Manila Standard - 2026 April 18 - Saturday

By Rio N. Araja

PH-Czech talks start for Co’s deportation

By Charles Dantes, Vince Lopez, Ram Superable, Joel Zurbano and Maricel Cruz

THE Philippines has started coordinating with the Czech Republic to bring back former lawmaker Zaldy Co, a process that Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said may take up to two to three weeks.

In his update yesterday, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. confirmed that Co, who faces allegations of corruption linked to multi-billion-peso anomalous flood control projects, “was stopped at the German border after entering from the Czech Republic."

"He was denied entry and returned to Czech authorities, where he remains in custody," the President said. Philippine officials have already visited Co in Prague after his arrest, Remulla said.

"Our police attaché is already there, coordinating, Our DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) is also coordinating very vigorously with local and international counterparts to expedite his deportation here," he said.

The exact date of Co's return to the Philippines is not certain, as it depends on the process of foreign agencies, but Remulla initially said it could be within one to three weeks.

By Charles Dantes, Maricel Cruz and Othel Campos

By Katrina Manubay

By Ram Superable and Maricel V. Cruz

Sara Duterte.

Meanwhile, House Committee on Public Accounts chairman Rep. Terry Ridon of Bicol Saro partylist said probable cause for im-

peachment against Duterte might have been established as early as the first clarificatory hearing of the House Committee on Justice. Lacson suggested holding impeachment proceedings every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday starting at 3 p.m., while reserving Tuesdays and Thursdays for regular Senate sessions.

“So that all mornings are free for committee hearings to ensure the Senate’s legislative work is not put at risk,” he said.

THOUSANDS of displaced Lebanese civilians began returning home Friday as a fragile 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon took effect, even as regional tensions, global anxiety, and economic uncertainty underscored the precariousness of the truce.

Beyond the immediate conflict zone, religious leaders in Asia, including Catholic bishops from the Philippines, warned that the violence reflects a broader global crisis.

Economic concerns tied to the conflict have also reverberated through global markets. Stock markets fell on Friday as investors awaited clarity on whether a separate Iran-US ceasefire would be extended.

Oil prices, which had surged amid fears of supply disruptions, edged lower after the previous day’s rally.

By Charles Dantes

SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2026

PH-Czech...

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"Maybe in as little as one week but as long as three weeks -- that depends on the DFA. They are really the lead here," he said.

"When Co arrives, I will be the arresting officer and I will take him to the custody of the Sandiganbayan because he has already been indicted. He has already been charged by the Ombudsman," the Interior secretary added.

He said Co will be brought to Camp Crame for detention and to check his physical condition before presenting the former lawmaker to the Sandiganbayan for arraignment.

"Upon arrival at the Sandiganbayan, he will be adjudicated guilty or not guilty, then the Sandiganbayan will give him a verdict of bailable or non-bailable," Remulla said.

Remulla acknowledged that Co may file a petition before Czech authorities for him not to be brought to the Philippines, but he said the

Israel-Lebanon...

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Meanwhile, Gulf Arab and European leaders have urged that any ceasefire be extended for up to six months to allow time for a comprehensive agreement.

They have also called for the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, warning privately that continued disruption could trigger a global food crisis within weeks.

The Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences issued a pastoral appeal calling for peace, justice, and moral responsibility amid what it described as “deepening global anxiety and escalating violence.”

“We wish to express our prayerful solidarity with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, and to echo his urgent appeal for peace,” the bishops said in a statement titled “Blessed are the Peacemakers.”

The appeal emphasized that violence cannot form the basis of a just and lasting peace and warned against invoking religion to justify war. The group includes the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP)

“(The Pope’s) words are not those of political partisanship, but of moral and spiritual leadership, exercised in fidelity to the Gospel,” it added.

Signed by FABC president Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao, vice president Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David (the bishop of Caloocan and president of CBCP), and secretary general Cardinal Isao Kikuchi, the statement urged all parties to end hostilities, return to negotiations, and respect international law and humanitarian norms.

“Asia knows well the cost of war, the wounds of division, and the long journey toward reconciliation,” the bishops said.

“From our own histories, we have learned that peace is never achieved through domination, but through patient dialogue, mutual respect, and the difficult work of justice.”

They called on the faithful and people of goodwill to work toward resolving conflicts “not by weapons, but by wisdom; not by fear, but by trust.”

Much of the uncertainty centers on the strait at the tip of the Persian Gulf, a critical shipping route through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas passes.

The waterway has been disrupted since the start of the Iran conflict, raising fears of prolonged supply constraints and a potential global energy crisis.

The Israel-Lebanon truce, brokered under pressure from United States President Donald Trump, follows weeks of intense fighting between Israeli forces and Iran-backed Hezbollah militants.

The conflict erupted on March 2, when Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel in retaliation for the killing of Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, days earlier.

While the ceasefire has raised cautious optimism, both sides remain on high alert. Hezbollah signaled it would adhere to the agreement but warned it remained ready to respond

PBBM...

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"You have been my constant. Steady, wise, and always looking after our family, while never losing sight of others," Mr. Marcos said.

"Happy anniversary, Liza. Thank

Philippine government will lawfully assert its diplomatic capabilities for the extradition.

"We will fight for the rights of the Philippines. Everything he stole from here, everything he cheated on Filipinos, we will do everything to fight for our rights," he said.

Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. added: "We assure the public that the PNP is prepared to assume custody of the subject upon his arrival and will ensure that all procedures are carried out in accordance with existing laws and due process."

Co was among the 16 individuals facing charges of graft and malversation in connection with the alleged substandard P289 million flood control project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro built by Sunwest Corporation, a firm owned by his immediate family members.

The Anti-Money Laundering Council also alleged that Co received P802 million through cheque deposits drawn from Sunwest accounts from 2019 to 2025.

to any violations.

“The fighters will keep their finger on the trigger because they are wary of the enemy’s treachery,” the group said in a statement.

The ceasefire is seen as a critical component of broader diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions across the Middle East, particularly amid ongoing negotiations between Washington and Tehran over Iran’s nuclear program and regional activities.

Trump said the United States was “very close” to reaching a deal with Iran, adding that discussions could resume within days.

He also revealed he had spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun ahead of the truce, which he said both leaders agreed to “in order to achieve peace between their countries.”

Trump indicated he expects both leaders to visit the White House in the coming days, raising the prospect of a historic diplomatic breakthrough.

Netanyahu described the ceasefire as an opportunity for a “historic peace agreement” with Lebanon but reiterated that any lasting settlement would require the disarmament of Hezbollah, a long-standing Israeli demand.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam welcomed the truce as a “key Lebanese demand that we have pursued since the very first day of the war,” though reports indicated that President Aoun declined a direct call with Netanyahu.

Long lines of vehicles formed along key routes leading to southern Beirut and Lebanon’s war-ravaged south, with families hoping the temporary halt in hostilities would allow them to reclaim homes damaged or abandoned during weeks of fighting.

At the heavily bombed Qasmiyeh bridge near the southern city of Tyre, residents waited for bulldozers to clear debris and restore access.

Despite warnings from the Lebanese army not to return to areas still considered dangerous, many civilians pressed on.

“Our feelings are indescribable, pride and victory,” said Amani Atrash, 37, speaking from her car as she waited to cross. She expressed hope the ceasefire would be extended beyond its initial duration.

Israel’s military said it had struck more than 380 Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon prior to the ceasefire and maintained that its forces were prepared to resume operations if necessary.

It has also kept restrictions in place for civilians in vulnerable border areas, reflecting lingering security concerns.

On the Israeli side, some residents expressed cautious hope that daily life might begin to normalize. Ofir Ben Aris Lev, 31, said his family had largely remained indoors due to fears of rocket attacks.

“It’s been crazy, but I think things will be quiet now and I’ll be able to take my daughter to the park,” he said.

Hezbollah lawmaker Ibrahim al-Moussawi said the group would “cautiously adhere” to the ceasefire provided Israeli attacks cease, while thanking Iran for its support. AFP with Vito Barcelo

you for the life we have built together," he added.

The First Couple were married in 1993 and have three sons: Sandro, Simon, and Vincent Marcos. Their eldest, Sandro, currently serves as a member of the House of Representatives, representing Ilocos Norte’s 1st District.

The period covers Co's tenure as a lawmaker, which means he is prohibited by law from having business interests as a public official.

The Sandiganbayan later declared Co a fugitive from justice.

As this developed, the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee may invite Co, along with Orly Guteza and former soldiers who claimed to have delivered P805 billion in alleged kickbacks from anomalous flood control projects, once the panel’s partial committee report is formally submitted.

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson said the testimonies of Guteza and the former soldiers are linked to Co.

"Once Co is in the Philippines and the court allows it, I plan to have him attend the hearing along with Guteza and the ex-soldiers so we will find out who is truthful, who is telling half-truths, and who is lying," he said.

The veteran lawmaker said an alternative approach would be to present them sequentially, but said a joint appearance would better establish the

PH joins...

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will serve as a staging area for allied manufacturing and a platform for investments aligned with market needs under the Pax Silica network.

Launched in December 2025, Pax Silica is a US-led initiative aimed at building a secure and innovation-driven silicon supply chain, covering critical minerals, energy inputs, advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, artificial intelligence infrastructure, and logistics.

The Philippines is the 13th signatory to the initiative, joining Australia, Finland, India, Israel, Japan, Qatar, South Korea, Singapore, Sweden, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

“The site is located in the Luzon Economic Corridor of the Philippines. The site—the first of its kind—is being designated by the Philippines as an Economic Security Zone, a new model for AI-native investment acceleration hubs being developed under the Pax Silica Initiative,” the State Department said in a fact sheet.

This interconnection can transform Pax Silica industrial policy “from a collection of bilateral projects into a genuine system capable of competing with—and ultimately displacing—the

PAGASA...

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warned that the heat index, or “feelslike” temperature, may be significantly higher in Northern Luzon, including Metro Manila, due to a ridge of a high-pressure area.

PAGASA weather specialist Lorie dela Cruz said most parts of the country will experience hot and humid conditions with minimal chances of rainfall.

“Most parts of the country will experience hot and humid weather condition because of the effect of the ridge of the high-pressure area in Northern Luzon, including Metro Manila. There is less chance of rainfall,” she said.

However, dela Cruz noted that Southern Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao may still experience isolated rain showers and thunderstorms, particular-

Lacson...

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Lacson also noted that the schedule would give senators adequate time to review and prepare for both the impeachment trial and their regular legislative responsibilities.

“Let us give the mornings to our colleagues so they can review, prepare, and attend to everything, so that our committee hearings will not also be compromised,” he said.

“Finding of probable cause for impeachment on the basis of confidential funds misuse, I think it has been established during Tuesday’s hearing,” Ridon, a lawyer and member of the House Committee on Justice, told the newsmen.

Citing five grounds, Ridon said among the strongest pieces of evidence is the Commission on Audit’s (COA) final decision upholding its notice of disallowance on P73 million in confidential funds spent by the Office of the Vice President (OVP) in December 2022.

Under the ruling, Duterte and two other OVP officials named in the decision would be required to return the P73 million to the national treasury.

truth behind the claims involving the alleged delivery of funds.

"It would be a major development if Co cooperated. He can contribute a lot. He has been described as the architect of the mess, by inserting and allocating funds particularly to the Department of Public Works and Highways," he said.

At the House, lawmakers led by Speaker Faustino Dy III said Co's detention in Prague and eventual deportation to the Philippines was a significant step toward accountability and justice for the Filipino people.

"It sends a clear message that those who attempt to evade the law will be held to account," Dy said.

House Senior Deputy Speaker and Mamamayang Liberal party-list Rep. Leila de Lima the Philippine government should waste no time in fast-tracking Co's deportation.

"He should face the charges against him and disclose everything he knows, including the evidence he has regarding the anomalous flood control projects," De Lima said.

concentrated supply chains on which the world currently depends,” it added.

Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez said the initiative is expected to attract significant American investments.

“This will definitely bring in major US investments into the Philippines… unprecedented and ambitious project,” Romualdez said in a text message.

“(Finance) Secretary Frederick Go and I witnessed the signing this morning at the US State Department,” he added.

Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary and Board of Investments Managing Head Ceferino S. Rodolfo signed the declaration of the Philippines’ accession to Pax Silica on behalf of the country.

Both countries highlighted the Philippines’ reserves of nickel, copper, chromite, and cobalt, and committed to strengthening supply chains in critical minerals, semiconductors, electronics, and other sectors, while attracting high-quality private investments.

“The Philippines, a close US treaty ally, brings to Pax Silica key capabilities and human talent in technology manufacturing, including semiconductors and electronics,” the State Department said.

ly in the afternoon and evening.

Another PAGASA weather specialist, Leanne Loreto, said generally fair weather will prevail nationwide but warned that high humidity could make temperatures feel hotter.

“So when the air is more moist or more humid, it will also feel hotter,” she said.

Loreto also cautioned the public against prolonged exposure to heat.

“If we stay under the heat for a prolonged period, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., we may experience heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and in worst cases, heat stroke,” she said.

PAGASA said the heat index in Metro Manila may range from 37°C to 39°C, which falls under the “extreme caution” category. In Borongan, Eastern Samar, and Cotabato City, Maguindanao, the heat index may reach 42°C, considered under the “danger” level.

The OVP also continues to face notices of disallowance covering the utilization of confidential funds for the first three quarters of 2023. During Tuesday’s hearing, it was revealed that the COA Commission Proper, in a decision dated April 10, 2026, denied the OVP’s appeal after the agency failed to justify the expenditures in accordance with the requirements under COA-DBM Joint Circular 2015-01.

“First, the finality of the COA finding is really heavy, where our Vice President is being ordered to return P73 million from the 2022 confidential funds due to misuse,” Ridon said. He also cited a National Bureau of Investigation’s (NBI) finding that several acknowledgment receipts it examined showed similar handwriting based on line strokes, alignment, and manner of execution—despite being attributed to different individuals.

“Second, the NBI finding that it appears that only one person or a few people signed the acknowledgement receipts of Mary Grace Piattos, Milky Secuya, and other fictitious names who allegedly received confidential funds,” he noted.

Marcos... From A1

At the center of the response, unveiled Friday, is a P4-billion emergency loan program for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), aimed at helping firms cope with higher logistics and supply chain costs.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also said the government has moved to stabilize food supply chains, particularly for vegetables affected by rising fuel costs.

During a visit to the Benguet AgriPinoy Trading Center, Mr. Marcos said the government intervened after reports that higher diesel prices had disrupted deliveries from upland farms.

“That’s why we looked for, we tried to find solutions. We brought down the price of diesel by P10. Then the (toll) charges of the local governments, we waived. Then we removed toll fees for trucks going down (to the markets),” the President said in Filipino.

In parallel, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said manufacturers and retailers have committed to holding off price increases on basic necessities and prime commodities, providing temporary relief to consumers.

Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque said the commitment was confirmed during a market monitoring exercise, with companies agreeing to maintain stable prices at least until May 10 despite rising input costs.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has complemented these efforts with direct cash assistance to transport workers affected by declining incomes, while clarifying that their aid handout was not a fuel subsidy.

DSWD Crisis Intervention Program Director Edwin Morata said the agency has disbursed P3.2 billion in cash relief assistance under its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.

Morata also clarified that beneficiary lists are sourced from transport groups, local government units, and relevant agencies, not from the DSWD itself, amid complaints some beneficiaries felt left out.

Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said the MSME loan program, approved by the President, is designed to provide immediate liquidity support to small businesses struggling with the economic fallout of the global oil shock.

“President Marcos has cleared a program for MSMEs in distress as a result of the global oil shock to avail of easy loans… to manage rising logistics costs, cash flow constraints and supply chain disruptions,” Recto said.

The financing facility, to be implemented through the Department of Trade and Industry’s Small Business Corp. (SB Corp.), offers loans ranging from P30,000 to P20 million, with low interest rates and repayment terms of up to five years.

