I won’t be a scapegoat for acts I did not commit — Romualdez
By Maricel V. Cruz and Rex Espiritu
“I WILL not be a scapegoat.”
‘VP Sara impeach trial to proceed forthwith’
Sotto: Impeachment court may convene by May 5
By Ram Superable and Maricel Cruz
THE Senate as an impeachment court may start trial as early as midMay as the leader of the Upper Chamber vowed to act “definitely forthwith” on the articles of impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte once these are transmitted by the House of Representatives.
“I will act on it with dispatch. Definitely forthwith. As soon as the Senate receives it, I will inform the Senate and refer it to the Committee on Rules,” Senate President Vicente Sotto III said.
Sotto said if the House submits the articles of impeachment on May 4, the Senate could convene as an impeachment court as early as the following day.
“Let’s say we convene by May 5. I think we could prepare for the trial in a matter of two weeks, more or less two weeks,” he said.
“Probably we can call for a caucus before the session starts. Before May 4, perhaps on the first weekend of May, so that we can hear what our colleagues have to say,” Sotto added. A member of the House Committee on Justice over the weekend said the panel is targeting to conclude its Next page
By Maricel V. Cruz
FINANCIAL documents, tax records, and bank transactions of Vice President Sara Duteret are expected to take center stage in today’s impeachment hearing as lawmakers shift focus from testimonial evidence to a paper trail in determining probable cause, House Committee on Public Accounts chairperson Terry Ridon said.
“The next hearing will be more difficult because there will be no star witness. Personalities will no longer be the focus—the documents themselves will do the talking,” Ridon said. Officials from the Office of the Ombudsman, Securities and Exchange Commission, Bureau of Internal Revenue, and Anti-Money Laundering Council are expected to
Thus declared former Speaker and Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez as he vowed not allow himself to be used as the fall guy in the ongoing flood control controversy. Meanwhile, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla on Tuesday said Romualdez was barred from leaving the country purportedly to seek medical check-up in Singapore. In another development, former Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III cautioned prosecutors against filing cases without solid proof, stressing that “the mere passing of a bill into a law cannot be a crime” and that liability must be anchored on evidence tied to implementation. At the same time, Romualdez also moved to open his records to the public and challenged
Gov’t cushions war impact thru jobs, fuel stability
By Charles Dantes
THE government is prioritizing job generation and fuel supply stability as it weighs additional measures to cushion the economy from global energy shocks, a Palace official said Tuesday following a high-level meeting on economic interventions. Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire
Castro said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. emphasized expanding employment opportunities for Filipinos during the UPLIFT meeting, while also directing energy officials to ensure an uninterrupted supply of petroleum products.
Castro said the President underscored the need to prevent supply disruptions that could worsen inflation already driven by tensions in the Middle East. “The President is insisting that the supply of crude oil or petroleum products to us not be interrupted because the President does not want stagnation,” Castro said, noting that sustained fuel supply is critical to avoiding a broader economic slowdown.
Mayor Leni won’t run for national post in 2028, will seek reelection
By Rolando Ng III
NAGA Mayor and former vice president Leni Robredo on Tuesday said she won’t run for a national post in the 2028 elections, as she will “most probably” seek a second mayoral term.
During an interview over RMN-DWNX, the mayor said that she will place Naga as her priority in expressing her desire for reelection.
“I am sure with myself that I will not go for national. In my opinion, considerably we will achieve what has already been set, but beyond that, there is much that needs to be done,” Robredo said in mixed Filipino, Bicolano, and English.
“The three years, that is just brief for me. It is very frustrating that I cannot rush what I want to do because I
DOJ chief off to Prague to work on Co’s return
By Rolando Ng III and Charles Dantes
JUSTICE Secretary Fredderick Vida said he was set to fly to the Czech Republic within the week to meet with his counterpart official in Prague for the eventual repatriation of former lawmaker Zaldy Co.
Meanwhile, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said the government would ensure Co’s safety if he returns to the country. Vida noted that the Czech Republic and the Philippines are signatories to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption, an agreement among countries for international cooperation to fight global corruption. The Justice chief will be accompanied during the trip by Chief State Counsel Dennis Chan, to tackle repatriation among other legal options being eyed by the government.
investigators to pursue the full chain of accountability.
“I will not be a scapegoat for actions I did not commit,” Romualdez said, breaking weeks of silence.
“The truth is not afraid of scrutiny—and neither am I,” he stressed.
Romualdez authorized the public release of his sworn affidavit and
IRAN said Tuesday it has not yet sent a delegation for new peace talks with the United States, as the temporary ceasefire which paused the Middle East war was set to expire.
“So far, no delegation from Iran has departed for Islamabad, Pakistan; whether it is the main or subsidiary delegation; primary or secondary,” Iranian state TV said, dismissing reports suggesting otherwise.
Iran and the US have accused each other of breaching the two-week truce that is set to end by Wednesday, as uncertainty grows over a push to stop the war from resuming.
The truce theoretically ends overnight Tuesday, though in comments to Bloomberg, Trump said the end was a day later, on Wednesday evening Washington time Next page
EALA IN TERNO. Tennis star Alex Eala wears a terno designed by her uncle, Rhett Eala, at the Laureus Awards at the historic Cibeles Palace in Madrid, Spain. (Story on A8) WTA/ IG
UPLIFT. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. presides over the UPLIFT Committee meeting where measures were further intensi ed in response to the impact of high oil prices. PCO
Former Speaker Martin Romualdez
Naga Mayor Leni Robredo ‘Pinoys
impeachment hearings against the Vice President by April 29.
Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson also earlier suggested holding impeachment proceedings every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and sessions every Tuesday and Thursday.
“We need the consent of the majority of the members of the Senate,” Sotto said.
Sotto and Lacson on Monday rejected claims by former presidential
legal counsel Salvador Panelo that certain senators, including Risa Hontiveros, Francis Pangilinan and the two of them have already decided to convict Duterte, calling the allegations baseless.
“I resent that allegation. The impeachment court must be based on proven facts and their correspondence with the elements of the laws violated,” Sotto said.
Lacson also dismissed Panelo’s remarks as unfounded and inappropriate: “Why does he think he knows better than us? No one can speak on my behalf. I’ve already said that we will always be guided by the
cause,” Ridon added.
attend and provide the records.
These include Duterte’s Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth; income tax returns; corporate records of her husband, lawyer Manases Carpio; and reports on any suspicious bank transactions involving the couple.
Ridon said these documents would allow lawmakers to assess whether there were discrepancies between Duterte’s declared net worth—P88.5 million in her 2024 SALN—and her actual financial position.
“If there is a large discrepancy, that is already a problem…The declared wealth in the SALN must match records from the BIR and SEC,” he said.
“If the committee finds that the vice president’s actual wealth is nearly double her SALN, that could clearly serve as sufficient basis for probable
and it would be “highly unlikely” he would extend the truce.
During initial talks in Pakistan earlier this month, the highest-level discussions between the foes since the founding of the Islamic republic in 1979, analysts pointed to the seniority of the delegations as an indicator of a willingness to strike a deal.
But those talks collapsed without an agreement, with Iran since closing the Strait of Hormuz again and US President Donald Trump announcing a blockade of Iranian ports.
Trump has accused Iran of firing on ships in the crucial trade route it has choked, while Tehran says the US blockade and seizure of a ship violated the ceasefire deal.
Iranian officials say they feel the Trump administration has not acted in good faith in negotiations and refused to back down from what it called excessive demands.
Its parliament speaker said the country would not accept talks “under
evidence. We’re not even there yet, so why is he getting ahead of it?”
For his part, Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega V welcomed the Senate President’s commitment that the impeachment trial will proceed “forthwith.”
“This sends a strong signal that the process will not be delayed and that accountability will move forward,” said Ortega, who coendorsed the fourth impeachment complaint filed by lawyer Nathaniel Cabrera along with Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr.
“This cannot be delayed or avoided. Once the House transmits
Ridon said the panel would also need to verify whether bank accounts cited by former senator Antonio Trillanes IV are attributable to the Vice President before examining related transactions.
Trillanes has been subpoenaed to attend the hearing following his claim that more than P2.4 billion in transactions took place from 2006 to 2015 across multiple Duterte family accounts, including joint accounts involving the Vice President.
He also claimed to possess bank ledgers showing deposit patterns allegedly linked to manager’s checks tied to illegal drug transactions, involving accounts under Sara Duterte’s name during her tenure as Davao City vice mayor, as well as accounts linked to other members of the Duterte family.
The Vice President is also facing allegations that at least P111 million was deposited in various banks in Davao City and Metro Manila from 2006 to 2015—amounts that complainants
diplomatic efforts.
the shadow of threats” from the US leader and would “show new cards on the battlefield” if conflict resumed.
But residents in the Iranian capital who spoke to Paris-based AFP journalists say life has only got worse, squeezed by the government and the war’s impact.
“This cursed ceasefire has broken us. There is no light at the end of the tunnel,” said Saghar, 39.
“The situation is terrible. I don’t know anyone around me who is doing well.”
‘Bombs start’
Trump told PBS News that Iran was “supposed to be there” at the talks in Pakistan.
“We agreed to be there,” he said, warning that if the ceasefire expired, “then lots of bombs start going off.”
He said the US blockade of Iran’s ports would not end until there was a deal, in which Washington is pressing for Iranian concessions on its contested nuclear program.
Experts said Iran’s signalling was part of a bid to put pressure on Washington, with its leadership wary of signing a deal after US strikes last year in the middle of
supporting documents, saying Filipinos deserve to see the facts themselves.
“I have nothing to hide. Let the Filipino people judge the truth based on evidence—not on speculation or politics,” he said.
The former Speaker emphasized that he has fully cooperated with authorities from the outset, including appearing before investigators and submitting documents voluntarily.
Romualdez rejected allegations that he orchestrated any corruption scheme, calling the claims “absurd” and detached from “The national budget is not the work of one person,” he said. “It is the product of a constitutional process involving the Executive, the House, and the Senate.” He emphasized that the House of Representatives is a collegial body where decisions are made collectively—not by unilateral action.
Romualdez underscored the distinction between legislation and execution, noting that while Congress appropriates funds, implementation—procurement, project execution, and disbursement—is carried out by the Executive branch, including agencies such as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
“If irregularities occurred, accountability must follow the entire chain—not be selectively assigned,” he said.
To counter allegations, Romualdez said he is prepared to open all projects in his district for public verification, asserting that any claim of systemic corruption should be supported by facts on the ground.
“If I were involved, it would reflect in the projects associated with me. I am ready for full scrutiny,” he said.
Addressing the Office of the Ombudsman, Romualdez urged investigators to remain objective and resist political pressure.
“Follow the evidence wherever it leads. Justice demands fairness, not convenience,” he said.
the articles, the Senate must convene and try the case. That is a constitutional command, not a political option,” he added.
The fourth impeachment complaint cites serious allegations, including misuse of confidential and intelligence funds, threat to the country’s top officials, and unexplained wealth.
“The gravity of the allegations— from confidential funds to matters of wealth and accountability to the people -- these are not issues that can be ignored or brushed aside. They must be tested in a full impeachment trial,” Ortega said.
said are disproportionate to her salary as a local government official at the time.
For his part, Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega V urged the Vice President to personally attend today’s hearing of the House Committee on Justice, take her oath, sign a bank waiver, and directly answer allegations raised by resource person Ramil Madriaga.
“If she really wants to refute Madriaga, she should do so not in a caption, not in a press statement, and not in a convoluted soundbite. She should appear before the committee, take an oath, and answer,” Ortega said.
The La Union solon said that signing a bank waiver would be a decisive move toward transparency, as it would allow the verification of financial records tied to the allegations.
“Right now, one side has a sworn witness and appears. The other side has talking points and media rounds. Those two are not of equal weight,” he said.
“The current standoff between the United States and Iran is no longer a clash of capabilities but rather a struggle of political endurance and bargaining leverage,” Daniel Byman of the Center for Strategic and International Studies wrote in a commentary.
Trump said he was not under any time pressure despite the ceasefire deadline.
“I read the Fake News saying that I am under ‘pressure’ to make a Deal. THIS IS NOT TRUE! I am under no pressure whatsoever, although, it will all happen, relatively quickly!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
Despite the ongoing brinkmanship, oil prices fell on Tuesday while stocks rose on lingering hopes for a deal to end the conflict.
In Islamabad, heavily armed police and soldiers on Tuesday secured the city’s government quarter, which was virtually shut down.
That included the Serena hotel, which hosted the last round of negotiations and where guests had been asked to vacate the premises in recent days.
Romualdez reiterated that he is prepared to answer all allegations through the proper legal process.
“I will face this head-on. I have nothing to fear from the truth,” Romualdez said.
Remulla also said the Ombudsman has endorsed a complaint to the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) as part of a move to issue an asset freeze order against Romualdez.
“We’re waiting for the AMLC to file a freeze order on Martin Romualdez. We already endorsed a complaint to them,” Remulla said in a press conference.
Remulla also said the Ombudsman did not allow Romualdez to travel to Singapore, which was scheduled for Tuesday.
Politiko reported that Romualdez wrote to House Speaker Faustino Dy III on April 20 requesting travel clearance to fly to Singapore on the same day. He said the trip was intended for a “long overdue follow-up” on his angioplasty procedure.
Romualdez asked permission to remain in Singapore until May 4.
In his request, Romualdez said he had informed the Department of Justice of his travel plans, citing an existing immigration lookout bulletin order (ILBO) issued against him on October 8, 2025.
The ILBO was issued at the request of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure, which has been investigating alleged irregularities in flood control projects.
Romualdez’s lawyer and spokesman Ade Fajardo claimed his client was not barred from leaving the country.
“What exists, if any, is an Immigration lookout bulletin order, which does not prohibit travel but simply requires prior coordination with authorities. “ Fajardo said.
“In fact, Rep. Romualdez sought travel authority in all good faith—and this authority has been granted.” Fajardo added.
Pimentel said allegations naming leaders of Congress, specifically former Senate President Francis Escudero and ex-Speaker Romualdez, must be backed by “a specific kind of evidence
The rest of the city also saw a beefed-up police presence, with offices, businesses, and schools braced for shutdown orders. Some schools and universities had already moved their students to distance learning for the week, and city authorities have banned the entry of trucks and other heavy vehicles.
