Middle East conflict poses risks to economy, exporters analysts
By Thony Rose Lesaca and Othel Campos
ergy
exchange
and
to international finance, according to Fitch Ratings. In a commentary dated March 6, the debt watcher said the Philippines is among
Iran targets Gulf oil installations as oil prices shot up to $100/b
By Alena Mae Flores, Charles Dantes, Vince Lopez and Maricel V. Cruz
IL
OBy Charles Dantes, Rio N. Araja, Maricel V. Cruz, and Pot Chavez
PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed major telecommunications companies to provide free services for overseas Filipino workers in the Middle East amid the ongoing regional conflict. Meanwhile, the Land Transporta-
Sandigan orders seizure of Zaldy Co’s assets
By Maricel V. Cruz
Mamamayang Liberal party-list Rep. Leila de Lima, joined by 2025 Ramon Magsaysay awardee Fr. Flaviano Villanueva, filed several com plaints against lawyer Levito Baligod
Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said it will revise its proposed provisional fare
hearing of the House Committee on Ways and Means on a proposal to temporarily suspend excise taxes on fuel following a request from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
“It will not be a one-time implementation. Oil firms have agreed to stagger the increases. Some
10 and another P5.50 to P6.50 on March 11 for a total range of P11 to P13 per liter. For kerosene, Chevron will implement the increases over seven days at P5.50 per day for a total of P38.50 per liter. “It’s a deregulated industry, so we do not have the power to regulate the price. We monitor, they report, they justify, but the DOE does not have teeth in that sense,
By Charles Dantes
a source of criticism.
“That is what becomes unfortunate among some of our fellow Filipinos. Instead of being seen positively, it becomes negative. What we hear instead are statements that undermine the in tegrity of the Philippines—like crabs pulling down whatever capacity our country has,” Castro
By Peter Atencio
IN NEW YORK. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos huddle with PH envoy to the
Babes Romualdez, right, and
Manalo,
emerging markets that could face “a more substantial impact” if the Strait of Hormuz—one of the world’s most important oil transit checkpoints—remains closed for more than a month.
About 16 percent to 20 percent of global petroleum consumption passes through the strait.
Reyes Tacandong & Co. senior adviser Jonathan Ravelas said sustained high oil prices pose the biggest risk to the local economy if the conflict drags on.
“That keeps inflation sticky, pressures the peso, and squeezes household spending—especially on transport, food, and electricity. Growth won’t collapse, but it will feel more expensive to live and do business,” Ravelas said.
Meanwhile, exporters are monitoring the situation closely amid broader global uncertainties.
Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. president and Export Development Council vice chairman Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr. said exporters remain uncertain about possible United States trade measures, rising fuel prices and the impact of the Middle East conflict.
“We don’t know what will happen to the 10 percent or 15 percent US tariff, or if tariffs on electronics will be imposed. Agri products are still zero, but we don’t know how buyers in the US will react,” he said.
On rising fuel costs, Ortiz-Luis said households may absorb the increase, but manufacturing and transport sectors could face difficulties.
“The fuel hike itself is not a big problem for households, but it will impact transportation and deliveries. We are going to have a lot of problems, and unfortunately, we don’t know yet what the government will do,” he said.
He added it was a good call for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to seek congressional authority to temporarily lower excise taxes on petroleum products.
Fitch said oil and gas imports are the most direct channel through which the conflict involving Iran could affect economies, given its impact on global energy prices.
because of the law,” Garin told lawmakers. Worldwide, oil and gas prices soared on fears about supplies from the Middle East with the US-Israeli war against Iran continuing into a second week with no sign of letting up.
West Texas Intermediate and Brent both jumped around 30 percent to hit peaks just short of $120 a barrel. European gas prices also soared 30 percent on Monday.
The prospect of high energy prices for a sustained period has fanned fears of a fresh spike in inflation that could hit the global economy while preventing central banks from cutting interest rates to support growth.
Across Metro Manila, queues formed at petrol stations and officials warned against hoarding yesterday as residents raced to fill their tanks ahead of the surge in prices.
Gas station attendant Enrico Guda, 31, said the normal number of vehicles the station handled in a day had doubled to about 1,000 as customers
sought to fuel up before prices jumped.
“The line started 24 hours ago. Morning, afternoon, even at dawn,” he said.
Francis Aranda, a 25-year-old university student, said the spike “hurts.”
“I’m planning to use half my (weekly) fuel allowance so I won’t have to worry in the coming days in case the war in Iran continues,” he said.
Police, meanwhile, have been instructed “to inspect gasoline stations in their localities... and gather evidence of profiteering or hoarding,” PNP spokesman Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuano said.
Garin said the Energy department has issued show-cause orders to 55 retail stations for allegedly increasing prices prematurely.
“We have received all the reports, collated the evidence, and the police went to the gas stations,” she said. “We are giving them 24 hours to explain why their DOE permits should not be canceled.”
She said more than half of the gas stations in Metro Manila allegedly violated the directive not to implement increases ahead of today’s schedule.
Garin said the gas stations increased
Mr. Marcos said the measure was intended to help Filipinos confirm the safety of their loved ones and provide emotional support during uncertain conditions overseas.
muters cope with expected fuel price hikes amid the war in the Middle East.
For its part, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) assured the public that its programs and services will continue despite the implementation of a four-day compressed workweek across government agencies under a directive from the President.
The Makati City government will implement a four-day onsite workweek at City Hall, with service hours from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday to Thursday, starting March 16.
The city government of Manila likewise announced its adoption of the four-day work week with extended hours for city offices, except for essential and frontline agencies.
Libreng Tawag Program
In a statement, President Marcos said telecom providers have activated the Libreng Tawag Program, which will allowed overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in multiple Middle Eastern countries to communicate with relatives at home free of charge.
“I have directed our telecommunications companies to provide free communication services between our OFWs and their families here in the Philippines,” the President said.
peace and security.
“Membership in a non-permanent seat would give the Philippines a voice. It would provide an opportunity to help shape global agendas or objectives,” she said.
She added that the role would also allow the country to participate in recommending policies and decisions related to international security.
Castro emphasized that the initiative is not solely for the Philippines’ national interest but would also represent the broader interests of the region.
“This is not only about our country. It is not just the interest of our nation—it is also the interest of our region,” she said.
According to Castro, serving on the council could also strengthen the country’s global credibility and demonstrate that the Philippines can act as a leader in promoting peace.
“It will elevate our credibility and show that we are a leader for peace,” she said.
Despite concerns raised by critics about the limited benefits of the bid, Castro said even a single country’s voice can matter in international discussions.
“Even if we are just one country, our voice will be heard if we demonstrate what is right for global peace and security,” she said.
“Through these efforts, we want to ensure that our kababayans (countrymen) can remain connected with their families, offer comfort to one another, and confirm their safety without additional financial burden,” he added.
Globe Telecom and its prepaid brand TM will provide users with 1 gigabyte of mobile data, 15 minutes of voice calls, and 15 SMS messages.
Meanwhile, PLDT and its wireless unit
Smart Communications will offer unlimited calls per day, with a maximum call duration of 30 minutes per call.
Another provider, Dito Telecommunity, will allow free calls from any local network as long as it’s calling via Dito sim card user.
The program will cover Filipino workers in Iran, Iraq, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia, according to the president.
According to the President, the initiatives aimed to provide support and reassurance for overseas Filipinos and their families amid persistent concerns about the security situation in parts of the Middle East.
Public telecommunications entities will also establish free call stations in selected business centers in major malls across the country to allow families in the Philippines to contact their relatives abroad.
of “Writ of Preliminary Attachment” against Co and his wife, Mylene, covering the 16 real estate assets.
The Chief Executive is currently in the United States to attend meetings at the United Nations headquarters in New York City.
The Department of Foreign Affairs said Mr. Marcos was expected to call for peace in the Middle East amid ongoing tensions in the region.
Revised PUV Fare Hike
LTFRB chairman Vigor Mendoza II said the agency’s earlier recommendation was based on diesel prices at P60 per liter. However, with reports that diesel prices could reach P80 per liter, a higher fare adjustment is not unlikely.
“Definitely, that is for sure. We want to prepare for this matter. The numbers definitely would not be the same,” Mendoza said.
“The moment we get our approval, it must be implemented immediately. We are still changing our numbers, so we’ll bring it up to the Department of Transportation today to discuss it with them. There is urgency due to the rise in fuel prices,” he added.
The program has a total budget of P2.5 billion, with about P1.3 billion allocated for LTFRB-franchised vehicles.
Mendoza said around 256,000 PUV operators and drivers—including those operating jeepneys, UV Express units, taxis, and transport network vehicle services—are expected to benefit.
Subsidy amounts may reach about P10,000 for modern public utility jeepneys, depending on the final allocation, while traditional jeepneys are expected to receive around P5,000.
The LTFRB is coordinating with the Land Bank of the Philippines to distribute the subsidy through cards that beneficiaries can use at partner fuel stations.
“We are just waiting for the funds to be released so we can deposit them with LandBank. Within the week, beneficiaries should already have their LandBank cards,” Mendoza said.
He added that the agency is reviewing partner fuel stations to ensure drivers across all routes will have access to facilities where the cards can be used.
Energy Conservation Measures
Malacanang has issued a memorandum directing government agencies to adopt energy conservation measures, including flexible work arrangements.
“The President approved flexible work arrangements for government agencies, including the DSWD. You can be assured that the programs and services of our department will not be delayed,” DSWD
Works and Highways officers in conspiracy with the accused Co,” the Sandiganbayan said.
prices by 40 percent to 50 percent, calling it “exorbitant and very obvious profiteering.”
“Let’s not take advantage of the situation. Let’s not make everybody panic because we have more than enough supply,” she said.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, for its part, said it will adjust its proposed provisional fare increase – originally based on diesel prices at around P60 per liter – amid reports that prices have breached the P80 per liter part.
“Definitely, we will surely have a fare hike…We want to prepare already for this matter, the numbers definitely would not be the same,” LTFRB chairman Vigor Mendoza said.
The agency is also preparing the rollout of the fuel subsidy for public utility vehicle operators and drivers.
Mendoza said the fuel subsidy will benefit around 256,000 PUV operators and drivers, including those operating jeepneys, UV Express units, taxis, and TNVS, with amounts ranging from about P10,500 for modern jeepneys and P5,000 for traditional jeepneys.
The ferries that tens of thousands rely
Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Irene Dumlao said Monday.
In line with the directive, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian issued a memorandum ordering the implementation of a compressed workweek in the agency’s central and field offices nationwide.
“To effectively comply with these national conservation mandates while ensuring uninterrupted delivery of our social protection services, the DSWD Central Office and Field Offices, including satellite offices, are directed to adopt the CWW (compressed workweek) arrangement,” Gatchalian said in the memo.
Under CWW, the standard 40-hour workweek will be compressed into four days, requiring personnel to render 10 hours of work per day.
The DSWD said several frontline services will remain operational five days a week to ensure uninterrupted assistance.
These include the Disaster Response Command Center, Crisis Intervention Program units, the Pag-Abot Program, processing for Minors Traveling Abroad clearances, the Walang Gutom Program and Walang Gutom Kitchen, as well as DSWD centers and residential care facilities.
Staff under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) at the provincial, city, and municipal levels are also exempted from the four-day workweek.
In the event of disasters, personnel from the Disaster Response Management Group will remain on standby for onsite operations.
“All offices providing urgent assistance will remain open five days a week,” Dumlao said.
She noted that services such as disaster monitoring, Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations processing, outreach to families in street situations, and minors traveling abroad clearances will continue without disruption.
The adjustment follows Memorandum Circular No. 114 issued by the Office of the President, which directs government agencies to adopt energy conservation measures, including a four-day onsite work arrangement.
Makati, Manila adopt 4-day work week
Mayor Nancy Binay said the local government fully supports the national government’s efforts to promote energy efficiency while maintaining accessible and reliable services for city residents and stakeholders.
“We support the national government’s initiative to promote energy conservation across government offices. At the same time, we want to make sure that vital services remain accessible to our constituents,” Binay said.
City officials assured the public that essential services will continue, and
on each day to traverse the archipelago were also in the process of hiking fares.
Starlite Ferries, a relatively small operator in the central Philippines, announced that a 25 percent increase would take effect Tuesday for both passengers and cargo.
Montenegro Shipping Lines, which operates a fleet of 48 vessels, said its prices would go up 10-20 percent from March 23.
Meanwhile, a Senate resolution seeking an investigation into the impact of volatile global oil prices on key Philippine industries was filed yesterday by Senator Bam Aquino.
In Resolution No. 337, Aquino proposed that the Senate committees on Energy and Ways and Means conduct an inquiry in aid of legislation to examine the effects of rising fuel prices and consider fuel subsidy mechanisms for industries essential to food security, logistics, transportation and delivery services.
“Sustained increases in fuel prices could exacerbate inflation, threaten food security, and reduce the incomes of workers, farmers, fisherfolk and micro-entrepreneurs who depend on fuel-intensive livelihoods,” he said. With AFP
residents are encouraged to monitor My Makati on Facebook for updates on specific office schedules.
Manila Mayor Francisco Moreno Domagoso directed a condensed work schedule to align with national energy conservation measures amid rising global oil prices linked to tensions in the Middle East. Under the order, city government offices will operate from Monday to Thursday, with extended working hours such as 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., while regular office operations will be suspended on Fridays except for agencies providing essential services.
“This is our way of responding to the call of the President and the needs of the moment given the situation brought about by the Middle East conflict,” Domagoso said. The arrangement aims to reduce fuel consumption, lower operational costs and ease traffic congestion, while maintaining the delivery of essential public services. Meanwhile, essential and frontline services will remain operational, including emergency response units, health services, sanitation operations, public markets, and utilities such as water pumping stations.
As such these offices will implement rotational schedules and staffing arrangements to ensure uninterrupted services despite the compressed work week.
Last week, Domagoso also signed an executive order to cut the city government’s fuel consumption by 50% amid the looming oil crisis from escalating conflict in Iran. Likewise, offices are encouraged to optimize vehicle routes, consolidate deliveries and minimize mileage.
Free train rides proposed
Rep. Perci Cendaña of the Akbayan Party-list said free train rides could help ease the burden on commuters who are expected to be among the hardest hit by rising fuel costs.
“Kung kinaya ng DOTr na gawing pamasko sa mga commuters ang free MRT rides, kaya rin nating gawing libre ito habang may kinakaharap tayong krisis. Commuters will bear the brunt of the rise in fuel prices. Kahit papaano kung may libreng sakay, maiibsan nila ang epekto ng taas presyo ng petrolyo at mga bilihin,” Cendaña said.
(If the DOTr was able to offer free MRT rides as a Christmas gift to commuters, then we can also make this free while we’re facing a crisis. Commuters will bear the brunt of rising fuel prices. Having free rides, even just for now, can help ease the impact of higher fuel and commodity costs.)
“During these times of crisis, the government must hold the hands of our citizens,” he added.
Cendaña said the situation also highlights the need to prioritize public mass transportation over private car use.
and 18 supposed former Marines over the latter’s allegations of purported kickbacks from flood control projects.
