Manila Standard - 2026 April 10 - Friday

Strait of Hormuz closed anew

IRAN said traffic in the Strait of Hormuz has stopped after a massive wave of Israeli strikes on Lebanon killed more than 200 people, which it said was a violation of the ceasefire agreement between Tehran and Washington.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said shipping through the Strait of Hormuz was halted minutes after Israel’s large-scale attack on Lebanon, something the White House called “completely unacceptable.”

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Parliament Speaker and Iran’s lead

gation in Pakistan originally slated Friday or Saturday, said the ceasefire violation has made it “unreasonable” to continue truce negotiations on the 10-Point Proposal.

Ghalibaf listed three alleged US violations of the truce plan: the continued attacks in Lebanon, a drone entering

World oil prices jump; domestic rollback under threat

By

WORLD oil prices jumped Thursday on investor concerns over the Middle East ceasefire holding and as the key Strait of Hormuz remained largely

By Charles Dantes, Katrina Manubay, and Rex Espiritu

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday called on Filipinos to draw strength from the legacy of wartime heroes, urging unity and resilience amid present-day challenges as the nation commemorated Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor).

For her part, Vice President Sara Duterte emphasized the importance of safeguarding national sovereignty, warning that foreign influence in the justice system threatens the freedoms secured by Filipino heroes.

Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. urged Filipinos to support the government’s efforts to

By Maricel V. Cruz

By Thony Rose Lesaca, Othel V. Campos, Maricel V. Cruz and Charles Dantes

THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said Thursday it has set aside P238 billion from the 2026 General Appropriations Act in response to the ongoing global oil crisis.

“As far as our response to this crisis is concerned, we have around P238 billion from available appropriations—from the 2026 GAA, and both automatic and continuing appropriations. The government’s priority is to ensure that every peso is directed to sectors most affected,” Budget

Secretary Rolando Toledo said at the

blocked to traffic, threatening an initially projected rollback in domestic pump prices next week. Prices plunged Wednesday after the United States and Iran agreed to a twoweek ceasefire, but this has been placed in

House Committee on Ways and Means hearing last April 8. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., on the other hand, announced a nationwide rollout of a service contracting program for public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers starting April 15, as the government moves to cushion the impact of rising global oil prices driven by tensions in the Middle East.

In a video statement,

Coast Guard opens command center in Pagasa

Alena Mae S. Flores, Othel Campos and Ram Superable

At the same time, the panel ordered the appearance of Duterte lawyer, Michael Wesley Poa, to testify on matters tied to the use of confidential funds of the Department of Education (DepEd) during his stint as chief of staff.

Luistro said the committee will move forward with its scheduled hearings on April 14, 22 and 29 in the absence of any court-issued restraint.

“In the absence of a temporary restraining order (TRO), the Committee will proceed as scheduled,” Luistro said, adding that lawmakers remain committed to carrying out their constitutional mandate without delay.

“The House impeachment proceedings are constitutional, rules-based, and anchored on accountability,” she added.

Luistro also downplayed issues raised by the Vice President’s camp, describing them as largely procedural.

“The issues being raised are largely technical,” she said, stressing that the focus should be on the public’s right to demand accountability from officials.

“Impeachment is a constitutional mechanism designed precisely to ensure that high officials answer serious allegations,” Luistro said, adding that “public office demands accountability—those facing allegations must be given the opportunity to explain and be heard.”

The Justice panel, Luistro said, is also in full compliance with constitutional limits, particularly the one-year bar rule.

“The Committee is fully compliant with the one-year bar rule as interpreted by the Supreme Court. We see no violation of any constitutional limitation,” Luistro said.

On the legal moves taken by Duterte’s camp, Luistro said these were anticipated.

“The recent move by the Vice President’s camp was not unexpected,” she said. “At any stage of impeachment proceedings, it is always possible for parties to elevate issues before the courts.”

She expressed confidence that the committee’s actions would stand up to scrutiny.

For his part, House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability chairman Rep. Joel Chua of Manila said the April 14 proceedings on the impeachment case against Duterte will be confined to clarificatory matters.

issued radio warnings to the plane carrying the journalist.

Beijing claims the South China Sea in nearly its entirety, despite an international ruling that its assertion has no legal basis.

Pagasa will now have a commodore-level commander on site, Philippine Coast Guard Commandant Ronnie Gil Gavan told reporters after a Thursday “activation” ceremony, along with a permanently stationed ship, more response vessels and an unspecified number of specialists.

“The establishment of the coast guard district here will also enhance the psyche, the mindset of each and every coast guard member, that... the defense of Kalayaan island group is a top priority,” Gavan said, using the Filipino name for the Spratlys.

The move will also include the dredging of a deeper port that will allow for the docking of coast guard vessels, which must currently ferry personnel to and from Pagasa on small boats.

The far-flung Kota and Parola islands will also see their substations raised to full station status, coast guard spokesman Jay Tarriela said.

Iranian airspace and Washington’s opposition to the country’s right to uranium enrichment.

“Now, the very ‘workable basis on which to negotiate’ has been openly and clearly violated, even before the negotiations began. In such a situation, a bilateral ceasefire or negotiations is unreasonable,” Ghalibaf said.

Earlier in the day, Tehran’s ambassador to Pakistan deleted a social media post saying an Iranian delegation would arrive in Islamabad, which was set to host the talks.

US Vice President JD Vance, however, backed Israel in saying Lebanon was excluded from the truce, days before he was due to lead talks with Tehran in Pakistan.

“If Iran wants to let this negotiation fall apart... over Lebanon, which has nothing to do with them, and which the United States never once said was part

HOMELESS. A mother and daughter leave with their belongings before the demolition of the firehit homes yesterday at NIA Road, Barangay Pinyahan, in Quezon City. Manny Palmero

doubt by Israel’s ongoing attacks against Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Iran said traffic in the Strait of Hormuz has stopped after a massive wave of Israeli strikes on Lebanon.

Energy Secretary Sharon Garin, for her part, said the Philippines will be indirectly affected since its other sources of petroleum such as South Korea and Japan rely on raw materials from the Middle East.

“We have learned from the first closure (of the Strait of Hormuz). We have started looking for alternative suppliers,” she said in an interview with Bilyonaryo News Channel.

But she admitted that “it’s not just the opening (or closure) of the Strait, it’s

of the ceasefire, that’s ultimately their choice,” he said.

Calls were mounting on Thursday for the ceasefire between the US and Iran to be extended to Israel’s war with Hezbollah.

At least 203 people were killed and 1,000 wounded in Israeli strikes on Wednesday, the Lebanese health ministry said.

There had been conflicting diplomatic signals about whether the fighting in Lebanon was included in the US-Iran truce – but Washington said that it was not, and Israel made it clear that it has no intention of holding off.

“We are continuing to strike Hezbollah with force, precision, and determination,” Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, in a social media post.

“Our message is clear: anyone who acts against Israeli civilians, we will strike them. We will continue to hit Hezbollah wherever necessary.”

But, amid fears that the fragile truce could break down in the Gulf, there were international calls for the cease-

fire to encompass Lebanon.

“Israeli actions are putting the USIran ceasefire under severe strain. The Iran truce should extend to Lebanon,” the European Union’s top diplomat Kaja Kallas said.

France’s foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot condemned the strikes as “unacceptable,” while his British counterpart Yvette Cooper called for the ceasefire to include Lebanon.

The Lebanese prime minister’s office said Thursday would be “a national day of mourning for the martyrs and wounded of the Israeli attacks that targeted hundreds of innocent, defenseless civilians.”

Hezbollah said it had fired rockets towards Israel in response to what it called a violation of the truce.

UN rights chief Volker Turk called the scale of killing in Lebanon “horrific,” after strikes across the capital Beirut that came without warning triggered horror and panic.

“People started running left and right, and smoke was billowing,” said Ali Younes, who was waiting for his

rapid job matching, workforce redeployment, and faster project execution to absorb displaced workers.

“We are doing all of this to keep the flow of your daily life orderly... The journey continues, the livelihood continues,” Mr. Marcos said in Filipino.

Meanwhile, commuters will be granted at least a 20-percent fare discount.

Routes will prioritize areas connected to train systems and major bus corridors to improve the efficiency and reliability of public transport.

In addition to the service contracting scheme, the President announced a fuel subsidy of P10 per liter for PUVs, capped at 150 liters per week for three months as part of the government’s subsidy.

The subsidy will initially be implemented in the National Capital Region starting next week, with pilot locations including Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon Avenue, España Boulevard, Zapote, A. Bonifacio, Rizal, and Marcos Highway.

According to Marcos, the fuel subsidy will be available only at accredited gasoline stations monitored by the Department of Energy to prevent misuse.

Under the program, operators and drivers will receive payments ranging from P40 to P100 per kilometer on top of regular passenger fares.

This will operate during off-peak hours to ensure transport availability beyond rush periods.

Participating vehicles will be equipped with GPS monitoring systems to verify trips and ensure service quality.

The initiative will be implemented nationwide and is expected to cover around 50,000 PUVs and 1,000 operators, benefitting up to 15 million passengers.

Meanwhile, the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) has endorsed coordinated measures with the government to protect jobs and sustain economic activity as Middle East tensions pressure fuel markets, supply chains, and employment.

PSAC’s recommendations focus on

the effect of the uncertainty that makes (oil) more expensive.”

Industry sources earlier said diesel prices are expected to drop by approximately P2.50 to P3 per liter next week, while gasoline may decrease by P1 per liter.

But later in the day, a source said:

“Mean of Platts Singapore (MOPS) prices are likely to settle higher today because of Israel’s attack on Lebanon. Should MOPS prices settle higher on Friday as well, the initially projected rollback on domestic pump prices next week may no longer happen.”

The ceasefire agreement between Iran and the United States has spurred hopes for some relief to the world economy that has been roiled since the start of hostilities on February 28, but analysts say recovery will be rocky and not all sectors will rebound at the same pace.

The DBM funding is expected to support key interventions such as fuel subsidies for the transport sector, assistance to farmers and fisherfolk, healthcare support, and other targeted social protection programs.

It added that initial measures, including the P2.5 billion fuel subsidies for transport operators and an additional P1 billion for service contracting, are already underway.

The budget agency is also mandating a 20% reduction in non-essential spending across national government agencies.

These measures are expected to generate around P12.8 billion to P25.6 billion in total savings from March to December 2026.

To support potentially displaced overseas Filipino workers, PSAC pushed for streamlined redeployment, micro-credential training, and stronger backing for entrepreneurship and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Amid rising fuel costs, PSAC also recommended targeted digital subsidies and possible extension of tax incentives for exporters, as well as financial support for public utility vehicle operators.

The country’s top economic officials presented lawmakers with policy levers now on the table to soften the blow of the oil crisis, while cautioning that a deeper and longer conflict in the Middle East could push inflation higher and drag economic growth below earlier expectations.

The discussion took place before the House’s Legislative Energy Action Development Council, the 13-committee body brought together to synchronize relief measures, fiscal options, and longer-term reforms as global oil prices remain unstable.

The administration’s economic cluster said the response being shaped by the Executive is not anchored on one remedy alone.

The Strait of Hormuz “remains subject to coordination with Iranian armed forces, suggesting continued Iranian control and influence,” the risk management group Vanguard said. “As such, conditions are likely to remain controlled and potentially restrictive.”

Even with falling oil prices, there will not soon be more physical supply passing through the Strait of Hormuz, given widespread damage to oil and gas infrastructure throughout the Gulf, analysts said.

“Restarting oilfields and fixing damaged infrastructure is a gradual process, and producers will be cautious about ramping up output without reliable export routes,” said Simone Tagliapietra, a fellow at Europe’s Bruegel institute.

