring them into a nuclear deal.

The gatherings at universities, which were reported by both local and diaspora media outlets, followed a mass protest movement that was met with a government crackdown last month that left thousands dead.

The crackdown had prompted US President Donald Trump to threaten to intervene militarily, though the focus of his threats eventually shifted to Iran’s nuclear program, which Western governments

1,557 seeking amnesty under new Venezuela law

CARACAS – More than 1,500 political prisoners in Venezuela have applied for amnesty under a new law, the head of the country’s legislature said Saturday, two days after the measure -- enacted under pressure from Washington -- came into effect.

“A total of 1,557 cases are being addressed immediately, and hundreds of people deprived of their freedom are already being released under the amnesty law,” National Assembly chief Jorge Rodriguez told a press conference.

Amnesty is not automatic under the law: petitioners must ask the court handling their cases.

On Saturday alone, 80 prisoners had been freed from detention in the capital Caracas, Rodriguez told AFP.

On Friday, the lawmaker overseeing the amnesty process, Jorge Arreaza, announced that prosecutors had asked courts to free 379 prisoners.

Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodriguez -- the sister of the top lawmaker -- pushed for the legislation after she rose to power following the capture of leftist leader Nicolas Maduro during a US military raid on January 3. The legislature unanimously adopted the landmark amnesty law on Thursday, and Delcy Rodriguez hailed its passage, describing it as a step toward “a more democratic, fairer, freer Venezuela.” AFP

fear is aimed at producing a bomb.

The US and Iran recently resumed Oman-mediated talks on a potential deal, but Washington has simultaneously increased its military presence in the region, dispatching two aircraft carriers, jets and weaponry to back its warnings.

Videos geolocated by AFP to Tehran’s top engineering university showed fights breaking out in a crowd on Saturday as people shouted “bi sharaf,” or “disgraceful” in Farsi.

Footage posted by the Persian-language TV channel Iran International, which is based outside the country, also showed a large crowd chanting anti-government slogans at Sharif University of Technology.

The Fars news agency later said there were reports of injuries in scuffles at the institution.

Iranians had reprised their protest slogans earlier this week to mark the 40th day since thousands of people were killed as a wave of demonstrations was peaking on January 8 and 9.

The unrest first broke out in December over prolonged financial strain, but exploded into mass anti-government protests that were suppressed in a violent crackdown by security forces.

The clerical authorities acknowledge more than 3,000 deaths, but say the violence was caused by “terrorist acts” fuelled by Iran’s enemies. AFP

IN BRIEF

Indigenous protesters occupy Cargill port

RIO DE JANEIRO – Indigenous protesters in Brazil occupied a shipping terminal operated by US agricultural giant Cargill on Saturday (Sunday, Manila time), demanding a ban on dredging Amazon waterways. The South American nation is the world’s top exporter of soy and maize, and ongoing efforts to upgrade river ports aim to ease transportation. Demonstrators had been gathering outside the terminal in Santarem, in northern Brazil’s Para state, for a month before taking over company offices this weekend. In a statement to AFP the company said operations were suspended, blaming an “ongoing dispute between government authorities and Indigenous communities.” Protesters are calling for the repeal of an order signed by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in August that designated Amazonian rivers as priority areas for shipping and port development. The Indigenous protesters are against an expansion of the ports and the dredging of the Amazon’s rivers, which they consider vital to their way of life.AFP

Trump sending hospital boat to Greenland

WASHINGTON, DC – President Donald Trump said Saturday (Sunday, Manila time) he was sending a hospital boat to Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory that he has long coveted and threatened to seize by force.

Trump’s rhetoric has ratcheted up tensions between the United States and Denmark, while putting the global spotlight on the Arctic as he insists mineral-rich Greenland is vital for US and NATO security against Russia and China.

He said the boat would treat many “sick” people in Greenland, without providing any details on who he was referring to or the number of people the vessel would help.

“We are going to send a great hospital boat to Greenland to take care of the many people who are sick, and not being taken care of there,” Trump wrote in a social media post.

“It’s on the way!!!,” he added. The post on his Truth Social platform carried an apparent AI image that depicted the USNS Mercy — an 894-foot vessel that is typically stationed in southern California — sailing toward snowcapped mountains on the horizon. AFP

Israel’s right

Arab, Muslim countries slam US envoy’s remarks on

JERUSALEM – Arab and Islamic countries issued a joint condemnation on Sunday of remarks by US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, who suggested Israel had a biblical right to a vast swath of the Middle East.

Huckabee, a former Baptist minister and a fervent Israel supporter, was speaking on the podcast of far-right commentator and Israel critic Tucker Carlson.

In an episode released Friday, Carlson pushed Huckabee on the meaning of a biblical verse sometimes interpreted as saying that Israel is entitled to the land between the river Nile in Egypt and the Euphrates in Syria and Iraq.

In response, Huckabee said: “It would be fine if they took it all.”

When pressed, however, he continued that Israel was “not asking to take all of that”, adding: “It was somewhat of a hyperbolic statement.”

The backlash widened sharply on Sunday as more than a dozen Arab and Islamic governments -- alongside three major regional organizations -- issued a joint statement denouncing the US diplomat’s comments as “dangerous and inflammatory”.

The statement, released by the United Arab Emirates’ foreign ministry, was signed by the UAE, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Lebanon, Syria and the State of Palestine, as well as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Arab League and the Gulf Cooperation Council. They said the comments contravene the UN Charter and efforts to de escalate the Gaza war and advance a political horizon for a comprehensive settlement. Earlier, several Arab states had issued unilateral condemnations. AFP

Dark times under Assad hit screens for Ramadan BEIRUT – A Syrian prison warden screams at a group of chained, crouching inmates in a harrowing scene from one of several Ramadan television series this year that tackle the era of former ruler Bashar al-Assad.

Talking about Syria’s prisons and the torture, enforced disappearances and executions that took place there was taboo during half a century of the Assad family’s iron-fisted rule, but the topics are now fertile ground for creative productions, though not without controversy.

An abandoned soap factory north of the Lebanese capital Beirut has been transformed into a replica of the basements and corridors of Syria’s Saydnaya prison, a facility synonymous with horror under Assad, for the series “Going Out to the Well”. Crews were filming the last episodes this week as the Muslim holy month kicked off -- primetime viewing in the Arab world, with channels and outlets furiously competing for eager audiences’ attention. AFP

TARIFF POLICY.

DUBAI—Jessica

Pegula gave herself an early birthday present by clinching her fourth WTA 1000 crown with a comfortable 6-2, 6-4 victory over Elina Svitolina in the Dubai final on Saturday.

The fourth-seeded American denied Svitolina a chance to win a third title in the northern emirate, and improved her record against the Ukrainian to 6-3 head-to-head.

Pegula, who turns 32 on Tuesday, has made at least the semi-finals in each of her last seven tournaments and walks away from Dubai with a 10th career title.

Pegula fought back from a set and a break down in the semi-finals against Amanda Anisimova on Friday, while Svitolina battled through a three-hour marathon against Coco Gauff.

It was Svitolina who appeared to be suffering the most from the aftermath of the previous night, though, and it gave Pegula the chance to jump to a double-break lead early in the final, and she never looked back as she wrapped up the victory in 72 minutes.

“I couldn’t ask for a better birthday present. I’m just super proud of myself. I had to play at a very high level, it was awesome,” Pegula said in her on-court interview.

“I feel like when you can get off to a quick start, that eases the nerves a little bit.

“Mentally, I think, especially the match yesterday, I was down a set and 3-1, and I fought back, which made me feel free today. I trusted the things we’ve been working on and it paid off.”

- ‘Some great tennis’ -

Svitolina, a champion in Dubai in 2017 and 2018, has lots to be proud of, having reached her first WTA 1000 final since the 2018 Italian Open.

The 31-year-old returned to the top 10 earlier this month for the first time since coming back from maternity leave and has enjoyed a phenomenal start to 2026, amassing a 15-3 win-loss record.

Svitolina admits she didn’t expect to start off the year so strong.

“I actually went to Auckland to get some matches, just to try to find my rhythm. Just everything came together.

Binan keeps preseason MPBL climb

BINAN Tatak Gel subdued Quezon City, 74-65, on Saturday and continued its climb in the 2026 MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Preseason Invitational at the Alonte Sports Arena in Binan, Laguna.

Pamboy Raymundo converted six of seven field goal attempts, highlighted by a perfect 4-for-4 performance from long distance, and finished with 17 points, 5 assists and 3 rebounds as Binan notched its third straight win after an initial loss in the two-group, 18-team event preceding the MPBL Eighth Season.

Binan trailed Abra Solid North (4-0) and Batangas (4-0) and moved ahead of tormentor Mindoro (2-1) in the race for three playoff berths in Group A. No other Binan player carded double figures, but there was some help from Jaymar Gimpayan with eight points, Kenny Roger Rocacurva with seven, and six points each from Nino Canaleta, Jaso Ballesteros, Carlo Lastimosa and Kristian Hernandez.

The Quezon City Black Bulls, who tumbled to their second straight loss after an opening win, got 17 points from Pat Buena and 12 from Joeben Loria. Ilagan Isabela and Gensan also gained ground in earlier games.

The Ilagan Isabela Five Star Cowboys trounced the Junior MPBL DLeague Selection, 90-72, while the Gensan Warriors downed the Bataan Risers, 94-79.

Pegula whips Svitolina to win Dubai net crown

Jessica

I worked hard,” said the former world number three.

“Also, I think that break in September helped me, that month or two helped me to pick up myself mentally. I feel like I’m in a good place. I try to look a little bit into my game and my mentality from a different side.

“I’m ready to face difficult situations.

That’s the most important thing, I feel.”

The Dubai tournament was struck with an unusually high number of

withdrawals and retirements, with over 20 players, including the world’s top two Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek, pulling out of the event or quitting before or during matches.