The anti-graft court’s order came after it granted the government prosecutors’ ex-parte motion for issuance
as “scary,” saying it felt like “a firework was going off” inside her arm before it spread through the rest of her limb.
“We grant the prosecution’s motion. The present case squarely falls within the ambit of Section 2(b), Rule 127, as it is predicated on a claim involving public funds allegedly embezzled, fraudulently misapplied, or converted by the accused Department of Public
Despite the unfortunate ending, Eala said she was pleased with the level of tennis she displayed.
“No one likes winning like that, and no one likes losing like that,” Eala said.
“Nevertheless, I’m really happy with how I played. I hope I can make the
The court said the seizure was allowed under Rule 127 of the Rules of Court on Provisional Remedies in Criminal Cases, which allows the government, as the offended party, to attach the property of the accused as security for any judgment that may be recovered.
best out of the momentum.”
Gauff, currently ranked among the world’s top players, said she expects to recover in time for the upcoming Miami Open after undergoing further tests on what doctors believe is a nerve-related issue.
jumped by over 15 percent as markets opened Sunday evening, touching levels not seen since the early months of Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
US President Donald Trump, however, dismissed the spike as a “small price to pay” to eliminate Iran’s nuclear threat, reiterating the White House’s insistence that the rise is temporary.
“Short term oil prices, which will drop rapidly when the destruction of the Iran nuclear threat is over, is a very small price to pay for U.S.A., and World, Safety and Peace,” he wrote on social media Sunday evening.
Bahrain’s sprawling Al Ma’ameer oil facility was hit, causing a fire and
damage, with the country’s stateowned energy firm Bapco declaring force majeure — the latest Gulf producer to activate the legal clause. Energy producers in Qatar and Kuwait earlier made similar declarations, which are a warning that events beyond their control may lead them to miss export targets.
Bapco said it “hereby serves notice of force majeure on its group operations which have been affected by the ongoing regional conflict in the Middle East and the recent attack on its refinery complex,” according to a statement posted by the company.
Asian stock markets plunged on Monday as oil prices surged, with investors running for the hills as crude rocketed to its highest level since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. AFP
‘UN Security Council seat would benefit PH amid disputes’
By Katrina Manubay
PHILIPPINE Ambassador to the
United States Jose Manuel Romualdez on Monday said securing a seat on the United Nations Security Council would significantly benefit the Philippines, particularly on issues involving the West Philippine Sea.
In an interview with reporters in New York, Romualdez emphasized that even a temporary seat would still have a meaningful impact for the Philippines.
“Everyone has his own interpretation of this, but to us, having a seat in the Security Council—even if it is temporary and not permanent—still makes an impact precisely because of the conflicts or challenges that we face,” he said.
His statement came in response to Senator Rodante Marcoleta, who earlier asserted that the Philippines might gain nothing by seeking a seat on the council.
“It’s very important because of the challenges that we are facing in the West Philippine Sea,” Romualdez added.
The Philippines is competing against Kyrgyzstan for the Asia-Pacific regional seat on the council, which requires a two-thirds vote from the General Assembly.
“I wouldn’t want to say it’s a tight race, but obviously we have to campaign for it,” Romualdez told reporters.
Earlier, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., along with First Lady Liza AranetaMarcos, arrived in New York to attend events from March 9 to 10.
PCG personnel’s harmless convo linked to spy rap
By Rex Espiritu
A CASUAL conversation with Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel that appeared harmless turned out to play a role in alleged espionage activities, a high-ranking official said.
PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela said one of the Filipinos recently apprehended for alleged China-linked spy activities was a civilian who obtained information through a close friend working in the PCG.
The PCG personnel allegedly had no clue that the civilian was already phishing critical information to sell to a foreign handler.
“Right now, we have intensified our reminders to our personnel and provided security briefings to those who handle such information, reminding them of the value of the information that passes through their offices and the danger if it ends up with the Chinese government,” Tarriela said.
He said some of the critical information obtained in the past included details of resupply missions in the West Philippine Sea, such as schedules and the types and number of vessels to be deployed.
The PCG personnel, although unaware of the alleged espionage activity, is also under investigation and may face liabilities, according to Tarriela.
PH steps up monitoring of commodity prices
By Othel V. Campos
THE Philippines is keeping a close watch on commodity prices as the country prepares to host the ASEAN Business Environment Forum (BEF) on March 11, under its chairmanship of the regional bloc.
At a pre-event briefing on Monday, Benedict Uy, executive director of the Department of Trade and Industry-led ASEAN Committee on Business and Investment Promotion (CBIP), said the agency is actively monitoring the impact of fuel and energy costs on businesses nationwide, with the possibility of coordinated regional action to mitigate price shocks across the bloc.
“From our leadership down to the ground level, we are monitoring prices and engaging companies to understand and address the impact. The Department of Energy handles pricing, but DTI ensures that businesses
are equipped to navigate these challenges,” he said.
Uy highlighted that strong intra-ASEAN trade and investment can shield businesses from global commodity shocks.
“By enhancing regional cooperation, our exporters and MSMEs can reduce exposure to volatile global prices,” Uy said. “A resilient ASEAN economy benefits everyone, especially small and medium enterprises that feel the impact of price fluctuations the most.”
Uy also cited the broader global context, noting that geopolitical conflicts and energy market volatility are contributing to rising costs worldwide.
“Even as we cannot directly control global fuel prices, monitoring their impact locally allows us to advise and support businesses, ensuring they can continue operating efficiently and competitively,” he said.
He added that the forum will provide a platform for ASEAN countries to share best practices on price management, supply chain resilience, and sustainable business operations.
The forum will bring together government officials and private sector leaders to discuss sustainable development, green interventions, and regulatory reforms aimed at strengthening business resilience.
Group says women break barriers in construction skills training
By Teddy Brul
IN celebration of National Women’s Month, the Association of Women Workers in the Construction Industry (AWWCI) is promoting a clear message: no job should be bound by gender.
Across the Philippines, March is marked by activities recognizing women’s contributions to nationbuilding and the continuing struggle for gender equality. The observance is linked to the global commemoration of International Women’s Day every March 8, rooted in early 20th-century movements for equal rights, dignity, and labor protections. For AWWCI, the celebration goes beyond symbolism. It is an opportunity to expand women’s participation in one of the country’s most male-dominated industries. Through training programs
‘FLOWERS IN THE SKY.’ Fireworks light up the night sky during the closing of the month-long Panagbenga Festival 2026, the Baguio Flower Festival, in the ‘Flowers in the Sky’ nale on March 8. Conrad Rotor
as police continue the manhunt. Vito Barcelo
DSWD gives P7m aid to QC fire victims THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has provided humanitarian aid amounting to P7,102,442 to families affected by last Friday’s fire in Barangay Pinyahan, Quezon City that left about 4,000 families homeless. DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said the agency immediately delivered 1,000 sleeping kits and 1,000 ready-to-eat food packs upon the request of the Quezon City government. Follow-up assistance on March 8 included 1,000 family food packs, 954 ready-to-eat food packs, 900 kitchen kits, and 1,000 hygiene kits distributed to evacuation centers. As of 11 p.m.
in welding, plumbing, electrical installation, and carpentry, the organization equips women with practical skills for construction work.
“We are encouraged by the growing number of women completing AWWCI’s training programs,” said Jane Vargas, co-founder of the organization. “Many of them are now working in construction—an industry long considered the domain of men.”
The construction sector remains a key pillar of the Philippine economy, contributing more than seven percent of the country’s gross domestic product in 2024 and generating thousands of jobs through continuing infrastructure development.
Within this expanding industry, women are steadily increasing their presence, breaking barriers and, in some cases, taking leadership roles on worksites and within organizations.
HANDS-ON TRAINING. Women trainees perform hands-on electrical installation exercises during a skills program by the Association of Women Workers in the Construction Industry and Mechatronics Technologies Corporation Training Center. Teddy Brul
House panel passes measure scrapping unpopular travel tax
IN BRIEF
Islamic terror leader dies resisting arrest
THE leader of an Islamic terror group Dawlah Islamiya was reported killed trying to resist arrest by Army soldiers in Banisilan, Cotabato on Sunday morning. Local executives and traditional Moro leaders supporting the anti-terror campaign in Central Mindanao, led by the Army’s 6th Infantry Division and the Western Mindanao Command, told reporters at noon that the gunbattle left Emarudin Kulaw, reputedly the “emir” or leader of the Dawlah Islamiya-Hassan group, dead. Maj. Gen. Donald Gumiran , chief of the Western Mindanao Command, said combined troops from the 601st and 602nd Infantry Brigades were sent to arrest Kulaw at his hideout in Barangay Tinimbacan. Kulaw, but were met with gunfire as they neared the site.
Witnesses said Kulaw’s four companions fled, leaving their leader to singlehandedly face the troops, but was cut down in the firefight. Rex Espiritu
Blood donation marks Army’s 129th jubilee
THE Philippine Army has collected 4,312 bags of plasma in simultaneous bloodletting drives on March 7, 2026 across all units nationwide.
In a statement, Army spokesman Col. Louie Dema-ala said regular and reservist troops displayed their dedication and heroism by participating in the blood drive as part of the Army’s 129th founding anniversary celebration slated Feb. 16 to March 19 this year. A total of 6,754 soldiers, reservists, and other donors joined the blood donation campaign.
“The blood donation drive is geared toward sustaining an ample blood supply, which will address the demand for blood as a life-saving fluid for Army personnel and ensure the need for sufficient blood reserves during large-scale force mobilization in times of emergency,: Dema-ala said. Rex Espiritu
Isabela town is Hall of Fame awardee
THE Sangguniang Bayan of San Mariano, Isabela led by Vice Mayor Edgar Talosig Go has been conferred the prestigious Hall of Fame citation in the Local Legislative Award for three years: 2018, 2022, and 2025.
“This achievement is a testament to the council’s dedication to crafting meaningful legislation and serving the community with excellence. You are truly proving that the town of San Mariano is on the right path towards progress,” Mayor Ana Cristina Siquian Go said. The award was presented
By Maricel V. Cruz
ABILL seeking to abolish the long-standing travel tax, filed by lawmakers led by House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander A. Marcos of Ilocos Norte, took a step closer to plenary debate after the House Committee on Ways and Means on Monday approved the unnumbered substitute measure consolidating several proposals to scrap the levy.
During a hearing presided by committee chairman Marikina Rep. Miro Quimbo, House Deputy Majority Leader Manila Rep. Ernesto Dionisio moved for the approval of the substitute bill. “I would like to move now that we approve subject to style sections 2 and 3 of the unnumbered substitute bill of House Bill Nos. 7443, 7367, 7612, 7703, 7757, 150, 3529, 3890, 4793, 5821, 6228, 6979, 7155, 7307, 7631, 7695, and 7758, entitled ‘AN ACT ABOLISHING THE
TRAVEL TAX, I so move Mr. Chair,” Dionisio said.
Hearing no objection, Quimbo declared the motion approved, effectively advancing the measure that seeks to scrap the decades-old levy imposed on departing Filipino travelers.
The measure will now be taken up by the House Committee on Appropriations for further deliberations. Representatives from the Department of Finance (DOF) and the Department
of Budget and Management (DBM) aired support for the proposal during the hearing.
Quimbo said that while programs funded by travel tax collections remain important, their funding should come directly from the national budget instead of relying on the number of travelers.
“Allow me to bounce off from last week’s session on the issue of the travel tax. We have heard from agencies about programs funded by the Travel Tax - for tourism, education and culture. We recognize that all of this is important - but this should not continue at the expense and sacrifice of our Filipino travelers who are mostly middle class and young,” Quimbo said.
“Because this is important, it should be funded directly by the national budget or the General Appropriations Act. The survival of these programs should not be dependent on the number of travelers. They are far too important to be dependent on unpredictable numbers,” he added.
Dy airs concerns over impacts of rising fuel prices
SPEAKER Faustino Dy III on Monday urged his colleagues to pursue legislation and policy measures shielding Filipinos from the impact of oil price shocks precipitated by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
In a statement, Dy said lawmakers and House committees will push priority bills aimed at cushioning the effects of rising oil prices on key sectors, particularly workers, commuters, farmers, and small businesses.
“Together with my fellow lawmakers and various committees, we will tirelessly push for priority bills and measures that can help ease the impact of global crises on our countrymen,” Dy said.
“We recognize that this is a challenge we must face head-on, which is why the House will work with the Executive to focus on measures that will help cushion the effects of rising oil prices on various sectors of the economy—especially workers, commuters, farmers, and small businesses,” he added.
The Speaker from Isabela said escalating tensions in the Middle East highlighted how global developments can directly affect the Philippines, particularly through rising fuel costs felt by Filipino families. He noted that higher oil prices often lead to increases in transport fares, food prices, and other basic goods.
“We can all feel this, workers, parents doing everything they can for their families, and every Filipino striving to live with dignity,” he said.
Despite the challenges, Dy assured the public that Congress remains committed to protecting the welfare of Filipinos.
“You’re not facing these challenges alone. The House of Representatives continues to fulfill its mandate to protect the welfare of the Filipino people,” the Speaker said.
He also said the House will prioritize policies that strengthen the economy, protect livelihoods, and ensure the welfare of the public.
Cruz
V.
Maricel
Taguig police chief imposes stricter discipline in ranks
By Joel E. Zurbano
The Taguig City Police Station is i mplementing more stringent control and surveillance of all personnel, along with comprehensive assessments of their conduct, activities, and personal belongings.
This initiative follows the recent arrest of two Taguig policemen during a buy-bust operation conducted by the Philippine National PoliceDrug Enforcement Group (PDEG) in Western Bicutan over the weekend.
The operation resulted in the seizure of around 100 grams of metamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu, valued at P680,000, as well as government-issued firearms, mobile phones, and identification cards. Three other individuals were also arrested in the entrapment.
“The Taguig City Police Station reiterates its firm stance against criminal activity, especially those committed by members of its own ranks. The station strictly enforces a zero-tolerance policy against illegal acts and misconduct,” said Taguig police chief Col. Julius Anonuevo. Anonuevo said the two policemen will immediately face criminal and administrative charges, and all their privileges revoked pending the outcome of the investigation.
“Their immediate supervisor has likewise been relieved from post and will be held accountable for command responsibility,” he said.
“While these personnel previously rendered notable service to the station, their alleged involvement in illegal activities will not be tolerated. The Taguig City Police Station will ensure due process of law while strictly enforcing accountability,” Anonuevo added.
IN line with the observance of National Women’s Month, the House of Representatives held its traditional Women’s Month plenary session on Monday, allowing female lawmakers to preside over proceedings and lead discussions on issues affecting women, gender equality, and social development.
“This Women’s Month session reflects our recognition of the vital role women play in shaping laws, strengthening institutions and advancing our nation,” said House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander Marcos of Ilocos Norte.
The session, held at 3 p.m., is part of the chamber’s annual tribute to the role of women in nation-building and public service.
Female members of the House took the lead in presiding over the plenary and delivering privilege speeches centered on women’s rights, gender equality and social development.