“Seventy-five energy plants have been attacked and damaged and more than a third of them are seriously or very seriously

wife near Corniche Al-Mazraa, one of the areas targeted.

In Manila, the Department of Foreign Affairs on Thursday expressed concern over the worsening conflict in Lebanon, calling for all parties to adhere to the ceasefire and protect civilians.

“We call for the full implementation of the ceasefire agreement pursuant to UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and urge all parties to fully abide by international humanitarian law, most notably the protection of civilians and UN personnel, including humanitarian, health and media workers,” the DFA said in a statement.

The Philippine Embassy in Beirut placed Filipinos on high alert, urging them to take precautionary measures and limit movement as Israel launched its heaviest strikes in weeks.

In an advisory, the embassy recommended Filipinos stay in place with their employers and avoid unnecessary travel.

According to DFA records, there are approximately 14,000 Filipinos in Lebanon. Katrina Manubay, AFP

intensified in recent days, with even some traditional media outlets allegedly affected by the misinformation.

Gomez described the campaign as a “vicious attack” aimed at distracting and destabilizing the Marcos administration.

“The timing is suspect. Why the sudden surge at this time? Why resort to outright lies? Why the desperation? Regardless, the motive is clear: distract and destabilize our government,” Gomez said.

Finance Undersecretary Karlo Fermin Adriano said the government is trying to strike a difficult balance between helping those hit hardest and preserving fiscal stability at a time of growing uncertainty.

“The government must balance the urgent need to provide support to the most vulnerable sectors with the equally critical responsibility of maintaining fiscal discipline,” Adriano said.

He said economic managers have already studied the possible macroeconomic and fiscal effects of the crisis and have elevated their recommendations to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., including options involving fuel excise taxes.

Adriano added that the government is also trying to prevent oil prices from spreading pressure across the wider economy by bringing down logistics and transaction costs and by helping sectors such as transport and agriculture stay afloat.

Toledo, for his part, said the response will also require agencies to tighten spending and free up resources for urgent interventions.

“In support of the objectives of Memorandum Circular (MC) 114 and Executive Order (EO) 110, the DBM recommends mandating all departments and agencies to save at least 20 percent from non-essential MOOE,” he said.

Department of Economy, Planning and Development Secretary Arsenio Balisacan then laid out the harder scenario that officials are trying to avoid if crude prices remain elevated for an extended period.

“In the worst scenario, inflation could be as high as 6 to 7 percent if oil prices would stay at $150 per barrel. And that’s quite high. It’s just like going back to the high inflation of early 2023 when inflation was hitting at 6 to 8 percent,” he said.

He acknowledged that the assumptions behind those projections are severe, but said they remain useful in preparing for risks rather than being caught flat-footed by them.

affected. Recovery will take a long time,”

Fatih Birol, executive director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), told French daily Le Figaro in an interview. Globally, industry officials also expect a slow recovery in fuel supply chains even as geopolitical tensions ease.

“It will still take a period of months to get back to where supply needs to be given the disruption to the refining capacity in the Middle East,” IATA’s Walsh told reporters in Singapore.

“I don’t think it’s going to happen in weeks,” he added. As this developed, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and the Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (PHILEXPORT) welcomed the two-week ceasefire, saying it provides a timely but temporary opportunity for energy-dependent economies like

Despite the development, the press secretary said the president remains focused on addressing what he described as an ongoing “energy emergency,” emphasizing that President Marcos is prioritizing measures to mitigate the impact of rising energy costs on Filipino households and the broader economy.

“The President will not be distracted by this noise. The President remains laser-focused on one mission: solving our energy emergency and delivering real, tangible help to every Filipino family,” Gomez said. Moreover, Gomez said the PCO is actively monitoring and documenting online content related to the alleged disinformation campaign, including posts and comments, which he said will be used as evidence in potential court cases.

contain threats to its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

On the other hand, a United States diplomat reaffirmed the enduring alliance between Manila and Washington, linking the shared sacrifice of World War II to present-day security and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.

Araw ng Kagitingan, observed every April 9, marks the fall of Bataan in 1942, honors the bravery of those who fought during World War II in one of the darkest chapters in Philippine history.

In a message, Mr. Marcos cited the courage and sacrifice of Filipino and allied soldiers who fought during World War II, saying their example should continue to inspire collective action and patriotism.

“We are revisiting the courage and sacrifice of our heroes, not only as part of history, but also as a guide in facing the challenges of the present,” the President said in Filipino.

He emphasized that valor is not limited to the battlefield, noting that everyday acts of service, discipline, and unity are equally vital in nation-building.

the Philippines to secure critical imports and stabilize trade flows.

PHILEXPORT president Sergio R. Ortiz-Luis Jr. said the development underscores the vulnerability of global supply chains to geopolitical tensions, noting that even short disruptions can trigger route diversions, surcharges, and unpredictable freight rates that affect competitiveness.

“While we welcome the reopening, this is only a temporary reprieve. The uncertainty surrounding its continued accessibility highlights the risks facing global trade and the need for resilience,” Ortiz-Luis said.

PCCI president Perry Ferrer underscored the need to maximize the window, urging government and industry stakeholders to secure shipments of oil and fertilizers and build buffer stocks to cushion potential supply shocks. AFP

Palace slams VP over fuel crisis remarks

By Charles Dantes

ALACAÑANG

Mslammed Vice President Sara Duterte for criticizing the administration’s response to rising fuel costs and the Middle East crisis, accusing her of being unaware of government programs and directives.

In a message to Palace reporters on Thursday, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said Duterte, despite being part of the government, has failed to recognize ongoing efforts to address current challenges.

“That is the problem with VP Sara— she is unaware of the programs, directives, and accomplishments of the government,” Castro said in a statement.

Castro added that Duterte has not offered concrete solutions to pressing issues and instead resorted to criticism that does not help mitigate the impact of the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.

The Palace official emphasized that government officials should focus on their responsibilities amid global uncertainties affecting fuel prices and the economy.

The earlier challenged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to outline concrete measures to address rising oil prices amid Middle East tensions.

In a chance interview with reporters in Davao, Duterte emphasized that Filipinos deserve transparency on how the government is handling the conflict’s effects.

“We should ask our President what he is doing to help our countrymen who are being affected or suffering from the impact of the Middle East crisis,” she said.

Duterte suggested oil prices could decrease if the government resolves supply issues in the Middle East or secures alternative sources that do not pass through the region.

Manila bakeries to receive P25k subsidy—Isko

By Pot Chavez

LOCAL community bakers in the city of Manila are set to receive a P25,000 subsidy as they keep bread prices steady for the next 30 days.

“I want to learn, so I called you here because I also want to help community bakeries in the City of Manila. Pandesal is a symbol of the Filipino family’s breakfast—not just for the poor, but also for the rich,” Mayor Francisco Moreno Domagoso told the bakers.

Participating bakeries are expected to maintain prices of basic Filipino bread such as pandesal, pan de lemon, monay, and Spanish bread.

Domagoso said the subsidy would give bakeries breathing room to absorb rising costs without passing them on to consumers. While not a permanent solution, he said the assistance would serve as a government cushion amid the global crisis.

Asosasyon ng Panaderong Pilipino

President Chito Chavez described the initiative as a landmark move, saying it was the first time he had seen a local government extend support to the baking industry during a crisis.

Officials and Rotary leaders attend the

No

price increase seen for medicines, says DOH

By Rolando Ng III

A PRICE increase on medicines is not imminent despite the ongoing Middle East conflict, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

In a television interview, Health

Undersecretary Albert Domingo said the supply of medical products at current retail prices remains sufficient until June.

“Prices remain steady, and even the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines has said prices will not increase until June,” he said.

Domingo explained that the coun-

try’s pharmaceutical industry remains small compared to other nations, limiting opportunities for self-sufficiency in medicine manufacturing.

Nevertheless, he said the agency continues to encourage companies to invest in the country’s “pharmazones,” which could expand the local medicines market.

“Discussions are ongoing. One advantage of the Philippines is its geographical location. Manila and Subic ports can serve as drop-off points for shipments,” Domingo added.

He also lauded pharmaceutical firms for cutting costs to keep medi-

cine prices stable for consumers.

“We see that through proper discussions, if cost inputs truly rise due to oil, and price adjustments become necessary by July, the government is ready to absorb the increase,” he said, noting that PhilHealth may increase benefits to cushion the impact.

Domingo expressed confidence that DOH-run hospitals can sustain potential increases in medical supply costs through their existing budgets.

For private hospitals, he stressed the need to ensure the “unbundling” of hospital fees to properly assess adjustments and prevent unnecessary rate increases.

Rotary donates advanced device to NKTI

By Jimbo Gulle

A NEWLY donated surgical device is expected to improve transplant outcomes and save lives at the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI), following a partnership between the Rotary Club of San Juan Supreme in the Philippines and the Rotary Club of Pohang-Eungasu in South Korea. The donation, made through The Rotary Foundation, includes an EnSeal machine, an advanced surgical tool designed to make operations safer, faster, and less invasive.

The turnover ceremony was led by Rotary International District 3800 Governor Gina Sanchez, joined by district officers and members of the Rotary Club of San Juan Supreme.

Officials said the device would support NKTI’s transplant and surgical teams, which handle a high volume of kidney-related procedures each year. The 383-bed specialty hospital serves as the country’s primary referral center for renal care and organ transplantation.

NKTI Executive Director Dr. Jose Dante Dator and Head of Operating Room Dr. Carlos Torres formally received the equipment. Torres said the device would enhance surgical precision, reduce patient trauma, and shorten recovery time.

The EnSeal system uses temperature-sensitive technology that regulates electrical current during procedures, minimizing tissue damage and complications.

IN BRIEF

Five Chinese nabbed in Parañaque kidnapping

THE National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has reported the arrest of five Chinese nationals linked to abduction and illegal detention in Parañaque City. The operation was initiated following a complaint last week from a friend of the victim, another Chinese national who had been held captive since March 29. The victim was allegedly coerced into participating in an online love scam run by an individual identified as “Boss Aping” and suffered physical abuse, along with death threats if he attempted to escape.

The NBI–National Capital Region conducted surveillance to validate the complaint and later launched a rescue operation at the victim’s place of confinement. Agents rescued the victim and arrested the suspects, who were immediately identified as his kidnappers. Joel E. Zurbano

MMDA team inspects seven pumping stations

THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) conducted inspections of seven pumping stations across Metro Manila.

The move forms part of preparations for the rainy season to ensure that facilities are fully operational and capable of managing flooding during heavy rainfall.

MMDA Assistant General Manager for Operations David Angelo Vargas and Flood Control Sewerage Management Office OIC Engineer Michael Doce inspected the Libertad, Aviles, Pandacan, San Andres, Sta. Clara, Makati, and San Francisco pumping stations. Joel E. Zurbano

LTO issues show cause order vs. SUV owner

THE Land Transportation Office (LTO) has issued a show cause order against the registered owner and driver of a Toyota Fortuner involved in multiple serious traffic violations. The agency is also investigating the use of a motorcycle escort bearing a Philippine National Police logo.

LTO chief Markus Lacanilao said the agency will enforce the full extent of the law against violators. He stressed that no motorist is above the law and that those responsible will be held accountable.

Initial findings showed the vehicle deliberately disregarded traffic regulations, putting motorists and pedestrians at risk. Authorities also reported that the vehicle was accompanied by a motorcycle driven by an unidentified rider. The LTO directed the registered owner and driver to appear before its Intelligence and Investigation Division and submit a sworn explanation on why administrative sanctions should not be imposed. Rio N. Araja

PRICE MONITORING. Department of Trade

VALOR DAY. The Philippine Army Reserve Command commemorates the 84th Valor Day in Intramuros, Manila, with activities honoring Filipinos who fought alongside Americans during World War II, including a wreath-laying at the Battle of Manila Monument, which memorializes more than 100,000 civilians killed during atrocities committed by Japanese forces. Norman Cruz

COA tells DHSUD to rectify flaws in contractors’ equity

By Rio N. Araja

THE Commission on Audit (COA) has flagged the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) on the computation of incentivized balanced housing compliance, calling for corrective measures, including reassessment and collection of underpayment in accordance with law.