Borrowers will also be granted a one-year grace period on both principal and interest.

Recto described the program as a “lifeline” for MSMEs, which typically face limited access to formal credit during periods of economic stress. He added that the initiative would feature faster processing, with online applications and approval times of about seven to 10 days for complete submissions.

The move forms part of the government’s broader economic stabilization efforts under the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food and Transport (UPLIFT) Committee, which has been coordinating interventions to mitigate the effects of rising fuel costs. Meanwhile, fuel subsidies have been rolled out for public utility vehicle (PUV) operators and drivers under a service contracting scheme, while commuters are benefiting from a mandated 20 percent fare discount.

Transport operators are also receiving subsidies of P40 to P100 per kilometer to offset higher fuel costs, on the condition that savings are passed on to passengers through lower fares.

Recto earlier directed transport agencies and local government units to coordinate closely with the Department of Transportation, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, and the Department of Energy to ensure smooth implementation.

As of April 15, the DSWD had distributed P1.598 billion to 319,678 beneficiaries in the National Capital Region, including transport network vehicle service drivers, jeepney drivers, tricycle drivers, motorcycle taxi riders, and delivery workers.

Outside Metro Manila, another P1.612 billion has been disbursed to 322,577 tricycle drivers in major cities. Each beneficiary received P5,000, which Morata said is the standard amount provided in largescale emergency assistance. The agency aims to complete nationwide distribution of the cash assistance by April 30 and has begun payouts for drivers in municipalities across regions.

LPG excise taxes suspended for 3 months

IN BRIEF

Six PCG men involved in smuggling face raps

SIX Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel implicated in a multimillion-peso smuggling attempt in Misamis Oriental face dismissal from the service, according to Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. Nartatez directed the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) to assist in the case build-up to ensure a solid case that will also lead to the conviction of the six PCG personnel.

“It is highly unfair that while our men and personnel of other government agencies that include the PCG are risking their limb and life against smugglers, these people were actually in cahoots with them (smugglers),” Nartatez noted.

“In coordination with the PCG leadership, we will make sure that these six Coast Guard men will not only be dismissed from the service, but will also spend years in jail,” he added. Vince Lopez

Court nixes Teves petition for bail

A MANILA court has granted a petition for bail filed by expelled Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves, Jr. in relation to a murder case involving his former bodyguard Pacito Libron Jr. who was shot dead in Bayawan City. In a message to reporters on Friday, lawyer Ferdinand Topacio clarified however, that Teves would remain in detention since he has one more pending case. In its 27-page resolution dated 15 April 2026, the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 30 said the prosecution failed to establish strong evidence of guilt against the respondent.

The court fixed the bail at P500,000 for Teves and P250,000 each for accused Richard Cuadra and Ronaldo

Angara aims to install solar panels in schools

By Charles Dantes

PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has signed an order to temporarily suspend excise taxes on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and kerosene for three months to ease the impact of rising fuel costs on consumers.

Under Executive Order No. 114 signed on April 16, 2026, excise taxes on LPG (except when used as feedstock for petrochemical production or for motive power) and on kerosene (except when used as aviation fuel) will be fully suspended for three months starting from the order’s effectivity.

The move follows a recommendation from the Development Budget Coordi-

nation Committee (DBCC), which cited sustained increases in global oil prices and their effect on household expenses and inflation.

The suspension will be subject to monthly reviews by the DBCC, which may recommend its continuation, modification, extension, or termination, depending on global oil conditions and domestic fiscal considerations.

The order includes an automatic reversion mechanism, under which excise taxes will return to rates set under the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997 without a new issuance once oil prices stabilize.

This includes a trigger based on the average Dubai crude oil price falling below $80 per barrel, using the Mean of Platts Singapore (MOPS) benchmark, as certified by the Department of Energy.

Data from the Department of Energy showed the average Dubai crude price reached $93.71 per barrel for the 30-day period ending April 10, 2026, exceeding the threshold for possible tax relief.

The government directed the Department of Energy and the Department of Finance, through the Bureau of Internal Revenue and Bureau of Customs, to conduct an inventory of LPG and kerosene stocks upon the order’s effectivity and

Malacañang said the measure will remain in effect for three months unless lifted earlier or extended based on the DBCC’s monthly assessments.

Ex-DPWH engineer testifies he delivered P800m to

Zaldy Co

By Maricel V. Cruz

FORMER Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) district engineer Henry Alcantara on Friday told the Sandiganbayan that he delivered an estimated P800 million to former lawmaker Zaldy Co in connection with flood control projects.

Alcantara, who has turned state witness, made the disclosure during a bail hearing at the Sandiganbayan Third Division in the malversation case involving former Senator Ramon Revilla Jr. Alcantara told the court he first met Co in 2021 through then-DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo. He said Bernardo gave him the Co’s contact details at a time when the Bicolano lawmaker was looking for a legislative district where infrastructure funds could be channeled.

According to Alcantara, he made the cash delivery sometime in 2022 at a hotel in Bonifacio Global City. He narrated that during their brief meeting, Co, instructed Estrada to receive the money loaded in parked vehicle. Alcantara added that separate deliveries were done to Estrada at a residence along Ladybug Street in Valle Verde, Pasig.

Alcantara said he later submitted a list of proposed projects through a certain Paul Estrada, Co’s aide.

Survey shows most Pinoys rely on internet for info

By Katrina Manubay

Alcantara also recalled alleged kickbacks in 2022 tied

for flood

Alcantara

LEAD meetings shift to high gear, merge KALINGA bills

THE House of Representatives’ 13-committee Legislative Energy Action and Development (LEAD) hearings are entering their next and more consequential phase, with lawmakers moving to turn testimony, sectoral complaints and agency recommendations into what Marikina Rep. Miro Quimbo described as a consolidated Kalinga bill. Quimbo, overall chairman of the LEAD hearings and head of the House Committee on Ways and Means, said the next step is for the 13 committees to break up according to their own areas of competence and begin gathering the recommendations needed to shape the final measure.

“The next task is to break up the 13 committees so that they can do their respective subject matter expertise to collect and collate all the recommendations of the departments,” Quimbo said in a press briefing. The 13-panel LEAD structure was assembled by the House under Speaker Faustino Dy III and House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander Marcos to give the chamber a wider, whole-of-House response to the oil shock, drawing in committees handling transport, labor, energy, social services, overseas workers, information and communications technology and other sectors touched by the crisis. As rising tensions in the Middle East

FOOTPRINT OF A BLAST. Police investigators go over the aftermath of a powerful blast believed triggered by a liquefied petroleum gas tank, killing two residents of Diamond Village in barangay Salawag, Dasmariñas City, Cavite on Tuesday morning.

BALANCING ACT. A young woman appears to be doing the balancing act as she crosses a wooden bridge on stilts at the boundary of Quezon City and Rizal province, with the rising summer sun at the backdrop. Edd Castro

LTO extends expiring licenses’ validity

By Rio N. Araja

THE Land Transportation Office (LTO) has extended the validity of expiring licenses and registrations beginning April 2026 by three months, citing the declaration of a state of national energy emergency.

Covered by the directive are driver’s and conductor’s licenses, student permits, and motor vehicle registrations.

“This measure aims to ease the burden of the public amid the rising costs of fuel and basic commodities, giving

IN BRIEF

SC: Noise from schools not nuisance sounds

THE Supreme Court has ruled that sounds arising from regular school activities do not constitute a nuisance and cannot make a school liable for damages.

In a decision issued by the Third Division, the High Tribunal held that “academic noise,” or sounds produced by legitimate school activities, is not considered a nuisance.

The Court noted that a nuisance involves any disturbance that interferes with a person’s comfort, property, or enjoyment. However, it said determining whether noise qualifies as a nuisance requires more than considering location, environment, and its effects on nearby residents.

While these factors are relevant, the Court said they must be weighed against whether the sound is a normal and expected consequence of the activity involved. Pot Chavez

2 Japanese fugitives nabbed in Metro Manila

AUTHORITIES on Friday presented two high-value Japanese fugitives linked to transnational criminal syndicates who were arrested in separate operations in Metro Manila.

The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) identified the suspects as Sato Taiki and Masayuki Aoyagi, both wanted in Japan for theft-related offenses.

PAOCC Executive Director Undersecretary Benjamin Acorda Jr. said the arrests were carried out on April 16 by the Bureau of Immigration–Fugitive Search Unit, in coordination with the Philippine National Police–Intelligence Group, the Philippine Air Force, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and other units.

Taiki was arrested at around 5 p.m. in Mandaluyong City based on a warrant of deportation issued on March 28, 2023. He has been classified as an undesirable alien and is the subject of an arrest warrant in Japan. Authorities said Taiki is a member of the “Luffy Group,” a criminal organization linked to more than 50 robbery incidents across 14 prefectures in Japan from 2021 to 2023. Vince Lopez and Vito Barcelo

Pinoy travelers told: Don’t bring cannabis oil vapes

THE Philippine National Police - Aviation Security Group (PNP-Avsegroup) reminded travelers on the prohibition of cannabis oil vapes at airports.

The announcement followed the arrest and detention of a departing passenger at Ninoy Aquino International Airport-Terminal 3 who was found with a vape containing cannabis oil.

“Travelers are urged to be cautious and aware of these regulations to avoid legal complications while traveling,” said PNP-Avsegroup chief Brig. Gen. Dionisio Bartolome Jr.

The arrest took place during a standard security check at the Central Security Screening Checkpoint located in the Domestic Departure Area on Wednesday.

An officer from the Office for Transportation Security noticed a suspicious image on the X-ray of a passenger’s black backpack, which led to a manual inspection. The inspection revealed a disposable vape cartridge that contained 5 ml of cannabis oil. Joel E. Zurbano

PUBLIC DISSENT. Members of the human rights alliance Karapatan hold a protest in front of the DILGNapolcom Center on Friday, April 17, 2026, condemning the surge in arrests, demolitions, and anti-poor policies. Manny Palmero

motorists sufficient time to comply without additional financial strain,” the LTO said.

The agency added that no surcharges, penalties, or fines will be imposed for late renewal during the extension period.

At the same time, the LTO reiterated its strong warning against fixers, stressing that illegal transactions will not be tolerated.

“There is no room for fixers in the

LTO,” the agency said.

It warned that any personnel found involved in such activities will face administrative and criminal charges and may be dismissed from service.

“Fixers will be dealt with to the full extent of the law,” the LTO said.

The agency also urged the public to follow proper procedures when transacting with its offices.

“Go through the proper process,” it added.

Bidding for new classrooms to be livestreamed

By Rolando Ng III and Vito Barcelo

PUBLIC Works Secretary Vince Dizon said the bidding process for the construction of 5,000 new classrooms will be made public via livestream.

Dizon, who signed an agreement for the classroom construction with Education Secretary Sonny Angara Wednesday, said the procurement process will be made accessible to the public.

“First, we will livestream. Second, we have the transparency portal,” Dizon said.

These new classrooms are set to be constructed at a quicker pace to help reduce the current backlog of 165,000 learning facilities.

As of October last year, only 22 classrooms of the 1,700 target facilities for 2025 have been completed. Angara assured that existing partnerships with local government units and the private sector will remain in place to help speed up the process. Under the program, the DPWH will take the lead in procurement and construction, while DepEd will identify priority sites and ensure readiness, including securing necessary permits and clearances.

Education officials said the partnership is expected to significantly improve the pace of infrastructure delivery, with both agencies coordinating closely to ensure that newly built classrooms are safe, functional, and completed on time.

The government is targeting the construction of tens of thousands of classrooms in the coming years.

NBI forms new team for emerging security threats

By Joel E. Zurbano

THE National Bureau of Investigation has formed a new team tasked to address the emerging national security threats, including hazardous materials and countering foreign interference efforts.

The specialized team will be called the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives and Foreign Malign Influence Unit (CFMIU) and will function under the Office of the Director.

The CFMIU will investigate threats involving hazardous substances and explosives, while also monitoring and countering foreign malign influence activities such as disinformation, cyber manipulation, and covert interference that undermine public trust and national institutions.

The unit is mandated to: Investigate illegal activities involving hazardous materials and explosives; Counter foreign malign influence and disinformation operations; Conduct intelligence analysis on emerging threats; Support case build-up and prosecution, and Coordinate with local and international partners. Designed for rapid and coordinated response, the CFMIU will operate under a streamlined structure led by a Unit Chief and supported by specialized personnel. It will work closely with partner agencies, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Department of Health, Department of Information and Communications Technology, and international counterparts such as the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol).

Bayanihan: Commuters quietly add extra fares

By John Bayarong

OLONGAPO City—As diesel prices continue to surge, commuters in the city are quietly adding P5 to P10 to their regulated fares, fueling a bayanihan movement that is helping jeepney and tricycle drivers to survive the latest fuel hikes.

For commuter Galo Gloria, a resident of Brgy. New Kalalake, the gesture is driven by habit and empathy.

“I did the same during the COVID-19 pandemic, and even more so now with the oil crisis. I really feel sorry for the drivers,” she said, adding that she intends to continue helping as long as she can.

Her sentiment is shared by other passengers who now leave behind loose change or add P5 to P10 to their fare.

“I understand their situation, so I just want to help out in any way I can. I give loose change or coins—five to ten pesos can hopefully go a long way for them,” Cathy Ramos, a local government employee, told Manila Standard.

AYUDA. Olongapo City mayor LenJ Paulino cracks a joke with public utility vehicle drivers

tension during a consultation meeting on the soaring diesel prices last week. John Bayarong

BOUNTIFUL GREENS. Fresh produce arrive at a buying station in Benguet. Revoli Cortez

OPINION

The higher standard: Reasonable certainty of conviction

THE Department of Justice promulgated Department Circular 015 on July 16, 2024, which changed, among others, the quantum of evidence for preliminary investigations and inquest proceedings from probable cause to prima facie evidence with reasonable certainty of conviction.

“This quantum exists when a prima facie case is established by the evidence at hand, including, but not limited to, testimonial, documentary, and real evidence…” (Meking v. Remulla, G.R. 280455, Nov. 11, 2025)

The evidence, “on its own and if left uncontradicted, shall be sufficient to establish all the elements of the crime or offense charged, and consequently warrant a conviction beyond reasonable doubt.”

“The quantum of evidence is met when the prosecutor is convinced that the entirety of the evidence presented by the parties is (a) admissible, (b) credible, and (c) capable of being preserved and presented to establish all the elements of the crime or offense…”(Op cit.)

Atty. Hazell Meking questioned the promulgation of Department Circular 015, claiming the DOJ overstepped its authority and violated the rule-making power of the Supreme Court as enshrined in Article VIII, Section 5(5) of the 1987 Constitution.

Incidentally, the Supreme Court, in its Resolution in Re: Draft Department of Justice–National Prosecution Service Rules on Preliminary Investigations and Inquest Proceedings, recognized the authority of the DOJ to promulgate its own rules on preliminary investigation and inquest proceedings.

“As early as Salta v. CA, the Court held that the preliminary investigation proper ‘is not a judicial function’ but part of the prosecution’s job within the Executive. Salta underscored the twin aims of shielding the accused from needless trials and conserving judicial resources while applying the now-familiar wellfounded belief standard.” (Op. cit., citing Salta v. CA)

The Court likewise reiterated, in People v. Navarro, that “preliminary investigation is an executive, not a judicial function.”

It stressed the prosecutor’s duty to ascertain whether sufficient ground exists to engender a well-founded belief that an offense has been committed and that the accused is probably guilty thereof.

“On this account, the Court has adopted a policy of non-interference in the public prosecutor’s conduct of preliminary investigation.” It has recognized that, under the 2005 revisions to the Rules of Criminal Procedure, the authority to conduct preliminary investigation has been vested in the exclusive domain of public prosecutors. (Op cit.)

The Court recognized that the DOJ’s rulemaking authority lies within the executive sphere, while the Supreme Court’s Constitutional rulemaking power lies within the judicial sphere

In citing Estipona v. Judge Lobrigo, the Supreme Court reaffirmed that “the power to promulgate rules of pleading, practice, and procedure is within the Court’s exclusive domain.”

