Manila Standard - 2026 April 23 - Thursday

ICC UPHOLDS JURISDICTION OVER RODY, CLEARS WAY FOR LIKELY TRIAL

By Pot Chavez

INTERNATIONAL Criminal Court

judges Wednesday threw out a challenge against the court’s jurisdiction by former President Rodrigo Duterte, which means he could still stand trial for crimes against humanity over his war on drugs.

The court “has rejected all four grounds of appeal,” said presiding judge Luz del Carmen Ibanez Carranza.

“Having rejected the entire appeal, the appeal chamber considers that the defense request for the immediate and unconditional release of Mr. Duterte is moot,” she added.

The 81-year-old Duterte faces three counts of crimes against humanity at the international court based in The Hague over murders allegedly committed as part of his crackdown on drug users and pushers.

Romualdez not barred from leaving since no HDO—BI

By Maricel V. Cruz and Rex Espiritu

T• ‘Dutertes got checks tied to alleged drug lord’

• SALNs show ‘no cash on hand’ for 5 years

Vice President Sara Duterte was granted travel authority to the Netherlands, Republic of Korea, Belgium, Germany, the United Kingdom of Great Britain, and Northern Ireland from April 23 to May 15, 2026, Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said. The foreign trips will be at no cost to the government.

During yesterday’s impeachment hearing of the House Committee on Justice, lawmakers also flagged missing liquid assets, transfer or diminution of liabilities, rising net worth, growing business interests, and a

By Vito Barcelo and Maricel V. Cruz

and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez has not been barred from leaving the country, adding that only a court-issued Hold Departure Order (HDO) can impose a direct prohibition on travel.

Meanwhile, the Ombudsman’s application for a precautionary hold departure order (PHDO) against Romualdez has been submitted for resolution, the Sandiganbayan said. In a related development, Romualdez’s camp said it has yet to receive any official complaint from the Ombudsman, as it firmly denied allegations of wrongdoing.

By Vito Barcelo

By Pot Chavez

DENIED. Presiding Judge Luz del Carmen Ibáñez Carranza, center, reads the judgment of the Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Court denying the appeal of former president Rodrigo Duterte challenging its jurisdiction on his case on Apr. 22, 2026. ICC/YouTube

NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH. Ombudsman Boying Remulla and former Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, inset, take the oath at the start of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment hearing at the House of Representatives. Ver Noveno

CENTENNIAL CROWN. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, along with thousands of devotees, witness the presentation of the Centennial Crown offered to the Apostolic Nuncio on behalf of the Holy Father at the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag in Pangasinan. The President led the recitation of the Centennial Prayer as part of the Pontifical Mass celebrating the 100th anniversary of the canonical coronation of Nuestra Señora del Rosario de Manaoag. PCO

PAGASA sees dry months from June

THE Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) issued an El Niño Alert on Wednesday after noting a 79% probability that the weather phenomenon linked to below-normal rainfall conditions would develop between June and August.

PAGASA raises an El Niño Alert when the forecast probability reaches 70% or higher within the next two to three months.

“[M]ost climate models combined with expert judgments suggest a 79 percent chance of El Niño emerging in the June–July–August (JJA) 2026 season and it is likely to persist until

in some parts of the country. However, above-normal rainfall conditions may also be experienced over the western section of the country during the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) season,” it added.

PAGASA said moderate to strong El Niño conditions are likely during the September–October–November season.

early 2027. With this development, the Department of Science and Technology-PAGASA ENSO Alert and Warning System is now raised to El Niño Alert,” PAGASA said in a statement.

“During an El Niño event, there is an increased possibility of drier-than-usual conditions, which can lead to negative impacts such as droughts and dry spells

the issuance of a writ of mandamus directing the President to submit to a physical and mental examination, including a hair follicle drug test.

Likewise, petitioners seek the disclosure and publication of the medical report indicating the results of the examination, including medical and clinical confirmation of his physical and mental fitness to discharge the powers and duties of the Presidency.

“Here, the ability and capacity of the respondent—being the head of government—affects all facets of its operations and policy direction. As a matter of fact, the Honorable Court’s attention is invited to the lack of any executive proclamation or instruction entailing clear, positive, and effective action in response to the socio-economic effects being felt by the people... resulting from the war in the Middle East,” the petition reads.

“The respondent’s credibility has since suffered so much so that his representations in publicly televised interviews and appearances are dispelled by impressions of his own behavior and disposition,” it added.

Aside from Alvarez, other petitioners are Juan Raña Raymundo Junia and retired general Virgilio Garcia, in their capacity as registered voters and taxpayers.

so-called “cut and paste” pattern in asset declaration in the Vice President’s Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth.

Former Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV likewise linked bank transactions involving the Vice President and other members of the Duterte family to alleged drug lord Samuel Uy as he read and submitted his affidavit before the House panel.

Suspicious transactions

AMLC Executive Director Ronel Buenaventura said the council identified 313 covered transactions and 17 suspicious transactions in Duterte’s accounts, and 317 covered transactions and 16 suspicious transactions in those of her husband.

The flagged transactions totaled P3.77 billion linked to Duterte’s accounts, and P2.99 billion linked to Carpio’s.

“Yes, there are suspicious transactions and covered transactions in our system, database, or record,” he told the committee.

Buenaventura said the records showed an inflow of P1.83 billion into Duterte’s accounts and P2.59 billion into Carpio’s, for a total of P4.43 billion in deposits.

On the outflow side, he said, P1.21 billion was withdrawn from Duterte’s accounts and P343.32 million from Carpio’s accounts.

The AMLC also identified P791.1 million in transactions that could not be clearly determined based on available records.

