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Strait of Hormuz blockade ‘makes no sense,’ worries world leaders
MidEast braces for more fighting
US starts blockade of Strait of Hormuz after failed Islamabad talks
ASENSE of dread spread across the Middle East after talks between the US and Iran collapsed, as fears of renewed fighting rattled an already tense region with US President Donald Trump ordering a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
The US military said it would begin a blockade of all Iranian ports Monday, after more than 20 hours of talks in the Pakistani capital Islamabad collapsed, and despite the Iranian military warning that it would treat any such action as an act of piracy.
Trump had announced on social media he would blockade the strategic Strait of Hormuz trade route that he has been demanding Tehran fully re-
open, after Vice President JD Vance left negotiations with an Iranian delegation in Islamabad.
The US military said the blockade, set to begin at 1400 GMT (Monday, 10 p.m.), would apply to all ships leaving or seeking to dock at Iranian ports on either side of the key waterway.
Iran’s military said the move would be illegal and amount to “piracy,”
Marcos cuts excise taxes on LPG, kerosene
Charles Dantes and Alena Flores
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the 1980s. Inset shows US President Donald Trump
PBBM orders measures to assure food security
By Charles Dantes and Maricel V. Cruz
• DA to purchase excess produce from farmers
PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered a series of measures aimed at lowering food prices, accelerating import processes, and safeguarding local farmers, as part of the government’s broader effort to stabilize supply and ease inflationary pressures.
President does jumping jacks to debunk rumors
By Charles Dantes and Pot Chavez
PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong”
Marcos Jr. on Monday dismissed reports questioning his health, calling them “lies” and challenging critics to a public workout with him, as he asserted he remains in “very, very good health.”
Meanwhile, the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on Monday to strengthen their collaboration against fake news.
The President said rumors about his condition were false, and urged the public not to believe them.
VP Sara’s husband files TRO vs. House subpoena
By Maricel V. Cruz
porary restraining order from the Su-
systems go” for
also said the panel chaired by Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro received a copy of Carpio’s petition for a temporary restraining order against the subpoena.
The Luistro committee subpoenaed last week the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to produce tax records of Vice President Sara Duterte and her husband, including nearly two decades of income tax returns, as part of the ongoing impeachment proceedings. In a subpoena ad testificandum et
The president said the government is streamlining the entry of food imports to ensure faster delivery and reduced costs in the market. He directed the Department of Agriculture and the Tariff Commission to reduce
AFP accuses China of poisoning waters off Ayungin shoal
THE Philippines accused Chinese fishermen on Monday of pouring cyanide in waters in the Spratly Islands, a flashpoint in the disputed South China Sea that has been the site of violent confrontations with Chinese vessels. Beijing claims the strategic South China Sea in nearly its entirety, despite an international ruling that its assertion has no legal basis.
The Philippines’ National Security Council (NSC) alleged the poisoning began last year around Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly chain, which sits near vital shipping lanes and is reputedly rich in minerals.
“The use of cyanide on Ayungin Shoal is a term of sabotage that seeks to kill local fish populations, depriv-
LOW BLOW. Philippine Navy spokesman Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad speaks next to a slide presentation of seized yellow bottles suspected to contain cyanide in waters of Second Thomas Shoal, inset, in the disputed South China Sea,
By Charles Dantes, Othel Campos and Katrina Manubay WORLD leaders have expressed grave concern over the United States military blockade of the strategic Strait
of Hormuz following failed peace talks between Washington and Tehran over the weekend, with some describing the move
warning that no Gulf ports would be safe if its own were threatened.
“If the security of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s ports in the waters of the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea is threatened, no port in the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea will be safe.”
US forces said it would not impede vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports.
“The blockade will be enforced impartially against vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas, including all Iranian
ports on the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman,” US Central Command said.
What could come next and whether the two sides will continue to respect a two-week ceasefire was anybody’s guess as both the Iranian and American delegations departed Pakistan without a deal.
“Things could change at any moment,” said Aishah, a 32-year-old economic consultant based in Doha. “It’s more about taking each day as it comes.”
With nerves already battered, President Trump on Sunday vowed to intercept any ship that pays tolls to Tehran while also preventing Iran from earning future oil revenues.
“Any Iranian who fires at us, or at peaceful vessels, will be BLOWN TO
HELL!” he wrote. The weekend’s failed talks dashed hopes of a swift deal to permanently end the war that has killed thousands and thrown the global economy into turmoil since it began in late February.
Traffic through the strait, a key route for global oil and gas shipments, has been heavily restricted since the start of the war, with Iran only allowing through some vessels serving friendly countries such as China.
Oil prices jumped around eight percent Monday, with both key WTI and Brent contracts topping $100 a barrel.
Nicole Grajewski, an assistant professor at Sciences Po’s Center for International Research, said a US blockade
kerosene by P7.85 to P9.10 per liter.
was “not a minor coercive signal” but could rather be considered an effective resumption of the war.
Pakistan, which hosted the weekend’s failed talks, has said it hopes to continue facilitating a dialogue and has called on both sides to honor the fragile two-week ceasefire.
Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who led Tehran’s delegation in Pakistan, said Tehran would “not bow to any threats” from Washington, while navy chief Shahram Irani called Trump’s blockade threat “ridiculous.” Vance earlier told reporters in Islamabad that Washington had made Tehran its “final and best offer.” AFP
since the start of the conflict.
ing Navy personnel of a vital food source,” NSC assistant director-general Cornelio Valencia told a news conference, using the Philippines’ term for the reef.
These actions also “threaten our Navy personnel” through exposure to contaminated water, eating poisoned fish, as well as eroding corals, Valencia added.
Manila and Beijing have a long history of maritime territorial disputes in the hotly contested waterway, including a violent clash in June 2024 in which Chinese coastguard personnel wielding knives, sticks and an axe boarded Philippine Navy boats.
China’s foreign ministry branded the fresh accusations a “farce.”
It is “completely unbelievable and not even worth refuting,” spokesman Guo Jiakun told a regular news briefing on Monday.
“The Philippines has illegally harassed Chinese fishing vessels engaged in normal fishing activities, robbing fishing people of their supplies,” he added. Rex Espiritu
per liter effective 6 a.m. Tuesday, higher than the P20.89 per liter projected by the Department of Energy (DOE).
Shell also announced a rollback of P6.50 per liter for gasoline, exceeding the DOE’s P4.43 estimate, and P11.50 per liter for kerosene, higher than the DOE’s P8.50 projection.
Petron Corp. said it will implement a rollback of P20.89 per liter for diesel, P4.43 per liter for gasoline, and P8.50 per liter for kerosene.
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin, however, warned that global oil prices remain volatile and may increase again next week.
“Honestly, the behavior of President Trump and the rest of the parties involved is becoming unpredictable,”
Garin said.
She noted that when a ceasefire was announced, markets immediately reacted, with prices dropping by P20, but a subsequent statement pushed prices up again by 8%.
According to DOE data, prevailing retail prices in the National Capital Region for April 7–13 ranged from P120 to P165.70 per liter for diesel and P85.90 to P117 per liter for gasoline, while kerosene sold between P154 and P177.19 per liter.
On April 7, oil firms increased diesel prices by P17.80 to P19.80 per liter, gasoline by P1.50 to P6 per liter, and
“Can you tell everyone that these are nonsense,” Mr. Marcos said, adding that those claiming he was ill or incapacitated were liars.
“So everything they say is a lie. So don’t believe any of those people. Now you know who is lying and who is telling the truth,” he said. He further challenged his detractors to meet him at the gym.
“You come to the gym with me. Let us see who can handle the weights,” he said.
President Marcos said he had not been hospitalized in recent months, noting that his last medical procedure was a CT scan conducted about two to three months ago to confirm recovery from diverticulitis.
“I haven’t been to the hospital for three months and even then it was just to have a CAT scan… and it was, and I’m done,” he said.
tariffs on selected imported food items to help bring down retail prices.
However, Mr. Marcos emphasized that tariff adjustments would be implemented cautiously to avoid harming domestic producers.
“This cannot be done carelessly.
Every step must clearly protect our local production,” he said, stressing the need to balance consumer welfare, farmer protection, and industry sustainability.
The president noted that economic interventions in one sector can have ripple effects elsewhere, underscoring the complexity of managing supply chains and pricing.
Alongside tariff reductions, the gov-
Wang Yi in Beijing on Tuesday and Wednesday this week.
‘Makes no sense’
Jr. warned prolonged tensions in the Middle East could exacerbate disruptions in global oil supply and prices that have thrown the global economy into turmoil since the war began in late February.
“This (failed talks) is not good news, because what we want and have been praying for—not only the Philippines, but the entire world—is to finally have a permanent end to the conflict in the Middle East,” Presidential Communications Office Usec. Claire Castro said China, Washington’s great power rival and a big importer of Iranian oil, criticized the blockade announcement.
“The Strait of Hormuz is an important international trade route for goods and energy, and maintaining its security, stability, and unimpeded flow is in the common interest of the international community,” foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said, urging Iran and the US not to reignite the war. Russia, Iran’s main international ally, said Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov would visit his Chinese counterpart
Among Washington’s NATO allies, much criticized by Trump for their reluctance to follow him to war, Spain’s Defense Minister Margarita Robles said the planned naval blockade “makes no sense.”
“It’s one more episode in this whole downward spiral into which we’ve been dragged,” she said.
France and Britain will soon host talks towards creating a “peaceful multinational mission” to help restore traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, French President Emmanuel Macron said.
“In the coming days, together with the United Kingdom, we will organize a conference with those countries prepared to contribute alongside us to a peaceful multinational mission aimed at restoring freedom of navigation in the strait,” he said.
“This strictly defensive mission, separate from the warring parties to the conflict, is intended to be deployed as soon as circumstances per-
Garin said the country’s average fuel inventory is sufficient for 50.31 days, with gasoline stocks at 54.38 days, diesel at 48.90 days, kerosene at 104.73 days, jet fuel at 67.65 days, fuel oil at 45.96 days, and LPG at 36.27 days.
“LPG is the lowest, although companies have confirmed incoming orders,” she said, adding that the government is working with the Philippine National Oil Co. to secure bulk purchases for cheaper and faster deliveries.
Garin also said domestic pump prices may take time to stabilize due to infrastructure damage in the Middle East, including pipelines and liquefied natural gas facilities.
She added that the government is seeking alternative fuel sources outside the Middle East, including talks with Colombia, Australia, Russia, the United States, and Canada, to diversify supply and reduce risks.
Mr. Marcos further said he would convene a government crisis committee Tuesday to discuss possible excise tax adjustments on gasoline and diesel, the main fuels for public transport.
The Philippines sources crude oil from the Middle East and imports refined petroleum products mainly from Asian refineries dependent on crude shipped through the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has effectively closed.
Local diesel pump prices have more than doubled to about P145 per liter
ernment will expedite the processing of import permits, including Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearances and Certificates of Necessity to Import, to ensure quicker entry of essential food goods and prevent supply bottlenecks.
To further cut costs, toll fees at fish ports have been removed to reduce additional charges that contribute to higher food prices.
The administration is also addressing oversupply in the agricultural sector. Mr. Marcos said the government, through the Department of Agriculture, will purchase excess produce from farmers forced to sell at low prices or discard unsold harvests.
Local government units are expected to assist in procuring surplus goods and distributing them to communities.
The government will also expand its Bentang Bigas Program by increasing
mit,” Marcon added.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Monday that Britain will not join the naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz announced by US President Donald Trump.
“We are not supporting the blockade,” Starmer told BBC radio, adding the UK “is not getting dragged in” to the war with Iran.
‘Sincere about truce, but…’
The strategic Strait of Hormuz trade route should open “as soon as possible,” Turkey’s foreign minister said on Monday.
“Negotiations with Iran should be conducted, persuasion methods should be used, and the strait should be opened as soon as possible,” Hakan Fidan told the official Anadolu news agency.
He said he believed Iran and the United States were “sincere” about reaching a ceasefire despite the failure of Pakistan-mediated talks on the weekend.
He said the status of Hormuz and not its reopening would be the major sticking point ahead.
“The issue (opening of Hormuz) may be resolved in about 2–3 weeks, with
duces tecum dated March 31, 2026, the panel directed BIR Commissioner Charlito Martin Mendoza to appear before on April 14, 2026, 10:00 a.m. at the House of Representatives in Quezon City.
The subpoena stemmed from the verified impeachment complaints against Duterte endorsed by several lawmakers.
The lawmakers were seeking “tax compliance and reported income of Sara Zimmerman Duterte, her spouse, Manases Carpio, and various business entities in which they hold interest,” as well as “original or certified true copies of the Annual Income Tax Returns of Sara Zimmerman Duterte, her spouse, Manases Carpio, for the years 2007 to 2025.”
The government earlier reported war-driven inflation figures showing that food prices rose nearly twice as fast in March compared to the previous month.
Libreng Sakay starts tomorrow
The Department of Transportation (DOTR) will start its Libreng Sakay program on Wednesday to help thousands of commuters impacted by the global oil crisis, DOTR Secretary Giovanni Lopez said Monday.
“We’re going to roll out this service contracting program on Wednesday, April 15,” Lopez said.
Transport group Manibela, however, threatened to stage a three-day transport strike from April 15 to April 17 over the lack of actions to properly address the unabated increase in the prices of fuel products.
Mar Valbuena, Manibela president, said about 500,000 jeepney, motorcycle taxis, ride-hailing app drivers and other public utility vehicles will join the transport strike, including a protest at a gas station in the Philcoa area, Quezon City.
Manibela demanded the immediate rollback of fuel prices to P55 per liter, and the suspension of excise taxes and value-added tax.
Separately, the DSWD reported that 259,979 tricycle drivers outside Metro Manila received P5,000 cash relief assistance during simultaneous regional payouts from April 8 to 10.
outlets and extending selling hours, particularly for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and single parents.
Officials said the combined measures aim to maintain adequate food supply, curb price increases, and ensure continued livelihoods for workers in agriculture and logistics. Mr. Marcos said the government will sustain the interventions until consumers feel tangible relief.
Additionally, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) extended assistance to more than 2,500 overseas Filipino workers affected by the geopolitical crisis in the Middle East.
Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said 2,110 repatriated OFWs received assistance, including psychosocial first aid and needs assessment upon arrival. The beneficiaries came from the Unit-
some kind of agreement. The problem is not there,” Fidan said.
“The real question is whether something will emerge afterward that will bring a new phase .. because this is an international free passage zone. Any disruption to freedom of navigation is not something parties want to see,” he added.
He said regional countries had expressed similar views.
“They want the post-war order to remain the same as the pre-war order. They have major interests and expectations in this regard.”
Safe passage deal still on The Philippines’ safe passage arrangement with Iran in the Strait of Hormuz remains in place despite the planned United States blockade, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Monday.
In a virtual press briefing, DFA Secretary Theresa Lazaro said the Iranian ambassador called over the weekend regarding Philippine-flagged vessels expected to pass through the Strait.
“The agreement between the Philippines and Iran through the discussions
The order also covers multiple corporations and business interests allegedly linked to the couple, specifically Metro City Chow Foods Corp., Gencorp Industries Inc., Carpio Lawyers, 888 Bistro, CALE88 Foods Corp., Madayaw Fisheries Corp., Mati City Ice Plant and Cold Storage Inc., Amianan Shores Inc., Geometry Security and Investigation Agency Inc., and Cabletow 88 Shipping and Marine Services Inc.
According to the panel, the records are needed “to identify and authenticate the submissions to your office, such as but not limited to the Income Tax Returns and Annual Financial Statements of Vice President Sara Zimmerman Duterte and her spouse, Manases Carpio, as well as the various entities in which they hold interests, as well as testify thereon.”
Ridon said the Committee on Justice has every right to subpoena the tax records and financial documents of both the Vice President and her husband.
“Vice President Sara Duterte and Atty. Manases Carpio cannot restrain the truth relating to their personal and business incomes, as reflected in the Income Tax Returns and related tax records submitted to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR),” Ridon said.
“The House Committee on Justice has the lawful authority to compel the production of documentary evidence relevant to its determination of whether probable cause exists to transmit Articles of Impeachment to the Senate,” Ridon added.
ed Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar.
Another 409 stranded OFWs also received assistance after being held at airports in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Ireland, Portugal, Iraq, and Oman due to travel restrictions.
The DSWD also provided over P1 million in financial aid to 203 repatriated OFWs and P300,000 in medical assistance to one beneficiary.
The agency has also begun providing livelihood assistance, with five OFWs receiving P20,000 each under the Sustainable Livelihood Program.