For its part, the DHSUD vowed to comply with both the Department of Justice opinion and COA findings, and invited officials of developer organizations to discuss the matter and formulate positive ways to move forward.

Housing czar Jose Ramon Aliling said the DHSUD will give the affected developers ample time to comply in consideration of the economic effects of the Middle East conflict.

COA noted how existing escrow funds were computed based on DHSUD Department Order No. 2021004, which was previously flagged by DOJ for legal infirmities.

According to COA, the questioned DHSUD order was inconsistent with the Republic Act 7279 as amended by RA 10884, particularly on the reduction of the required percentage of developers’ participation to the Balanced Housing Development Program (BHDP).

Under the law, developers of subdivision and condominium projects are mandated to allocate a portion of their project area or cost for socialized housing.

COA called for the recomputation of all incentivized compliance with BHDP retroactive to 2018 to correct the deficiencies it noted by collection of underpayment.

Over 200 mentors to attend schools’ conference in Cebu

By Minerva Newman

CEBU City—More than 200 teachers from 58 pilot schools across Cebu province, as well as Silang, Cavite, and Negros Oriental are expected to attend the Project 12 Summit 2026 on April 10–11 at the USJ-R Quadricentennial Building on Colon Street here.

The summit, organized by the US-based non-profit The Human Project Foundation, carries the theme “Developing a Resilient Generation.” Participants include educators from 43 public schools—37 elementary schools and six national high schools in Dumanjug, Cebu—along with representatives from private institutions involved in the program.

Joshua and Carol Pilapil, founders of The Human Project Foundation, said the summit is part of their flagship initiative, Project 12, which aims to integrate emotional intelligence (EQ) into the K-to-12 curriculum.

“This is a groundbreaking initiative that aims to integrate EQ development as a core subject from Kinder to Grade 12 in both public and private schools, anchored on Daniel Goleman’s five components of emotional intelligence,” Joshua Pilapil, a US-based clinical psychologist, told reporters.. He emphasized that education should go beyond intellectual development.

DFA convenes ASEAN officials ahead of summit

By Katrina Manubay

THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) organized on Tuesday (April 7) the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) senior officials’ meeting (SOM) ahead of the 48th ASEAN summit with a call for deeper regional cooperation and restraint amid ongoing global tensions, including the Middle East conflict.

In a statement, the DFA said the meeting discussed the progress made following the SOM in Cebu last January 28.

In his opening remarks, Philippine SOM Leader and DFA Undersecretary for Policy Leo HerreraLim highlighted the importance of strengthening ASEAN cooperation in light of regional challenges.

“Aware of the challenges before us and their far-reaching consequences, ASEAN must remain resilient, grounded, and forward-looking— pursuing solutions that endure,” he added.

The SOM leaders discussed recom-

mendations on implementing measures that would address the impact of the conflict on ASEAN’s economy, food security, and safety of its peoples, the DFA said.

The meeting also featured the Philippine proposal to hold a Ministerial Dialogue between ASEAN and the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) to establish a platform for dialogue on political, economic, and socio- cultural issues of mutual interest. Additionally, the Philippines chaired the Meeting of the Executive Committee of the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone Commission

(SEANWFZ ExCom), reaffirming ASEAN’ s commitment to a peaceful, neutral zone free of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction amid global uncertainties.

On the same day, the Philippines hosted the 19th ASEAN Coordinating Council Working Group on TimorLeste’ s membership in ASEAN (ACCWG- TL), marking its first session since Timor-Leste’ s admission in October 2025.

“The Philippines continues to work closely with ASEAN Member States in bolstering cooperation for the region’s shared vision of enduring peace and prosperity for its peoples,” the statement added.

In March, ASEAN foreign ministers pledged to enhance coordination to address the regional impacts of the Middle East conflict, emphasizing energy security, economic stability, and the importance of restraint and diplomacy.

This special meeting followed a joint ASEAN statement earlier in March reaffirming the bloc’ s commitment to support ASEAN nationals in crisis areas.

The Philippine Air

the

Philippines 26-1 exercises using Basa Air Base in Floridablanca, Pampanga as command station. The drill features the FA-50PH Fighting Eagle flying alongside the F-22 Raptor, highlighting efforts to strengthen coordination and operational synergy between allied air forces.

MISSING

PLANE PART. Police, assisted by members of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) of Tubajon , Dinagat Is. launch a search and rescue operation for a missing light aircraft believed to have crashed following recovery of a plane part preceded by a loud explosion.

DENR files raps vs. 8 El Nido resorts

By Rio N. Araja

THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has filed formal complaints against eight establishments in the renowned El Nido, Palawan for alleged violations of Republic Act 11038 or the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System (E-NIPAS) Act of 2018.

The offenses involved the construction, establishment and operation of facilities within a protected area without the required clearance from the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB).

DENR said the total number of establishments facing formal complaints reached 12.

The suits came on the heels of enforcement measures undertaken by the agency as part of its continuing inventory, assessment, and compli-

ance monitoring of establishments operating within the El Nido Managed Resource Protected Area, the DENR said.

The DENR’s efforts were aimed to address pressing environmental, public health and sanitation concerns associated with unregulated developments within the protected area, it added.

All actions undertaken formed part of established regulatory processes, including the issuance of notices of violation, opportunities for concerned parties to present proof of compliance, and subsequent enforcement measures where necessary, it pointed out.

DENR-MIMAROPA vowed to continue carrying out monitoring and enforcement activities across protected areas in the region in support of sustainable resource management, public health protection and responsible tourism.

IN BRIEF

Agents seize P20.6-m illegal drugs at CMEC

GOVERNMENT agents at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) have intercepted P20.6 million worth of suspected ecstasy and shabu concealed in three abandoned parcels at the Central Mail Exchange Center (CMEC) in Pasay City. The Philippine National Police-Aviation Security Group (PNP-Avsegroup) described the operation as another case of drug smuggling exploiting the country’s cargo system.

The contraband was discovered during routine X-ray screening and manual inspection of cargo conducted by the Bureau of Customs. The parcels were declared as ordinary items, including pet food, lighting equipment, and games. Further inspection, supported by K9 units, led to the discovery of thousands of colored tablets believed to be MDMA or ecstasy, along with a white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu. Joel E. Zurbano

Veterans’ wards eyed in regional hospitals

THE Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) is working with the Department of Health (DOH) to establish dedicated veterans’ wards in regional hospitals, in recognition of the service and sacrifices of Filipino veterans. PVAO deputy administrator and Assistant Secretary Restituto Aguilar said the initiative aims to complement services provided by the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) in Quezon City and expand access to healthcare for veterans living outside Metro Manila.

Aguilar said the planned wards would primarily benefit veterans in the provinces who are unable to travel to VMMC for medical care.

“While there are no VMMC facilities yet in other areas and major islands, we coordinated with the DOH to set up veterans’ wards in regional hospitals,” he said. Rex Espiritu

BuCor seeks NBI probe of jail guard’s death

THE Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) has asked the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to conduct intensive inquiry into the death of a corrections officer in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan on Good Friday. BuCor director general Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. made the request after the family of the slain corrections officer, identified as CO1 Jerson O. Talon, presented video footage and photographs showing him subdued, lying face down on the ground with his hands tied behind theback.

In a statement, Catapang said parallel investigations by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the NBI are essential to ensure an impartial and thorough examination of the incident. He also acknowledged and thanked Philippine National Police PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez for the swift relief and suspension of policemen implicated in the case. Rex Espiritu

JOINT AIR EXERCISE.

Force and the United States Pacific Air Forces hold a joint air drill as part of

Cope Thunder

OPINION

Reforming Duty-Free Philippines is an act of acccountability

THE recent opening of Duty-Free Philippines Corporation (DFPC) at NAIA Terminal 3 appears more than a retail expansion. Positioned for easier access at one of the country’s busiest gateways, the new store signals something more fundamental: a government retail corporation recalibrating itself to remain competitive, visible, and relevant.

It is modernization made visible—and a reminder that reform, properly understood, is not instability. It is responsibility.

Let’s be clear: reform is not chaos. Reform is correction.

Duty-Free Philippines was never designed to function as a private clubhouse for long-entrenched commercial interests.

It is a government-owned and controlled corporation under the Department of Tourism, tasked with one thing above all: serve travelers and generate revenue for the country. If that requires recalibration, then recalibration it must be.

Today’s leadership decision to open its concessionaire ecosystem to new players is being framed in some circles as “disruption.” That framing is convenient — but incorrect. What is actually happening is market correction.

Travelers are not naïve. They compare prices instantly. They know when a bottle of liquor or a luxury fragrance costs the same—or even less—in domestic retail chains.

The duty-free advantage cannot rely on nostalgia. It must rely on competitiveness.

Retail pricing is influenced by global supplier negotiations, sourcing scale, distribution structures, and corporate strategy. DFPC does not dictate how private chains price their products.

But it does control who operates inside its own commercial spaces and how productive those spaces are.

If concession performance no longer aligns with market realities, leadership has not only the right—but also the obligation—to review and diversify. Anything less would be complacency.

Resistance to reform is predictable. Long-standing operators naturally prefer continuity. Stability is profitable. Competition is uncomfortable.

But public corporations are not mandated to protect comfort. They are mandated to protect public value.

Opening the door to new concessionaires does three things immediately: It introduces competitive pressure. It expands product diversity. It signals

that performance is measured, not assumed. That is not hostility. That is governance.

The alternative is far more dangerous: stagnation disguised as “stability.”

Now, the real question: Should a government retail corporation freeze its commercial structure indefinitely? Ignore consumer feedback on price competitiveness? Avoid evaluating productivity metrics to prevent discomfort? Or should it evolve?

Around the world, competitive dutyfree environments rotate brands, refresh concession contracts, and recalibrate retail mix constantly. The Philippines cannot expect different results while operating under older assumptions.

Let’s be clear: reform is not chaos. Reform is correction

If Duty-Free Philippines is to remain relevant—especially in an era of aggressive domestic retail expansion—it must modernize not only its storefronts, but its internal ecosystem.

The more visible and accessible footprint now seen at Terminal 3 is proof that DFPC is recalibrating outwardly.

That same discipline must apply inwardly—to concession structures, performance standards, and commercial partnerships. Expansion without reform is cosmetic. Reform without expansion is incomplete. Sustainable competitiveness requires both. That includes reassessing who operates within it.

The louder the resistance, the clearer one thing becomes: change is real. But reform does not target individuals.

It targets inefficiencies. The DFPC leadership is not dismantling the institution. It is strengthening it—aligning it with its mandate to drive tourism revenue and improve the traveler experience.

No public corporation should be immune from review. No concession structure should be permanent by default. No retail environment should assume competitiveness without testing it.

This is not disruption for disruption’s sake. It is the basic discipline of governance. And if modernization unsettles entrenched expectations, that may simply mean it is overdue. (Email: ernhil@yahoo. com)

The Peace Pope

I WRITE this column from Rome. I witnessed first hand the things I write about here. Truly, it is a good time to be a Catholic.

Pope Leo XIV gave the world a rare gift. He refused to speak the language of worldly power. He spoke instead with the language of sacrificial love. His words cut through the relentless noise of war. The world has grown accustomed to violence and indifference. We have learned to look away from others’ pain. Leo XIV firmly refused to accept that resignation.