The AMLC also noted a marked increase in the historical trend of the Vice President’s bank transactions, which surged to P208.15 million in 2007.

ing that 49 percent of Filipino families consider themselves poor, reflecting the strain of higher food, transport, and energy costs on household budgets.

The proposal faces legislative hurdles. A bill seeking a ₱200 increase— House Bill 11376—was approved on third and final reading in the House of Representatives in June 2025 but was not enacted before the 19th Congress adjourned.

The measure must be refiled and passed again in the current Congress.

Labor leaders are urging President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to certify the proposal as urgent to fast-track its approval, warning that delays could further erode workers’ purchasing power. The push for wage adjustments mirrors a broader global trend, as labor groups seek pay increases to offset inflation linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East

The volume further intensified between 2009 and 2013, with annual totals averaging more than P400 million.

Specific figures included P704.93 million in 2009, P597.15 million in 2011, and P648.58 million in 2010.

However, it is not ruling out the possibility of a strong to very strong El Niño by October–November–December or November–December–January.

“The alert means early action and early preparedness because there is already a possible potential impact even if the actual El Niño has not yet developed,” said PAGASA Climate Monitoring and

Buenaventura explained: “We don’t choose personalities. What we look at is the data and the numbers. We are looking more at the people behind the transactions, the movement, frequency, and flow of money, and if there is something different in the flow. We are after the money, not the person behind the money.”

Manila Rep. Joel Chua noted that the bank transactions were not reflected in Duterte’s SALNs.

‘Missing liquid assets raise doubts on VP’s SALNs’

Mamamayang Liberal party-list Rep. Leila de Lima, for her part, noted that there was “no declared or reported cash-in-bank or cash-on-hand from 2019 to 2024.”

“The sudden and continuous disappearance of the declaration of liquid assets — because cash-on-hand and cash-in-bank are liquid assets — despite the fact that there were previously amounts of cash-on-hand, cash-in-bank, raises doubts on the accuracy and completeness of subsequent SALNs of VP Sara,” she said.

De Lima also pointed to issues in the reporting of liabilities.

“It is noticeable that since 2021... only her husband, Manases Carpio, is the one who has declared liabilities and there has been no more reported debt or liability by the VP,” she said.

Lawyer Karen Batu of the Central Records Division of the Office of the Ombudsman confirmed that year after year, the liabilities reflected in the SALN submissions from 2021 onward were loans of Duterte’s husband alone.

De Lima also raised concern on the pace of the increase in the Vice President’s declared net worth.

“The declared net worth increased from P34,895,997 in 2016, to P71,658,841 in 2022, the year she assumed the office of Vice President. In the span of two years, this further increased to P88,512,370.22 in 2024,” she said.

Surigao del Norte Rep. Bernadette Barbers also noted how the list of

Prediction Section chief Ana Liza Solis. El Niño–Southern Oscillation-neutral conditions currently prevail across the country.

As of April 2026, a total of 15 areas in Luzon are experiencing drought conditions. There are 32 areas experiencing dry spells, while 23 areas are experiencing dry conditions. According to PAGASA, dry condition is characterized by two or three consecutive months with 21% to 60% less rainfall than average.

A dry spell refers to two or three consecutive months with more than 60% less rainfall than normal. Drought occurs when rainfall is between 21% and 60% below average for five consecutive months.

Duterte’s business interests and financial connections expanded through the years.

Barbers said three companies were declared based on Duterte’s 2007 SALN, which then went up to 11 declared business interests and financial connections in her 2023 SALN, spanning food ventures, fisheries, real estate-related firms, and security operations.

House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio also flagged what he observed to be a “cut and paste” pattern in Duterte’s SALNs, as her declared real and personal assets for 2019 and 2020 were identical, along with declared personal assets for 2021 and 2022.

The Ombudsman further confirmed identical real asset declarations for 2009 to 2011 and for 2016 and 2017.

Trillanes: Ties to drug-linked personality

Trillanes, for his part, said in his affidavit the Vice President and other members of the Duterte family received or encashed P181.6 million in checks allegedly tied to Uy, whom he described as a drug-linked personality.

He said these acts amount to impeachable offenses including betrayal of public trust, graft and corruption, and other high crimes.

Trillanes gave the breakdown as follows: “Sara Duterte, P22.3 million; Rodrigo Duterte, P15.6 million; Sebastian Duterte, P51.5 million; Paolo Duterte, P38.8 million; and Cielito Avanceña / Veronica Duterte, P53.2 million.”

He said a separate annex attached to his affidavit summarized the bank transactions that reflected the alleged payouts.

Trillanes said Uy is a known campaign donor of the Duterte patriarch and business partner of Michael Yang, a former economic adviser of the ex-president.

AMLC eventually confirmed that some transactions in the annex submitted by Trillanes were similar to the suspicious transactions flagged by the council.

The allegations relate to his time as mayor of Davao City between 2013 and 2016 and then as President until March 2019, when the Philippines withdrew from the ICC.

Duterte’s defense had argued the court had no jurisdiction over alleged crimes in the Philippines because the country is no longer subject to the Rome Statute, the ICC’s founding text.

The prosecution countered the alleged crimes occurred while the Philippines was still a member of the ICC and so judges can rule on Duterte’s case.

In an initial decision in October, the ICC pre-trial chamber sided with the prosecution, ruling that the investigation into Duterte began before the Philippines’ withdrawal.

The appeals court threw out the defense team’s challenge of that decision.

In a separate procedure, judges are weighing whether to confirm the charges against Duterte, the final step before a trial, which would be the first against a former head of state from Asia.