Deputy Speaker Janette Garin of Iloilo and Reps. Ma. Georgina De Venecia of Pangasinan, Linabelle Ruth Villarica of Bulacan, Maria Carmen Zamora of Davao de Oro, Maria Rachel Arenas of Pangasinan, Ma. Victoria Co-Pilar of Quezon City, Rachel Marguerite Del Mar of Cebu, Gerville Luistro of Batangas, and Anna York Bondoc of Pampanga were the presiding officers.
The plenary team assisting in the session included Reps. Alexandria Gonzales of Mandaluyong City, Giselle Mary Maceda of Manila, Agatha Paula Aguilar Cruz of Bulacan, Josefina Tallado of Camarines Norte, and Kathryn Joyce Gorriceta of Iloilo.
The program opened with the usual call to order, followed by the singing of the national anthem and an invocation delivered by Rep. Monique Yazmin Lagdameo of Makati City. Maricel V. Cruz
OPINION
How the ME conflict is affecting PH
YES, the Middle East conflict with Iran against the United States and Israel is affecting the Philippines so far as, Santa Banana, our oil, diesel, gas and kerosene are concerned.
The worst part of it is that while the country is affected by the Middle East conflict, it is the marginalized who are most affected.
They are affected because the marginalized depend largely on oil, diesel, gas and kerosene because these are essential to have the things which are vital and essential for them, like for their transport and to carry and ferry all their essentials needed for their existence.
No matter what the government is doing, like having special power given to the President to enable him to cut down on excise taxes for oil, diesel, gas and kerosene.
Our next biggest problem is how the Middle East crisis affects food for the country
And still, the problem is we are largely dependent on the Middle East for the essential things we need to live.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. may have gone to the US to plead for help among other nations for the Philippines. As a country we are largely dependent on imported oil, diesel, gas and kerosene.
I do not know how the President’s trip to the United Nations in New York will ease our burden, but the fact is we have to depend on foreign help. This is regarding the need for gasoline, oil, diesel and kerosene.
But the problem that comes next is the effect of the Middle East crisis on food supplies. And this is worrisome because the sector that is most affected are the marginalized. It is bad enough that we need more jobs and the wages that the marginalized are earning must be adjusted to conform with the need.
Our next biggest problem is how the Middle East crisis affects food for the country.
We are hard pressed enough for more jobs and how to address the need for increase in wages.
Here we are, just reeling as we are, after all our problems going through the massive corruption mess that we had gone through and are still going through because those corrupt public officials who were responsible for corruption still have to be punished and jailed.
We have yet to see all of them jailed.
Yes, some of them have been jailed, but the money of the Filipino people which has been stolen by corrupt public officials still has to be accounted for and those responsible have to be jailed.
I am not predicting anything, but my worry is that at the rate Iran is being counterattacking allies of the US like Israel and counterattacking other members of the Gulf States like Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar. UAE, Jordan and Saudi Arabia.
These affect again the marginalized population of the Philippines. That is the problem of the Philippines because we need to import all our requirements to make our businesses run and for the power sector to run we need oil from the Middle East.
With all that is happening in the Middle East, when will our troubles end?
My gulay, I cannot blame our leaders, especially the President, for trying to do whatever he can.
But the problem remains we have to import everything we need to make our factories run and to make our cars, buses, public transport, everything run.
That is the main problem of the country. And the thing is most of our problems are created through no fault of ours.
I suggest we should rally, not only because of what has been happening to us with the corruption of our National Budget.
All I can do at the moment is to hope and pray that the Middle East conflict will not escalate because the people who are suffering are not enemies of Iran, but countries like the Philippines, dependent on imported oil, gasoline, diesel and kerosene.
Let us hope and pray that the Philippines will not suffer as much as expected.
Young Chinese parents tighten belts as childcare costs rise
LANGFANG, China—New mother Zhang Xiaofei wanted to be financially secure before having a baby, wary of high childcare costs that have been softened only a little by Chinese government cash incentives to boost record-low births.
The world’s second-most populous country is threatened with a demographic crisis after its birth rate halved over the past decade—all while people rapidly age out of the workforce.
Beijing has made “building a childbirth-friendly society” a priority over the next five years, China’s Premier Li Qiang said on Thursday as lawmakers gathered in the Great Hall of the People for their annual political conclave.
The government introduced a raft of financial incentives last year, including free pre-school education and annual subsidies of 3,600 yuan ($500) for each child born.
However, young Chinese say the measures do little to alleviate financial stress.
Zhang, 32, and her husband Zhu Yunfei, both manicurists, decided to save before having a child.
“We discussed it before. The two of us were aligned in wanting to (focus on) work first because our families’ (financial) conditions aren’t that good,” she told AFP while on maternity leave in Hebei province.
“If we were to have a child, we would want to give them the very best life,” she said, cradling her three-week-old daughter.
‘Doesn’t mean anything’ The new childcare subsidies have cost the government more than 100 billion yuan ($14.5 billion), China’s national health director told reporters on Saturday. They were announced shortly after Zhang and Zhu learned they would be parents.
“We thought our kid was too lucky,” Zhu, 36, said.
However, the handout—roughly 1.5 percent of their pooled annual income— doesn’t come close to covering a year’s worth of baby formula.
“People joke that it’s like giving you a five-yuan voucher towards a Rolls-
Royce,” he told AFP. Zhu scours second-hand platforms for deals on diapers, while Zhang plans to return to work after her daughter turns one month old.
In Henan, soon-to-be father Li plans to take up a second job once his daughter is born.
To save money, he and his wife made a five-hour round trip to neighboring Hubei province, where he said hospitals offer free prenatal genetic screening.
Li, using a pseudonym for fear of repercussions, was reluctant to have children and said he was indifferent to the incentives.
“This bit of cash doesn’t mean anything,” the 35-year-old told AFP.
The world’s secondmost populous country is threatened with a demographic crisis
Incompatible with careers Social demographer Yun Zhou warned that subsidies “often do not lead to any meaningful rebound in fertility.”
The government has also promoted the image of “the ideal Chinese family that is centered around heterosexual marriages” as it tries to boost birth rates, said Zhou, an assistant professor at the University of Michigan.
“For young Chinese women, especially young highly educated Chinese women, there is also this inherent concern about the pervasive gender-based discriminations in the labor market that is front and center on their mind.”
In 2023, the government banned employers from withholding advancement based on marriage, pregnancy, or parental status, as well as the practice of including pregnancy tests as part of pre-employment physical exams.
However, some women still “feel like childbearing and having successful
EDITORIAL
The appropriate, proper forum
PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will address the United Nations today in New York to appeal to nations in the Middle East for the protection of 2.4 million Overseas Filipinno Workers due to the escalating regional conflicts.
Understandable, since the UN provides a platform for multilateral diplomacy and directly addresses the safety of foreign workers in a rather volatile conflict zone.
We know the President will call for respect for international law, particularly humanitarian law, to ensure the protection of Filipino civilians.
We need not over-emphasize the axiom that the UN body allows the Philippines to highlight the need for safe zones, safe passage, and the protection of foreign nationals.
That the Filipino leader will meet with UN leaders reinforces Manila’s commitment to working
That the Filipino leader will meet with UN leaders reinforces Manila’s commitment to working within international frameworks during global crises
within international frameworks during global crises.
We know that as of early this month, over 1,400 Filipinos in the Middle East have requested repatriation, although operations
WHEN corruption allegations emerge in Philippine politics, they rarely remain simple legal matters.
They quickly evolve into political narratives, institutional rivalries, and—sometimes—whispers of coups.
The latest controversy surrounding statements by , head of the , illustrates how quickly a legal issue can morph into a national political drama.
The controversy began when 18 individuals claiming to be former Philippine Marines submitted an affidavit alleging that they had delivered suitcases of cash to certain government officials. The alleged deliveries were supposedly linked to politically connected personalities and government projects.
The affidavit was filed through lawyer, instantly drawing public attention.
But instead of focusing solely on the alleged corruption, Remulla offered a different interpretation.
According to him, the affidavit might be an attempt to manufacture a “political tipping point”—a moment of crisis that could push a faction of the military to rise against the government.
It is an extraordinary claim, but one rooted in the Philippines’ turbulent political history.
The Affidavit Problem
Remulla’s skepticism centers on the structure of the document itself.
In Philippine legal practice, affidavits are supposed to reflect the personal knowledge of each witness.
Normally, this means each individual files a separate sworn statement describing events they personally observed.
In this case, however, the alleged witnesses reportedly signed a single joint affidavit.
That raises obvious questions.
Did all 18 individuals personally witness the same events?
Or was the document written by someone else and collectively signed?
Such irregularities weaken the evidentiary value of the affidavit.
If investigators determine that the statements contain false claims, the signatories could potentially face legal exposure for perjury or false testimony.
careers and having a life as a whole is fundamentally incompatible”, Zhou said. Lawmakers this week proposed measures such as extra cash for families with three children and lowering the legal marriage age from 22 for men and 20 for women to encourage earlier childbearing.
Chinese social media users slammed such proposals as “nonsense.”
Being a parent in China is “very
are hindered by closed air space and active combat.
In the meanwhile, Manila is urging OFWs to stay in place and follow the advice of their host government’s while negotiating for safe repatriation routes. We will see in the next few days if the President’s appeal for restraint will be heeded by reasonable leaders and warring nations which hopefully will mitigate danger to Filipinos.
Around 1,824 OFWs affected by the escalating tension in the region have received on-site assistance while nearly 1,200 from the affected countries have expressed intent to return.
The biggest concentrations of OFWs are in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
The other top destinations are Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman.
Others are Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq and Iran.
The Phantom Coup: Suitcases of cash and the politics of a ‘Tipping Point’
Remulla also revealed that authorities are still verifying the identities of the alleged whistleblowers.
Some individuals may not actually be Marines, while others were reportedly dishonorably discharged or linked to criminal cases.
If accurate, these findings complicate the narrative of credible insiders exposing corruption.
If the allegations are credible, they should be pursued. If they are fabricated, the law should deal with false testimony
The Destabilization Narrative
Remulla’s more controversial claim is that the affidavit could be part of a destabilization effort.
The theory follows a familiar political pattern: corruption allegations erode public trust, public outrage grows, protests emerge, and eventually a faction of the military claims a justification to intervene in the name of national stability.
The Philippines has seen versions of this sequence before. The country experienced multiple military uprisings after the fall of , including the against . Later incidents such as the in 2003 and the in 2007, involving , reinforced the fear that military unrest can reappear during political crises.
This history explains why even the suggestion of a “tipping point” can alarm government officials.
The Skeptics’ View Critics argue that invoking a coup threat may be premature—or politically convenient.
From their perspective, the alleged ex-Marines may simply be whistleblowers attempting to expose corruption.
Dismissing their allegations as a destabilization attempt could discourage legitimate witnesses from
difficult”, Yuan Limei, a 30-year-old mother of two, told AFP.
“There are all kinds of expenses. Everything requires money,” she said, pushing her six-year-old on a swing in Beijing.
“And with kids, there’s no way for you to work.” Yuan’s oldest child is 10 but she does not plan on having a third.
coming forward. There is also a structural problem with the coup theory.
Successful coups usually require active-duty military officers with command authority. Disgruntled former soldiers rarely possess the operational capacity to mobilize troops. Without participation from officers within the the destabilization narrative remains speculative.
When Coups Actually Happen Political scientists generally identify several conditions that make coups more likely:
• elite political fragmentation
• economic crisis
• mass protests • loss of regime legitimacy
• military dissatisfaction
While Philippine politics today is polarized—especially amid tensions involving figures such as —most of these conditions are not fully present.
The economy, though facing inflation pressures, is not collapsing. The military remains relatively professionalized, and senior commanders have repeatedly emphasized loyalty to constitutional authority.
These factors significantly reduce the likelihood of a successful coup. A Battle of Narratives What is unfolding may be less about an actual coup plot and more about competing political narratives.
One side portrays the affidavit as whistleblowing that exposes corruption. The other portrays it as a coordinated attempt to destabilize the administration.
In a polarized political environment, both narratives carry strategic value.
For the Marcos administration, the most effective response may be straightforward: a transparent investigation that allows the evidence to determine the outcome.
If the allegations are credible, they should be pursued. If they are fabricated, the law should deal with false testimony.
For now, the controversy appears less like the prelude to a coup and more like a familiar feature of Philippine politics—a high-stakes struggle over power, credibility, and the control of the national narrative.
“A kid is much harder to raise than a dog or cat,” she laughed. New father Zhu noted that, while subsidies have little impact in big cities like Beijing, they can make a dent in smaller villages. “In the city, 3,600 yuan is hardly anything and can’t even buy a baby pram, but in some rural areas it’s not a small sum,” he said. AFP
TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2026
China military flights near Taiwan fall
TAIPEI – Taiwan has not detected a single Chinese military aircraft around the island for nine of the past 10 days, leaving experts puzzling over the reasons for the dramatic reduction in sorties.
China claims Taiwan is part of its territory and has threatened to use force to bring the island under its control.
Beijing has stepped up military pressure on Taiwan in recent years, deploying fighter jets and warships around the island on a near-daily basis.
But since February 28, only two Chinese aircraft have been recorded in a single 24-hour period near Taiwan, according to an AFP tally of figures released daily by the defense ministry.
That compares with 86 for the same period last year. It is the longest stretch of no detections since AFP began recording the figures in 2024.
At least six Chinese warships have been spotted daily around the island in the past 10 days, which was the same as last year.
Chinese military sorties around Taiwan also fell around 42 percent in January and February compared with the same period last year. The number of warships was about 4.5 percent lower than a year ago.
Experts have been speculating about the reasons for the sharp drop in Chinese aircraft deployments, with possibilities ranging from China’s annual political gathering, known as the “two sessions,” currently underway in Beijing, to its recent military purges.
Other reasons include US President Donald Trump’s scheduled trip to Beijing later this month to meet his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, and the Middle East conflict.
“I didn’t expect to be worried about the cessation of PLA operations around Taiwan, but the lack of a rational explanation is disconcerting,” Drew Thompson, a senior fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies at Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University, wrote on Substack.
Another longtime observer of the Chinese military told AFP it was “not clear at all how to read it.”
“I’m puzzling over the same thing.”
Ben Lewis of the analysis website PLATracker said it was “clearly a significant disruption to routine activity.”
“The longer the activity gap persists, the more concerned I will be about broader implications, but I have not seen any indications that the PRC is preparing for any major kinetic action,” Lewis told AFP.
Su Tzu-yun, a military expert at Taipei’s Institute for National Defense and Security Research, surmised Beijing might be trying to “weaken public support” for Taiwan’s plans to increase its defense spending. AFP
AI imagery spurs US-Iran war disinformation
WASHINGTON – The satellite image posted by an Iranian news outlet looked real: a devastated US base in Qatar. But it was an AI-generated fake, underscoring the accelerating threat of tech-enabled disinformation during wartime.
The rise of generative AI has turbocharged the ability of state actors and propagandists to fabricate convincing satellite imagery during major conflicts, a trend that researchers warn carries realworld security implications.
As the US-Israeli war against Iran rages, Tehran Times, a state-aligned English daily, posted on X a “before vs. after” image it claimed showed “completely destroyed” US radar equipment at a base in Qatar.