He began Holy Week by personally carrying the wooden cross. At Rome’s Colosseum, he walked all 14 stations himself. He bore that cross before 30,000 faithful pilgrims. No pope had done this fully in three decades.

He explained his choice to reporters in very plain words. “Christ still suffers,” he said that week, before our eyes. “I carry all these sufferings of the world in prayer.”

The Via Crucis meditations confronted human power with divine mercy. They named every abuse that crushes the weakest among us. They prayed for grace to weep over war’s devastation. They asked God to transform indifference into compassion. At the Easter Vigil, Leo preached on God’s love. He said that God answers sin and division with love. That love alone restores what human hatred has destroyed.

He named the heavy stones that seal too many tombs. Mistrust, fear, and re -

ICI: Icing on the burnt cake?

THE quiet disappearance of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) should trouble every Filipino who once believed the government’s anti-corruption drive had finally found its teeth.

Created in Sept. 2025 by President Marcos Jr. at the height of public outrage over anomalous, substandard and ghost flood control projects, the ICI was billed as an “independent” fact-finding body that would cut through entrenched interests.

It had the power to subpoena documents, recommend criminal charges, and expose the rot behind billions of pesos lost to corruption.

For a brief moment, it seemed like accountability was within reach.

Early signals were promising.

The commission identified dozens of anomalous projects and even recommended charges against highprofile individuals linked to the flood control mess.

Investigations by state forces likewise uncovered hundreds of “ghost projects,” confirming what citizens long suspected: that corruption in infrastructure was not incidental but systemic.

But momentum stalled almost as quickly as it began. Resignations rocked the commission.

Key members stepped down, citing pressure, risks, or internal issues, raising doubts about its independence and durability.

Critics pointed to limited resources and unclear authority as con-

straints that hobbled the body from the outset.

More troubling were perceptions, whether proven or not, that investigations slowed when they began inching closer to politically connected personalities.

To leave such a scandal unresolved is to normalize impunity in one of the most lifeand-death sectors of governance

By March 2026, the ICI effectively closed shop, declaring that it had “fulfilled its mandate.”

Yet the public has seen no comprehensive final report, no definitive accounting of who was responsible, and no clear roadmap for prosecution.

The result is a vacuum filled not by facts, but by suspicion.

Malacañang has insisted that the President did not interfere in the commission’s work and that recommendations would be submitted in due course. But “due course” is a fragile promise in a country where major corruption probes have his-

torically faded into obscurity. Meanwhile, even Senate inquiries into the same scandal remain unresolved, with lawmakers themselves admitting there is still “no closure.”

The core problem is not merely delay but credibility.

An anti-corruption body that dissolves without publicly delivering its full findings risks reinforcing the very cynicism it was meant to counteract.

If the investigation truly uncovered wrongdoing, then transparency demands disclosure.

If cases are being built quietly, then the government must communicate that clearly. Silence, in this context, is not neutrality but erosion of its mandate.

The stakes go beyond politics. Flood control failures are not abstract policy issues; they cost lives, homes, and livelihoods.

Every unfinished dike or phantom project translates into deeper floods and preventable tragedies.

To leave such a scandal unresolved is to normalize impunity in one of the most life-and-death sectors of governance.

The ICI was born out of outrage and promise. Its quiet end, however, risks becoming yet another chapter in the Philippines’ long history of investigations that begin with fire and end in fog.

Accountability delayed is accountability denied.

And unless the findings are laid bare before the public, the question will linger: was the ICI intend to uncover the truth, or merely to contain widespread public outrage?

Houston, we have a problem ... with the toilet

HOUSTON—After a successful trip around the Moon, everything has been going smoothly on the Orion spacecraft’s journey back to Earth – except for the $23 million toilet, which has gotten clogged.

The system designed to flush wastewater into space is malfunctioning, and NASA believes that a chemical reaction in the urine treatment system is the culprit.

The fecal disposal system, in a separate conduit, is working properly.

Astronaut Christina Koch said the so-called Universal Waste Management System was giving off “a burning heater smell.”

sentment press down on the human heart. War and injustice sever bonds between peoples and nations. Yet Leo refused to let despair have the final word. On Easter Sunday, he preached without easy consolation or comfort. Death lurks in injustice and the oppression of the poor. It lurks in the idolatry of profit and war.

This Easter peace genuinely and fully means not merely the welcome silence of all weapons (but) a peace that touches and transforms the heart

The Risen Lord breaks through every darkness that threatens us. Through the cracks of resurrection, Leo declared, hope always enters. The Lord is alive and walks with his people still. In every death we face, new life can arise. Then from the loggia came his Urbi et Orbi message. Leo addressed Rome and the entire watching world directly. His words were urgent, clear, and deeply prophetic.

He declared that the power of Christ is entirely nonviolent. It is like a grain of wheat breaking through earth. It is like a wounded heart choosing mercy over

Rick Henfling, flight director for the Artemis II mission, stressed Tuesday that “the toilet remains operational. The challenge that we’re working through is evacuating the wastewater tank,” he said. “So we’re having to fall back to some other alternate means.”

Under Plan B, the four astronauts are using personal reusable containers called “collapsible contingency urine disposal devices.”

The toilet problem was reported just hours after liftoff from Cape Canaveral, Florida. Koch adjusted the system’s controls, restarted them with the help of mission control, and that appeared to resolve the issue.

“I’m proud to call myself a space plumber,” Koch said in her first brief-

revenge. That nonviolent love is the true foundation of peace.

“Let those who have weapons lay them down,” he cried.

“Let those who unleash wars choose peace through dialogue.” His voice rang out boldly over Saint Peter’s Square.

He insisted that peace cannot be imposed by force ever. True peace comes through patient dialogue and never through conquest. It demands the desire to encounter others, not to conquer. This is the courage of all who rise with Christ.

He warned against the world’s globalization of indifference. We cannot resign ourselves to the advance of evil. We cannot ignore the suffering of our brothers far away.

Leo clarified what this Easter peace

ing from the spacecraft, which is to splash down in the Pacific Ocean on Friday. She called the toilet “probably the most important piece of equipment on board.”

However, the problem has persisted. The astronauts are unable to flush the wastewater into space.

The problem has persisted. The astronauts are unable to flush the wastewater into space

The issue has been a constant topic of discussion at press conferences held at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. This is the same center that in 1970 received astronaut Jack Swigert’s message: “Houston, we’ve had a problem,” after an oxygen tank explosion aborted Apollo 13’s Moon landing, starting a harrowing emergency that eventually brought those three astronauts back to Earth safely. Chemicals, not ice NASA initially thought the toilet problem might be due to freezing in the filters.

But Henfling said that the problem was not ice. The spacecraft has been

genuinely and fully means. It is not merely the welcome silence of all weapons. It is a peace that touches and transforms the heart. That inner peace is the only peace that holds. The first American pope carries a deeply universal urgent message. His Easter is a solemn summons to every single person. It calls us all to choose life firmly over death. For Filipinos, this message speaks with tremendous and urgent force. We know what it means to live amid daily violence. We know the weight of impunity and deep injustice. We carry our own crosses on these beloved Philippine islands.

But Easter always speaks to our people’s great resilience. We are a people who rise again from every darkness. We

rotated to face the sun to “bake off any ice” and heaters have been activated, “and we still see blockage,” he said.

“The latest theory is related to some of the chemistry that goes into ensuring that the wastewater doesn’t develop any biofilms,” or microorganisms, he said. The chemical reaction may be generating some debris that’s “getting clogged in a filter.”

The toilet on board Orion is similar to the one on the International Space Station, but this is the first time it has been used on a crewed deep-space mission.

The Apollo astronauts didn’t have a toilet and used special bags for waste.

On the Orion spacecraft, which is five meters in diameter and a little over three meters high, the toilet is located beneath the floor – the only place on board where the astronauts can be alone.

The cramped toilet space is very noisy inside, so they must protect their ears. It has suction systems to compensate for microgravity.

Feces are placed in disposable bags that compact and will be brought back to Earth.

Lori Glaze, associate administrator of NASA’s Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate, said that “as soon as we get this down on the ground, we’ll be able to get inside and we will get to the root” of the problem. AFP

know that love, in the end, always prevails. The Peace Pope invites each of us to be peace. He calls us to run joyfully as Mary Magdalene ran. He asks us to carry Easter light into our streets. He wants us to be bearers of hope, not hatred. His Easter summons us to conversion, not just celebration. It asks us to lay down our heart’s weapons. It calls us to forgive as we have been forgiven. Leo shows us the face of the risen Christ. That face is compassionate, humble, and unafraid. It turns toward the broken and the poor always. Let us turn together with him toward that suffering.

The tomb is empty. Christ is risen. That changes everything.

SUBJECT:

FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2026

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Trump says US military to stay close to Iran

WASHINGTON, DC—US President Donald Trump said late Wednesday that US forces deployed near Iran would remain stationed in the area until a “real agreement” is reached, as Washington enters a fragile two-week ceasefire with Tehran.

The truce reached Tuesday showed signs of unravelling, with Israel bombarding Lebanon and Washington contradicting some of Iran’s demands to end the war ahead of planned talks.

“All U.S. Ships, Aircraft, and Military Personnel, with additional Ammunition, Weaponry, and anything else that is appropriate and necessary for the lethal prosecution and destruction of an already substantially degraded Enemy, will remain in place in, and around, Iran, until such time as the REAL AGREEMENT reached is fully complied with,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

While he said a deal falling through was “highly unlikely,” Trump threatened to revert to “bigger, and better, and stronger” strikes if an agreement was not reached.

“In the meantime our great Military is Loading Up and Resting, looking forward, actually, to its next Conquest. AMERICA IS BACK!” Trump wrote.

Iran agreed to reopen the vital thoroughfare during the two-week truce, but said it would maintain “dominion” over it.

The Strait of Hormuz is a key chokepoint through which one-fifth of the world’s oil passes in peacetime.

In related developments:

In Islamabad, Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan deleted a social media post saying an Iranian delegation would arrive in Islamabad on Thursday night, a move an embassy official later told AFP had been sent prematurely.

Ambassador Reza Amiri Moghadam said in a post on X on Thursday morning that an Iranian delegation would arrive “tonight in Islamabad for serious talks based on 10 points proposed by Iran”. The post was deleted shortly after. AFP

MINES VS. GLACIERS. Demonstrators pose during a protest against the modi cations of the Glaciers Law in front of the Congress building in Buenos Aires, on Thursday, Manila time. Argentine deputies are debating a government proposal calling on the provinces to rede ne glacier protection zones in order to expand mining operations. The amendment to the so-called Glacier Law, which was approved by the Senate in February, would make it easier to mine for metals such as copper, lithium and silver in frozen parts of the Andes mountains. AFP

IN BRIEF

Ex-US Army employee indicted

WASHINGTON, DC—A former US Army employee was indicted by a federal grand jury on Wednesday (Thursday, Manila time) for allegedly disclosing classified information to a journalist, the Justice Department said. Courtney Williams, 40, of North Carolina, was arrested by FBI agents on Tuesday, the department said.

The Justice Department did not identify the journalist to whom Williams allegedly transmitted national defense information. But US media identified him as Seth Harp, author of the 2025 book “The Fort Bragg Cartel: Drug Trafficking and Murder in the Special Forces.” According to court documents, Williams worked for a special military unit at Fort Bragg, headquarters of the US Army’s elite Special Operations Command, between 2010 and 2016 and held a top secret security clearance. Between 2022 and 2025, she allegedly communicated with the journalist on numerous occasions by telephone and by text message and she was quoted by name in his book. AFP

N. Korea holds 3 days of arms test SEOUL—North Korea tested weapon systems over three days this week, including the firing of ballistic missiles and cluster bombs, its state media said on Thursday.