“To remove any impediment to the 2024 DOJ NPS Rules, and in recognition of the DOJ’s authority over prosecutorial processes, the Court itself decreed the repeal of inconsistent portions of Rule 112.” (Op cit.)

In effect, the Court recognized that the DOJ’s rule-making authority lies within the executive sphere, while the Supreme Court’s Constitutional rule-making power lies within the judicial sphere.

This constitutes a clear recognition of the DOJ’s authority to promulgate Department Circular 015, particularly with respect to rules governing preliminary investigations and inquest.

Hence, the encroachment claim of Atty. Meking against the DOJ for the issuance of Department Circular 015 must necessarily fail.

This is because the Circular “regulates only the conduct of preliminary investigations and inquests by prosecutors, which are executive in nature, and does not dictate practice or procedure in court.” (Op. cit.)

Convergence in river dredging

By Melandrew T. Velasco

FLOODING is no longer just a rainy-day inconvenience.

In reality, it has become a recurring national crisis, more so with the belly-aching and unconscionable trillion peso flood control ghost projects.

Each year, communities brace for rising waters, clogged rivers, and costly damage.

Yet amid this cycle, two parallel efforts are beginning to converge into a more coherent national response: the Better Rivers PH program of San Miguel Corporation under Chairman and CEO Ramon S. Ang and the renewed push of the Department of Public Works and Highways under Secretary Vince Dizon. What is significant today is timing and alignment.

SMC has intensified its dredging operations during the summer months, when river levels are low and excavation can proceed at full capacity. This is when flood prevention is most effective—long before the first monsoon rains arrive.

Across Metro Manila, Bulacan, and Laguna, major river systems such as the Pasig, Tullahan, San Juan, and Pampanga are being desilted, deepened, and restored. The scale is notable: over 170 kilometers of rivers cleared and millions of tons of silt removed. In Bulacan, some rivers have been widened and deepened from barely a meter to as much as four meters, improving flow toward Manila Bay.

In Laguna, tributaries feeding Laguna de Bay are now being dredged to prevent dangerous spillovers. Yet even as these gains are made by SMC’s Better Rivers

PH, the reality persists—rivers can silt up again, often due to human or public neglect.

The re-silting of rivers is not merely a natural occurrence; it is often the direct result of human behavior—improper waste disposal, encroachment, and unchecked urban development. Thus, the return of debris and waste in previously rehabilitated waterways is a reminder that flood control is not a one-off project, but a continuing discipline.

As the rains approach, the real work is already being done under the summer sun, beneath the surface of our rivers

As RSA himself emphasized, “cleaner rivers mean safer communities—but only if the effort is sustained collectively.”

This is where government must come in—not as a parallel effort, but as a reinforcing force.

Under Secretary Dizon, DPWH has begun tightening its focus on flood control projects—prioritizing efficiency, accountability, and completion over mere allocation.

With a more disciplined budget framework and a directive that “every peso must count,” the agency is recalibrating how flood mitigation infrastructure is implemented—from drainage systems and pumping stations to river walls and floodways.

Moderate-to-strong El Niño in 2026

THERE appear to be severe threats to the domestic economy in 2026, with the agriculture sector likely to bear the heaviest impact, according to meteorologists.

This is based on projections of a moderate to strong El Niño emerging in mid-2026, or two months from now, and potentially escalating into a “Super El Niño” by late 2026 or early 2027, the latter defined by sea surface temperatures at least 2°C above average.

Weathermen say this can cause widespread dry spells and drought, resulting in significant damage to crops, water scarcity, and increased energy costs.

Based on projections for a potential “Super El Niño” by late 2026 or early 2027, the Philippines is preparing for substantial agricultural damage, with risks of surpassing the P15.3 billion in losses recorded during the 2024 El Niño.

The likelihood of a moderate-tostrong El Niño event in the final quarter of 2026 and into 2027 is estimated at 92 percent.

Rice and corn are expected to suffer the heaviest damage due to severe drought-like conditions and reduced irrigation capabilities, and the phenomenon could also trigger intense droughts, forest fires, and reduced soil moisture, affecting large areas of farmland, with particular risks of damaging 2026/2027 harvests.

This early, the Department of Agriculture already anticipates a potential 10 percent–20 percent supply reduction for

certain agricultural products due to climate disruptions, which could increase in intensity by 2027. Projections of a super El Niño suggest ocean temperatures could spike more than 2 degrees Celsius above average, which would constitute a “Super El Niño” in early 2027, with El Niño’s harshest impacts likely to occur from the last quarter of 2026 into 2027.

The likelihood of a moderate-to-strong El Niño event in the final quarter of 2026 and into 2027 is estimated at 92 percent

But the national government has been monitoring the 2026 El Niño risk, placing the country under a watch to initiate mitigation measures early. If the Super El Niño materializes, the Climaye Change Commision says it could cause 2027 to face higher agricultural losses than 2026, as the atmospheric reaction to the warming peaks later.

Sectors of the Philippine economy expected to be severely affected are: agriculture and fisheries; water supply and infrastructure; energy and power supply; transportation and logistics; public health and safety. Rice, corn, and high-value crops (vegetables, root crops, cacao, coffee) are most vulnerable to drought, leading to significant yield losses and potential food shortages; and increased water temperatures and reduced water levels can trigger red tide occurrences, causing fish kills and reducing aquaculture yields. Reduced water for animal consumption and heat stress can impact livestock production; and significant losses in production directly impact the livelihoods of over 300,000 farmers and fisherfolk, as witnessed in previous strong events, according to officials. Below-normal rainfall and increased evaporation lead to low water levels in reservoirs, severely affecting water supply for domestic, municipal, and irrigation use., while warmer conditions increase the risk of diseases like dengue, cholera, and typhoid.

Also, elevated temperatures pose risks of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Extreme heat in the workplace can lead to a loss of working hours and overall productivity.

Projections indicate this event could be among the warmest years on record, potentially damaging over 500,000 hectares of farmland and causing billion-peso losses, echoing what officials described as damage patterns from 1997-1998, 2015-2016, and 2024.

Russia trains teenage influencers to churn out pro-war content

WARSAW – Russia is trying to produce more pro-war influencers through content creation camps, training teenagers to spread the Kremlin’s hardline, anti-West narrative to the next generation.

Since invading Ukraine in 2022, Moscow has ramped up control of the domestic information space, outlawing criticism of the offensive through strict military censorship laws, throttling foreign media outlets and pushing its agenda across society.

Schools and young people have been targeted -- curricula and textbooks changed to include Russia’s justification for its invasion and soldiers dispatched to whip up pro-war enthusiasm in the classroom.

At one content creation camp in early April, more than 120 teenagers, clad in green sweaters and red berets, gathered in Moscow for lectures from soldiers and state media reporters on how to produce videos, use artificial intelligence and build audiences.

“We have created a huge team of kids, who understand how to broadcast government values and our organization’s values,” Vladislav Golovin, a former soldier and chief of the general staff of Russia’s Young Army cadets movement, said in a statement released by the group.

In a promotional video from the event, children were shown cheering a cadet racing against Golovin to see who could reload a sniper rifle the fastest.

Another organisation, the Movement of the First, runs competitions offering rewards for teenagers with the best blogs and biggest followings.

‘Easy to radicalize’

The training camps are part of what Keir Giles, director of the UK-based Conflict Studies Research Centre, calls

More importantly, there is now a growing recognition that dredging must complement infrastructure. Clearing waterways upstream, as SMC has done, allows downstream flood control systems— many under DPWH—to function as designed. Without dredging, even the most expensive flood control structures risk being rendered ineffective. This convergence between the private sector initiative and public sector execution offers a more holistic approach to a long-standing problem. SMC’s Better Rivers PH operates at no cost to government, in partnership with local governments. DPWH, on the other hand, provides the institutional backbone—engineering standards, national planning, and long-term infrastructure. Together, they form a continuum: from riverbed to floodway, from upstream

a “concentrated campaign to restore the prestige of the Russian military.”

“These 14–16-year-olds have grown up in an environment where they have never known anything other than Putinism. This is their reality, and so we should not be surprised if these new efforts to spread information reflect that reality,” he told AFP.

The drive to instil young Russians with Kremlin-approved values comes from the very top.

—“—

Since invading Ukraine in 2022, Moscow has ramped up control of the domestic information space

In 2023, Russian President Vladimir Putin quoted Otto Van Bismarck to summarise his approach.

“Wars are not won by generals, but by schoolteachers and parish priests,” Putin said in a televised press conference.

“Educating young people in the spirit of patriotism is crucial,” he added.

The revival of Soviet-era youth organizations, like the Young Army, Yunarmiya in Russian, and Movement of the First -- which says it has 14 million online members and 1,100 regional initiatives -has been integral to those efforts.

In their beige military uniforms with red berets, the rows of teenage cadets often resemble a bright poppy field at set-piece state events, like grand military parades dedicated to Soviet victory in World War II.

clearing to downstream control. But even this alignment will fall short without public cooperation. Rivers do not clog themselves. Improper waste disposal, encroachment, and unregulated development continue to undo progress. Flood control, ultimately, is a shared responsibility. As climate change intensifies—with stronger typhoons and unpredictable rainfall—the need for proactive measures becomes urgent. Summer dredging, reinforced by responsive infrastructure, is no longer optional. It is essential. There is little glamor in dredging rivers or reinforcing drainage systems. Yet these are the quiet frontlines of resilience. Because in the end, the battle against flooding will not be won by a single

As Russia has clamped down on media and the internet since ordering troops into Ukraine, the campaign has moved online.

AI and disinformation expert at the Technological University of Berlin, Veronika Solopova, said social media algorithms are ripe for the Kremlin to spread its narrative, delivering individually tailored content to evoke an emotional response.

“Young people are famously easy to radicalise, easy to jump to conclusions on the nature of injustices, which, for Russia, is then all conveniently converted into army enrolments,” she added.

‘Behind the camera’

More than half of Russians aged 18-24 say social media is their main source of news, polling by the independent Levada Centre found in March.

Young people’s “shorter attention spans, combined with the effortless shareability of clips and reels, make digital content an exceptionally powerful tool,” said Giorgi Revishvili, a former Senior Advisor to the National Security Council of Georgia.

Social media content can be “direct and radical” or “very subtle, aimed not at generating support for Russia, but at decreasing solidarity with Ukraine,” said Dietmar Pichler, a disinformation and propaganda analyst at INVED.

At the training camp in Moscow, the Young Army cadets were quick to grasp the power of their new skills.

“When you are the one behind the camera filming the entire process, making audiences happy, you realise ... you are the one who has aroused these emotions in people,” a girl said in a promotional clip published by the organisers. “The truth lies in a frame, and we are operating the camera.” AFP

project or a single agency. It will be won by convergence of effort, discipline, and of collective will and consciousness of every citizen.

And today, that convergence may finally be taking shape. As the rains approach, the real work is already being done under the summer sun, beneath the surface of our rivers. In the end, flood control is not just about clearing waterways. It is about clearing the path toward a safer and more resilient future.

(The writer, president/chief executive officer of Media Touchstone Ventures, Inc. and president/executive director of the Million Trees Foundation Inc., a nongovernment outfit advocating tree-planting and environmental protection, is the official biographer of President Fidel V. Ramos.)

SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2026

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Myanmar’s ex-president pardoned

LONDON – UK Prime Minister Keir

Starmer faced mounting pressure to quit on Friday over his appointment of Peter Mandelson as envoy to Washington, after it emerged the veteran politician had failed security vetting.

The affair has haunted Starmer for months amid growing anger over Mandelson’s 2024 nomination to the top diplomatic post despite his close ties to late US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Mandelson, a longtime insider with Starmer’s ruling Labour party, has held multiple ministerial posts since the late 1990s -- but has been dogged by repeated scandals throughout his career.

The government has blamed foreign ministry officials for the latest debacle, saying neither Starmer nor his foreign minister were told about Mandelson’s failed security check until this week. The top civil servant in the foreign ministry, Olly Robbins, has now quit after Starmer “lost confidence in him” over the failure to tell him “about this decision”, senior minister Darren Jones said on Friday. Foreign ministry officials made the decision to allow Mandelson’s appointment to proceed “against the recommendation of UK Security Vetting”, the government said on Thursday. AFP

IN BRIEF

Global warming causes glacier to disappear

BOGOTA – Where once there was ice, only rock remains.

One of the glaciers in a chain of snowcapped mountains in the Colombian Andes has vanished due to high temperatures driven by climate change.

Satellite images show how the ice sheet covering the mountain gradually shrank from 2015 until it disappeared completely in March 2026.

Situated in the Sierra Nevada del Cocuy range, in the northeast of Colombia, the Cerros de la Plaza glacier was officially declared disappeared last week by the Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology and Environmental Studies.

Its surface area shrank from five square kilometers in the 19th century to zero today, according to the agency.

“Climate change is a reality that is already transforming our territories. And what is at stake is not only the landscape, but the very balance of these ecosystems,” IDEAM said in a statement. AFP

Cuba ‘ready’ for possible US attack

HAVANA – Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said Thursday (Friday, Manila time) his country was “ready” for a possible US attack on the communist island following months of mounting pressure from President Donald Trump.

“We don’t want that (confrontation) but it is our duty to be ready to avoid it, and if it were unavoidable, to win it,” DiazCanel told thousands of people attending a rally in Havana to mark the 65th anniversary of the failed US invasion of the island at the Bay of Pigs.

Cuba has been bracing for a possible attack following repeated warnings from Trump that Cuba is “next” after he toppled Venezuela’s leader Nicolas Maduro and went to war against Iran. Washington and Havana have held talks on de-escalating tensions but the discussions between the arch-foes have failed to make significant headway, according to US media reports.

Mariela Castro, daughter of late president Raul Castro, said Cubans “want dialogue” with Washington but “without putting our political system up for debate.” AFP

Body of probable rape victim exhumed

NANTERRE, France – The body of a young woman who may have been a victim of French convicted rapist Dominique Pelicot was exhumed this week, a prosecutor’s office told AFP.

Pelicot was sentenced in 2024 to 20 years in prison for aggravated rape, after he recruited dozens of strangers to rape his then-wife after drugging her in their home between 2011 and 2020.

His now ex-wife Gisele Pelicot has been hailed for her courage and dignity at the trial, which saw all 51 defendants convicted.

The exhumation took place on Tuesday at a cemetery southwest of Paris, said the prosecutor’s office in the western suburb of Nanterre. AFP

YANGON –Myanmar’s former president Win Myint, detained since a 2021 coup, was pardoned on Friday of his convictions during the post-putsch period of military rule, a statement said.

Win Myint served as president starting in 2018, with Myanmar in the midst of a decade-long experiment with civilian rule that was abruptly halted by the coup.

While he occupied the top spot, it functioned as a ceremonial role following the lead of de facto government head Aung San Suu Kyi, who was barred from holding the presidency under a militarydrafted constitution.

Suu Kyi, the octogenarian Nobel Peace Prize laureate, remains detained, serving a 27-year sentence rights groups decry as politically motivated.

“The President has pardoned Win Myint,” said a statement from the office of President Min Aung Hlaing -- who ordered the coup detaining Win Myint, who was convicted of a host of crimes critics say were politically motivated. It was not immediately clear whether Win Myint would be released from custody.

War with Pakistan halts school for Afghan children

BARIKOT, Afghanistan – There are no children in the Afghan border village of Barikot, where the school has been smashed by shells and the playground sits deserted after weeks of war with Pakistan.

Almost all of the 8,000 residents fled after the conflict erupted in late February, but AFP journalists traveled to the remote area of the Hindu Kush just after the road to Barikot reopened this week.

Ruhollah Khpalwak, a shopkeeper whose store was destroyed, stood in the school science lab that was littered with broken glass.