Dumlao said the DSWD continues to coordinate with concerned agencies to assist additional returning workers, in line with the Marcos administration’s Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport framework.
that we had will remain the same. In fact, just last Saturday, the Iranian ambassador called me up in view of the two or three Philippine flag vessels that hopefully will be true to pass the Strait,” she said.
Meanwhile, foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Monday called for safe and continuous transit in the Strait of Hormuz.
“[W]e call for the restoration of the safe, unimpeded, and continuous transit passage of vessels and aircraft in the Strait of Hormuz in line with the 1982 UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea),” the ministers said.
“We urge all parties involved to maintain conducive conditions for the full and effective implementation of the ceasefire, including by adhering strictly to its terms, exercising utmost restraint, ceasing all hostilities, acting responsibly, avoiding any acts that may aggravate the situation and working collectively towards a comprehensive and enduring resolution in accordance with international law, the UN Charter and relevant UNSC resolutions,” they added. With AFP
Survey: Filipinos back tax relief, fund transparency
By Katrina Manubay
FILIPINO voters strongly support fiscal reforms and increased government transparency, with 88% backing tax relief measures and the release of a Senate report on suspected flood control issues, according to a PUBLiCUS Asia Inc. survey.
The latest Pahayag poll showed that addressing financial pressures remains the top priority, with nearly nine out of 10 Filipinos supporting measures such as reducing the value-added tax (VAT), rescheduling estate taxes, and eliminating the travel tax.
Similarly, 88% support a petition urging the Supreme Court of the Philippines to disclose the Senate committee report on alleged flood control anomalies.
PUBLiCUS said the findings reflect ongoing concerns over rising household costs and a strong demand for government action, alongside calls for transparency and accountability.
The survey also found that 84% of Filipino adults are concerned about the lack of transparency in flood control investigations.
Additionally, 79% expressed concern over law enforcement’s ability to track and arrest high-profile fugitives such as Atong Ang and Zaldy Co.
Support was also evident for symbolic and institutional initiatives, with 77% favoring the declaration of Feb. 25, the anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution, as a regular national holiday.
Government responses to current issues also received strong backing, the poll showed.
About 70% support granting emergency powers to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to address rising oil prices, while 67% favor filing an ethics complaint against Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa over his long absences in the Senate.
Iqbal says MILF leads BARMM amid reshuffle
By Nash B. Maulana
THE Moro Islamic Liberation Front
(MILF) remains on top of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) administration despite reports of alleged Malacañang interventions, according to MILF chief peace negotiator Mohagher Iqbal.
In a video-recorded statement, Iqbal said the MILF Central Committee has accepted as fact that MILF-BIAF Chief of Staff Abdulraof Macacua has succeeded MILF chairman Ahod Al-Hadj Murad Ebrahim as BARMM chief minister.
Macacua, known by his nom de guerre “Sammy Gambar,” succeeded Ebrahim in a third appointment issued by Malacañang for the BARMM top post in March 2025.
Iqbal, BARMM’s education minister, said Macacua rose through MILF ranks since 1972, adding that he, Macacua, and Ebrahim “have not fallen into divides stirred by ‘fitna’ (intrigues).”
“We have accepted it as fact that Brother Sammy is the chief minister, and that the majority of Cabinet members are from the MILF,” Iqbal said in the Maguindanaon vernacular.
Meanwhile, the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP) clarified that Macacua’s post as secretary-general had not been removed from the party’s organizational structure, contrary to reports.
House eyes fuel price shield amid oil crisis
By Maricel V. Cruz
SPEAKER Faustino Dy III on Monday outlined the first major intervention under the proposed KALINGA Act, positioning the measure as a fuel price stabilization shield as the House prepares for a new round of hearings this week.
This comes after United States President Donald Trump announced over the weekend that the US would move to blockade the Strait of Hormuz following stalled talks with Iran aimed at ending the Middle East conflict.
Dy said developments affecting the Strait of Hormuz—one of the world’s key oil shipping routes—underscore the need for policy tools to cushion potential fuel price volatility.
Together with House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander Marcos, Dy filed House Bill 8834 establishing the KALINGA Program (Komprehensibong Alalay sa Livelihood,
Inflation, Negosyo and Goods Assistance) a centralized framework to cushion fuel-driven inflation while ensuring energy and essential goods supply.
The proposal integrates seven components, including fuel price stabilization, energy supply security, targeted assistance, logistics stabilization, MSME energy relief, energy conservation, and flexible fiscal and regulatory measures.
Section 5 focuses on stabilizing pump prices through targeted fuel subsidies, flexible fuel tax adjustments, price-smoothing mechanisms, and temporary transport fare adjustments.
Dy said filing the KALINGA bill is part of legislative actions being proposed as the Legislative Energy Action and Development (LEAD) Joint Committee continues hearings this week.
Meanwhile, Marikina Rep. Miro Quimbo, who heads the LEAD committee, said the House is open to all options, including suspending the 12-percent value-added tax (VAT) on fuel.
“We are open to all options, even proposals on the suspension of VAT or other price reduction methods,” Quimbo said, adding these must be carefully studied to ensure meaningful price reductions without weakening fiscal stability.
“We are not just looking for the fastest or easiest solution. What we need is the right balance—prompt, effective, and responsible,” he said.
Quimbo noted that while fuel supply remains stable, affordability and the ripple effects of high prices remain the main concerns.
broader economic crisis affecting their
‘Pharma depends on out-of-pocket fees’
By Rolando Ng III
THE Philippine pharmaceutical industry remains dependent on an “out-of-pocket” business model, with the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP) expressing caution about its growth.
PHAP president Diana Edralin said rising medicine prices are partly due to the fact that most Filipinos pay for their own healthcare needs.
“We are an out-of-pocket market; it’s a self-pay market. The growth of the pharmaceutical industry depends on what people pay themselves.
That’s why we feel medicine prices are rising because we pay for them from our own pockets,” Edralin told
Manila Standard on Sunday. Data from the 2024 Philippine National Health Accounts showed that households spent P615.2 billion on medicines. Of this, P453.9 billion went to drugstores and other health retailers, with non-communicable diseases accounting for the largest share at P661.3 billion. During its launch in July, Department of Finance Secretary Frederick Go assured that all registered PhilHealth members would be automatically enrolled in the YAKAP program. As of February, however, only 26.75 million Filipinos had registered for the program, which provides financial support for access to medicines.
DILG to ‘make amends’ after shirtless man arrest
INTERIOR Secretary Juanito
Victor “Jonvic” Remulla on Monday said he will personally apologize to a man arrested for being shirtless while mixing cement in Barangay Addition Hills, Mandaluyong, an incident that drew criticism of the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s Safer Cities initiative.
“First of all, I saw feedback on social media that someone in Barangay Addition Hills was arrested just for mixing cement. I apologize, and I will go to him in the coming days and personally say sorry,” Remulla said during a press briefing.
“It was my fault that I did not give clearer instructions on implementing the Safer Cities initiative. All I wanted was to make the streets peaceful, but because of my lack of explanation, someone was apprehended just for not wearing a shirt,” he added.
Remulla acknowledged the mistake and said he would clarify the limits of enforcement during a command conference, noting that the program would continue as authorities refine its implementation. Vince Lopez
DSWD assists over 2,500 OFWs affected by crisis
THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has extended assistance to more than 2,500 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) affected by the geopolitical crisis in the Middle East.
Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said 2,110 repatriated OFWs received assistance, including psychosocial first aid upon arrival. Social workers also assessed their needs for additional government interventions.
The beneficiaries arrived from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar. Another 409 stranded OFWs at airports in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Ireland, Portugal, Iraq, and Oman also received psychosocial support.
VP urges strengthening of Pinoy reading habits
VICE President Sara Duterte on Monday urged Filipinos to strengthen reading habits and help close literacy gaps, calling literature the “infrastructure of democracy.”
In a video message marking Filipino Literature Month, Duterte emphasized the role of families in building a reading culture at home, encouraging parents to read with their children in any language used in their communities.
“The solution begins in our homes. This Filipino Literature Month, I urge every parent to read with your children—in Filipino, Ilocano, Hiligaynon, Bisaya, or any language you use,” she said.
Duterte cited Philippine Statistics Authority data showing that nearly 25 million Filipinos face functional literacy challenges. In 2024, more than 24 million Filipinos aged 10 to 64 were functionally illiterate, while 5.8 million were basically illiterate. Katrina Manubay
COOL WEATHER. Fog blankets the mountains as cool weather prevails
PROTEST. Hundreds of farmers and agricultural workers from Batangas troop to the House of Representatives in Quezon City on Monday, April 13, to denounce the oil deregulation law, rising fuel prices, VAT on fuel, and the
livelihoods. Manny Palmero
Gov’t, UNICEF roll out P756-m nutrition drive for young kids
IN BRIEF
Three PNPA cadets arrested for hazing
THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Monday said three cadets of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) were arrested for alleged hazing and will face prosecution as provided by law. During a press briefing at the Philippine National Police (PNP) headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City, DILG Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla said “violence, abuse, and impunity have no place” at the country’s premier police training institution.
“There is no settlement here with these three who have been caught, I will ensure to the full extent of my capacity that those three will be charged with the Anti-Hazing law,” Remulla said.
“I will make sure that the procedures are followed, that the case build-up is done well and we will charge them accordingly,” he added. Vince Lopez
Tulfo flags increasing road crashes over DUI
SENATOR Raffy Tulfo has flagged the mounting incidence of road accidents due to driving under the influence (DUI), saying 1,500 cases were logged during the Holy Week alone.
Tulfo voiced his concern following a report by the Department of Health (DOH) Online National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (ONEISS), emphasizing a “troubling trend that requires public awareness and legislative examination to tackle the risks linked to impaired driving.” According to the DOH, there has been a significant increase of 255.8 percent in cases related to drunken driving compared to previous year’s figures.
Tulfo urged concerned agencies, including the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Land Transportation Office (LTO), and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), to ensure the utilization of high-quality and fully operational breath analyzers. Joel E. Zurbano These measures, he said, are deemed essential for the effective identification and apprehension of suspected drunk drivers on the road, highlighting a critical public safety concern that remains inadequately addressed by the relevant agencies. Joel Zurbano
Soldiers seize Dawlah Islamiya-Maute guns
TROOPERS of the Army’s 101st Infantry Brigade have seized a cache of firearms and subversive materials during a raid on a suspected terrorist hideout in Barangay Fabrica, Marogong, Lanao del Sur over the weekend.
Brigade commander Gen. Yasser Bara said the operation was carried out during a combat clearing and intelligence-gathering mission targeting a site believed to have been used by a terrorist group. The raid was conducted by elements of the Scout Platoon, Bravo Company, and Alpha Company, along with intelligence operatives, under the leadership of Lt. Col. Jerry B. Gaviola, commanding officer of the 64th Infantry Battalion.
Authorities said the area had previously been occupied by members of the Daulah Islamiya-Maute Group. Rex Espiritu
THE government, through the Department of Health, and the National Nutrition Council, has launched a new partnership under the UNICEFled Child Nutrition Fund (CNF) to provide P756.2 million (USD 13.2 million) in catalytic financing to complement the country’s ongoing commitment to expand high-impact nutrition interventions nationwide, including in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
The CNF supports the government’s efforts to reduce stunting and wasting through a catalytic financing model that links domestic public resources with global funding and drives greater public investment in nutrition. These investments help make essential nutrition services more accessible for mothers and young children, especially during the first 1,000 days, while strengthening the systems needed to sustain and expand results.
These combined investments aim to
reach more than 8.4 million children under five years old, and 1.2 million pregnant women who will benefit from better access to quality care in health facilities and communities and stronger protection during the first 1,000 days of a child’s life.
“Investing in nutrition is one of the most powerful ways to improve every child’s survival, learning, and long-term well-being—benefits that extend far beyond childhood. Through the Child Nutrition Fund, we are helping more families
access the right support at the right time, especially during the first 1,000 days,” said UNICEF Philippines Representative Kyungsun Kim. Undernutrition remains one of the most urgent challenges for children in the Philippines. One in four children under the age of five is stunted, and more than half a million are wasted. The situation is most severe in BARMM, where more children are affected by undernutrition and at risk of its long-term consequences on their growth, learning and development. This partnership will help strengthen service delivery across communities, alongside the systems that support it, including supplies and the use of nutrition data for better targeting and follow-through.
Addressing undernutrition starts when children are in their mother’s wombs, and upon and after they are born. Nearly one in five women are nutritionally at risk, while 21.7 percent of those pregnant suffer from iron deficiency anemia, a condition where the blood lacks enough iron to carry oxygen efficiently, which can affect a mother’s health and a baby’s growth.
for
Baguio unusually experiences drop in summer tourist arrivals
By Rex Espiritu
CONCERNED by a noticeable decline in tourist arrivals, the Baguio City government is encouraging travelers to take advantage of a quiet and more relaxed atmosphere in Baguio City.
Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong said the current situation presents a rare opportunity for visitors to experience the country’s summer capital without the usual congestion, particularly during the peak summer season.
“Now is the right time for you to come up to the city of Baguio and enjoy hassle-free traffic,” the mayor said, noting that the decline in visitor numbers has eased traffic conditions across the city. Known for its cool climate, scenic
landscapes, and vibrant culture, Baguio draws large crowds during holidays and summer months, often resulting in heavy traffic and long queues in popular tourist spots.
However, the recent dip in tourist volume has led to smoother traffic flow and a more comfortable experience for both residents and tourists.
The mayor expressed optimism that more visitors would take this opportunity to rediscover the city in a calmer setting, while also helping support local businesses, particularly those in the tourism and service sectors.
“As Baguio faces economic challenges brought by reduced tourist arrivals, we remain optimistic that travelers can help support local enterprises while having a more enjoyable and stress-free visit,” he said.
Group cautions vs. ban on minors’ access to socmed
A CONSUMER advocacy group cautioned lawmakers against a blanket ban on social media access for minors even as it pushed a “balanced, proportionate regulation” that would protect minors online while still respecting their rights.
CitizenWatch Philippines co-convenor and Quezon City Rep. Kit Belmonte warned that a total ban on minors’ access to social media was “not the right solution,” saying it might overlook important nuances, create unintended consequences, and fail to address the real sources of harm.”
“Protecting minors online should not mean excluding them from the digital world. It means making that world safer, more accountable, and better designed for their needs,” Berlmonte said in a statement.
“The goal is not to shut young people out, but to ensure they can participate safely and responsibly in a digital environment that is now central to education, opportunity, and everyday life,” he added.
Belmonte stressed that this requires meaningful collaboration between platforms, parents, and educators as partners in digital safety.
His statement came amid a renewed push for such measures in Congress as lawmakers take inspiration from the bans imposed by Indonesia and Australia. There are currently 10 such bills in the House of Representatives and five in the Senate, all of which propose varying degrees of restrictions and age thresholds.
The most restrictive is House Bill No. 4383 filed by Cavite Reps. Jolo and Lani Revilla, as well as Agimat partylist Rep. Bryan Revilla, which imposes a blanket ban on social media services on individuals below 18 and requires mandatory age verification through ID and facial recognition.
Global child rights experts, including the U.N. Committee on the Rights of the Child, have repeatedly stressed that online safety measures must focus on reducing exposure to genuinely harmful content while preserving the benefits of digital engagement for children and minors.
BI tells foreigners to behave or face urgent deportation
By Vito Barcelo
BUREAU of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado is set to issue an order directing the agency’s intelligence group to apprehend foreign nationals violating Philippine laws, particularly those reported to be causing disturbances in Siargao Is.
The order comes amid reports that some Israeli tourists were engaging in unruly behavior, including intoxication and acts of disrespect toward local residents.
BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval said the agency has reiterated its warning that foreigners who violate immigration laws will face immediate deportation.
She added that aliens found overstaying, committing abuses, or engaging in any form of misconduct will be apprehended and deported without delay, in line with existing Immigration regulations.
Sandoval said the BI has been closely coordinating with local government units and law enforcement agencies in Siargao to monitor the activities of foreign nationals and ensure peace and order in the area. She noted that intelligence reports and complaints from residents and tourists are being validated as part of ongoing surveillance operations. The BI official also stressed that while the Philippines remains open and welcoming to foreign visitors, all guests are expected to observe proper conduct and respect local culture and traditions.
SEIZED REBEL FIREARMS CACHE. Brig. Gen. Yasser Bara (left), commander of the Army’s 101st Infantry Brigade, takes stocks of firearms and war materials seized by the troops during a clearing and intelligence-gathering operation in Barangay Matalin, Malabang, Lanao del Sur
OPINION
How long can the peace that never was last?
UNITED States President Donald Trump has been saying, almost to the point of warning, that any truce with Iran would be short-lived and the consequences could be far worse.
Santa Banana, events now seem to be proving him right.