A mobile short-range anti-aircraft missile system was also included in the tests, the Korean Central News Agency reported.

The trials took place Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, as part of regular efforts to develop and upgrade weapons systems, KCNA said. South Korea’s military reported earlier that North Korea had fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles in two rounds on Wednesday, and an “unidentified projectile” the previous day. According to KCNA, the exercises “confirmed that the surfaceto-surface tactical ballistic missile Hwasongpho-11 Ka tipped with the cluster bomb warhead can reduce to ashes any target covering an area of 6.5-7 hectares”. Cluster munitions disperse dozens or even hundreds of smaller submunitions over a wide area, making them controversial because of the long-term risks they pose to civilians.

Also tested were an “electromagnetic weapon system” and “carbon fiber sham bombs scattering” that KCNA described as “special assets of strategic nature”. AFP

2.Facilitate

3.Enhance Sustainability: Strengthen the operational and financial capacity of cooperatives, enabling them to contribute effectively to the coconut industry.

4.Align with National Goals: Ensure that the initiatives under this circular are consistent with the broader goals of the CFIDP and the Philippine Cooperative Code of 2008. 04

Section 3. LEGAL BASES

1. Sec.4(g), Republic Act no. 11524 mandates the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) to prepare the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (Plan) which shall, among others, take into account the distribution of the annual allocation of the trust fund to organization and empowerment of coconut farmer organization and their cooperatives, to be implemented by the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) for farmers cooperatives and LGUs for coconut farmer organizations;

2. Office of the President Memorandum Circular No. 84 issued on May 21, 2025, approved the CFIDP 2024–2028, which outlines, among others, the following national programs: (i) establishment of community-based enterprises; (ii) provision of social protection for coconut farmers, farmworkers, and their families; (iii) organization and development of coconut farmers; (iv) conduct of innovative research on coconut processing, production, and distribution to strengthen the domestic coconut industry; and (v) promotion of integrated processing of coconut and downstream products.

3. Article 2 of the Philippine Cooperative Code of 2008 (Republic Act no. 9520), declares the policy of the state to foster the creation and growth of cooperatives as practical vehicle for promoting self-reliance and harnessing people power towards the attainment of economic development, equity and social justice;

4. Cooperative Development Authority Charter of 2019 (Republic Act no. 11364)

Section 2, paragraph 4, Declaration of Policy - The government and all its branches, subdivisions, instrumentalities and agencies shall continue to provide technical guidance, financial assistance and other services to enable the cooperatives to develop into viable and responsive economic enterprises towards a strong cooperative movement, free from condition which infringes upon the objective and character of cooperatives.

• Section 4. Powers, Functions and Responsibilities. The Authority shall have the following powers and functions:

(b) Formulate, adopt and implement integrated and comprehensive plans and programs on cooperative development consistent with the national policy on cooperatives and establish an integrated framework on cooperative development for all government agencies; (m) Administer all grants and donations exclusively intended for cooperatives coursed through the Authority for cooperative development, without prejudice to the right of cooperatives to directly receive and administer such;

Section 4. QUALIFIED BENEFICIARIES

The beneficiaries of the program, regardless of cooperative asset size, with micro and small cooperatives as priority, shall meet all the minimum qualifications, as follows:

A. Audit Subsidy

1. Duly registered cooperatives under RA 9520; 2. Cooperatives accredited by the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA),

B. Registration Subsidy Registering cooperative with the CDA which should be:

1. Coconut farmer organizations/associations (CFO/CFA) accredited by the PCA which opted to be registered as a cooperative; or 2. Group of individual coconut farmers who organized themselves into a CFC. For audit

4.

5.

6.

8.

1.

2.

3.

4.

3.

FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2026

Young stars give MPBL big boost

BOLSTERED by a bevy of collegiate standouts, the SportsPlus MPBL 2026 Season begins on Friday, April 10, with simultaneous doubleheaders at the Caloocan Sports Complex and the Alonte Sports Arena in Binan, Laguna.

The inaugural games pit Pasay against the Mike Phillips-led San Juan at 5 p.m. in Caloocan, and Rizal Province and Cebu encounter at the same time in Binan. Reinforced by the 6-foot-8 Phillips, a former Gilas Pilipinas member and UAAP Season 88 Finals MVP, University of the Philippines stalwarts Harold Alarcon, Terrence Fortea, Gerry Abadiano and Reyland Torres, San Beda’s Jomel Puno, and Perpetual Help’s Patrick Sleat, Jearico Nunez and JP Boral, the Knights are solid picks over the Pasay Voyagers, who will depend on Christian Fajarito, National University recruits Steve Nash Enriquez and Mark Parks, and Mapua acquisition CJ Gonzales.

The Caloocan Batang Kankaloo are also favored over the Quezon City Black Bulls, with former La Salle star Kean Baclaan and former Ateneo hotshots Dom Escobar and Kymani

Ladi leading the charge. Quezon City is pinning its hopes on prized finds Pat Buena and Jake Agoncillo, and veteran Rey Publico. The Binan-Gensan tussle is a toss-up with former University of Santo Tomas hotshot Nic Cabanero, Warren Bonifacio, Kenny Roger Rocacurva, Carlo Lastimosa and Pamboy Raymundo providing firepower for the home team. Gensan will call on former St. Benilde starter Anton Eusebio, University of Makati’s Nelo Santos, and Lyceum’s Jan Michael Versoza to support Kyle Tolentino, Louie Vigil and Mark Cruz. Simple opening ceremonies, led by MPBL Commissioner Emmer Oreta, will precede the games to be broadcast by Solar Sports and available on YouTube. SportsPlus president and CEO Andre Uy will also be present, along with MPBL CEO Joe Ramos, Operations Head Zaldy

Let the countdown begin

SO, we missed the Asian Cup again. While it is not totally unexpected, we can’t help but gnash our teeth in frustration. Hope was high before the game against Tajikistan in Dushanbe with the arrival, finally, of Raphael Obermair. He even scored his first goal for the sun and the three stripes right in his first game.

It was a perfect start. Not the perfect ending though. A deflected goal enabled the host to equalize in the game and it was enough for Tajikistan to catch the last bus to Saudi Arabia. What could have happened if Obermair had played for the country much, much earlier?

The The Designated Kit Man Erel Cabatbat Free Throw Shooter Nathaniel Dela Cruz In The Red Corner Nissi Icasiano In

Again, expectations do not normally align with reality.

This one is real though: Did we really expect to win in Dushanbe without a decent tune-up game?

The Philippine Football Federation had several months to at least arrange a friendly with neighboring federations or even a game with a PFL selection against the team formerly known as the Azkals. But again, nada.

The responsibility and the ultimate task to win the most important game for the Philippine Men’s National Football Team was put solely in the hands of the team formerly known as the Azkals and the coaching staff. The players, even with the decent draw, delivered, most of them actually. But I can’t say the same for coach Carles Cuadrat and his staff. Poor decisions were made especially during the game. Adjustments were not immediately made. Substitutions came in late. At the most important and the biggest game as the national coach, Cuadrat crumbled. True, we went undefeated in the qualifying tournament. But undefeated is not enough to buy us a ticket in the 2027 Asian Cup. Learn from the experience? Sino ba ang hindi natututo? Move on? But who can’t move on? Us for sure. We will have to wait for another four years and dwell, most probably, on mountains and mountains of what ifs and the usual hype that we hear from our favorite sporting association.

After the game in Dunshabe, we haven’t received any news on the PMNFT’s return to the country.

Given that most of them play overseas, nothing much was heard of the gallant men who played their hearts out. Dahil draw? Hindi nag-qualify? Oh wait, whatever happened to the Filipinas? Are they home after carrying, again, for the nth time, the PFF on their shoulders by qualifying for their consecutive FIFA Women’s World Cup? No fanfare, no welcome banners, no news, too. At least the praise release was sent. Which brings us to our next con-

cern. Someone told The Designated Kit Man that a controversial official (CO) from a national sporting association has resigned from his post. This official, who has the knack of grabbing attention and unnecessary attention with his behavior has been silent of late after another caper that overshadowed a recent accomplishment made by a team that has continued to defy the odds. Multiple sources claim that he has indeed formalized his intention to leave the association after a senior official called out for an accountability all of his questionable conducts in the past. The initial request was allegedly swept under the rug by referring the complaint to another department instead of the more appropriate one. The problem, however, refused to go away as another group wrote the NSA supporting the initial request. The second group reiterated the need to investigate and make accountable the CO for conduct not expected from someone occupying a high post. The group has expressed concerns that the sporting association is not being represented “in the highest level of integrity and professionalism” due to a series of questionable behavior of the CO. Another regional party is expected to support the initial calls for accountability. Another source says the CO’s resignation was to mitigate the impact of the complaints and protect the embattled leadership, which is allegedly prioritizing its intention of extending its stranglehold of power this early. Whatever the real reasons, let’s be grateful for the small wins. Moreover, let the countdown begin in the much-awaited departure of the CO. The source likewise told The Designated Kit Man that aside from the CO, several other officials and employees of the said NSA are also leaving for various reasons, but boil down to a simple thing called empathy. Si Manong Guard na lang ‘ata ang maiiwan. More on this next week. On a personal note, I would like to enjoin all that are planning to spend vacation outside the metropolis this summer break to please consider visiting Masbate, the country’s rodeo capital, next week. The island province will hold the 30th Philippine Rodeo National Finals on April 13-18, 2026. The competition, part of the 30th Rodeo Festival, will not only feature the best cowboys and cowgirls in the country, but will highlight as well the Philippines’ cattle ranching heritage, traditions and camaraderie fostered by generations of ranching families. For more information and queries, please check www.rodeomasbate.ph. Stay safe. Stay happy peeps! For comments or questions, you can reach The Designated Kit Man at erel_cabatbat@yahoo.com or follow his account at Twitter: @erelcabatbat

Junior Lady Altas set sights on title repeat

By Dennis Abrina

THE University of Perpetual Help System DALTA Junior Lady Altas are determined to defend their crown after ruling the #NCAASeason101 Volleyball Fiesta (Girls Division) at the Arellano University Gym.

Coach of the Year Sandy Rieta shared that the squad remains largely intact, with only team captain and setter Jasmine Monte set to graduate on April 15. The rest of the roster still has one more year of eligibility.

For winning the championship, the Perpetual Junior Lady Altas received the NCAA Season 101 glass trophy along with several individual honors, Janine Espiritu as Best Libero, Jasmine Monte as Best Setter, Sherrie Rose Acosta as Best Opposite Hitter, Ramiel Panganiban as Best Middle Blocker, and Elizha Sildo as Finals MVP.

Catherine Chu of the Arellano University Baby Chiefs was hailed as Season MVP.

Rieta noted that Acosta, Panganiban, Sildo, Isabel Baser, and Espiritu are all still in Grade 11 and remain eligible to compete next season.

The coach also revealed that new recruits will be introduced in due time as the team prepares for its title defense.

This marks the program’s second championship in three years, fuelling their motivation to retain the title next season.

Rieta, a Cavite-based mentor, added that Monte will move up to the seniors’ ranks and join the training pool of the Lady Altas, who recently claimed bronze after defeating the San Beda Lady Red Spikers.

5 multiple major champs eye 1st Masters’ victory

AUGUSTA—Five Americans with multiple major triumphs but no green jacket made final preparations Wednesday at Augusta National on the eve of the 90th Masters.

For two-time major winners Xander Schauffele, Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, Bryson DeChambeau and five-time major champion Brooks Koepka, a firm and fast layout will test their shotmaking skills.

“They are in a really good spot. They are definitely firm,” 10th-ranked Schauffele said of the greens.