Dust covered the abandoned books, while outdated schedules hung on the walls.

The Barikot school is one of 22 in need of urgent reconstruction in Afghanistan’s northeastern Kunar province, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

About 12,000 students displaced or affected by the war need safe spaces to learn or catch up on classes in Afghani-

“This is the school where I studied. I feel really sad,” said the 23-year-old. The site had welcomed pupils from primary through to high school, but the complex had extensive damage that residents attributed to Pakistani fire.

Hundreds of civilians were killed in Afghanistan along the border and elsewhere in the country, according to the UN, before China brokered talks that largely halted fighting.

Pakistan’s military did not respond to AFP’s request to comment on its troops hitting Barikot, including the school and a medical center.

Islamabad accuses Afghanistan of harbouring militants from the Pakistani Taliban, which has carried out deadly attacks in Pakistan. AFP

‘We live in a penal colony’: Brazilian novelist on Booker shortlisted work

RIO DE JANEIRO – “Stark and unsettling” is how judges of the International Booker Prize describe the novel that could make Brazilian Ana Paula Maia the first Latin American writer to win the prestigious award. The prize, which will be handed out at a ceremony in London on May 19, recognizes works of fiction from around the world that have been translated into English.

“On Earth As It Is Beneath” -- or in its original Portuguese “Assim na terra como embaixo da terra”, published in Brazil in 2017 -- is a horrifying tale of a brutal prison colony in the remote wilderness.

The horror is laid bare in just 100 pages, but its author says the story filled with blood, guts and despair is not far from the world we live in today.

“Never before have there been so many people hunting down other people,” the 48-year-old Brazilian told AFP via video call from her home in Curitiba in southern Brazil, referring to the plight

of migrants around the globe. Born in Nova Iguacu, a working-class suburb of Rio de Janeiro, and raised by a literature teacher and a bar owner, Maia grew up glued to the spaghetti Westerns of Italian filmmaker Sergio Leone, which would later inspire her male characters. The shortlist includes several prominent writers, including French author Marie NDiaye --

After five years ruling as armed forces chief, Min Aung Hlaing was installed last Friday as civilian leader in a transition democracy watchdogs have described as a rebranding of military rule.

The shift has been accompanied by rollbacks of some of the junta’s post-coup crackdown measures -- steps the leadership tout as reconciliation, but which critics describe as cosmetic measures to aid the rebranding effort.

Min Aung Hlaing on Friday also commuted all death sentences and ordered the release of more than 4,300 prisoners in an amnesty to mark Myanmar’s new year -- one of many public holidays when mass pardons are commonly made.

But Win Myint’s pardon is perhaps the most significant climb-down so far. AFP

the EU’s poorest member for decades, Bulgarians have staged several mass protests since 2020. But their anger has so far yielded no more than chronic political instability. AFP

stan, OCHA said in a report this month. Along Barikot’s high street, shops were shut, and some had been reduced to rubble.

Super Spikers

eye milestone vs. multi-titled Cool Smashers

CIGNAL is stepping into unfamiliar territory, while Creamline is simply returning to where it has long thrived.

As the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Finals unfolds on Tuesday (April 21) at the Araneta Coliseum, the Cool Smashers carry the confidence of a seasoned dynasty, making their ninth appearance in the conference’s championship round.

Across the net, however, the Super Spikers arrive as first-time finalists – driven not by experience, but by hunger.

That hunger, according to top hitter Erika Santos, could be Cignal’s biggest weapon.

The breakthrough Finals stint has been years in the making for the franchise, and the opportunity has only fueled the team’s determination to finally claim the crown. Santos emphasized that the long wait has made the moment even more meaningful, with every player eager to seize the medal and trophy now within reach.

“For sure, yung uhaw kasi ang tagal na nito eh, parang ilang years din in the making (The hunger has been there for a long time – it’s been years in the making,” said Cignal top hitter Erika Santos, referring to the Super Spikers’ long quest to get a shot at the All-Filipino crown.. “Tapos finally nandito na sa Finals so ayun, gutom na gutom kunin yung medal at yung trophy (“Now that we’re finally here in the Finals, we’re really starving to win the medal and the trophy).”

Cignal’s rise to the Finals has been anything but easy. After finishing second in the preliminaries behind PLDT, the Super Spikers battled through a grueling qualifying round, including a come-from-behind victory over Creamline. That win secured their outright semifinal berth, where they continued their charge with victories over Farm Fresh and, once again, the Cool Smashers.

The back-to-back triumphs over the league’s most decorated team not only booked their place in the Finals but also reinforced their belief that they can compete at the highest level.

A key factor behind Cignal’s surge has been its adoption of a Japaneseinspired system under head coach Shaq Delos Santos. Built on speed, discipline and precision, the approach emphasizes relentless defense, quick ball movement and technical execution to offset any height disadvantage.

THE World Corporate Golf Challenge (WCGC), through its Executive partner Premiere Sports Management, is finally bringing the world’s largest corporate golf tournament with the staging of the first-ever National Qualifying this August.

Slated from August 26 and 27 at Mimosa Golf Club in Clark Pampanga, this major event is expected to bring together executives of top corporations and have the opportunity to represent the country in the World Finals in Beijing, China in October.

“We have had many tournaments in Europe and the Americas but it makes sense for us to go Asia because, as a strategy at the end of the day, we know that it is a growing area in terms of economy,” WCGC Chairman Jose Guerra said in a media launch held at Mimosa Golf Club in Clark, Pampanga on late Tuesday.

The WCGC is entering the last of a three-year deal with China as host

NU keeps baseball 3-peat hopes alive

NATIONAL University kept its title hopes alive with a commanding 9–3 victory over De La Salle University in Game 2 of the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Baseball Finals, forcing a winner-takeall Game 3 on Friday at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium in Malate, Manila.

The Bulldogs moved closer to a potential three-peat by unleashing a decisive five-run surge in the middle innings, capitalizing on timely hitting and costly miscues by the Green Batters to build an 8–1 cushion they never relinquished.

The deciding Game 3 is set on Tuesday at 8 a.m. at the same Malate venue, with NU aiming to extend its reign and La Salle looking to storm back and claim its seventh title in this tournament also supported by the Philippine Sports Commission.

La Salle drew first blood with a 2–1 win in Game 1 last Tuesday, but struggled to sustain its offense in the rematch.

“In-accept muna namin na talagang talo kami kasi sobrang ganda ng nilaro ng La Salle, especially ‘yung pitcher nila na si Liam De Vera. Tinanggap muna namin sa sarili namin na may

kulang pa; do’n, kumbaga, kami nagsimula ng adjustment para sa team in preparation para dito sa Game 2,” said Bulldogs third-year head coach Romar Landicho.

Clinging to a three-run lead entering the fifth inning, NU ignited its pivotal rally when Jherick Timban opened with a lead-off single to left field.

After two routine outs left Timban stranded at second, back-to-back walks issued by reliever Peter Nonaillada loaded the bases for Gio Gorpido. The senior third baseman delivered with

and actually on an active search to secure a destination. This partnership with Premiere Sports could very well

be the beginning of a major event in the future.

“The group pitched to us the idea of

a deep drive to center field, bringing home Timban and Kiel Olazo.

La Salle managed to score one run in the bottom half of the inning, but NU quickly responded with three more in the sixth to put the game out of reach.

Aaron Detoito sparked the inning with another lead-off single, this time off Marco Tantuico, setting the tone for the Bulldogs’ biggest offensive frame.

Kevin Maulit followed it up with a clutch hit to the same area, driving in both Detoito and Timban. Maulit later scored on a fielding error by Green Batters shortstop Liam De Vera.

NU’s offense proved to be the difference, as the defending champions racked up 11 hits—highlighted by Maulit’s two hits and three RBIs, and Gorpido’s two RBIs off his lone hit.

The Bulldogs had managed just four hits in Game 1.

“Number 1 na inayos namin is ‘yung hitting namin, since isa lang ang nascore namin from the last game. ‘Yun ‘yung pinagtuunan namin ng pansin,” Landicho added.

“Tsaka ‘yung motivation na hindi pa tapos ‘yung laban, may Game 2 pa. Mag-focus tayo sa Game 2, ’pag nakuha natin ’to saka natin problemahin ’yung Game 3.”

having the WORLD Finals in the Philippines for 2027 and 2028. We studied it and was impressed with what it can offer—a place with a great history, good resorts, perfect climate and fantastic golf courses,” he said.

He added: “We especially like Manila for it is an ideal gateway to almost all sites in the world, which is important to us.”

Guerra and Premiere Group, through its Chairman Joyce Escandor, already made its courtesy call to Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio and the initial meet-up yielded a very positive outlook.

“It would be an honor to have the PSC on board as this is line with its Sports Tourism program,” he said.

Joey Fornier, COO of Premiere Sports, noted that: “It is where golf meets business. The captains of the industry, the movers and shakers, all in one spectacle. This would be truly special.”

POC, Cleantech seal 3-year partnership until LA Olympics

THE Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and gas station company Cleantech sealed on Thursday a three-year partnership that runs through the country’s campaign in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. Considered a first for the POC in collaborating with a fuel company for its mission and vision, the partnership was sealed between POC president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino and Cleantech chairman Luisito Mercado on Thursday in a formal ceremony at the Century Park Hotel in Manila.

“Cleantech is now the POC’s official fuel brand partner and we’re so happy that they will support our national athletes,” said Tolentino, adding Cleantech’s support comes at the right time when Filipino athletes are gearing up for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games this September,

Golf to debut in UAAP’s Season 88

GOLF is finally making its much-anticipated entry into the UAAP mainstream, debuting as a demonstration event this Season 88 – a significant step toward expanding the collegiate league’s program beyond its traditional core sports.

In partnership with the Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc., organizer of the Philippine Golf Tour, the Ladies PGT, the Junior PGT, and the Intercollegiate Tour, the UAAP is pulling out all the stops to ensure not just a successful debut but a compelling case for golf’s inclusion as a regular medal event in the near future. This collaboration reflects a shared vision: to elevate collegiate golf and create a sustainable competitive structure for student-athletes.

The milestone inauguration will take place on April 20 at The Country Club. Dubbed the UAAP Golf Invitational, the 18-hole tournament is expected to draw key players from member schools, school representatives, and guests, underscoring the significance of this breakthrough moment. Competition will be structured across multiple divisions. The men’s category will feature Classes A, B, and C, while players aged 60 and above will vie for the Seniors crown. The women’s division will have a single category, highlighting inclusivity while maintaining competitive integrity.

More than just a debut, golf’s inclusion as a special event this season signals the UAAP’s broader intent to diversify its sports portfolio and assess new events based on participation, competitiveness, and long-term viability. If the demonstration proves successful, golf could soon join the ranks of regular UAAP medal events.

This initiative aligns with the league’s efforts to build on the popularity of its established centerpiece sports – such as basketball, volleyball, and cheerdance – by introducing disciplines that offer different skill sets and career pathways.

Notably, several UAAP schools, including La Salle, Ateneo, and UST, have already participated in the ICTSI Intercollegiate Tour, providing a strong foundation of experience and talent heading into the UAAP setup. While ICTSI will continue to stage its intercollegiate event, UAAP golf will operate as a separate competition, with schools given the flexibility to field different teams in both tournaments.

in the form of a P1-million-a-year cash sponsorship.

Shown here are WCGC Chairman Jose Guera

The NU Bulldogs rejoice after their 9-3 win over the La Salle Green Batters.

POC president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino (6th from left) and Cleantech chairman Luisito Mercado (5th from left) seal their partnership with (from left) Alexis Mercado, Gloria Mercado, Yeana Victoria Mercado, Francis Luis Mercado, POC secretary-general Atty. Wharton Chan, Shylou Ortiz Luis and Philip Luis Mercado as witnesses. POC Photo

SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2026

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor

RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor

Manila to host Asia Oceania 2026 SAMBO Championships

THE Philippines is set to make history as it hosts the 2026 Asia and Oceania SAMBO Championships presented by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) for the very first time, from June 23 to 28 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

Anchored by the formal endorsement of Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham ``Bambol’’ Tolentino and the PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio, the event positions Manila as a premier destination for international combat sports.

“Sambo is a sport that needs exposure in the Philippines. Although it’s not an Olympic sport, it is included in the World Games and Asian Games, and we hope grassroots development will allow it to flourish,’’ said Gregorio, emphasizing the sport’s growth potential.

Sanctioned by the International SAMBO Federation (FIAS) and the Sambo Union of Asia and Oceania (SUAO), the championships will gather elite athletes from 29 countries, including Australia and New Zealand, to battle for 72 gold medals across youth, junior, and adult divisions.

``In our 10 years as an association, we have produced a world No. 1 and Asian champion in Sydney Tancontian, and we hope she inspires young athletes as we host this championship,” said Pilipinas Sambo Federation Inc. (PSFI) President Paolo Tancontian.

The championships will be staged under the auspices of the National Sport Tourism–Inter Agency Committee (NST-IAC), chaired by PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio, whose leadership reinforces the event’s stature in the country’s international sports calendar.

The championships are expected to draw over 500 delegates, boosting Manila’s profile as a sports tourism hub and showcasing the city’s historic landmarks and vibrant culture.

It will showcase the two core disciplines of SAMBO—Sport SAMBO, which emphasizes throws, submissions, and ground control, and Combat SAMBO, a high-intensity hybrid that integrates strikes, kicks, and grappling techniques.

Top juniors clash as Capiztahan jrs tennis begins

KATHLYN Bugna and Andrian Rodriguez take center stage as they spearhead a strong field in the Capiztahan Juniors Age Group Tennis Championships, which kicks off Saturday (April 18) at Villareal Stadium in Roxas City. Riding the momentum of a two-title romp in last week’s Verde Aces tournament in Bacolod, Bugna returns brimming with confidence, aiming to extend her dominance in the nationwide circuit presented by Dunlop. She sets her sights on twin titles anew in the girls’ 16- and 18-and-under divisions. However, Bugna faces a determined field eager to snap the Batang Onay Tennis Club’s multi-leg winning streak in the circuit organized by Palawan Pawnshop under president/CEO Bobby Castro. Leading the challengers in the 16-and-U class are Besper Zapatos, Isobel Alipo-on and Kathyrine Bugna, while Tori Deocampo, Aleeva Suace and Zapatos banner the opposition in the premier 18-and-U division. In the boys’ category, Rodriguez eyes redemption and a dominant showing after recent setbacks. With doubles partner Matthew Morris taking a break following back-to-back wins over him in Bacolod, Rodriguez enters as the top seed in both the 16- and 18-and-U classes. But the path to victory is far from easy. A deep roster of contenders looms in the 16-and-U bracket, including Rizzjun Labindao, Anthony Cosca, Cristiano Calingasan, Ynigo Calingasan, Francisco De Juan III, Kirk Quanico and Drig Escobar. Labindao also headlines the challenge in the 18-andU division, alongside Rafael Martin, Marku Zapatos, Cosca and Quanico. Meanwhile, Theriz Zapatos of Kalibo seeks back-to-back titles in the girls’ 14-and-U class but will have to fend off a tough lineup led by Teresinha Calingasan, Donarose Olavides and Kate Chavez.

PSC chief challenges PH team to play ‘with heart’ in Asian tilt

THE ball was formally set in motion for Candon City’s hosting of the 2026 Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Women’s Volleyball Nations Cup this June following Friday’s official draw at the Diamond Hotel in Manila.

But beyond the ceremony, it was a stirring message from Patrick Gregorio, chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission, that resonated most deeply with the country’s national volleyball program.

“Let me give a very personal and heartfelt message to the national team, through the PNVF,” Gregorio said. “Please perform very well.

Please give it all your heart, because this is not just a commercial tournament. This is the national team of the Philippines.”

Gregorio addressed his appeal to the Philippine National Volleyball Federation, the body tasked with steering the national squad’s development and international campaigns.