In any case, Duterte is unlikely to appear in court. He did not appear at Thursday’s reading of the decision.

The court granted his request not to appear for the hearings in February, with his defense saying he was not mentally fit.

The only time he has been seen since his arrest and transfer to The Hague was at an initial appearance via videolink, at which he came across as confused and exhausted.

Meanwhile, drug war victims viewed the decision as a “triumph,” affirming that ICC proceedings are also victim-centered.

“The victims celebrate the Appeals Chamber Decision for affirming and upholding the object and purpose of the Rome Statute to end impunity for the perpetrators of international crimes and to prevent such crimes,” Common Legal Representative of the Victims (CLRV) Gilbert Andres told Manila Standard.

“The Appeals Chamber Decision sends a strong message to the international community of states that mere withdrawal from the Rome Statute does not protect responsible state officials from criminal accountability for international crimes such as crimes against humanity,” Andres added. Jane Lee Molina, a relative of a drug war victim, vowed to continue the fight for justice.

“Ganito po pala iyong pakiramdam na mayroon kang pinananalunang laban... Ngayon po, sa wakas, matatapos na po iyong usapin patungkol sa jurisdiction. Iniisip po namin na hindi lang po si Duterte kundi lahat po ng kaniyang mga kasamahan sa pagpapatupad ng pekeng war on drugs,” she said. With AFP

ident accused Iran of wanting to keep the Strait of Hormuz open “so they can make $500 Million Dollars a day,” which he said the Gulf nation would risk losing if it remains closed.

Trump insisted in the post that keeping a US blockade of the strait, a critical waterway for about a fifth of the world’s oil and natural gas exports, is vital for forging a deal with Iran.

“People approached me four days ago, saying, ‘Sir, Iran wants to open up the Strait, immediately.’ But if we do that, there can never be a Deal with Iran, unless we blow up the rest of their Country, their leaders included!,” Trump said in the post.

In an earlier social media post, Trump indicated he had no desire to extend the ceasefire and had warned of a resump-

In a statement, the BI said it is currently implementing an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) covering Romualdez, which merely serves as a monitoring mechanism rather than a travel ban.

“An ILBO alerts the Department of Justice and the Bureau of Immigration on the possible departure of a subject individual and requires coordination with authorities. It does not, by itself, prevent a person from leaving the country,” the BI said.

tion of bombing when it expired.

“I have... directed our Military to continue the Blockade and, in all other respects, remain ready and able, and will therefore extend the Ceasefire until such time as their (Iran’s) proposal is submitted,” Trump wrote on social media.

Ahead of Trump’s eleventh-hour intervention, it was unclear when the original ceasefire would expire, with Pakistan indicating it would end at 2350 GMT Tuesday.

This moment came and went with no reports of new military activity by Iran, which had said the ceasefire would end at 0000 GMT. Iran has yet to respond to Trump’s ceasefire extension.

The fate of peace talks hosted by Pakistan was left hanging in the balance following Trump’s announcement.

A White House official confirmed that Vice President JD Vance would not travel to Pakistan for talks Tuesday as previously planned, pending the submission of an Iranian proposal.

The agency emphasized that a Hold Departure Order—such as one that may be issued by the Sandiganbayan—carries the force of a legal directive mandating the immediate prevention of a person’s departure.

“Should a valid HDO be issued by the court, the Bureau of Immigration will enforce it strictly at all ports of exit, regardless of the individual’s position,” the BI said.

The clarification was made amid an ongoing preliminary investigation by the Office of the Ombudsman involving

In Islamabad, heavily armed police and soldiers secured the city’s government quarter on Tuesday, which was virtually shut down even though no Iranian-US meeting was scheduled.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked Trump for extending the ceasefire, and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres also welcomed it.

As the original ceasefire deadline approached, Iran preemptively threatened to attack its Gulf neighbors’ oil production facilities if their territory was used to attack it once the ceasefire expired.

Since the first round of talks in Islamabad, Trump announced a blockade of Iranian ports, which US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said would remain in place.

“In a matter of days, Kharg Island storage will be full and the fragile Iranian oil wells will be shut in,” Bessent said in an X post Tuesday, adding that constraining Iran’s maritime trade will target its “primary revenue lifelines.”

Romualdez. According to the BI, the existing ILBO ensures that authorities are informed of any travel movements while allowing due process to proceed.

Reports from Romualdez’s camp indicated that he had previously secured travel authority for a medical trip to Singapore, consistent with ILBO requirements. Meanwhile, the Ombudsman has reportedly sought the issuance of a precautionary HDO to ensure Romualdez’s presence during the course of the investigation. The BI said it stands ready to implement any lawful order issued by the courts.

He warned: “Any person or vessel facilitating these flows—through covert trade and finance—risks exposure to U.S. sanctions.”

The US Defense Department said Tuesday that its forces intercepted and boarded a “stateless sanctioned” vessel as part of Washington’s efforts. AFP has identified the vessel as one affiliated with Iranian activity.

Both sides have accused the other of ceasefire breaches.

‘Cursed ceasefire’

Residents in the Iranian capital who spoke to Paris-based AFP journalists say life has only worsened despite the truce.

“This cursed ceasefire has broken us,” said Saghar, 39. “I don’t know anyone around me who is doing well.”

Experts said Iran’s noncommittal public stance was an attempt to put pressure on Washington.

“The current standoff between the United States and Iran is no longer a

“The Bureau of Immigration remains committed to enforcing all valid legal directives and ensuring that subjects of investigation are available to face proceedings,” the agency said.