“Speed on the greens is going to be crucial, as always. Big accomplishment to keep three-putts off the card.

“If you can really be disciplined, make sure your good shots are great but make sure your bad shots are in the correct spots, that’s how you need to play to be in contention.

“The hard part is doing it.” Schauffele, the 2024 British Open and PGA Championship winner, was third at the Players Championship and fourth at the Valspar Championship in his final Masters tuneups.

“It’s nice to have a few good events under my belt,” Schauffele said. “Definitely working on a few things and trying to get myself back into the picture here.”

The 2019 Masters runner-up has five top-10 finishes in the past seven Masters.

Seventh-ranked Morikawa, the 2020 PGA Championship and 2021 British Open winner, has battled a back injury.

“I’m taking it day by day. It’s not exactly where I want to be, and it’s unfortunate, but that’s just the body and I can’t push it,” Morikawa said.

“It has been a little bit of a mental battle, just trying to trust with where it’s at.” For Morikawa, third at the 2024 Masters and in the top five in three of the past four years, it means seeking new ways to do familiar things.

“Sometimes you’ve got to find other ways to get around a golf course. I’m making a different game plan than I’ve come up with in the past,” he said. AFP

Agra, Ybanez claim bronze in Hanoi pickleball tourney

By Randy M. Caluag

LAWYER Jessica Agra marked a strong start to her pickleball career, clinching a bronze medal in her first international tournament at the PPA Asia 1000 MB Hanoi Cup 2026 in Vietnam.

Agra, a former No. 1 padel player in Asia, teamed up with former tennis standout Macy Solon-Ybanez to secure a podium finish in the women’s 35+ 3.5-and-above doubles event, underscoring a smooth transition to the fast-growing sport. The Filipina pair advanced to the semifinals with a dominant 15-2 victory over South Korea’s Yeji Shin and Heesok Kim, before bowing to eventual silver medalists Truc Nguyen and Thao Nguyen of Vietnam, 15-12, in a tightly contested match.

Vietnam’s Trang Tran and Phan Quynh went on to claim the gold medal.

Solon-Ybanez added to the Philippines’ medal haul by capturing bronze in the women’s singles category, defeating Vietnam’s Phung Vo, 15-7.

For Agra, the achievement was particularly notable as it came just four months after shifting from padel to pickleball, highlighting her adaptability and competitive edge on the international stage.

“Thank you, partner, for playing with me. Great fight today!” Agra said, acknowledging SolonYbanez following their podium finish.

She described the tournament as a milestone in her early pickleball journey.

“Such a great experience playing my first international pickleball tournament just four months into the sport,” she said, expressing gratitude to her supporters.

Agra credited her sponsors — Toby’s Sports, Polland Hopia, Rudy Project Philippines, KSwiss Philippines, ImmuniPH, and A Game Sport — for supporting her transition and early campaign in the sport.

Undefeated Mindoro seeks world crown, begins US camp

RISING Filipino middleweight contender Weljon “Triggerman” Mindoro is set to take a major step toward his world title aspirations, departing for a yearlong training camp in the United States with the full backing of the Games and Amusements Board (GAB).

Before leaving for Florida, Mindoro paid a courtesy call on GAB Chairman Francisco J. Rivera at

the agency’s central office in Makati City on April 7, where officials and members of his team gathered to show support for his international campaign.

Joining the meeting were GAB Boxing and Other Contact Sports Division Assistant Chief Jan Kenner B. So, boxing manager Orlando Borcelango, manager-promoter Gerry Balmes, trainer Jovill

Marayan, and fellow professional fighters Romer Pinili and Eviden Borcelango.

Ranked No. 2 in the middleweight division by the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation\, Mindoro has emerged as one of the Philippines’ most promising knockout artists. The Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur native carries an impressive professional record of 17 wins, 0 losses, and 1 draw, with 16 victories coming by knockout, underscoring his reputation as a heavy hitter in the 160-pound division. His high knockout rate has made him a standout prospect and a potential future world title challenger.

Mindoro also brings international experience, having represented the Philippines in the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand as part of the national boxing team. His stint in the regional meet further solidified his credentials as both a professional and national athlete. During the meeting, Mindoro and his handlers also took the opportunity to raise concerns and offer recommendations following the Senate Committee on Sports’ assessment of the country’s performance in the 2025 SEA Games. Discussions centered on strengthening government support for athletes, who juggle professional careers while representing the country in major international competitions.

Yocte holds nerve to repel Go, claims JPGT Mactan title SPORTS

LAPU-LAPU City—Akeisha Yocte delivered a gutsy, character-filled performance under punishing heat and relentless pressure, outlasting Vanya Go in a nervewracking finish to capture the girls’ 7-10 title at the ICTSI Mactan Island Junior PGT Championship here on Thursday.

In a gripping duel that tightened coming down the stretch at the Mactan Island Golf Club, Yocte battled her way to an 82 to secure a two-stroke victory, finishing with a 159 total in a 36-hole contest that tested composure as much as skill.

Yocte and Go stepped onto the par-4 18th mound tied at 22-over, setting the stage for a dramatic finish. Yocte kept her poise, salvaging a bogey from the bunker, while Go faltered under pressure, carding a triple-bogey 7 after a costly exchange from one bunker to another.

Go settled for an 80 and a 161 total.

“I feel good – and much better,” said the nine-year-old Yocte, who also relied on her familiarity with the course to pull off the hard-fought victory in the kickoff leg of the JPGT Visayas-Mindanao Series.

“This win boosted my confidence and taught me

important lessons about staying focused and bouncing back from every setback or challenge,” she added. Earlier, Go erased a four-shot deficit and surged ahead with a clutch birdie on the par-3 12th, capitalizing on

Yocte’s costly stumble on No. 13. But the battle was far from over.

A missed up-and-down on No. 16 dropped Go back into a tie, setting the stage for a tense, tense-filled finale

Jessica Agra and Macy Solon-Ybanez are o to a good start in the international pickleball stage. Jessica Agra

OPBF no. 2 middleweight contender Weljon Mindoro and his team pay a courtesy call to GAB chairman Atty. Francisco Rivera. GAB

Akeisha Yocte and Ethan Lago, winners of the 2026 ICTSI Mactan Island Junior PGT at the Mactan Island Golf Course in Cebu City, hold their medals. Manny Marcelo

S&P tempers PH outlook on oil shock

‘Stable’

PH credit outlook

5.8%

GDP growth forecast for 2026

3.4%

Inflation forecast for 2026

By Thony Rose Lesaca

S&P Global Ratings said Thursday it affirmed its ‘BBB+/A-2’ sovereign credit ratings on the Philippines on Thursday, but revised its outlook to stable from positive, citing increased external risks and fiscal pressures stemming from the war in the Middle East.

The rating agency said the stable outlook reflects an expectation that the Philippines will maintain healthy economic growth and a declining fiscal deficit over the next two years.

However, the revision from positive indicates that external and fiscal support is unlikely to improve enough in the near term to warrant a rating upgrade.

S&P Global Ratings said the war in the Middle East has increased risks for the country’s external and fiscal metrics. While the agency assumes the intensity of the conflict will peak in April, it noted that uncertainty remains high and disruptions could persist for months.

The Philippines’ above-average economic growth potential and strong external position continue to support the ratings. Tempering these strengths is a GDP per capita that remains lower than most investment-grade

Sugar producers demand cloud seeding to save withering crops

By Othel V. Campos

THE United Sugar Producers’ Federation of the Philippines (UNIFED) has called on government agencies and local officials to immediately implement cloud seeding operations as dry conditions linked to the El Niño weather phenomenon begin to wither sugarcane fields.

In separate letters sent to Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., Sugar Regulatory Administration

Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona and Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, UNIFED president Manuel Lamata warned that insufficient rainfall is disrupting crop development and threatening national yields.

“The lack of sufficient rainfall is adversely affecting crop growth, reducing yield potential and increasing the risk of substantial economic losses,” Lamata said. The appeal follows reports from the Sugar Regulatory Administration

produces about 60 percent of the sugar supply in the Philippines. Industry officials warned that output in the province could drop by as much as 30 percent during severe dry spells, which may destabilize the domestic market.

sovereigns, it said.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said it will continue to monitor local and overseas data for guidance in their policy decisions, following S&P Global’s revised “stable” credit outlook.

“The BSP will continue to monitor local and overseas data to effect policies aimed at safeguarding price and financial stability amid a challenging economic and geopolitical landscape,” BSP Governor Eli Remolona Jr. said in a statement.

showing that El Niño has already reduced sugar output in some regions. Affected plantations have recorded production declines of more than 100,000 metric tons so far. Negros Occidental

JOB CREATION.

Aboitiz Group president and chief executive and Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) lead convener Sabin

Aboitiz discusses strategic private sector recommendations to address employment challenges arising from the Middle East crisis in a meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Malacañang on April 8, 2026

JOB FAIR.

SM City Bacoor becomes a hub for career transitions during a job fair organized by the Bacoor City Public Employment Service Office (PESO). More than 500 applicants bypassed the traditional weeks-long online application process to interview directly with hiring managers. A recordbreaking 400-plus applicants were hired on the spot, securing immediate positions in sectors ranging from retail to tech-driven services.

By Jenniffer B. Austria

METRO Pacific Investments Corp.’s (MPIC) digital health platform mWell is drawing interest from investors as it integrates new acquisitions and prepares for overseas expansion, a senior executive said.

MPIC chief finance officer and mWell president June Cheryl Cabal-Revilla told reporters in a recent interview that the company has been approached by numerous investors.

She said some parties previously expressed interest in investing in Metro Pacific Health Corp (MPH) on the condition that mWell be included in the deal due to the growing appeal of digital health solutions.

The platform has become integral to the digitalization strategy of MPH, supporting initiatives to improve healthcare delivery efficiency. While some investors have sought direct stakes in mWell, CabalRevilla said the company has not yet committed to any offers.

The firm said it prioritizing internal improvements, specifically the integration of mWell with KonsultaMD (KMD), which it acquired last year.

The process involves consolidating multiple platforms to reduce costs and create a uni-

fied system for doctors and patients. Beyond local integration, the company is engaging potential technical partners and responding to inquiries from overseas firms interested in adopting the mWell platform. Cabal-Revilla said international expansion remains dependent on completing backend integration to ensure an efficient rollout.

The platform serves as MPIC’s response to government calls for private sector assistance in addressing healthcare access gaps. Through its digital services, mWell allows patients to consult doctors remotely and access care outside of traditional physical facilities.

Financial performance for the unit remains a key focus. Cabal-Revilla said mWell was profitable on a standalone basis before the KMD acquisition. Following the merger, the combined business recorded a modest loss of less than P50 million last year.

IN BRIEF

Norman

TRANSPORT

Gov’t unveils key reforms to empower PH seafarers

IN A major move to empower the local maritime sector, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has rolled out a landmark policy to modernize licensing procedures and open new career paths for Filipino seafarers.

Under Memorandum Circular No. MD-2026-01, updated standards have been established for Major Patrons, Minor Patrons, Boat Captains, Marine Diesel Mechanics and Motormen. This revision aligns with Republic Act No. 12021 (Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers), ensuring that training and certification for both commercial and fishing vessels remain world-class while becoming more accessible.

“The new policy is designed to elevate the competency standards of Filipino seafarers within the domestic trade. By enhancing training and assessment protocols, it seeks to safeguard human life, promote maritime security, and ensure the protection of the marine environment and property.”

MARINA said the new policy aims to raise the level of standard of competence of Filipino seafarers in the domestic trade. It also aims to ensure and promote health, safety of life, security, and

TRAVELERS flying out of Clark International Airport (CRK) can now take advantage of a complimentary shuttle service departing from NAIA Terminal 3.