New Lebanon talks A separate 10-day ceasefire agreed between Israel and Lebanon was announced on Friday and included Hezbollah, whose rocket fire in support of Iran drew Lebanon into the war.
Israel and Lebanon, which have no diplomatic relations, will hold a second round of talks in Washington on Thursday, a State Department official told AFP.
Sporadic violence has continued and Israel’s military warned civilians against returning to dozens of villages in southern Lebanon, claiming Hezbollah’s activities were violating the truce.
Israeli attacks on Lebanon have killed at least 2,387 people since the start of the war, a Lebanese government body said in its latest toll. AFP
to show their participation in the graft and corrupt acts,” noting that being a chamber head when a law is passed is not, by itself, criminal.
“Because the mere passing of a bill into a law cannot be a crime,” Pimentel said in an interview on ANC news “Beyond the Exchange.”
“So it should be more than that… So it’s in the implementation of the law,” Pimentel said.
Pimentel urged prosecutors to adhere to the standard set by Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla when he was Justice secretary — that cases should be filed only when there is “reasonable certainty of convicting the accused.”
“You only file cases when you have the confidence that you have a reasonable certainty of convicting the accused,” Pimentel said, adding that the same benchmark should guide the Office of the Ombudsman.
At the same time, the former senator warned against rushing prosecutions amid public clamor, saying due process must prevail.
“Let’s be careful in depriving people with liberty. Let us not force the issue unless the evidence is really there,” Pimentel stressed.
Pimentel also cautioned against setting public deadlines that could pressure investigators to act prematurely.
“We should be very careful in announcing self-imposed deadlines because we might force ourselves to comply… just because we have already announced it publicly,” he said.
Instead, Pimentel said the Ombudsman should complete a thorough fact-finding first — especially on high-profile issues such as flood control cases — and only move once the evidence is sufficient.
“After their fact-finding… if he believes there’s sufficient evidence to charge people, then he should now make the announcement,” Pimentel said. “Announce when you’re ready.”
While acknowledging public frustration over the pace of investigations, Pimentel said caution and fairness must guide the process.
“But people should be punished if there is really evidence,” he said. “To be fair… to be fair to everybody.”
need to navigate the bureaucracy,” she added.
Expressing her frustration in seeing the limits of her mayoral term, the former vice president said her horizons are set for Naga in hopes of sustaining the programs she initiated.
Before being elected mayor in 2025, Robredo lost the 2022 presidential election to now-President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
“I want to belie allegations that former congressman Co is not in the custody of Czech authorities. I do confirm that it is a fact that he in the custody of the Czech authorities,” Vida stressed. Vida also underscored that the Philippine government respects the rules of the Czech Republic, following apparent delays in Co’s repatriation and the absence of physical proof such as photos of the former lawmaker.
He also cited the Prague’s strict adherence to data privacy rules as the primary reason why photos of Co under the custody of Czech authorities have not surfaced.
Vida also confirmed the information that the Philippine Center for Transnational Crime received from Czech authorities supposedly inquiring about Co. Pressed for further details, Vida said Co had one companion when arrested. Following talks that Co could exhaust all legal options to prevent his return to the Philippines, Vida assured the public that the ex-lawmaker, wanted for ghost flood control projects cases pending before the Sandiganbayan, would definitely be brought back to the country.
“That is why there is no need to worry, the Filipinos will win at the end. We can bring him back here to face the charges,” Vida said.
“After all, every Filipino coming home should be safe; that is the assurance of the government,” Castro said. Castro resented remarks by Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste questioning the credibility of the process, particularly allegations that the President is involved in the controversy.
“When did the President become the accused?” Castro inquired. She also questioned claims that Co faces threats, noting the absence of formal complaints or evidence on the issue.
“So, we should start there; are there death threats?” Castro added.
“But nevertheless, the government will always assure the safety and the needed protection to be given to Zaldy Co,” she said.
Mr. Marcos led the UPLIFT Committee meeting earlier in the day, where officials intensified measures to address the impact of high oil prices.
The government reported assisting more than 24,000 overseas Filipino workers, including over 4,000 repatriated along with 1,300 dependents, and assured at least 50 days of oil supply.
Castro also said the government is working on a digital platform that will consolidate information on assistance programs and laborrelated initiatives.
The microsite, being developed by the Department of Migrant Workers, is expected to be launched as early as next week.
Support for the transport sector is ongoing, with more than 977,000 public utility vehicle drivers receiving assistance and 373,000 benefiting from fuel subsidies.
The government is also strengthening food and energy security through renewable energy projects, the rollout of P20-per-kilo rice in 661 sites, and a price freeze on basic goods.
The platform will detail existing and upcoming aid programs, offering the public a centralized source of information on government support.
Castro said the possible adjustment or suspension of excise taxes on fuel was not discussed during the meeting, declining to elaborate further.
Malacañang also said it is moving to streamline the distribution of cash assistance to public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and transport network vehicle service (TNVS) workers following complaints of long queues, missing names in beneficiary lists, and inconvenience at payout sites.
Castro said the government aims to ensure a more convenient and efficient distribution system for beneficiaries.
“That is what the President wants—to provide all the conveniences to our fellow countrymen, especially when they receive aid,” Castro said. She added that the Department of Social Welfare and Development is working on digital systems that will adopt electronic wallets for cash aid distribution, pending accreditation requirements.
IN BRIEF
Galvez resigns, Sarmiento set to take over OPAPRU
SECRETARY Carlito Galvez Jr. has resigned as Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity, Malacañang confirmed Tuesday, with former Interior secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento expected to succeed him.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro confirmed Galvez’s departure in a message to reporters but did not disclose the reason for his resignation or its effective date.
“Confirmed of stepping down,” Castro said.
Sources familiar with the development said Sarmiento, who served as secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government under former President Benigno Aquino III in 2015, is set to assume the post.
Malacañang has yet to issue a formal announcement on his appointment as of posting time.
Galvez, a former chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, had been leading the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), where he oversaw the government’s peacebuilding and reconciliation efforts nationwide.
He was first appointed to the post in December 2018 under former President Rodrigo Duterte and continued serving under President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., making him one of the few officials to hold the position across two administrations.
During the Duterte administration, Galvez also headed the National Task Force Against COVID-19, where he led vaccine procurement and the government’s broader pandemic response. Apart from being former Interior Secretary, Sarmiento was a congressman from 2010 to 2015, representing the first district of Samar for two terms. There he held leadership roles in the House of Representatives, including Vice Chairman of the Commission on Appointments.
Sarmiento also served three terms as mayor of Calbayog City from 2001–2010, during which he was also the Secretary General of the League of Cities of the Philippines.
Before his latest appointment, he served as the Chairperson of the Galing Pook Foundation, an organization that promotes excellence in local governance. Charles Dantes and Rex Espiritu
Drug war victims pin hopes on ICC ruling
VICTIMS of the drug war are hoping the Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Court (ICC) will resolve former President Rodrigo Duterte’s jurisdiction challenge in line with the Rome Statute following its judgment on April 22 (Wednesday).
“We are looking forward to the Appeals Chamber to decide on an issue of first impression, the legal interaction between withdrawal from the Rome Statute, and the exercise of jurisdiction by the Court,” Common Legal Representative of the Victims (CLRV) Gilbert Andres told Manila Standard on Tuesday.
“The victims hope that the Appeals Chamber will decide the jurisdictional appeal in line with the object and purpose of the Rome Statute, which is to end impunity for the perpetrators of international crimes and to prevent these crimes,” he added. Last week, Duterte informed the chamber that he would waive his right to appear in person when it delivers its ruling on April 22.
The ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I had earlier rejected the jurisdiction challenge filed by Duterte’s camp.
Andres, an ICC-listed counsel, said his clients expect the Appeals Chamber “will decide consistent with victims’ rights to the truth and to justice under international law.”
He added that the chamber should interpret the Rome Statute in line with its purpose of ending impunity and preventing international crimes.
Meanwhile, Andres said the pending habeas corpus petition before the Supreme Court is “effectively moot and academic,” noting that the former president is already in ICC custody.
Duterte is facing allegations of crimes against humanity, including murder and attempted murder, allegedly committed as part of a widespread and systematic attack against civilians from Nov. 1, 2011 to March 16, 2019, in connection with the government’s anti-drug campaign. Pot Chavez
2 OFWs killed in Lebanon hostage incident—DMW
By Vito Barcelo
TWO overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) were shot dead by their employer during a hostage incident in Beirut, Lebanon last week, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed Tuesday.
In a statement, the agency said the victims, both long-time household service workers in the same residence, were fatally shot during the April 15 incident.
Lebanese authorities have arrested the employer, who remains in police custody pending the filing of formal charges, according to the DMW.
Initial reports indicated the violence stemmed from a domestic dispute that escalated into a hostage situation, although investigators have yet to establish a clear motive.
The DMW said its undersecretaries would visit the victims’ families to convey condolences and assure them of full government support.
It added that the Migrant Workers Office, in coordination with the Philippine Embassy in Lebanon, is working closely with local authorities to ensure a thorough investigation and the swift prosecution of those responsible.
The government also pledged assistance to the bereaved families, including repatriation of the victims’ remains, financial aid, and access to benefits for qualified dependents.
DMW officials reiterated the need for stronger protections for Filipino workers abroad, noting that Lebanon hosts thousands of OFWs, many employed in the domestic sector under varying labor conditions.
READY MEALS. Walang Gutom Kitchen staff of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) prepare the tons of fresh vegetables bought by Office of the President from farmers of Benguet for distribution of program beneficiaries.
DSWD
Pinoys split on impeach issues
By Katrina Manubay
ILIPINO voters are divided on key impeachment issues, with a slim majority supporting complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte and nearly half opposing the dismissal of cases against President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., according to a survey by PUBLiCUS Asia Inc.
Results of the latest Pahayag poll showed that 51 percent of Filipino adults support the impeachment complaints against Duterte, while 33 percent oppose and 16 percent are unaware of the issue.
Support for Duterte’s impeachment is strongest in the National Capital Region at 66 percent and in South Luzon at 62 percent. It is also higher among younger voters, par-
ticularly those aged 18 to 24 and 25 to 29, both at 59 percent. By political alignment, support is higher among pro-administration respondents at 71 percent and among anti-opposition respondents at 62 percent. Both Generation Z (59 percent) and Baby Boomers (52 percent) show majority support.
The survey also found that 48 percent of respondents oppose the dismissal of impeachment complaints against President Marcos, compared to 29 percent who support the dismissal and 23 percent who are unaware of the issue.
OUTDOOR MISTING. A new outdoor misting system operates at Quezon Memorial Circle, offering relief from the summer heat. Visitors walking, jogging, or having picnics pass through the misting area for instant cooling and improved outdoor comfort.
‘Cabral included Revilla in project’
By Maricel V. Cruz
THE late Undersecretary Catalina Cabral ordered the inclusion of former Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr. as a project proponent for several projects in the agency’s amended 2025 budget proposal.
Peter Paul Cortes, chief of the DPWH Programming Division, gave his testimony Tuesday before the Sandiganbayan’s Third Division during the bail hearing on Revilla’s malversation case. He said the pro -
Pinoys in HK warned against illegal gambling
By Ma. Katrina Mikaela Manubay
THE Philippine Consulate in Hong Kong issued a warning Tuesday, stating that illegal gambling outside authorized venues is prohibited and subject to strict penalties, including fines and imprisonment under local laws.
In an advisory, the consulate reminded Filipinos that all forms of illegal gambling are banned in Hong Kong, regardless of the wager amount.
“Under Section 13(1) of the Gambling Ordinance, Cap. 148, such offense is punishable by a maximum penalty of HK$5 million and imprisonment of up to seven years,” the statement read.
The warning follows reports that Hong Kong police used drones for the first time to crack down on illegal street betting, arresting eight individuals over the past two weeks.
The Consulate General also urged Filipinos in Hong Kong to strictly follow rules set by the Hong Kong government to avoid legal consequences.
Under Hong Kong law, all forms of gambling, such as soliciting, accepting, or settling bets, are illegal unless conducted by the Hong Kong Jockey Club or licensed mahjong parlors, restaurants, and clubs.
Kids
By Teddy Brul
IN BRIEF
SPD arrests over 2,300 ordinance violators
THE strict enforcement of local ordinances by police in southern Metro Manila resulted in the apprehension of 2,389 individuals.
The 24-hour law enforcement action, which started Monday, also led to the collection of P401,250 in fines from violators.
The operations were conducted under the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s anti-crime program in the National Capital Region dubbed the “Safer Cities Initiative,” aimed at ensuring a peaceful community, especially at night.
The Southern Police District reiterated its call for continued public cooperation, stressing that community involvement remains vital in sustaining peace and order. Acting director P/Col. Glenn Oliver Cinco said round-the-clock operations would be sustained to keep communities safe and orderly.
Joel E. Zurbano
OTS, PNP complete bomb threat workshop
THE Office for Transportation Security (OTS) and the Philippine National Police–Aviation Security Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Canine Unit (PNP-Avsecu) completed a training program to improve airport security personnel’s readiness to handle explosive threats.
jects included the alleged ghost P9.8-million flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan.
The order, Cortes told the court, was contained in the amended budget proposal signed by Cabral and former DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan, dated September 2024.
The document, which was later submitted to the House Committee on Appropriations, named Revilla as a proponent of the Pandi, Bulacan pro-
ject, he said. Cortes claimed the encoding of names of project proponents, including Revilla, in the agency’s database was made possible through Cabral’s instructions.
According to Cortes, their office accommodates individual requests to be named as project proponents upon Cabral’s order or if these are included in the regional budget proposal.
He added their office did not receive any compensation for doing so.
OTS Administrator Undersecretary Gilberto Cruz said the program focused on bomb identification and bomb threat management to enhance personnel preparedness and response capabilities.
“In line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s initiative to strengthen the country’s transportation security system, this activity aims to improve inter-agency coordination in ensuring passenger security and confidence across all transport hubs,” Cruz said. The training involved key OTS personnel, with PNP-Avsecu representatives serving as instructors and sharing expertise in managing bomb threats and suspicious items. Joel E. Zurbano
Parish invites public to blessing of the sick
THE Our Lady of the Assumption (OLA) Parish is inviting the public, especially those suffering from illness, to attend a Mass for the sick on April 22, 2026.