Assistant Ombudsman Nellie Golez during a hearing said Romualdez is a flight risk hence, the application justifies a preliminary finding of probable cause against him.

In a verified ex parte application, the prosecution noted that Romualdez has access to a diplomatic passport, extensive international contacts, and the means to travel quickly.

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. Despite the ongoing uncertainty, stocks rose on Tuesday amid lingering hopes for a deal to end the conflict.

Islamabad lockdown

On another front in the war, Israel and Lebanon, which have no diplomatic relations, will hold fresh talks in Washington on Thursday, a State Department official told AFP.

A separate 10-day ceasefire was agreed between the two nations on Friday and included Hezbollah, whose rocket fire in support of Iran drew Lebanon into the wider Mideast conflict.

Sporadic violence has continued and Israel’s military warned civilians against returning to dozens of villages in southern Lebanon. AFP

Gov’t agencies consolidate rules to enforce POGO ban, aid victims

By Charles Dantes

GOVERNMENT agencies on Wednesday signed a consolidated set of rules to enforce the ban on Philippine Offshore Gambling Operators (POGOs), assist victims, and manage seized assets, with Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto saying the measure aims to prevent the industry’s return “in a different form.”

Recto said the guidelines “put the final nail in the coffin” of POGOs and will also address the aftermath of their operations, including support for trafficked individuals and the disposition of properties linked to illegal activities.

“To put it simply, POGOs were erased from the Philippine landscape,” he said.

The Executive Secretary presided over the signing in Malacañang of the Inter-Agency Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for the implementation

Palace still considering possible Japan state visit

By Charles Dantes

A POSSIBLE state visit by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to Japan remains under consideration, Malacañang said Wednesday, with no final decision yet on the invitation.

Presidential Communications Office

Undersecretary Claire Castro said the government has yet to confirm the trip.

“Nothing is confirmed. We are still considering the invite,” Castro told Palace reporters.

of Executive Order No. 74, issued by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Nov. 4, 2024.

The SOP also implements Republic Act No. 12312, or the “POGO Ban Act,” which took effect late last year. Recto said the new rules consolidate 15 laws and department issuances into a single “omnibus action plan.”

The SOP establishes a unified and legally compliant workflow covering intelligence gathering, operations, evidence handling, prosecution, and asset preservation related to illegal POGOs and illegal gambling licensees.

The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) will serve as the lead coordinating agency, while the Department of Justice (DOJ)

No further details were provided, including the proposed timing of the visit or the agenda, if it pushes through. Japan is one of the Philippines’ key bilateral partners, with cooperation spanning infrastructure, defense, and economic development.

Any state visit would be expected to reinforce diplomatic and economic ties between the two countries.

As of writing, Malacañang has yet to announce additional developments regarding the invitation.

By Rolando Ng III

EDUCATION Secretary Sonny Angara announced the rollout of new learning furniture for use in public schools.

In a Facebook post on Tuesday, Angara said the redesigned desks and chairs are now separate and individually assigned, allowing students to write more comfortably regardless of ability.

“Ang disenyo ay mayroon nang sariling silya para sa bawat mag-aaral na hiwalay sa kanilang mesa (the design already includes an individual chair for every student that is separate from their desk),” he said, noting that the change aligns with Republic Act 11394, or the Neutral Desk Act.

The furniture uses a mix of wood and steel framing, a move that also aims to provide livelihood opportunities for persons with disabilities (PWDs) and support the bamboo industry.

“Tinitiyak din ng kilos na ito ang pagsunod sa Republic Act No. 7277 o Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities, sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay-priyoridad sa procurement ng mga wooden tables and chairs na gawa ng mga persons with disabilities (PWDs),” Angara added.

Plastic and steel components will also be used to improve durability against termites and exposure to rain. Previously, public schools common-

ly used wooden and plastic armchairs, which tended to favor right-handed students due to their fixed writing surfaces.

“Ito ay magdadala ng kaayusan, maluwag na espasyo, at mas maaliwalas na kapaligiran na suporta para sa mas epektibong pagkatuto (This will bring order, more open space, and a more pleasant environment that supports more effective learning),” Angara said.

(MS-APR.

Marcos declares special non-working days for cultural festivals nationwide

By Charles Dantes

MALACAÑANG on Tuesday said that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has declared a series of special non-working days in several provinces to allow residents to participate in local anniversaries and cultural festivals.

Under separate proclamations, the President designated specific dates in April and May as non-working days in parts of Laguna, Quezon, Batangas, Misamis Oriental, Palawan, and Tarlac.

Proclamation No. 1219 sets April 30 as a special non-working day in San Francisco to mark its founding anniversary, while Proclamation No. 1220 designates the same date in Calatagan for its Cultural Day celebration. On May 15, Proclamation No. 1221 declares a special non-working day in Calauan for the annual Calauan Pinya Festival, while Proclamation No. 1222 covers Lucban for the Pahiyas Festival, one of the country’s most prominent harvest celebrations. Proclamation No. 1223 declares May 22 a special non-working day in Gingoog City for the Lubi-Lubi Festival, which highlights the city’s coconut industry through street dancing and cultural events.

will deploy prosecutors early in case buildup to strengthen evidence and improve conviction rates.

The Anti-Money Laundering Council and the Securities and Exchange Commission will provide financial and corporate intelligence to track proceeds from illegal activities.

The guidelines also set protocols for the management and maintenance of seized POGO assets.

Authorities said the approach to addressing the impact of POGO operations will be victim-centered, with the Department of Social Welfare and Development tasked to provide temporary shelter, ensure trafficked persons are not criminalized, and facilitate access to the witness protection program.