Luzon International Premiere Airport Development Corp (LIPAD), operator of Clark International Airport, in partnership with Genesis Transport, is rolling out the service for passengers with confirmed flights departing from CRK within 24 hours. Participating airlines include Cebu Pacific, CebGo, AirSWIFT, Philippine Airlines, and Sunlight Air. Shuttle trips depart hourly starting April 1, leaving on the dot from Genesis’ station at NAIA Terminal 3, Bay 13.

“This initiative is part of our continuing efforts to ease the transition of turboprop operations to Clark and ensure that passengers are fully sup-

ported as services shift. By providing a seamless and cost-free transfer option, we are making it easier for travelers to access CRK,” Noel Manankil, chief executive of LIPAD said.

The free service is exclusively for passengers with flights departing from CRK. A valid boarding pass or flight itinerary is required. No boarding pass means no free ride. The offer is valid only within 24 hours prior to departure, is one-time use, non-transferable, and subject to seat availability on a first-come, first-served basis.

To avail of the service, passengers must present their boarding pass or flight itinerary with booking reference, along with a valid governmentissued ID, to the Genesis dispatcher at NAIA Terminal 3. A voucher will then be issued, which must be completed and submitted to the bus conductor prior to boarding.

PPA posts 7% drop in Holy Week passengers

THE Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) said it recorded 2.23 million passengers during the Semana Santa 2026 from ports nationwide, a 7 percent decrease compared to the 2.41 million passengers recorded last year during the same period. The state-run port authority identified the Port Management Offices (PMOs) in Panay/Guimaras, Batangas, Negros Oriental/Siquijor, Mindoro, and Davao as those with the highest passenger volumes. Despite a slight year-on-year dip in travelers, port operations remained smooth and efficient throughout the period.

PPA said that no maritime accidents or safety incidents were recorded during Holy Week 2026. It noted that the travel season was particularly manageable due to a decrease in travelers, a trend linked to the high cost of petroleum products.”

protection of marine environment and property by capacitating the domestic seafarer through training and assessment.

The new policy replaces the Certificate of Marine Profession (CMP) with a license ID valid for 10 years. Offered without additional fees, this change provides significant convenience and cost relief to seafarers.

To boost the pool of skilled onboard personnel, MARINA announced that shore-based engine mechanics may now qualify for a Motorman license. The agency has also rationalized education and sea service requirements to simplify the qualification process while upholding strict competency and safety standards. Furthermore, graduates of BSMT and BSMarE programs (including AMT, AME, and those with CCIs) are no longer required to undergo additional training, as these requirements are now fully integrated into their academic curricula.

Developed through extensive stakeholder consultations, the policy aims to increase the number of qualified officers on Philippine-registered vessels. By strengthening workforce readiness and enhancing maritime safety, MARINA seeks to create more job opportunities, particularly within domestic waters. Darwin G. Amojelar

“If we notice, unlike before, the number of passengers at the port was not as high as before due to the high fares and petroleum products, however, Holy Week 2026 remained orderly and organized due to our early preparations and also due to the solidarity of passengers with the new systems we are implementing to improve their experience at the port”, according to PPA General Manager Jay Santiago.

PPA said the main reason for the decrease in the number of passengers who returned to their respective provinces this Holy Week was due to the increase in oil prices which also resulted in an increase in ferry fares.

Prior to the holiday rush, the PPA launched the Online Reservation Assistance System (ORAS) across several ports to streamline ticket purchases and eliminate long queues. Passengers who utilized the system reported that it allowed them to secure slots well in advance of their arrival, though some noted a slight learning curve as first-time users.

Overall, travel across PPAmanaged ports remained smooth and peaceful. The agency continues to prioritize digital and operational innovations to ensure passenger travel remains efficient, even amidst the challenges of high fuel costs.

2GO partners with PCG to enhance personnel welfare

2GO, the Philippines’ premier shipping and logistics provider, has signed an agreement with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to streamline transport and logistics for personnel and their families.

The agreement aims to support active and retired PCG personnel by providing access to 2GO’s shipping and logistics services that can help address their everyday transport and logistics requirements

Under the partnership, PCG personnel will also be eligible for sea travel discounts, along with their legal spouses or authorized companions when traveling with 2GO.

Moreover, the partnership provides a framework for transport and logistics support for official PCG requirements, including the movement of humanitarian and relief goods when needed.

This collaboration aims to support PCG operations during calamities by enabling faster and more efficient transport of essential cargo through 2GO’s nationwide shipping and logistics network.

“This partnership with 2GO provides meaningful support for our personnel who frequently travel across the country in the performance of their duties. Access to reliable and more affordable transport and logistics services will help ensure that our Coast Guard personnel, retirees, and their families can move safely and efficiently when needed. It will also strengthen our ability to mobilize resources quickly, especially during

calamities and emergency response operations,” ADM Ronnie Gil L. Gavan PCG, Commandant of PCG said.

Will Howell, chief operating officer and chief financial officer of 2GO Group, Inc., said the collaboration reflects the company’s commitment to supporting the country’s uniformed services, adding, “The men and women of the Philippine Coast Guard dedicate their lives to protecting our waters and safeguarding our communities.”

unit head, 2GO Travel.

“Through this partnership, 2GO is proud to give back by making our transport and logistics services more accessible to them and their families. We remain ready to support our uniformed personnel and provide the reliable logistics services our country depends on,” he added. The agreement strengthens cooperation between 2GO and the Philippine Coast Guard in supporting personnel mobility, logistics requirements, and humanitarian response efforts across the Philippines.

Airlines celebrates 80 years of global innovation

From left are: DOTr assistant secretary Jose ‘Tracker’ Lim IV; ADM Ronnie Gil L. Gavan, PCG, Commandant, Philippine Coast Guard; Will Howell, chief operating officer and chief financial officer, 2GO Group Inc.; Ethel Concepcion, head of corporate marketing and communications, 2GO Group Inc.; and Francis Chua, business

FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2026

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

GEARING up for the 73rd Miss World pageant in September, Miss World Bolivia 2025 Vanessa Kraljevic country to collaborate with pageant mentors, designers, and stylists, including handler Lynelle Valenciano JV Canta, who trained Miss Czechia Krystyna Pyszkova before she won Miss World 2023.

Kraljevic, a model and graduate in Religion, Politics, and Society from King’s College, is presently pursuing a law degree at the University of Law in London, England. She recently walked the runway at New York Fashion Week for celebrity designer Giannina Azar. She came to Manila believing in the talent of Filipinos in pageantry and also chose the Philippines to expand her project advocacy called The Right to Real Education.

Kraljevic helped design the project “The Right to Real Education,” which aims to bridge learning gaps in Bolivia and which she presented during a special session of the British Parliament, speaking as a representative of all Latin America. She has collaborated with Bolivia’s Minister of Education to expand the project’s reach and strengthen its potential to serve as a sustainable model for community-based educational support in the country. The project has so far secured a donation of 20,000 scholarships, benefiting students from vulnerable communities and helping break down barriers to education and empower youth nationally.

“In the Philippines, I had a truly special experience. As part of the expansion of my project The Right to Real Education, I carried out the School Charity Event and Empowerment Workshop at Upper Bicutan Elementary School, where we delivered educational kits to schoolchildren and shared a workshop on self-esteem and the importance of education,” said Kraljevic on her Facebook page.

“I also received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Philippine Department of Education, a recognition I truly value, as it represents the impact of this mission. From Bolivia to the Philippines, we continue bringing education, opportunities, and hope, because every child matters,” Kraljevic added.

“For the longest period of my time, I have always sought to work in something valuable. To be able to teach that nobody can take away from you your desire to acquire your wish skills. To leave a legacy through my project The Right to Real Education will bring me true happiness and fulfillment,” said Kraljevic.

Kraljevic’s work on “The Right to Real Education” will prepare her well for Miss World’s ’Beauty with a Purpose’ challenge, a platform that allows delegates to showcase their contributions to meaningful social change and reinforce the transformative power of purpose and public service. Kraljevic may be poised to match or surpass Bolivia’s best finish in Miss World, Carla Moron’s Top 10 semifinal placement in Miss World 1995.

SHOWBIZ

Sofia Pablo

difference,” Sofia relates.

“I just enjoy it, even during heavy scenes or intense moments. What matters is staying happy and respectful toward each other,” she goes on.

In Huwag Kang Titingin

Sofia plays Selene, a quiet and responsible sister struggling with guilt while trying to protect her younger brother. The story revolves around an old ritual meant to communicate with the dead, which resurfaces online as a viral video challenge. Those who attempt it unknowingly awaken a sinister entity that preys on the

SOFIA Pablo has always wanted to star in a horror film, and she’s finally living that dream with Huwag Kang Titingin, a summer horror movie that opens in cinemas nationwide on April 15.

“I’ve loved watching horror movies ever since I was a kid,” the young star shares with Manila Standard Entertainment “I told my mom many times since I started acting that I hoped one day I could be part of a horror film. It was truly my dream because Filipino horror movies have a unique impact.”

Sofia, who turns 20 today, adds: “I’m really happy. I also want to thank everyone who believed in us and helped create this wonderful movie.”

Having acted from a young age, Sofia enumerates some of the most valuable lessons she’s learned, which go beyond talent.

“More than talent, it’s really important to get along with the people around you and stay humble. Talent can be learned, but character is harder to shape. I always promise myself to cooperate well with everyone. Our work is tough, so having a good relationship on set makes a big

living. Set in the remote town of San Antonio, the film features eerie traditions, candlelit rituals, and an old rest house where every shadow, flickering light, and dark corner may conceal something waiting to be seen.

Allen Ansay co-stars as Badong, the reserved house helper who harbors unsettling knowledge. The young ensemble includes Marco Masa as Brian, Charlie Fleming as Kira, Michael Sager as Benj, Kira Balinger as Liza, Josh Ford as Onat, Sean Lucas as A-jay, Anthony Constantino as Migz, with Shuvee Etrata in a special role as Diane.

The cast also features Lui Manansala, Sherilyn Reyes, Alchris Galura, Michael Flores, Bernadette Allyson, David Domanais, and Christian Kimp Atip

The film’s central menace is the “Umaaaligid,” a malevolent entity born from ritual, pain, and unfinished vengeance. It does not strike immediately—it stalks its victims, invading their dreams and slowly dragging them into its nightmare.

Directed by Frasco Mortiz with creative producer and screenwriter Ays De Guzman , the team behind the teen horror hit Pagpag: Siyam na Buhay , the film combines supernatural terror, viral culture, and emotional storytelling. It is co-produced

acts BINI and Katseye have seen a sharp rise in global Google Search interest ahead of their scheduled performances at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival this month, according to Google Trends data. Search activity for “BINI Coachella” reached a peak score of 100 on April 8, indicating the highest level of global interest for the term during the period. The group is set to perform at the California festival, becoming the first P-pop girl group to appear on its stage. Interest has also grown for Katseye, which includes Filipina member Sophia Laforteza

Searches for “Katseye Coachella” climbed to 98 on April 7 before reaching 100 on April 8. The group is scheduled to perform following the release of its single “Pinky Up.” The spike in search activity comes as Coachella 2026 opens this week, with audiences worldwide seeking information not only on established headliners but also on emerging acts. Data from Google Trends reflects global search behavior, suggesting growing international attention on Filipino and Filipino-linked artists as they gain visibility on major music platforms.