The much-talked-about peace talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad have collapsed, and, with that failure, whatever fragile hope there was for de-escalation in the Middle East has gone up in smoke.
Iran has continued its missile attacks across the Gulf, and tensions have only intensified.
The question now is not simply how long this conflict will last, but how much worse it can get—and how deeply countries like the Philippines will feel its effects.
Iran’s continued disruption of the Strait of Hormuz, where roughly a fifth of the world’s oil supply passes, is already sending shock waves across global markets. And when oil prices surge, countries like ours, heavily dependent on imported fuel, are among the first to suffer.
We do not need statistics to tell us what is happening.
One only has to step out into the streets.
Along EDSA and other major thoroughfares, there are noticeably fewer vehicles.
People are walking more, enduring long queues and cramped conditions in the MRT.
In shopping malls, the usual crowds have thinned.
Ordinary Filipinos are tightening their belts, cutting back on expenses, and thinking twice before spending.
Gasoline prices have once again become a daily burden, and the ripple effect is felt in transport fares, food prices, and basic goods. And yet, even as the world burns and Filipinos struggle, our politics remain as chaotic as ever.
The impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte continues to hang in the balance and is expected to move to
the Senate for trial. At the same time, political maneuverings for the 2028 elections have begun, as if we have nothing more urgent to attend to.
Sara Duterte has reportedly aligned herself with Senator Imee Marcos as a potential running mate—raising questions about how this will sit with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., her current ally and Imee’s own brother.
One can only wonder which crisis will hit us harder
It is, as always, a guessing game— who will run, who will switch sides, who will betray whom. The administration itself appears to be feeling its way in the dark.
Personally, I have long believed that Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro would make a capable president, with Jonvic Remulla as vice president.
But whether President Marcos can convince Gibo to run is another matter entirely.
He has run before, in 2010, and lost. I recall a conversation with him years ago when he said he would never run again, disillusioned by the duplicity and outright betrayal he encountered—supporters who took his money only to side with the opposition.
He knows, perhaps better than most, just how dirty Philippine politics can be.
That is how it is.
While the world faces uncertainty abroad—from failed peace talks in Islamabad to rising oil prices and the threat of a wider war—we at home remain entangled in our own political dramas.
And in the meantime, the impeachment case of Sara Duterte hangs, unresolved, over the nation.
Santa Banana, one can only wonder which crisis will hit us harder.
The price of a promise: P8b and the politics of small money
IN A barangay hall in Pilar, Bataan, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. handed over something that looked like hope in its simplest form: ₱200,000.
Multiply that by 42,000 villages, and hope becomes ₱8 billion.
The government calls it the Bawat Barangay Makinabang Program—a response to economic anxieties triggered by unrest in the Middle East. Each barangay receives ₱200,000: half for modest infrastructure like streetlights, CCTV cameras, and generators, and half to help struggling college seniors graduate.
It is an idea that feels almost unassailable. Who would oppose helping students finish school? Who would object to lighting dark streets or powering evacuation centers?
And yet, in the Philippines, public money often carries a second story— one that unfolds quietly, far from ribbon-cuttings.
A New Shape of an Old Problem
At first glance, the program appears designed to avoid the pitfalls of the past. Unlike the infamous Priority Development Assistance Fund scam, this initiative distributes funds evenly. Every barangay gets the same amount. There are no obvious political favorites. But this symmetry creates a different kind of risk. Instead of concentrating power—and temptation—in a few hands, it disperses both across the country. Forty-two thousand barangays mean 42,000 separate decisions on how money is spent. Forty-two thousand chances to follow the rules—or quietly bend them. Corruption here does not need to be dramatic. It only needs to be ordinary.
The Arithmetic of Small Compromises
The sums involved per village are modest. ₱200,000 will not build mansions or fund offshore accounts. That, officials might argue, makes the pro-
gram relatively safe. But small money has its own logic. It is easier to justify inflating the cost of a CCTV camera when the project still exists.
Easier to add a name or two to a list of scholarship beneficiaries. Easier to accept a “standard” commission from a supplier when everyone else seems to do the same.
In the Philippines, public money often carries a second story — one that unfolds quietly, far from ribbon-cuttings
No single act feels like a scandal. But taken together, they can quietly erode the integrity of the program.
If even a fraction of the funds—say 15 or 20 percent—are lost to overpricing, ghost beneficiaries, or minor kickbacks, the total leakage could reach into the billions. Not stolen in one sweeping act, but dissipated through thousands of small decisions.
Where Governance Meets Politics
There is also the question of timing— and of human nature.
Barangays are the most intimate level of governance in the Philippines. Officials know their constituents personally: who is struggling, who needs help, who shows up on election day.
When money flows through this level, even with the best intentions, it can acquire political meaning.
A scholarship can feel like a favor.
A generator can feel like a gift.
A program can feel like a promise—
REDITORIAL
EDITORIAL
Brace yourself
IGHT, Filipinos must steady themselves against the challenge of soaring heat, adapt to and protect themselves against the increasingly dangerous and high temperatures.
Meteorologists say the heat index in the Philippines is considered highly concerning and worrying, with state weather bureau PAGASA reporting dangerous levels in multiple areas this month.
The combination of high temperatures and extreme humidity creates a “feels like” temperature that poses what they describe as a significant risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Instance, as of of April 11-12, several areas, including Sangley Point (Cavite), Dumangas (Iloilo), and Guiuan (Eastern Samar), recorded “danger” level heat indices of 42°C to 44°C.
Much of the country, including Metro Manila, where nearly 15 million people live, is frequently under “extreme caution” (33°C to 41°C), with Metro Manila recording levels near 40°C on weekends.
Climatologists say the heat is expected to continue peaking in late April and into May, with projections suggesting some areas could reach “extreme danger” levels of 52°C or higher.
The Department of Health has warned this intense heat brings high risks of heat cramps, exhaustion, and imminent heat stroke.
Heat stroke, or sunstroke, a lifethreatening, emergency condition where the body overheats to over 40 °C, losing its ability to regulate temperature, is the most severe heat-related illness, often causing brain dysfunction – like confusion or coma – along with rapid pulse and hot, dry skin.
Health authorities warned this intense heat brings high risks of heat cramps, exhaustion, and imminent heat stroke
Weather and health authorities have raised precautionary measures like limiting outdoor activity by avoiding direct sunlight, particularly between 10 am and 4 pm, when intense heat is hazardous because this is when the sun’s rays are strongest, increasing the likelihood of UV radiation damage and severe heat-related illnesses. The human body’s ability to regu-
late its internal temperature becomes overwhelmed, leading to dehydration, heat exhaustion, and potentially fatal heatstroke.
People are also urged to drink plenty of water and avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages,wear light-colored, breathable clothing and use umbrellas or hats.
The situation is worsened by the lingering effects of the El Niño phenomenon.
El Niño causes lingering impacts lasting months or years, including persistent global temperature spikes, severe droughts, and increased flood risks. It triggers catastrophic ecosystem disruption – such as mass coral bleaching and marine food chain collapses – along with long-term economic damage, increased food insecurity, and disease outbreaks like cholera and dengue.
Strong El Niño events can trigger “climate regime shifts,” leaving behind long-term changes in ocean temperatures and atmospheric circulation.
Because El Niño releases heat from the ocean into the atmosphere, it often makes the year following its peak, or even two years later, record-hot, according to meteorologists.
And the collapse of cold-water upwelling in the Pacific can lead to prolonged reductions in fish populations and severe, lasting damage to coral reefs.
‘Help me!’: Family’s anguish over Equatorial Guinean lured into Ukraine war
MALABO, Equatorial Guinea – A desperate voice crackled down the phone -Mariano Nkogo Mba Nchama’s 22-yearold son pleaded for help to get home to Equatorial Guinea from Ukraine, where he is fighting for the Russian army.
Daniel Angel Masie Nchama is among nearly 1,800 Africans fighting in the Kremlin’s war on Ukraine; some signed up voluntarily in the hope of high pay, others say they were tricked or coerced.
“Come and help me! I’m on the front line in Ukraine, I’m fighting for Russia,” he begged Equatorial Guinea’s President Teodoro Obiang Nguema in an anguished voice message sent to his parents.
The recording has spread widely on social media and caused a strong reaction in oil-rich but poverty-stricken Equatorial Guinea, ruled with an iron fist by Obiang for over 40 years.
Masie Nchama, a computer science student who dreamed of moving abroad, left the central African nation for military training but found himself forcibly enrolled in the Russian army and headed for war.
Panicked at the prospect of being sent to the front, he contacted his family late last month and appealed to the authorities for help.
“We need to find a plan to get me out of here quickly, because if they send me to the front line, it’s going to be really hard. Once I’m there, there’ll be no going back unless the war ends,” Masie Nchama says in the recording. His father said his son was contacted by a Cameroonian living in Russia, who sold him on the idea of a military training course and the promise of a job as a bodyguard.
Now he is at a Russian military base in Donetsk in eastern Ukraine, after leaving Equatorial Guinea in December for Cameroon, where he got a Russian visa the following month -- a copy of which AFP has seen.
one that voters remember. None of this requires explicit wrongdoing. It simply reflects how power operates at close range.
The Government’s Case
To be fair, the need is real.
College attrition remains a stubborn problem. For many Filipino families, a sudden financial shock can derail years of effort.
A relatively small grant at the right moment can mean the difference between graduation and abandonment.
Local infrastructure, too, often suffers from chronic neglect. A working generator in a health center or adequate lighting in a disaster-prone area can have tangible, even life-saving effects.
Officials like Ralph Recto have defended the program as a practical, fastmoving intervention. In a country ac-
He was in Russia for just 45 days before being sent to the war zone.
“We were promised that after 10 months of military training, we would be given a job, but to our great surprise, we were sent to the front. I don’t know if I’ll come back,” he says.
Diplomatic efforts
Following a TV report that also gained broad attention on social media, the Equatorial Guinean government confirmed in a statement the existence of a suspected recruitment network run by a Cameroonian national known by the pseudonym “Fabrice.”
The recording has spread widely on social media and caused a strong reaction in oil-rich but povertystricken Equatorial Guinea
He apparently tricks young people by dangling the prospect of military training in Eastern Europe, then sends them to fight in Ukraine.
The government called for international actors to take steps to dismantle and prosecute the network.
In a meeting with the Russian ambassador on March 31, the Equatorial Guinean vice president asked for Moscow’s help to return Masie Nchama.
The envoy said Russia was committed to helping him and proposed cooperation with Equatorial Guinea to prevent such cases in the future, a statement by the African government said.
As the war triggered by Russia’s 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine has dragged
customed to both economic disruptions and natural disasters, speed matters.
But speed can also outpace oversight. The Quiet Test Ahead
The success of this ₱8 billion effort will not be measured by how quickly the funds are released. It will be measured by what happens after the cameras leave. Will procurement processes be transparent?
Will beneficiary lists be accurate?
Will projects exist not just on paper, but in reality?
Institutions like the Commission on Audit will play a critical role. But oversight cannot rely on auditors alone. It requires local vigilance—journalists, civic groups, and ordinary citizens asking simple, persistent questions. Because accountability, like corruption, accumulates over time.
on, Moscow has taken soldiers from allies such as North Korea, which is thought to have sent thousands of troops.
Moscow has also pushed a recruitment drive across the African continent, signing up fighters from Egypt to South Africa and from Ghana to Zimbabwe.
Ukraine estimates that more than 1,780 Africans from 36 countries are fighting alongside Russia in Ukraine.
Sent to the front -
In February, the All Eyes On Wagner (AEOW) organization, which investigates Russian hybrid warfare, published the names of 1,417 Africans recruited by Moscow between Jan. 2023 and Sept. er 2025 for the war. More than 300 of them have died in Ukraine.
Moscow agreed last month to stop recruiting Kenyans after a network sent more than 1,000 fighters from the east African country to join Russian forces in Ukraine.
According to his father, Masie Nchama left with 36 young French-speaking Africans and another from Equatorial Guinea. After training in Murmansk in northern Russia, the recruits were separated.
“My son went to Donetsk while his compatriot was sent elsewhere in the Donbas,” he told AFP.
In a voice message which AFP has heard, he explained that he was forced to sign documents in Russian without understanding what they said.
His father said he has photos, videos and audio recordings proving his presence in the Donetsk region, an area of active fighting.
The family has filed a complaint with the Equatorial Guinean police and demanded urgent action from the authorities.
Despite their fears, his parents still hope to see Masie Nchama again — a fighter he is said to have relieved at the front has confirmed he is still alive. AFP
A Narrow Ridge The Bawat Barangay Makinabang Program stands on a narrow ridge between two futures.
In one, it becomes a quiet success: thousands of students graduate, small but meaningful projects improve daily life, and government proves it can deliver at the grassroots level. In the other, it fades into a familiar pattern: funds spent but not felt, projects completed on paper but not in practice, and another layer of public distrust. The difference will not be decided in speeches or ceremonies. It will be decided in barangay halls across the country—in the mundane details of receipts, lists, and local decisions. That is where governance is most fragile. And where, ultimately, it matters most.
Spain’s Sanchez seeks closer China bonds amid US strains
BEIJING – Spanish Prime Minister
Pedro Sanchez began a three-day visit to China on Monday, aiming to strengthen trade ties with the world’s second-largest economy as relations with the United States show signs of strain.
The trip marks Sanchez’s fourth visit to China in four years as he seeks to position Spain as a key bridge between China and the 27-member European Union.
The visit comes amid tense relations with Washington under President Donald Trump, whose tariffs and unpredictable foreign policy have raised concerns among European allies.
Leaders from Britain, Canada and Germany have recently visited Beijing, and Trump is expected to travel there in May.
Trump threatened last month to cut trade with Spain after the country denied the use of its military bases for US strikes against Iran, a key economic partner of Beijing.
Spanish government sources said a primary goal of the trip is to secure greater market access, particularly for agricultural and industrial goods, and to explore joint ventures in the technology sector.
Sanchez is also expected to use the visit to attract new investors for the eurozone’s fourth-largest economy and to gain access to China’s critical raw materials.
On Monday, he is scheduled to visit the headquarters of Chinese tech giant Xiaomi and tour a technology exhibit at the Chinese Academy of Sciences. AFP
IN BRIEF
German actress breaks silence in ‘Pelicot’ case
BERLIN – Actress and TV personality Collien Fernandes has sparked weeks of debate in Germany over sexualized online violence after accusing her ex-husband of spreading fake pornographic images of her online.
But as Fernandes told AFP in an interview, she was initially “hesitant” to file a criminal complaint.
Her lawyer encouraged her to press on, saying that this was the “digital Pelicot case.” French rape survivor Gisele Pelicot became a symbol of the global fight against sexual violence after waiving her right to anonymity in a case that shocked France and the world. Pelicot’s now ex-husband Dominique was convicted in 2024 of drugging her and letting scores of men rape her while unconscious.
Her lawyer’s comparison to the Pelicot case “really stuck in my head,” Fernandes told AFP, speaking in a remote interview during a break from filming in Singapore. AFP
New York’s mayor touts ‘socialist’ plans
NEW YORK – New York Mayor Zohran
Mamdani marked his 100th day in office on Sunday with a rally to tout early successes and vow to follow through on his unabashedly “socialist” agenda.
“I know there are many who use ‘socialist’ as a dirty word, something to be ashamed of,” the 34-year-old told a packed room in Queens.
“They can try all they want, but we will not be ashamed of using government to fight for the many, not simply the few,” he said.
Mamdani pointed to a program to fill city street potholes — over 100,000 since Jan. 1 — as evidence he is committed to making the lives of everyday New Yorkers better.
“If government can’t do the small things, how could you ever trust it to do the big ones? How can we promise to transform our city if we can’t pave your street?” AFP
Orban loses Hungary vote to newcomer
took 55 seats on 37.9 percent of the vote.
BUDAPEST – Viktor Orban, who has ruled Hungary for 16 years as a self-described “thorn” in the EU’s side and a defender of “illiberal democracy”, on Sunday conceded defeat to conservative Peter Magyar, who won a thumping majority in parliamentary elections.
Orban’s defeat, in a vote that saw a record turnout, dealt a heavy blow to nationalists, including US President Donald Trump who supported him.
It also deprives Russian President Vladimir Putin of his most sympathetic ear inside the European Union.
Tens of thousands of jubilant supporters of Magyar’s Tisza party cheered the results outside the party’s election head-
the French firm pleaded guilty to conspiring to provide material support to US-designated “terrorist” organizations and agreed to pay a $778-million fine, in what was the first time a corporation had faced the charge. In the French case, Lafarge -- which has since been acquired by
conglomerate Holcim -- is accused of paying
of
in 2013 and 2014, via its subsidiary Lafarge Cement
(LCS), to
ist groups and intermediaries to
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Lafarge had finished
a $680-million factory in Jalabiya in 2010, before Syria’s civil war erupted in March the following year amid opposition to thenpresident Bashar al-Assad’s brutal repression of anti-government protests. AFP
quarters on the banks of the Danube in Budapest, waving Hungarian flags and dancing, as car horns sounded in the capital.