In fact, it was an AI-manipulated version of a Google Earth image from last year of a US base in Bahrain, researchers said. The subtle visual giveaways included a row of cars parked in identical positions in both the authentic satellite photo and the manipulated image.
Yet the manipulated photo garnered millions of views as it spread across social
media in multiple languages, illustrating how users are increasingly failing to distinguish reality from fiction on platforms saturated with AI-generated visuals.
Brady Africk, an open-source intelligence researcher, noted an “increase in manipulated satellite imagery” appearing on social media in the wake of major events including the Middle East war.
“Many of these manipulated images have the hallmarks of imperfect AIgeneration: odd angles, blurred details, and hallucinated features that don’t align with reality,” Africk told AFP.
“Others appear to be an image manipulated manually, often by superimposing indicators of damage or another change on a satellite image that had no such details to begin with,” he said.
Information warfare analyst Tal Hagin flagged another AI-generated satellite image purporting to show that Israeli-US jets had targeted the painted silhouette of an aircraft on the ground in Iran, while Tehran seemingly moved real planes elsewhere.
The telltale clues included gibberish coordinates embedded in the fake im-
age, which spread across sites including Instagram, Threads and X.
AFP detected a SynthID, an invisible watermark meant to identify images created using Google AI.
The fabricated satellite images follow the emergence of imposter OSINT – or open-source intelligence – accounts on social media that appear to undermine the work of credible digital investigators.
“Due to the fog of war, it can be very difficult to determine the success of an adversary’s strikes. OSINT came as a solution, using public satellite imagery to circumvent the censorship” inside countries like Iran,” Hagin said.
“But it’s now being preyed upon by disinformation agents,” he added.
Reports of fake satellite imagery created or edited using AI also followed the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the four-day war between India and Pakistan last year.
“Manipulated satellite imagery, like other forms of misinformation, can have real-world impacts when people act on the information they come across without verifying its authenticity,” Africk said. AFP
Rihanna’s LA mansion struck by gunfire – reports
LOS ANGELES – Pop superstar Rihanna’s Los Angeles home was hit by gunfire on Sunday after a woman opened fire on the property while the singer was reportedly inside, according to US media.
The shooting erupted after 1:00 pm (2000 GMT) when a suspect fired approximately 10 rounds from a vehicle across the street from the mansion in the Beverly Hills area, the Los Angeles Times reported, citing police.
At least one round pierced a wall of the residence, where Rihanna lives with partner A$AP Rocky and their
children, local news station KTLA said.
The singer was inside the residence, the reports said. Rihanna, one of the world’s most popular pop stars, has not publicly commented on the shooting.
Officers said the suspect was a woman in her 30s who allegedly fled the scene before being arrested without incident a short time later.
Police recovered a weapon during the arrest, KTLA added.
Investigators are still determining a motive for the attack. AFP
OpenAI robotics head resigns over Pentagon deal
LOS ANGELES – A robotics manager at OpenAI said she had resigned over the artificial intelligence giant’s deal with the US government to allow its technology’s deployment for war and domestic surveillance.
The company behind ChatGPT secured a defense contract with the Pentagon last month, hours after rival Anthropic refused to agree to unconditional military use of their technology.
OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman later posted to X saying it would be modifying a contract so its models would not be used for “domestic surveillance of US persons and nationals,” after criticism it was giving too much power to military officials without oversight.
Caitlin Kalinowski, a manager of the hardware team in the robotics division, posted on X that she cared deeply about “the Robotics team and the work we built together.”
However, “surveillance of Americans without judicial oversight and lethal autonomy without human authorization are lines that deserved more deliberation than they got.”
“This was about principle, not people,” she said.
Kalinowski wrote in a follow-up post that she took issue with the haste of OpenAI’s Pentagon deal.
“To be clear, my issue is that the announcement was rushed without the guardrails defined,” she wrote.
“It’s a governance concern first and foremost. These are too important for deals or announcements to be rushed.”
Anthropic’s refusal to authorize use of its Claude AI models had prompted backlash from US officials.
Kalinowski previously worked at Meta, developing their augmented reality glasses. AFP
IN BRIEF
Indonesia landfill collapse kills four
JAKARTA – A landslide on Indonesia’s biggest landfill buried trucks and food stalls, killing four people, rescuers said Monday as they searched for at least five more reported missing. The landslide struck at 2:30 pm on Sunday (0730 GMT) at Bantargebang, a landfill just 25 kilometers outside the capital, according to the national search and rescue agency.
“The rescuers are opening access using heavy equipment like backhoes and deploying tracking dogs to search for any indication of victims,” the agency said in a statement.
The collapse took place after hours of heavy rain in the area, local media reported.
Jakarta and its satellite cities, collectively known as Jabodetabek, are home to about 42 million people and generate an estimated 14,000 tons of waste daily.
Bantargebang, one of the world’s largest open landfills, sprawls over more than 110 hectares and holds about 55 million tons of trash, according to a local environment agency official. AFP
US says strike kills six on alleged drug boat
WASHINGTON – A US strike on a boat “engaged in narco-trafficking operations” in the eastern Pacific Ocean killed six men Sunday, the US military said.
It was the latest of dozens of strikes on boats that Washington claims are operated by drug traffickers, without providing evidence. More than 150 people have been killed in the US operations, which began in September.
“Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations,” General Francis Donovan, commander of US Southern Command, posted on X. The attacks have drawn criticism that they amount to extrajudicial killings. Some of those killed were fishermen, according to their families and governments.
President Donald Trump’s administration insists it is effectively at war with what it calls “narco-terrorists” operating in Latin America.
On Thursday, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the campaign to hunt down boats allegedly bringing drugs from South America had been so successful that it was now hard to find targets. AFP
Belgium synagogue hit by blast, no wounded
BRUSSELS – A synagogue was damaged in a blast early Monday in Liege, eastern Belgium, police said, adding they were investigating the cause of the explosion. No injuries were reported, with “only material damage,” a spokesman for the police in the city of Liege said in a statement. The blast took place around 4:00 am (0300 GMT) in front of the synagogue, blowing out the windows of the buildings across the road, the spokesman added. A security perimeter was erected, and the federal police were expected at the scene, according to the French-speaking RTBF public broadcaster. Built in 1899, the synagogue also serves as a museum for the history of Liege’s Jewish community, according to the temple’s website. AFP
RITUAL. A Buddhist monk splashes hot water during the annual ‘Hiwatari Matsuri,’ known as fire walking festival, at the Takaosan Yakuoin Temple in Hachioji area in Japan. AFP
URGENT SEARCH. This aerial picture shows a rescue team using heavy machinery to search for people following a landslide at Bantargebang landfill in Bekasi, West Java on Monday, March 9, 2026. The landslide buried trucks and food stalls, killing four people, rescuers said they searched for at least five more reported missing. AFP
Rihanna
Torcaso: Filipinas ‘fought hard’ to keep Asian Cup hopes alive
By Peter Atencio
GOLD COAST, Queensland — The Philippine women’s national football team has placed itself in contention for a playoff berth in the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup following a crucial victory in its final group-stage match.
Coach Mark Torcaso expressed optimism after the Filipinas defeated Iran, 2-0, on Sunday in their last Group A assignment in Robina on Australia’s Gold Coast.
“The girls fought really hard today,” said Torcaso. “After the last couple of days of recovery, they showed great
determination and fought really hard for the country tonight. They’ve put us in a position to make the final eight of the tournament.”
The win allowed the Filipinas to finish the group stage with a 1-0-2 win-draw-loss record while handing the Iranian Lionesses their third
straight defeat.
Now, the Philippines waits and hopes that its result — along with a favorable tiebreak situation — will be enough to secure one of the tournament’s slots reserved for the best third-placed teams.
“We are praying and hoping that a few goals is enough for us to make it out of the group,” Torcaso added.
The Philippine campaign in the continental tournament is backed by the Philippine Football Federation and the Philippine Sports Commission. Iran, which was missing two injured players who were rested after earlier losses to South Korea and Australia, bowed out of playoff
contention with the defeat. South Korea and Australia have already secured their spots in the next round from Group A. In Group B, North Korea and China have advanced, while Japan moved on from Group C.
Meanwhile, Chinese Taipei boosted its chances for the remaining playoff berth after edging Vietnam, 1-0, on Saturday. Vietnam and Uzbekistan are also in the running for the two available third-place qualification spots, with Uzbekistan still set to face Bangladesh on Monday in a match that could determine the final playoff picture.
Wong dominates as fierce battles highlight PPS Digos
GIVEN the chance to shine, Francine Wong eized the moment, capturing two girls’ singles titles in the MJFC Digos City National Junior Tennis Championships at the Digos City Tennis Club in Davao del Sur last Sunday. The 14-year-old Wong turned back Sultan Kudarat’s Justine Gumbao, 6-4, 6-1, to rule her age division, then halted hometown bet Dyan Placa’s giant-killing run with a determined 6-3, 6-4 victory in the 16-and-U finals of the Group 2 tournament sanctioned by the Philippine Tennis Association (Philta) and presented by Dunlop. Placa had electrified the home crowd with a string of upsets. The unseeded Digos standout stunned top seed Gumbao, 6-4, 6-2, in the quarterfinals before overpowering Lucia Calingasan, 6-2, 6-1, to arrange a title clash with Wong. But the rising star from Cagayan de Oro came into the finals brimming with confidence after dispatching Clare Lara, 6-0, 6-4, and Princess Obaniana, 6-3, 6-1, in earlier rounds. Banking on her steady baseline game and composure under pressure, Wong
outlasted Placa to emerge as the only double-gold winner in the fourth leg of the five-stage Mindanao swing of the country’s longest-running
talent search sponsored by Palawan Pawnshop.
The series concludes in Tagum City beginning Thursday. For
details and registration, interested participants may contact tournament director Bobby Mangunay at 09154046464.
Meanwhile, Aika Salahuddin gave the home crowd another reason to cheer as she defeated Obaniana, 6-2, 6-3, to claim the girls’ 18-and-U crown, while Cagayan de Oro’s Kyrie Ugayscored a 1-0(ret.) win over top seed Daneea Sinsuat to secure the 12-and-U diadem in the tournament held in honor of Digos City Mayor Josef Cagas and sanctioned by Universal Tennis Ranking.
Action in the boys’ side proved just as intense, highlighted by several tightly contested matches decided by tiebreakers – underscoring the level playing field and rising competitiveness of the junior circuit.
Local ace Stephen Fuertes outdueled top seed Krelz Gecosala, 6-2, 4-6, 7-6(6), in a grueling championship match to capture the boys’ 18-and-U title.
Cotabato’s Julius Otoc likewise toppled Gecosala, 6-4, 7-6(3), to claim the 16-and-under crown and share MVP honors with Wong.
Criss Cross’ Jude Garcia is Spikers Turf Press Corps Player of Week
CRISS Cross has emerged unscathed in the first round of the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference, all thanks to Jude Garcia’s consistency and strict discipline.
Leading by example, Garcia guided the King Crunchers to a five-game sweep in the opening salvo of the elimination round with a pair of superb outings over the 3B Even Masters and the Savouge Spin Doctors. His heroic displays bagged Garcia the Spikers’ Turf Press Corps Player of the Week presented by Pilipinas Live recognition for the period of March 4 to 8. Garcia had 19 attacks, five blocks, and two aces to tow the King Crunchers past the Event Masters, 22-25, 2510, 25-13, 25-15, on Friday at the Filoil Centre.
The first-ever Spikers’ Turf Season MVP then led Criss Cross’ balanced attack with 13 points to submit the Spin Doctors, 25-23, 29-27, 25-17, on Sunday to complete the first round sweep.
“Talagang lahat ng teams sa Spikers’ Turf, pinaghahandaan kami.
Gusto kaming talunin, so dapat focus lang every game and every match.
Kailangan 100 percent talaga, so dapat huwag kaming maging complacent sa kalagayan namin kahit wala pa kaming talo,” said Garcia.
“Kailangan trabahuhin pa every game, every set. Kailangan talaga ‘yung focus sa loob ng court, nandoon pa rin.
Kailangan hindi maging kampante kahit sino kalaban,” added Garcia, who continues to be an explosive force for the team despite the loaded roster.
The Far Eastern University product beat out fellow King Cruncher Alche Gupiteo and Adrian Villados, as well as Louie Ramirez of Savouge, JM Ronquillo and Cian Silang of Alpha Insurance, and Jay Rack De La Noche of AEP Cabstars for the weekly honor deliberated by print and online reporters covering the pioneering men’s volleyball league organized by Sports Vision. Garcia credited Criss Cross’ steady execution and fluid flow of its system under Coach Tai Bundit for its success.
“Nag-stick lang kami sa plan ni Coach Tai na happy-happy lang. Kai-
High Speed Hitters, Titans eye wins vs. reeling rivals
PLDT and Choco Mucho try to capitalize on their recent surge as they take on struggling rivals when action in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference preliminaries resumes Tuesday at the FilOil Playtime Centre. Both squads enter their respective matches brimming with confidence after strong performances in their previous outings, but neither expects an easy path against opponents eager to halt their slide.
The PLDT High Speed Hitters, currently sporting a 5-1 record, will go for nothing less than the solo lead when they face the Galeries Tower Highrisers in the 4 p.m. match.
Another victory would allow PLDT to overtake sister squad Cignal at the top of the standings heading into the closing stretch of the single-round preliminaries.
After seeing their three-game winning run snapped by the Super Spikers, the High Speed Hitters quickly regained their rhythm, dispatching the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles in straight sets before outlasting the Farm Fresh Foxies in a gritty five-set duel. The recent victories have reinforced PLDT’s growing confidence, with its deep rotation providing multiple scoring options. Savi Davison and Kim Dy continue to power the offense, while the imposing frontline of Mika Reyes and Majoy Baron gives the team a major edge at the net.
Backstopping the attack are wing spikers Jessey de Leon, Alleiah Malaluan, Jovie Prado and Kiesha Bedonia, giving PLDT the versatility and depth that have made them one of the conference’s most balanced squads.
“Well, ang mindset naman this conference regardless kung sino kalaban, kung ano ‘man yung ranking nila, wala na magiging basis eh kung ano yung magiging laro,” said PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort.
“Kita nyo naman yung kanina, kita nyo rin yung ibang games, kahit sino talaga so ang nagiging challenge ko nalang talaga sa players regardless ng results mabilis mag-move on and magprepare ulit sa susunod na laro,” he added.
Francine Wong (right) poses with co-MVP Julius Otoc
Criss Cross’ Jude Garcia scores against two defenders
The Filipinas, led by Jaclyn Sawicki, celebrate their 2-0 win over Iran. AFC
langan talaga iba ‘yung rhythm ng team,” he shared. Garcia and the King Crunchers will look to carry their winning mo-
Former junior stars eye big leap at PGT Q-School
FORMER junior standouts are set to take the biggest step of their young careers, chasing not just coveted berths on the professional circuit but validation that they are ready for the sport’s next level.