Still, the WTA 1000 event delivered a stellar semi-final line-up that featured four top-10 players, who fought for more than five hours across six sets.

“It just shows you the depth of women’s tennis. It just shows you the level is so high week in and week out.

holds

Alcaraz storms to Qatar title in just 50 minutes

DOH—Carlos Alcaraz was at his devastating best on Saturday as he claimed the Qatar Open title with a ruthless 6-2, 6-1 win over Arthur Fils.

The seven-time Grand Slam champion needed just over 50 minutes to see off his French opponent and claim the 26th title of his career.

Following Australian Open success earlier this month -completing his career Grand Slam at just 22 years of age -Alcaraz backed it up by storming to the title in Doha in his first tournament back since Melbourne and extending his matchwinning streak to 12.

“I came this year hungry for more,” said Alcaraz.

“I think after every tournament, we just have to set new goals. I’m just really happy and proud of everything I have done with my team on and off the court.

“It’s been a really strong start to the year. It wasn’t easy... I had to be strong mentally with my team. I’m just playing great tennis and I’m really happy about this week. This trophy means a lot to me.”

Even when you have a lot of players withdrawing, just because we’re missing a few, it doesn’t mean that we still can’t put on some great tennis,” stressed Pegula.

“My draw was very hard, it was a really tough draw. I was able to beat a couple top-10 players along the way. It definitely was not a cakewalk by any means.

“I’m super proud of the state our sport is in right now. I think it’s super strong.” AFP

Intact Filipinas’ squad to vie in AFC Women‘s

By Peter Atencio

AFTER winning the gold medal in the last Southeast Asian Games, the national women’s football team will be an almost intact roster on its next mission-the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup.

The composition of the Filipinas hardly changed when they went through a series of training sessions early this month.

“The SEA Games was a really good experience, on the way we were at, and what we wanted to do,” said Filipinas coach Mark Torcaso during a homecoming celebration held in the team’s honor on Friday at the SM MOA Sky Amphitheater in Pasay City.

The Filipinas’ roster was finalized at the end of training stints done at the SM Mall of Asia Sky pitch and at Rizal Memorial Stadium from February 1 to 5 and from February 17 to 22.

“This is really a good, disciplined kind of attacking team. We saw that in the new players that we have,” said Torcaso. Among those, who were added were

For 40th-ranked Fils, returning gradually to action after a lengthy injury absence, the Spanish world number one was a step too far at the end of a fine week in which he recorded wins over top-10 seeds Jakub Mensik and Jiri Lehecka. The run to his first tour-level final since Tokyo in 2024 will propel the former world number 14 up to 33 in the next ATP rankings.

“It’s been eight long months with my injury,” said Fils.

“So in a time like this, you just have to think about the last eight months when I was struggling, not playing tennis. I just want to thank my team... Today was not the day but I think we did a hell of a job.” AFP

Asian Cup

forwards Alexa Pino, Mallie Ramirez and Jael-Marie Guy.

The 18-year-old Pino is a Kentucky Wildcats midfielder/forward, who emerged as a co-scoring leader during the SEAG. She got noticed with her hat-trick against Malaysia, converting a crucial penalty in the shootout victory

AT 52, most athletes were already done with their careers and content at looking back, telling and telling their past glories to their grandchildren and friends alike. But not for former Deputy Speaker and sports patron

Romero, who is also active as a Philippine

over Vietnam in the finals of the SEA Games women’s football meet.

The Cebu-born Ramirez, who played for the University of Nevada Las Vegas Rebels, stood out in the critical group stage match with Vietnam, when she scored a dramatic, stoppage-time goal as the team secured a 1–0 win over the defending champions.

Air Force reservist.

His body and his mind continue to crave the thrill and adrenaline of the competition, and before he knew it, he found himself in the middle of the field, under the scorching sun, taking on the world’s best polo players.

Life starts at 50 as they say. But for Romero, the urge to test his limits and expand his boundaries even at that age led to his rise in the world polo rankings. And the pursuit all began in the prestigious series Gauntlet of Polo in Wellington, Florida last year. It was a great year, indeed.

Romero steered GlobalPort-Passion For Polo to a semifinal finish in the C.V. Whitney Cup, a runner-up showing in the USPA Bronze Cup, and a quarterfinal appearance in the U.S. Open Polo Championship — the crown jewel of American polo.

“It is unheard of and unbelievable to become a world-class athlete at this later stage of my life,” said Romero. “Especially in such a very demanding sport.”

And demanding it is like driving a Formula1 car.

Polo is widely considered one of the most physically demanding sports, requiring elite conditioning, balance, endurance, and mental focus as they navigate with their horses and execute precise plays.

One mistake may result in injury.

Romero became the first Filipino to break into the Top 25 of the World Polo Tour amateur rankings, and remains the highest-ranked Southeast Asian player on the list.

These accomplishments elevated not only Romero’s personal standing but also the global profile of Philippine polo. No wonder he was given a special citation by the Philippine Sportswriters Association during its annual Awards Night at the Diamond Hotel.

His accomplishment in the highly competitive level just proved that excellence isn’t bound by age. Romero did not set out to

Guy,

for having scored a

equalizer against Thailand, tying the match at 1–1 and forcing extra time. “Their presence complements the experienced players in the

Mikee

American

Pegula

the championship trophy after winning her women’s singles nal match against Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis tournament in Dubai. AFP

who plays for the Brown University Brown Bears, is one of the youngest players in the team, known

clutch semifinals’

team,” added Torcaso.

Members of the Philippine national women’s football team are shown during their homecoming celebration on Friday at the MOA Sky Amphitheater.

Former Deputy Speaker Mikee Romero receives his top polo award from PSA president Francis Ochoa of Inquirer.

Mikee Romero during a practice session.

Joshua Guiab of Ilagan

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2026

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor

RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor

Galeries Tower’s Roselle Baliton scores for the Highrisers during a recent Premier Volleyball League (PVL)

All-Filipino Conference game.

PH eyes bigger golden haul in 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asiad

By Peter Atencio

THE Philippines is aiming not only to match but possibly surpass its four-gold medal performance in the Hangzhou Asian Games as it prepares for the 2026 Asian Games set in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan from September 19 to October 4.

Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino expressed confidence that the country’s top athletes could deliver another strong showing—or even improve on its previous golden haul—based on their recent international performances.

“Baka lumampas tayo ng apat,” said Tolentino, pointing to a strong pool of medal contenders that includes gymnastics’ star Carlos Yulo and his younger brother Eldrew, pole vault ace Ernest John “EJ” Obiena, tennis standout Alex Eala, jiujitsu champion Annie Ramirez, as well as hopefuls in

swimming and basketball.

The Philippines struck gold four times in Hangzhou in 2023, a feat the national delegation hopes to replicate or exceed in Aichi-Nagoya behind a blend of proven

PhilCycling Road Nationals

THE PhilCycling National Championships for Road 2026 kicks off in Tagaytay City on Monday with a Masters category now part of the program and the Men Junior category being named after a young and promising rider from Pangasinan who lost his life last January. Gone too soon was Mark Arvin España Armendez—Batang Pinoy gold medalists in road (Vigan 2022 and Tagaytay City 2023) and National Championships (Tagaytay City 2025). Armendez died last January 22 while fishing using an improvised electric devise in a swamp behind their home in Barangay Palina East in Urdaneta City, Armendez was only 18.

Competitions in the event presented by Standard Insurance and the MVP Sports Foundation will be in Men and Women Criterium, Individual Time Trial and

Individual Road Race in the Youth/Junior (1213, 14-15 and 16-17-18), Under-23 and Elite.

There will be seven age groups in the Masters races of the event traditional supported by Tagaytay City led by Mayor Brent Tolentino with the winners securing endorsements from the PhilCycling to the Asian Cycling Confederatiion Road Championships and all other UCI-sanctioned races.

Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, also head of the PhilCycling, hailed a big turnout of more than 300 riders in both genders, especially in the youth category.

“This is grassroots development at work,” Tolentino said.

The Nationals are in consonance with Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick “Pató” Gregorio’s emphasis on grassroots development.

champions and rising talents. Carlos Yulo continues to anchor the country’s goldmedal drive after sustaining his world-class form in 2025. The Filipino gymnastics’ icon captured the vault gold medal at the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Jakarta and added a floor exercise gold and an all-around bronze medal at the Asian Championships in South Korea, reinforcing his status as one of Asia’s premier gymnasts. His younger brother Eldrew is also emerging as a strong contender after winning bronze medals in the floor exercise and horizontal bar at the Junior World Championships, signaling the rise of another potential podium finisher for the Philippines. Obiena remains a consistent gold-medal threat after clearing a SEA Games record of 5.70 meters to win gold and later claiming another title at the Atletang Ayala World Pole Vault Challenge in Makati with a season-best 5.80 meters.

In swimming, Filipino-Canadian Olympian Kayla Sanchez is expected to lead the charge after her multiple medal-winning performances in recent Southeast Asian Games, while Gilas Pilipinas is gearing up to defend its historic men’s basketball gold medal, with preparations set to intensify following the FIBA World Cup qualifiers.

Golden Spikers buck error-filled 3rd set to notch 1st win

Games on Wednesday (SMART Araneta Coliseum)

9 a.m. - UST vs Ateneo (Men’s)

11 a.m. - DLSU vs UP (Men’s)

1 p.m. - UST vs Ateneo (Women’s)

3 p.m. - DLSU vs UP (Women’s)

La Salle, so naibigay namin ‘yung third set. Overall, okay naman ‘yung performance, na-hit ‘yung goals and objectives,” said Golden Spikers’ head coach Odjie Mamon. As UST built a two-set lead, La Salle fought back in the third set, capitalizing on the Golden Spikers’ 10 errors and late hits from Chris Hernandez, Yoyong Mendoza, and Joshua Magalaman to dominate, 25-15, and extend the match. However, UST bounced back in the fourth set, relying on early hits by Ybañez and timely miscues by La Salle to build a comfortable five-point lead, 11-6, which proved insurmountable.