In a separate set of issuances, Proclamation No. 1215 declares May 2 a special non-working day in Bauan for the Sublian Festival, known for its religious and cultural traditions honoring the Holy Cross and the Sto. Niño. Proclamation No. 1216 designates May 4 as a special non-working day in Taytay for the Pasinggatan Festival, while Proclamation No. 1217 declares May 8 a special non-working day in Camiling for its annual town fiesta. All proclamations were signed by Acting Executive Secretary Ralph Recto on April 16 and April 20 by authority of the President. Malacañang said the declarations aim to give residents the full opportunity to celebrate their local traditions and boost tourism and economic activity in their communities.

IN BRIEF

DND hosts Canadian security program reps

THE Department of National Defense (DND) welcomed a delegation of international students from the Canadian Forces College’s National Security Program (NSP) for an experiential learning visit in the Philippines, marking the program’s first engagement of its kind in the country.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. received the delegation on April 17, where discussions centered on key security issues in the IndoPacific region, particularly developments in the West Philippine Sea.

The visit forms part of the NSP’s academic engagement designed to provide participants with real-world exposure to regional security dynamics and defense cooperation initiatives. Rex Espiritu

BCDA to build second runway for Clark airport

CLARKFIELD, Pampanga—The state-owned Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) is gearing up for the construction of a second runway at Clark International Airport following the awarding of the detailed design project aimed at improving efficiency and supporting long-term aviation growth in Central Luzon.

Earlier, BCDA awarded the P206.9million detailed design project to the joint venture of Schema Konsult Inc. and South Korea-based Yoshin Engineering Corp. following a competitive bidding process conducted by the state corporation.

The additional runway will serve as a backup to the main runway in case of operational disruptions, ensuring continuity of safe operations and enabling nonstop airport activity in the future. The expansion is also expected to support increasing demand from logistics carriers and improve overall airport efficiency. Dexter A. See PNP chief: Look into training financial records

PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP)

chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Wednesday ordered a review of financial records of all regional training units nationwide following allegations that police trainees were forced to subsidize the housing costs of superior officers through a rental kickback scheme.

The alleged incident occurred at the Regional Special Training Unit in the Cordillera Administrative Region (RSTU-CAR), prompting Nartatez to direct the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) to determine whether similar schemes exist in other training units.

“We want to assure trainees and the public that this practice is illegal, and our move to review all training units nationwide will give them peace of mind that we will never tolerate wrongdoing,” the PNP chief said. Vince Lopez

MMDA to use NCAP cameras to catch waste disposal violators

By Joel E. Zurbano

THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is set to implement penalties against individuals engaged in improper garbage dumping on the streets, a practice that contributes to clogged waterways and results in flooding.

MMDA general manager Nicolas Torre said enforcement will be supported by the use of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras installed throughout Metro Manila, enabling authorities to monitor and apprehend

traffic laws, rules, and regulations.

“We can utilize our cameras now not only for the apprehension of vehicles but also for other violations such as littering and illegal parking,” Torre said.

“Even if no one catches you in person, we will review the CCTV footage and identify you. We will send the information to the barangay,” he added.

offenders effectively. Currently, the agency employs a total of 450 CCTV cameras as part of its No Contact Apprehension Policy

MMDA chairman Romando Artes earlier called on the public to avoid throwing garbage on the streets to reduce severe flooding in the metropolis, especially during the rainy season.

He said trash thrown on the streets takes years to decompose.

Torre said that if the individual is unable to provide a satisfactory explanation, a ticket will be issued requiring payment of a fine. He added that if the fine remains unpaid, legal action will be initiated.

Artes reminded the public to follow ordinances and practice proper garbage disposal.Heavy downpours have caused flooding and traffic on major thoroughfares in Metro Manila, mainly due to canals and drainage systems clogged with garbage, according to the MMDA.

SC to hold oral arguments on foreign divorce recognition

By Pot Chavez

THE Supreme Court (SC) is set to conduct the continuation of oral arguments for a case on the recognition of foreign divorce.

The proceedings are scheduled on April 28 at the Supreme Court En Banc session hall in Manila.

In August 2025, the High Tribunal previously held oral arguments on the same matter.

During the proceedings, Solicitor General Darlene Berberabe explained that paragraph 2 of Article 26 of the Family Code “has sparked much legal discussion since the Code came into effect in 1988.”

“This second paragraph has been the subject of many cases, and as a result, our jurisprudence has developed to clarify its application,” she said.

“At the heart of this case lies a tension between, on one hand, our

longstanding state policy disallowing absolute divorce between Filipino citizens and our consistent adherence to the nationality principle, and on the other, an unjustified invocation of dual nationality to render inapplicable the state policy,” Berberabe added.

The provision states that where a marriage between a Filipino citizen and a foreigner is validly celebrated and a divorce is thereafter validly ob -

tained abroad by the alien spouse, capacitating him or her to remarry, the Filipino spouse shall likewise have the capacity to remarry under Philippine law.

Invited as amici curiae are former Supreme Court Associate Justice Adolf Azcuna, former FEU Institute of Law dean Mel Sta. Maria, and family law experts Elizabeth Aguiling-Pangalangan and Ma. Carolina Legarda.

GIDA schools measure hurdles bicam

By Ram Superable

THE bicameral conference committee on Wednesday approved the final version of Senate Bill No. 1937 and House Bill No. 4745, collectively known as the Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA) Schools Act and the Last Mile Schools Act.

The signing took place at the Senate office in Pasay City, where Senator Bam Aquino led the Senate contingent in the bicameral proceedings.