Zachary Villaroman, Marc Nadales and Daichi Kobayashi – all campaigners in last season’s Junior Philippine Golf Tour – have declared their readiness to move beyond the junior ranks as they gear up for the Philippine Golf Tour
Qualifying School, which gets going on March 16 at Splendido Taal Golf Club. For the talented quartet, the leap represents more than a mere change in category. It is a defining moment – a chance to measure themselves against seasoned professionals, former tour campaigners and top amateurs in a grueling fourday test of skill, patience and mental toughness. Each has shown promise in the junior circuit. Villaroman’s steady ballstriking, Nadales’ competitive fire, and Kobayashi’s composure under pressure make them intriguing prospects as they step onto a bigger stage. But potential alone will not secure one of the coveted Top 30 tour cards and playing rights for the upcoming PGT season.
The challenge is steep.
Aside from contending with the exacting demands of Splendido Taal – known for its hazards, rolling terrain and punishing winds – they must navigate a field stacked with experienced aspirants. Several competitors are former PGT cardholders eager to regain their status after falling short last season, armed with hard-earned experience and familiarity with the pro grind.
Jr. Warriors notch 3rd straight win
SAN JOSE DEL MONTE, Bulacan –University of the East maintained its unbeaten start, while National University Nazareth School and Ateneo de Manila University bounced back in the UAAP Season 88 High School Boys’ Tennis team event, Sunday at the Colegio San Agustin-Bulacan Tennis Court here.
The Junior Warriors rolled past PAREF-Southridge School, 3-0, for their third straight victory to stay atop the standings with a 3-0 record.
NU and Ateneo also scored 3-0 sweeps of University of Santo Tomas and De La Salle Zobel, respectively, tying for second place with identical 2-1 records.
Al Tristan Licayan delivered the clinching point for UE, defeating Samuel Salazar, 6-2, 6-3, in second singles.
“Focus lang talaga kami sa bawat kanya-kanyang laro sa singles, doubles. ‘Pag nanalo, okay. Pa-isa isa lang kami hangga’t makuha namin ‘yung panalo,” said UE coach Roel Licayan.
The Junior Warriors had earlier taken control through Khean Nuñez, who overwhelmed Pio Feria with a 6-0, 6-0 shutout in first singles.
Jason Battad and Kobi Luzon later wrapped up the sweep, defeating Admirals Marco Montinola and Quentin Marty, 6-2, 6-2, in doubles. Southridge remained winless in three outings. Meanwhile, Jeremiah Labasano supplied the clinching point for NUNS, beating Nicolo Olalia in second singles, 6-0, 6-0.
Ariel Cabaral continued his dominant stretch with a 6-2, 6-1 victory over UST’s Rastan Baje in first singles.
PH to stage 1st SEA Youth Games in December, 2027
THE Philippines will host the inaugural edition of the SEA Plus Youth Games in December 2027, officials confirmed on Monday following a meeting between the country’s top sports leaders.
Patrick Gregorio, chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission, and Abraham Tolentino, president of the Philippine Olympic Committee, made the announcement during a press conference at the PSC Media Room.
Tolentino described the staging of the youth multisport event as a significant step in strengthening grassroots sports development in the country.
“This is my gift to Philippine sport — the SEA Plus Youth Games,” Tolentino said. “This will serve as preparation for our young athletes not only for the Asian Youth Games but also for our grassroots competitions such as the Palarong Pambansa and Batang Pinoy. Their development will continue with sustainability.”
Tolentino added that the organizing body has already been registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission to ensure its legal status.
Aside from Southeast Asian nations, several Central and East Asian countries have been invited to take part in the inaugural event, including Bahrain, Bhutan, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Macau, Nepal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan and Turkmenistan. They will join host Philippines and fellow Southeast Asian nations — Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, TimorLeste and Vietnam. Mandatory Olympic centerpiece sports such as athletics and swimming will headline the competition, alongside Olympic disciplines including triathlon, judo, boxing, golf, taekwondo, skateboarding, wrestling, fencing, basketball, tennis and gymnastics. Non-Olympic sports such as jiu-jitsu, billiards, dancesport and mixed martial arts will also be featured, along with the Philippines’ traditional martial art, arnis. Tolentino noted that future host countries may also include their own traditional sports.
Tolentino also announced that Gregorio will serve as the head of the organizing committee for the SEA Plus Youth Games.
“This is what we’re talking about — sports tourism,” Tolentino said. “People will visit and see our country because of sports.”
Eala pays tribute to women after win over Gau
By Randy M. Caluag
FILIPINA tennis sensation Alex Eala celebrated both victory and inspiration as she advanced to the Round of 16 of the prestigious Indian Wells tournament after American star Coco Gauff retired due to injury on Sunday (Philippine time) in California.
The 18-year-old Eala was firmly in control of the match, leading 6-2, 2-0, when Gauff was forced to stop play because of a shoulder injury.
Despite the abrupt ending, Eala used the moment to honor women around the world as the match coincided with the celebration of International Women’s Day.
“First and foremost, happy Women’s Day, everybody,” said Eala during her on-court interview. “I want to say thank you to all the women who have paved the way and advocated for themselves.”
Eala acknowledged Gauff, one of the brightest
young stars in world tennis, for being a source of inspiration to many women.
“Among them is Coco, who is an amazing competitor and an amazing role model,” Eala said. “I hope everything is well and that she recovers soon.”
The Filipina tennis superstar also paid tribute to her mother, whom she described as one of her greatest influences.
“Happy Women’s Day to my mom, the amazing woman that she is, and for helping me become the woman that I am,” Eala said. “And that goes to all mothers.”
Eala admitted she would have preferred to finish the match under different circumstances.
“I really didn’t want to win this way,” she said. “But this is still a big moment for me, playing at Stadium 1 of Indian Wells. I’m just so happy and grateful.” Before the stoppage, Eala had already imposed her will on the match with composed and aggressive tennis.
Pressure builds for Australia to o er Iran women’s football team asylum
GOLD COAST, Australia—Australia must protect the visiting Iranian women’s football team, the son of the nation’s late shah urged Monday, warning their refusal to sing the national anthem before a match could have “dire consequences”.
Iranian players refused to sing ahead of an Asian Cup tournament match in Australia last week -- a gesture widely seen as an act of defiance against the Islamic republic. US-based Reza Pahlavi lent his voice to a growing chorus calling for Australia to offer the women asylum, joining politicians, human rights activists, and even “Harry Potter” author J.K. Rowling.
“The members of the Iranian Women’s National Football Team are under significant pressure and ongoing threat from the Islamic Republic,” said Pahlavi, the son of the last shah of Iran.
“I call on the Australian government to
ensure their safety and give them any and all needed support,” he said on social media.
Pahlavi, who has not returned to Iran since before the 1979 Islamic revolution that ousted the monarchy, has billed himself as the man to lead a democratic transition to a secular Iran as the theocratic regime fights to survive.
‘Save our girls’
Iranian players refused to sing as their anthem was played ahead of a game against South Korea two days after the US and Israel began a war against the country.
In response, a presenter on Iranian state television branded the side “wartime traitors”.
Crowds banged drums and shouted “regime change for Iran” as they gathered outside the Gold Coast stadium where the side played their last match over the weekend. AFP
SOLID NORTH ON TOP. Players from the Solid North All-Stars celebrate with coach Leo Austria following the Shooting Stars’ event presented by Daily
Fantasy at the Candon City Arena, Candon City Ilocos Sur on Sunday. PBA Images
The Games are scheduled a year ahead of the Asian Youth Games 2029 and will cater to athletes aged 16 years and under.
WOMEN POWER. Coco Gau of the United States with Alexandra Eala of the Philippines AFP
POC president Abraham Tolentino (right) and PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio
Zachary Villaroman
Al Tristan Licayan
Stocks, peso sink as Middle East war drives oil prices above $100
59.50 4.97% 30%
Peso’s record low closing
Decline in PSE
By Jenniffer B. Austria
THE Philippine peso and local stocks plummeted Monday as fuel prices soared on supply fears fueled by the ongoing conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran.
The peso hit a new intra-day record low of 59.70 against the US dollar before closing at 59.50. This surpassed the previous low of 59.46 registered on Jan 15, 2026.
Stocks plunged nearly 5 percent as global fuel prices climbed past $100 per barrel. The 30-company Philippine Stock Exchange index nosedived 314.19 points, or 4.97 percent, to settle at 6,006.22 while the all-shares index dropped 148.24 points, or 4.24 percent, to finish at 3,346.75.
“Financial markets are now in full risk-mode in the face of $100 oil and prospects of prolonged war in the Middle East,” China Bank Capital managing director Juan Paolo Colet said.
AB Capital Securities said higher oil prices raise inflation risks and could tilt the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas toward tighter policy. The depreciation of the peso is also expected to pose an upside risk to inflation.
Holding firms led the decline across all indices, falling 5.94 percent, followed by property firms which plummeted 5.12 percent. Value turnover reached P9.76 billion. There were 205 decliners against 28 gainers, while 41 stocks remained unchanged. Foreign selling accelerated with outflows reaching P1.58 billion. All index members declined, with Century Pacific Food Inc. shares falling 11.1 percent to P32 and Maynilad Water Services Inc. shares decreasing 9.14 percent to P19.34.
Broader Asian markets also plunged as energy prices surged. Investors, already concerned over tech valuations and high spending on AI, retreated as crude hit its highest level since the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.
By Darwin G. Amojelar
CONVERGE
The
billion in 2024. Consolidated revenues grew 10.2 percent to P44.8 billion from P40.6 billion the previous
By Othel V. Campos
COMPANIES in the Philippines maintaining gender equality initiatives are reporting stronger growth and improved workplace outcomes, according to the Women in Business 2026 report released by Grant Thornton and its Philippine member firm P&A Grant Thornton.
The study found that 98.9 percent of Philippine businesses have diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) initiatives in place. This reflects a widespread recognition of gender diversity as a core component of business strategy across the archipelago.
year, according to the company.
The residential business, which ended the year with 2,984,212 subscribers, saw revenue increase 8.4 percent to P37.3 billion. The enterprise segment grew 20.3 percent to P7.4 billion, on doubledigit growth in the small and medium enterprise and wholesale subsegments.
Converge projected its cash capital expenditure for 2026 at P18 billion to P23 billion, up from P17.7 billion in 2025. The company plans to use the funds for a network expansion program of up to 900,000 ports in the Visayas
and Mindanao regions and to improve network resilience.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) declared Converge the national broadband leader for 2025. An analysis by the regulator’s “Oplan Bantay Signal” program found the company achieved an overall average speed of 193.61 Mbps in Metro Manila across nearly 700,000 tests.
The report said Converge recorded the best average download and upload speeds and a latency of 10.67
Firms that sustained gender equality programs reported stronger business performance, with 73 percent recording revenue growth of more than 5 percent. About 56.2 percent of these companies expanded staff levels by over 5 percent and 48.8 percent increased exports by more than 5 percent.
Gender equality programs are also improving workplace culture. The report said 43.5 percent of Philippine firms believe employees feel they are treated equally, while 28.2 percent cited the presence of female senior leaders as visible role models. The same share of respondents said these initiatives helped the workforce overcome workplace biases.
Meralco, Korean firms team up for nuclear energy development
By Alena Mae S. Flores
MANILA Electric Co.
(Meralco) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power and the Export-Import Bank of Korea to cooperate on advancing nuclear energy development in the Philippines.
The agreement supports the Meralco Nuclear Energy Strategic Transition program through joint discussions on reactor design and engineering.
The partnership includes the exchange of technical and regulatory information alongside efforts to strengthen the Philippine nuclear legal and institutional frameworks. Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, or KHNP, is a subsidiary of the Korea Electric Power Corporation and the largest power generator in South Korea. The Export-Import Bank of Korea, known as KEXIM, serves as the state-owned official export credit agency and financing arm.
“Nuclear energy is a way to diversify our portfolio and reinforce energy security, while offering a degree of insulation from fuel market fluctuations. Complementary to the Philippine government’s efforts to lay the groundwork for its nuclear power program, Meralco is assessing how nuclear can best contribute to our long-term strategy,” Meralco chairman and chief executive Manuel Pangilinan said.
Under the agreement, the three entities will explore training programs, employee exchanges and knowledge-sharing initiatives to develop technical competency and long-term operational readiness.
The collaboration also covers early-stage project development, including public acceptance initiatives, project planning and site selection studies to evaluate the feasibility of potential nuclear power projects.
milliseconds.
“Beyond these metrics of upload and download speeds, we are actively improving our network for increased reliability and consistency in performance, at the same time as we work on enhancing connectivity in select parts of the country. We are looking at this from multiple perspectives, but definitely this is a badge of honor for us,” Converge chief operations officer Benjamin Azada said. The DICT report also highlighted areas for improvement.
of the ‘Magic 12’ priority export
Agriculture Undersecretary Philip Young discloses this during the Mindanao Island-wide consultation for the Cacao Development Roadmap in Davao City. MEDICAL MISSION. Robinsons Land Foundation Inc. teams up with Maxicare to
Rachelle Joy Go, Ideal Vision assistant vice president for marketing; Dr. Junette Permitez, Manggahan Elementary School head; Christian Argos, Maxicare Group president and CEO; and school nurse Alexander Gunio. Norman Cruz
BUSINESS
PHINMA breaks ground
on
TRYP by Wyndham in Bacolod township
PHINMA Hospitality broke ground on TRYP by Wyndham Bacolod on March 4, marking the entry of its flagship lifestyle hotel brand into the Saludad township.
The project is a joint venture between PHINMA Hospitality and JEPP Property Corp. It is the third TRYP establishment in the country for the PHINMA Group, following locations in Pasay and Quezon City. The hotel is designed to integrate global hospitality standards with the local culture of Negros Occidental, specifically referencing the MassKara Festival and the province’s sugar industry.
PHINMA Hospitality chairman and chief executive Jose Mari del Rosario said the hotel was designed to reflect the city’s momentum and identity.
“The goal is not just to build another hotel in Bacolod, but to build a hotel that feels unmistakably Bacolod,” del Rosario said.
The property will feature design elements such as deep violet tones, terrazzo tiles, and lighting fixtures inspired by caramelized sugar cane. The development is expected to create local employment and support regional tourism infrastructure.
The hotel is a central component of Saludad, a 36-hectare master-planned township by PHINMA Properties.
The development will also house the first Southwestern University PHINMA campus outside of Cebu, alongside residential projects Maayo Terraces and Likha Residences.
PHINMA Corp. chairman and chief executive Ramon del Rosario Jr. said the conglomerate’s investments in the area are aimed at supporting the longterm progress of Negros.
“Bacolod is a city of increasing importance to PHINMA due to its strong growth prospects and its overall role in driving regional progress in Negros,” del Rosario Jr. said.
TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2026
DOT, BCDA to promote sports tourism in Tarlac
By Othel V. Campos
TOURISM Secretary Christina Frasco and Bases
Conversion and Development Authority president and chief executive Joshua Bingcang signed a memorandum of understanding Monday to jointly promote sports tourism in New Clark City.
The partnership aims to attract local and international sporting events and drive economic growth in Tarlac and surrounding communities by leveraging the Department of Tourism’s global marketing network.