Galeries Tower’s Baliton named PVL best player

GALERIES Tower retained veteran Roselle Baliton when it went on a massive roster reset during the offseason.

Returning the trust given to her by the Highrisers, the middle blocker delivered a performance to remember in the biggest upset yet in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) AllFilipino Conference.

The 6-foot middle blocker delivered her best game with the club, dropping 16 points on seven attacks, seven blocks, and two aces as they stunned the loaded Nxled Chameleons in four sets last Thursday, 25-19, 17-25, 25-20, 25-21.

For her signature game that not only gave Galeries Tower a win but all the confidence in the world, Baliton was unanimously selected as the PVL Press Corps Player of the Week presented by Pilipinas Live for the period of February 17 to 21.

“Sobrang nakakataba ng puso. Kumbaga, ang dami ng pinagdaanan ng team, and kumbaga, start din ‘to ng magkaroon ng winning culture ‘yung team kasi nga for the longest time, maraming napagdaanan ‘yung team,” said Baliton, who stuck with the team despite being in the league’s cellar in the past conferences.

“Napatunayan din namin na kung ano ‘yung pinapakita namin sa training, lumalabas din.”

Baliton edged Creamline’s Jia De Guzman, Capital1’s Bella Belen, PLDT’s Majoy Baron, and Farm Fresh’s Trisha Tubu for the weekly honor given by print and online reporters covering the pioneering professional volleyball league organized by Sports Vision. With this big-time victory against Nxled, Galeries Tower leveled its record to 2-2, and for Baliton, this just shows that when the team is on the same page, anything’s possible.

“Team effort talaga siya. So, doon namin tinitingnan kung ano talaga ‘yung kayang ibigay ng team na kapag nagtulong-tulong, nagsasabay-sabay na trabaho, lumalabas talaga na kaya naman talaga. Ika nga, bilog ang bola, so ayun, laban lang,” she said. Galeries will look to build from this win when it faces skidding Choco Mucho on Thursday, with the match streamed live and on demand via the Pilipinas Live app and on www.pvl.ph.

THE stage is set at Rizal Memorial Stadium today (Monday) as topseeded University of the Philippines and defending champion Far Eastern University clash in a winner-take-all final for the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Football Tournament crown.

Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m., promising a showdown between two of the league’s top football programs.

This marks the second finals meeting between the Fighting Maroons and the Tamaraws in just three seasons.

UP claimed the Season 86 title with a 1-0 victory, thanks to Macky Tobias’ decisive penalty in the 50th minute.

The Tamaraws enter today’s match with the weight of expectations on their shoulders, while the Fighting Maroons carry the psychological edge of a perfect elimination round sweep over FEU. UP has already beaten FEU twice this season — a commanding 3-1 win on September 25, 2025, and a hard-fought 1-0 triumph last January 15.

Yet, for UP head coach Popoy Clarino, past

Abraham Tolentino

Mark Arvin España Armendez atop the podium during the 2023 Batang Pinoy Nationals in Tagaytay City in 2022. PhilCycling Photo

The UST Golden Spikers, led by Josh Ybanez, celebrate their rst win.

PH rises as data center regional hub

P11 per kWh

Approved price cap

P10.39 per kWh

Preliminary price cap

3,300 MW

Targetted offshore wind capacity

Offshore wind auction capped at P11 per kWh

THE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has approved a price cap of P11 per kilowatt-hour for offshore wind projects under the fifth round of the Green Energy Auction (GEA-5) program scheduled for this year.

The regulator raised the reserve price from a preliminary P10.3859 per kWh to account for updated capacity factors and the inclusion of port rentals, fishery compensation and land acquisition costs.

The adjustment also reflects updated inflation and foreign exchange assumptions. While some costs were added, the ERC reduced or removed other components, including the cost of equity and decommissioning expenses.

The GEA-5 auction serves as the primary government mechanism for procuring renewable energy capacity to meet national clean energy targets.

The specific round targets 3,300 megawatts of fixed-bottom offshore wind capacity for delivery between 2028 and 2030.

The ERC also opened public consultations on tariff indexation rules, which are considered critical for the success of the country’s first large-scale offshore wind auction. These consultations, under ERC Case No. 2025-023 RM, aim to finalize how tariffs may be adjusted to reflect changes in project costs and foreign exchange rates between the project award and the start of commercial operations.

Indexation acts as a one-time tariff adjustment mechanism to account for cost changes pursuant to a Department of Energy circular that provided revised guidelines for the auction program.

The regulator said the proposed formula adopts a cost-componentbased adjustment where foreign exchange indexation applies only to specific foreign-denominated loans.

“Stakeholder feedback will help ensure the indexation framework reflects project cost realities while maintaining consumer protection,” the ERC said.

Alena Mae S. Flores

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Philippines has established a competitive advantage to support growth in hyperscale data centers and other energy-intensive sectors in Southeast Asia, according to a white paper released by Manila Electric Co.

The country has transformed itself into a premier destination for sustainable data center development due to a robust high-voltage grid primed for hyperscale capacity, globally competitive power costs and a forward-leaning policy regime, the paper says.

The report was prepared by the Meralco enterprise commercial and conglomerates power competitiveness champions group as part of a strategic effort to position the Meralco franchise area as a destination for energy-intensive investments.

The Philippines sits at the crossroads

of major Asia-Pacific trade and digital corridors, making it a natural hub for hyperscalers. Its proximity to major economies and extensive submarine cable networks support low-latency operations and regional expansion, the report says.

A surge in Philippine renewables ensures a sustainable power supply and provides long-term price stability for investors prioritizing decarbonization.

When viewed through the real conditions of the Meralco franchise where most strategic digital infrastructure will land, the

Philippines is no longer lagging and now stands shoulder-to-shoulder with regional peers like Thailand and Malaysia, the paper says.

With the implementation of the CREATE MORE Act and access to optimized rates under retail competition and open access, the Philippines offers power prices as low as $0.1093 per kilowatt-hour in optimized, VAT-exempt scenarios.

This rivals cost levels in Malaysia and Thailand. The report says that when tax incentives and zero-rated VAT for export-oriented locators are applied, the effective electricity cost for large users outperforms regional benchmarks in Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia.

While these countries are gradually phasing out industrial subsidies or transitioning to market-reflective tariffs, the Meralco franchise offers a stable, investor-aligned ecosystem including negotiable supply contracts, world-class grid reliability and fiscal structures that directly reduce energy costs, the report says.

SEC weighs higher capital for lenders

By Jenniffer B. Austria

By Othel V. Campos

TOYOTA Motor Philippines

chairman Alfred Ty said current provisions under the JapanPhilippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) may place the automaker at a tariff disadvantage against Chinese competitors because the decades-old deal fails to account for the shift toward hybrid vehicle technologies.

The trade agreement was crafted nearly 20 years ago and was originally designed around larger engine displacements typically found in luxury models, which at the time favored Japanese imports, he said.

“Back then, it was favorable because the way the JPEPA was structured, it was meant for bigger engines. Our 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter engines were okay. The 3.0-liter engines for Lexus were covered. But that was crafted before hybrids came into the picture,” Ty said.

Ty said that newer 2.5-liter hybrid models do not align with the old engine-based tariff structure. He underscored the need for officials to revisit the provisions to reflect current automotive technologies.

While industry leaders have called for changes, Ty said government

officials have been cautious about discussing a review of JPEPA publicly because negotiations are conducted on a government-to-government basis.

“Discussions are G-to-G. They cannot just speak. It has to come from the DFA,” Ty said, referring to the Department of Foreign Affairs and adding that private sector players

should also manage their statements carefully.

The JPEPA is a broad agreement that includes sectors such as agriculture and labor mobility, including the deployment of Filipino nurses to Japan. Ty said that vehicles represent only one component of the overall deal.

Filipino fertility rates now below replacement level—PIDS study

are

than

as

rates plummeted from four children in 1993 to 1.8 by 2022, according to a study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS).

The findings place the country below the 2.1 replacement level required to sustain population size over time. While the decline mirrors global trends, researchers found that many Filipino couples are

Using 30 years of data from the Philippine National Demographic and Health Survey, the authors found that male and female fertility patterns have converged, suggesting that shared socioeconomic forces now dictate household decisions. The data revealed a stark divide between income groups. Poorer households continue to have more children than intended, averaging between 2.5 and 2.9, which reflects an unmet need for contraception.

The planned increase aims to ensure only bona fide players remain in the market while encouraging industry mergers and consolidations. Although the Lending Company Regulation Act currently provides for a P10-million minimum paid-up capital, the regulator is reviewing the requirement under the framework of the Financial Consumer Protection Act.

The commission expects to issue draft rules soon and implement the higher threshold within the year. The move follows a broader crackdown on firms involved in unfair debt collection and exorbitant fees. In December, the regulator capped interest rates for lending companies at 12 percent per month. In a separate move to improve corporate transparency, the regulator issued a comprehensive compliance checklist for one person corporations (OPCs) to assist them with reportorial requirements.

These guidelines consolidate existing rules on bond posting and outline specific fines for violations under the Revised Corporation Code.

“These new guidelines outline the reportorial requirements and penalties imposed on OPCs. By clarifying expectations around their submissions, we are eliminating ambiguity and empowering business owners to operate with the confidence that they are in full compliance with the law,” Lim said.