“If you want to get the support of

San Juan grabs lead; Pasay, Binan win in Sportsplus MPBL

SAN Juan shared the lead, while Binan and Pasay rebounded on Thursday in the SportsPlus MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) 2026 Season at the Pasay Astrodome.

The San Juan Knights, led by coveted recruit Mike Phillips, subdued the Cebu Greats, 81-73, to join the Caloocan Batang Kankaloo at the top of the round-robin elimination phase of the two-division, 28-team tournament.

Binan Tatak Gel turned hot in the fourth quarter and trounced Quezon City, 75-63, while the Pasay Voyagers dumped the Paranaque Patriots, 83-48, in wire-to-wire fashion to recover from their first game losses.

The 6-foot-8 Phillips, last year’s UAAP Finals MVP when he powered the De La Salle Green Archers to the crown, posted 9 points, 15 rebounds, 8 assists and 1 steal to clinch the SportsPlus best player award in his debut with the Knights.

Gerry Abadiano tallied 15 points and 2 rebounds, and Michael Calisaan 12 points and 5 rbounds as they complemented Phillips’ effort in handing the Knights their second straight win in as many starts.

Phillips said he was glad to play alongside

the Philippine Sports Commission, if you want more support from PSC, please prove to us that you have that big heart to compete against the best in the world,” he added. His challenge comes with a larger vision in mind, as the Philippines gears up for an even bigger responsibility: hosting the 2029 FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Championship.

He added: This is something that we have to prepare long and hard. We have to make sure that we are one team here and that is my main message for everyone today.” Host Philippines, represented by Alas Pilipinas Women, was drawn in Pool A with Chinese-Taipei, South

his former rivals and now fellow Knights Abadiano, Harold Alarcon, Reyland Torres and Terrence Fortea, all former University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons.

Alarcon finished with 8 points, 2 rebounds and 3 assists, while Torres wound up with 7 points and 4 rebounds to help San Juan catch Caloocan at the top.

Other Knights who delivered were Orland Wamar with 8 points, 7 assists and 5 rebounds, and AC Soberano, with 8 points.

Back-to-back triples by Alarcon and Abadiano pushed the Knights ahead, 28-23, and padded the lead to 44-29 by halftime.

Cebu greeted the fourth quarter with a 10-point cluster behind Andrey Armenion and Brian Heruela, but couldn’t sustain the fire as Abadiano, Phillips and Calisaan struck back, 76-62.

The Greats fell to 1-1 despite Mark Meneses’ 17-point, 17-rebound, 2-assist output, Heruela’s 12-point, 5-rebound, 4-assist effort, Wowie Escosio’s 11 points and 6 rebounds, and Paul Desiderio’s 10 points, 3 assists and 2 rebounds.

Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Australia and Uzbekistan, while Pool B is composed of defending champion Vietnam, Kazakhstan, Iran, Indonesia, Hong Kong and Lebanon.

AVC president Ramon “Tats” Suzara and treasurer Marina Tsui of Hong Kong witnessed the draw along with Candon City Mayor Eric Singson and PNVF president Tonyboy Liao and treasurer Ricky Palou.

The tournament is set June 6 to 14 at the Candon City Arena.

“We’re ready to host the event and we are welcoming all athletes and teams with open hearts,” said Singson. “Thank you for considering as us host and we are very honored.”

Team PH seizes early lead in World Team Championships

By Randy M. Caluag

LOCAL familiarity of the greens proved decisive on Friday as Team Philippines seized the early lead in the opening round of the inaugural Junior Golf Foundation of the Philippines (JGFP) World Team Championships at the Apo Golf and Country Club. The Philippine Team (Brittannika), comprised of Brittany Tamayo, Jared Saban, Kimberly Barroquillo, and Travis Cadungog, finished at 14-over-par 230 to lead the 13-18 division. The tournament, sanctioned by the National Golf Association of the Philippines (NGAP), features a four-to-play, three-to-count format. Tamayo led the squad with a 75, supported by Saban’s 76 and Cadungog’s 79. Barroquillo’s 87 was the dropped score for the round.

The Philippines-NGAP team sits in second place, two strokes behind at 16-over 232, led by Tristan Padilla’s 73. Malaysia occupies third place at 17-over 233, following solid rounds from Amelia Lee (76) and Jarvis Liew Zun Xin (78).

In the 13-18 national team category, the Philippine “Go for Gold” squad carded a 20-over 236 to hold a slim one-stroke lead over Japan MMGC.

The standout performance of the day came from 15-year-old Thirdy Fernando, the only player in the 1318 division to break par. Fernando fired a 2-under 70, anchored by four birdies on the front nine.

“Before the tournament, I hit 200 balls a day focusing on my short game and putting,” said Fernando, son of former professional golfer Mark Fernando. “I actually struggled coming into this tournament, so

that preparation really helped.” Fernando is set to receive a performance-based cash incentive pledged by JGFP President Oliver Gan for any Filipino player shooting under par.

The tournament, which has drawn 150 players from 11 nations, marks only the second international event hosted by Apo Golf. Organizers aim to establish Davao City and the Mindanao region as a permanent fixture in the Asian junior golf circuit.

While local players from the Mindanao region dominated the opening day, officials expect a shift as the three-day tournament progresses.

“I’m not surprised that players from the Mindanao region are up there; they’re familiar with Apo Golf,” Gan said. “But expect the players with international experience to bounce back. It will be an exciting finish.”

PSC chairman Patrick ‘Pató’ Gregorio (second from left) and Mayos Eric Singson (fourth from left) make the ‘C’ sign for Candon City with (from left) Asian Volleyball Confederation treasurer Marina Tsui and president Ramon ‘Tats’ Suzara and Philippine National Volleyball Federation president Tonyboy Liao. AVC Photo

Mike Phillips shines in his rst game with the San Juan Knights.

Thirdy Fernando JGFP Photo

RENTAL HOUSING.

Pag-IBIG Fund chief executive

Marilene Acosta addresses participants during the consultative meeting for Project BALAY: Bridging Access to Learning, on April 15, 2026, at the CHED Auditorium in Quezon City. The initiative, a strategic partnership between Pag-IBIG Fund and the Commission on Higher Education, seeks to expand access to affordable rental housing for educators, students and non-teaching personnel in state universities and colleges nationwide.

Pag-IBIG Fund presented its Rental Housing Construction Loan program, which offers state universities and colleges financing at a subsidized interest rate of 3 percent per annum for the first 10 years, payable for up to 30 years.

Pag-IBIG Fund has allocated P6.3 billion to support the development of dormitories and rental housing facilities within or near campuses.

Oil price hike to push 1.34m Filipinos into poverty—PIDS

By Thony Rose Lesaca

GLOBAL oil price surges could push about 1.34 million Filipinos into poverty and most severely impact households living just above the poverty line, the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) said in a recent policy note.

Annual income reduction

The state-run think tank projected the national poverty rate will rise to 14.4 percent from 13.2 percent if oil prices reach $105 per barrel and domestic prices absorb 35 percent of that increase.

PIDS researchers said poor households remain the most vulnerable to oil price shocks because they spend the majority of their income on daily essentials and possess little to no savings.

those close to the poverty line are the ones who will be most affected— they will fall,” the researchers said.

The study found that poor households could lose as much as 16.2 percent of their annual income, reducing their purchasing power. In contrast, the wealthiest households may only lose about 3.4 percent of their income.

of transporting and producing food and other basic goods.

“If the price of oil increases, the price of rice, fish, meat, vegetables— all basic necessities—will also increase,” the researchers said.

Families in rural areas face a projected poverty rate of 20 percent due to their heavy reliance on farming and fuel-intensive activities. These regions typically offer fewer income-earning opportunities and require higher expenditures on food.

PIDS also warned that the crisis could worsen, potentially pulling 2.35 million or even 3.5 million Filipinos into poverty if oil prices hit $125 or $145 per barrel.

Prime Infra gas plants, other oil, coal assets cover gap after outages

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Department of Energy remains on heightened monitoring while implementing measures to protect grid stability and minimize disruption as system conditions evolve.

The move comes as Energy Secretary Sharon Garin directed the joint venture of San Miguel Global Power Holdings Corp., Aboitiz Power Corp. and Meralco PowerGen Corp. to immediately restore affected generation units. Several power plants experienced forced outages, triggering a yellow alert across the Luzon grid Thursday.

Starting at 3 p.m., generation was increased at the oil-based Bauang plants, Prime CoreGen’s natural gas plants and coal-fired plants GNPD, Pagbilao and OPPL to fulfill demand, the department said. 1.34 million 14.4% 16.2%

While many families do not own cars or pay for fuel directly, rising oil prices increase the cost

“The poor will get poorer. But

PEZA registers Tradam as new logistics hub in Laguna ecozone

By Othel V. Campos

THE Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) registered Tradam Import-Export Corp. as a new logistics enterprise within the Carmelray Industrial Park II-Special Economic Zone in Laguna to bolster manufacturing supply chains.

PEZA director-general Tereso Panga and Tradam president Gregorio Apollo Isidro signed the agreement on April 13, 2026, for the development of a P20-million warehouse and logistics facility.

The project aims to improve turnaround times and operational efficiency for industries requiring timely delivery of critical inputs.

The new facility will function as a logistics support hub, handling imported equipment, chemicals and consumables. Tradam will provide sourcing, warehousing, repacking, and distribution services for export-

oriented firms registered with the agency.

As a registered ecozone logistics service enterprise (ELSE), Tradam will manage the storage and repacking of goods before redistributing them to manufacturers.

These services allow locators to focus on core production while maintaining steady access to essential materials.

“By strengthening supply chain support services within our ecozones, Tradam’s entry as an ELSE reinforces the backbone of our manufacturing sector by ensuring the efficient flow of inputs. This allows our locators to remain competitive, agile, and better integrated into the global value chain,” Panga said.

The investment strengthens supply chain reliability for existing locators within the industrial park, further integrating Philippine manufacturing into global markets.

The institute said a longer and deeper shock further pulls vulnerable households into poverty and widens national inequality.

A yellow alert is issued when operating reserves fall short of the grid’s required contingency level. The National Grid Corp. of the Philippines attributed the alert to the tripping of two major gas plants in Batangas and the unavailability of hydroelectric power plants in Magat, Isabela. Garin issued the order following the consecutive tripping of Ilijan Blocks A and B and the Excellent Energy Resources Inc. Units 1, , and 3. According to the DOE, at the onset of the Ilijan and EERI tripping, oil plants providing ancillary services—including Limay CCGT, TMO Navotas, Bulacan Power Gen (Trans-Asia), Ingrid, and Subic— were immediately dispatched to stabilize grid frequency.

TAX REFORMS. Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Charlito Martin Mendoza meets with the Swiss Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (SwissCham), led by HansChristian Baumann, deputy head of mission, Embassy of Switzerland, on April 8, 2026 to discuss ongoing tax reforms and areas for closer collaboration with the business sector. The discussion focused on key reforms under the BIR’s DARES program, including projects to strengthen audit integrity and ease compliance.

PH shares sink below 6,000; peso slides on MidEast tensions

By Jenniffer B. Austria

PHILIPPINE shares fell below the 6,000 level Friday as investors worried about the negative impact of Middle East tensions on the domestic economy.

The peso also depreciated to 60.035 against the U.S. dollar on Friday from 59.97 on Thursday.

The bellwether Philippine Stock Exchange index ended the week at 5,999.13, down 64.56 points, or 1.07 percent. The broader all shares index closed at 3,374.78, down 24.03 points, or 0.71 percent.

“The local market pulled back as investors worry over the local economic challenges brought about by the Middle East war, including the expected rise in inflation moving forward,” said Japhet Tantiangco, Philstocks Financial Inc. research head. Tantiangco said worries about possible policy tightening by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas could further weigh on economic growth.

All indices ended in the red, with holding firms leading the decline, down 1.91 percent. Industrial also fell 0.83% and property dropped 0.58 percent.

Trading was tepid with net value turnover at P5.48 billion, lower than the year-to-date average of P6.47 billion. Foreign investors were net sellers with outflows at P1.7 billion.

JG Summit Holdings Inc. was the top index gainer, up 2.09 percent to P26.90, while SM Investments Corp. was at the tail end, down 3.79 percent to P610.

Uniqlo opens largest PH logistics center in Cavite

By Othel V. Campos

U NIQLO Philippines opened its largest and fully airconditioned warehouse in the country Friday, strengthening its regional supply chain and supporting the rapid growth of its e-commerce operations in Southeast Asia.

Located at Riverpark North in General Trias, the facility was jointly developed by Federal Land NRE Global Inc. and Fast Retailing Philippines, a unit of Japan’s Fast Retailing Co. Ltd.

Speaking at the opening, Uniqlo Philippines chief

General Trias City Mayor Luis Ferrer IV and Cavite 6th District Rep. Antonio Ferrer join officials for the opening of the Uniqlo Logistics Facility in Riverpark North, Barangay Pasong Camachile II, General Trias, Cavite, Friday, April 17, 2026. Recognized as the largest Uniqlo logistics hub in the Philippines, the opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony included (from left) Yokota Naobumi, minister for economic affairs of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines; Thomas Mirasol, vice chairman of Federal Land Inc.; Yusuke Hirano, vice chairman of Federal Land NRE Global; and Geraldine Sia, chief operating officer of Uniqlo. Dennis Abrina

operating officer Geraldine Sia said the warehouse ushers in a “new chapter” for the brand as it expands its footprint in the Philippines.

“This facility will play a critical role in strengthening our supply chain, supporting the rapid growth of our e-commerce business, and ensuring a more stable and consistent availability of LifeWear for customers nationwide,” Sia said.

Sia noted that the milestone coincides with the company’s 14th year in the country and the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan.

The warehouse is among the first in the Philippines to be fully air-conditioned for apparel logistics, designed to provide a comfortable working environment. It includes dedicated employee facilities and integrates sustainability features such as solar power to reduce environmental impact.

Federal Land vice chairman Thomas Mirasol said the project reflects the strength of long-standing partnerships between Filipino and Japanese firms and signals continued confidence in the Philippines as an investment destination.

Mirasol said the facility will reinforce the operational backbone of Uniqlo Philippines by improving efficiency and service capability while supporting the company’s expansion.

He added that the development is part of the company’s push to build integrated communities such as Riverpark, where business operations and community growth are aligned to create long-term value for investors and local stakeholders.

Mirasol also cited the role of collaboration between government and private sector partners in bringing the project to completion, emphasizing a shared commitment to inclusive growth.

First Gen secures P14.75-b BDO financing for hydropower deal

By Alena Mae S. Flores

BDO Unibank Inc. issued P24.75 billion in standby letters of credit to support First Gen Corp’s P61.875 billion acquisition of a 33-percent stake in Prime Hydropower Energy Inc (PHEI). The transaction, executed

through First Gen subsidiary

FGEN Aqua Power Holdings Inc. gives the company a minority share in PHEI which is developing 2,000 megawatts of pumped storage capacity, including the 600MW Wawa and 1,400-MW Pakil hydro projects.

BDO provided P9.9 billion for the

Wawa plant and P14.85 billion for the Pakil facility.

“BDO’s issuance of the SBLCs... coupled with contractual arrangements on the change in management control, demonstrates the bank’s recognition that the continued active involvement of FRL in the FPH group is necessary, vital, and indispens-

able,” First Gen said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange.

“Such a structure not only ensures that the FPH group maintains a unified strategic direction under FRL, but underscores the link between the FPH group’s financial footing and its leadership under FRL,” the company said.

Globe’s Candle Cable stake to strengthen PH digital connectivity

By Darwin G. Amojelar

GLOBE Telecom Inc.’s participation in the Candle Cable system—a major subsea network—is set to provide a massive boost to the Philippines’ international connectivity, according to a report by BMI, a Fitch Solutions company.

BMI said the new subsea cable network will support regional ambitions for digital hub status through enhanced infrastructure resilience and high-speed, lowlatency networks across the AsiaPacific region.