Rev. Fr. Hans Magdurulang, parish priest of OLA, said the Mass will include a blessing with the oil of Saint Sharbel Makhlouf. The event will be held at 9 a.m. at the parish along Asuncion Street in Leveriza, Malate, Manila. Magdurulang said everyone is welcome to attend the healing Mass, which will be followed by the blessing for the sick.
He previously led the welcoming of the pilgrim relic of Saint Sharbel in Malate and participated in pilgrimages, including visits to the Shrine of Our Lady of Tra Kieu in Vietnam. Itchie G. Cabayan
Ejercito urges Dela Rosa to forgo salary, allowances over absences
By Ram Superable
SENATOR Ronald dela Rosa should voluntarily forgo his salary and allowances due to his prolonged absence from Senate sessions, Senate Ethics Committee Chairman JV Ejercito urged Tuesday.
“Like ordinary Filipinos under a ‘no
work, no pay’ policy, public servants should all the more be held to the same standard. Public service is a public trust; we are all accountable to the people we serve,” he said.
Ejercito reminded that the Senate currently lacks rules that can compel attendance, noting that any formal measure would require amendments
and deliberation.
“As stated before, even by Senate President Sotto, the Senate has yet to establish rules that can compel attendance. Any formal action will take time, as it must go through amendments and proper deliberation,” he said.
Records show that dela Rosa logged 31 days of absence out of 58
session days from July 28, 2025, to March 18, 2026.
Dela Rosa has not appeared in the Senate since Nov. 11, 2025, amid reports of a possible arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court.
In January, Senate President Vicente Sotto III said dela Rosa’s office continues to function despite his absence.
DOZENS of children gathered to fold 1,000 paper cranes, offer prayers, and write messages of solidarity in response to Pope Leo XIV’s renewed appeal for global peace and an end to war.
The activity, titled “Cranes, Flowers, and Prayer for Peace,” took place at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish along Jersey Street in Project 8, Quezon City.
The event was led by OLPH parish priest Fr. Robert Reyes, together with church volunteers who guided young parishioners and students from The John Dewey School for Children in folding colored paper into cranes—an act inspired by Sadako Sasaki, a young victim of the Hiroshima atomic bombing. Sadako became an international symbol of peace after folding more than 1,000 origami cranes while
battling leukemia caused by radiation exposure. Rooted in a Japanese belief that cranes live for a thousand years, the practice represents hope, healing, and the wish for recovery and peace.
The 1,000 paper cranes will be placed in five cloth bags painted with the word “PEACE,” accompanied by a letter of solidarity. These will be sent to the Holy Father as a message from Filipino children to children around the world, Fr. Reyes explained. Reyes emphasized that the initiative comes as Pope Leo XIV continues to call for an immediate end to armed conflicts, including ongoing tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
He stressed the importance of children’s participation, noting that they are often innocent victims—helpless and uninvolved in war. “War is absurd and leads nowhere,” he said.
OPINION
Civil society moves to defend our sovereign rights
IN RESPONSE to growing concern over disinformation surrounding the West Philippine Sea (WPS), Atin Ito, a coalition of civil society groups, youth leaders, and various organizations, wants to bring their educational campaign to Cebu and push a whole-of-nation approach to defend the country’s maritime rights.
This year’s campaign carries added weight as the country marks the 10th anniversary of its landmark arbitral victory under UNCLOS, a ruling that invalidated China’s 9-dash line claims in the disputed waters.
The coalition’s first civilian-led visit to the WPS took place in 2023. Its fourth mission, “Balik Pagasa”, will take them to the Kalayaan Island Group on April 30 until May 5. Volunteers consisting of members of youth and fisherfolk groups will sail from Manila to Pag-asa to carry essential supplies for the island’s fisherfolk, who are also directly affected by the ongoing fuel crisis in the country. The launch of the Atin Ito Coalition’s Cebu caravan reflects a notable shift in how Filipinos are framing the WPS issue as a broad-based civic and informational campaign and not merely as a matter of statecraft and military deterrence.
This “civilianization” strategy reflects an evolving narrative that territorial disputes in the 21st century are fought as much in the information domain as in physical waters. At its core, the initiative is a response to two interrelated challenges: intensifying geopolitical pressure in the WPS and the proliferation of disinformation that obscures the legal and strategic realities of the dispute.
The Philippine position is anchored on the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award, a landmark decision under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea that invalidated China’s expansive claims. Yet despite its legal clarity, the ruling has struggled to achieve full domestic resonance, partly due to uneven public awareness and competing narratives.
This is where Atin Ito’s campaign becomes significant. By bringing the issue to Cebu and southern Philippines, the coalition is deliberately decentralizing the discourse. Traditionally, the WPS issue has been Manila-centered, that is, confined to policy circles, national security agencies, and national media. Expanding engagement to regions geographically distant from the contested waters reframes the dispute as a truly national concern.
The emphasis on a whole-of-nation approach is in keeping with contemporary security doctrine, where national defense is no longer the sole domain of the military. Civil society, academia, media, and local communities all play roles in shaping strategic outcomes. The participation of youth leaders, fishermen, and volunteers in missions such as “Balik Pag-asa” underscores a deliberate effort to humanize the issue.
Rather than abstract geopolitical claims, the campaign highlights lived realities, including livelihood disruptions, resource access, and the daily risks faced by Filipino fisherfolk.
The challenge for Atin Ito will be to maintain credibility as a broad, non-partisan coalition rather than being perceived as aligned with specific political agendas.
The inclusion of diverse stakeholders and the focus on education rather than agitation appear to be deliberate safeguards against this.
Sovereignty is not only defended at sea; it is also firmly secured in the minds of informed citizens
Another key dimension of the campaign is its focus on institutionalizing knowledge through the education system.
The proposed integration of WPS-related topics into the curriculum, that is, from basic geography in Grade 4 to geopolitical analysis in Grade 10, is a longterm investment in strategic literacy. If implemented effectively, this could create a generation of Filipinos with a clearer grasp of maritime rights, international law, and national sovereignty.
The involvement of the Philippine Coast Guard, particularly through spokesperson Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela, adds an important layer of state legitimacy to the initiative.
It reflects a degree of alignment between government agencies and civil society, which is essential for coherence in national messaging.
At the same time, it emphasizes the balance between grassroots independence and state influence, or an equilibrium that will need careful calibration to preserve both credibility and effectiveness.
Ultimately, the Atin Ito Cebu caravan illustrates a broader shift in Philippine strategy: from reactive diplomacy to proactive narrative-building. By asserting that “the West Philippine Sea is ours” in a civic, participatory context, the campaign seeks to embed sovereignty not just in legal documents or military postures, but in public consciousness.
The long-term effectiveness of this approach will depend on several factors: consistency of messaging, inclusivity of participation, and the ability to translate awareness into sustained civic engagement. If successful, it could serve as a model for how smaller states leverage societal cohesion to reinforce their positions in asymmetric geopolitical contests.
At its core, the campaign recognizes a fundamental reality: sovereignty is not only defended at sea; it is also firmly secured in the minds of informed citizens.
(Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)
75 years of communion
TWO weeks ago, the Holy See and the Republic of the Philippines quietly marked a milestone that carries both history and meaning: 75 years of diplomatic relations.
It was a moment that looked back to 1951, when the Apostolic Delegation in Manila was elevated into a full Apostolic Nunciature, placing the Philippines firmly within the formal diplomatic embrace of the Vatican.
Our relationship with Rome, of course, reaches much further back.
When Christianity first took root on our shores in the 16th century, relations with the Holy See flowed through Spain.
The Pope’s presence was mediated by colonial structures, with bishops and missionaries serving as the primary link between Rome and the local Church.
After the end of Spanish rule in 1898 and through the early American period, the Holy See began to establish more direct forms of representation. In 1902, an Apostolic Delegation was created, signaling a more intentional pastoral and ecclesial connection.
Over time, this evolved into a mature diplomatic relationship, culminating in the establishment of the Apostolic Nunciature in 1951.
75 years is a milestone worth celebrating. It is also a responsibility worth carrying
Since then, the Philippines has been served by a succession of papal envoys, numbering more than a dozen apostolic delegates and nuncios combined, each carrying the voice of Peter into the life of our nation.
It helps to understand the distinctions among papal representatives. A papal legate is a broad term, referring to anyone sent by the Pope on a specific mission, often temporary and tied to a particular purpose.
AAbsent
PHILIPPINE senator has the gall to keep collecting his salary despite being absent for more days than he was present during the first regular session of the 20th Congress.
Former National Police chief Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa robs the public coffers dry every day he refuses to show up to work. Between July 28, 2025 and March 18, 2026, a period covering 58 session days, the lawmaker was absent for 31 days.
It could be argued that even when he was present, Dela Rosa’s participation was never truly meaningful or remarkable. Still, his conspicuous absence driven, by fear of being arrested for crimes against humanity and hauled to The Hague like his principal, is an affront to hardworking Filipinos.
Ordinary workers overcome many hurdles to earn their keep. They deal with various obstacles – a difficult commute, higher prices of fuel and other basic goods, and numerous personal issues, even sickness. They go to work anyway, because failure to do so will mean they will not earn anything for the day and are even likely to lose their jobs.
But no, Dela Rosa gets to keep his job and earn hundreds of thousands of pesos every month despite his ab-
sence. We wonder what his senatorial staff is doing without his guidance. On social media one time, his wife posted a photo of him in a church. Another post showed his chief of staff-slash-daughter planting a tree. Despite these, his whereabouts remain murky. Perhaps Dela Rosa is waiting for more favorable political winds. This late in the day, he still confuses service to the public with fealty to a certain personality.
What low regard Dela Rosa has for the institution of the Senate and for the 19 million Filipinos who voted for him
What low regard, then, Dela Rosa has for the institution of the Senate.
In February, civil society group Wag Kang Corrupt filed an ethics complaint against Dela Rosa, saying
By Jose Antonio Goitia
CHINA’S latest maneuvers in the West Philippine Sea have reached a point where they are impossible to ignore.
From my perspective, these actions are not merely maritime disputes; they are direct affronts to our national integrity.
At Scarborough Shoal, I see our fishermen once again blocked by floating barriers, despite the fact that these waters sit firmly within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone—a fact affirmed by international law.
Simultaneously, we witness China expanding its footprint elsewhere, such as the reported development of an airbase on Antelope Reef.
To me, the pattern is undeniable: Limit access where it affects others, while strengthening presence where it extends reach.
Sovereignty Cannot Be Manufactured
A recent study by the Foundation for Defense of Democracies describes this as a “gray-zone” approach—actions designed to shift control gradually without triggering open conflict. It is a steady, calculated pressure. However, my stance remains firm:
You can build barriers at sea and runways on reefs, but you cannot construct sovereignty out of illegality.
The legal dimension of this issue is settled. The 2016 Arbitral Award under UN-
An apostolic delegate serves as the Pope’s representative to the local Church but does not hold formal diplomatic status with the State.
An apostolic nuncio, on the other hand, stands at the intersection of Church and State. He serves both as ambassador of the Holy See to the country and as the Pope’s representative to the Catholic Church within that nation.
The role is both pastoral and diplomatic, spiritual and public, rooted in presence and responsibility.
The work of a nuncio brings together responsibilities that are both visible and quietly carried.
He stands in the name of the Holy Father, bearing not only diplomatic credentials but also the moral and spiritual weight of the papacy. In his daily work, he builds bridges and sustains relationships, engaging government leaders, bishops, clergy, and communities with patience and care.
At the same time, he helps strengthen unity within the Church, encourages dialogue where it is needed, and supports the harmony between the life of the local Church and the wider mission of the universal Church.
These realities came into clearer focus during the Mass and anniversary celebration on April 8, 2026, at the Ma-
that his failure to report to work is a clear dereliction of duty and a grave abuse of the privilege entrusted to him by the Filipino people.
The group added: Dela Rosa “carries the constitutional and moral obligation to attend sessions, participate in legislative deliberations, and full oversight responsibilities.” Alas, the complaint is likely to be dismissed, according to Senator JV Ejercito, chair of the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges. Such matters could not be found anywhere in the Senate rules.
Perhaps those who drafted the rules did not contemplate a senator of the land, an individual who sought the office and campaigned to be elected, would now out of his own volition refuse to show up to the very office he signed up for. But a conscientious public servant would no longer need rules to compel them to be present at work if they wish to keep their job.
At the very least, if Mr. Dela Rosa wants to spend his life in hiding from the consequences of his actions in the past, then he should have the decency to stop accepting payment from the people who struggle much to eke out a living. He should stop pretending he still cares for the job.
What an absence of shame.
No barrier, no base can take what is ours
CLOS found no legal basis for China’s sweeping “historic rights” claims within the so-called nine-dash line. That ruling is final and binding. What we are witnessing now is not the exercise of lawful rights, but a desperate attempt to normalize control through repetition.
You can build barriers at sea and runways on reefs, but you cannot construct sovereignty out of illegality
In my view, control achieved through coercion is not sovereignty; it is occupation repeated until the world is expected to accept it.
More Than an Abstract Dispute
For us Filipinos, this is not a theoretical debate held in distant courtrooms. The West Philippine Sea supports the livelihoods of our coastal communities. When access is restricted, the impact is immediate, felt in the empty nets of our fishermen and the rising costs in our markets. When our access depends on another’s permission, what is at risk is not just ter-
nila Cathedral. There, Jose Cardinal Advincula recalled the words of Saint Ambrose: Ubi Petrus, ibi Ecclesia. Ubi Petrus, ibi Christus. Where Peter is, there is the Church. Where Peter is, there is Christ. Those words draw us back to the truth that our bond with Rome has always reached beyond structures and offices. It lives in relationship. It moves in the life of the spirit. It is grounded in communion. Through the presence of Peter, made visible in his representatives, we find our place within something greater than ourselves. The Filipino Church stands as part of a wider family, held together not by distance or borders, but by a shared faith that unites us.