REGIONAL STABILITY. Co-chaired by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and Bank of the Lao PDR, ASEAN member states (AMS) convene in Panglao, Bohol, for the 51st Meeting of the ASEAN Working Committee on Capital Account Liberalization (WC-CAL) on Feb. 11, 2026. The committee reviewed progress on regional initiatives aimed at promoting the free flow of capital and the gradual liberalization of restrictions across the ASEAN Economic Community.

DEEPER TIES. Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Roque meets with Luxembourg Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Xavier Bettel to strengthen trade and investment ties and explore new avenues for economic cooperation. The discussions underscored opportunities to expand Philippine exports and deepen collaboration in innovation-driven sectors such as ICT, science and technology and the creative industries.

PH-JAPAN MEETING. Finance Secretary Frederick Go underscores the Philippines’ deepening diplomatic and economic partnership with Japan during the 42nd Annual Joint Meeting of the Philippine and Japan Economic Cooperation Committees on Feb. 19, 2026. Go said this year is especially meaningful as the Philippines and Japan celebrate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations—marking seven decades of trust, cooperation and shared progress that have transformed the partnership into one of the most strategic partnerships in the region.

MVP Group eyes 2027 re-IPO for MGen Renewable

By Alena Mae S. Flores

M

VP Group chairman Manuel Pangilinan remains keen on pursuing a planned re-initial public offering (re-IPO) for MGen Renewable Energy Holdings Inc. in 2027. MONDAY,

Pangilinan told reporters that while SP New Energy Corp. (SPNEC) is already listed, “there might be a reIPO” following a corporate restructuring.

In January, SPNEC applied with the Securities and Exchange Commission to change its corporate name to MGen Renewable with the stock symbol MGENR.

Pangilinan said the group intends to consolidate the assets of SPNEC and MGen Renewable Energy Inc. (MGreen), a unit of Meralco PowerGen Corp. The surviving entity will be MGen Renewable.

“But first we will inject the renewables assets outside of Terra Solar to SPNEC, to MGreen,” Pangilinan said.

“After that, perhaps in 2027, we will re-IPO to raise a bit of money for SPNEC, MGreen. Because it will be a

FINGERLINGS

much bigger company by then.”

MGreen’s current portfolio includes the 19.8-megawatt Bongabon Solar project in Nueva Ecija, the 52.8-MW Cordon Solar project in Isabela, and the 80.1-MW Baras, 55MW Bulacan, and 68.7-MW Nuevo solar projects.

SPNEC’s existing assets include the 82.5-MW Tarlac Solar and 49.7MW Calatagan solar power projects.

SPNEC, through its subsidiary Terra Solar Philippines, is also building the MTerra Solar project. Touted as one of the world’s largest solar developments, it features 3,500-MW peak of solar capacity integrated with 4,500 megawatt-hours of energy storage.

Pangilinan previously noted the reIPO would not occur before 2027 to allow Terra Solar to begin contributing to the company’s earnings.

DISPERSAL. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic ResourcesNational Capital Region, in partnership with the Manila Water Foundation, conducts a dispersal of 70,000 fingerlings at the La Mesa Ecopark spillway in Quezon City. The activity, held as part of the foundation’s 21st anniversary, supports BFAR’s Balik Sigla sa Ilog at Lawa Program. The initiative seeks to restore vitality to rivers and lakes while encouraging communities to maintain clean waterways for aquatic life.

PH stocks target 6,550 as market awaits economic cues

By Jenniffer B. Austria

THE Philippine Stock Exchange index may attempt to retest the 6,550 resistance level this week, although gains could be tempered by profit-taking as investors await fresh economic cues.

After closing at 6,465.12, up 1.26 percent week-on-week, the market is expected to consolidate within a tight band. Sentiment remains anchored on the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ recent interest rate cut to

4.25 percent.

Analysts said the easing monetary backdrop should continue to support equities, though near-term direction will likely hinge on upcoming data releases and corporate earnings reports.

Beyond earnings, Philstocks Financial Inc. said investors will monitor geopolitical developments between the United States and Iran.

If the index remains above the 6,400 level, this will serve as the market’s new support, while resistance is seen at 6,550, according

to Philstocks.

Investors are also expected to monitor U.S. initial jobless claims for signals on global rate expectations. Locally, trade and producer price data will be scrutinized for their impact on inflation and external stability.

Last week, value turnover declined to P5.3 billion from the previous week’s average of P7.6 billion. Foreign investors, however, remained net buyers with inflows totaling P631.8 million.

Ayala Land accelerates push into leasing assets this year

PROPERTY giant Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) is accelerating its push into leasing assets this year, pivoting toward malls, offices, and hotels as residential sales remain flat.

ALI president and chief executive Anna Ma. Margarita Bautista-Dy said leasing will be the company’s key growth driver this year, delivering double-digit growth.

“It will be a banner year for leasing,” Dy said, citing approximately 200,000 square meters of fresh gross leasable area (GLA) set for delivery in 2026. This month, the company opened Arca South mall in

Brian Rasco

Taguig City. In addition to the mall space opening this year, Dy said the company’s medium-term pipeline includes 600,000 square meters of mall space under planning or construction. For offices, ALI has 300,000 square meters in the pipeline, while about 1,500 hotel rooms are in development. ALI’s leasing portfolio currently contributes about 45 percent of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA), while property development accounts for 55 percent. Given the current market, the company now expects

Weighing passion and discipline in public service

PUBLIC service, for many of us, could be a life’s calling and not merely a profession. It is driven by urgency, compassion and a strong belief that the institution that we represent improves lives in tangible ways. Yet every public servant is aware of a fundamental reality that public service does not happen in isolation. It does not exist without context, constraints, accountabilities, and consequences. It operates across a web of laws, rules, regulations, audit standards, documentation requirements, and ethical obligations. The long-standing tension between “Passion to Serve” and “Discipline to Comply”, defines the everyday life of a public servant. There exists what we call a “false divide” in public governance, the belief that oversight and service delivery are contrasting, even competing forces. Program implementers and even elected officials and their appointed officials, often live in the urgency of the moment while oversight bodies and institutions are trained to live in the discipline of institutional integrity on a longterm basis. When these perspectives collide without a clear and deep understanding of the true context of public service, what emerges is friction and conflict. On the other hand, when they converge with maturity, due diligence and transparency, what emerges is public trust.

When audit anxiety kicks in Every committed public servant understands the mental and emotional weight of responsibility and accountability. Every day we see the faces of those who are need of government services, families affected by disasters, and communities and entrepreneurs struggling to sustain their livelihoods. Communities are waiting and beneficiaries are counting on government’s assistance. Delays can mean missed opportunities or prolonged hardship. Speed, in many cases, equates to justice. But when “audit anxiety” kicks in, paralysis can happen. Rigid implementing rules and regulations feel unforgiving. Documentation requirements appear overwhelming, and the fear

Serving the nation is not only delivering programs quickly but also protecting the integrity of institutions

of future disallowances could lead to hesitation. Public servants tend to become “risk averse”, which results in delays or even discontinuation of an initiative.

Compliance is not the enemy of prompt and responsive public service

It is easy to view regulations as red tape. Implementers immediately see the bundle of supporting documents and requirements. Thus, it is hard to recognize them as guardrails. Audit and oversight mechanisms are institutional expressions of shared responsibility. Rules and regulations were crafted to address risks, prevent abuse, and protect limited public resources.

The world of public service, however, has grown more complex and ambiguous. New scenarios emerge that were not anticipated by policymakers. Digital governance, artificial intelligence, and evolving citizen expectations create governance landscapes that older rules do not anymore fully address. There has got to be a way to make these rules evolve alongside us. As Filipinos, we just need to understand better why these regulations existed, and when necessary, call for their amendment or repeal at the earliest possible time, through proper channels, not through shortcuts.

The greater good and its limits.

For most leaders, challenges create excitement. A program or a project needs to move quickly; a community urgently requires assistance; procurement processes seem slow relative to the need on the ground. Thus, the temptation to shortcut procedures “for the greater good” is real.

The greater good, however, must be defined carefully. Actions must be transparent and in accordance with protocols and procedures. The greater good includes fairness to unseen stakeholders, sustainability of programs, and protection of public funds for future generations.

Procedures can be adjusted within legal bounds, streamlining internal workflows, improving coordination, and leveraging digital systems. But

principles cannot be waived – transparency, legality, documentation, and accountability must be preserved. This is why management systems and internal protocols exist. Balance in public governance lies in understanding what is flexible and what is foundational. Passion without due diligence risks error and disallowance. Diligence without passion risks indifference. I say, public service demands both.

Due diligence as daily discipline

Due diligence is often misunderstood as mere paperwork and more work. It is professional discipline in the government sector. It means verifying eligibility before releasing assistance; ensuring proper documentation before approving expenditures; observing competitive processes even when time is limited; and seeking legal or technical guidance when uncertain.

When public servants exercise due diligence, they are not slowing down process or the service. They are strengthening it. The mature public servant understands that compliance is not about fear of audit. It is about respect for public trust. Disciplined passion, not reckless agility, is the mark of responsible leadership.

The reality of extended service

Many leaders in public service extend themselves beyond what is required. They answer calls after office hours. They attend meetings beyond standard schedules. They shoulder minor expenses from their own pockets to keep activities moving. This extended service is not mandated by law. It flows from conviction. Knowing the limitations of government resources and the constraints of bureaucratic timelines, public servants step forward personally, not to violate rules, but to bridge gaps. Personal sacrifice, however, must never become a substitute for institutional integrity. Individual diligence must not justify systemic shortcuts. Extended service should complement governance, not replace it. Integrating passion and process

The false narrative suggests that public servants must choose between compassion and

to achieve a 50-50 EBITDA mix by 2027—two years earlier than its original 2029 target.