“The Candle Cable project, alongside broader subsea cable investments, will underpin the Philippines’ digital backbone catering to rising international data traffic from AI, cloud, and 5G uptake despite potential cost rises linked to geopolitical risks as investors prioritize resilient and diversified infrastructure,” BMI said.

The Candle Cable system will directly link the Philippines with key regional markets including Taiwan, Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore. The project was announced in late 2025 in collaboration with regional telcos and hyperscalers, including SoftBank, Meta, IPS, and XL Axiata, to connect the Southeast Asia region.

“Globe will gain access to highspeed, low-latency international links, improving service quality and supporting growing enterprise demand for data and cloud services driving revenue growth for its business segment. This project also aligns with government initiatives that aim to accelerate digital transformation and implement a cloud-first strategy,” BMI said.

Globe has joined the Candle Cable system consortium as both a

PUREGOLD Price Club Inc. is increasing its support for sari-sari store owners to help them navigate rising costs and operational challenges through its annual convention and an expanded distribution network.

The listed retailer said its Tindahan ni Aling Puring (TNAP) Sari-Sari Store Convention, scheduled for May 14-16 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, will focus on equipping small-business owners with tools to manage inflation.

Puregold president Vincent Co said these neighborhood stores have become critical as Filipino households tighten spending due to higher prices for basic goods.

“At a time when we bear the impact of price hikes, sari-sari stores shine as an extension of Puregold,” Co said. “That’s why we have made it our core mission to support these microentrepreneurs.”

The company rolled out a series of promotions, including bulk purchases at discounted rates, to protect store owner margins despite rising wholesale prices.

Puregold also deployed nearly 1,000 Aling Puring account representatives nationwide to strengthen its distribution network. These door-todoor agents deliver goods directly to neighborhood stores, helping owners avoid transport costs and logistical hurdles.

The initiative aims to make restocking more efficient, particularly for stores in remote areas where access to wholesale outlets is limited. Beyond pricing support, the upcoming convention will include sessions led by industry experts on business management, inventory planning, and customer engagement.

The TNAP program has surpassed 1.06 million members nationwide, with Puregold recording strong growth in Southern Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao. As small retailers often struggle with thin margins, Puregold intends for these sessions to help them adapt to a more challenging market environment. Jenniffer B. Austria

GCASH PARTNERSHIP. Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto and GCash vice president and general manager for business Paul Vincent Albano (fifth and fourth from left) are joined by (from left) GCash account manager Rose Ann Danting; vice president and head of public sector Cleo Celeste Santos; chief operations officer and B2C General Manager Barbara Dawn Dapul; Pasig City councilors Simon Tantoco and Ryan Enriquez; and administrator Jeronimo Manzanero to finalize a partnership to digitize financial assistance and market fee collection citywide. The partnership allows more than 30,000 scholars, as well as senior citizens, solo parents, and

Angara-Mathay convenes DOT heads to align with infra agenda

NEWLY installed Tourism Secretary

Dita Angara-Mathay convened the heads of attached agencies Thursday to discuss priority programs and initiatives aimed at enhancing tourism investments and aligning them with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s infrastructure and development agenda.

Earlier, Angara-Mathay met with the Department of Tourism executive committee following her oath of office. During the meeting, she emphasized the need for clarity of purpose, strong coordination, and steady leadership as the department navigates an increasingly complex global environment.

“I join the department at a time

when the global environment remains uncertain and complex. These conditions call for clarity of purpose, strong coordination, and steady leadership across all levels,” she said in a statement Friday. She underscored that tourism remains a vital pillar of inclusive economic growth and stressed the DOT’s responsibility to ensure the sector continues to support livelihoods, strengthen enterprises, and create opportunities for communities nationwide.

In her message to DOT employees, the secretary called on personnel to uphold professionalism, dedication, and a shared sense of purpose.

Othel V. Campos

DA secures toll waiver for farm trucks

By Othel V. Campos

THE Department of Agriculture has secured a temporary toll fee waiver for trucks transporting agricultural goods starting April 20. The measure aims to ease logistics costs, stabilize food prices, and protect farmers’ incomes amid rising fuel prices.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the waiver will run for one month and will be reviewed for a possible extension.

“We thank our tollway concessionaires for embodying the bayanihan spirit,” Tiu Laurel

DOE set to launch 7th green energy auction round

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Department of Energy has begun preparations for the seventh round of the Green Energy Auction, or GEA-7, focusing on renewable energy delivery scheduled for 2027 through 2029.

The DOE said the auction reinforces its commitment to accelerating renewable energy deployment and attracting private sector participation in the country’s energy transition. The department targets the release of the terms of reference for GEA-7 by the second quarter.

The auction will cover rooftop, ground-mounted, and floating solar technologies. Rooftop and groundmounted solar projects are expected to begin delivery in 2027, while floating solar projects are scheduled for delivery between 2027 and 2029. The floating solar component will incorporate unsubscribed capacities from GEA-4 to ensure the efficient use of previously allocated capacity.

To enhance grid stability, the DOE will require all ground-mounted solar projects under GEA-7 to be integrated with battery energy storage systems, or BESS. This requirement aims to improve dispatchability and address the intermittency of solar power.

GEA-7 will offer renewable energy capacities nationwide, with a significant increase in allocation for Mindanao—estimated at five times the capacity offered in previous rounds.

The DOE said this is a deliberate effort to stimulate investment in the region and promote a more balanced power system.

The DOE encourages developers to register projects early to ensure eligibility. GEA-7 is one of several auctions planned for 2026 as part of the government’s push for energy security.

The auction program is a central component of the government’s strategy to increase the renewable energy share in the national power mix to 35 percent by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040.

said. “This will help cushion the impact of higher fuel prices on food supply and affordability while protecting farmers’ incomes during these challenging times.”

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed the DA and other agencies to identify measures to help agricultural stakeholders cope with rising costs driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East to safeguard domestic food security.

The DA noted that the intervention will provide relief as climbing fuel prices squeeze margins across the food supply chain. Truckers have been among the hardest hit, with some operators scaling back trips to avoid losses, raising concerns over the timely delivery of produce.

Transport costs add about P2 to P5 per kilo to retail food prices, according to the DA. Logistics expenses are often passed on to consumers and contribute to inflation, particularly for essential goods.

To mitigate risks, the DA has begun deploying its own trucks in key production areas such as Benguet. This ensures farmers can continue delivering produce, preventing supply gaps and spoilage despite tighter transport capacity.

Initial estimates suggest the toll waiver, covering 1,162 trucks accredited under the food lane program, could yield savings of P1,500 to P3,000 per trip.

Total savings are estimated at P52 million to P105 million over one month. These figures could rise if more than 3,100 previously registered trucks renew their accreditation.

Participating vehicles must be registered with DA regional offices. Truckers with outstanding toll arrears may still partici-

THE Energy Regulatory Commission has adopted rules governing microgrid systems, marking a major step toward accelerating total electrification and strengthening consumer protection in unserved and underserved areas nationwide.

These new rules, under Resolution No. 11, Series of 2026, operationalize the Microgrid Systems Act by establishing a regulatory framework specifically for isolated microgrid systems and grid-tied microgrid systems operating in island mode.

The rules define how these systems are developed, operated, and regulated in unserved and underserved areas. The objective is twofold: to encourage private sector participation and to ensure off-grid communities receive reliable, sustainable, and high-quality electricity service.

Under the new framework, microgrid system providers, or MGSPs, are required to deliver 24/7 electricity service, achieve 100 percent household electrification within their service areas, and comply with

strict technical, operational, and service performance standards to ensure efficiency, power quality, reliability, and safety.

The guidelines also establish a transparent tariff mechanism designed to balance consumer protection with provider viability.

By utilizing the Full Cost Recovery Rate, or FCRR, subject to ERC approval, providers can recoup prudent investments while maintaining fair rates. The ERC has strengthened oversight by standardizing microgrid service contracts, streamlining licensing through authorities to operate, and implementing rigorous compliance monitoring.

ERC chairperson and chief executive Francis Saturnino Juan emphasized the significance of the new rules, calling them a crucial step in ensuring that no Filipino community is left behind in electrification efforts. Alena Mae S. Flores

pate but will be placed under structured payment arrangements after settling unpaid balances. The 1,162 accredited trucks can move up to 7 million kilos of food daily, supporting about 3,500 farmers and ensuring steady supply flows to major consumption centers.

By Jenniffer B. Austria and Thony Rose Lesaca

BANK of the Philippine Islands (BPI) expects Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to raise interest rates by 25 basis points during its policy meeting next week to combat persistent inflationary pressures.

The anticipated move on April 23 follows a shift in the balance of risks toward a more broad-based inflation environment, according to BPI lead economist Emilio Neri Jr.

Multinational banks, however, expect the BSP to keep interest rates steady, citing weaker domestic growth and stronger March inflation amid the Middle East conflict.

Inflation for the full year could average above 5 percent, Neri said. Monthly figures may approach at least 8 percent if global oil prices remain above $100 per barrel.

Despite recent ceasefire developments, Neri noted that operations at the Strait of Hormuz remain constrained.

The crucial route for oil and fertilizer exports currently sees around 14 vessels transiting daily, down from a previous average of roughly 120 before Middle East tensions escalated.

Geopolitical conflict has also disrupted the export of other critical commodities including semiconductors, pharmaceuticals and automotive components.

“While current pressures remain largely supply-driven, historical experience suggests prolonged shocks tend to spill over into demand-side dynamics, increasing the risk of de-anchored inflation expectations,” Neri said.

ING said in its Asia week ahead report the country’s significant exposure to the global oil markets amid energyrelated shocks led to a downgrade in its growth forecast for the Philippines to 4.5 percent in 2026.

The bank said this weaker growth would prompt the BSP to hold interest rates at 4.25 percent.

“Against this weaker growth backdrop—and assuming the current geopolitical escalation eases in the near term—our base case is for the central bank to remain on hold in April,” it said, noting that the decision on Thursday will likely be “close.”

Lenders told to grant relief measures

By Jenniffer B. Austria

THE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) urged financing and lending companies to extend relief measures to borrowers as rising fuel prices threaten to strain the repayment capacity of Filipinos.

SEC chairperson Francisco Lim said in a statement that the lending sector plays a crucial role in providing credit during periods of economic disruption.

“We recognize the importance of the financing and lending industry in extending credit to Filipinos in need. In times of economic disruption, their contribution in

offering financial flexibility to the public is even more clear,” Lim said.

The regulator recommended measures such as restructuring payment schedules, extending loan terms and adjusting installment amounts based on a borrower’s capacity to pay.

Lim also suggested that lenders

provide other reasonable accommodations to ease financial strain while allowing continued repayment.

“We urge the industry to help our fellow kababayans by providing financial relief to enable them to manage their finances better and navigate this difficult period,” Lim said.

The agency encouraged firms to grant a grace period of at least a month on loan payments and to waive or refrain from imposing penalties and surcharges during that time.

However, the SEC recognized that relief measures should be proportionate to a company’s finan-

cial capacity to ensure the stability of the lending sector.

Firms with larger asset bases or significant exposure to consumer lending should take a more proactive role, while smaller entities may provide relief on a case-tocase basis.

The regulator said companies operating online lending platforms or those engaged in high-volume consumer lending should adopt a proactive stance regardless of asset size.

To ensure transparency, all relief arrangements should be properly documented, clearly explained to borrowers and backed by informed consent.

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) on Friday welcomed a favorable assessment from Moody’s Ratings on the Philippine banking system and external accounts, citing its commitment to maintaining financial stability.

Moody’s maintained the Philippines’ investment-grade credit rating at Baa2 with a stable outlook. This indicates low credit risk, which supports demand and

IN BRIEF

time workforce.

“By expanding opportunities for qualified seafarers while maintaining standards of training and competency, we are ensuring safer operations and more reliable shipping services across the country,” Malaluan said. The policy seeks to grow the number of qualified officers to solve current labor shortages. Agency officials expressed confidence that the measure will support 1,400 ships operating domestically. Key changes include the opportunity for holders of Major Patron and Marine Diesel Mechanic 2 licenses to upgrade to higher positions. To qualify, these seafarers must complete additional training and meet longer sea service requirements.

Darwin G. Amojelar

DA boosts Cordillera farm aid to stabilize food supply

lowers interest rates on domestic government bonds.

The debt watcher said the banking system remains well-capitalized, profitable and competently managed, which limits potential contingent risks to the government.

“We welcome Moody’s positive assessment. It confirms what we have been seeing: our banks are strong, and our external buffers

are solid. At the BSP, we will continue to safeguard financial stability through sound regulations and prudent management of our international reserves,” BSP Governor Eli Remolona Jr. said.

The ratings agency highlighted the quality of central bank supervision, noting that the application of international regulatory standards and preemptive measures support financial stability.

DIGITAL LOANS. The Social Security System (SSS)

seas Filipino workers (OFWs). The fund helps active or returning migrant workers establish or grow local businesses to provide long-term livelihood opportunities as an alternative to working abroad.

Othel V. Campos

MARINA expands pool of officers for local vessels

THE Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) issued new guidelines to expand the pool of qualified officers on domestic vessels and streamline certification processes for seafarers. Under Memorandum Circular No. MD-2026-02, the agency aligned the issuance and reissuance of the Domestic Certificate of Competency (DCOC) with revised minimum safe manning requirements for Philippine-registered ships. The policy addresses manpower constraints in the domestic sector and is expected to benefit approximately 1,400 vessels.

MARINA administrator Sonia Malaluan said the circular is a proactive step toward strengthening the domestic mari-

THE government increased the distribution of farm inputs and direct assistance to Cordillera farmers, providing seeds, fertilizers, machinery and trading capital to sustain production despite rising fuel and logistics costs.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the faster deployment of interventions during a visit to the Benguet

Agri-Pinoy Trading Center. Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. cited the need to keep farmers supplied and connected to markets to prevent supply disruptions.

The government distributed about P15.4 million worth of inputs, machinery and trading capital to 45 farmer groups. The release is part of a P859.6 million Cordillera allocation for 2026, which covers irrigation, post-harvest support and training for more than 1,300 groups and 3,700 individuals. The support, managed through the trading hub, pairs expanded transport with market linkage to move crops from farms to key demand centers. Government-backed trucks haul produce directly from farms, using backloading and market matching to reduce costs and prevent spoilage. Nearly 28 metric tons of vegetables moved as of mid-April, with another 57 metric tons scheduled for transport. Othel V. Campos

THE Securities and Exchange Com

mission (SEC) warned the public against investing in three unauthorized investment schemes currently operating in the market.

The SEC said in an advisory Marezz Gadgets and Accessories Shop, represented by Jerold Escartin Yu, has been soliciting investments from the public without corporate registration or a secondary license. This violates the Securities Regulation Code, it said. Marezz is registered as a sole proprietorship for the sale of cellular phones and related items. However, the commission said its investigation found the firm offers short-term and long-term investment schemes without regulatory approval. Under the short-term scheme, investors provide between P20,000 and P1 million with promised monthly earnings of 15 percent and a return of principal in 3 months. The long-term scheme requires investments ranging

from P200,000 to P5 million with 15 percent monthly earnings and capital return in 12 months.

The SEC said it issued a separate warning against a Facebook page pretending to be H.K.K. Lending Company. The page uses the firm’s name, logo and branding to offer loan products without authorization.

The commission said H.K.K. Lending is a registered financing company but it conducts transactions only in person and does not operate any online platform or page.

The regulator also advised the public not to transact with Mary Ann Toquib Andaya or any group representing her lending activities. Andaya has been operating without SEC registration and authority, the SEC said.

The SE said its Investigations revealed Andaya facilitated loan transactions funded by individuals acting as “investors” from Cagayan de Oro City, Cebu and Claveria. Jenniffer B. Austria

It also credited the country’s credible monetary policy framework and flexible exchange rate for providing a cushion against external shocks. The investment-grade status allows the national government to reduce spending on interest payments and allocate more funds toward development projects and social services.