“The areas under BCDA’s stewardship present opportunities for tourism growth,” Frasco said. “New Clark City, in particular, has demonstrated
DA to buy onions in Occ. Mindoro to stabilize prices
THE Department of Agriculture is stepping into the onion market in Occidental Mindoro to prevent a potential price collapse during the peak harvest season. State-run Food Terminal Inc. is preparing to buy onions directly from farmers and store them in cold storage facilities.
The intervention comes as harvest volumes are expected to surge between March and April, when farmgate prices typically fall due to oversupply and limited storage capacity.
“With this intervention, we expect to limit the role of middlemen in determining onion prices and help growers obtain better prices for their produce,” said Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., who directed the FTI to expand the onion-buying initiative started in Nueva Ecija.
The FTI procured 10,000 bags of red onions in Nueva Ecija beginning March 6, with plans to buy about 3,000 bags daily.
FTI executives recently inspected the WBI Cold Storage facility in the province, which can hold up to 380,000 bags of onions, as part of preparations for the procurement program.
“The directive of the president and the secretary is to advance food security in the country and ensure that food remains affordable and accessible to all Filipinos,” said FTI president Joseph Lo. “In support of this, the role of the FTI is to strengthen market linkages across the food value chain—from farmers to consumers.”
The facility is set to start operations March 10, allowing the FTI to begin purchasing onions from farmers by the third week of March, ahead of the peak harvest. The government hopes to absorb part of the harvest to cushion farmers from sharp price swings. Separately, provincial officials held a consultative meeting with onion farmers and traders to draft policies for a more transparent trading system. These include requiring traders to register to prevent unlicensed buyers from operating. Othel V. Campos
the capacity to host major sporting events. With its modern sports facilities and integrated development, it is well-positioned to strengthen the Philippines’ role in sports tourism.”
Bingcang said the collaboration reinforces New Clark City’s vision as a center for sports excellence.
“By promoting sports tourism together, we elevate New Clark City’s
standing as a premier destination for training and competition while creating opportunities for local businesses, workers, and communities,” he said.
Under the agreement, the DOT and the BCDA will market events, develop tour packages, and integrate local culture and heritage into the sports tourism experience.
The BCDA continues to support athlete training through a partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission, providing full-time access to New Clark City facilities.
Plans are underway for a 10-hectare multidisciplinary sports facility and a separate 10-hectare tennis center under a deal with the Philippine Tennis Association. The city also hosts the National Academy of Sports, which trains young athletes.
for
Mining foundation’s surgical mission gives life-changing care to 289 patients
AFTER a 15-hour journey by sea,
Dhevina Tutuh and her daughter, Marina, finally reached Bataraza, Palawan, seeking a life-changing medical procedure.
Marina, who suffered from a cleft lip, was among the 289 individuals treated during a medical and surgical mission conducted by the Rio Tuba Nickel Mining Corp. (RTNMC) through the RTN Foundation Inc. (RTNFI), in partnership with Coral Bay Nickel Corp. (CBNC).
The pair traveled from Maput, Tawi-Tawi—an island municipality closer to Sabah, Malaysia, than mainland Palawan—after Tutuh saw a social media post about the mission. To reach the site, they navigated rough seas aboard a lansta, a small vessel used for inter-island travel.
The mission, held March 2–6, 2026, was led by volunteer doctors from Medical Mission to Heaven and Adventist Medical Center Manila.
“It is gratifying both spiritually and
professionally,” said Dr. Mendelssohn Manalaysay, a volunteer oral and maxillofacial surgeon. “When I see my patients—especially those with cleft lip and cleft palate—and witness the gratitude of their parents, I feel deeply thankful. Through this mission and the support of Nickel Asia, we have been able to help people in Rio Tuba, across Palawan, and even beyond.”
In addition to cleft surgeries, the mission treated patients for goiter, hernia, gallstones, hemorrhoids, myoma, ovarian cysts, and other surgical conditions.
“It is inspiring to see patients coming from different villages just to receive free medical care,” said Maria Julia Cabusao Villanueva, a volunteer nurse.
Now in its 23rd year, the outreach program provides specialized care to communities with limited access to hospitals and specialists. The program began in 1990 as a way for RTNMC to support communities near its operations.
Will Senate acquit Sara despite damning evidence?
LAST week the House of Representatives, the institution charged by the Constitution with the decision to impeach or not impeach the nation’s highest officials, took another step in the direction of determining the outcome of the 2028 Presidential election and the near-term future of the Philippine economy.
The committee on justice of Congress’s lower chamber decided that two impeachment complaints against the Vice-President of the Philippines were sufficient in form and substance and transmitted them to the chamber’s plenary, which will vote on whether or not to send them to the Senate for trial.
Upon receipt of the Articles of Impeachment from the House of Representatives, the 24-member Senate, sitting as an impeachment court -, a sui generis tribunal –will decide whether the Articles of Impeachment have merit and then proceed to convict Sara Duterte. Or it can find the Vice-President not guilty of the charges against her and reach a verdict of acquittal.
Sara Duterte recently announced her candidacy for President in the 2028 election. That announcement will become worthless if the impeachment court returns a verdict of conviction because, aside from immediate removal from office, a verdict of conviction will result in Sara Duterte’s being disqualified from running for public office. For the VicePresident it will be goodbye, 2028 Presidential candidacy.
The 24 senator-judges could find Sara Duterte totally innocent of the misdeeds and violations alleged in the Articles of Impeachment. Or, if the Lower House prosecutors do their job well, she could be found guilty as hell.
Although an impeachment trial is about the accountability or nonaccountability of a high public official for alleged violations of the Constitution and laws, Sara Duterte and her supporters clearly are relying on the fact that impeachment is essentially a political, not a judicial, exercise. They think that pro-Duterte sentiment in the Senate will carry the day for the embattled Vice-President. Accordingly, Sara Duterte and her supporters have been doing some headcounting and they believe that they have the 16 Senatorial heads—the Constitutionally prescribed number—needed for her acquittal.
The 16 votes likely will be cost by senators belonging to two groups: the avowedly pro-Duterte group and the leaning-toward-
Duterte group. The avowedly pro-Duterte group is composed of Senators Marcos, De la Rosa, Go, Padilla, Marcoleta, the Cayetano siblings and the Villar siblings. Senators Lapid, Zubiri, Villanueva, Escudero and Estrada make up the learning-towardDuterte group. Senators Sotto, Lacson, Hontiveros, Aquino, Pangilinan and Ejercito compose the third group of Senators, i.e, the anti-Duterte group. The vote of re-electionist Senator Gatchalian, who needs Mindanao’s votes, could go either way.
—“—
Will the Senate vote to acquit Sara Duterte after being presented with all the damning details of the misdeeds and grossnesses alleged in the Articles of Impeachment?
The thinking of know-it-all observers is that Sara Duterte is very likely to go scot-free because she has at least 16 Senate votes in her pocket. They say that (1) those who don’t like President Marcos and his administration, (2) those who like the Dutertes and (3) those who will need Mindanao’s votes for their 2028 re-elections will combine to win Sara Duterte enough Senate votes for her acquittal.
Is the equation really that simple? Is Sara Duterte really certain to get votes other than the votes of die-hard Dutertistas, who at this point total nine (Marcos, Go, De la Rosa, Padilla, Marcoleta, the Cayetano and the Villars)?
In the days following the impeachment-trial vote, each of the senators will face a national reckoning. Here I am reminded of the question that the little girl asked her draft-dodger father after the world war—“What did you do in the war, Daddy?”
I now go back to the title of this column. Will the Senate vote to acquit Sara Duterte after being presented with all the damning details of the misdeeds and grossnesses alleged in the Articles of Impeachment? What will they say to their little daughters?
(llagasjessa@yahoo.com).
Executives of PHINMA Hospitality break ground on the TRYP by Wyndham Bacolod in the Saludad township in Bacolod City, marking its third TRYP location in the Philippines and supporting regional tourism growth.
SIQUIJOR POWER SUPPLY. ILAW National Youth Convenor Francine Pradez and Siquijor Gov. Jake Villa discuss the need for concrete interventions to address the island’s energy stability issues. With a surge in energy demand expected during the upcoming summer tourism season, the leaders said Monday that a resilient power resource
Siquijor is urgent.
AC Logistics, Glacier open Mindanao cold storage hub
AC LOGISTICS Holdings Corp, and Glacier Megafridge Inc. have opened a new cold storage facility in Panabo City, Davao del Norte to expand temperature-controlled logistics capacity in Southern Mindanao.
The project aims to reduce food losses and protect product quality in the region through the joint venture company GMAC Logitech Refrigeration Corp.
Located within the Anflo Industrial Estate, the facility provides 11,798 pallet positions. The site is among the largest and most advanced cold storage operations in Southern Mindanao,
serving the agriculture, aquaculture, food processing, retail and manufacturing sectors.
AC Logistics president and chief executive Erry Hardianto said postharvest losses remain a major supply chain challenge in the Philippines.
“The opening of GMAC Davao represents our shared commitment to strengthening food security. Through cold storage technology and end-toend logistics solutions, we help minimize spoilage and preserve the value of what farmers and producers harvest,” Hardianto said.
IN BRIEF
PLDT provides aid for OFWs in Middle East PLDT Group expanded its communication assistance for overseas Filipinos in the Middle East by extending free call services and establishing additional call stations in select PLDT and Smart stores located in major malls. The expanded effort builds on an initial order from PLDT Group Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan, who previously instructed the group to activate emergency communication support for Filipinos in affected countries. Free calls to the Philippines through TinBo (Tindahan ni Bossing), powered by PLDT Global, remain available for users in Bahrain, Kuwait, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE until March 15. Users can access the TinBo platform through Google Play, the Apple App Store or at www.tribo.ph. Within the Philippines, PLDT Home and Enterprise customers can make free IDD calls to the Gulf States, Israel and Iran until March 15. Smart and TNT subscribers have access to the same service until March 14. Smart subscribers in Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, UAE and Yemen can call the Smart Crisis Hotline at +632 8845 7799 toll-free for urgent coordination with family in the Philippines. Darwin G. Amojelar
SailPoint updates AI powered platform
SAILPOINT Inc. announced advancements to its AI-powered platform on Monday, introducing new features designed to manage non-human identities and privileged access risk.
The Texas-based enterprise security leader launched its “adaptive identity” vision to address security gaps in modern IT environments. The update includes foundational capabilities for privilege discovery and classification, providing automated intelligence to secure high-risk access across an organization. The company expanded its reach into the
rapidly growing AI sector by introducing connectors for its Agent Identity Security suite. These tools can now discover and govern AI agents from platforms including Microsoft 365 Co-Pilot, Databricks, Amazon Bedrock, Google Vertex AI, and Salesforce Agentforce. The company also enhanced its Machine Identity Security to include full lifecycle management for traditional machine accounts.
To simplify user interactions, the firm debuted a new agent for its Harbor Pilot suite. This tool uses a conversational interface to transform complex access requests into guided dialogues for customers.
“SailPoint redefines identity security with new adaptive identity innovations,” the company said in its announcement, noting that these capabilities are the first of many aimed at evolving enterprise protection.
ALC Group chairman Edgard Cabangon dies
ALC Group of Companies chairman Dominic Edgard Angeles Cabangon died on Sunday, the company announced in a social media post. He was 61. The conglomerate confirmed that Cabangon passed away on the afternoon of March 8, 2026. He was the son of Bienvenida Angeles Cabangon and the late Antonio L. Cabangon Chua, who served as the former Ambassador to Lao PDR and founded the ALC Group.
“It is with deep sorrow that the Cabangon Family announces the passing of Dominic Edgard Angeles Cabangon, chairman of the ALC Group of Companies, who joined our Creator, Sunday afternoon, March 8, 2026,” the group said. As the head of the ALC Group, Cabangon has overseen a diversified portfolio with operations in media, insurance, banking, automotive dealerships and real estate. The group’s holdings include BusinessMirror, Aliw Broadcasting Corp., Eternal Gardens Memorial Park Corp., Isuzu Gencars Inc. and Citystate Properties and Management Corporation.
The executive is survived by his partner Sharon Tan and his children Dominga Maritoni, Giannina Eunice, Dannica Nicole and Antonio Carlos.
PCC approves Avon’s acquisition of
THE Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) has cleared the proposed full takeover of Natura & Co. UK Holdings Limited by Avon International Limited, saying the transaction is unlikely to substantially lessen competition in the local market.
The regulator’s Mergers and Acquisitions Office (MAO) found during its phase 1 review that the deal does not raise competition concerns because of an absence of relevant market overlap between the parties. The commission said the companies’ products and services belong to different segments within the intimate apparel industry.
Avon International, a special purpose vehicle within the Regent L.P. Group, is leading the acquisition.
Regent is an investment fund that
Natura
owns global brands including luxury footwear label Bally and intimate apparel brand La Senza. In the Philippines, Regent licenses its business methods, proprietary guidelines and training to third-party franchisees. The company does not directly engage in the wholesale or retail sale of its branded products in the country.
Natura UK manufactures and markets cosmetics, personal care, and mass-market fashion products. It distributes these primarily through e-commerce, direct selling and limited retail outlets. Its Philippine operations include Avon Cosmetics Inc., which handles sales, and Avon Products Manufacturing Inc., which produces items for domestic and export markets. Othel V. Campos
Manulife sees growth despite ME tensions
By Othel V. Campos
MANULIFE Philippines president and chief executive Rahul Hora said the company is optimistic that its business momentum will remain intact despite the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
While the crisis complicates the immediate outlook, Hora said the insurer performed strongly in the initial months of the year. He said the domestic economy remains resilient and that increased consumer awareness is fueling investment in the company’s products.
The facility supports both MSMEs and large enterprises by providing modern logistics operations. It is part of a broader partnership between the two companies to expand cold chain capacity and improve service delivery across the country.
Glacier Megafridge chief executive Arturo Yan said the project aligns with the goal of making world-class infrastructure accessible beyond major metropolitan areas.
“This partnership supports inclusive economic growth and strengthens the Philippines’ position in regional trade,” Yan said.
Othel V. Campos
“Before this recent crisis broke out, we were actually doing quite well. The local domestic economic situation continues to be resilient, and awareness of our products is driving continued investment,” Hora said.
The executive observed that while customers typically take time to evaluate how new financial products fit their specific priorities, there has been a significant increase in the uptake of the company’s offerings.
Regarding economic volatility, Hora said the company is educating clients on the importance of diversification to manage an unpredictable global environment.
“Whether it’s the current Middle East crisis or other uncertainties, diversification helps ensure our customers are not overly concentrated in one area. Long-term savings and health continue to be our two main areas of focus and growth,” Hora said. The company remains confident that its current trajectory will persist throughout 2026, provided that external shocks do not significantly worsen, he said.
Growth continues to be spearheaded by long-term savings and health insurance. Manulife expanded its health portfolio last year with a medical reimbursement product and plans to launch a new version of its health offerings in April.
EastWest Bank launches vehicle refinancing solution
By Thony Rose Lesaca
EASTWEST
Banking Corp, said Monday it launched EastWest AutoCash—a refinancing solution that allows car owners to secure a loan using their vehicle as collateral.