BINI and Katseye draw a surge in worldwide online

Very Wang Nickie Wang

Allen Ansay (right) and Sofia Pablo take on leading roles in ‘Huwag Kang Titingin,’ a film that follows a viral ritual with dangerous consequences

The cast of ‘Huwag Kang Titingin’ at the film’s official launch

Sofia Pablo steps into a new screen challenge as she leads a modern horror story blending folklore and the online world

LIFE & SHOWBIZ

Finding the best mix

How entrepreneur Josh Frost achieved the smell of success

SRandom Talk Kate Adajar

“I like to mix things,” Josh said. He said it so simply, but that line became the basis of his success today.

Before building a fragrance brand, Josh found himself working in places that required mixing. He worked behind a bubble tea counter at 18 and learned to adjust flavors. He eventually learned bartending and mastered balance, ratios, and how small changes make a difference. His early business ventures involved formulation—testing, refining, and starting again.

During his brand launch in Manila last month, Josh shared, “You taste it, you go back, you adjust. What do you want it to feel like? I was always mixing.”

That instinct became the foundation of BestPerfume.Store, a brand that has grown steadily since its launch in 2022. It has already earned over 3,200 five-star reviews and expanded beyond Singapore into markets like the Philippines.

But Josh’s story didn’t have the scent of success early on. He began with instability. “I used to be a bartender for a long time. I was a teacher. I lost my jobs. I was unemployed out of university,” he said. “But it’s still possible, right?”

What followed was not immediate success but a different level of persistence.

“I was willing to give up four years of my life to make money and to fund the business,” he said. “If I’m willing to work in the morning, at night, and on weekends, that’s something I can control.”

At one point, that meant sleeping on a factory floor for ten months straight.

“People say don’t give up,” Josh said. “But let’s see how you act when you have just two hours of sleep.”

That experience built endurance and formed the kind of leadership style he eventually implemented in running his company.

“Everything that they’ve done, I’ve done,” Josh said of his team. “I’m not a founder coming in with no idea how to talk to my customers. I’ve done everything.”

Observably, Josh is the kind of CEO who wants to empower his employees, as he sees a part of himself in them. That understanding of others also showed up in how he treated customers.

The brand was established in a way that avoids friction with consumers. It offers replacements, guarantees, and responsive support designed to make customers feel secure in their purchase.

“Because it’s 100 percent owned, I am able to put the customers first,” Josh explained.

Without investors influencing decisions, he retained full control of strategies in making customers happy. That allowed him to take business risks and prioritize long-term trust over short-term margins.

“We don’t even make money on the first bottle,” Josh revealed with a smile. “We make money on your next purchase.” It was an indication of his

commitment to ensure quality over simply making a profit.

The confidence was grounded in product performance. BestPerfume. Store’s formulations were designed specifically for tropical climates like the Philippines, where heat and humidity can quickly break down traditional fragrances. High temperatures accelerate evaporation, causing scents to fade faster throughout the day.

Recognizing this, the brand developed formulations engineered to withstand these conditions. The products deliver longer-lasting scent performance across commutes, outdoor environments, and long workdays. Each 100 ml bottle contains a 50 percent concentrate, significantly higher than the typical industry range of 4 to 15 percent, allowing fragrances to remain noticeable on the skin for extended periods.

“We heavily invested in legislation, compliance, local production, and fulfillment to bring faster deliveries, safety, and support here too,” the CEO said.

The company is said to have established a local manufacturing warehouse in the Philippines, ensuring tighter control over quality and faster service. Every stage, from production to delivery, is monitored closely.

“I definitely see the love for perfumes in the Philippines and want to bring true quality here,” Josh said. “I know the people will appreciate the original sources and performance improvements with a trusted brand.”

With over 300 scent profiles, the brand caters to different moods, occasions, and personal styles. Josh emphasized that they are built on the belief that fragrance should adapt to the person, not the other way around.

OMETIMES , the things we have always loved as children are indicative of the things we will eventually pursue. The things we dabbled in and the habits we formed reflect our kind of curiosity and passion. They often lead us to something deeper in life. For Singapore-based entrepreneur Josh Frost, it was simple. K-POP

Beyond all these numbers, the expansion, and even the infrastructure developed, Josh’s story comes back to basics. This is no longer just about scents but more about the mix of ideas, disciplines, techniques, and values. By this, I refer to the ability to understand formulation and translate it into effective performance, the discipline to build a business from the ground up, and the mindfulness to keep the customer at the center of every decision.

“No shortcuts, no lying,” Josh highlighted. “Just always choosing the best option.”

Having the gift of mixing, the business acumen, and the heart for both employees and consumers—that’s the best mix in every sense and every scent.

SIR Paul McCartney simply couldn’t run out of gas. He will be releasing a solo album, his 19th, called The Boys of Dungeon Lane, on the last Friday of May, a few weeks before he turns 84. His latest single, “Days We Left Behind,” from and to promote the album, already made waves upon its release last month. It landed inside the Top 10 on the iTunes Top Songs chart in the UK.

The track is essentially acoustic in sound and introspective in message, apparently a strong representation of the album’s theme of looking back on his young days prior to the massive success of The Beatles

Oh, how I wish McCartney’s voice had not yet lost its natural strength to aging. The record, however, reminds me of his ’90s-era Flaming Pie album track “Calico Skies,” a song so evocative and effective that I am securing it a spot in my Top 10 of Paul’s solo work, which includes everything he did with his band Wings.

I am likely to review Macca’s new album in over five years when it’s available on streaming platforms. So let me say more about “Days We Left Behind” in that upcoming column piece.

For now, I will share my personal favorites from the richest, most prolific hitmaking Beatle. It should surprise you that it does not include “Maybe I’m Amazed,” acknowledged as his signature solo number, nor “Mull of Kintyre,” notable for being the first single to sell over two million copies in the UK.

Even John Lennon’s favorite from his “old friend” and most talented collaborator, “Coming Up,” can’t make my elite ten. Let me be clear: these songs are strong, yet I prefer some others to make the cut instead. It also shows how deep his catalog is—that I can come up with a deserving ten without these celebrated tracks.

In random order, each with a one-liner description, here are my choices: Band On The Run – This epic of a pop song is actually the definitive Paul McCartney record after the classic recording run of the then-active Beatles, with its creative yet seemingly unrelated segments and seamless flow that connects everything.

My Love – It is pure, unapologetic, syrupy McCartney balladry that works on many levels, with the impressively improvised guitar work from Henry McCullough serving as the cherry on top.

Live And Let Die – The best James Bond theme not sung by a diva is either this or Duran Duran’s “A View To A Kill,” both blessed with riffs as iconic as the original score.

Silly Love Songs – With its confidently walking bass line and amusing self-mocking lyrics, it’s Macca putting anyone criticizing him for being the least-rocking Beatle in their place.

No More Lonely Nights – It’s a pity that John Lennon never got to hear this song, since it is a fine piece of radio-friendly songwriting that embraces the ’80s in the same way as “Woman” or “Watching The Wheels” did, arguably even tighter, while featuring David Gilmour of Pink Floyd, who somehow mirrors the presence of Eric Clapton on a Beatles song back during the White Album sessions.

Only Love Remains – This fourth single from the 1986 album Press to Play was recorded live with a 30-piece orchestra, turning the simple, melodic composition into a grand serenade.

My Brave Face – Paul’s collaboration with Elvis Costello was an attempt to capture the vibe of Lennon-McCartney songwriting, which here, with the song’s bright passages and thrilling performance, is effectively achieved.

Say Say Say – Lennon’s songwriting partner in The Beatles did his best to maximize the power of collaboration outside of their legacy, and this one with Michael Jackson served as its pinnacle.

Another Day – While “Eleanor Rigby” captures the image of a sad woman left alone after the party’s over, here the idea of the everyday girl who chooses to face the reality of life fair and square is

Josh Frost credits his team’s contributions in the process, noting that each role is a product of collaborative work and shared direction

Filipina trailblazers honored for championing purpose-driven beauty

By Nickie Wang

AT the inaugural Thermage LIFT

Awards, broadcaster Karen Davila and beauty queen Precious Lara Quigaman-Alcaraz took on judging duties, helping sift through a field of stories that stretch from laboratories to grassroots communities.

Held March 21 at the Garden Pavilion of Grand Hyatt Manila, the event marked 20 years of Thermage LIFT, a brand known for non-invasive skin tightening.

The awards, which stand for “Leading Inspirations, Forging Triumphs,” recognized 10 Filipina women whose work has left a mark across industries such as science, media, education, and social development.

Among those honored were chemical engineer Mary Jane Al Mahdi, social entrepreneur Anne Marie Cunanan, wellness advocate Magi De Leon, and educator Olivia Caling Theater stalwart Maribel Legarda of the Philippine Educational Theater Association, 2KK founder Christianne Santos, business leader Pinky Tobiano media personality Cory Quirino, autism advocate

Rhiozeel Pomer, and oral surgeon Cristine-Marie Miller Marzan completed the list. The room gathered a mix of public figures and corporate leaders, including Davila, a United Nations Women national goodwill ambassador, and Quigaman-Alcaraz, the brand’s Philippine ambassador. A video message from Solta Medical regional head Alistair McKeon underscored the company’s push to pair aesthetics with advocacy. Host Issa Litton kept the evening moving with a steady rhythm. Davila, speaking with the cadence of someone used to cutting through noise, placed the awards in a wider context. “We focus mainly on gender equality,” she said, tracing the long arc of women’s rights from suffrage to present-day pressures.

Heart Evangelista expands fashion reach from Paris to Shanghai

By Nickie Wang

AT Shanghai Fashion Week, the clothes move fast, the cameras move faster, and attention is a form of currency. And at the event, Heart Evangelista arrived with a clear style, wearing ensembles that appreciate like a fine capital.

Her presence across the fashion calendar continues to expand. Appearances at Paris Fashion Week and Milan Fashion Week placed her among personalities who draw sustained global attention. Each city adds to a growing record of influence that connects audiences, brands, and publications.

From Paris to Milan, and now to Shanghai, Heart builds her reach with each appearance at major fashion events and presents a clear visual identity.

Industry data tracks that reach with precision.

Launchmetrics reported that Heart generated $23.5 million in Media Impact Value during Paris Men’s Fashion Week and $8.5 million during Haute Couture Week this year, placing her among the most talked-about figures in both events.

In Milan, Lefty.io ranked her among the top five digital figures driving engagement for major brands during the Fall/Winter 2026 women’s shows from Feb. 24 to March 2. She posted a 2.5 percent average engagement rate and generated $8.6 million in Earned Media Value, making her the only Filipino included in the list. The platform noted that creators play a central role in shaping visibility during fashion week seasons.

Fashion media also amplified her reach. Harper’s Bazaar Thailand Elle Singapore and Grazia featured her street style across digital platforms, extending her presence to wider audiences.

Her rise also points to the Philippines’ growing role in global fashion engagement. Reports from Paris Fashion Week placed the country among those generating strong online interaction, alongside Singapore and China. The data shows Southeast Asian audiences are playing a bigger role in fashion conversations.

Apart from her growing presence in the fashion world, Heart’s public image also includes steady support for social causes. Comedian Ate Gay recently shared that Heart provided assistance for medical treatment. She also supports organizations such as the Philippine Animal Welfare Society and the Cerebral Palsy Association of Sorsogon Inc.

Christianne Santos, Pinky Tobiano, Cory Quirino, Rhiozeel Pomer, and Cristine-Marie Miller Marzan join fellow honorees in recognizing work that bridges innovation and community

From left: Issa Litton, Lara Quigaman-Alcaraz, and Karen Davila lead conversations on beauty, advocacy, and impact

From left: Faye Ramirez, Karen Namora, Karen Davila, and Rhiozeel Pomer highlight the wider support behind initiatives that link beauty with purposer

Filipino style icon Heart Evangelista marks her Shanghai Fashion Week debut

From Paris to Shanghai, Heart Evangelista extends her presence across fashion capitals with a consistent and recognizable style