“I feel fantastic!” Zoltan Sziromi, a 20-year-old student, celebrating in the crowd, told AFP.
“We’ve finally got rid of that system, and it was about time.”
Magyar, who arrived waving the Hun-
garian flag, told the cheering crowd that voters had “liberated Hungary”, calling his party’s win a “miracle” in the central European country of 9.5 million people.
“Today, the Hungarian people have said ‘yes’ to Europe,” the 45-year-old former government insider and political newcomer told supporters.
He promised to “restore the system of checks and balances..., guarantee the democratic functioning of our country” and put Hungary “back on track”.
Acknowledging it was an “enormous” task, he called for unity, saying the victory belonging to “all Hungarians.”
With 98.15 percent of precincts counted, Tisza secured a two-thirds majority with 138 seats in the 199-seat parliament on 53.6 percent of the vote, according to official election results. Orban’s Fidesz
Trump: ‘No big fan’ of Pope after anti-war message
JOINT BASE ANDREWS – US Presi-
dent Donald Trump told reporters Sunday (Manila time) he is “not a big fan” of Pope Leo XIV, after the global leader of Catholics made a plea for peace amid the war in the Middle East.
The 70-year-old American pope publicly implored leaders on Saturday to end the violence, telling worshippers at St Peter’s Basilica: “Enough of the idolatry of self and money! Enough of the display of power! Enough of war!”
“I’m not a big fan of Pope Leo. He’s a very liberal person, and he’s a man that doesn’t believe in stopping crime,” Trump told reporters at Joint Base An-
drews in Maryland. He accused the pontiff of “toying with a country that wants a nuclear weapon.”
Trump later doubled down on his comments to reporters with a post on Truth Social, saying: “I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon.”
“Pope Leo is WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy,” he said.
The president added that Leo had only been elected “because he was an American, and they thought that would be the best way to deal with President Donald J. Trump.”
Runoff looms as Fujimori leads troubled Peru vote
LIMA – Right wing candidate Keiko
Fujimori led exit polls following Peru’s troubled presidential election Sunday, but failed to avoid a runoff after a tight vote marred by irregularities and a police raid on the country’s election authority.
Fujimori, the 50-year-old daughter of a disgraced former president, led with about 16 percent of the vote, according to pollsters at Ipsos and Datum.
A string of candidates followed in a statistical tie for second place and the final spot in a June runoff.
About 27 million Peruvians were choosing between 35 presidential candidates in a race dominated by concerns over crime and corruption.
But election day was marred by delays and irregularities that sparked unproven accusations of foul play and cast a shadow over results.
Police and prosecutors moved into the election authority headquarters as polls
were still open, probing the failure to deliver voting materials that left about 63,000 people unable to cast ballots.
Authorities said election materials failed to reach about 100 polling places, mostly in Lima, forcing dozens of centers to open hours late.
At 15 centers, angry voters waited for hours under the equatorial sun, only to be turned away when ballots failed to arrive.
“We have had a logistical problem, and we have done everything humanly possible to reduce it,” said Piero Corvetto, head of the National Office of Electoral Processes.
“There is no possibility of fraud,” he said. “There is full assurance that the election results will faithfully reflect the popular will.”
Several candidates voiced unease and called for voting to be extended into Monday if necessary. Authorities closed the polls after extending voting by one hour. AFP
Earlier Sunday, Orban, 62, conceded defeat.
“The election results, though not yet final, are clear and understandable; for us, they are painful but unambiguous,” Orban, 62, told reporters.
“We have not been entrusted with the responsibility and opportunity to govern. I congratulated the winning party,” he said.
Turnout in the election reached a record 79.50 percent, according to the near-complete vote count. Orban, who was seeking a fifth straight term, has transformed his country into a model of “illiberal democracy”, clashing with Brussels over rule-of-law issues, as well as over support for
“If I wasn’t in the White House, Leo wouldn’t be in the Vatican.”
Trump later posted an AI-generated image seemingly depicting himself as Jesus Christ. In the image, the president appears dressed in red and white robes as he cures a man with his healing hand. The American flag is shown over his shoulder.
Trump and the White House have previously shared AI-generated images, including one that showed the president dressed as the pope. Washington and the Vatican have rejected reports of a rift. AFP
morning on the papal plane for the Algerian capital of Algiers, a trip aimed at continuing to “build bridges between the Christian and Muslim worlds,” the Archbishop of Algiers Jean-Paul Vesco told AFP.
Before meeting with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and addressing authorities and diplomats, the pope will pay tribute to the victims of Algeria’s 1954-1962 war of independence against France at the Martyrs Memorial overlooking the city. Already in Algiers ahead of the historic visit, the atmosphere of an imminent celebration pervaded the air, with walls repainted, roads repaved and green spaces adorned with plants and flowerpots.
Leo’s packed trip covering 18,000 kilometres in total also includes the central African countries of Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea, with the pope due to return home on April 23.
The American pope’s visit coincides with war in the Middle East, which shows no signs of abating after the failure to reach an agreement between the United States and Iran.
On Saturday, Leo said “Enough to war!” in a fiery speech from St Peter’s Basilica imploring warmongers to stop the violence.
But the visit to Algeria is also infused with personal significance for the Augustinian pontiff, with the country holding “a special place in his mind and heart because of St Augustine,” Vesco said. AFP
Orthodox
Easter truce between Ukraine, Russia formally ends
DEFEAT FOR AUTHORITARIANISM. People celebrate in the streets after Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban conceded defeat to Peter Magyar, leader of the pro-European conservative TISZA party, in Budapest, on Sunday. Polls closed in Hungary’s parliamentary election, with turnout reaching a record high in the crunch vote that sees nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s 16-year stint in power face
challenge
conservative political newcomer Peter Magyar. AFP
BROWNLEE STRIKES. Justin Brownlee scores 10 straight points as Ginebra broke away for a 109-96 victory over Phoenix in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup Sunday night at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
UST captures men’s chess crown; FEU belles prevail
UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas reasserted its dominance in collegiate chess by capturing the men’s title, while Far Eastern University secured the women’s crown in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Blitz Chess Championships held Sunday at the Adamson Gym.
The España-based squad delivered a composed and consistent performance throughout the finals to clinch the championship, finishing ahead of a stacked field that saw Far Eastern University settle for first runner-up and De La Salle University place third in the men’s division.
UST head coach and Grandmasterelect Ronald Dableo emphasized how their strong elimination-round performance translated into a crucial edge in the finals.
“‘Yung pag-top seed nila sa elimination ngayon, naging morale boost din nila ’yon. Napakiramdaman din ‘yung playing field eh. Napaganda pa ‘yung line-up namin. Umilalim ‘yung (FM Mark) Daluz at (NM Chester) Reyes.
SAVOUGE is in good hands with battle-hardened setter Vince Imperial steering the ship. Behind the playmaker’s composed and consistent performance, the Spin Doctors finally got over the semifinals hump and reached a breakthrough championship appearance in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference. His heroics that guided Savouge in shaking the balance of power in the premier men’s club league earned Imperial the hands-down choice as Spikers’ Turf Press Corps Player of the Week presented by Pilipinas Live for the period of April 8 to 12. Imperial dished out 25 excellent sets in a superb playmaking that saw six Spin Doctors in double figures for the franchise’s first-ever win over Criss Cross in a thrilling five-setter, 25-22, 19-25, 20-25, 25-23, 15-13, to start the round-robin semifinals on a high note. He also finished with seven points to highlight his all-around contribution.
Doon hirap na hirap ‘yung FEU eh kasi wipeout ‘yung ilalim lagi,” said Dableo.
The UST Male Woodpushers easily dispatched Ateneo de Manila University, 3.5-0.5, 3-1, 3-1, in the semifinals to set up a rematch against FEU, which hurdled La Salle, 4-0, 2.5-1.5, 1.5-2.5, 2-2, in the other semifinal pairing. In the finals, UST opened the series with a dominant 4-0 sweep, followed by a narrow 2.5-1.5 win in Round 2 before clinching the title with a 2-2 draw in Round 3.
UST’s title run was anchored by key performances across the boards, highlighted by gold medal finishes from Jan Clifford Labog (Board 2), Christian Mark Daluz (Board 3), Chester
Neil Reyes (Board 4), and Carl Daluz (Board 6). Vince Pascual added a silver medal on Board 5. In the women’s division, FEU edged Ateneo in a tightly contested semifinal series, 2-2, 2.5-1.5, 2.5-1.5, before engaging La Salle in a gripping finals
showdown.
After settling for 2-2 draws in the first two rounds, the Morayta-based squad found its breakthrough in Round 3, with Woman National Master Vic Glysen Derotas delivering a crucial win on Board 2 to power a 3-1 victory.
Santo Tomas pulls off dominant judo sweep
\UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas completed an event sweep of the UAAP Season 88 Judo championships following a dominant showing in the men’s division and a strong finish in the women’s side on Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Malate, Manila.
This came after the España-based high school teams also completed a golden double earlier in the day.
Carrying a comfortable 17-point cushion after Day 1 over closest competitors De La Salle University Green Judokas, the Tiger Judokas stepped on the gas, amassing 24 more points on Day 2 with two golds, three silvers, and one bronze, including two 1–2 finishes.
Janry Pamor outlasted teammate
Juan Miguel Evangelista in the under-60 kg final to take the gold, while Randy Ferrera defeated eventual Rookie of the Year Aeon Lance Kim in the under-73 kg title bout.
Pamor secured victory via an arm lock barely two minutes into the match against Evangelista, while Ferrera finished Kim with two successive two-
“Simula noong pumasok ako sa Savouge, hindi pa namin natatalo ‘yung Criss Cross. Siguro anim na [tournament] ko na. Hindi pa rin namin natatalo. Ngayon lang namin natalo kaya sobrang saya,” Imperial said after the Spin Doctors ended the Invitational champion’s 10-game unbeaten run.
“Nu’ng fifth set ‘yung nasa isip ko nu’n, kailangan ‘yung maraming puntos, one is to one na lang, ‘yan din sabi ko sa mga ka-team ko, na ‘yung 15 points na ‘yun, bawal na tayo magkamali nu’n para manalo tayo,” he added.
Savouge showed no signs of slowing down as they extended their winning streak with a 25-27, 25-15, 25-19, 2516 victory over AEP Cabstars, spearheaded by Imperial’s 21 excellent sets and six points to seal the Spin Doctors’ entry to the championship round.
Despite already being through to the finals, the Savouge playmaker remained steady with 12 excellent sets
handed throws, the second resulting in an ippon just past the one-minute mark.
“Bittersweet, kasi, although nanalo, may issue na dapat hindi nangyari.
Pero siyempre very proud pa rin ako kasi ang trabaho lang naman ng coach ay i-guide lang sila, pero nasa kanila pa rin ‘yung hirap, ‘yung sakripisyo. Sila rin naman ‘yung deserving na makakuha nung championship,” said long-time men’s coach Steve Esteban.
Kyan Ballecer, who won the under-90 kg gold on Saturday, was named men’s MVP.
“It’s quite overwhelming, kasi we never expected na mananalo po. We prayed for it, we worked for it, pero hindi namin talaga expected. Kasi meron pa nga pong laban ‘yung UP and other schools pero we secured our championship,” said the third-year Tourism major.
On the other hand, Margaret Fajardo and Iahna Jaboneta handled their respective opponents from the University of the Philippines to fend off the challenge of their traditional rivals and secure UST’s first title since Season 81 (2018).
and two points in a 25-20, 25-15, 26-24 sweep of Alpha Insurance as the club builds momentum heading into its debut on the biggest stage.
“Sobrang taas ng morale namin kasi first time namin ma-sweep ‘yung semifinals. ‘’Yung feeling namin sobrang taas na ng morale namin pagdating sa finals kasi wala kaming talo tapos tinalo pa namin ’yung defending champion,” Imperial said.
Imperial won the recognition, as deliberated by print and online media covering the Sports Vision-organized league, unanimously, as he edged out teammate Mark Calado, the Criss Cross duo of Jude Garcia and Adrian Villados, as well as Cabstars’ Jared Schnake.
Game 2 is set on Friday, and if necessary, the winner-take-all match will be played on Sunday, wrapping up another intense conference streamed live and on demand via the Pilipinas Live app and on www.spikersturf.ph.
FEU-Diliman completes historic high school sweep
FAR Eastern University-Diliman completed a sweep of the boys’ and girls’ titles with dominant finals performances in the UAAP Season 88 High School Blitz Chess Championship on Sunday at the Adamson Gym.
After seeing its multi-season reign in the high school classical event come to an end earlier this season, FEU-D head coach and Grandmaster Jayson Gonzales emphasized that the team’s blitz sweep served as both redemption and a historic milestone for the program.
“We’re just so happy to be part of history. First time kasi na maging regular sport ang blitz sa UAAP and FEU ang nakakuha ng tatlo out of four division titles. That’s history and quite an achievement para sa school and sa players,” said Gonzales on FEU-D’s latest milestone in UAAP chess. National team mainstay and Woman International Master Ruelle Canino anchored FEU-D’s redemption campaign in the girls’ division, capturing the MVP award along with a gold medal on Board 1.
“Very fulfilling kasi po natupad ko ‘yung sinabi kong babawi kami. It’s very special kasi last season ko na sa high school and lahat ng teammates ko nag-contribute. Lahat po kami nag-effort,” said the 18-year-old prodigy.
The Canino-led Baby Lady Tams dominated Adamson University in the semifinals, scoring back-to-back 4-0 sweeps in Rounds 1 and 2 before clinching a finals berth with a 2.5-1.5 result in Round 3, setting up a title showdown against National University Nazareth School.
The Diliman-based squad sustained its lethal form in the finals, needing only three rounds to secure the inaugural blitz crown through convincing victories, 3-1, 3.5-0.5, 3-1. FEU-D’s LJ Getubig, who topped Board 5, was named Rookie of the Year.
Ericka Ordizo (Board 2) struck gold, while Lyn Getubig (Board 3) settled for silver. Franiel Magpily (Board 4) and Ann Beatrice Bombales (Board 6) each earned bronze medals to round out FEU-D’s podium haul. In the boys’ division, rookie King Xyan Beltran led the Baby Tamaraws to the title as they toppled top-seeded University of Santo Tomas in the finals, 3-1, 2-2, 2.5-1.5. Beltran went undefeated on the top board to clinch the MVP award.
Fajardo won the lone match in the under-78 kg division over Leah Margaret Ladia with an ippon via o-goshi after just 31 seconds. Meanwhile, Jaboneta forced a submission against eventual Rookie of the Year Rovy Mae Ujano after almost two minutes in their final bout.
Mariah Lua added a gold in the under-70 kg via ippon from a morote against Adamson University’s Myles Casañas.
“Kahit sabihin nang laos na salita, pero thank you, Lord, talaga, kasi ang tagal namin ‘tong hinintay. Actually, dapat ‘di ba ‘yung UAAP first semester pa, so nanghintay kami ng one-and-a-half year. So, one-and-a-half year kaming nagtetraining, one-and-a-half year kaming nagbi-build, and one-and-a-half year ‘din kaming naputol. Dati ‘yung lineup namin mahaba ‘yung pila, pero naging 15 na lang; naubos ‘yung lineup namin kasi ‘yung iba dahil sa eligibility, personal problems, so sobrang hirap pero sobrang sarap,” said Lady Judokas’ head coach Gerard Arce.
“Malaking bagay po ito sa akin (MVP) kasi first time ko lang magUAAP. Sulit po talaga ‘yung binigay kong hard work and training,” said the rookie standout.
Fellow FEU-D rookie Lord Yofiel Young was named Rookie of the Year after a silver medal finish on Board 6, while Gladimir Romero (Board 3) delivered a gold medal performance. Arena Candidate Master Joemel Narzabal (Board 2) and Lance Orlina (Board 4) contributed silver medals for the newly crowned blitz champions.
Vince Imperial
Members of the UST men’s chess team
TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2026
RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor
RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor
EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor
Rivals hail resilient Rory after repeat golf triumph
AUGUSTA—Rory McIlroy was hailed for his resilience and determination under pressure on Sunday after a gritty performance to win his second consecutive Masters title.
Second-ranked McIlroy grinded out a one-under par 71 in the final round at Augusta National to complete a wireto-wire triumph, defeating top-ranked Scottie Scheffler by a stroke for his sixth major title.