“Studying is hard, but it is even harder when students must travel across mountains and rivers just to hold a pen. This is the harsh reality for students in remote communities.

When we bring schools closer to children, we also bring those children closer to achieving their dreams,”

Aquino said. The measure seeks to institutionalize sustained government support for public basic education in remote and disadvantaged communities that continue to face shortages in classrooms, teachers, and learning materials. It mandates that students should have access to schools within a threekilometer walking distance or be provided with safe transportation if that is not possible.

The bill also includes provisions to strengthen support for teachers assigned to remote schools through additional allowances and housing assistance. Aquino pointed out that significant time and energy are lost to travel, leaving students with less opportunity to focus on learning once they arrive in class.

Two new PNPA cadets face raps over hazing

By Vince Lopez

PHILIPPINE National Po -

lice Academy (PNPA) Director

Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan on Wednesday, April 22, reported another hazing incident inside the campus involving cadets.

Maranan said the incident was discovered on April 19 during a physical check when two cadets were found to have sustained bruises on their feet after allegedly being beaten by two upperclassmen with wooden sticks.

“The two, upon checking by our physicians, were found to have sustained injuries about the size of a one-centavo coin,” the PNPA director said.

“They said they were punished over their slow movement or laziness,” he added.

Maranan said the two upperclass cadets involved in the alleged hazing are now in custody as the investigation continues.

“I ordered the two upperclassmen to be sent to the Silang Municipal Police Station to face criminal charges, and I will sign their dismissal from the cadet program,” he said.

“They will be barred from entering the academy as they are no longer students of the PNPA,” he added.

Earlier, the PNPA faced controversy after 20 fourth-class cadets were found to have sustained various physical injuries in a hazing incident inside the academy on April 3.

The victims reportedly suffered chemical burns and injuries after being exposed to a mixture of liquid sosa and muriatic acid, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Three suspects were initially arrested and four more suspects were later identified.

Following the incident, the PNPA director and eight other officers were relieved from their posts. Maranan also said criminal charges have been filed against seven PNPA cadets and two police officers in connection with the incident, and their dismissal from the cadet program has been ordered.

OPINION

Tales of ‘Sir’ Ram

TOO late for me to write about the April 22 Bitrics and Terry fandango, Opus 2, so I will recall some of the claims made by Ramil Madriaga in his April 14 maiden performance.

He was introduced by the late Rep. Roilo Golez, PGMA’s national security adviser from 2001 to 2003 for whom he allegedly worked after finishing three consecutive terms as Paranaque’s representative in Congress.

Though Roy Golez and Rodrigo Duterte were members of the 11th Congress, the latter’s aides do not recall any close friendship between the two.

In the 2016 elections, Roy did not support Duterte’s candidacy. I was with the Duterte pre-campaign from Jan. 8, 2015 till his victory in May 2016, and I know this for a fact.

I asked fPRRD’s executive secretary whether Golez warmed up to the president after his victory, and Medialdea’s reaction was, “No, in fact, Golez was very critical of the president’s foreign policy, being too pro-America.”

I asked how Ferdinand Golez, Roy’s brother, got appointed director of the BCDA and the reply was he became commander of Naval Forces in Eastern Mindanao which encompassed Regions 10,11, 12 and 13, and like many other military and police officers assigned to Davao and nearby regions, then Mayor Duterte knew him personally.

Roy passed away in 2018, while fPRRD is in a Scheveningen cell, courtesy of PBbM, and cannot corroborate or refute Madriaga’s claims.

Those of us who had been up close and somewhat personal with the former president knew how he trusted very, very few people, and I was hoping that Sen. Bong Go, closest to Duterte, would belie Madriaga’s claim of being confidante tres, tres proche, entrusted with hundreds of millions of pesos in “secret” funds.

Bong Go must have kept quiet because he will be one of the jurors in the upcoming Senate impeachment trial, unlike his colleague, Imee Marcos, who immediately belied Ramil’s claims of an “accord sinistre” between the Dutertes and Marcoses in 2022, something the palace immediately concurred with.

The painting that curiously attracted Akbayan’s Percival Cendana, likely scripted too, which Ramil claimed to be his gift to Inday Sara was debunked by the real painter, a Gaisano at that.

The owner of the small resto-bar along Morato in QC showed his establishment to disprove Madriaga’s delivery tale. And pray tell, who would deliver millions to the Ombudsman’s office where there is no public parking area, then leave the keys of the delivery car atop a front tire?

Or fill that car up with hundreds of mil-

lions in cash, travel from Manila to Laguna in the dead of night, thence QC, just to come up with a nice soundbyte, “not 11 days but less than 24 hours”?

Only a PR man related to Ramil’s lawyer, aided by creative minds from the bowels of the advertising industry, could write that script.

Allegedly asked by Mans Carpio to “facilitate” the release of magnetic lifters from the BOC, Ramil met with Carpio’s Filipina lawyer at Burgos Circle in BGC whose name he cannot recall, yet he clearly recalled the difficult name of one Lin Wei Xiong, who gave him 175 million in a basement parking lot?

Exciting times!

I have been in key roles in several presidential campaigns, from Cory-Doy to Erap to PNoy to Duterte, as well as Mitra, Lacson and Isko, to know that sums of 10 million and more, even in this age, are never given to “bagmen,” because donors want to hand it to the candidate himself.

The scriptwriters cut-and-pasted campaign pictures and video clips where then candidate Sara called one “Sir Ram” and handed him a Philippine flag, and one where she held a small computer-printed placard greeting him “Happy Birthday.”