Under the program, clients may borrow up to 70 percent of the appraised value of their vehicle, with flexible loan terms of up to 48 months.
The bank said the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio compares the loan amount with the appraised value of the vehicle used as collateral. For instance, if a vehicle is appraised at P500,000 and the loan amount is P250,000, the LTV is 50 percent.
Clients may avail a special interest rate of 0.68 percent per month for loans with a 50 percent LTV, while a standard monthly rate of 0.88 percent will apply for regular refinancing loans.
To qualify for the program, the vehicle should be registered under the borrower’s name and be not more than 10 years old. If the vehicle is still under encumbrance, the loan amount must exceed the remaining balance. Loan proceeds will be released net of that remaining balance.
“EastWest AutoCash gives customers a smart way to access funds using an asset they already own — without disrupting their daily mobility. It’s about helping our clients move forward financially while continuing to move forward in life,” EastWest chief executive Jerry Ngo said.
SCHNEIDER Electric and data center platform Digital Edge have completed the rollout of NARRA1, the first facility in Southeast Asia to earn dual global certifications for performance and sustainability.
Located in Laguna Technopark, the facility arrives as the Philippine data center colocation market is projected to grow at a 36-percent compound annual growth rate through 2028, fueled by a surge in artificial intelligence and cloud computing adoption.
The facility secured the ANSI/TIA942-C Rated 3 certification for operational resilience and the Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies (EDGE) certification from the International Finance Corporation.
NARRA1 earned LEED Gold status, making it the first triple-greencertified data center in the country. To achieve these benchmarks, Schneider Electric integrated high-efficiency systems including uninterruptible
power supplies and automatic transfer switches to manage heavy AI workloads while maintaining stable power.
The modernization of the site focused heavily on reducing the environmental footprint of data-intensive services. NARRA1 operates on 100-percent renewable energy and reports an annualized design Power Usage Effectiveness of 1.19, significantly lower than the global average of 1.6. This efficiency saves 16 million kilowatt-hours of electricity and 44 million gallons of water annually.
“At Schneider Electric, we equip operators with advanced energy management and infrastructure solutions, helping make the Philippines a competitive destination for data center investment and enabling facilities like NARRA1 to meet the high standards of enterprises and hyperscale customers,” Schneider Electric Philippines country president Ireen Catane said.
HOME PURCHASE. Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) president and general manager Jose Arnulfo Veloso (center) leads the turnover of a property title to homeowner Vera Aljas in Judyville Subdivision, Sibulan, Negros Oriental, marking the completion of her home purchase under the GSIS Housing program.
COLLEGE EXPERIENCE. Partner schools, educators and student leaders gather at the College Experience Survey (CES) kick-off forum to align on the 2025 survey focus, exchange insights and prepare for the nationwide rollout of survey. The Far Eastern University Public Policy Center (FEU PPC) underscores the strategic value of the survey in helping institutions better understand and improve the lived realities of Filipino students. Conducted annually, the CES is a nationwide, cross-sectional survey that assesses students’ academic, social and personal development.
Schneider Electric and Digital Edge launch NARRA1 in the Philippines, Southeast Asia’s first data center to achieve dual global certifications for sustainability and resilience amid an AI-driven infrastructure boom.
ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY
Seagrasses boost ocean biodiversity
(First of 2 parts)
SEAGRASSES are one of the most widespread marine ecosystems on Earth, covering around 300,000 square kilometers of seabed in 159 countries.
Monochromatic seagrass meadows may not be as colorful as coral reefs or as mysterious as mangrove forests. But they are havens for fish, protect coasts from storms and are key stores of carbon, making them some of the world’s most valuable natural spaces.
Despite their importance, these ecosystems are in danger. A football field worth of seagrass disappears every 30 minutes and an estimated 7 percent of meadows are being lost worldwide per year. Ocean acidification, coastal development and rising ocean temperatures due to climate change are the prime drivers of seagrass loss.
CCC: Systemic change vital in anti-plastic bid
THE Climate Change Commission (CCC) is expanding its anti-plastic advocacy from periodic awareness campaigns to a sustained push for behavior change and systemic reform.
CCC vice chairperson and executive director Robert E.A. Borje said through its “Bawal Plastik Dito” (plastic is banned here) online campaign, the agency wants to reduce reliance on disposables and point out that it is essential to strengthening climate resilience, particularly in the Philippines, which remains highly vulnerable to climaterelated disasters.
He said the campaign underscores the need to treat plastic pollution as part of the broader climate agenda.
“Single-use plastics are not just a waste issue, they are a climate issue. From production to disposal, plastics contribute to emissions, degrade ecosystems, and place additional burdens on communities already exposed to climate impacts,” Borje said.
Riding on the momentum of January’s Zero Waste Month, and on its earlier “Bawal Plastik Dito” stickerpack initiative, the CCC has transformed the campaign into a year-long digital information drive.
The initiative aims to move public engagement beyond clean-up activities and toward concrete, everyday actions that reduce dependence on single-use plastics (SUPs).
The agency, through a series of informational and interactive materials on its online platforms, seeks to reinforce message recall, encourage responsible consumption, and promote sustainable alternatives to disposable plastics.
“Reducing our dependence on disposability is a necessary step toward building climate resilience,” Borje said.
The expanded campaign also supports the implementation of existing plastic waste policies by translating national commitments into practical and actionable guidance for individuals, communities and institutions.
The CCC stressed that addressing the worsening plastic pollution ultimately requires rethinking consumption patterns and redesigning systems
development pathways with long-term environmental sustainability. These solutions, Borje said, are within reach but require collective action.
“By encouraging practical choices and supporting systemic change, we can reduce plastic pollution while advancing climate adaptation and ecological protection,” he said.
of trash collected in Dipaculao village beach
DIPACULAO, Aurora―Nearly 100 students and volunteers gathered in Barangay Ditale last month for a Coastal Clean-Up Drive and Climate Resilience Advocacy event led by Americares Philippines, hauling away 283.7 kilos of trash from the beach and nearby lots.
The event celebrated the organization’s 12th anniversary by returning to one of its first recipients of assistance, said country director Paul Gwyn Pagaran, thanking local officials and students in his remarks.
The village is among the most vulnerable to typhoons and storm surges on the Pacific Ocean’s front line.
Dipaculao Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office head
Rowena Asan echoed the spirit of collaboration: “Everyone is helping; rehabilitation moves faster because you’re with us,” referring to Americares Philippines.
Super Typhoon Uwan (international name Fung-wong) in November 2025 battered Dipaculao, including Barangay Ditale, with storm surges and landslides, isolating the town and wrecking infrastructure. Americares responded swiftly with medicines, hygiene kits, safe water and sanitation supplies.
Pagaran pledged ongoing support through mobile medical units and mental health services.
Before the beach cleanup, the group distributed safety gear: reusable trash bags (sacks), tongs and reusable gloves.
Participants scoured the coastline and adjacent vacant lots, uncovering cigarette butts wedged into typhoontossed rocks along the shore
“Most of the trash along the seashore consists of cigarette butts that have become lodged between the large rocks brought in by the waves during Uwan,” said Pagaran.
“Inland, burned plastics, bottle caps, broken household items, and junk food wrappers littered dense grassy areas―potential mosquito breeding grounds that trap rainwater,” he added. PNA
To raise awareness about the threats to these ecosystems, the United Nations has designated March 1 as World Seagrass Day.
“The seagrass ecosystem is a perfect example of nature in action, where habitats and the delicate web of life are intertwined in perfect harmony,” said Leticia Carvalho, who formerly led the Marine and Freshwater Branch of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP).
“On this, International Seagrass Day, let us shine a light on the magic of seagrass meadows and the species, human and non-human alike, who depend on them,” she added. (To be continued) UNEP News
By Owen Cammayo
Conclusion
THESE efforts reflect a broader recognition that profitability and resilience must move in the same direction.
Uncertainty delays investment more than bad news ever does. What markets struggle with most is not adversity, but ambiguity. A coherent corporate narrative helps reduce that ambiguity. It explains how near-term performance connects to longer-term objectives. It situates expansion plans within a broader ecosystem of stakeholders. It shows how sustainability, capital allocation and growth reinforce rather than contradict one another. This is particularly important for
By John Lester Naguna
THE Climate Change Commission (CCC) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) have begun talks to align metro-wide operations with national climate policies, aiming to bolster the resilience of the National Capital Region (NCR) against increasing environmental threats.
The agencies met at the MMDA Central Office last month to identify priority areas where urban management programs can be integrated with the country’s long-term climate frameworks, specifically the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) 2023–2050 and the
diversified groups operating across multiple sectors and geographies. Complexity without explanation creates confusion. Complexity with context builds confidence. The definition of growth itself has evolved. Scale and expansion remain important, but they are no longer enough. Stakeholders increasingly ask more fundamental questions: Who benefits from this growth? How resilient is it? What systems (economic, social, or environmental) are strengthened in the process? Companies that frame growth as inclusive, supporting communities, enabling small enterprises, investing in resilience and strengthening local ecosystems are better positioned to earn sustained support. This is not a matter of altruism. It is a strategic re-
Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).
The meeting focused on the NCR’s status as one of the country’s most densely populated and climate-vulnerable areas, facing chronic risks from extreme rainfall, flooding, sea-level rise and urban heat.
“We recognize MMDA’s central role in managing drainage systems, flood control facilities, transport networks, solid waste operations and disaster response mechanisms that are increasingly affected by climate change,” said CCC vice chairperson and executive director Robert E.A. Borje. Borje added the goal is to “institu-
sponse to a more demanding operating environment. In volatile conditions, consistency becomes a signal of seriousness. Companies that communicate clearly follow through on commitments, and maintain discipline across cycles to build credibility that compounds over time.
This applies not only to financial decisions, but also to how companies engage the public and the media. Regular, transparent communication, especially when conditions are uncertain, helps reinforce confidence, reduce speculation and maintain trust. Ultimately, corporate narrative reflects leadership. Leaders set the tone for how organizations respond to uncertainty: whether they retreat into silence, react defensively, or engage thoughtfully.
tionalize a climate lens” across metro systems to ensure current infrastructure investments remain viable against future climate risks.
The NAP, developed under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration, serves as the primary blueprint for these efforts.
The CCC urged the MMDA to adopt a systemic, risk-informed approach to urban governance that considers both immediate disaster reduction and longterm low-carbon development.
The collaboration seeks to consolidate high-impact initiatives into a “climate-smart metro framework.”
JLN/PIA-NCR
The most credible leaders are not those who promise certainty. They are those who explain risks honestly, outline priorities clearly and demonstrate steadiness in execution. In an age of volatility, the companies that endure will not necessarily be the loudest. They will be the clearest. Because when markets and societies are uncertain, clarity becomes confidence and confidence sustains both growth and trust. In that sense, sustainability, trust and corporate narrative are not separate conversations. They are part of the same discipline: leadership made visible.
(Owen Cammayo is the vice president and head of communications, SM Investments Corp.)
By Evgeniya Kleshcheva
Single-use plastics persist in the environment for centuries, intensifying climate and social risks for vulnerable communities. that currently depend on disposability, aligning
Marita Moaje, PNA
Beach cleanup. PNA
The Climate Change Commission led by vice chair and executive director Robert E.A. Borje (tenth from left) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority led by chairman Romando S. Artes (ninth from left) convene to align metropolitan programs with the country’s climate resilience and low-carbon development agenda. CCC Photo
Herbs are used in many traditional
The importance of seagrasses is highlighted in a new report, Out of the Blue: The Value of Seagrasses to the Environment and to People, released by the United Nations Environment Program together with GRID-Arendal and UNEP’s World Conservation Monitoring Center (UNEP-WCMC).
MARCH 10, 2026
Dan Villegas directs JM Ibarra, Fyang Smith in romance ‘Almost Us’
FILMMAKER Dan Villegas returns to the director’s chair with Almost Us, a romantic drama that pairs two of the newest faces in young Filipino stardom, JM Ibarra and Fyang Smith
P-POP superstar BINI is showcasing two new singles, “Unang Kilig” and the surprise release “Honey Honey,” centered on themes of young love and romance.
“Unang Kilig,” composed and produced by Jeremy G, captures that heart-fluttering moment of wondering whether it’s finally time to confess your feelings. The song was first teased during the Valentine’s Kiligan Fest at Robinsons Place Manila, which drew more than 14,000 fans.
The official music video, streaming on BINI Official’s YouTube channel, features the members auditioning for acting roles under the watchful eyes of industry veterans Charo Santos, Cathy Garcia-Sampana, Olivia Lamasan, and Ogie Diaz. They also shared scenes with Kapamilya stars Vhong Navarro, Richard Gutierrez, and Gerald Anderson “Honey Honey” was released alongside “Unang Kilig” as a surprise drop. Produced and cowritten by Jacob Munk and Pontus “Oneye” Kalm—who have worked with international artists such as Miley Cyrus, Liam Gallagher, and BTS—along with Grammy-winning songwriters Greg Shilling, Melanie Fontana, and Star Music artist Khimo Gumatay, the track celebrates the simple joys of being in love. BINI shows no signs of slowing down. The group is set to perform at Coachella this April, representing Philippine music on the global stage alongside Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, and Karol G “Unang Kilig” and “Honey Honey” are now available on all digital streaming platforms.
The film arrives in Philippine cinemas on May 6, giving fans their first full-length big-screen collaboration. Online followers know the pair by their fan nickname “JMFyang,” a label born during their stint as housemates on the reality show Pinoy Big Brother, where their easy chemistry quickly drew attention.
Produced by Regal Entertainment and Project 8 Projects, the project reunites Villegas with filmmaker and producer Antoinette Jadaone. The two have long shared a creative partnership that helped shape modern Filipino romance films, often telling stories where love feels intimate, imperfect, and rooted in everyday life.
Almost Us centers on two young people learning how fragile relationships can be. Friendship slowly bends into
love, then into something more complicated. The story lingers in that gray area where feelings grow deep but timing refuses to cooperate, capturing the quiet ache of connections that nearly become something permanent.
Villegas has built a reputation for gentle, emotionally layered storytelling in films such as English Only, Please, The Breakup Playlist, and Walang Forever. His films often treat romance less like a fairy tale and more like a diary entry, filled with awkward pauses and small confessions.
Early teaser scenes released online by Regal and Project 8 offered a glimpse of that mood. The footage leans into quiet exchanges and unguarded moments between Ibarra and Smith, hinting at a story about young love, missed timing, and the emotional detours that come with growing up.
Villegas approaches Almost Us as a return to familiar emotional territory, this time with a fresh pair of leads taking the spotlight. When the film opens in cinemas on May 6, audiences will see whether the spark that first drew fans to JMFyang inside the Pinoy Big Brother house can carry through a full-length love story on the big screen.