The Mass was presided over by Archbishop Charles Brown, the current Apostolic Nuncio, whose quiet presence itself reflects the enduring continuity of that bond. From the cathedral, the celebration moved to the Ayuntamiento de Manila, where a diplomatic reception gathered leaders from Church and State. There, Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. stood as guest of honor, affirming the importance of relations between the Philippines and the Holy See. What stands out in moments like these is not only the history being re-
ritory, but our dignity as a nation. My position, and the position I advocate for the Philippines, is consistent: Assert our rights under international law.
Document every incident with absolute transparency. Pursue a peaceful resolution without ever conceding what is legally ours. We do not seek to escalate, but we will stand our ground. The law is on our side, and more importantly, the truth is on our side.
The Final Word on Legitimacy China relies on persistence, betting that repeated actions will eventually shape global acceptance. But I believe that repetition does not—and will never—create legitimacy. No barrier can fence off the truth. No base can anchor a false claim. And no power, no matter how great, can take what a nation refuses to surrender.
The West Philippine Sea is ours. It is ours by law and ours by right. No blockade will intimidate us, and no pressure will make us yield. We will stand firm and defend what belongs to the Filipino people.
(The writer, Chairman Emeritus of ABKD, PADER, LIPI, and the Filipinos Do Not Yield Movement, holds a Juris Doctor, PhD and advanced degrees in National Security Administration, Public Administration, and Business).
membered, but the relationship being renewed.
Seventy-five years is a long time. It has seen wars and peace, crises and recoveries, leaders rise and fall. Through it all, the connection has remained steady. There is something reassuring in that kind of constancy. It tells us that beyond politics and policy, there are deeper ties that endure. And yet, anniversaries also invite reflection. What does it mean, today, for a nation like ours to remain in relationship with the Holy See?
It means we are called to keep faith at the center of our public life, not as a slogan, but as a lived reality. It means our diplomacy carries not only national interest, but moral imagination. It means our leaders, in Church and in government, are asked to build bridges that serve both truth and the common good. In the end, the presence of a nuncio in our country is a quiet reminder that we are never alone in the work of building a just and compassionate society. We are accompanied. We are guided. We are connected. 75 years is a milestone worth celebrating. It is also a responsibility worth carrying.
Canadian tourist killed, 13 hurt in shoot
PYRAMID SHOOTING. This handout picture released by the Mexican Red Cross shows forensic experts and Red Cross personnel transporting a body at the Pyramid of the Moon in the Teotihuacan archaeological zone following a shooting there Tuesday, Manila time. A Canadian woman was
El Salvador holds trial of 486 alleged gang members
SAN SALVADOR – Around 490 al-
leged members of the powerful Central American gang Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13), including several alleged leaders, went on trial collectively in El Salvador on Monday, accused of thousands of murders.
The Attorney General’s office and courts announced the start of the trial, part of iron-fisted President Nayib Bukele’s anti-gang crackdown.
El Salvador is conducting mass trials of thousands of suspected gang members, many of which have spent years in
between 2012 and 2022, including 29,000 homicides. The country’s court system said that the trial included “members of the national leadership, street-level leaders, program coordinators from across the country, and founders of” MS-13. Salvadoran authorities accuse the brutal group of a range of crimes, including the killing of 87 people in a single weekend in March 2022.
In the wake of those killings, President Nayib Bukele, a close ally of US President Donald Trump, declared a
establish a parallel state,” the Attorney General’s office said. Bukele in 2022 imposed a state of emergency, which has been used to arrest over 91,000 suspected gang members, including thousands of people who were later declared innocent.
The campaign, which made Bukele hugely popular, has resulted in a dramatic decrease in crime, turning El Salvador from one of Latin America’s most dangerous countries to one of its safest.
However rights groups have denounced gross human rights abuses, including a complete lack of due process for the detainees, reports of torture and more than 500 deaths in prison.
MThe gunman, whose nationality was unknown, killed himself after opening fire at the popular tourist destination in central Mexico, home to pre-Aztecan pyramids, said Cristobal Castaneda, the security secretary for Mexico state, where the site is located.
Six people were wounded by gunfire and were treated at local hospitals, including a Canadian woman, a Colombian woman and child, a Brazilian and two Americans.
Seven more were injured in the scramble for safety and were treated at the scene, including a Russian, a Colombian, a Brazilian and four Americans, authorities said.
The midday shooting stunned tourists to one of Mexico’s most visited preHispanic sites, less than two months before the 2026 World Cup kicks off with games in Mexico, the United States and Canada.
AFPTV footage showed a body wrapped in a white sheet being walked down the steps of the pyramid. State authorities at the scene seized a firearm, knife, and unused ammunition and evacuated tourists from the premises.
More than 2,000 years old, the pyramid city near Mexico City attracted over 1.8 million visitors in 2025, tourism of-
ficials said. Canadian foreign minister Anita Anand called it “a horrific act of gun violence,” in an X post.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum called for a thorough investigation, and said she’d sent personnel to the site to provide assistance.
“What happened today in Teotihuacan deeply pains us,” Sheinbaum posted on X. Located about 50 kilometers from the capital Mexico City, Teotihuacan draws domestic and foreign tourists to see its pyramids and its Avenue of the Dead. The shooting occurred
Amnesty warns ‘predator’ leaders seek to impose new ‘world order’
LONDON – The leaders of the United States, Israel and Russia are seeking to impose a new “predatory” world order while most countries are too cowardly to stop them, rights group Amnesty International said Tuesday.
Launching the global group’s annual report in London, Secretary General Agnes Callamard condemned US President Donald Trump, Russia’s Vladimir Putin and Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu as “predators”.
Such leaders have rejected the multilateral system developed since World War II in favour of a “vision without moral compass”, where “war, not diplomacy, rules”, the report into global protection of human rights said.
The report comes at a “challenging moment” that could “destroy all that was built up over the last 80 years”, Callamard warned in the preface.
“Throughout 2025, Trump, Putin and Netanyahu, among others, pursued economic and political domination through international destruction, suppression and violence on a massive scale,” she said in her opening speech. These leaders are “destroying all that stands in the way of their domination and greed” and “assaulting the very foundations of universal human rights”, she said.
“And rather than confront those predators, the majority of governments, most notably European governments, opted instead for appeasement.”
The spiralling conflict in the Middle East is “just the latest example of this new predatory world order,” based on a vision of the world that is “dehumanised through racist ideology”, Callamard said. The Amnesty International chief accused
Non-use of textbooks in schools flagged
By Maricel V. Cruz
HOUSE Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers party-list
Rep. Antonio Tinio on Tuesday sounded the alarm over the “continuing scarcity and non-use of textbooks in public schools.”
Tinio cited EDCOM 2 data showing that the Department of Education (DepEd) procured only 27 textbook titles over a decade—a situation he said “reflects not only procurement bottlenecks but a deeper policy shift under K-12 that pushed textbooks aside in favor of modules and other learning materials.”
“One of the standout data points in the EDCOM 2 report is that over a decade, DepEd procured only 27 textbook titles,” Tinio said in his interpellation at a congressional hearing on the subject.
“EDCOM diagnoses it mainly as procurement bottlenecks, and DepEd now says they have ‘solved’ this and procured 105 titles in one school year. But the bigger concern is that this is not only a procurement issue; it is a pedagogical issue,” he added.
Tinio said the reason textbook procurement collapsed for years is that DepEd “largely turned away from using textbooks” after K-12, shifting to modules and other learning materials, often delivered inconsistently and sometimes reduced to teacher-made PowerPoint presentations.
“Since 2012 up to now, DepEd has not really moved away from that approach. The main reason only 27 textbook titles were procured in ten years is because textbooks were no longer being used as the primary tool,” Tinio said.
“If we’re facing a literacy crisis—basic and functional literacy—one basic problem is that students no longer have actual books to read,” he added.
MCIA, partners gear up for May ASEAN Summit
By Minerva Newman
LAPU-LAPU City — The MactanCebu International Airport (MCIA), in collaboration with private operator Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corp. (ACAC) and the MactanCebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA), has activated a joint operational plan for the ASEAN Summit 2026 in May.
Officials said the initiative aims to ensure a seamless and secure experience for visiting heads of state, delegates, and journalists covering the convention.
The airport is coordinating with the ASEAN National Organizing Committee, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), the Site Enhancement Team, and various law enforcement and security agencies as part of the preparations.
During a media tour and briefing on Monday organized by the Philippine Information Agency-7, the MCIAA, and ACAC, airport officials outlined a comprehensive readiness plan covering infrastructure, operations, and passenger services.
“Our teams are executing a comprehensive operational plan to ensure our infrastructure and services are fully ready,” said Ricia Montejo, general manager of MCIA under ACAC.
Region were dispatched for distribution of the cereal to various barangays across the city to support vulnerable communities and ensure food security amid rising basic commodity costs. Norman Cruz
LGUs urged to strengthen ‘Safe Cities’ program
By Vince Lopez
THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has called on local government units (LGUs) to pass new ordinances and strengthen existing rules to support the government’s “Safer Cities” initiative, a nationwide effort to make streets and public spaces safer for Filipino families.
The campaign implements a directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to enhance peace and order, reduce crime, and ensure that people feel secure not only at home, but also in public spaces such as roads, markets, and areas near schools.
The DILG urged provinces, cities, municipalities, and barangays to re-
view and reinforce ordinances regulating public drinking, roaming shirtless in public areas, excessive noise, videoke operations beyond 10 p.m., and curfew measures for minors.
For LGUs where such rules are already in place, the department called for stricter and more consistent enforcement, along with increased police visibility in busy streets, transport terminals, commercial districts, and other crowded areas.
The department emphasized that local chief executives are mandated by law to promote general welfare, maintain peace and order, protect public safety, and ensure public convenience.
Data from the Safer Cities initiative showed 68,257 public safety interven-
tions, reflecting enforcement actions, community guidance, and corrective measures across participating areas.
Common violations included public drinking and smoking, roaming shirtless in public places, minors outside during curfew hours, and unauthorized karaoke operations beyond permitted times.
The initiative is currently being piloted in LGUs in the National Capital Region, with plans to expand to major urban centers nationwide.
The DILG said safer communities are measured by whether parents feel comfortable allowing their children to walk outside, workers can travel home without fear, and neighborhoods can rest peacefully at night.
PNP to revisit previous kidnap cases
PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has ordered a review of all unsolved kidnapping-for-ransom (KFR) cases in Metro Manila and neighboring provinces following a deadly encounter with a KFR group last week.
Nartatez said the revisit aims to determine possible links and patterns in the previous kidnapping cases.
At the same time, Nartatez commended the Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) for the successful rescue of a 78-year-old Indian-Filipino businessman and neutralization of four KFR suspects, two of them were former police officers, during an operation in Parañaque City on April 15.
We are looking at the bigger picture. We have directed a centralized
review of both recent and unsolved KFR cases in Metro Manila and nearby provinces to identify possible links, patterns, and any common group behind these incidents,” Nartatez said.
He emphasized that while the Parañaque operation was considered closed, the involvement of rogue ex-personnel necessitated a deeper probe into potential syndicates.
The PNP chief is also pushing for a wider investigation to determine if the suspects in the Parañaque incident were part of a larger and established network.
“It is a bitter pill to swallow that these are former colleagues, but this is exactly why we are conducting an ongoing review of other KFR cases,” Nartatez explained. Vince Lopez
IN BRIEF
Balikatan joint forces hold real time rescue PHILIPPINE and American forces participating in the ongoing Exercise Balikatan 2026 on Monday conducted a rescue operation in real time following a vehicular accident near Lal-lo Airport in Cagayan where a truck loaded with cement lost control and plunged into a ravine.
Four victims were extricated and brought to a nearby hospital, while two others with life-threatening injuries were airlifted by a U.S. Black Hawk Marine helicopter to a “higher-level” medical facility.
“U.S. Marine personnel in the area provided initial assistance, while troops from the 17th Infantry Battalion under Joint Task Force Tala reinforced rescue efforts and coordinated with the Philippine National Police for investigation. All casualties were Filipino civilians,” the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said in a statement. Rex Espiritu
Bill eyes more benefits for barangay tanods
A BILL filed at the House of Representatives aims to grant Christmas bonuses, free legal aid, and other benefits for village security personnel or barangay tanods in recognition of their “indispensable role” in maintaining peace and order in the community.
House Bill (HB) 6598, authored by Parañaque City Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan, proposes upgrade in the benefits and incentives currently being received by barangay tanods who have rendered at least one year of service. Yamsuan filed the measure even as he urged local government units to invest more in strengthening the capabilities of their tanods by equipping them with the proper tools of the trade.
“Barangay tanods serve as the government’s frontliners in ensuring that every corner of our communities remains safe, especially at night when most of us are resting. Yamsuan noted. Maricel V. Cruz
LTO punishes vlogger for reckless driving
THE Land Transportation Office (LTO) has revoked the driver’s license of vlogger Ishi Lee and imposed multiple penalties over a video of his reckless and distracted driving that went viral on social media.
LTO chief Markus Lacanilao also issued a stern warning against those who ignore traffic laws and LTO orders.
“LTO policies and orders are not optional. If they are ignored, it will entail immediate liability and punishment under the law,» he said.
“We will not tolerate repeated or flagrant violations of road regulations. Anyone who continues to fail to comply will be subject to immediate action to protect public safety,» he added. Rio N. Araja
Minerva Newman
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2026
RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor
RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor
St. John’s, NUNS score back-to-back
Shakey’s wins
NATIONAL University-Nazareth School rolled to a second straight victory as the reigning Division 1 champion cruised past Lyceum of the Philippines University-Cavite, 25-14, 25-14, in the Shakey’s Girls Volleyball Invitational League (SGVIL) Rising Stars Cup on Tuesday at the La Salle Green Hills Gym.
The Lady Bullpups turned to Raine Alonzo to stay in the lead in Pool A.
“Nu’ng nag-error ako sa simula ng game sinabi ko sa sarili ko na babawi ako. Di pwedeng puro error and kailangan maka-contribute ako sa team,” said Alonzo, who scored 11 points on 10 attacks and an ace.
Splash Obera and Ysabella Cruz added eight markers each for NUNS.
The Lady Bullpups had it easy in the opening frame but struggled to shake off LPU early in the second set. Protecting a slim 9-8 lead, NUNS uncorked a 13-4 barrage to open a 22-12 gap and zap the fight out of its opponent.