McIlroy led in driving distance with an average of 334.3 yards but was thirdworst in driving accuracy and managed a bogey at 18 after sending his tee shot over trees to the right and near the adjacent 10th fairway.
“I’ve competed against him for a long time, and you don’t win the amount of tournaments he has won out here without being pretty resilient,” Scheffler said.
McIlroy set a Masters record with a sixstroke lead after 36 holes but squandered it Saturday and had to fight back from three strokes back through six holes.
“Having a six-shot lead at Augusta is never easy, and losing that is obviously something difficult,” Scheffler said.
“But at the end of the day when you tee it up here on Sunday, he’s tied for the lead to start the day, had a solid round and did what he needed to do in order to get it done.”
Fellow American Cameron Young, who won last month’s Players Championship, played alongside McIlroy for three days, including in Sunday’s final pairing.
“He’s obviously a great player,” Young said. “I think if you asked him he would admit that he didn’t drive it particularly straight the first two days and did some incredible scoring.
“So sure, yes. There is plenty to learn from him.”
England’s Tyrrell Hatton, who fired a closing 66 to share third two strokes adrift, called McIlroy matching Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus and Nick Faldo as the only back-to-back Masters winners “unbelievable.”
“He’s an incredible player and pretty cool what he’s done in the game,” Hatton said. AFP
Fernandez, 6 others inducted into PH Sports Hall of Fame
By Randy M. Caluag
AS BASKETBALL Legend Ramon Fernandez was busy toiling under the sun on the fairways -- preparing for a golf-for-a-cause event organized by his foundation -- he remained unaware that yet another prestigious honor had quietly come his way.
But his wife, Karla, was quick to discover the inspiring news on Monday morning.
The four-time PBA Most Valuable Player and longtime national team standout had been named among the latest inductees into the Philippine Sports Hall of Fame.
“He probably has no idea yet… No idea that another milestone has already found him,” she wrote on social media. “And maybe that is exactly how it was meant to be.”
The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), in partnership with the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), announced on Monday the seven athletes comprising the fifth batch of honorees.
Joining Fernandez in the distinguished class are 1996 Olympic boxing silver medalist Mansueto Velasco and Paralympic powerlifting trailblazer Adeline Dumapong-Ancheta.
Also included are multi-sport athlete Bea Lucero-Lhuillier, athletics standout Isidro del Prado, football and basketball veteran Eduardo Pacheco, and tennis player Cecil Mamiit.
PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio emphasized that the Hall of Fame represents far more than a collection of athletic achievements.
“The Philippine Sports Hall of Fame is more than an honor roll of medals— it is a living ledger of greatness,” Gregorio said. “These are not just names.
Ramon Fernandez They are the pride and memory of a nation.” He added that selecting this year’s class proved to be a challenge, given the depth of talent spanning generations. “Some are measured in medals. Many are not. Yet we undertake this task be-
Rory-peat at Masters has McIlroy hungry for more majors
AUGUSTA—Winning back-to-back Masters titles has Rory McIlroy yearning for even more major success.
A year after winning his first Masters completed a career Grand Slam and ended a 10-year major win drought, the 36-year-old from Northern Ireland feels like there is more to come following his sixth major triumph.
“I’m not putting a number on it but I certainly don’t want to stop here,” McIlroy said of his major win total.
McIlroy matched Nick Faldo with six career major triumphs, one shy of the European record set by Britain’s Harry Vardon from 1896 to 1914. Let the debate begin over Europe’s all-time top golfer.
“There’s obviously going to be that conversation, and that debate is going to be hard, but it’s a cool conversation to be a part of,” McIlroy said.
“It took me 10 years to win my fifth major and then my sixth one has come pretty soon after it.” One reason McIlroy’s confidence is boosted is a Rory
Green Jacket at the presentation by Fred Ridley the Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club after the final round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. AFP
Revilleza, Go surge;
CEBU City—Lucas Revilleza and Avery Go moved a step closer to redemption after carding 74 and 75, respectively, as they took control of the 7-10 division in the ICTSI Alta Vista Junior PGT Championship at Alta Vista Golf and Country Club here on Monday.
Revilleza relied on a blazing finish under sweltering conditions, birdieing the last two holes of the rolling, ravine-laden layout to salvage a twoover round. His strong closing stretch gave him a two-stroke cushion over fellow Davaoeño Ethan Lago, who had earlier bested him in the opening leg of the Visayas-Mindanao Series in Mactan last week.
Lago also birdied the par-5 18th for a 76, keeping himself within striking distance heading into the final round of the 36-hole tournament organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.
Cebu’s Ashton Araw-Araw impressed in his JPGT debut by acing the 81-yard No. 13 using a Ping 7-iron and a Kirkland #2 ball. However, a rough finish of bogey-double bogey-
bogey saw him slip to a 90 and drop to fourth place behind Darren Ong, who carded an 86 in the youngest boys’ category.
“My driving clicked, but I still need to improve my short game,” said Revilleza, 9, from Rizal Memorial Colleges. Like many of the other contenders, he is playing the par 3537 course for the first time and his strong finish largely made up for a costly four-putt on the par-3 13th, which resulted in a double bogey.
On the girls’ side, Go assembled a rollercoaster round highlighted by four birdies against two double bogeys and three bogeys for a 75, giving her a three-shot lead over Zoey Mascariñas, who settled for a 78 after a bogey-bogey finish.
Mactan leg champion Akeisha Yocte, who edged Go by two previously, struggled with a birdie-less 80, while Bacolod’s Ana Marie Aguilar stayed within range with an 82 heading into the final round.
“This is my first time playing Alta Vista. It’s a tough course, though
different feel after this Masters win compared to last year, when victory and the Slam felt like long-sought accomplishments.
“I felt like the Grand Slam was the destination and I realized it wasn’t,” McIlroy said. “I just won my sixth major and I feel like I’m in a really good spot with my game and my body.
“I feel like this win is just a part of the journey. I still have things I want to achieve, but I still want to enjoy it as well.”
“I’ve waited so long to win the Masters, and all of a sudden I win two in a row, so I still want to enjoy it.
“I’ve got a couple of weeks off before I go back to play competitive golf, but I don’t think I’ll go through that lull of motivation or the sort of things I was feeling last year post winning this tournament.”
While McIlroy struggled after last year’s victory over the magnitude and enormity of the achievement, this one came as more of a relief after woeful tee shots saw him squander a Masters record six-stroke 36-hole lead. AFP
some holes are manageable. The most challenging part for me is putting, so I plan to improve on the greens in the final round tomorrow,” said 10-yearold Go, who is playing out of PAREF Southcrest School. Meanwhile, the second leg of the
JPGT Luzon Series gets going Tuesday (April 14) at Summit Point Golf and Country Club in Lipa City, Batangas. Winter Serapio and Chan Ahn will aim for back-to-back victories in the girls’ 7-10 and boys’ 11-14 divisions, respectively.
cause a nation that remembers its champions continues to produce them,” he said. POC president Abraham Tolentino noted that the seven inductees were chosen from a pool of 75 nominees, representing excellence across
Super Spikers, Cool Smashers clash for key PVL finals push
EXPECT nothing less than a blockbuster.
After splitting two grueling fiveset battles, Cignal and Creamline face off for the third time in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday – this time with a clear path to the first Finals berth.
But this isn’t just another showdown. It’s a collision shaped by resilience, tactical adjustments and sheer survival.
At 6:30 p.m. at the MOA Arena, the Super Spikers and the Cool Smashers clash in a match that promises not just fireworks, but a full-blown explosion. The winner takes a crucial step toward the championship round, while the loser is forced into a perilous match against either PLDT or Farm Fresh to keep its Finals hopes alive.
At 4 p.m., the High Speed Hitters and the Foxies square off in a knockout duel, with the victor staying firmly in the title hunt.
Cignal enters the high-stakes duel riding the momentum of a four-set victory over Farm Fresh, showcasing its ability to recover and dominate after early setbacks. For coach Shaq delos Santos, the formula is simple but crucial: recovery and preparation.
“Mag-recover ng maayos (Recover well),” he emphasized, knowing full well that endurance could again define the outcome.
POC president Bambol Tolentino, PSC chairman Pato Gregorio and commissioners jointly announced this year’s batch of Hall of Fame awardees.
Lucas Revilleza
Ashton Araw-Araw
P130.1 billion
BSP booked P130-b profit in 2025
BSP’s net income in 2025
By Thony Rose Lesaca
come, drove the decrease.
interest rate environment.
P118 billion
THE Bangko Sentral
ng Pilipinas (BSP) posted a net income
Miscellaneous income plunged 51.68 percent to P28.8 billion from P59.6 billion, while interest income rose 1.25 percent to P243.8 billion from P240.8 billion.
The BSP said the GIR level remained an adequate liquidity buffer, equivalent to 7.4 months’ worth of imports of goods and payments of services.
BSP’s net income in 2024
P272.5 billion
of P130.1 billion as of end-December 2025, up 10.25 percent from P118 billion in 2024 as lower expenses and foreign exchange gains offset a decline in revenue.
Total expenses for the central bank declined 11.12 percent to P201.4 billion from P226.6 billion. Interest expenses dropped 22.85 percent to P129 billion from P167.2 billion, while other expenses rose 21.89 percent to P72.4 billion from P59.4 billion.
Reyes Tacandong & Co. senior adviser Jonathan Ravelas said the higher net income underscores stronger BSP balance sheet management.
DPWH wants SLEX extended to Sorsogon
By Darwin G. Amojelar
BSP’s revenues in 2025
PANGASINAN SOLAR FARM.
Citicore Renewable Energy Corp. energizes the 125-megawattpeak Citicore Solar Pangasinan (CS Pangasinan) in Sta. Barbara and Calasiao, marking another signi cant milestone in the company’s commitment to support the government’s renewable energy agenda, while promoting the long-term development of Pangasinan province.
Preliminary data showed total revenues fell 9.29 percent to P272.5 billion from P300.4 billion in 2024.
A sharp decline in miscellaneous income, which includes trading gains, fees, penalties and other operating in-
The BSP also booked a net gain of P59 billion from foreign exchange fl uctuations, up from P44.1 billion in 2024.
Its gross international reserves (GIR) edged lower to $110.87 billion at the end of December 2025, affected by foreign exchange operations and a high-
“Expenses fell faster than revenues, mainly because interest costs eased as liquidity operations normalized after the aggressive tightening cycle. There were also gains from forex operations and better returns on BSP assets,” Ravelas said.
Ravelas expects the BSP’s income to normalize and remain stable, but earnings may soften as interest rates gradually ease.
By Alena Mae S. Flores
CITICORE Renewable Energy Corp. energized its 125-megawatt-peak solar power plant in Pangasinan on Monday, the latest addition to the company’s 5-gigawatt expansion goal over the next five years.
The facility, located across Sta. Barbara and Calasiao, can generate an estimated 202 gigawatt-hours of clean energy annually. The output is sufficient to power 90,000 to 100,000 homes and reduce carbon emissions by nearly 120,000 metric tons each year.
The project operates under a long-term offtake contract awarded through the Department of Energy’s Green Energy Auction Program 2.
Citicore has now energized more than half of its commitments under the program and expects to complete its remaining five projects in Pangasinan, Batangas and Quezon in the coming months.
Citicore president and chief executive Oliver Tan said the project emphasizes both sustainability and resilience.
“Renewable energy can be thoughtfully designed, integrating stronger materials to mitigate external risks, while considering benefits to our other initiatives such as AgroSolar,” Tan said. The plant utilizes an elevated engineering design to protect critical infrastructure from flooding while improving drainage and airflow. The elevation also supports the company’s AgroSolar initiative, which allows farmers to plant crops beneath and between the solar panels to promote food
THE Department of Public Works and Highways is pushing to extend the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) to Matnog, Sorsogon by next year as the initial phase of the Toll Road 4 project prepares to open.
Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon said San Miguel Corp. (SMC) committed to beginning operations for the first phase of the P58.4-billion Toll Road 4 (TR4) by the end of 2026. The 66.74-kilometer, four-lane expressway will connect Sto. Tomas, Batangas to Tayabas and Lucena City in Quezon.
DPWH data from Jan. 25, 2026 showed that three of the six TR4 packages are on track for completion within the year. Package C, a 7.50-kilometer link between San Pablo, Laguna and Tiaong, Quezon, is 92.9-percent complete. The 12.75-kilometer Package B from Makban to San Pablo is 76.9-percent finished. The 11.32-kilometer Package A, connecting Santo Tomas to Makban, is 42.628-percent complete and scheduled for a December 2026 finish.
Dizon said SMC is prepared to proceed with the TR5 project once TR4 is finished. The TR5 project will extend the network about 420 kilometers from Lucena City to the Matnog Ferry Terminal in Sorsogon.
“These things will take time, but with the right push, I think we can get all of these things done,” Dizon added.
The SLEX-TR5 project consists of eight segments running parallel to the Philippine National Railway, Maharlika Highway and Quirino Highway. DPWH data from March 25, 2026, valued the initial 61-kilometer Segment 1 from Lucena to Gumaca, Quezon at P22 billion.
Local equities slump, peso slides to 60.135 as US-Iran peace talks stall
By Jenni er B. Austria
PHILIPPINE equities ended lower Monday as peace talks between the United States and Iran reached a deadlock.
The peso also depreciated, closing at 60.135 to the U.S. dollar from 59.97 on Friday.
The 30-company Philippine Stock Exchange index dropped by more than 2 percent during the early session before closing at 6,054.05, down 44.16 points or 0.72 percent. The broader all shares index ended at 3,386.52, lower by 22.01 points or 0.65 percent.
AB Capital Securities said the index reversed last week’s gains as risk-off sentiment returned due to the failed peace talks.
Global crude prices surged above
$100 per barrel as the U.S. proceeded with the Hormuz blockade. Analysts said the move reignited fears of supply disruptions and a spike in global crude prices.
Except for the services sector, which climbed 1.02 percent, all indices ended in the red. Financials declined the most, down 2.35 percent, followed by property, which fell 1.54 percent.
Value turnover reached P7.5 billion.
Market breadth was negative with 121 decliners, 82 gainers and 68 unchanged.
Foreign investors were net sellers with outflows at P216.88 million.
Only four index members closed the day in the green, led by Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc., which rose 4.03 percent to P31. On the other hand, JG Summit Holdings Inc. was at the bottom, down 5.23 percent to P27.20.
Century Paci c’s income rose 11% to P7b in 2025
By Jenni er B. Austria
CANNED food manufacturer
Century Pacific Food Inc. grew its net income by 11 percent in 2025 to P7.1 billion despite a volatile macroeconomic environment.
Consolidated revenues rose 10 percent to P83.3 billion, as strong sales from the branded food segment offset soft performance in the group’s export sales.
The branded food segment—comprising marine, meat, milk, and other emerging categories—posted 13 per-
RLC ramps up construction of Cebu condo
ROBINSONS Land Corp. (RLC) has ramped up construction of its premium condominium project in Cebu amid sustained demand for high-end housing outside Metro Manila.
RLC Residences said its Mantawi Residences in Mandaue City entered a new phase of development following the ceremonial concrete pouring for Tower 1 last month, marking the start of major structural works.
The project is part of the company’s broader expansion in Cebu, one of the country’s fastest-growing real estate markets.
Located along Ouano Avenue, Mantawi Residences sits within a corridor linking Mandaue and Cebu cities, offering access to commercial hubs, schools, hospitals and key infrastructure such as the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway. RLC Residences said the development is designed for modern urban living, with spacious units and amenities integrated within a 1.3-hectare property.
The Mantawi project adds to RLC Residences’ footprint in Cebu, which includes developments in Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City and Consolacion.
The condominium has gained recognition ahead of its completion, including being named Best Sustainable Development at the 2025 DOT Property Philippines Awards and receiving a “highly commended” citation at the PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards.
Emmanuel Arce, RLC Residences head of construction, said the milestone signals the official start of major construction activities. He also expressed confidence the project would deliver long-term value to homeowners and investors.
Mantawi Residences is slated for completion in February 2031.
Jenniffer B. Austria
cent year-on-year volume growth.
The company attributed the gains to affordability, convenience, and diversified product offerings.
“In our effort to balance short- and long-term growth, we made strategic decisions back in 2024 to invest in our brands while holding prices even up to 2025,” CNPF chief finance officer Chad Manapat said in a statement to the stock exchange. “Ultimately, this meant providing consumers with more accessible and nutritious food options, leading to double-digit volume growth in 2025.”
The exports segment, which includes CNPF’s white-label tuna and coconut manufacturing businesses, posted a muted 2 percent growth in 2025 as global trade uncertainty led to an unfavorable commodity cycle. However, the segment recovered in the fourth quarter of 2025 with a double-digit improvement, tempering
declines from the first nine months of the year.