Thony Rose Lesaca

STATE-OWNED

Development

Bank of the Philippines signed agreements with two government agencies to strengthen socio-economic initiatives and enhance agricultural productivity in the Mindanao region, a top official said.

DBP president and chief executive Michael de Jesus said the bank entered into a partnership with the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA). It also signed a tripartite agreement with MinDA and the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project (DA – PRDP) Project Support Office Mindanao to deliver critical projects for key sectors.

“The collaborative undertakings with MinDA and DA – PRDP are expected to strengthen DBP’s relationships with local government units in Mindanao and boost its support to initiatives that can generate economic activities in the communities and improve the lives of millions of ordinary Filipinos,” de Jesus said in a statement.

Under the agreement with MinDA, DBP will extend financing to qualified beneficiaries including local government units and private entities such as cooperatives and small businesses. Support will prioritize climate-resilient infrastructure, renewable energy, water supply, healthcare and agri-industrial developments. In the tripartite arrangement, DAPRDP will provide technical assistance and endorse fishery and agriculture projects for financing. MinDA will provide institutional support and coordinate stakeholders.

DBP is the 9th largest bank in the country with total assets of P1.041 trillion. It focuses credit support on infrastructure, logistics, environment, social services and small enterprises.

and Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to expand digital access to shortterm credit for Filipinos through SSS LoanLite, the pension fund’s digital loan facility for qualified members. Attending the event are (from left) Jose Carlo Eufemio, first vicepresident, go-to market and growth division head, RCBC; Lito Villanueva, executive vice president and chief innovation and inclusion officer, RCBC; Reginaldo Anthony Cariaso, president and CEO, RCBC; SSS president and CEO Robert Joseph Montes de Claro; SSS senior vice-president Joy Villacorta, member services and support group; and SSS senior vice-president Pedro Baoy, lending and asset management group.

INFINIX NOTE 60 PRO:

Power, personality, and a push toward premium

By Marielle Reyes

INFINIX is making a deliberate play for young professionals with the NOTE 60 Pro, a device that blends high performance hardware with design elements aimed at a more expressive, lifestyle driven audience.

Positioned as a step up for users entering a new life stage, the phone leans on what the brand calls “Joyful Technology,” a mix of capability and customization that feels both practical and personal.

At first glance, the NOTE 60 Pro makes a strong visual statement. Available in Solar Orange, Mist Titanium, Torino Black, Deep Ocean Blue, and Mocha Brown, the device carries a premium metal design that feels more refined than what longtime Infinix users might expect. The build is clean and modern, but it is the details that stand out.

One of these features is the Active Matrix Display, a subtle LED interface embedded into the back of the phone. Invisible when idle, it lights up for notifications, timers, and calls, even in silent mode. It also serves as a cus-

tomizable interface, allowing users to personalize light signatures, display emojis, and interact with pixel style animations. It is a refined addition that brings a layer of personality while maintaining a professional and cohesive design. Under the hood, the NOTE 60 Pro marks a milestone for the brand as its first smartphone powered by the Snap-

dragon 7s Gen 4 5G chipset.

On paper, it delivers a notable leap in performance, with an AnTuTu score surpassing 1.1 million. In everyday use, that translates to faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and more responsive navigation.

Gaming is clearly a priority here. Titles like Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and Honor of Kings can run at up to

VSTECS, Fastly deliver secure, faster, more scalable digital experiences for enterprises

VSTECS Phils., Inc., the country’s leading ICT distributor, today announced its official appointment as the Philippine country distributor for Fastly, Inc. (NASDAQ: FSLY). This partnership serves to transform how local enterprises handle digital traffic by reducing latency, improving reliability, and responding to sophisticated cyber threats in real time.

As the cybersecurity landscape shifts toward AI-driven threats and automated bot attacks, it has become imperative for organizations to fortify their security defenses. Traditional infrastructure often struggles to keep pace with modern traffic demands and evolving threats. By adding Fastly to its portfolio, VSTECS strengthens its suite of cybersecurity solutions, offering a secure-by-design platform that processes data and applications at the edge — closer to the end-users.

“The rise in cyber threats and the growing complexity of the digital eco-

AS summer temperatures reach its peak, the demand for reliable climate control continues to grow. Despite the economic pressure of continuous rising of utility and fuel prices, comfort still remains a top priority for Filipino households. The key lies in cooling wisely, leveraging intelligent technology that optimizes performance and energy savings, ensuring your sanctuary remains cool, fresh, and cost-effective. As a Triple Global Top 1 TV Brand and the world’s leading force in Fresh Air AC sales, TCL continues to redefine the standards of home comfort. This summer, TCL’s latest air conditioning lineup delivers more than just premium cooling; it offers an intelligent fusion of lifestyle-centric design and energy-saving technology. Engineered to adapt to your unique environment, these innovations ensure a perfectly chilled sanctuary while significantly optimizing your electricity consumption.

“We know that every peso counts, especially with the costs of fuel and basic essentials nowadays. That’s why TCL is focused on making ‘Smarter Cooling’ more affordable. Our energy-efficient AC units are built to help you beat the summer heat while keeping your electricity bills in check. Stay cool, live smart, and save more with TCL,” says TCL Brand Manager Joseph Cernitchez. Efficiency Meets Power TCL Air Conditioners transform the home environment through a dual-core philosophy: pristine

system demand a shift toward intelligent, edge-based security,” said Jimmy Go, President and CEO of VSTECS Phils., Inc. “By adding Fastly to our portfolio, we are empowering our partners and their customers with a high-performance platform that doesn’t force a trade-off between speed and security. Fastly’s ability to reduce latency and provide real-time visibility is a game-changer for the Philippine market.”

Fastly’s platform provides a unified architecture that combines content delivery, edge computing, and web application and API protection solutions. Its global edge network specialises in

delivering compelling, real-time experiences on websites, streaming platforms, and mobile applications while remaining secure and resilient by design. By moving compute power to the edge, Fastly is designed to enable companies to:

Reduce Latency: Deliver exceptional web and mobile experiences by decreasing the distance between data and the user.

Improve Reliability: Maintain high availability and seamless performance, even during massive traffic spikes and cloud provider outages.

Minimise Risks in Real Time: Identify and mitigate advanced threats,

intuitively eliminates power waste. By merging high-performance cooling with smart consumption, TCL transforms everyday comfort into measurable value for the modern Filipino home By optimizing performance in realtime, this feature allows users to reduce their electricity consumption by up to 37%+, ensuring a cool sanctuary that is as cost-effective as it is refreshing. Furthermore, TCL prioritizes eco-friendly innovation by creating air conditioners that reduce energy consumption and promote greener living.

To redefine the ‘Smart Home’ experience, TCL Air Conditioners also feature intuitive Smart Arrive technology. By intelligently tracking your proximity

via Google Maps just before you head, your AC unit anticipates your arrival, automatically cooling your sanctuary to the perfect temperature the moment you step through the door. It is comfort that doesn’t just respond to you, but anticipates your needs.

Cooling That Fits Your Vibe TCL offers a diverse lineup of cooling innovations to suit every Filipino home. Whether you’re looking for the smart savings of a Split Type Inverter or the reliable convenience of a Window Type, TCL delivers a different kind of cooling—one that prioritizes your health, your budget, and your lifestyle. Step into the future of hands-free comfort with the TCL VoxIN. By

The display experience is another highlight. The NOTE 60 Pro features a 1.5K resolution screen with a peak brightness of 4500 nits, making it highly usable even under direct sunlight. A 144Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and fluid animations, whether you are gaming, watching videos, or simply navigating the interface. Eye comfort features like low blue light filtering and PWM dimming round out what is clearly designed as an outdoor cinema experience.

On the camera front, the device is equipped with a 50MP OIS Night Master camera system. It is built to capture more light in low light conditions, resulting in brighter and more detailed nighttime shots. The camera also offers a high resolution Ultra HD mode and an AI assisted shooting mode that enhances clarity and zoom performance without significantly compromising detail.

Battery life is another area where the NOTE 60 Pro aims to deliver. With a 6500mAh capacity, the phone is built for extended use, whether that means long workdays, streaming sessions, or gaming. Features like bypass charging and battery self healing are designed to maintain long term battery health while ensuring stable performance during heavy usage.

120 frames per second, offering fluid and responsive gameplay during extended sessions. To keep thermals in check, the device is equipped with a 3D IceCore Vapor Chamber Cooling system. This cooling architecture works in tandem with the phone’s metal frame to dissipate heat efficiently, helping maintain consistent performance even under heavy loads.

such as DDoS attacks and malicious AI bot activities.

Fastly’s programmable platform is designed for modern development workflows, enabling businesses to deploy updates quickly, personalize content at scale, and gain real-time visibility into application performance. The company currently supports leading global brands across industries including media, ecommerce, financial services, and technology sectors.

“The Philippines is one of the most dynamic and fast-growing markets in the region, where digital expectations are rising at an unprecedented pace. By combining Fastly’s high-performance technology with VSTECS’ extensive distribution network and deep-rooted local expertise, Philippine enterprises and e-commerce businesses can modernize with the speed, security, and reliability they need to compete on a global scale,” said Rachel Ler, AVP of Asia at Fastly.

Through this partnership, VSTECS will leverage its extensive network of channel partners to make Fastly’s platform accessible to businesses of all sizes nationwide, working toward a safer and faster digital future for the Philippines.

Overall, the Infinix NOTE 60 Pro positions itself as a well-rounded device that balances performance, design, and user centric features. It does not just aim to keep up with the demands of modern smartphone users, it attempts to make the experience more engaging and expressive along the way.

For a market increasingly defined by spec sheets and subtle design shifts, the NOTE 60 Pro stands out by doing both, delivering the numbers that matter, while adding a layer of personality that feels distinctly its own.

Google says AI helped it thwart billions of ‘bad ads’

SAN FRANCISCO—Google on Thursday said tools utilizing Gemini artficial intelligence helped it derail some 8.2 billion online ads which violated its policies last year.

“We really dove into how to rethink our systems using AI,” Google’s vice president of ads privacy and safety Keerat Sharma said during a briefing with journalists.

“Our latest models better understand intent, helping us spot malicious content and preemptively block it, even when it’s designed to evade detection.”

An annual Ads Safety Report released by Google indicated that the internet giant’s systems caught more than 99 percent of ads that broke its rules before they were shown to people online.

“Our goal is to stop badness before it is ever exposed to any user,” Sharma said.

Google made 35 changes to its ad policies last year in updates intended to help keep pace with evolving trends in scam marketing, according to Sharma.

merging intuitive voice control with advanced energy-saving technology, the VoxIN series allows you to command your climate with just your voice. It’s effortless cooling designed for the modern home, giving you total control over your environment without the worry of high electricity costs.

The TCL BreezeIN+ Series is engineered for the toughest climates, its Comfortable Cooling system remains unwavering even in extreme heat; thanks to the innovative Air-cooled E-box, the BreezeIN+ delivers consistent, powerful performance even when outdoor temperatures hit a scorching 60°C.

Smart saving is the new standard. While we’re all more mindful of our energy bills, the TCL FreshIN 3.0 ensures you never have to choose between cost and comfort. Experience peak performance and ultimate cooling all summer long, engineered to work hard so your wallet doesn’t have to. For even more seamless control, the TCL FreshIN 3.0’s Offline Voice Command features a cutting-edge offline module, allowing you to issue voice commands instantly, no internet connection required. So it makes it easier for you to stay cool, adjust temps, and power down — all with a simple voice command. No remote needed.

Know more about TCL Air Conditioners, log on to www.tcl.com.

Gemini-enhanced ad system tools analyze hundreds of billions of “signals,” such as the age of advertiser accounts, how they are acting, and patterns in campaigns to determine if something is amiss, he explained.

“We took a step back and really rethought how we wanted to build ad safety from a ground-up perspective,” Sharma said.

“With Gemini, we’ve been able to take a step back and combine hundreds of billions of signals to get a much better understanding of what an advertiser’s intent is based on the combination of everything that we know about the advertiser,” Sharma said.

“All of that put together gives us this really nuanced perspective as to whether the intent of a specific ad is positive or potentially harmful.”

While bad actors are using generative AI to create deceptive ads at scale, Gemini helps detect and block them in real time, according to Google. Ad tactics barred by Google policies include deepfakes of public figures or misappropriation of their genuine images. Another layer to Google’s ad defense is verifying advertisers, which account for more than 90 percent of ads served on Google, according to Sharma. AFP

The In nix NOTE 60 Pro delivers the numbers that matter, while adding a layer of personality that feels distinctly its own.

Kilmer back to film via AI, ignites Hollywood debate

LAS VEGAS—The first images of late American film star Val Kilmer returning to the big screen courtesy of artificial intelligence were unveiled Wednesday in Las Vegas, in what will likely stir debate over the technology’s role in Hollywood.

A youthful, digital version of Kilmer appears in the trailer for “As Deep as the Grave”, telling another character: “Don’t fear the dead and don’t fear me.”

The footage premiered at CinemaCon, the annual conference where studios present upcoming releases to movie theater owners.

Brothers Coerte and John Voorhees, director and producer of the film, said they hope to release the historical drama by the end of the year. Kilmer, best known for his roles in “Top Gun,” “Batman Forever” and “The Doors,” died of pneumonia in April 2025 at the age of 65.

The project drew headlines last month when the filmmakers revealed they had recreated the actorusing AI with the consent of his family.

The use of artificial intelligence remains one of the most sensitive issues

“As Deep as the Grave” follows pioneering archaeologists Ann and Earl Morris -- the latter credited by some with helping inspire the

al Indiana Jones -- and originally cast Kilmer before the coronavirus pandemic to play a Catholic priest. Health problems forced Kilmer, who was battling cancer, to step away from the role. But after pandemic

Converge spurs fleet electrification, boosts resilience amid oil crisis

LEADING fiber broadband and technology provider Converge

ICT Solutions Inc. is boosting its resilience against volatile oil prices and supply disruptions as it accelerates greening its corporate vehicle fleet amid the ongoing global fuel crisis.

‎The company is doubling its electric vehicle (EV) inventory, with the addition of over 100 units currently underway. These will mainly be used for field operations including installation, maintenance, and repair for Converge subscribers in Metro Manila.

‎At present, Converge has over 120 units of combined purely battery-powered and hybrid electric vehicles which facilitate its on-ground repair and sales operations across Metro Manila.

‎According to Converge Corporate Sustainability Officer Laurice Esteban-Tuason, the company has been increasingly adopting electric-powered cars in line with its carbon footprint commitment, targeting to switch 20 percent of its fleet and contractor vehicles into electric and hybrid types by 2030.

‎“The ongoing oil supply crisis is reinforcing the value of sustainability, particularly initiatives that reduce dependence on fossil fuels. At Converge, we have been expanding our use of

also become a strategic approach to managing operational risks. Given the country’s vulnerability to oil supply constraints and price shocks, diversifying our energy mix will be more beneficial, especially in terms of cost, energy efficiency, and environmental impact,”

Esteban-Tuason added.

The use of electric-powered cars is seen to contribute to more consistent and reduced operating costs for the company, as it is more resilient against fuel price fluctuations caused by global market instability.

In addition, Converge is encouraging the use of hybrid and electric vehicles through its car subsidy program for eligible employees as part of its sustainability efforts.

STARTING March 23, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has implemented a discounted fare matrix for single-journey tickets, stored-value cards, and cashless payments in response to rising consumer prices.

delays, the Voorheeses revisited the project as AI technology advanced. They recast Kilmer digitally as Father Fintan, an early Catholic missionary suffering from tuberculosis who, like many at the time, traveled to the US southwest for the dry climate and opened missions in the Four Corners region.

“It was a very dark time,” Coerte said, adding that the character was central to the story.

The filmmakers said they approached Kilmer’s children, Mercedes and Jack, after concluding the role could still be realized.

The family gave its approval and granted access to Kilmer’s video archives, which were used to recreate the actor at multiple stages of his life. Val Kilmer had spoken to his children before his death about his legacy and what he wished he could still accomplish as an actor, the brothers said.