“We’re fortunate to have a diversified portfolio. If one segment is facing headwinds, we can focus on others and give them a push,” Dy said. To support this shift, ALI has earmarked P70 billion in capital expenditures for the year, with 38 percent allocated to leasing projects. The balance will go toward residential development and land acquisitions, including installment payments for previously acquired properties.

compliance. That choice is misleading. Passion fuels exigency in the service. Process and protocols protect public service. When passion outruns process, institutions weaken. When process and protocols suppress passion, service becomes mechanical. But when passion and discipline are integrated, public service becomes powerful. Weighing them requires constant reflection: Is this action legally grounded? Is it transparent? Is it fair to all stakeholders? Does it protect both immediate beneficiaries and future citizens? If the answer to these questions is yes, then urgency becomes responsible action. These principles too should be understood by the government’s stakeholders.

Toward mature public service Public service demands heart, intellect, patience, and resilience. It requires balancing timeliness with compliance, compassion with documentation, greater good intentions with institutional limits. True patriotism in governance is not loud. It is quiet courage, disciplined. Serving the nation is not only delivering programs quickly but also protecting the integrity of institutions so that future leaders can continue the work without scandal or suspicion. At the end of difficult days, many public servants say quietly to themselves: “Para sa Bayan.” These words carry weight. They express sacrifice, commitment, and love of country.

Brian U. Rasco is currently taking his doctorate in Business Administration at De La Salle University. He is also the Director of the Provincial Science and Technology Office in Ilocos Norte (DOST Ilocos Norte). His research interests include lean management, technology business incubation and startup formation, transportation engineering, technology development and transfer. He can be reached at brian_rasco@dlsu.edu.ph. The views expressed above are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official position of DLSU, its faculty, and its administrators.

GREEN LIGHT

Jenniffer B. Austria

LOGISTICS GUILD. Three executives from FAST Logistics Group take their oath as members of the Department of Trade and Industry Supply Chain and Logistics Guild. The induction reaffirms the company’s leadership in advancing logistics development and supporting the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises in the Philippines. They are Manuel Onrejas Jr., FAST chief executive for logistics; Gladys Ceniza, VP for strategic growth initiatives; and Marc

Anthony Dizon, business unit head for cold chain solutions.

ABUSE PREVENTION. Teachers and counselors from four elementary schools in Quezon City, along

to protect

from online abuse. During sessions conducted by PLDT

and Treatment

By Othel V. Campos

THE National Food Authority auctioned nearly 90 percent of its aging rice stocks on Feb. 20, generating P936.5 million and exceeding its P912.4 million target.

The sale effectively frees up warehouse space for upcoming palay purchases from local farmers. NFA administrator Larry Lacson reported that the agency sold a total of 32.5 million kilograms of rice at an average price of 28 pesos per kilogram.

“We are very pleased with the results, which exceeded our target and confirmed strong market demand for NFA rice,” Lacson said.

The auction offered 737,339 50-kilogram bags of milled rice stored between three and 18 months. Floor prices were set according to the age of the stock, ranging from P25.16 per kilogram for rice stored three to six months to P22.52 per kilogram for rice held over 18 months.

Of the 83 lots offered, 57—equivalent to 604,364 bags or 88 percent of the total volume—were successfully tendered. Thirtynine bidders purchased bid documents, and 19 are expected to secure contracts once validation is completed.

The agency plans to use the newly avail-

WEST zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services Inc. admitted to a shortage of potable water from its current sources, citing various technical and environmental challenges for ongoing service interruptions in the city.

In a town hall meeting called by Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon last week, Maynilad officials said the company is struggling to provide 24/7 service. They primarily blamed issues at the treatment plant that draws water from Laguna Lake.

“We have to distribute the water because of the number of customers that we have to serve,” said Greg Antonio, head of Maynilad’s Water Production South, speaking in Filipino. Antonio confirmed that Maynilad is currently rationing water to many areas in Muntinlupa. “There’s eight hours in the morning, eight hours in the afternoon, and eight hours at night,” he said. “That’s the rationing.”

able warehouse space to store palay, which it will procure from local farmers at a minimum of P17 pper kilogram for wet palay and p21 pesos per kilogram for dry palay. The dry harvest season is expected to peak between April and May.

The average price of P28 per kilogram, well above the floor, indicates firm demand despite the age of the stocks. In comparison, the NFA’s December auction of 315,000 bags of aging rice achieved prices within the floor range of 22.52 to 25.16 pesos per kilogram.

“More important than the revenue the auction raised is the space it cleared in warehouses, allowing NFA to buy more palay from our farmers at a fair price,” said Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., who also chairs the NFA Council.

THE Marcos administration’s flagship food program, “Bente Bigas, Meron Na!” is expanding across communities, with the Department of Agriculture (DA) launching rollouts in La Union and Davao City this week. In La Union, the kickoff at Plaza de Santa Lucia in Aringay sold 200 bags at P20 per kilogram. Governor Mario Eduardo Ortega secured 500 bags from Food Terminal Inc. for the initial distribution. Of that allocation, 300 bags will be released in phases: 100 bags each in Balaoan on Feb. 25, Bacnotan on Feb. 27, and the city of San Fernando on March 2. The mobile markets aim to serve about 500 beneficiaries per stop. Friday’s launch drew roughly 1,000 residents.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said each kilogram purchased “represents not only savings but a hand extended to help lift millions of rice farmers out of poverty.”

In Davao City, the DA expanded the program to the barangay level, starting in Barangay Matina Crossing and later extending to Barangay Tungkalan in the Toril District.

Assistant Secretary Genevieve Velicaria-Guevarra said local government participation is key to ensuring subsidized rice reaches indigent residents, senior citizens, people with disabilities, minimum wage earners, and solo parents.

“This rollout allows us to declog NFA warehouses, continue procuring palay from local farmers, and provide affordable rice directly to vulnerable consumers—a balanced approach supporting both farmers and the people,” Guevarra said.

Barangay Captain Joel Santes welcomed the program, noting the city’s high poverty rate and nearly 44,000 residents who will benefit from prioritized access.

“We are moving aggressively to expand this program so up to 60 million Filipinos can benefit this year, and we intend to sustain it until the

end of President Marcos’ term in June 2028,” Tiu Laurel

In cases of total supply depletion, Antonio said the company deploys water tankers to affected neighborhoods. Alfred John Gallego, head of Maynilad’s Muntinlupa-Las Piñas Business Area, said the treatment plant handling Laguna Lake water has been unable to cope with strong winds that generate powerful waves.

“We can see that wind conditions have not been favorable to us, though we know it’s seasonal,” Gallego said. “We need to protect our plant to prevent a surge of water that is not according to design.”

Gallego explained that Maynilad reduces the volume of water processed at the plant to maintain quality standards. He noted that while the concessionaire receives supply from other sources like La Mesa Dam and the “north area,” the existing pipelines are no longer sufficient to carry additional volume.

Manila Standard TODAY

said. Othel V. Campos

with community workers, undergo training

children

Inc. and Smart Communications Inc., in partnership with the Center for the Prevention

of Child Sexual Abuse, participants shared practical tips on identifying and responding to potential threats.

SUPPLY AGREEMENT. Northern Negros Electric Cooperative Inc., led by general manager Wilbe Bilbao and board president Nicolas Camara, formalizes a 30-megawatt power supply agreement with Aboitiz Power Corp. Representing AboitizPower is Gerard Roxas, vice president for wholesale commercial planning and portfolio management. National Electrification Administration project supervisor Rossan Rosero-Lee witnessed the signing.

Maybank sees another BSP rate cut this year

MAYBANK Research said Friday the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has room for one final 25-basis-point rate cut later this year, which would bring benchmark rates to 4.0 percent following its most recent easing move.

The forecast follows the Feb. 19 decision by the BSP Monetary Board to lower interest rates by 25 basis points to 4.25 percent.

BSP officials cited sluggish economic growth during the final months of 2025 and manageable inflation as the primary drivers for the reduction.

“We expect the BSP to pause its easing cycle in the near term as it monitors the evolving inflation dynamics and incoming economic data,” Maybank Research said.

The research firm said the central bank anticipates a gradual recovery in demand as the effects of previous policy shifts take hold and public spending increases.

However, Maybank Research increased its full-year inflation forecast for 2026 to 2.8 percent from

2.2 percent.

The adjustment reflects persistent supply-side pressures and potential risks to price stability.

In January 2026, inflation reached 2.0 percent due to rising costs for utilities and dining. While this remains at the lower end of the government target range of 2.0 percent to 4.0 percent, analysts warned of volatility ahead.

“With supply-side disruptions continuing to pose a tail risk, we have revised up our 2026 inflation forecast to 2.8 percent from 2.2 percent,” the bank said.

The BSP previously adjusted its own price outlooks for 2026 and 2027 to account for shifting electricity rates, oil market volatility and the impact of the flexible rice tariff mechanism on local prices.

By Darwin G. Amojelar

G LOBE Telecom’s home broadband unit reported P24 billion in revenues for 2025, led by an aggressive fiberoptic expansion that offset the decline of legacy fixed wireless services.

The company’s fiber services accounted for 91 percent of total home revenues in 2025, rising from 87 percent in 2024 as the firm pivots toward more stable, high-speed infrastructure.

The total broadband subscriber base reached 2.1 million by the end of 2025, up from 1.7 million the previous year. Fixed wired customers saw a 40 percent year-on-year increase, signaling a significant consumer shift toward fiber connectivity.

Much of the growth was fueled by GFiber Prepaid, which ended the

year with over 820,000 subscribers by offering high-speed access without long-term contracts. The company launched the Globe At Home 5G WiFi Loop in September 2025. The plug-and-play device fea-

25 PH food exporters clinch $125m in sales at Dubai’s Gulfood 2026

By Othel V. Campos

PHILIPPINE food enterprises gener-

ated more than $125 million in export sales during Gulfood 2026 in Dubai as international buyers increased orders for traditional Filipino flavors and functional food products.