To mitigate the impact of rising costs, CNPF said it deliberately tightened operating expenses. Net profit margins stood at 8.5 percent, a 10 basis-point improvement year-on-year.
In 2025, CNPF invested P4.1 billion in capital expenditures to support capacity expansion and fund renewable energy initiatives, such as solar and biomass capabilities.
Manapat noted that disruptions from geopolitical tensions are already straining the overall business environment. Amid rising cost pressures, CNPF said it will tighten spending, streamline costs, and keep products affordable.
“Ultimately, we remain agile as we navigate these short-term headwinds while staying focused and committed to the long term,” Manapat said.
AI EMPOWERMENT. Elevate AIDA empowers women to master data annotation and digital skills through a flexible blend of live and self-paced online modules designed to fit around household and community commitments. The initiative is Aboitiz Foundation Inc.’s flagship program, held in partnership with Innodata Knowledge Services Inc., the Philippine arm of a global data engineering and artificial intelligence services company. Under the collaboration, Innodata will engage qualified graduates of Elevate AIDA in AI-related work and help align training with evolving industry standards.
DigiPlus ranks 12th in Statista’s 2026 Asia-Paci c high-growth list
ONLINE gaming firm DigiPlus In-
teractive Corp. has been named the highest-ranked Philippine company in Statista’s latest “High-Growth Companies Asia-Pacific” list.
DigiPlus placed 12th out of 500 companies in the 2026 ranking compiled by the global research firm. The company outperformed 42 other Philippine firms on the list, which tracks revenue growth across the region.
“Securing a spot in Statista’s ‘HighGrowth Companies Asia-Pacific’ list validates DigiPlus’ strong growth trajectory and reinforces our position as a leading digital entertainment company—not just in the Philippines, but across the region,” DigiPlus chairman Eusebio Tanco said.
The ranking was based on audited revenue data from 2021 to 2024, a period during which DigiPlus posted a sharp rise in earnings. Revenues surged from $56.97 million (P2.81 billion) to $1.31 billion (P75.2 bil-
lion), representing an absolute growth rate of 2,580.83 percent.
The company operates digital platforms such as BingoPlus, ArenaPlus and GameZone, which have fueled growth amid rising demand for online entertainment.
The recognition follows an earlier citation from Statista in February, when DigiPlus was named the top Growth Champion among 50 local fi rms in the Philippines.
Singapore and India had the most companies on the list this year with 101 each. Malaysian e-commerce technology platform Borong topped the overall ranking.
DigiPlus attributed its 12th-place ranking to its unique trajectory and massive scale, supported by a workforce of more than 3,000 people. The company said it would maintain its focus on innovation and responsible growth as it seeks to further strengthen its presence in the regional digital entertainment market.
B. Austria
Lopez Inc. : Another family corporate squabble
Piki Lopez’s defense team will have to come up with a viable explanation for the central issue in this case namely, the sale of full control of the family company’s natural gas assets – the crown jewels, in the words of the company’s statement –rather than a transaction that would have left Lopez Inc. with veto power.
OVER the years, the Philippine business community has witnessed tumultuous spectacles involving corporation built upon the estates of prominent Filipino businessmen. The biggest of the spectacle have been the corporate squabbles involving the corporations founded by the heirs of Potenciano Ilusorio, Ricardo Yanson and Eusebio Garcia. To that list will now have to be added the nascent intra-family corporate squabble of the Lopez family. Every Filipino who is reasonably well informed knows that the Lopez family is one of the most prominent political/business families in this country. The family’s fortune, of which the holding company is Lopez Inc., is principally attributable to the efforts and acumen of brothers Eugenio Sr. and Fernando. The brothers founded the pre- EDSA Revolution newspaper Manila Chronicles, which greatly helped Fernando Lopez’s 1965 run for the Vice-Presidency of the Philippines. Eugenio Sr. established ABS-CBN, which under his tutelage and the good management of his son (Eugenio Jr.) and grandson (Gabriel) became one of this country’s leading broadcasting networks. The Lopez family also has substantial stakes in real estate and agriculture, mainly the sugar industry. The board of directors of Lopez Inc. is composed of seven third-generation Lopez men and women. When he was alive Eugenio Lopez Jr. was regarded as the primus inter pares of his generation, and when he passed away that the status was inherited by his son Gabriel, who succeeded him as chairman and CEO of ABS-CBN. Upon Gabriel’s retirement Federico a grandson of Fernando Lopez came to be regarded as the new primus inter pare. Federico, widely known by his nickname Piki, was elected president and CEO of Lopez Inc.
In a major diversifi cation move Lopez Inc. established First Generation Corporation (First Gen) a power generation company. Presumably intended to take the place of previously- Lopez -Controlled Manila Electric Co. (Meralco). First Gen became a major player in the energy industry, especially in renewable-energy generation.
In recent years Piki Lopez has emerged as the leading figure in the Lopez family. This progression has been accelerated by the gradual withdrawal of Gabriel Lopez from the leadership of ABS-CBN. The general impression was that everything was proceeding smoothly at Lopez Inc., with the company’s board of director backing Piki Lopez’s major decisions, which included relinquishments of control over First Gen’s natural gas assets and the acquisition of a minority interest in a hydropower company. This impression was rudely shattered by an action taken by the board last month.
By a vote of 5-2, the board voted is remove Piki Lopez from the Lopez Inc. presidency. The opposing votes were cast by Piki Lopez and his brother Benjamin.
What allegedly, were Piki Lopez’s corporate sins?
A statement issued by the board majority accused the ousted president of “act(ing) like a King without accountability” Said the statement:” In reality (Federico Lopez) is a salaried corporate officer, equivalent to a professional manager with one qualifying share, who is in power by the majority’s tolerance”
The board majority questioned Federico Lopez’s decision to relinquished control of Lopez Inc.’s natural gas assets. It asked: “Why did he give up control of our natural gas assets, our crown jewels? Why did he not retain 33 percent plus one share to retain a veto?”
Further the majority questioned Piki Lopez’s placement of the natural gas assets sale under “Other Matters” in the board-meeting agenda. It alleged that procedure was intended to preclude transparent discussion of the matter by the board of directors. It claimed to have learned about the transaction from press reports. Piki Lopez has obtained from the Regional Trial Court of Mandaluyong City a temporary restraining order (TRO) temporarily stopping the majority of the Lopez Inc. board of directors from removing him from the company’s presidency.
Piki Lopez’s defense team will have to come up with a viable explanation for the central issue in this case namely, the sale of full control of the family company’s natural gas assets – the crown jewels, in the words of the company’s statement – rather than a transaction that would have left Lopez Inc. with veto power. As for the alleged placement of the natural gas assets sale under “Other Matters” in the board meeting agenda, anyone who is reasonably conversant with the law on corporation knows that a transaction as consequential as that sale should have been accorded special treatment in the agenda. Piki Lopez’s lawyer will have to satisfactorily explain why the sale was treated as an “Other Matters” matter. With most of his family apparently determined to remove him from the presidency of the family company, Piki Lopez’s lawyers have a tough job ahead of them. They will have to show convincingly that their client has not been acting “like a king without accountability”. (llagasjessa@yahoo.com)
Jenniffer
BIKE RACE. Toddlers participate in a series of push bike races at SM City Grand Central on April 11, 2026, to kick o the SM Active Hub anniversary celebration. The open parking grounds transformed into a vibrant race track as families gathered early to cheer on young riders. The event signaled the rollout of SM Active Hub in northern Metro Manila, an initiative by SM Supermalls to make tness and sports more accessible to communities. Parallel activities across nearby SM malls reinforced e orts to build an inclusive and connected sports culture in the region. Norman Cruz
BUSINESS
DA expands fuel subsidies, boosts logistics support for food security
By Othel V. Campos
THE Department of Agriculture (DA)
has rolled out fuel subsidies, expanded Kadiwa market linkages and deployed trucks for hauling to help farmers and fisherfolk cope with rising fuel costs and market disruptions.
“These initiatives are designed not only to provide timely relief through fuel subsidies and logistics support, but also to strengthen our food systems by improving supply chain efficiency and expanding direct market access,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said.
In the Cordillera Administrative Region, the DA has intensified market mapping to identify affected areas, extended financial assistance and promoted integrated farming systems to diversify livelihoods. The agency is also rolling out cold storage facilities, processing hubs and low-cost preservation technologies to reduce post-harvest losses.
In Benguet and nearby provinces, vegetable farmers continue to face oversupply and weak demand, worsened by high transport costs.
The DA-CAR estimates at least 590 metric tons of produce require urgent market intervention as delays in distribution lead to spoilage and income losses.
To address this, the agency has intensified Kadiwa selling activities and trade fairs. It is also deploying trucks from farmers’ groups, local government units and Kadiwa to support hauling operations.
Fisherfolk have been among the hardest hit, with many forced to scale down or suspend operations due to higher fuel prices. This prompted the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to allocate P75 million in fuel assistance for more than 15,000 fishermen.
MARINA mandates e-ticketing for all domestic shipping firms
By Darwin G. Amojelar
THE Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has directed all domestic shipping firms to adopt a mandatory e-ticketing system to eliminate long queues and price scalping, ensuring a faster and fairer booking process for sea travelers.
Through a new memorandum circular, MARINA mandated the Ships E-ticketing Application
System (SEAS) for all domestic ship operators. The directive institutionalizes the Shipping Online Ticketing System (SOTS), aiming to deliver a modern, inclusive and effi cient experience for inter-island travel.
By requiring all domestic passenger vessels— including ROPAX and fast crafts—to implement digital ticketing, the system eliminates illegal resale, automates passenger manifests for emergency response, and guarantees automatic discounts for senior citizens, students and people with disabilities.
For both passengers and operators, SEAS provides a more secure experience by centralizing bookings to prevent overbooking. Safety is enhanced through an emergency-ready e-manifest that provides instant digital lists for rescue operations, while the ability to
book online ensures a hassle-free journey. The system is also designed to prevent port overcrowding. The digital transition will begin with pilot testing in selected ports during the second quarter, followed by a full nationwide rollout by the third quarter.
MARINA said certain vessels are exempted from the mandate, including motorbancas, recreational boats, service boats and non-passenger company vessels.
“With SEAS, every Filipino passenger can finally travel with peace of mind,” MARINA administrator Sonia Malaluan said. “No more scalpers, no more long lines, and automatic passenger manifests mean faster response in emergencies—making sea travel safer, fairer and more convenient for everyone.”
Basic launches electric transport to counter fuel price hikes
By Alena Mae S. Flores
BASIC Energy Corp. (BEC), in partnership with First Gen Corp., AC Mobility and Ecology Builders Development Corp., has launched a transport solution program to address fuel challenges sparked by the Middle East crisis.
In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange on Monday, BEC said the “Electric Transport Solution Program” is a comprehensive ecosystem designed
to modernize the Philippine public transport sector through a sustainable electric mobility framework.
“The program represents our collective effort to provide a practical framework that aims to address the ongoing challenges of fuel price volatility and future energy shocks,”
BSC chief executive Oscar De Venecia Jr. said during the launch at the EcoOil EDSA Mandaluyong Service Station on April 10.
“Our goal is to offer a technical and
financial structure that assists our collaborators in the transport sector in achieving more stable and sustainable operations.”
Senator Pia Cayetano and Energy Secretary Sharon Garin attended the event, which organizers said underscores a commitment to building a more resilient transport infrastructure.
BSC said First Gen, AC Mobility and EBDC contribute expertise necessary to support the transition to electric mobility, specifically electric
Axelum Resources posted record revenue of P10.2b in 2025
“We
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buses. Various transport cooperatives have also committed to the program, which is essential to the success of the transition, the company said.
By focusing on operational stability and cost resilience, the program is designed to provide the transport sector with a sustainable alternative to the volatility of imported fuel prices. The initiative is aligned with the objectives of the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act, known as EVIDA.
Coalition says West Philippine Sea energy must follow PH law
THE coalition 1Sambayan said any agreement involving foreign entities in the exploration, development and utilization of oil and gas within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone must strictly comply with constitutional and legal safeguards.
In a statement, the group cited three key conditions for such agreements: first, explicit recognition that oil and gas resources belong to the Philippine state; second, that all activities be carried out through a service contract under the Oil Exploration and Development Act of 1972; and third, that these contracts be governed by Philippine law.
The group said these requirements are necessary to ensure compliance with the 1987 Constitution and legal rulings covering the West Philippine Sea. 1Sambayan cited the 2016 arbitral award, which invalidated China’s expansive maritime claims and affirmed the Philippines’ sovereign rights within its exclusive economic zone.
The coalition also referenced the 2023 Supreme Court ruling in Bayan Muna v. Arroyo, which declared the 2005 Joint Marine Seismic Undertaking unconstitutional. The high court ruled that the agreement allowed foreign state-owned firms to participate in petroleum exploration without complying with constitutional safeguards, such as the requirement for proper service contracts under Philippine law.
The court emphasized that natural resource exploration must remain under the “full control and supervision of the State.” It added that projects must adhere to modes allowed under the Constitution, including service contracts for largescale exploration involving foreign participation.
Othel V. Campos
PEZA approves metal fabrication in Batangas
By Othel V. Campos
THE Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) approved the registration of Optispac Philippines Inc. as an ecozone export enterprise at the Lima Technology Center–Special Economic Zone. PEZA director-general Tereso Panga and Optispac Philippines vice president Munan Tan signed the agreement March 30, 2026. Under the deal, the firm commits to invest about P30 million in fabricated
metal products manufacturing, focusing on machinery, equipment and working capital.
Optispac projects its exports will grow from 100,000 units in its first year to more than 375,000 units annually by its fourth year.
Panga said the company’s expertise in hermetic packaging and liquid-cooled technologies will strengthen the semiconductor and electronics value chain in the Philippines.
“Enterprises like Optispac
onboarding processes and the management of multiple accounts. Licensed brokerage firm DragonFi Securities powers the feature. The integration allows users to fund investments directly from GoTyme accounts, place orders at any time and withdraw funds within the app. GoTyme Bank chief executive Nate Clarke said the initiative is part of the bank’s push to make financial services more accessible to Filipinos.
“GoTyme Bank’s mission has always been to remove friction from finance and build confidence for new investors,” Clarke said. Jenniffer B. Austria
Sports fans asked to shun piracy, fakes
THE Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) called on sports fans to support legitimate products and watch games through authorized channels as it led this year’s National Intellectual Property Month (NIPM) campaign in April.
IPOPHL acting director-general Nathaniel Arevalo said consumer choices directly affect the sustainability of the sports ecosystem. “Choosing authentic merchandise and official broadcasts supports athletes, creators and the future of sports, while fake goods and illegal streams weaken the system,” Arevalo said.
The agency said the global sports industry is valued at over $400 billion, with revenues from broadcasting rights, merchandise and partnerships supporting athletes, grassroots development and competitions. However, counterfeiting and piracy continue to undermine the industry. Global data show that 12 percent of viewers in Europe access illegal streams, a figure that rises to 27 percent among young audiences. Counterfeit sporting goods also cost manufacturers about €850 million annually, representing 11 percent of lost sales. In the Philippines, fake sportswear and equipment remain widely available in both physical and online markets. The agency said illegal streaming also threatens the value of sports broadcast deals. Othel V. Campos
Lopez majority questions
P16-b penalty provision
FIRST Gen Corp.’s P62-billion hydropower deal contains provision that will penalize the Lopez Group P16 billion if Federico Lopez and his “designates” are removed from First Gen, Lopez Inc.’s majority shareholders said in a statement Monday.
“This is self-dealing at the expense of all First Gen shareholders and for the exclusive benefit of Piki and his cohorts. We only learned about it and the whole transaction when it was presented at a board meeting that concealed the investment under ‘other matters’ and discussed in an executive session for only one hour,” the Lopez majority.
It said the details of the deal were kept from the majority and from the shareholders at large since it has never been disclosed to the stock exchange. First Gen is a listed company and is headed by Piki Lopez.
The Lopez Inc. board recently ousted Federico Lopez in a 5-2 majority vote for alleged cause and loss of trust and confidence as allowed by its by-laws. Federico Lopez obtained a court order, blocking his ouster and barring the majority from removing him from all other Lopez companies where Lopez, Inc., the mother company, has shares.
ITALPINAS Development Corp.
(IDC) reported a 27.4-percent drop in its 2025 net income, as high financing costs and lower property revaluation gains offset a nearly 30 percent surge in revenue. The property developer said Monday it earned P250.9 million last year, down from P345.4 million in 2024. The decline came despite total revenues rising 29.9 percent to P784.7 million from P604.2 million a year earlier.