Aleah Alipan scored seven to pace LPU. Meanwhile, St. John’s Institute banked on its vaunted attacking force to submit University of the Philippines Integrated School, 25-17, 25-11, for a 2-0 slate on top of Pool C.
Eileen Yanson and Caera Celis scored eight points each and combined for 14 of SJI’s 26 attack points. St. John’s also took advantage of the Junior Fighting Maroons’ 18 errors in a quick 50-minute workout.
Season 2 champion Adamson University soared to a strong start after dominating Emilio Aguinaldo College, 25-16, 25-9, to join University of Santo Tomas at the top of Pool D of country’s biggest grassroots volleyball league, backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner and R and B Milk Tea.
Ellaine Gonzalvo punched in 12 of her game-high 13 points on kills while Janna Dizon and Kristal Martin added seven markers each for the Lady Baby Falcons, who finished off the Lady Brigadiers in just 43 minutes.
Grassroots volleyball meet lauded
By Jeremiah Sevilla
FORMER national team assistant
coach Kungfu Reyes has lauded the National Grassroots Volleyball League (NGVL) for providing a competitive platform for up-andcoming high school volleybelles across the country.
Hosting its first season this year, the NGVL has begun holding multiple qualifying tournaments for school and club-based under-16 girls’ volleyball teams in different regions, leading to the national finals on May 3 to 7 at the FilOil Arena in San Juan.
“Malaking opportunity ito para sa mga bata especially para doon sa mga galing public schools na naga-aspire maglaro. At least mayroon nang liga para sa young ones,” said Reyes during the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum on Tuesday.
Reyes, who is the program director of UST women’s and girl’s volleyball while acting as head coach of San Beda University, also noted how the grassroots league could serve as a launchpad for future stars and national team standouts.
“Malaking bagay ‘to dahil may nilu-look up na yung mga bata,” said Reyes, known for discovering talents like Alyssa Valdez and Jaja Santiago.
“Hindi malabo na may manggagaling dito na mga national team members and superstars in the future.”
The NGVL has conducted qualifying legs in the National Capital Region, South Luzon, and Visayas. The Mindanao qualifier is still underway while the North Luzon leg is scheduled next week.
Tolentino: PH athletes in Sanya a fighting team
SANYA, China—It’s a sunny day for Team Philippines early in its drive in the 6th Asian Beach Games Tuesday with Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino branding the delegation as a fighting team.
“We have a fighting team of 101 athletes here in Sanya and the goal is to make our mark by winning as many medals as possible,” said Tolentino.
But there are two goals in this Sanya campaign, according to Tolentino, with 2028 in mind.
“These games also serve as a benchmark for us, particularly Cebu, when we host in 2028,” he said. “This will be a jumping board for our athletes and for the country to emerge as the best host ever.”
Chef de mission Donaldo “Don”
Caringal, on the other hand, described the mood of the Filipino athletes as “bright and sunny” a day before the expected glamorous opening ceremonies Wednesday.
“It’s a good sign. We won our first game and now we’re looking at also the other venues here—beach volleyball
and sports climbing. It’s a good day for Team Philippines,” Caringal said.
The men’s handball team clobbered Hong Kong, 20-18, 28-16, to kick off its campaign on Tuesday.
“In terms of performance we can’t say, but of course, we’re always hoping for the best especially for our mixed martial arts bets and of course our handball teams, they’re good,” Caringal added.
Two-time jujitsu world champion Annie Ramirez will be the flagbearer alongside Yman Xavier Baluyo during the parade of athletes at the Tianya Haijiao Ring Theater at the Yasha Park Phase 1.
Team Philippines’ participation in the games is backed by the Philippine Sports Commission headed by John Patrick “Pato” Gregorio,.
“Our preparation led by POC and of course our President Bambol To -
PH’s Eala joins world’s elite at Laureus Sports Awards
WRESTLEMANIA 42 arrived at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas with the kind of spectacle expected from WWE, streamed live in the Philippines via Netflix on Sunday, April 19, and Monday, April 20.
Thirteen matches split across two cards should have guaranteed a layered, coherent showcase. Instead, it produced a jarring contrast. This was a tale of two WrestleManias, one uneven and cluttered, the other sharp and purposeful.
Night One was chaotic in both intent and execution. Surprises came in waves, but not all of them resonated.
The opener featuring The Usos and LA Knight against The Vision and IShowSpeed felt like disposable television rather than a WrestleMania-caliber attraction. Celebrity involvement swallowed valuable ring time that could have elevated a more meaningful program. A hypothetical Iyo Sky vs. Asuka encounter tied to Kairi Sane’s future would have offered narrative stakes and in-ring excellence. Instead, the segment drifted as filler.
The in-ring peak came with Gunther against Seth Rollins. It was a technical clinic; stiff strikes layered with deliberate pacing and believable near falls. Yet even that standout carried transparent booking intent. It existed to occupy two elite performers while laying groundwork for Bron Breakker’s return. The match delivered, but the creative motivation behind it was unmistakably utilitarian.
Elsewhere, Jacob Fatu vs. Drew McIntyre provided rugged hardcore offense without ever threatening to transcend its role. It was competent, but McIntyre’s loss raised eyebrows given his main event credibility. Paige’s return, on the other hand, injected intrigue. After a rocky post-departure stretch, this performance sug-
ALEXANDRA Eala bannered the Philippines on the global stage anew as she made a stylish appearance in the prestigious Laureus World Sports Awards 2026 prior to her campaign in the Mutua Madrid Open in Spain.
Showcasing national pride in the event dubbed as the “Oscars of Sports” at the historic Palacio de Cibeles on Tuesday (Manila time), Eala walked on the red carpet wearing a modern Filipiniana outfit in beige made by her uncle and fashion designer Rhett Eala.
The 20-year-old rising tennis star joined some of the biggest names in global sports at the annual awards night, where fellow tennisters Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka copped the top Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year honors.
Eala also posted an Instagram story wherein she took a selfie with legendary tennis player Novak Djokovic and three-time Olympic freestyle skiing champion Eileen Gu.
gested renewed confidence. A Women’s Tag Team Title win in her first WWE match in eight years reestablishes her aura for a newer audience.
The women’s matches struggled for identity. AJ Lee vs. Becky Lynch for the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Title was serviceable but lacked defining sequences. Stephanie Vaquer vs. Liv Morgan for the Women’s World Championship was even more disjointed, seemingly hindered by physical limitations that forced reliance on interference rather than fluid storytelling.
Then came the main event of Night One, where narrative confusion reached its peak. Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton should have been a masterclass in alignment psychology. Instead, it became a study in contradiction.
The audience leaned toward Orton, yet the build resisted a full babyface turn. Rhodes absorbed boos but refused to embrace a heel pivot. Inside the ring, “The American Nightmare” controlled tempo like a seasoned heel, while Orton fought from underneath like a sympathetic protagonist. The absence of a clear double turn left the crowd suspended between reactions.
The finish only deepened the disconnect. Orton accidentally incapacitated the referee, opening the door for Pat McAfee to enter as a replacement official. A straightforward count, devoid of any heel bias, undermined the logic of his involvement. Orton’s RKO on McAfee implied frustration, but the damage was done. Rhodes winning by exploiting Orton’s tendencies aligned with the story on paper, yet the live reaction exposed a fundamental flaw. When the audience cannot identify who to support, emotional investment collapses.
Night Two told a completely different story. The card felt cohesive, urgent, and focused on elevating talent. Oba Femi delivered a star-making performance against Brock Lesnar in a tightly structured encounter that balanced power and pacing.
The Intercontinental Championship ladder match was a spectacle in the truest sense, with high-risk spots and
“Sandwiched in greatness,” Eala wrote in the caption of the photo with Djokovic and Gu, who served as hosts of the event.
Eala’s appearance in the Laureus Awards was a muchneeded breather amid her busy schedule in the clay season. Eala, who moved up a spot to No. 44 in the latest Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) rankings, will resume her clay campaign in the WTA 1000 Madrid Open, starting with a match against a qualifier in the Round of 128. She will then compete in the WTA 1000 Rome Open and WTA 125 Parma Ladies Open in Italy as part of her preparations for her second Grand Slam appearance in the French Open set on May 24 to July 7. Eala is coming off a second-round exit in the Linz Open in Austria followed by a first-round finish in the Stuttgart Open in Germany to start the clay court swing. Jeremiah Sevilla
synchronized chaos. Despite Penta winning the multicompetitor scrap, Je’Von Evans seized breakout moments that signaled long-term potential.
Sami Zayn vs. Trick Williams suffered from time constraints rather than creative missteps. Trick’s United States Title victory felt like a deliberate investment in the future, reminiscent of early career breakthroughs that define upward trajectories.
On the other hand, Dominik Mysterio vs. Finn Bálor benefited from its street fight stipulation, adding grit and narrative texture, even if the result surprised.
Rhea Ripley and Jade Cargill exceeded expectations. Jade’s positioning may have seemed premature, but the performance justified the gamble. Ripley continues to anchor the division, and fresh matchups loom as a necessary evolution.
The crown jewel was Roman Reigns vs. CM Punk for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. It was a storytelling masterclass, a rare WrestleMania main event driven purely by in-ring narrative without outside interference.
Punk’s endurance arc, culminating in defeat through exhaustion, reinforced character depth. Reigns securing a clean victory marked a refreshing departure from overbooked finishes. This was professional wrestling at its most disciplined and compelling. The disparity between the two nights raises a legitimate question. The two-night format maximizes revenue, but it risks diluting creative focus. A single, tightly curated card may better serve the product’s integrity. At the very least, balance must be restored. When one night falters and the other excels, “The Grandest Stage Of Them All” begins to feel unmemorable rather than unforgettable.
(For comments or questions, reach the author at nissi. icasiano@gmail.com or visit his Facebook page at www. facebook.com/nissi.icasiano.)
NUNS’ Nicole Obera smashes one against LPU’s Almira Luces and Aleah Alipan. Roman Prospero
lentino made sure that we have very good contingent here,” Caringal said.
“It’s a big boost for our athletes. In fact, the ABG was postponed for a long time. It just so happened that the
OCA decided to push through with it again. “It’s good because it will continue for the next edition. We’re lucky we’re able to get the hosting job.”
It’s a bright and sunny day in Sanya with mascot “Yaya”— inspired by the Hainan Eld’s deer— displayed at core areas in all venues of the 6th Asian Beach Games. POC Media Pool
Alexandra Eala with sporting greats Novak Djokovic and Eileen Gu (IG Alexandra Eala, Eileen Gu)
By Jenniffer B. Austria
ALLIANCE Global Group Inc. (AGI)
reported a record net income of P30.6 billion in 2025, a 10 percent increase from P27.9 billion the previous year, driven by robust contributions from its real estate and leisure businesses.
Consolidated revenues reached P189.7 billion, while attributable profit jumped 19 percent year over year to P20.7 billion.
The group said its performance included a P3.4 billion one-time gain from the deconsolidation of its quick-service restaurant unit, Golden Arches Development Corp.
Excluding these one-off items, AGI said net income rose 2 percent to P27 billion on revenues of P176.3 billion, while attributable profit held steady at P17.3 billion.
“Once again, the group delivered
another strong financial and operating performance in 2025 despite macroeconomic headwinds,” said AGI president and chief executive Kevin Tan. “Most of our businesses surpassed peer levels, particularly in the office, retail residential, and leisure and hospitality segments.” Tan added that profitability was supported by cost-efficiency measures, which the group plans to sustain.
Property arm Megaworld Corp. remained the biggest contributor, posting revenues of P85.9 billion, up 5 percent year over year. This was driven by a 10 percent rise in recurring income, with office rentals growing 11 percent and revenues from malls and hotels each increasing 9 percent amid high occupancy rates. Megaworld’s attributable profit climbed 12 percent to P21 billion.
BSP watches MidEast war effects
By Thony Rose Lesaca
BANGKO Sentral ng
Pilipinas
Governor Eli Remolona
Jr. said Tuesday the bank remains vigilant against potential spillover effects and the risk of inflation expectations becoming deanchored.
Remolona issued that statement after Fitch Ratings revised the outlook on the Philippines to negative from stable, warning that a global energy shock and weakened public investment could stifle medium-term growth.
“The economy remains in a good position because growth is strong and banks are in good shape. The BSP is closely monitoring the impact of higher oil prices and geopolitical developments, particularly the conflict in the Middle East, on inflation and the overall Philippine economy,” Remolona said.
PH woos US electronics investors
By Othel V. Campos
T HE Philippines is seeking to deepen its economic partnership with the U.S. private sector to drive market reforms and attract long-term capital despite a volatile global landscape.
During an April 14 roundtable with American business leaders, Finance Secretary Frederick Go said the government is prioritizing sectors ready for immediate investment. These areas include semiconductors, mineral processing, pharmaceuticals, food, steel, renewable energy, infrastructure and tourism.
The government is positioning itself as a stable alternative for companies navigating geopolitical shifts. Finance Secretary Go told the US-ASEAN Business Council and the US Chamber of Commerce that the country’s fundamentals remain resilient, supported by manageable inflation and a robust labor market.
“These strategic investment pillars represent both growth and stability, and we are inviting deeper cooperation and longterm investments in our priority sectors,” Go said in his keynote address.
The push for foreign capital extends to emerging industries such as shipbuilding and electric vehicles. Go cited recent discussions with Mitsubishi Motors Corporation regarding plans to establish hybrid electric vehicle manufacturing in the Philippines.
To facilitate these investments, the government is pursuing fiscal reforms and capital market development.
Go said investors are looking for economies that can sustain growth and maintain policy stability. He noted that the Philippines has steadily strengthened these qualities to remain a competitive destination in Southeast Asia.
“So, if you are looking for your next growth market in Asia, look at the Philippines,” Go said.
The administration continues to market its prudent fiscal management and infrastructure pipeline as central to its economic agenda, he said.
The roundtable served as a primary platform for the US private sector to identify areas for deeper collaboration and to exchange views on the Philippine investment climate.
Fitch affirmed the long-term foreign-currency issuer default rating at BBB, an investment-grade status, but noted that rising risks could narrow the country’s economic outperformance relative to its peers.