The delegation of 25 companies, supported by the Department of Trade and Industry-Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (DTI-CITEM), showcased premium goods at the global food and beverage sourcing event held from Jan. 26 to 30, 2026.

Operating under the FOODPhilippines banner, the group used its 21st participation at the trade fair to position the Southeast Asian nation as a premier global sourcing destination.

Sales performance remained consistent with previous years. Pixcel Transglobal Foods Inc., a specialist in fermented marine products including bagoong and patis, led the group in export volume.

SL Agritech Corp. followed with its exports of rice and cavendish bananas, while Fly Ace Corp. secured the third spot with its Tentay condiments line.

CITEM department manager Rowena Mendoza said the high sales figures demonstrate the readiness of the country to compete on a larger scale.

“These results highlight the depth of our enterprises’ capabilities. The figures show that the Philippines is ready to make an impact in the global food export arena. CITEM will build on this momentum to connect more enterprises to high-value international opportunities,” Mendoza said.

The Philippine delegation featured a diverse range of manufacturers, including BV&R Commodities Corp., Fly Ace Corporation, Global FoodSolutions Inc., Galinco, Krystle Exports Philippines Inc., Lionheart Farms, Marbello’s Processed Foods, and Marigold Manufacturing Corp. (Mama Sita’s).

IN BRIEF

DOT woows Indonesian pilgrims

THE Light Rail Transit Authority is seeking a P3 billion loan from Land Bank of the Philippines to settle its outstanding debt with Light Rail Manila Corp., the operator of LRT-1. LRTA administrator Hernando Cabrera told reporters that the agency applied for the loan last year to cover the government’s remaining debt to the private operator.

The agency has already settled P926 million of the P4 billion in claims sought by LRMC. Cabrera said the initial payment was made using a combination of agency savings and support from the national government.

“By fulfilling these contractual obligations, the government is sending a clear signal to PPP investors: we are ready, willing and faithful to the con-

tracts we enter into,” Cabrera said.

The move to settle the debt follows statements from LRMC and Metro Pacific Investments Corp. chairman Manuel Pangilinan, who previously indicated he was considering selling his stake in the railway operator. Pangilinan cited the government’s unsettled obligations and continued financial losses as primary reasons for the potential exit.

THE Department of Tourism hosted 11 Indonesian Umrah and Hajj travel agents from Feb. 10 to 13 as part of a strategic drive to position the country as a preferred

tures an Android touchscreen and builtin speakers, providing fiber-like speeds for users both at home and on the move.

“Our 2025 performance serves as a powerful springboard into the year ahead,” Globe president and chief executive Carl Cruz said.

He said that for 2026, the company intends to scale the reach of its prepaid fiber and 5G WiFi products to meet diversifying consumer needs.

“In 2026, we are committed to scaling the reach of GFiber Prepaid and Globe At Home 5G WiFi to meet the diversifying needs of our customers. This reinforces our mission to stay ahead of consumer demand through meaningful innovations that not only improve lives but truly empower the communities we serve,” Cruz said.

LOCAL government units should require mandatory registration for agricultural traders to protect farmers and fisherfolk from predatory buyers who purchase produce below production costs, according to the advocacy group Ipabitag Mo (IBMI).

IBMI executive-director Apple Meneses said municipal and city agricultural offices must take an active role in curbing widespread abuse by unscrupulous middlemen. Meneses noted that requiring traders to register with local agricultural offices would allow the government to monitor trading activities, screen for legitimacy, and evaluate business practices.

The group reported significant neglect of food producers by both national and local authorities, citing instances where predatory traders failed to pay farmers even after negotiating low purchase prices.

“LGUs, through mayors can easily act against these abuse of our farmers by implementing a monitoring system. Mandatory registration will enable our LGUs to swiftly implement this all over the country,” Meneses said.

IBMI chairman emeritus and anticorruption advocate Ben Tulfo said a grassroots monitoring system is necessary to distinguish legitimate buyers from counterfeit and abusive ones.

PCC seeks reforms to

Amojlear

The financial friction stems from a period between 2016 and 2020 when LRMC was not granted the automatic two-year fare hike stipulated in its concession agreement. The operator was eventually granted a fare increase under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Darwin G.

BSP

interest rate cuts to revive spending

“It is high time that we protect our farmers from this apparent still rampant abuse. And our mayors and governors can take charge of this job by simply implementing a system where they can monitor the agri traders that do business with their farmers and fisherfolk and welcome the ‘legit’ and fair ones, and block the predators,” Tulfo said.

The call for regulation follows a recent case in the Science City of Munoz, Nueva Ecija, where a trader from a neighboring town allegedly failed to pay local farmers for their crops. IBMI is coordinating with the Science City of Munoz government to craft an ordinance establishing a mandatory registration system.

Tulfo suggested that while ordinances are being developed, local chief executives can immediately issue executive orders to begin the registration process and protect the country’s food producers. Under the proposed system, traders would be monitored to ensure they do not exploit the sector, where some farmers are forced to sell at rates significantly lower than the cost of production, sometimes losing 50 percent or more of their expected revenue.

DATA SHARING. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) takes a decisive step in protecting the Filipino public by

signing landmark information-sharing agreements with the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), NBI and SEC. Signing the agreements are (from left) Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) director

Alvin Navarro, CICC executive director Renato Paraiso, BSP general counsel Roberto Figueroa and BSP director Alain Bert Regis.

LIVELIHOOD PROGRAM. First Gen Corp. wins a Gold Anvil award from the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP) in recognition of the transformative contribution of MAMAFASWAS Weavers for the inclusive development of the Mamanwa indigenous people in the remote barangay of Maraiging in Jabonga, Agusan del Norte. Attending the PRSP’s 61st Anvil Awards: Gabi ng Parangal, on Jan. 28, 2026 at the Solaire Resort North, Quezon City are First Gen CSR communications specialist Dianne Kathryn Toledo and First Gen CSR assistant manager Janbern Lope Barel.

NEW BRANCHES. Security Bank Corp. begins 2026 with the opening of

closer to more communities across the country. Shown are SBC executives at the opening of the bank’s 381st branch in Angeles City, Pampanga.

Cruz

REAL ESTATE

PROPERTY developer

Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) is deepening its footprint in the Visayas, banking on the long-term promise of Negros Occidental as it rolls out a new upscale residential offering in Talisay City.

Alveo Land deepens Visayas push with premium project

For more than 35 years, ALI has built some of the country’s most established master-planned estates, blending homes with offices, retail strips, schools and open spaces in a bid to create communities that hold value over time. In Negros Occidental, the listed developer has quietly anchored projects that helped spur local commerce and improve access to modern lifestyle spaces, drawing on its long familiarity with the province’s character and pace of growth.

Its upscale residential arm, Alveo Land Corp., is now taking that

Connecting Palawan to the world through San Vicente

By Adam Domingo

PALAWAN has set an ambitious goal: to welcome five million tourists every year. Today, most visitors travel through its wellestablished hubs in Puerto Princesa, El Nido, and Coron. To reach that target and share the economic benefits more widely, Palawan needs another major tourism anchor. That role has long been envisioned for San Vicente. With its vast and untouched Long Beach, the laid-back charm of Port Barton, and the scenic, mountainframed coastlines of New Canipo, San Vicente has what other destinations lack: land, scale, and natural beauty ready for sustainable development. Yet despite major public investments, including the opening of the San Vicente Airport in 2009, the town remains underdeveloped. The main reason lies in limited tourist access and an ecosystem that’s still maturing.

A Stopover, Not Yet a Destination According to research by Leechiu Property Consultants, San Vicente welcomed over 90,400 overnight visitors in 2023, including 69,500 foreign tourists and just 20,900 domestic travelers. This imbalance shows that San Vicente has not yet evolved into a true destination—it currently serves more as a stopover. Many local tourists use the town as a convenient break on the five-hour land journey between Puerto Princesa and El Nido. Still, the relatively low number of domestic visitors represents a significant opportunity. The Philippine tourism industry has long been anchored by local travelers, and San Vicente’s low domestic penetration points to a large, untapped market that could drive its next phase of growth.

Early pioneers like Club Agutaya and Hotel Elizabeth have built a solid foundation, while large-scale projects such as Paragua Coastown reflect growing investor confidence. Yet, the destination still lacks the diversity of activities, dining options, and amenities needed to encourage longer stays and repeat visits.

The Runway Holds the Key At the heart of San Vicente’s growth challenge is one simple issue: the airport runway. Measuring only 1,600 meters, it can handle small turboprop planes but not larger jet aircraft. This limitation keeps air traffic low and forces most travelers into that long, five-hour land journey.

If Palawan truly wants to reach its five-million-tourist goal, this bottleneck must be addressed. Extending the runway to around 2,200 to 2,400 meters would allow regional jets to land directly in San Vicente. That change could turn the town from a stopover into a key tourism gateway for the province.

A longer runway would also open the door for direct international flights from major Asian cities within a five-hour radius. With improved access, global hotel chains and investors would finally

see the demand needed to justify largescale, high-quality developments— from beach resorts to activity hubs. Planning for Sustainable Growth

San Vicente offers something rare in Philippine tourism: a clean slate. Unlike other destinations that expanded quickly and suffered from congestion or poor planning, San Vicente still has the chance to shape its own future.

As development gains momentum, all stakeholders should take lessons from other destinations. From hotels to drainage systems and roads, infrastructure must be designed to last and to protect the environment. Sustainable and climate-resilient planning should guide every phase of growth. The goal is to ensure that San Vicente thrives without compromising the natural assets that make it special in the first place.

If done right, San Vicente can become Palawan’s next major growth engine—a model for how accessibility, investment, and sustainability can come together to build a world-class destination.

(The author is senior manager for hotels, tourism, and leisure at Leechiu Property Consultants).