I recall how the late Senator Ernie Maceda who recounted his work as campaign aide to FM Sr, on how he would whisper to Ferdinand Marcos Sr. as they met a local supporter, “birthday niya nung isang linggo, batiin mo.” Politicians greet whoever their aides remember.

Even the current Dean of the College of Law of San Sebastian, run by padres Recoletos de San Agustin (Pope Leo XIV is an Augustinian), was incensed at Madriaga’s below-the-belt description of Inday Sara’s academic credentials.

If former Dean Rufus Rodriguez was present when Ramil read his supplemental affidavit, he would have bellowed angrily at the claim that the alma mater he led could be “fixed.”

Did we see another ‘Baste alumnus, Joel Chua of Quiapo squirm?

Bitrics’ fandango partner, Terry, in attempt to pooh-pooh the jailbird’s lachrymal confessions, now drools over the rehashed tale of Sonny Trillanes in the April 22 hearing

He, he, he, hoisted in their own petard! “Falsus in unum, falsus in omnibus,” even lawyer-senator Kiko Pangilinan would say.

And as we submit this article, former Speaker Romualdez vowed to tell all on the budget cum infrastructure mess. Exciting times!

Another eye opener?

CISIS management is always a tricky business most especially if it is caused by some kind of armed conflict wherein we had nothing to do with the way it started. Although we are not involved, the economic impact on the country is enormous because it is affecting the pockets of rich and poor alike. To make matters worse, we are left with simply trying to mitigate the negative effects on us to the best of our abilities.

On this score, we have to ask ourselves whether the response of our government was right, timely and adequate.

There are no easy answers to this question but, to be fair, at least the government is trying its best to provide monetary aid to all those affected.

But as we can see, some sectors are still complaining not only because of the inadequacy of the aid being provided but also the inefficiency of the distribution process due to incomplete lists of supposed recipients.

All these complaints can be traced to our crisis management system which is basically non-existent.

We do not have a permanent crisis management system in place to plan and respond to any sort of crisis be it natural or man-made on a long term basis. Every new administration that comes along implements its own adhoc system of crisis management.

For instance, how many deadly natural calamities have we had that should have prodded the government to develop a crisis management body like in many countries to better respond to these situations?

The simple answer as we all know is too many. This is partly the reason why every crisis or calamity is an eye opener as we always read in the news.

Let us look at the current energy crisis.

The government has again chosen the old chaotic and very inefficient practice of distributing cash.

We do not have a permanent crisis management system in place to plan and respond to any sort of crisis be it natural or man-made on a long term basis

In this day and age, one would have thought that the government can now do it electronically but as we have seen, one would be recipient died for waiting too long for his turn to receive his measly five thousand pesos.

We should have learned our lesson from what happened during the pandemic.

A lot of the cash intended for those in need went to the pockets of greedy, corrupt and enterprising government officials. Yet, we continue to use the method. With so many qualified computer pro-

Cyanide use in WPS should be firmly opposed

THE alleged use of cyanide by Chinese fishermen around Second Thomas Shoal (Ayungin Shoal), if substantiated, cannot simply be dismissed as a routine maritime incident.

It is an environmental, security and sovereignty issue rolled into one.

The Philippine government’s response must therefore be calibrated across three fronts: diplomatic escalation, maritime enforcement, and internationalization of the issue, while maintaining strategic restraint to avoid uncontrolled escalation.

Our diplomatic action should be immediate and formalized.

The Department of Foreign Affairs must lodge a strong protest, anchored not only on sovereignty violations but also on breaches of international environmental law, including obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to protect and preserve the marine environment.

The Philippines should not treat this as a bilateral grievance alone; rather, it should frame the incident as a violation of global commons.

Elevating the matter to multilateral forums, including ASEAN mechanisms and potentially the United Nations, will increase reputational costs for Beijing, especially given the prior ruling in the South China Sea Arbitration, which already invalidated expansive Chinese claims. Silence or delay would only normalize such practices.

The government must intensify maritime domain awareness and law enforcement presence.

The directive to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is correct but should go further.

Persistent surveillance using drones, satellite feeds, and coordinated patrols should document evidence of cyanide use in real time.

The government’s response should be firm but methodical: protest diplomatically, document relentlessly, protect the marine environment, and mobilize international support

This is crucial not just for deterrence but for building an evidentiary record. Rules of engagement, however, must remain defensive and disciplined. The goal is not confrontation but denial of impunity: intercepting, docu-

menting, and, where feasible, apprehending violators without triggering escalation.

Environmental protection must be treated as a national security priority. Cyanide fishing is ecologically devastating; it destroys coral reefs that serve as both food sources and natural barriers.

The potential degradation of the shoal could even affect the structural stability of the BRP Sierra Madre, which functions as a physical assertion of Philippine sovereignty. The government should deploy marine scientists alongside security forces to conduct independent water and reef assessments, ensuring that policy responses are grounded in empirical data.

And the government should deepen security partnerships, particularly with treaty allies and like-minded states. While the issue is environmental, it sits within a broader pattern of coercive behavior in the West Philippine Sea. Joint patrols, capacity-building, and intelligence-sharing with partners such as the United States, Japan, and Australia can enhance deterrence without direct confrontation.

We must demonstrate that unlawful acts, whether military or environmental, will be recorded and collectively opposed.

The government’s response should be firm but methodical: protest diplomatically, document relentlessly, protect the marine environment, and mobilize international support. Anything less risks allowing a dangerous precedent to persist in one of the region’s most contested and ecologically fragile areas.

One month phone-free: Young Americans try digital detox

WASHINGTON, DC – Getting around without Google Maps. No longer scrolling Instagram at the bus stop. Ditching your headphones to hear the birds sing.