Fitch projected the economy will grow 4.6 percent in 2026 as higher energy costs weigh on household consumption and public capital expenditures recover only gradually.
The agency attributed the slowdown partly to a drop in public spending during the second half of 2025 following corruption investigations into flood control projects. Fitch analysts expect inflation to average 4.1 percent in 2026, a sharp increase from 1.7 percent in 2025, driven primarily by elevated energy prices.
“These challenges could narrow the country’s GDP growth outperformance relative to peers, amid higher post-pandemic government debt and a gradual and sustained deterioration in its external finance position,” Fitch said in its commentary.
The rating agency said the Philippines remains highly exposed to conflict in the Middle East due to its heavy reliance on energy imports. A prolonged
energy shock could further increase the current account deficit, which Fitch expects to reach 3.8 percent of GDP in 2026. Despite these pressures, Fitch said foreign exchange reserves remain sufficient to cover 6.6 months of external payments.
Fitch maintained that the BBB rating affirmation reflects a baseline where medium-term growth remains robust enough to support a gradual reduction in government debt. The agency expects general government debt to decline to 54.5 percent of GDP by the end of 2026. Domestic political volatility also remains a factor as Fitch highlighted the rift between President Ferdinand Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte. While Duterte faces an impeachment hearing, the agency does not anticipate that political tensions will undermine economic policymaking. Future rating actions will depend on whether the government can maintain strong growth and adhere to sound fiscal policies, it said.
Fitch warned that a further rise in the debt-toGDP ratio or a significant deterioration in foreigncurrency reserves could lead to a formal downgrade.
PLANT INAUGURATION. Philippine Economic Zone Authority director-general Tereso Panga (front row, eighth from left) leads the inauguration of the Coherent II-VI Laser Enterprise Phils. Inc. Solaris facility at Calamba Premiere International Park in Laguna on April 16, 2026. Joining him are Coherent country manager Cesar Baracinas, CPIP president Carlos Po and Coherent corporate managing director Markus Klein.
Finance Secretary Frederick Go (center) invites US private sector investment in key growth sectors including semiconductors and renewable energy during a Washington roundtable. With Go are (from left) Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Eli Remolona Jr. and Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez.
Gov’t approves new deal to redevelop Cadlao oilfield
By Alena Mae S. Flores
THE government has granted a new service contract to the consortium developing the Cadlao oilfield following the expiration of Service Contract 6B last year, PXP Energy Corp. said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange Tuesday.
Operator Nido Petroleum Philippines Pty. Ltd. received the executed Petroleum Service Contract No. 91, which the government and a consortium of energy firms signed on April 13, 2026. The contract covers about 103,034 hectares in the northwest Palawan Basin and replaces the previous agreement that expired Feb. 28, 2024.
The consortium includes Nido, The Philodrill Corp., Oriental Petroleum and Minerals Corp., Alcorn Petroleum and Minerals Corp. and Forum Energy Philippines Corp. (FEPCO).
FEPCO, an indirect subsidiary of PXP, holds a
2.4546 percent participating interest in the project and is free-carried until first oil production.
The Cadlao field produced about 11.2 million barrels of oil between 1981 and 1991. Modern 3D seismic data from 1996 suggests that original wells bypassed a significant volume of “attic oil” located updip of the structurally highest well.
“This remaining attic oil has since been identified as a key target for potential field redevelopment,” PXP said.
Previous reports indicate the redevelopment project targets 6.2 million barrels of economically recoverable oil. The site sits southeast of the Malampaya gas field and southwest of the Galoc oil and gas field.
The Department of Energy transmitted the document April 21, which signifies the formal effectivity of the contract.
“The DOE transmittal on April 21, 2026, signifies the formal effectivity of SC 91 and was issued for proper safekeeping and implementation,” PXP said.
The agreement follows a broader push for energy independence. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recently signed two new petroleum service contracts for oil, gas and hydrogen exploration to insulate the domestic market from global volatility.
ACADEMY PARTNERSHIP. Meralco Power Academy (MPA) strengthens its partnership with Mindanao State University-General Santos (MSU-GenSan) with the conduct of industry-experts-led PowerConvos on April 15, 2026 at the MSU-Gensan campus. Attending the event are (from left) MPower strategic account management head Anna Faureen Quintos, MPA executive director Ian Chester Colorina, MSU GenSan dean of the College of Engineering Noel Gunay, MSU-General Santos chancellor Shidik Abantas, Meralco executive vice-president and chief operating officer and MPA president Ronnie Aperocho, Meralco senior vice-president and head of strategic DU partnerships Arnel Casanova, Meralco senior vice-president and DU subsidiaries and strategic partnerships head Ferdinand Geluz and MPA director for advocacy and communications Kathleen Kristy Dorico.
PH stocks end flat amid geopolitical tensions; peso rises
By Jenniffer B. Austria
PHILIPPINE shares closed nearly unchanged Wednesday as investors weighed the possibility of peace negotiations against the economic impact of a continued United States blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index edged up 2.67 points, or 0.04 percent, to settle at 6,018.70. The broader all-shares index rose 5.09 points, or 0.15 percent, to 3,387.53.
“The Philippine market finished nearly unchanged as investors stayed cautious. Sentiment was stable as the market looked for updates on the unclear status of peace talks which continued to limit risk appetite,” Regina Capital Development Corp. head of sales Luis Limlingan said. Limlingan said investors also maintained a wait-and-see stance ahead of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas policy meeting.
Credit ratings agency Fitch Ratings dampened sentiment by revising its outlook on the Philippines to “negative” from “stable.” The agency cited risks to medium- and long-term growth following disruptions in public investment and the volatility of oil prices.
Most sectors finished higher, with holding firms climbing 1.04 percent and industrial companies advancing 0.89 percent. Mining and oil stocks rose 0.64 percent and financial shares increased 0.37 percent. Services fell 1.35 percent and property stocks dropped 0.46 percent. Trading volume reached P6.63 billion. In the currency market, the peso rose Tuesday to close at 59.938 against the US dollar, compared with 59.97 on Monday.
Vivant unit acquires Bantayan water utility to expand footprint
VIVANT Transcore Holdings Inc. has finalized the acquisition of a 100-percent equity interest in Bantayan Resource Management and Development Corp. (BREMANDCOR), granting the conglomerate full ownership of the water distribution utility in Bantayan municipality.
The company, which operates under the brand Vivant Water, is a whollyowned subsidiary of Vivant Infracore Holdings Inc. This allows Vivant to take over operational control of a system servicing more than 4,000 households in the region.
Vivant Water president Jess Garcia said the development aligns with the company’s strategy to provide essential services to underserved areas.
“This development completes our vision of bringing reliable water solutions where they are needed most,” Garcia said.
“We act with intention, closing the gap in opportunities to access basic necessities, especially in areas that are often perceived as geographically challenged. More than expanding our footprint, we look out for the communities’ needs first,” he said.
The Cebu-based conglomerate plans to apply its operational expertise to the distribution segment to complement existing investments across the water value chain.
The acquisition positions Vivant as a primary utility provider on the island, which is currently seeing growth as an emerging tourism destination.
Vivant has served as the sole provider of stable power on the island through Isla Norte Power Corp. since 2022. By adding water distribution to its portfolio, the company now manages both essential utilities for the municipality’s residents and businesses.
The group is also expanding its broader infrastructure reach through Isla Mactan Cordova Corp., which is set to operate a 20-million-liter-per-day seawater desalination plant.
Vivant Water also manages wastewater facilities in Palawan via the Puerto Princesa Water Reclamation and Learning Center. Alena Mae S. Flores
IN BRIEF
AG&P eyes Bicol economic zone
ATLANTIC, Gulf & Pacific Company (AG&P) is evaluating the proposed Bicol Region Economic Zone (BREZ) in Albay province for potential manufacturing and industrial operations following a recent site visit to Barangay Pantao. The industrial services provider conducted the visit as part of its due diligence for modular infrastructure development. The company is exploring expansion opportunities in emerging economic zones located outside of the traditional growth centers of the Philippines. As a long-time Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) locator, AG&P provides global services for liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals, refineries, petrochemical plants and other complex process facilities. The company has registered cumulative investments exceeding P8 billion and employs more than 1,200 Filipino engineers and technicians. PEZA said it can leverage the expertise of AG&P in modular LNG systems to provide reliable power solutions for prospective locators within the greenfield ecozone. The interest coincides with ongoing discussions between Indonesian state-owned Pertamina and the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC) regarding an embedded power generation facility within a PEZA zone. Othel V. Campos
Aboitiz Foods buys Singapore research hub
ABOITIZ Foods Inc. acquired an aquaculture research and development facility in Singapore from Adisseo Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. to expand its capacity to develop feed solutions for the Asia-Pacific market. The acquisition supports the company’s strategy to strengthen its agribusiness core through enhanced research capabilities. The facility sits within the Singapore Food Agency’s Marine Aquaculture Centre on St. John’s Island and features advanced recirculating aquaculture systems.
Aboitiz Foods president and chief executive Tristan Aboitiz said this ensures the company can provide validated solutions for its customers.
“Our focus remains on strengthening the core of our agribusiness. Deepening our R&D capability ensures that the solutions we bring to market are proven in practice and responsive to the operational realities our customers face,” Aboitiz said.
The Singapore facility allows the company to conduct controlled trials, digestibility studies and performance validation. These systems help the firm develop evidence-based nutrition and high-performance feed for aquatic species. Othel V. Campos
Zobel de Ayala steps down as Globe Telecom chairman
GLOBE Telecom Inc. elected Cezar Consing as the new chairman of its board of directors during an organizational meeting Tuesday, following the company’s annual stockholders’ meeting.
Consing succeeds Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala (JAZA), who stepped down as chairman and director.
Ayala served as chairman since December 1996 and held a board seat since March 1989. While departing the Globe board, Ayala will continue to support the company as chairman of Asiacom Philippines Inc., the joint venture between Ayala Corp. and Singtel that serves as Globe’s major shareholder.
During his 37 years on the board and 30 years as chairman, Ayala transitioned Globe from a cable company into the first digital telecommunications firm in the Philippines. He oversaw the Globe-Mackay merger with Clavecilla Radio Corporation, established a long-term partnership with Singtel, and managed the acquisitions of IslaCom, Bayantel and Vega Telecom.
Under Ayala’s leadership, Globe implemented network and IT modernization programs that moved the industry into the data age.
The company also launched the mobile payment platform GCash, which has become the largest digital cashless ecosystem in the country.
Bantayan Resource Management and Development Corp. members of the board, led by chairman Alex Monteclar (fourth from the left), sign the definitive agreement for the acquisition of water distribution operations of Bantayan with Vivant Water assistant vice president for business development and regulatory and industry affairs Joanne Babon (fifth from the left).
IN a unified effort to support environmental protection, disaster resilience, and future community livelihood, Shincheonji Volunteers (SCJ Volunteers) Manila led the multi-sector “Go Green, Grow Together” tree planting drive along the riverside in Barandal, Barangay Sta. Ana, San Mateo, Rizal, mobilizing 85 volunteers from government, civic, and community partners in celebration of Earth Month.
The initiative brought together the Philippine Army’s 2nd Civil-Military Operations Battalion, Civil-Military Operations Regiment (2CMOBn, CMOR, PA), the Department of Agriculture Bureau of Plant Industry (DA-BPI), the Rotary Club of San Mateo, the San Mateo Business Club, and the local government units (LGUs) of Barangay Sta. Ana and the Municipality of San Mateo, represented by the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) and the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO). The collaboration highlights a shared commitment to sustainability and community-driven environmental action.
A total of 300 seedlings, consisting of 100 bamboo and 200 assorted fruitbearing trees provided by DA-BPI, were planted across the designated site. The Municipal Agriculture Office led the technical orientation, while DOLE-TUPAD workers under the LGU of San Mateo supported site preparation. Volunteers worked hand in hand from clearing to planting, demonstrating how coordinated efforts can deliver tangible environmental impact.
Alexis Santos, Officer-in-Charge of the Municipal Agriculture Office of San Mateo, said the initiative highlights the value of collaboration in addressing environmental challenges.
“This initiative proves that when communities, government, and organizations work together, we can build solutions that
Heavenly studies, earthly art
By Robert Harland
ONE of the joys of life is stumbling upon subjects we never knew existed. Each day offers the chance to discover something fresh, curious and often delightful. My latest find is angelology — the study of angels. It sounds esoteric, even whimsical, yet it has deep roots in theology, history and culture. Angelology is a branch of Christian theology devoted to understanding angels: their origins, nature and roles. Far from being mere decorative figures in stained glass or Christmas cards, angels are considered messengers and ministers of God’s providence. Scholars explore their hierarchy, from archangels like Michael and Gabriel to guardian angels believed to watch over individuals. The field also examines fallen angels, demons and the cosmic struggle between good and evil. In the Philippines, angelology resonates strongly with Catholic devotion. Feast days for the Archangels are celebrated with processions and prayers, while guardian angel devotion is woven into everyday life. Seminaries and churches occasionally offer courses on angelology, blending theology with pastoral practice. For many Filipinos, angels are not abstract concepts but comforting presences — symbols of protection and guidance in a world that can feel uncertain. Across the seas, angels also take shape in art. In the United Kingdom, sculptor William Barsley has carved wooden angels inspired by the medieval oak figures that adorn the hammerbeam roof of Westminster Hall, Britan’s largest medieval hall dating back in 1097. These carvings, some 600 years old, have silently witnessed trials, coronations and state funerals. Barsley’s contemporary angels, sold in the Houses of Parliament shop, connect modern visitors with that long tradition of angelic symbolism in British history. What fascinates me is how angelology bridges theology and culture. In Manila, angels are invoked in prayer; in Westminster, they are carved in oak. Both expressions remind us that angels, whether studied in seminaries or sculpted for Parliament, embody humanity’s search for meaning and its desire to touch something greater than itself. So the next time you glance at a guardian angel figurine or admire a carved angel in a cathedral, remember that behind the image lies a whole discipline — angelology — dedicated to exploring their mystery. It’s a reminder that learning something new every day can open doors to worlds both spiritual and artistic, enriching our sense of wonder.
SCJ Volunteers Manila leads multi-sector tree planting drive in Rizal for climate resilience
protect both people and the environment.