IDC attributed its revenue growth to strong sales at flagship projects like Primavera City–Citta Bella in Cagayan de Oro and Miramonti in Sto. Tomas, Batangas. The company also started recognizing revenue from subsidiary projects, including IDC Homes’ Verona Green Residences and IDC Prime’s Primavera City–Citta Grande.
The firm said its strategy of expanding into emerging provincial locations continues to be successful as real estate demand shifts away from Metro Manila.
Non-operating factors including higher interest expenses and smaller gains from the appraisal of investment properties compared with 2024 weighed on the bottom line.
IDC cited improvements in its balance sheet, with total assets increasing 3.5 percent to P4.5 billion while total liabilities fell 3.6 percent to P2.5 billion.
The company said it expects sustained growth in 2026 as it enters new markets. Planned developments include projects in Palawan, Boracay, Bataan and Bukidnon. Jenniffer B. Austria
play a crucial role in moving the Philippines up the global technology ladder. By producing sophisticated electronic packaging solutions in our ecozones, they support existing locators in innovating and competing globally,” Panga said.
The project aligns with the agency’s strategy to attract highvalue, technology-driven investments while deepening national capabilities in advanced manufacturing and next-generation electronics.
By Jenni er B. Austria
METRO Retail
Stores Group
Inc. said Monday it posted a 12-percent increase in net income to P682.64 million in 2025 as the Cebu-based retailer benefited from margin improvements, new store openings and disciplined cost management.
The listed company said total sales grew 4.9 percent to P41.56 billion. Same-store sales growth remained stable at 0.6 percent despite various disruptions during the year.
Blended gross margin improved to 21.8 percent from 21.4 percent in 2024 on a strong performance in the food retail segment. This helped offset a 9.3-percent rise in operating expenses, which the company linked to labor and utility costs, new branch openings and losses related to calamities. “2025 was a year of disciplined execution and measurable impact for MRSGI,” MRSGI president
and chief operating offi cer Joselito Orense said.
“By strategically expanding our network into high-growth regions and introducing innovative store formats, we strengthened our market presence, delivered higher sales and margins and improved cash earnings,” said Orense.
The retailer added 10 new stores across Luzon and the Visayas in 2025. It also launched new formats like Metro Corner to target higher-end urban markets. The company now operates 81 branches under various brands, including Metro Supermarket, Metro Department Store, Super Metro Hypermarket, Metro Value Mart and Metro Home Improvement and Lifestyle.
To protect its bottom line, the company implemented sustainability measures such as installing solar photovoltaic systems in 19 stores to lower energy expenses.
Orense said the results reflect the dedication of teams nationwide and a commitment to serving customers with modern retail experiences while driving sustainable, long-term growth.
The company declared cash dividends of P0.06 per share, totaling P194.09 million, to provide returns to its shareholders.
By Thony Rose Lesaca
THE Philippines is among the economies where the government debt-to-gross domestic product (GDP) ratio will gradually stabilize over the medium term, according to the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO).
THE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) published an updated list of 2,263 drugs exempt from value-added tax on April 8, 2026 to reduce the financial burden on Filipinos treating chronic and critical illnesses.
Revenue Memorandum Circular (RMC) No. 27-2026 includes medicines endorsed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law and the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act.
The list covers 702 drugs for cancer, 535 for hypertension, 327 for diabetes, 300 for mental illness, 171 for high cholesterol, 152 for kidney disease and 76 for tuberculosis.
The Department of Finance said it supports the measure as part of a directive from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to improve healthcare accessibility.
Finance Secretary Frederick Go said the department backs the timely implementation of policies that lower the price of essential medication.
“This issuance forms part of the government’s continuing efforts to help ease the cost of essential medicines, especially for Filipinos managing chronic and critical illnesses,” BIR Commissioner Charlito Martin Mendoza said.
The new circular replaces all previ-
AMRO said in its ASEAN+3 Fiscal Policy Report 2026 on Monday the Philippines’ debt-to-GDP ratio is expected to ease slightly to 62.8 percent in 2026. The country’s debt-to-GDP ratio climbed from 60.7 percent in 2024 to 63.2 percent by the end of 2025, the highest annual level since the 65.7 percent recorded in 2005.
AMRO said most ASEAN+3 economies posted rising debt-to-GDP ratios in 2025. The increase was largely due to primary deficits and higher effective interest rates and outweighed downward contributions from real GDP growth and inflation.
“Over the medium term, the government debt-to-GDP ratio is expected to gradually stabilize or decline in most ASEAN+3 economies, except in China and Korea,” the report said.
AMRO said debt ratios are expected to decline in Indonesia, Japan, Lao PDR, Malaysia and the Philippines. As of end-February 2026, the Philippines’ total outstanding debt stood at P18.16 trillion amid a modest increase in domestic debt.
ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY
Plastic pollution impacts heavily on biodiversity, PH communities
PLASTIC wastes are wreaking havoc on biodiversity, with debris harming wildlife and coastal communities relying on marine resources.
Participants shared these insights during the recent National Plastic Action Partnership (NPAP) Philippines roundtable and workshop on two new studies that explore the linkages of plastics to biodiversity, gender equality and social inclusion.
The National Plastic Action Partnership (NPAP) Philippines, a locally driven multi-sector platform led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), brought together stakeholders from across the plastics value chain to discuss key findings of two assessments.
Stakeholders are helping shape the Philippines’ next steps in addressing plastic pollution and advancing a circular economy, drawing on evidence linking plastics to biodiversity, gender equality and social inclusion.
PlastiBASE study explored how plastic pollution affects ecosystems and communities across the Philippines, while Gender Equity and Social Inclusion (GESI) examined how gender, communities, waste workers and other stakeholders experience the impacts of plastic pollution.
Insights from NPAP Indonesia’s similar research on plastics and biodiversity, meanwhile, stressed the impact of marine debris on wildlife and showed growing environmental
Participants share their insights on the linkages of plastics to biodiversity, gender equality and social inclusion.
awareness and concerns of coastal communities over the impacts of plastic pollution.
“These are critical dimensions of the plastic challenge that are too often overlooked,” said DENR Undersecretary Jonas Leones in his welcome remarks.
“Through these assessments, we are deepening our understanding of how environmental action can also advance social inclusion, community resilience, and equitable development,” he said.
Insights from the plenary sessions ranged from scientific perspectives on marine ecosystems and biodiversity to experiences from waste management practitioners, policymak-
7 ways to cut your food
waste and support the planet
Conclusion
Learn what “best before” labels mean–and what they don’t studies have found that many people assume food should be discarded after the “best before” date printed on the packaging. In the EU, 10 percent of annual food waste is due to expiration dates, and in the US, 84 percent of consumers throw away some food simply because of the date on the label. But unlike a “use by” date–after which food is no longer safe to eat–“best before” simply indicates the date by which the manufacturer can no longer guarantee the product’s optimum quality, taste or texture.
Food is often perfectly safe to eat past this point–just give it a quick visual inspection, a sniff and a taste before digging in.
Prize the imperfection
Almost half of all fruits and vegetables are wasted. In part, this is due to consumer preferences for produce that looks “perfect” or “normal”; nearly one-third of all produce is rejected between the farm and the supermarket shelf because of its appearance. Keep in mind when seeing a crooked carrot or blemished apple that it’s still perfectly fit for consumption. By choosing it, you’re not only helping reduce food waste, but also the resources that go into fruit and vegetable production–water, seeds, soil, labor and fuel.
Shopping locally and seasonally, when possible, can further help
can’t eat everything we buy or cook.
But maybe your friends or neighbors can. Reach out to share your food, or make use of an app to find out where your surplus ingredients will be put to good use.
For non-perishable goods that haven’t yet reached their sell-by date, consider donating to a local food bank, where your surplus food can help feed more vulnerable members of the community.
Looking for an edible bargain yourself? Some businesses like bakeries and cafes offer end-ofday discounts on food they would otherwise have to throw away–taking advantage of these systems keeps perfectly good meals out of the bin, and can save you money in the process.
Compost the rest
Some waste is unavoidable, like eggshells, watermelon rinds and onion skins. But when food waste ends up buried in landfills, it breaks down without access to oxygen, and thus creates methane–a potent greenhouse gas.
The Environmental Protection Agency of the US estimates that 58 percent of methane emissions from municipal solid waste landfills in the country come from food waste.
Composting this waste returns vital nutrients to the earth, improves soil structure and sequesters carbon.
And if you have a garden of your own, your plants will thank you for it.
Zero Waste Day 2026, held annually on March 30, is focused on food waste. Jointly facilitated by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and the
ers, businesses and community groups working on the ground. “Plastic at the end of the day is as much about biodiversity, climate, economy and health. But first and foremost, it is also about governance. Tackling plastic pollution will be determined by the appropriate, timely and targeted governance and policy decisions that are being made,” said Edwine Carrie, UNDP Philippines Deputy Resident Representative.
“NPAP’s role in this process is multi-fold, including enabling the generation of evidence so that policy and governance decisions are based on solid evidence,” he said.
UNDP Philippines News
LINGAYEN, Pangasinan ―The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Philippines and Pangasinan have formally strengthened their partnership to advance climate and disaster resilience.
UNDP and Pangasinan signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the Strengthening Institutions and Empowering Localities Against Disasters and Climate Change (SHIELD) Program, the flagship resilience initiative supported by the Australian government.
The ceremonial signing was led by Pangasinan Governor Ramon V. Guico III and UNDP Philippines Resident Representative Christophe Bahuet, marking the official rollout of SHIELD
Baguio hotels and restaurants asked to solve kitchen trash
BAGUIO CITY―The local government of Baguio City has started addressing the concerns of food waste in the city.
Architect Donna Tabangin of the Baguio City Local Circular Economy Action Team said they have recorded about 43,000 metric tons of food waste produced in the city.
She has promoted the gardening culture to lessen the effect of Baguio imports on food waste.
Councilor Elmer Datuin, chairperson of the Committee on Health and Environment, also called on the business sectors to address issues of kitchen waste and comply with the basic requirements for proper waste management and business regulations.
”To our hotel and restaurant owners, I am calling on you today to move into immediate measurable action. Our mountains and rivers depend on your immediate actions,” he said.
“Secondly, design our waste at the source, audit your supply chains, and eliminate single-use plastics. Third, active waste participation, and utilize the new collection systems supported by our partner UNDP and EU,” he added, referring to the United Nations Development Program and the European Union. PIA
Program activities in the province.
Pangasinan is at the heart of the Philippines’ food system as one of the country’s largest agricultural producers and a key coastal province driving regional economic growth.
Yet, the strategic position also places it squarely on the frontlines of climate change impacts. The province faces escalating risks from typhoons, flooding, storm surges, drought and extreme heat. These hazards threaten communities, critical infrastructure, livelihoods, food production and hard won development gains. The SHIELD Program underscores the urgent need to strengthen climate and disaster resilience in Pangasinan.
Col. Arbel Mercullo. Blue Motus/UNDP
Through the SHIELD Program, with generous support from the Australian government, Pangasinan and UNDP, together with the National Resilience Council, Philippine Business for Social Progress and UN Habitat, are collaborating to demonstrate what scalable, risk informed governance looks like in practice.
Local governments are increasingly focusing on how resilience investments can deliver tangible benefits, especially for communities most exposed to climate change and disasters.
SHIELD will help bolster local government capacities in strengthening local systems using climate risk analytics in planning, budgeting and investment decisions, expanding access to technology including early warning tools and digital platforms. It will also support economic and private sector resilience through risk informed value chain analysis and business continuity planning. In parallel, it will help steer investments towards resilience by developing investmentready proof-of-concepts that can attract public and private financing.
Governor Guico expressed his appreciation for the partnership and reaffirmed Pangasinan’s strong commitment to advancing resilience efforts, highlighting the province’s continued investments in protecting communities and its readiness to fully comply with and actively support the implementation of the SHIELD Program. UNDP Philippines News
NAIROBI and NEW YORK―The world is facing a growing waste challenge linked to unsustainable production and consumption, with humanity generating up to 2.3 billion tons of municipal solid waste each year.
This year’s International Day of Zero Waste focuses on food waste–what we eat, what we waste and how we can reduce food waste as a pathway to environmental protection, greater economic stability, stronger community resilience and more accessible, efficient food systems.
United Nations Human Settlements Program (UN-Habitat), Zero Waste Day calls on people, governments and organizations around the world to take concrete action to prevent waste, advance circular solutions and strengthen zero-waste food systems. UNEP News
In 2022, Türkiye, along with 105 other member-states, put forward the UN General Assembly resolution that led to the observance of the International Day of Zero Waste.
Jointly facilitated by the UN Environment Program (UNEP) and UN-Habitat, the Day has, since 2023, been observed annually on March 30–aiming to highlight the issue of waste globally and raise awareness of national, subnational, regional and local zero-waste initiatives and their contribution to achieving sustainable development.
While hundreds of millions around the world face hunger, more than one billion tons of food are wasted–19 percent of all food available to consumers, while 13 percent is lost post-harvest and before retail.
Most food waste happens within households (60 percent),
followed by food service (28 percent) and retail (12 percent), with households alone wasting over one billion meals wasted every day.
“In every wasted bite lies the right of someone whose life depends on it. It also holds the echoes of the cries of those suffering from hunger and thirst in war zones. Let us not forget that all of humanity bears the cost of food loss and waste,” said First Lady of Türkiye H.E. Emine Erdoğan in her video message for the International Day of Zero Waste.
“This year’s International Day of Zero Waste spotlights the mounting food waste crisis―and calls on each of us to take action. Consumers can make a big impact with small changes in their shopping and cooking habits,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres said in his message for the day.
“Retailers can optimize their operations and redistribute surplus food. Cities can scale organic waste separation, leverage technological innovations and strengthen procurement for schools and hospitals,” he said.
“And national governments can drive systemic change by addressing food waste in their climate action and biodiversity plans and forging public-private partnerships.” UNEP News
Shown after signing the agreement to advance climate and disaster resilience are (first row, from left) Jacqueline Miel-Soliguin, SHIELD program manager; Peter Adams, Counsellor (Development) of the Australian government; Christophe Bahuet, UNDP Resident Representative; Pangasinan Governor Ramon Guico III; Vice Governor Mark Ronald Lambino; Region 1 Department of the Interior and Local Government Regional Director Jonathan Paul Leusen Jr.; and Philippine National Police provincial officer
TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2026
lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com
NICKIE WANG, Editor
ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer
JASPER VALDEZ, Writer
AROMANTIC
comedy film
titled The Flying Red Balloon , set in Shifen, Taiwan, will explore themes of wishes and love, with production scheduled to begin in two weeks.
The story is set in Shifen, Taiwan, where people release lanterns carrying their wishes. Jaja works as a guide, helping tourists send their dreams into the sky. Cheerful and outgoing, she is used to watching others come and go while she stays behind.
One day, she notices Teng-Teng, a quiet man who returns every day with a new lantern and a new wish. Curious at first, Jaja slowly grows close to him, and a connection forms between them. Teng-Teng, however, lives a life shaped by family expectations, with his future already decided. Being with Jaja becomes the first choice he feels is truly his own.
As their feelings deepen, they are forced to confront the reality that choosing each other may come at a cost. Believing it is the safer path, Jaja lets him go.
“The story follows whether love, like a wish sent into the sky, can still find its way back. The story is not too complicated. In fact,
THE Super Mario Galaxy Movie based on Nintendo’s popular video game franchise, reigned supreme at North America’s box office, outpacing competitors for a second straight week, industry estimates showed Sunday.
SHOWBIZ
McCoy de Leon, Liezel Lopez head to Taiwan for new rom-com ‘The Fying Red Balloon’
it’s just a very simple romantic comedy. It’s very simple yet very relatable,” said Louie Ignacio, who will direct the film.
The film stars Liezel Lopez and McCoy de Leon who were handpicked for the project. The script was written by Acy Ramos and Rish MangubatLunasco
Also part of the cast are Jayson Gainza, Richard Yap, Lianne Valentin, Paolo Gumabao, Kimson Tan, Sue Prado, and Rebecca Chuaunsu. The project marks the first film of Dgital Production.
The producer entrusted casting decisions to Ignacio.
“It’s my first time working abroad. It feels different. I’m excited. I keep thinking about how we’ll handle the location, lighting, and everything during the shoot. It’s already difficult to make a film here, what more abroad,” McCoy said in an interview during the film’s story conference.
Liezel, on the other hand, is excited to work with her leading man who’s from a different talent management.
“I’d like to know how a Kapamilya star works on set, I’m excited to learn from him. I’m sure it’s going to be a fun set since ngayon pa lang, I can say that we’re getting along just fine,” she added.
earned nearly $257 million in total domestically.