“We were so glad they were excited and so supportive of the idea,” Coerte added.

‘Painstaking’

The Voorheeses did not detail the technical process behind their film, but said digitally reviving Kilmer was a “painstaking process.”

“Just like any artistic endeavour, you spend a lot of time drafting and redrafting,” John Voorhees said, so the performance feels faithful to how he might have done it.

They conceded the project could unsettle some people, but stressed that they followed SAG-AFTRA guidelines, which rest on what the union calls the three Cs: consent, compensation and collaboration.

“Following this process, working with the family... we can actually demonstrate the right way to do it,” Coerte told AFP.

“We believe artists will galvanize around that and take control back, because it’s not in the hands of the artists right now. It’s actually... a freefor-all,” he added. AFP

Passengers of Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) can easily avail of the discounted fare via the GCash app by using the GCash Commute QR, NFCenabled Android phone, or

simple: to make everyday transactions more affordable, accessible, and seamless for Filipinos. For more information, please visit https://help.gcash. com/hc/en-us/articles/49102305024025-Can-I-useGCash-for-transportation in the entertainment industry and was central to the 2023 strikes that shut down Hollywood, as actors and writers warned that unchecked technology threatened their livelihoods.

alternative energy sources for our data centers and gradually electrifying our service vehicles, as part of our longterm effort to reduce our carbon emissions,” she said.

“At the same time, this has

THE HUAWEI Mate Series makes its highly anticipated return and sets new industry benchmarks with the HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro. Designed to outlast, outshoot, and outperform, the newest HUAWEI smartphone is loaded with an arsenal of advanced, industry-leading technologies to push the limits of what a mobile can achieve.

The HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro is available for preorder at P69,999, and for a limited time, you can get it at a special promo price of P64,999 Outshine with Timeless Design

Inspired by Infinite Exploration

True elegance is timeless, and the HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro stands as proof by evolving its iconic design heritage into a striking new frontier. The Iconic Dual Space Rings design, a hallmark of the HUAWEI Mate Series, has been brilliantly reimagined into the innovative Dual Ring design. Together, the rings form the infinity symbol, which stands for the spirit of “infinite exploration.” The reimagined design speaks to a mindset that pushes beyond limits, embracing progress without end and giving the HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro an instantly recognizable look yet still refreshingly new.

The HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro is beautifully encased in premium, ultra-durable vegan fiber design, a meticulously chosen material that provides a supremely comfortable and secure grip.

Available in two elegant finishes — Gold and Black — the HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro’s design strikes a perfect balance between sophistication and resilience.

Outshoot the Ordinary with a Pocket-Sized Professional Studio

The HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro transforms everyday photography into a powerful experience defined by precision and intelligence. Built with a quad-camera system, the HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro features a True-to-Colour Camera — which delivers exceptional color accuracy across all lighting conditions to ensure that users capture exactly what they remember. Even in nighttime or low-light scenes, the HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro flawlessly reproduces accurate, detailed images through its 50MP Ultra Lighting Main Camera. This utilizes a massive 1/1.28-inch sensor to capture nuanced light and shadow with exceptional, professional-grade fidelity.

Taking mobile photography even further, the HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro also comes with a dedicated 48MP Ultra Lighting Telephoto Macro Camera. It offers up to 4x optical zoom, which enables users to capture sharp, distant shots, while its macro capabilities allow users to focus on subjects as close as 5cm away to reveal intricate, hidden details with stunning clarity. The 40MP Ultra-Wide Angle

Moreover, it has also installed an EV charging station in its headquarters in Pasig to support sustainable mobility for its battery-powered service line install and repair vehicles. Moving ahead, Converge aims to activate more charging stations in its other offices in Metro Manila.

Camera allows users to capture expansive landscapes or huge group shots with absolute ease. Guaranteeing that every shot is a masterpiece, the revolutionary AI Composition feature essentially turns users into instant professional photographers. The intuitive system analyzes the environment in real-time, assessing subjects, leading lines, lighting conditions, and overall visual balance to intelligently guide users’ framing process. It automatically suggests the perfect crop or zoom level and overlays subtle, easy-to-follow composition hints directly within the viewfinder.

This eliminates the need to memorize complex photography rules or make endless manual adjustments. Users can simply frame their shot, follow the smart on-screen recommendations, and immediately capture stunning, magazine-quality photos every single time. Outlast Obstacles with Unbreakable Resilience Durability is a defining feature of the HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro. Each layer of the device is engineered to withstand the unpredictability of daily life, creating a smartphone that users can rely on in virtually any situation. Armed with 2nd Generation Kunlun Glass, the HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro’s display is intricately embedded with high-strength nanocrystals that provide strong, reliable protection. It delivers a 20x drop resistance that is massively stronger compared to conventional glass panels, significantly reducing the risk of screen damage from daily drops, bumps, and shocks. This ruggedness extends to the backplate of the HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro, which is expertly crafted from vegan fiber. While its silky, smooth texture feels exceptionally refined in the hand, its most important quality is the 5x enhanced impact resistance it provides. This resilient material allows the phone to withstand scrapes and accidents, while retaining its pristine, premium appearance over the years.

This artificial intelligence–generated handout image courtesy of First Line Films shows an AI-generated likeness of actor Val Kilmer for his posthumous role as Father Fintan in the upcoming movie ‘As Deep As The Grave’. The late American film star Val Kilmer could soon be ‘acting’ on the big screen again after allowing a director to use AI tools to produce his likeness for an upcoming film, media reports

Converge is accelerating its adoption of electric vehicles as it pursues its sustainability commitment of operating its fleet and contractor vehicles with 20 percent electric and hybrid units by 2030.

SHOWBIZ

Former actress and beauty queen Daisy Reyes finds new calling

FINDING a different calling sometimes unfolds in unexpected ways, in unfamiliar places, even in moments that seem entirely unrelated at first glance. It can mean leaving familiar roles behind in pursuit of a deeper sense of purpose that gradually takes shape over time.

moved into full-time religious service, receiving a merit award this week from The Evangelical Ark Mission (TEAM) and affirming her role as a pastor after nearly two decades in ministry.

The former Binibining Pilipinas-World titleholder was recognized on April 14 for what the group described as her longstanding contribution to its mission, citing her philanthropic work that has reached communities locally and abroad.

“The Gospel, walking faithfully with Jesus through every season, has led me to this sacred calling as a Pastor,” Daisy shared during her acceptance speech and added that she hoped to continue sharing messages of hope and encouragement, particularly

Very Wang Nickie Wang

among young people.

“My heart is full of gratitude and humility. I never imagined this journey, yet God has been faithful every step of the way. My prayer is that He will continue to use my life to share His goodness, to bring hope to those who feel lost, and to lead others into a deeper understanding of His mercy and grace,” she said.

Once a familiar face in Philippine cinema in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Daisy appeared in drama and action films alongside actors such as Rudy Fernandez, Gary Estrada, and Jeric Raval

She later entered public service, serving two terms as a councilor in Pateros, before focusing on church work.

Her shift from screen to pulpit reflects a quieter second act, one centered on faith, service, and mentoring, far from the glare of the entertainment industry.

DISNEY unveiled the first theatrical trailer for Marvel’s Avengers: Doomsday on Thursday at CinemaCon in Las Vegas, drawing strong reactions from the audience at Caesars Palace.

The footage offered a first look at Robert Downey Jr. as villain Doctor Doom, marking his return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe after Iron Man’s death in Avengers: Endgame Scenes teased a clash between Gambit and Shang-Chi, played by Channing Tatum and Simu Liu , alongside Patrick Stewart reprising Professor Xavier, warning of an approaching threat.

The trailer closed with Chris Evans returning as Captain America, catching Thor’s hammer before a stunned Chris Hemsworth

Evans and Downey Jr. appeared at the event with directors Joe Russo and Anthony Russo Evans said he agreed to return only because the story gave a strong reason for Steve Rogers’ comeback.

The film follows Endgame and brings together characters, including the X-Men. It opens in U.S. theaters on Dec. 18, the same day as Dune: Part Three , in a pairing theater owners hope will lift year-end box office results.

The preview capped Disney’s CinemaCon showcase, where stars such as Tom Hanks, Dwayne Johnson, and Queen Latifah presented upcoming releases. Clips were also shown for The Mandalorian and Grogu The Devil Wears Prada 2 , and Toy Story 5 AFP

AMERICAN rapper and record producer Post

Malone will bring his Big Ass World Tour to Manila on Sept. 29, promoters said, marking his return to the Philippines as part of a wider Asia run.

The concert will be held at the Philippine Arena, with Don Toliver joining as a special guest, according to Live Nation. Manila is one of eight stops on the tour, which spans September to early October and follows a high-attendance run in North America. The broader tour has drawn more than one million fans and grossed over $170 million, the promoter said.

Fans can expect a setlist covering Malone’s genre-mixing catalog, from hip-hop and pop to his recent country releases, alongside large-scale stage production that has driven demand for his live shows.

Ticket sales in Manila will roll out in stages, beginning with an artist presale on May 11. A Mastercard presale will run from May 12 to May 14, followed by a Live Nation presale on May 14. General sales open on May 15 via SM Tickets and outlets.

Malone recently released F-1 Trillion, his first country album, which debuted atop the Billboard 200. He has also performed at Coachella this year and is set to headline Stagecoach Festival in 2026.

MISS Universe Philippines has introduced a fan voting component for its 2026 competition, allowing supporters to help influence the selection of the next titleholder through a digital banking app.

Maya, the official voting partner of Miss Universe Philippines 2026, has teamed up with Dogshow Divas’ Baus Rufo and Macoy Dubs for a campaign titled “KEMELEC,” which presents voting instructions and updates through a pageant-themed, election-style format. The campaign positions Rufo and Dubs as “Kemessioners,” providing information on how fans can participate in the voting process and support their chosen candidates. A video explaining the campaign has been released online. Voting will be integrated into several phases of the competition, including

on May 1 through a

Fans were able to vote during scheduled periods from April 5 to 11 and April 12

C4 LIFE

Finding a private corner in Paradise

WHEN I first started planning my trips to Siargao years ago, I was overwhelmed by the options.

The island was bursting with boutique hostels, luxury villas, and remote eco-lodges. But I had one non-negotiable priority: I wanted to be in the thick of it.

I didn’t want to rely on a scooter for every single meal or worry about the cost of tricycles after a late night out. I wanted to be on Tourism Road, steps away from the action, yet still have a sanctuary to retreat to. On my first visit, I found that sanctuary at Siago. After two visits, I can confidently say I’ve found my home away from home.

Location is everything in General Luna, and Siago possesses the golden ticket. Situated right along

the bustling Tourism Road, the resort puts you at the epicenter of Siargao’s vibrant energy.

From my room, I was a short walk from the best restaurants, lively bars, souvenir shops, and surf spots. The convenience was liberating. There was no need to plan a complicated commute; the island’s famous nightlife and culinary scene were literally at my doorstep. Yet despite its central address, Siago manages to maintain a peaceful atmosphere. Stepping through its entrance feels like flipping a switch—the buzz of

Resort owners Kris (center right) and Maite Garcia enjoying the beach with their kids

charm with understated elegance, and the warm, familial atmosphere that permeates the entire property.

In a place like Siargao, which is undeniably a playground for travelers from all over the world, it’s easy to feel transient. The island has a fast-paced, ever-changing energy. But Siago, under Kris and Maite’s stewardship, offers an anchor. During my second visit, I noticed how the staff, who clearly take pride in their work, interacted with returning guests like old friends. There is a sense of stability and genuine care here that is hard to find in a sea of transient hostels and impersonal Airbnbs. It felt like I was a guest in a private home, one that just happened to be perfectly located in paradise.

For a traveler like me, who craves both connection and solitude, this balance is everything. I wanted to be close to the action of Tourism Road to meet people, to dive into the island’s famous social scene, and to experience the spontaneous adventures that Siargao is known for. But after a day of surfing, island hopping, and socializing, I needed a quiet, comfortable place to recharge. Siago provided that. I had my private room—a clean, cool, and tastefully designed space—where I could escape the crowds and decompress.

the street fades away, replaced by the gentle rustle of palm fronds and the quiet hum of contented guests. What made my stays truly special, however, went beyond the prime real estate. It was the distinct feeling that I wasn’t just checking into a hotel but rather being welcomed into someone’s well-loved home. This is the touch of owners Kris and Maite Garcia. You can feel their presence in the details: the thoughtful layout that encourages community without sacrificing privacy, the curated aesthetic that blends rustic island

Improving Metro Manila mobility

AYALA Land has opened the Arca South Transport Terminal, a new public transport hub aimed at improving mobility within Arca South and strengthening access to key destinations across Metro Manila. Located along Arca Boulevard, the terminal is directly connected to Ayala Malls Arca South and the newly opened Arca Main Street, allowing commuters to move between public transport, retail areas, workplaces, and open spaces. The facility is operated by Interlux Corporation, Ayala Land’s transport partner. The terminal accommodates buses, jeepneys, AUVs, and tricycles, helping organize traffic flow and improve daily commutes for residents, workers, and visitors. Routes connect Arca South to Bonifacio Global

City, Makati, Alabang, Pasay, and the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange. Designed for commuter

Having visited twice, I’ve come to appreciate the consistency that Kris and Maite have cultivated. The food at the on-site restaurant remains reliably excellent, the rooms are impeccably maintained, and the balance between being a social hub and a peaceful retreat is perfectly struck.

Siago isn’t just a place to sleep; it’s a home base that enhances the entire Siargao experience. It offers the rare combination of unrivaled accessibility to Tourism Road and the soulful comfort of a private residence. For anyone who wants to be in the center of the action without sacrificing peace of mind, I cannot recommend it enough. I’ve already started planning my third visit, eager to return to my private corner in paradise.

By Nickie Wang

THE spirits industry has long been regarded as male-dominated, but Myrna Delos Reyes has built a career showing the role women play in preserving its heritage and shaping its direction.

Delos Reyes is the senior vice president for quality and technical operations at Tanduay, where she oversees the division responsible for innovation and scientific work.

“I began my journey as a laboratory analyst, a role that gave me a deep foundation in the science behind every bottle. Over the course of my career, I’ve grown into my current position as SVP. It’s been a path built on curiosity, hard work, and a genuine love for what we do,” Delos Reyes said.

With more than 36 years in the company, she has risen to one of its highest technical posts in an industry long associated with men. Women in technical roles were rare when she started at the century-old spirits maker.

“But that never discouraged me. If anything, it strengthened my resolve. Today, I’m glad to see more women entering the field,” she said.

She added that earning credibility remains a key challenge.

“My approach has always been simple: let your work speak for itself,” she explained. “Demonstrating technical competence, staying prepared, and showing up consistently builds credibility, regardless of gender.”

Delos Reyes described her long tenure as both stable and personal, citing relationships built over decades.

“What truly makes it special is the family I’ve found here. The relationships I’ve built over 36 years, the shared struggles, the milestones, and the laughter are all irreplaceable. This company feels like home,” she noted.

Delos Reyes is especially thankful for having the opportunity to work alongside Tanduay’s celebrated Master Blender, Maestro Faustino Munarriz

“He was my mentor and, in many ways, my guiding light,” she recalled. “I carry his lessons with me every single day.”

Delos Reyes said women are helping shape product development, quality control, and branding, influencing both process and output.

“Women bring a different perspective, one that values nuance, storytelling, and experience,” she observed.

She added that this is key as Tanduay moves toward premiumization, noting the role of women in driving quality and innovation across product development and brand strategy.

For those entering male-dominated industries, Delos Reyes underscored preparation and confidence in one’s expertise, stressing the importance of mastering one’s craft and relying on technical knowledge.

standards in product development

Positioned beside the new transport hub, the lifestyle center helps tie together commuting, leisure, and everyday convenience in Arca South Arca South’s public