Bamboo planting is not just for today. It is an investment in climate resilience, sustainable livelihoods, and the future of our communities,” Santos said.
More than a tree planting effort, the activity underscores bamboo’s critical role in climate action. With its fast growth and high carbon absorption capacity, bamboo helps restore degraded land, prevent soil erosion, and reduce the impacts of flooding and heavy rainfall. For residents along the Sta. Ana riverside, the initiative also carries long-term benefits for disaster mitigation and po-
tential livelihood opportunities, as mature bamboo plantations may serve as a sustainable source of income. The inclusion of fruit-bearing trees further supports food security and additional income sources for the community. Together, these serve as practical, nature-based solutions that support both environmental resilience and community development. To ensure sustainability, local residents will take an active role in monitoring and maintaining the site. This includes regular watering, replanting when necessary, and organizing follow-up activities to support the survival and growth of the
FOR over 15 years, the Gift of Life program of the Rotary Club of San Juan West has provided life-saving heart surgeries and medical assistance to children with congenital heart disease, offering hope and a second chance at life to indigent families.
Through strong collaboration with local and international Rotary clubs, partner organizations, local government units, and dedicated medical teams at the Philippine Heart Center, the program continues to make critical pediatric cardiac care possible.
The initiative has also expanded its reach to remote communities through partnerships with grassroots groups such as the Heart Warriors of Ifugao, supporting patients from areas like Banaue, Ifugao.
This Rotary year, the program has assisted eight (8) children, with projections reaching up to ten (10) beneficiaries, alongside sustained fundraising efforts such as “Concert for a Cause” and other community-driven initiatives.
This Rotary year, the Gift of Life stands as a lasting legacy of Good President Emman Caguimbal, whose leadership strengthened the club’s humanitarian commitment.
The project is chaired by Past District Governor Augie Soliman, whose stewardship continues to guide its mission of restoring hope and saving lives.
Indeed, through Gift of Life, the Rotary Club of San Juan West continues to live out Rotary’s enduring promise: Service Above Self—one healed heart at a time.
planted trees. Rooted in faith and service, SCJ Volunteers Manila emphasized that caring for the environment reflects a deeper spiritual responsibility. The group underscored the importance of living out faith through meaningful actions that benefit others and honor creation, drawing inspiration from Matthew 5:16. Through this initiative, volunteers aim to serve both people and the planet.
With “Go Green, Grow Together,” SCJ Volunteers Manila and its partners demonstrate that environmental stewardship becomes more impactful when commu-
nities unite with purpose, partnership, and a shared vision for a greener and more resilient future.
SCJ Volunteers is a global non-government organization affiliated with the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, dedicated to advancing community welfare through volunteerism. Its programs focus on environmental protection, livelihood support, and educational and social development initiatives.
For updates on upcoming activities, the public may visit the Shincheonji Volunteers PH Facebook page at fb.com/ shincheonjivolunteersph.
New free chemo center in Sta. Rosa expands access to life-saving care
CANCER remains one of the leading causes of death in the Philippines, with thousands of patients delaying or abandoning treatment due to cost.
Lifecare, a subsidiary of We Hope Medical Group, is pioneering the Free Chemotherapy initiative in Santa Rosa City, Laguna, with the opening of the first Free Chemotherapy Center. The launch of this center was graced by the honorable Mayor Arlene Arcillas, who underscores the importance of health and access to free cancer treatment for its residents. She expressed her gratitude to the We Hope Medical group for choosing Santa Rosa City as one of their branch locations. The center is located at One Sta Rosa Prime Brgy. Dila, Sta Rosa Laguna, it is designed to provide a safe, compassionate, and patient-centered environment, staffed by licensed oncology doctors, equipped with modern treatment facilities. Services include Consultation, Free chemotherapy sessions covered by PhilHealth, Cancer assistance fund, and other LGU programs. The first wave of centers, including the Beacon of Hope branches in Pampanga, Marikina Chemotherapy Center, Beacon of Hope Naga, SmartSave Chemotherapy Center Rizal, Santa Cruz Chemotherapy Center, and Imus Chemotherapy Center, has already demonstrated the transformative impact of accessible cancer care. Patients who once faced overwhelming medical expenses now receive treatment in warm, dignified, and community-rooted facilities.
Local transport movement wins global award for safer commutes
THE World Resources Institute (WRI) has announced that Move As One Coalition — a grassroots, youth-led movement advancing transport reform in the Philippines — has been awarded the $250,000 grand prize for the 2025–2026 WRI Ross Center Prize for Cities. Presented at the historic Morgan Library & Museum in New York, the Prize recognizes transformative projects that improve health, sustainability and equity in cities. This year’s
HEALING HEARTS, CHANGING LIVES: Gift of Life Rotary Club of San Juan West in action
Sta. Rosa City Mayor Arlene Arcillas (second from left) joins Dr. John Paul Aclan (third from left), Chairman and CEO of We Hope Medical Group, and partners during the opening of the AML LifeCare Chemotherapy Center in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.
EARTH DAY
Manila Standard sustains green efforts at La Mesa Watershed
By Bernadette Araño
MANILA STANDARD
once again mobilized its volunteers to the La Mesa Watershed Reservation last April 17, 2026, reaffirming its long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship. Conducted in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–National Capital Region (DENR-NCR), the initiative forms part of the organization’s sustained efforts to help protect and preserve one of Metro Manila’s most vital water sources, ensuring its resilience for future generations.
The activity was carried out with the support of DENR-NCR Regional Director Michael Drake P. Matias and facilitated by the Conservation and Development Division led by Aida E. Esguerra, with on-site assistance from Area Manager Joshua Vasquez and Administrative Assistant Felipe Quintana Sore Jr..
Returning to a reforestation site it adopted three years ago, the group shifted its focus from tree planting to maintenance—an equally critical but often overlooked phase in environmental conservation. Volunteers worked to ensure that previously planted seedlings withstand the harsh summer conditions and continue developing into a sustainable forest cover.
The initiative was led by Circulation Manager Edgar M. Valmorida, who has spearheaded similar environmental efforts for 16 years, alongside Advertising Solutions Head Baldwin Felipe.
Amid intense heat and limited rainfall, young trees face significant survival challenges. To address this, volunteers cleared weeds around the saplings, reducing competition for water and soil nutrients and allowing the trees to establish stronger, more resilient root systems. The effort underscores a broader understanding that reforestation does not end with planting, but requires sustained care to achieve lasting impact.
Felipe emphasized that the initiative is grounded in nearly two decades of consistent environmental action. While the organization may not operate on the scale of larger corporations, he noted that its strength lies in continuity and commitment.
“Tayo kung ano lang ang kaya basta consistent, yan ang mas importante,” Felipe said. He also acknowledged the importance of partnerships in sustaining the program through the years.
“Honestly, through the years, kung walang tulong mula sa mga sponsors, clients, and friends, mahihirapan tayong ma-sustain ito,”
he added.
Beyond its environmental objectives, the initiative fosters a strong sense of unity within the organization. Participation extends beyond those present at the site, with employees contributing through preparation, coordination, and resource mobilization.
“The management makes sure that everyone commits, and even their families get involved,” Felipe said.
To further strengthen the program, the team established a trail within the site to improve accessibility and monitoring. The pathway is expected to guide volunteers in the next phase of planting scheduled for June 2026, while also helping identify open areas where additional trees can be planted more efficiently.
As Manila Standard continues its environmental efforts, the initiative stands as a testament to the impact of sustained, community-driven action—demonstrating that consistent, small-scale efforts, supported by strong partnerships, can meaningfully contribute to long-term environmental protection.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2026 lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com
NICKIE WANG, Editor
ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer
JASPER VALDEZ, Writer
Jillian Ward
SHOWBIZ
is ‘Pumapag-ibig’
UNDER the bright studio lights of All-Out
Sundays, Jillian Ward shed her on-screen persona on March 22 when she revealed a different side. During the appearance, she introduced her single “Pumapag-ibig.” And the immediate reaction was that it’s a bold turn in her career.
The performance introduced Jillian as a recording artist, drawing attention on television and across digital platforms. Since its release, clips of the performance and the track have gained traction on TikTok and other social media platforms, with audiences responding to its emotional hook and relatable theme.
“Pumapag-ibig” was developed over several months in collaboration with Kreativ U managing partner and music producer Kim Hun Jik
Work on the track began in 2025, but it was after Ward marked her 16th year in the industry and renewed her ties with Sparkle and GMA Network that the song took shape.
“The single centers on the sudden arrival of love and its immediate impact,” Jillian said of the single.
Known primarily for acting, Ward has previously expressed interest in music. “Pumapag-ibig” marks her first major collaboration with Kreativ U and signals a more focused direction in her music career.
The track is now available on streaming platforms, including Spotify and YouTube, where it continues to gain attention online.
Entertainment editors’ group
to honor local box of f ice stars at 9th
Eddys in July
IN 2024, the Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors (SPEEd) recognized that viewing habits are evolving, and with the rise of streaming platforms, especially during the pandemic, local cinemas have been relying on popular film releases to drive ticket sales.
In this respect, SPEEd aims to celebrate the best in local cinema by honoring actors who played a crucial role in reviving cinema attendance after the pandemic. Thus, the Box Office Hero award was born. It is given to the lead stars of the previous year’s highest-grossing films, which successfully attracted audiences back to cinemas and significantly helped the film sector bounce back.
The 9th Entertainment Editors’ Choice (The Eddys) is once again training the spotlight on the stars whose movies drew the biggest crowds of the previous year, with the third presentation of the Box Office Hero award. The film event is happening this July at the Ceremonial Hall of the Marriott Grand
at
“We honor the stars whose films brought audiences back to theaters and reminded everyone of the excitement of watching Filipino stories on the big screen,” said SPEEd president Tessa MauricioArriola . “These artists led projects that energized the local box office and helped usher in a vibrant period for Philippine cinema.”
TV host and comedian Vice Ganda leads this year’s honorees for Star Cinema’s comedy
drama Call Me Mother . The film was the 51st Metro Manila Film Festival’s highest-grossing entry, and throughout its commercial run, it earned P392 million at the box office.
Seasoned actress Maricel Soriano will also be recognized for another Star Cinema movie, the family drama Meet, Greet, & Bye , which grossed P260 million. Screen partners Kim Chiu and Paulo Avelino will be cited for the Star Cinema romcom, My Love Will Make You Disappear , which took in P173 million.
Actor Richard Gutierrez will be honored for headlining the 51st MMFF entry of Regal Entertainment, Shake, Rattle & Roll: Evil Origins , which earned P140 million and extended the long-running horror franchise.
SPEEd is composed of entertainment editors from national broadsheets, tabloids, and online news platforms.
The Eddys serves as the group’s way of encouraging Filipino filmmakers, producers, writers, actors, and other allied artists in the Philippine movie industry to continue pursuing their passion for creating films that mirror the realities of society while also recognizing artistic merit and box office impact.
TWO decades after The Devil Wears
Prada became a modern US classic, its stars reunited in New York on Monday for the long-awaited sequel’s world premiere.
Meryl Streep, who returns as tyrannical magazine editor Miranda Priestly, was joined on the red carpet by fellow A-listers Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci
“It was like, why did it take so long?” Streep told Disney Plus when asked about stepping back into her fearsome character’s shoes. Tucci agreed: “Yes, exactly. It was like riding a bicycle.”
The Devil Wears Prada 2 sees a now well-established Andy Sachs (Hathaway) back at Runway Magazine, where Miranda Priestly (Streep) is navigating the decline of print media.
The veteran editor is forced to go head-to-head with her former, frantic assistant Emily Charlton (Blunt)—now a high-powered executive who controls the advertising revenue that Priestly needs.
Kenneth Branagh joins the cast as Miranda’s newest husband, along with newcomers like Simone Ashley and Lucy Liu Naturally, fashion was front and
Ballroom
Newport World Resorts in Pasay City.
Jillian Ward debuts ‘Pumapag-ibig’ on ‘All-Out Sundays,’ marking her first major television performance as a recording artist
GEN Z STAR. After years of being known mainly for acting, Jillian Ward begins carving out
stronger identity in music
The world of Runway comes back into view as (from left) Anne Hathaway, Stanley Tucci, Meryl Streep, and Emily Blunt return to the red carpet for the sequel film’s launch
Kim Chiu (right) and Paulo Avelino
Diamond Star Maricel Soriano joins this year’s Box Office Hero honorees for helping draw audiences back to local theaters
LIFE & SHOWBIZ
By Nickie Wang
ACTOR
Cesar Montano
revealed that he is working on a new film about national hero Jose Rizal , where he will take on a supporting role rather than the lead.
Speaking at Open Mic Night: Pan de Panitikan at Kamuning Bakery Café, Montano was one of the headliners at the event organized by Wilson Lee Flores on Friday evening. He said he enjoys writing poetry and was excited to have been invited by Flores.
We had a chance to chat with Montano, who shared that he really enjoys writing poetry. He added that the invitation led to discussions that may result in a possible collaboration between him and Flores on a film the actor-director is planning to make.
“It’s going to be a musical, and it’s a love story. I will portray Paciano Rizal, the older brother of the national hero,” he told reporters. “I’m excited to do this because, for some reason, I’ve had an affinity with Rizal since I did the movie, and it gives me so much pride that up until now people still associate the project with me.”
The story will focus on Jose Rizal’s time in Japan. According to Montano, Rizal meets a woman named O-Sei-San and ends up staying longer in Japan before eventually traveling to Europe.
“So Paciano goes to Japan to look for Jose Rizal since he had been gone longer than he was supposed to,” he said.
During conversations with members of the entertainment media, someone suggested that
Cesar Montano eyes Rizal musical
Montano should no longer search for a separate lead actor and instead consider his son, Diego Loyzaga, to play Jose Rizal.
“Well, I’m open to the idea, but we will open the roles to other actors who would be the best fit for the role,” the 64-year-old actor explained.
For the female lead, however, he said he prefers a Japanese actress.
“Of course, he has to make the movie as authentic as possible,”
Montano pointed out.
He also said he does not want to direct the project himself and is still looking for a director.
Montano also previewed an English song he composed, which he plans to include in the film.
The Open Mic Night: Pan de Panitikan event at Kamuning Bakery Café brought together poets, writers, and performers in celebration of literature and spoken word.