SM Offices’ FiveE-com Center earned LEED Operations and Maintenance Gold certification, strengthening the sustainable office portfolio of SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime).

FiveE-com Center received the certification under the LEED v4.1 O+M: Existing Buildings framework, which evaluates energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor environmental quality and building management practices.

Located at the Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City, the twin-tower 15-story office development has more than 93,000 square meters of gross leasable area, with floor plates averaging 3,500 square meters designed to accommodate flexible office layouts.

“LEED Gold certification confirms that FiveE-com Center is not only operationally efficient but also responsive to what businesses now look for in office spaces,” said Alexis Ortiga, vice president and head of SM Offices.

presence a step further with the launch of its first residential village in the province. The project will rise within Northpoint, Ayala Land’s estate in Talisay City, marking Alveo’s initial foray into Negros Occidental. Alveo, known for its portfolio of more than 70 residential and mixed-use communities across 13 growth centers nationwide, has built a reputation for design-driven developments in key locations such as Nuvali, Bonifacio Global City, Makati and Alabang. Its projects range from high-rise condominiums to suburban residential lots and mixed-use enclaves, typically marked by generous open spaces and curated amenities aimed at fostering a sense of community.

In Negros, the new village is envisioned to carry these hallmarks, balancing privacy and openness, leisure and function, while responding to the natural landscape and rhythm of the province. The expansion signals confidence in Western Visayas’ growth corridor, as infrastructure upgrades and rising regional incomes reshape demand for premium housing outside Metro Manila.

By planting its Alveo brand in Northpoint, Ayala Land is not only widening its geographic reach but also reinforcing its position in the higher end of the residential market. For ALI, the move underscores a long-term view: that well-planned estates, anchored on sustainability and community design, can endure across generations—even beyond the country’s largest urban centers.

Jenniffer B. Austria

dashboards. A building management system adjusts cooling based on occupancy levels, while energy recovery ventilators replace stale air to improve indoor air quality and reduce HVAC energy demand. Open-air spaces such as landscaped decks, pocket gardens, select office balconies, and koi ponds are distributed across the development, offering employees functional areas for breaks and informal work. These biophilic design elements have been shown to improve productivity and employee wellness. FiveE-com Center includes electric vehicle charging stations, bicycle facilities, and covered walkways connecting to SM Mall of Asia and its transport terminal. This infrastructure enables tenants and employees to reduce their carbon footprint through lower-emission commuting options. The integration with retail and transport facilities allows employees to access dining, shopping and ser vices without additional commutes, reducing time away from

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2026

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

Very Wang Nickie Wang

How human touch makes the difference in the age of AI-generated music

AI- GENERATED

music is rapidly infiltrating streaming platforms and social media, amassing millions of plays and raising questions about the future of human artistry. With algorithms capable of producing songs in minutes, some fear that human creativity could be sidelined.

But Original Pinoy Music (OPM) icons Christian Bautista Bautista believe the rise of AI music proves the power of human emotion in song cannot be replaced.

“There’s a lot of talk about AIgenerated music these days. Some ask, ‘Why not just create songs on your own?’” Christian explained at a press conference for his upcoming concert with Mark, set for March 6 at 8:00 p.m. at the New Frontier Theater in Quezon City. “The reality is AI songs can rack up seven million streams or more. That is the landscape today.” He added, “If someone wants to release an AI-generated song and label it as such, that’s fine. Listeners can choose not to play it and support original music instead. That is the beauty of choice.” Mark offered a different perspective, noting music moves people whether it is AI-generated or not. He emphasized that the human touch in music remains unmatched.

“Songs move people, that is emotion, and you cannot stop that,” he pointed out. “I hope people will not lose their appreciation

AN offbeat political thriller, a vampire horror film, and a Shakespearean period drama will compete Sunday (Monday in Manila) at the British Academy Film Awards, widely seen as a preview of the Oscars.

Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another, which follows white supremacists hunting down washed-up revolutionaries, led the BAFTA nominations with 14 nods, including best film. It was followed by 13 nominations for the vampire period horror Sinners, which holds a record 16 Oscar nominations, and Timothée Chalamet’s ping-pong drama Marty Supreme with 11. Other best film nominees include Hamnet, which

explores William Shakespeare’s personal life, and Norwegian family drama Sentimental Value A-list stars expected on the red carpet at London’s Southbank Centre include Leonardo

and

BAFTA nods compared to seven Oscar nominations. Jessie Buckley, who portrays Shakespeare’s wife Agnes, is favored for best leading actress, facing Kate Hudson (Song Sung Blue), Emma Stone (“Bugonia”), Chase Infiniti (One Battle), Renate Reinsve (Sentimental Value), and Rose Byrne (If I Had Legs I’d Kick You). Chalamet is a leading contender for best actor, having won Critics Choice and Golden Globes for his role as an ambitious ping-pong player. He will compete against DiCaprio and Michael B. Jordan; Paul Mescal, who played Shakespeare in Hamnet, was not nominated.

Directors Josh Safdie (Marty Supreme), Anderson (One Battle), and Ryan Coogler (Sinners) are in the running for best director, along with BAFTA winner Yorgos Lanthimos (Bugonia), Joachim Trier (Sentimental Value), and Chloe Zhao (Hamnet), the Oscar-winning director of Nomadland

The BAFTAs, unlike France’s César Awards or Spain’s Goya Awards, are open to all nationalities, allowing American films to dominate while still recognizing local cinema in the Outstanding British Film category. This year’s nominees include Hamnet Bridget

, and the biographical I

for music. Machines can generate millions of songs, but music created by real people, with real emotion, experience, and soul, is completely different. That human element cannot be replaced. The effort and soul of the artists make it unique.”

And that’s the kind of experience their concert delivers, a rare chance to hear live the songs they made famous and that fans have come to love.

The concert, Bautista x Bautista, directed by Paolo Valenciano and produced by NA Management in partnership with GMA Network, reunites two of OPM’s most enduring male voices.

Fans can expect familiar ballads and signature performances, but the show also tells the story behind the sound: two friends who stayed close through life’s challenges and now choose to perform together again.

“Filipino concertgoers are incredibly supportive, not just of international acts but especially Filipino artists,” Mark noted. “It is amazing to see how music continues to bring people together. There is a real sense of unity at concerts here, and that shows how strong Filipino culture is.”

He added, “We are grateful to everyone who shares our music and supports the concerts. We feel the love, and that connection makes performing for Filipino audiences so special.” Christian teased fans might see them on stage again. “Who knows, we might have another concert,” he revealed, keeping the excitement

she added.

By Jasper Valdez

DiCaprio, Jessie Buckley,

Timothée Chalamet. Scottish actor Alan Cumming will host the ceremony.

Songbird

Velasquez

Timothée Chalamet aims to get his third Best Actor win at BAFTA for his role in ‘Marty Supreme’

OPM singers Christian and Mark Bautista are set to headline their ‘Bautista x Bautista concert happening on March 6

At the helm of ‘Bautista X Bautista’ is seasoned concert director Paolo Valenciano

Christian Bautista (right) and Mark Bautista reflect on their long-standing friendship ahead of their joint concert

Mark Bautista (left) and Christian Bautista say AI music highlights the irreplaceable power of human emotion in songwriting

LIFE & SHOWBIZ

By Nickie Wang

ABS-CBN’s new series Philippine Hometown Stories follows broadcast journalists as they revisit their childhood provinces, exploring the sights, flavors, and experiences that inspired their values, careers, and perspectives.

Journalists return to childhood hometowns in new digital series

Michael

Andrea Taguines, Bea Cuadra, Dennis Datu, and Michael Delizo revisit their childhood provinces not as tourists, but as storytellers, offering a mix of journalism, lifestyle, and personal reflection.

For

Dennis Datu, growing up

NEWPORT World Resorts delivers a year packed with live entertainment, featuring headliner concerts, musical theater, comedy nights, and family-friendly productions. The premier leisure and entertainment destination has unveiled its initial lineup for 2026, with more announcements expected throughout the year.

Kicking off the season is Bagets

The Musical , running from January 23 to March at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. The stage adaptation of the iconic 1984 ’80s

in a humble community in Bauan, Batangas, instilled discipline, resilience, and an appreciation for simple living—values he carries into his work as a journalist.

“My hometown has shaped so much of who I am today, both personally

film brings themes of friendship, first love, and growing pains to life with a younger cast, OPM-driven nostalgia, and theatrical spectacle.

March 29 sees World of Dance Philippines 2026 take over the theater, featuring the country’s top dance crews competing for national supremacy and a chance to represent the Philippines internationally.

On April 7, Australian balladeer

Rick Price returns for his For Lovers Concert Tour 2026 , performing ’90s

and professionally. We had to work hard just to get by, and that experience stayed with me,” Datu said. He shared his pride in showcasing Bauan’s quiet coastal landscapes and nostalgic local food.

“Through the show, I got to share a side of Bauan that you don’t usually see on social media—something genuine and close to the heart. I’m also hopeful that the message of protecting the environment, especially our waters, came through so future generations can enjoy them. And if you ever come to Bauan, you have to try londres and buchibuchi. Every bite takes me back to moments with my grandmother,” Datu added.

Andrea Taguines focuses on Tarlac, describing it as a melting pot of cultures that shaped her outgoing personality and people skills essential to journalism. She guides viewers through local dishes such as bagis (Tarlac’s version of sisig) made with carabao meat, paramotor adventures in Bamban, and a bustling visit to Chicharon Camiling at the public market.

Bea Cuadra’s return to Iloilo became both a rediscovery of place and identity.

“Growing up here really helped me find my identity. Being an Ilongga is more than just where I’m from—it’s that ‘City of Love’ energy,” she said. Cuadra encourages viewers to explore beyond Iloilo City, highlighting towns like Leon and Alimodian, the hike to Bucari, riverside dining at Icebucks Café, wakeboarding at Deca Wakepark, and Vespa tours for thrill-seekers.