HOPPERS , the latest original animated film from Disney’s Pixar, easily topped the North American box office with $46 million in ticket sales in its opening weekend, industry estimates showed Sunday. The original animated adventure comedy follows Mabel (Piper Curda), a young animal lover who uses technology to transfer her consciousness into a robotic beaver to better communicate with and protect wildlife. The voice cast includes Meryl Streep, Jon Hamm, and Kathy Najimy Scream 7 , the latest installment in the 30-year-old slasher series featuring another Ghostface killer, held steady in second place with $17.3 million in the United States and Canada, according to Exhibitor Relations The Paramount film brings back franchise veterans Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, and David Arquette Maggie Gyllenhaal’s genre-hopping film The Bride—a
reimagining of 1935’s The Bride of Frankenstein, starring Oscar hopeful Jessie Buckley and past Oscar winner Christian Bale—opened in third place at $7.3 million. Sony’s family-friendly animated film GOAT, which tells the story of an undersized goat who dreams of joining a basketball-like “roarball” team, finished fourth with $6.6 million. The film was produced by NBA superstar Stephen Curry who also lends his voice to the project.
Wuthering Heights, starring Margot
P-pop girl group BINI is set to perform at Coachella in April
Pixar’s latest animated film, ‘Hoppers,’ debuts at number one with $46 million in ticket sales
From left: Filmmaker Dan Villegas poses alongside ‘Almost Us’ lead stars Fyang Smith and JM Ibarra
Dan Villegas helms Fyang Smith and JM Ibarra’s first full-length big-screen collaboration
From left: Dan Villegas, Fyang Smith, and JM Ibarra at the film’s story conference
SHOWBIZ
Wedding bells soon? Marriage banns hint at Bea Alonzo–Vincent Co wedding
By Angelica Villanueva
ACTRESS Bea Alonzo and busi-
nessman Ferdinand Vincent Co may be preparing to tie the knot after marriage banns for the couple were announced at St. Peter the Apostle Parish. On Sunday, March 8, the banns showed the couple listed as “Ferdinand Vincent Pe Co—Groom” and “Phylbert Angelli Escalante Ranollo Bride,” which is Bea’s birth name.
By Nickie Wang
VThere has been no confirmation from either Bea or Vincent about their wedding, fueling curiosity among supporters and entertainment watchers.
In the Catholic Church, marriage banns are public notices announcing an upcoming wedding. They are typically read in the parishes of both the bride and groom for three consecutive Sundays to allow any possible impediments to be raised before the ceremony.
In May 2025, rumors linked Bea
IVA Music Group has set a landmark in Filipino music, backing the first two Original Pilipino Music (OPM) songs to surpass 500 million streams on Spotify Philippines: “Tadhana” by Up Dharma Down and “Multo” by Cup of Joe
with Vincent after the two were seen vacationing in Spain. Social media posts from both showed photos taken in the same locations in Andalucía.
The pair later made their first major public appearance together at the Puregold OPM Con 2025 held at the Philippine Arena in July.
Vincent serves as president and director of Puregold Price Club and is the son of retail magnates Lucio Co and Susan Co
Up Dharma Down, Cup of Joe make OPM Spotify history
“Tadhana,” released in 2012, became the nation’s anthem for nearmiss relationships—those almostbut-never-enough situations where the only certainty is running into each other. It is the first Filipino track to reach the 500 million mark. Following close behind, “Multo,”
released in September 2024, became the second OPM song to hit the milestone and set a new record as the fastest to do so.
The track, which recalls lost opportunities and unfulfilled dreams, has also become the longest-running No. 1 song on Spotify Philippines’ daily
ACTORS often speak about “process,” but for Christian Bables, working with director Lav Diaz meant adapting to a filmmaking style that moves at its own pace. Diaz, known in global cinema circles for his patient, marathon-length storytelling, takes his time in shaping a film. For Bables, working in that envi ronment required adjusting his rhythm as an actor.
Lav. The process is entirely different,” he said. getting used to, though he eventually
chart, making it the most-streamed OPM song in Spotify history.
Cup of Joe recently released a stripped-down version of “Multo,” signaling acceptance of a doomed relationship. The track is featured on the official soundtrack of the Cornerstone-Viva Films movie The Loved
One, starring Anne Curtis and Jericho Rosales, showing that even in healing, past hurts can linger. The band is set to make history again with a solo concert at the Philippine Sports Stadium on May 23, becoming the first OPM act to headline the venue. Viva Music Group, which domi-
nated charts in 2025 with artists including Amiel Sol, Earl Agustin, and Cup of Joe, operates five subsidiaries—Viva Records, Vicor Music, Ivory Music, Wild Dream Records, and NOVWLZ—cementing its decades-long influence on the Filipino music scene.
Christian Bables adapts to Lav Diaz’s unique filmmaking style
found the experience rewarding.
“Well, it’s definitely something that I’m not used to, but it’s fun. We know what to expect when a film is being handled by Direk Lav.”
The project itself leans into history.
Bables describes the film as a period piece set during the Spanish colonial era, with scenes shot deep in the forests
actor Ronnie Lazaro, another frequent collaborator of Diaz.
“It’s a period film set during the Spanish era. We shot the major scenes in the forests of Sampaloc, Quezon where Direk Lav also shot Magellan. It’s nice because I’m from Tayabas, so the location is near my hometown.”
tion of our beginnings as a nation—the struggles and challenges that Filipinos of that time have to undergo. They paved the way for everything that we’re enjoying at present. Truly, these films are educational,” he said.
*
Elsewhere in showbiz, singer-actress
Singer-actress Rita Daniela recently signed under Viva Artist Agency
The production schedule had its own share of stories. Bables recalled that principal photography took place in December during a lock-in shoot that stretched through the holidays.
“We had our lock-in shooting the whole of December last year. In fact, I even celebrated my birthday there on December 6. We took a break before New Year. Actually, I had an accident while shooting because the scenes were so difficult to mount. Then, we resumed just this month.”
The most striking part of working with Diaz, according to Bables, is the creative freedom the director gives his performers. It stands in contrast with the more structured approaches he encountered under respected filmmakers such as Jose Javier Reyes, Chito Roño, Jun Lana and Joel Lamangan
The film also carries historical themes, something Bables believes remains vital for Filipino audiences.
“These films are important because they tackle history and Filipino identity. They also teach the current genera-
Rita Daniela recently turned reflective during an interview, recalling the milestones that shaped her career.
“Of course, my victory in Pop Star Kids started it all,” she said. “It really opened a lot of avenues for me. I was able to share the stage with singing icons like Ms. Regine Velasquez whom I idolized since I was small and watched constantly on TV.”
Daniela also looked back at the 2018 afternoon drama My Special Tatay which paired her with actor Ken Chan and turned their on-screen partnership into a popular love team.
“Through that show, my love team with Ken was formed. My character there as Aubrey is iconic as well. It will be hard to erase that from my heart. I became a household byword due to said role.”
The chemistry between the two actors remains a talking point among fans.
“Speaking of Ken, the chemistry we share on screen is just tops! There are our fans, too who never get tired of supporting us even if we’re doing solo projects. I’m simply grateful for this!” Daniela also singled out the
days as another
“My AOS
of my
with them for
And what’s
ships with
will
I
Sunday musical variety program All-Out Sun-
key chapter in her journey.
family
always be part
career milestones. I’ve worked
a couple of years now.
important is
built friend-
my fellow cast members. For me, that’s very essential,” Rita averred.
Up Dharma Down’s 2012 hit ‘Tadhana’ is the first OPM song to surpass 500 million streams on Spotify Philippines Cup of Joe’s ‘Multo’ is the fastest OPM track to surpass 500 million streams on Spotify Philippines
Bea Alonzo (left) and Vincent Co sparked dating rumors in May 2025 after they were spotted vacationing in Spain
Christian Bables describes the Lav Diaz-film as a period piece set during the Spanish colonial era
TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2026
lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com
NICKIE WANG, Editor
ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer
JASPER VALDEZ, Writer
A pair of jeans for everybody and every body
By Angelica Villanueva
JEANS have long been a wardrobe staple, but Uniqlo is giving them a fresh twist for 2026. During a launch event, the global apparel brand introduced its Spring/ Summer collection, featuring designs that bring together comfort, versatility, and style for different body types.
The lineup, developed at Uniqlo’s Jeans Innovation Center in Los Angeles, features soft cotton blends and authentic denim that aim to “feel like wearing nothing,” while still providing a polished, classic look.
Celebrity guests Anthony Constantino and Ashley Ortega modeled the newest silhouettes, demonstrating how the pieces move with the body rather than constrict it.
Apoy sa Dugo star Ashley Ortega modeled the Women’s Classic Bootcut Jeans, a slim fit from hip to thigh with a subtle flare toward the hem.
“So, it’s quite a favorite silhouette, especially for pear-shaped body types,” said Romina Cunanan, senior marketing manager for PR and sustainability at Uniqlo Philippines.
The actress then highlighted the Baggy Curve Jeans, designed for curvier builds with extra room at the hips and thighs, offering a flatter-
ing fit without sacrificing comfort.
Anthony then showcased the Men’s Baggy Jeans, praising the relaxed straight cut that suits athletic and rectangular builds.
“Actually, this is also quite popular as a genderless styling item. So, even girls love to go to our store, try it on, and really rock that baggy look,” Cunanan shared.
He also tried the EZY Jeans, a denim-inspired design with the comfort of sweats, calling them “a game-changer” for hot weather. The JW Anderson Straight Jeans and Wide Straight Jeans rounded out the men’s collection, providing timeless cuts with breathable 100 percent cotton denim.
Uniqlo’s approach emphasizes personal expression, encouraging wearers to experiment with silhouettes that suit both their body type and individual style.
“No matter your body shape, your
By Jasper Valdez
size, or even your self-confidence, whether you’re a little bit more con servative or edgy, there’s a pair of jeans available for you,” Cunanan stated.
The collection includes a vari ety of silhouettes—from baggy and curved to straight, bootcut, culotte, and skort styles—allowing wearers to experiment while staying com fortable.
The event also encouraged attendees to try the jeans for themselves, high lighting the brand’s philosophy that comfort and style don’t have to be mu tually exclusive.
“These jeans are designed to move with you. You can wear them any where, and they’ll still look good,” An thony said.
The Spring/Summer 2026 collec tion reflects a broader trend in fashion: merging functionality with aesthetic ap peal. For Uniqlo, that means designing jeans that allow people to move com fortably throughout the day while still maintaining a clean and stylish look, showing that denim can be both practi cal and a way for people to express their personal style.
UNIQLO’s Spring/Summer collec tion is available in stores and online.
Seamless living as the new standard
pointing to how the device keeps pace with constant movement and shifting schedules
Beyond productivity, the phone leans into how people document and share moments. Its camera system is designed to capture more detail in different lighting conditions, with Nightography and features like horizontal lock helping stabilize videos in motion, while tools such as Photo Assist and Generative Edit make it easier to adjust images or rework compositions without relying on separate apps.
The idea is less about technical control and more about keeping the process quick and intuitive.
Privacy, too, is handled in a way that blends into everyday use. Samsung introduced its Privacy Display, which keeps content visible only to the user, addressing a common concern in crowded public settings.
The experience extends with the Buds4 Pro, which supports hands-free interaction through simple gestures and real-time audio features. Whether managing calls or listening to content, the earbuds
Empowering women entrepreneurs across the country this Women’s Month
THERE’S been a quiet shift in how people use their phones. It’s no longer just about opening apps or completing tasks sequentially; devices are now expected to keep up in the background, helping users move through their day without having to think too much about what comes next.
Samsung’s launch of the Galaxy S26 Series and Galaxy Buds4 Pro on Feb. 28 at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall showcased this shift. Instead of focusing solely on specs, the event emphasized how the devices fit into people’s everyday routines, particularly through the growing role of Galaxy AI.
Samsung framed the S26 as “an everyday companion that anticipates your needs and more,” moving the conversation away from performancecentric discussions toward how the device supports daily routines.
That direction is reflected in features that respond to context in real time, allowing users to act on information without jumping between apps.
A message about a meeting, for instance, can lead straight to a calendar prompt, cutting down the usual steps that slow things down.
For users, that kind of experience translates into less friction across a busy day.
“It really makes it so seamless; I don’t have to jump around the apps,” said Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, one of the first to try the S26 in the country.
“It’s really one step ahead of you,” she added,
work alongside the phone in a way that feels continuous rather than separate.
“We aren’t just about chasing specs, but we truly want to bring people together with technology,” said Samsung Electronics Philippines Corporation (SEPCO) product marketing manager for flagship Isabelle Kim during the launch, underscoring the company’s push toward devices that fit more naturally into everyday life.
Galaxy Buds4 Pro highlights hands-free interaction and realtime audio features designed for everyday use
AS MORE Filipino women turn online platforms into full-fledged businesses, PLDT Home is stepping up with stronger connectivity, AI training, and sustainability programs to help them grow
Recent data from the Philippine Commission on Women shows the rising influence of female entrepreneurs: women own 66 percent of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and lead 62 percent of newly registered businesses. These figures highlight how women are shaping both the economy and their communities.
PLDT Home has long positioned connectivity as a key enabler of women’s entrepreneurship. What began as support for home-based businesses during the pandemic has evolved into a nationwide movement providing digital infrastructure that allows thousands of women to run efficient, competitive, and fully online ventures.
artificial intelligence.
The enhanced academy will help women entrepreneurs integrate AI across digital marketing, customer insights, product innovation, operations, and accounting. The goal is to equip mompreneurs with practical tools to run more efficient, data-driven, and sustainable businesses in today’s fast-evolving digital economy.
A key example is Madiskarte Moms PH (MMPH), powered by PLDT Home. From a small online group, it has grown into a network of more than 225,000 women entrepreneurs, making it one of the largest communities of its kind in the country. Its growth reflects a broader push for financial independence, leadership, and longterm business resilience among women.
“Women are already shaping the country’s entrepreneurial landscape in powerful ways,” said Menardo “Butch” Jimenez, Jr., PLDT chief operating officer and chief technology officer. “Our role is to ensure they have the digital infrastructure and future-ready capabilities to sustain and scale that impact. Connectivity today is more than access—it is an enabler of innovation, inclusion, and long-term growth.”
PLDT Home is also broadening its support to include skills development. Building on last year’s Gemini Academy in partnership with Google Philippines, the program returns to Madiskarte Moms with more advanced discussions reflecting the rapid growth of
PLDT Home also promotes longterm entrepreneurship through the annual Gawad Madiskarte Awards. The 4th edition, scheduled for March 28, will honor outstanding mompreneurs who demonstrate innovation, resilience, and sustainable growth, highlighting businesses that generate livelihoods, support communities, and contribute to economic development. By combining connectivity, AI training, and recognition programs, PLDT Home continues to strengthen its support for women-led enterprises.
This Women’s Month, the company underscores a simple belief: empowering women entrepreneurs benefits families, communities, and the broader economy. Madiskarte Moms PH provides a space where women rise, connect, and thrive.
Ashley Ortega (left) and Anthony Constantino show off how they style UNIQLO Jeans
Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray talks about her experience using Samsung’s AI-powered features and camera tools
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra introduces its new Galaxy AI features designed to simplify daily routines
Members of Madiskarte Moms PH gather during a Gemini Academy session supported by PLDT Home and Google Philippines
PLDT Home supports women’s entrepreneurship by providing digital infrastructure