Last Friday’s roster was a rich literary list, including UST music
student Haraya Coroza, Dr. Michael Coroza , chairman of Unyon ng Mga Manunulat sa Pilipinas (UMPIL), Ateneo professor, and modern champion of Balagtasan as an art of entertainment, UP
Professor Dr. Vim Nadera, UST journalism professor, columnist, and MTRCB Board
Member Nestor Cuartero, Mga Tula at Tala book author Ron Canimo , and Kapirasong Sulat book author and TV5 segment producer Regina Amit
Also part of the roster were environmentalist Red Constantino of the Constantino Foundation, Freddie Lazaro of the GUMIL Ilocano writers’ association, and a chorus of emerging young poets.
Flores said they plan to hold Pan de Panitikan every last Friday of the month, welcoming not only poetry but also music, spoken word, theatrical excerpts, storytelling, monologues, book launches, and other literary forms.
IBC 13 relaunches news division, targets younger viewers
Broadcasting Corporation (IBC 13) has unveiled a major rebranding of its News and Current Affairs division, aiming to strengthen its digital presence and reach younger audiences amid concerns over online misinformation.
IBC 13 president Jimmie Policarpio said the revamp underscores the network’s focus on younger Filipinos and its effort to adapt to changing viewing habits.
“This revitalization confirms our unwavering commitment to the now dominant number of younger
Policarpio said. “In an age where truth is often obscured by noise, we return to our roots of accountability and integrity by evolving and meeting the needs of a younger generation.”
He said the network is introducing new anchors trained in digital-first storytelling to “engage and empower” younger viewers with verified information.
IBC 13 said its “TreZe news strategy” is designed to build engagement across free-to-air television and digital platforms, positioning itself as a trusted source in an environment shaped by algorithm-driven content
programs under the relaunch include TreZe Mornings (6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m., Monday to Friday) hosted by Daniel Manalastas, Attorney Marge Gutierrez, Gabrielle Lopez, Alice Noel, Eugene Fernandez, and Eve Valdez
TreZe Express hourly newscasts at 9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., and 8:00 p.m., hosted by Gab Bayan and Eve Valdez. TreZe sa Tanghali at noon with Greg Gregorio, Nadj Miravalles, and Czai Chua, covering Senate, House of Representatives, and Malacañang news.
Tutok TreZe (5:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.)
anchored by Gab Bayan, Princess Jordan, and Czarinnah Lusuegro 13 News airs from 9:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. with William Thio and Angela Sy
IBC 13 said the relaunch comes with upgraded transmission infrastructure, targeting 24 digital and analog stations nationwide. It expects coverage of about 18.6 million households, or 85 percent, and digital terrestrial reach of about 11.8 million households, or 54 percent.
Policarpio said the initiative aims to align content with younger audiences while maintaining editorial standards.
Hit reality show helps rev up Japan’s delinquent youth subculture
SPORTING towering Elvis-style hair and a defiant school uniform, 15-year-old Reona idolizes Japan’s classic bad-boy subculture, recently revived by a hit Netflix dating show.
In the 1980s, Japan saw teens rebel through dangerous motorcycle rides, school clashes, and street brawls. Their flamboyant fashion and codes of loyalty later became pop-culture staples, despite public disapproval.
Netflix’s Badly in Love taps into that legacy, featuring 11 young participants, some former bosozoku bikers. A Tokyo exhibition now recreates the era with customized motorcycles and embroidered tokkofuku jackets.
Reona mirrors the look with baggy trousers meant to project toughness. “I think their hardcore manliness… is so cool,” he said. Traits like loyalty and directness remain admired, though modern delinquents draw criticism for online bullying, scams, and viral pranks such as “sushi terrorism.”
“Getting arrested for motorcycle riding may have some honor… but those sushi pranks are plain lame,” Reona said. Parent Hirotaka Sotooka tolerates style and rebellion but draws the line at harming others. “Otherwise it’s his life to enjoy,” he said.
Bosozoku numbers have dropped sharply, down nearly 90 percent from
“This isn’t about forcing Gen Z to watch traditional news. It’s about meeting you where you are, on your platforms, with anchors who understand your worldview,” he said.
1982 to 5,880 in 2024, partly due to surveillance and smartphones, said expert Kenichiro Iwahashi. Hardcore gangs are now rare. Though popular in fiction, yankii culture is still frowned upon.
Comedian Satoru Saito said his look often draws backlash online.
“Most… are doing things like fighting or committing crimes… so I get why they are hated,” he said.
That made Badly in Love a risky project. Critics warned it could be seen as endorsing delinquency, said writer Motohiko Tokuriki
Netflix said it worked to avoid glorifying violence. The show has stayed in the top 10 across parts of Asia, with a second season planned.
ACTOR and Quezon City Representative
Alfred Vargas and his wife, Yasmine, have filed 20 counts of cyber libel against actor Rob Sy, as tensions linked to allegations of bullying involving their child continue to escalate.
In a statement, Yasmine said their family had recently been placed in the public spotlight after they made the “difficult decision” to defend their son. She thanked supporters who sent prayers and messages of encouragement, saying these have helped strengthen their family.
She said the couple initially tried to resolve the matter privately, adding that they are not confrontational by nature and preferred a quiet approach for the sake of their children, who she said had experienced “pain and trauma.”
“But there comes a point when silence is no longer an option,” she said, adding that she could no longer stay quiet while her child continued to be hurt.
Yasmine said the decision to speak out was driven by their role as parents and concern for children affected by bullying.
She confirmed that they filed 20 counts of cyber libel on Monday, saying the complaints stemmed from continued social media posts containing what she described as false accusations against her, her husband, and their family, even after earlier efforts to settle the matter in February.
“These claims are false and are meant to damage our name and reputation,” she said, adding that they are confident the truth will come out through legal proceedings.
The couple said they had submitted evidence to support their complaint and expressed trust in the legal process. They also appealed to the public to avoid spreading harmful content online.
“Let us choose kindness,” Yasmine said, urging restraint from speculation, insults, and online attacks.
The filing comes on top of an earlier complaint lodged by the couple before the Office of the City Prosecutor of Manila, citing a possible violation of Section 10(a) of Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.
The dispute forms part of an ongoing exchange of allegations between the parties involving claims of bullying, which remain subject to legal proceedings.
Yasmine (left) and Alfred Vargas take their dispute to court, answering repeated online accusations against their family with legal action
Cesar Montano (right) and Wilson Lee Flores discuss a possible collaboration during ‘Pan de Panitikan’ at Kamuning Bakery Café
Cesar Montano is developing a musical love story set during Jose Rizal’s time in Japan, with plans to play Paciano Rizal in the project
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2026
lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com
NICKIE WANG, Editor
ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, JASPER VALDEZ, Writer
Glazing Life
Glaiza Lee
IT rarely begins with something alarming, just a faint tremor at rest, a slower step, a moment of hesitation.
Inside the brain, dopamine-producing cells are gradually dying; by the time symptoms become more apparent, more than half are already gone.
For those living with Parkinson’s disease (PD), a progressive neurological condition that affects movement, balance, and coordination, these small changes are the first signs of a deeper loss.
Affecting around 200 in every 100,000 people worldwide, PD unfolds slowly and differently for each person. But its pattern is familiar: movement becomes effortful, balance uncertain, and the simplest actions turn into quiet acts of will.
This quiet, persistent struggle is what World Parkinson’s Day seeks to illuminate every April 11, reminding everyone that behind every statistic is a life learning, day by day, to move differently. Behind every person living with Parkinson’s is a community that continues to support, care, and push forward in research, understanding, and hope.
Every year, the global community calls for awareness, empathy, and collective action for millions of individuals and families navigating life with Parkinson’s.
I was in Iloilo City last week and came across a small but meaningful observance of World Parkinson’s Day, marked by a dance concert produced and organized by Bereber Sayaw PD, a non-profit supporting individuals with Parkinson’s disease through a therapy-based dance program.
At the Bereber Health and Wellness Center and
Movements that matter
Studio in Molo, Iloilo, movement becomes meaning in “Resilience: Rhythms of Hope,” a fundraising performance that serves as both show and advocacy for the Parkinson’s community.
At the heart of this initiative is Sayaw PD, founded by choreographer-dancer Novy J. Bereber. His journey began in 2019 after a Dance for Parkinson’s workshop reshaped his direction, later becoming personal when he realized the disease was close to home.
Drawing from international training, he returned to Iloilo to build a space where movement could heal. That same year, he founded Sayaw PD on the belief that even as the body changes, expression remains.
Sayaw PD has championed dance as therapy and self-expression, helping participants work through physical limits while reclaiming agency over their bodies.
Behind it is the Bereber Health and Wellness Center team, made up of instructors and performers driven by both stage craft and empathy, where movement becomes care.
The concert featured performances by Christopher “Dax” C. Chan and the Iloilo
From brushstroke to movement, two artists converge in Makati exhibit
A TWO-ARTIST exhibition titled Convergence: Bridging Generations and Creativity brings together the works of Aaron Virata Mempin and Ronna Manansala at the Monteverdi Room of Altro Mondo Creative Space in Makati City.
The exhibit presents a visual dialogue between abstraction and expression, highlighting the contrast and connection between geometric structure and fluid movement.
Mempin, an artist-entrepreneur and geometric abstractionist, explores the intersection of calm and motion through a practice shaped by his background in marketing and communitybuilding under Katha Pilipinas. His works emphasize line, structure, and balance, blending classical discipline with contemporary energy. Manansala, who carries the artistic legacy of her grandfather, National Artist Vicente Manansala, reinterprets heritage through emotive and figurative works. Her pieces focus on quiet strength, grace, and movement, drawing from traditional themes while giving them a more personal expression.
The exhibition includes both individual works and collaborative pieces, with the artists exploring how different visual languages can meet in shared creative space.
‘Convergence: Bridging Generations and Creativity’ features Mempin’s geometric abstraction and Manansala’s emotive, figurative works
Organizers said the show highlights themes of heritage, innovation, and the exchange of artistic perspectives across generations.
Convergence runs until April 25 at the Monteverdi Room, Altro Mondo Creative Space, 1159 Chino Roces Avenue, San Antonio Village, Makati City, from Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Bereber Dance Theater. Blending aerial silk, hoop, and contemporary dance, the show highlighted resilience through physical expression.
The dancers moved with honesty that went beyond technique, challenging ideas of mobility and performance. Tremors became rhythm, stiffness turned fluid, hesitation became grace.
The concert also underscored growing recognition of dance as therapy, supported by research showing benefits for mobility, balance, and emotional well-being.
Beyond artistry, the event carried purpose, with
proceeds supporting programs for individuals living with Parkinson’s, turning performance into care. It also brought together families, caregivers, artists, and advocates, building a space for shared stories and awareness, where art became a language of solidarity.
As the search continues for better treatments and a cure, initiatives like this show that care extends beyond medicine. It lives in expression, community, and the courage to keep moving. In Iloilo, that courage didn’t just endure. In that one evening, it danced.
San Miguel preserves 135-year brewing history in new heritage museum
SAN Miguel Corp. has opened a museum at its
Polo Brewery in Valenzuela City to preserve its brewing legacy and show more than 135 years of history, tracing how the company grew through adaptation, training, and industrial development.
The Polo Brewery Museum, located inside the company’s oldest surviving brewery, gathers archival records, historical objects, equipment, and oral histories tracing San Miguel’s evolution from a beer brewer founded in 1890 into a diversified conglomerate.
San Miguel Corp. president and COO John Paul L. Ang and San Miguel Brewery Inc. president and COO Carlos Antonio M. Berba led the inauguration of the facility.
Ang described the museum as both a link to the company’s past and a reminder of its workplace heritage.
“This tribute to San Miguel’s beginnings and milestones could not have been better placed.
Polo Brewery is our oldest operating facility, and it serves not just as a sentimental link to our past but as a source of strength,” Ang added. “It should remind us of our tradition of excellence and hard work through generations of employees.”
The museum is housed in the original brewery building and features brewing equipment, historical documents, advertising materials, packaging designs, and worker tools spanning several decades.
Items on display include a mash filter used to separate wort from grain, a copper mash tun, a mash kettle, and a washing machine used for
filter cloths. Company officials describe these as the brewery’s remaining physical links to its early production process.
Also featured is a royal patent issued by the Spanish government in 1890 granting founder Don Enrique Maria Barretto de Ycaza exclusive rights to brew beer at La Fabrica de Cerveza de San Miguel in Manila.
Other exhibits include promotional materials from the 1950s to the 1990s, along with evolving bottle and packaging designs.
Berba emphasized the responsibility of preserving the company’s history.
“While heritage is a privilege, it is also a responsibility. It is our responsibility to make sure this legacy continues for SMB,” Berba noted.
Plans for the museum date back to 2000, but development progressed gradually as historical materials were gathered over time. Efforts were revived in 2025 as San Miguel marked its 135th anniversary, leading to the project’s completion. The museum is currently not open to the public and is limited to employee and pre-arranged visits.
Bukidnon 1st District Representative Jose Manuel Alba, a former human resources officer of SMB, highlighted the human dimension of the company’s history.
“Whether in San Miguel or in the public sector, the calling remains the same: Serve with your heart; struggle if you must; but always choose to be good,” Alba added.
The art exhibit features individual and collaborative works exploring shared in a creative space
Aaron Virata Mempin (left) and Ronna Manansala’s art exhibit explores the contrast and connection between geometric structure and fluid movement through abstraction and expression
Dated equipment considered state-of-theart during their time in the mid-1900s A collection of vintage tools used in the old brewery is displayed inside the newly-opened museum
In Iloilo City, the Bereber Health and Wellness Center hosted a dance concert to support individuals with Parkinson’s through a therapy-based dance program
The event showcases the power of dance as therapy, emphasizing resilience and community support for those living with Parkinson’s.
From left: Bukidnon 1st District Rep. Jose Manuel Alba, SMC president and COO John Paul L. Ang, Plant Manager Danny Pajarillo, former CFO Ferdinand K. Constantino, and San Miguel Brewery Inc. president and COO Carlos Antonio M. Berba lead the opening of museum in Valenzuela City
Dax Chan blends aerial silk and contemporary dance into powerful display of resilience and hope