The director believes the production has found the right casting for the story’s requirements.
“As early as now, I’m very positive that we have a good project, especially since the stars seem to be building strong chemistry even before we start production, and I think that’s important for a rom-com. With McCoy and Liezel, I can see that we have made the right decision to pair them up for this movie,” the director said.
Sheryl Cruz (left) expresses support for daughter Ashley Nicole, who is pursuing acting after completing her studies with highest honors Super
The animated sequel from Universal and Illumination Studios tracks the adventures of Mario, Luigi and friends in outer space, where they must save Princess Rosalina. It features the voices of Jack Black, Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Brie Larson
It raked in $69 million in its second weekend, for a domestic total of $308.1 million, plus an additional $321 million internationally, Exhibitor Relations reported.
Holding its own in second place in its fourth week in theaters is another space adventure film, Project Hail Mary , which earned $24.6 million over the weekend in the United States and Canada.
The Amazon MGM film, which stars Ryan Gosling as a teacherturned-astronaut who wakes up on a spaceship with a mission to save Earth from a dimming sun, has
Maintaining third spot was The Drama , a romantic comedy in its second week starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson about a couple unraveling just before their wedding. The A24 film earned $8.7 million.
Debuting in fourth was another rom-com, Universal’s You, Me & Tuscany , starring actress-singer Halle Bailey and Rege-Jean Page (of Bridgerton fame), at $8 million.
Fifth place went to Disney/ Pixar animated hit Hoppers , the story of a young animal lover who uses technology to transfer her consciousness into a robotic beaver so she can better communicate with and protect wildlife. It earned $4.1 million.
The film has pulled in $354 million globally over six weeks.
Rounding out the top 10 were Faces of Death ($1.7 million), Exit 8 ($1.4 million), A Great Awakening ($1.25 million), Reminders of Him ($1 million), and Ready or Not 2: Here I Come ($867,000). AFP
Sheryl Cruz backs daughter Ashley Nicole’s showbiz bid
ACTRESS Sheryl Cruz is coming to terms with a familiar script at home, as her daughter Ashley Nicole prepares to enter showbiz.
In a recent television interview, Nicole spoke about a long-standing interest in performing.
“Honestly, even as a kid, I really loved to perform. Acting, story, creation. Since preschool, I’ve always wanted to become an actor,” she said.
While many might assume her mother’s career influenced her decision, Nicole pointed instead to a professor at San Francisco State University.
Shticks
Joseph Peter Gonzales
because it’s in her genes,” she said. She expressed reassurance in Nicole’s academic background, noting she graduated with highest honors and has options outside show business.
“I know she will have something to fall back on because she has already finished her studies. It’s just that I can’t deprive her of this artistic passion that she wants to pursue,” she said, adding that Nicole also sings, creates, and writes. “Well, I just wish you the best in your showbiz endeavors and please don’t lose your moral compass,” she said. She also encouraged her daughter to embrace both success and setbacks.
“Actually, it was my professor … who really persuaded me. I didn’t think it would be my career path at first, not until towards the end of college, when this particular professor told me that I have potential and should try to enhance it. That’s when my perspective changed,” she said. She added that the encouragement carried weight because it came without prior knowledge of her background.
“He didn’t have any idea about my showbiz roots. He didn’t have any bias.
So, personally, I was like, ‘Oh, okay. If you see something in me, then maybe I can trust myself more.’” Sheryl admitted to initial reservations about her daughter’s plans, pointing to the challenges within the industry.
“Like any other parent, I want to shield her from the harsh side of the business. We all know how hard it is. But also, I cannot take it away from her
“I want her to have the time of her life in the ‘biz. For whatever happens, if it’s going to be a roller coaster ride of emotions, then I just want her to enjoy the ride and know herself better than anyone else,” she added.
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ACTOR Jake Cuenca
confirmed he is exclusively dating Rabiya Mateo
“It’s safe to say that she makes me happy and we’re exclusively dating at the moment,” he said in a message shared through a vlog show. Speculation about the two began after they were seen together in Taguig City in March. Cuenca has also shown support for Mateo on social media, including a recent comment describing her photo in Thailand as “breathtaking.”
He also accompanied Mateo at the birthday celebration of Kapuso child star Sienna Stevens last month. Both Cuenca and Mateo ended previous relationships in 2025, with Mateo previously linked to
and
Mario and friends return for another space adventure as the franchise continues
Jeric Gonzales
Cuenca to Chie Filomeno
Sheryl Cruz (center) joins daughter Ashley Nicole (right) on ‘Fast Talk with Boy Abunda’ as the latter begins her move toward a showbiz career
Liezel Lopez (left) and McCoy de Leon lead the upcoming romantic comedy ‘The Flying Red Balloon’
Liezel Lopez (left) and McCoy de Leon build chemistry ahead of filming their first project together abroad
The cast and crew of ‘The Flying Red Balloon’ at the media conference ahead of the film’s overseas production in Taiwan
LIFE & SHOWBIZ
By Nickie Wang
ACTRESS
Lorraine
Wong has been nominated for Most Popular Rising Star at Singapore’s 31st Star Awards, set for April 19, at the MES Theatre in Singapore.
Organized by Mediacorp, the Star Awards is an annual television awards ceremony recognizing work in Singapore’s entertainment industry. Wong received the nomination for her role in the 2025 Singapore television series Another Wok of Life, where she played Yada, a Filipina who travels to Singapore in search of her first love. The series also featured Jeremy Chan, Guo Liang, and Richie Koh
The nomination places Lorraine Wong among emerging Filipino talents gaining traction beyond Manila
Filipina actress earns Singapore Star Awards
rising star
nomination
Aspiring Filipino designers explore global fashion practices in Italy
YOUNG creatives from De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLSCSB) recently traveled to Milan, Florence and Como in Italy, where they were exposed to global design identities, production processes and cultural perspectives.
The second run of the international educational tour took place in Milan, one of the world’s major fashion capitals. It was led by the Fashion Design and Merchandising Program (FDM) under the School of Environment and Design, aiming to provide students with hands-on learning beyond the classroom.
“Through academic collaborations, intensive technical workshops, industry exposures, and museum visits, the program ensures students gain the competencies, cultural fluency, and confidence necessary to thrive as future leaders in the fashion industry,” Benilde FDM faculty Olivia Lopez shared.
The program was designed to help students define and articulate their own design brand identity as future fashion professionals, while strengthening awareness of textile and material selection.
A key component was a week-long corsetry masterclass at Istituto Secoli, a fashion school known for patternmaking and technical design. Students studied corsetry construction techniques, including structural undergarments, precision patternmaking, and fit development. They also worked on visual mood boarding focused on concept development, narrative building, and cohesive design direction.
Her entry into acting began in 2022 after she placed second runner-up at Miss Chinatown Philippines. She first appeared in the film The Day I Loved You , directed by Easy Ferrer, produced by Regal Entertainment. She later credited early opportunities to Virtual Playground and Roselle Monteverde of Regal Entertainment.
Wong went on to appear in the television series Lovers & Liars , directed by Crisanto Aquino , alongside Claudine Barretto, and in the film Guilty Pleasure , directed by Connie Macatuno and starring Lovi Poe. She also appeared in Regal Studio Presents , including the episode “Mr. Perfect Model Guy,” and in GMA Public Affairs’ anthology Tadhana in the episode “Grasya.” Wong described the nomination as unexpected and expressed gratitude, calling it a meaningful point in her career. She added that working on a Singapore television production had already been significant for her, and the nomination reinforced her commitment to continue developing her craft.
This year’s Star Awards carries the theme “Born to Glow.” Public voting for the Most Popular Rising Star category is open until April 19. In the first phase, running until April 18 at 11:59 p.m., users may cast up to three votes per day. On April 19, from midnight to 7:30 p.m., unlimited voting will be allowed via Mediacorp’s official voting platform.
Wong is based in Manila and continues to work on local and international projects, including an upcoming microdrama with CJ Navato and Haley Dizon.
Dodgers strike landmark deal with Uniqlo
have agreed to a partnership that includes naming rights for “Uniqlo Field at Dodger Stadium.”
The agreement is Uniqlo’s first major sports partnership in the United States and brings together the Major League Baseball club and the global apparel retailer in a deal that will feature prominent branding across the stadium.
bearing the Uniqlo name will appear above the batter’s eye in center field, on the facade beneath the press box, and along the baselines. Stan Kasten, president and chief executive of the Dodgers, described the agreement as a historic partnership and pointed to shared ambitions between the two organizations to lead in their respective fields and communities.
Tadashi Yanai, founder of Uniqlo and chairman of Fast Retailing Group,
called the partnership an honor and said it would support efforts to connect with customers and fans in Los Angeles and across the United States.
The partnership includes fan-focused and community initiatives beyond stadium branding.
An in-stadium event is planned early in the coming season at Uniqlo Field at Dodger Stadium, where the company will introduce its LifeWear products to fans through large-scale giveaways.
Uniqlo also plans to set up dedicated spaces in select stores in California, particularly in the Los Angeles area, to promote the collaboration. Both organizations are working on community programs aimed at supporting Los Angeles residents, with a focus on younger groups. Further details on the initiatives will be announced in May.
students deepen their exposure to international design training through workshops, school visits, and industry immersion in Italy
The itinerary also included Istituto Marangoni, a fashion, art and design school, where students were briefed on academic programs, facilities, and industry connections, as well as potential pathways for master’s degree specializations.
The group attended Fashion Graduate Italia, a platform for emerging talent from leading fashion institutes. The event featured industry talks, exhibitions, and runway presentations, with Filipino representation through the Sinulid graduation collection of Benilde alumna Hannah Barrera
Museum and gallery visits in Milan and Florence were also part of the program, giving students exposure to art history, design evolution, and visual culture.
Stops included the Uffizi Gallery, Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze, Fondazione Prada, Armani Silos, Palazzo Morando, Gucci Garden, and the Salvatore Ferragamo Museum.
In Como, students visited the Lake Como Silk Museum, where they learned about the region’s silk weaving heritage. They also went to the Blue Studio, which introduced them to career pathways in textile surface design, print development, and creative direction in the international textile industry.
“Upon completion, students were expected to demonstrate enhanced technical competency in corsetry, design development, and construction. They can present improved creative analysis and research-backed design outputs, especially when they reach thesis making,” Lopez said.
“They are also bound to exhibit broader cultural and material awareness and applications in project submissions, integrate global design perspectives into their personal brand identity, and show increased preparedness for professional practice and international creative environments,” she added.
Benilde fashion
Uniqlo’s collaboration with the Dodgers includes field-naming rights, fan activations, and community initiatives
From left: Koji Yanai, Dave Roberts, Tadashi Yanai, Mark Walter, Stan Kasten, and Daisuke Tsukagoshi lead the launch of a partnership linking the Dodgers with Uniqlo
Lorraine Wong is in the running for ‘Most Popular Rising Star’ at the 31st edition of the Star Awards
TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2026
C4 LIFE
lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com
NICKIE WANG, Editor
ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer
JASPER VALDEZ, Writer
A full-circle triumph
By Nickie Wang
FORMER Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) undersecretary Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo
received the Programme Director’s Prize at Saïd Business School, an award recognizing a student’s contribution to both academic work and the wider cohort.
The prize, awarded within the MSc in Major Programme Management at the University of Oxford, is selected by program leaders, including the program and academic directors, and considers engagement alongside academic performance.
Lamentillo spoke at the closing ceremony held at the Holywell Music Room, where she addressed fellow graduates about the effort behind their achievements.
“This moment means so much to all of us, because we know it did not come easily,” she told the audience. “We know what it took to get here and what it took to remain here.” She described her own path as shaping the significance of the moment, noting that English is not her first language, that she comes from the Karay-a ethnolinguistic
group, and that she grew up with a speech defect. She added that the first English book she owned was an Oxford dictionary.
“So to be here now, at Oxford, speaking at this ceremony today, is something I could never have imagined when I first struggled through English words,” she added. “It is a full-circle moment that humbles me deeply.”
Lamentillo pointed to the experiences of her classmates, whose studies unfolded alongside conflict, caregiving, grief, demanding work, and uncertainty.
“When I look at us, I do not just see achievement. I see bravery. Real bravery,” she told the gathering. She also pointed to families, mentors, and communities as part of each graduate’s journey.
A cinematic return to the runway
SEONGBUK-DONG, Seoul turned into a moving stage of architecture and atmosphere when COS unveiled its Spring Summer 2026 debut in South Korea. The Korea Furniture Museum was transformed into a cinematic set piece where heritage and modernity brushed shoulders.
Within the hanok-lined grounds and against the silhouette of Bukhan Mountain, the evening played out like a choreographed film, with light, sound, and silhouette drifting through space in measured rhythm, blurring the edges between runway and living tableau.
Guests were served a curated menu by chef Jason Oh who presented contemporary interpretations of Korean dishes, including woodfired preparations.
Music was provided by Seoul-based DJ Xing Xing who has worked across the city’s
underground music scene and international cultural platforms.
The event gathered international guests, including actor Alexander Skarsgård , actor Park Gyuyoung, actor Emma Roberts , actor Diego Calva , and actor Sophia Roe
Also in attendance were singer Seungkwan singer ELLA (MEOVV), model Irene Kim, actor Choi Sooyoung, actor Shin Haesun, actor Hong , and actor Lee Dongwook Mika Hashizume Feifei Wang, actor Mile Phakphum, actor Chen Haoyu, singer and actor Xiao Cheng, artist Jey Jung, influencer and model Mayu Kitazawa, influencer Tamu McPherson, influencer Marc Forne, and writer Sophia Roe also attended.
COS later staged its Spring Summer 2026 runway show in Seoul, marking its first presentation in South Korea after previous shows in Europe and recurring appearances at New York Fashion Week.
The collection was shown in a brutalist-inspired setting on the city’s outskirts, where unused pools were transformed into a runway space. Models walked through a minimalist installation defined by geometric structures and open concrete forms, accompanied by a soundtrack incorporating recordings of Seoul’s subway system and ambient city sounds. The collection featured 40 looks in a palette of slate grey, brown, cream, and white, with accents of blue and oxblood red. Materials included leather, technical fabrics, linen blends, and sheer knits, with a focus on drape, structure, and texture.
Women’s looks included minimalist silhouettes, tailored pieces with softened lines, and reworked denim effects in silk.
Menswear featured relaxed tailoring, utility details, and transitional outerwear in muted tones. Accessories included leather sandals, loafers, structured mules, and bags in coordinated materials.
Selected items from the collection are available in COS stores and on cos.com.
“This win is not just ours,” she added. She then closed her speech with a message on shared experience.
“We are proof that belonging is not reserved for those with easy journeys. We are proof that language barriers do not define the limits of a voice. We are proof that struggle does not cancel brilliance.”
Built for movement
FAST fashion brand Penshoppe has expanded its activewear offering with the launch of Penshoppe Play, an athleisure line built around a simple idea: movement does not need to be intense to matter.
Now available in stores nationwide following its rollout on March 20, the collection arrives as more Filipinos integrate fitness into daily routines in less structured, more flexible ways. Instead of centering on high-performance or competitive training, the line leans into everyday activity, from walking and stretching to casual workouts and on-the-go movement.
The collection is positioned as an accessible entry-point activewear range, designed for comfort and ease rather than pressure or performance benchmarks. It targets both beginners and those easing back into fitness, reflecting a broader shift in how movement is defined in urban lifestyles.
Built around versatility, the range includes breathable tops, flexible shorts, lightweight
as part of everyday life, offering easy
made for casual routines, light training, and on-the-go comfort
jackets, and basic accessories that can move between exercise and daily wear. Pieces are designed for low to moderate-intensity activity, supporting use across different settings without being confined to the gym.
Price points underscore that positioning. Tops start at P399, shorts at P599, and lightweight jackets from PHP 1,599. Accessories, including socks and caps, are priced from P249 and P429, respectively, placing the line within an accessible range for a wide consumer base.
The brand points to the collection’s adaptability across different forms of movement, from basketball runs and football training to cycling, running, pickleball, and wall climbing. The pieces are designed to shift between warmups, training sessions, and recovery, blurring the line between performance wear and everyday clothing.
The launch comes as fitness culture continues to evolve, with more consumers prioritizing consistency and comfort over intensity. Structured training remains part of the landscape, but everyday movement is increasingly considered a valid way to stay active.
“Movement can start small and still be meaningful,” the brand said, pointing to a broader push toward inclusivity in fitness and lifestyle choices
.The collection is available in Penshoppe stores nationwide, as well as through its website and mobile app.
Oxford honors Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo for the kind of contribution that reaches beyond grades and into the wider student
Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo speaking to her cohorts as she accepts the Programme Director’s Prize at Saïd Business School