Political drama ‘Yellow Letters’ wins Berlin’s Golden Bear

YELLOW Letters, directed by German filmmaker Ilker Catak, won the Golden Bear for best film Saturday at the Berlin Film Festival, in a ceremony overshadowed by controversy over Gaza.

The film tells the story of a Turkish director and his actor wife, barred from working due to their political opinions. Shot in Germany to underscore the universality of threats to freedom, it was described by jury president Wim Wenders as “a terrifying premonition, a look into the near future that could possibly happen in our countries as well.”

Alper’s Salvation took the Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize.

Inspired by a true story of a feud between two clans in a remote Turkish village, the director Emin Alper expressed solidarity with jailed Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu the people of Iran under tyranny, Kurds in Rojava, and Palestinians in Gaza.

Syrian-Palestinian director Abdullah Al-Khatib won Best First Feature for Chronicles From the Siege accepting the award with a keffiyeh over his shoulder and accusing the German government of being “partners in the genocide in Gaza by Israel,” prompting both cheers and heckling.

Festival director Tricia Tuttle called the edition “emotionally charged” after debates on how far filmmaking should intervene in politics. Wenders had previously drawn criticism for saying films should not enter politics, though he acknowledged cinema’s empathetic power.

Meanwhile, Michael Delizo highlights Imus, Cavite, where history and modern life intersect.

“What I like about Imus is that it offers a fusion of profound heritage and hypermodernity. You still see ancestral houses and the footprints of its contributions to Philippine history,” he shared. Delizo also points out the city’s extensive sports facilities, including bike trails, running paths, pools, and climbing areas.

Philippine Hometown Stories airs every Thursday at 8:00 p.m. on the ABS-CBN News YouTube channel, giving viewers a chance to explore local gems through the eyes of those who grew up there.

Indian novelist Arundhati Roy withdrew from the festival in protest, and dozens of industry figures, including Javier Bardem, Tilda Swinton, and Adam McKay, condemned the festival’s “silence on the genocide of Palestinians” in an open letter. Wenders responded Saturday, noting the different “languages” of cinema and social media.

Other awards included Sandra Hueller’s Silver Bear for Best Performance for her role in Markus Schleinzer’s Rose, a black-and-white drama about a 17th-century woman passing as a man. Juliette Binoche starred in Queen at Sea which won two Silver Bears, including Best Supporting Performance shared by Tom Courtenay and Anna CalderMarshall, as well as the Jury Prize. Grant Gee won Best Director for his black-and-white biopic Everybody Digs Bill Evans

The festival highlighted both artistic achievements and politically charged voices, reflecting a year in which filmmakers openly addressed global conflicts while celebrating cinematic craft.

razor-sharp

2026 shows and concerts, visit www. newportworldresorts.com and follow @newportworldresorts on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Fans can also join the Viber Community at https://newportwr. com/nwrvibercommunity and enjoy exclusive perks through the Epic Rewards mobile app.

‘Yellow Letters’ follows the story of a Turkish director and his wife barred from working due to political opinions

Bea Cuadra rediscovers her identity as an Ilongga when she returns to her hometown

Delizo’s tour showcases Imus, Cavite where historic landmarks and modern spaces like bike-friendly roads coexist

Andrea Taguines shows the cultural diversity of Tarlac, showcasing local cuisine, paramotor adventures, and a bustling market

C4 LIFE

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2026

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

up in preparation for the Chinese New Year.

A few meters away is the Colon Obelisk, a 35-meterhigh historical marker at the beginning of Colon Street, the oldest street in the country. The national landmark was established in 1565 by the Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi to mark the start of the 1.17-kilometer road named after Christopher Columbus, Cristobal Colon in Spanish.

THE Maya Bank Black Credit Card is gaining attention online, particularly among Filipinos who travel frequently and want faster access to credit and airport perks.

Posts from users and content creators highlight a common theme: speed and accessibility. Applicants report receiving approval within minutes and the physical card within days, a turnaround that allows travelers to finalize bookings, manage itineraries, and prepare for upcoming trips without waiting weeks for confirmation.

Content creator Gigi Celoso shared that her application was approved in two minutes, with the card delivered within three days. For travelers planning flights and accommodations, quick approval offers clarity and flexibility when schedules and fares change.

The card’s accessibility features also appeal to firsttime cardholders, including freelancers and young professionals who may lack formal credit histories. Through Maya Black Express, users can start with a refundable deposit beginning at P12,500, unlocking a credit limit equivalent to 80 percent of the deposit. The deposit earns annual interest and may be converted into a regular credit line after consistent repayments, providing a pathway to full credit access.

Travel-related perks are another major draw. Cardholders earn Maya Miles on spending, with accelerated rewards at partner merchants. Miles can be converted into airline miles or used across Maya’s merchant network.

Users also cite complimentary access to more than 1,300 airport lounges worldwide through DragonPass, a benefit typically associated with premium cards. Travelers have shared lounge visits during layovers, noting the convenience of resting and freshening up between flights.

Lifestyle creator Antonette Aquino highlighted the card’s numberless design, which stores details securely in the app and allows users to freeze the card instantly. As online bookings and digital payments become standard for travel, such security features address concerns about unauthorized transactions.

Unlike many premium cards, Maya Black carries no annual fee for life, removing the pressure to meet spending thresholds to justify renewal costs. Observers say this allows travelers to use the card flexibly, whether for everyday expenses or occasional trips.

As more Filipinos embrace digital banking and experience-driven spending, the Maya Black Credit Card is positioning itself as a travel-friendly payment option, offering fast access, security features, and perks aligned with modern mobility.

EVERY time I visit Cebu to attend tourism-related events, I always hear this high-energy, fast-tempo song, “I Love Cebu,” which almost always makes me swing along to its beat.

Composed by Russel Alegado from Carcar, Cebu, the song won the Grand Prize for the Best Upbeat/Dance Category in the 34th Cebu Popular Music Festival in 2014. Being a trueblue Cebuano, I can’t help feeling proud of this “jumpy” song, the lyrics of which actually express my own sentiments about my home city.

After being swept into a dance mode by this song during one of the highlights of the recent ASEAN Tourism Forum in Cebu, I reminded myself to find time to see what is new in my home city. The following day, I embarked on a short tour.

From my usual itinerary, starting with a visit to my parents’ gravesite, then proceeding to the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu to light a candle, I knew I was off to a good start. It always feels good to see so many devotees flocking to the very site where Christianity in our country began. Seeing in the churchyard the old ladies in red and yellow attire offering to do the Sinulog (prayer dance) for visitors to the church is a source of joy and pride for me because this scene can only be found in my home city.

The next stop was the Heritage of Cebu Monument, located in the city’s historic Parian

A P50 million redevelopment of Caloocan City’s People’s Park, funded by Melco Resorts (Philippines) Foundation Corporation, was inaugurated this month during the city’s 64th cityhood anniversary celebration.

Mayor Dale Gonzalo Malapitan and foundation chairman and president Clarence Chung led the ceremonial turnover of the upgraded public space.

The foundation, the charitable arm of City of Dreams Manila, financed the park’s redevelopment, which includes new landscaping, a children’s playground, fitness equipment, a jogging lane, picnic areas, a pickleball court, seating areas, walkways, and security features. The park, open from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.,

also includes food kiosks intended to create livelihood opportunities for local business owners. Chung said communal spaces help strengthen communities by providing venues where residents can gather and children can play. He thanked the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation and other partners for supporting the project, adding that the park is expected to host community gatherings, recreation, and cultural and sports activities. The redevelopment supports Caloocan City’s greener city and smart city initiatives, which aim to expand green spaces for residents. The donation forms part of the foundation’s programs in environmental protection, education, culture, and health aligned with PAGCOR’s mandate.

I love Cebu

district. Designed by the famous Eduardo Castrillo and completed in 2000, this concrete, brass, and steel structure portrays three important events in Cebu’s history: the Battle of Mactan, where the first recorded victory of a Filipino over a foreign aggressor took place; the baptism of Rajah Humabon , who, together with his wife, received the famous image of Santo Niño as a gift from Ferdinand Magellan; and the canonization of Pedro Calungsod , a Cebuano who migrated to Guam, converted the Chamorros to Catholicism, and was eventually martyred there.

Nearby is the Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House, one of the oldest residential structures in the country and most likely the oldest Chinese house outside China. Made of coral stone and wood, featuring a mix of Spanish and Chinese architecture, it was owned by merchant Don Juan Yap. It is now a museum displaying antique furniture, centuries-old household items, and religious artifacts. In spite of its age, the house looked very attractive when I got there, as its exterior had many colorful Chinese lamps put

I had to drive through Cebu’s often-frustrating traffic to get to my next stop, the Temple of Leah, which is up on the hills of Busay. This is a monument of GrecoRoman architecture that features a museum, a library, grand Doric columns, and many statues, plus a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. The entire structure was built by Teodorico Adarna as an expression of his undying love for his late wife, Leah, much like the story behind one of the Wonders of the Modern World, the Taj Mahal. On my way back to the hotel, I passed by my favorite roadside fruit stand, where I always buy the mangoes I bring back to Manila. I was pleased to see that what used to be a singular fruit stand has now expanded to several meters in size and offers many other fruits. At the hotel, I decided to have a relaxing sip of my favorite brew while enjoying the breathtaking 360-degree view of the city from the 22nd floor’s al fresco bar. From as far as my eyes could see, tall buildings and other structures dominated the view, which made me realize how busy and commercialized my home city has become. Yet its “small-town” appeal has not been lost on me, and, as the song goes, “I love Cebu, you will always be my treasure!” For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@ gmail.com

Mercury Rising Bob Zozobrado