In March, a group of 20- and 30-somethings in the US capital swapped their smartphones for basic flip phones and embarked on a one-month digital detox, part of an emerging movement of young Americans seeking to break free from the harmful effects of social media.

“I was waiting for a bus, and I didn’t know when it would come,” recalled Jay West, 29, who took part in the Month Offline challenge organized by a small startup with support from a local community group.

Old habits die hard, and West, who works as a data analyst for Washington’s metro system, said he would often find himself reaching into his pocket for his cell phone, only to realize there was nothing on it.

But in the end, he said, it was liberating.

“I was bored sometimes, and that’s okay,” West recalled one recent evening at a city community garden where detox participants met to share their struggles and joys of disconnecting. “It’s okay to be bored.”

Sitting beside him was Rachael Schultz, 35, who had to ask strangers on bicycles for directions. There was also Lizzie Benjamin, 25, who dug out old CDs her father had burned so she could listen to music without Spotify.

Before the detox, Bobby Loomis, 25, who works in real estate, struggled to watch even a single episode of a TV series without checking his phone.

But now, without his headphones, he enjoyed listening to birds sing as he took walks around Washington. And when the detox ended, his daily screen time dropped

grammers around, why can’t government agencies tap them to develop a program that can capture all genuine transport drivers?

As it is, are we sure that the number being mentioned in the media is reliable? Are there really that many tricycle, jeepney, taxi, delivery and motor cycle taxi drivers?

There has to be a better and simpler way to distribute aid so that everyone impacted by the fuel increases can benefit.

For example, many are arguing that suspending the excise tax and VAT for a certain period is better in many ways.

It benefits everyone and no money will find its way to the pockets of corrupt and greedy government officials.

With regards to the constant problem of

from six to four hours, roughly in line with the average for American adults.

‘Enriching, communal, social life’

Scientists have long been sounding the alarm, warning that cell phone addiction is associated with shortened attention spans, sleep problems and anxiety.

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Scientists have long been warning cell phone addiction is associated with shortened attention spans, sleep problems and anxiety

In a landmark ruling in late March, a California court ruled Instagram and YouTube are liable for the addictive nature of their platforms. An increasing number of young Americans are finally taking note. According to a YouGov poll conducted last year, more than two-thirds of people aged 18 to 29 would like to reduce their screen time. And new tools are available to make that happen: digital detox apps, phoneblocking gadgets, and groups, such as the one in Washington, that facilitate monthlong detoxes. On university campuses, weeks-long social media diets have become popular and screen-free evenings among friends have become a thing in big cities. Going smartphone-free even for a couple of weeks leads to “better well-being and improved ability to sustain attention,”

transport strikes, this problem will never go away so long as the government continues to rely on private operators to provide mass road public transportation in urban areas. If people still remember that first oil crisis of 1973, one outcome of that was the establishment of the MetroTransit Corporation. And its establishment was one of the few moves of the martial law government that the public really appreciated. Unfortunately, the succeeding government abolished the bus company and went back to the chaotic road transportation system that we have today. Had that bus company been continued and maintained, there would not be any of these perennial jeepney strikes being

said Kostadin Kushlev, a psychology researcher at Georgetown University. Preliminary studies suggest those effects persist over time, he added. Josh Morin, one of the organizers of the detox programs in Washington, believes that simply ditching the phone is not enough and that an appealing alternative is vital. His program involves a weekly discussion session for participants held at a karaoke bar in a trendy neighborhood of the US capital.

“In order to actually break that, you have to provide an enriching, communal, social life,” said Morin.

‘At the beginning of something’ The Month Offline initiative was launched a year ago by a company called Dumb.co. It costs about $100 per person to participate and the fee covers the loan of a flip phone pre-loaded with a handful of essential tools, such as phone calls, texts and Uber, that are synchronized with the user’s smartphone.

So far the startup has been making baby steps, hoping to surpass the 1,000user mark in May, but experts see a bigger trend.

Graham Burnett, a history professor at Princeton University, sees “the dawning of an authentic movement,” similar to the birth of the environmental movement in the 1960s, which led to landmark environmental protections.

Kendall Schrohe, 23, who works at a digital privacy watchdog, completed the monthly detox in Washington in January.

She can now navigate her neighborhood without relying on Google Maps, has deleted Instagram and launched her own digital sobriety group.

“I take an optimistic lens, and I feel like we’re really at the beginning of something,” she said. AFP

staged by these militant transport organizations.

The 1973 oil crisis also resulted in the government expanding its oil tanker fleet and increasing its oil refining capability to three.

Today, however, we do not have an oil fleet to speak of, no oil strategic reserve and only one oil refinery operating. That explains our vulnerability every time there is an oil crisis. There is therefore a lot of work to be done. When this United States-Israel-Iran war will finally be over, let us hope that our government planners will sit down and do some real planning and think of the next crisis which is just lurking around the corner so that we will be better prepared when it comes no matter what kind.

WORLD

Mexico pyramid shooter planned attack

‘INSPIRED BY U.S. MASACRE.’ This aerial view shows forensic experts and prosecutor’s office personnel working at the Teotihuacan archaeological zone following a shooting in Teotihuacan, State of Mexico,

MEXICO CITY – The gunman who killed a Canadian tourist and wounded 13 others at Mexico’s famed Teotihuacan pyramids had planned the attack days in advance, officials said Tuesday (Wednesday, Manila time), as evidence pointed to him being inspired by a US massacre.

President Claudia Sheinbuam called for tighter gun controls at tourist areas after Monday’s attack -- which comes just weeks before her country hosts several World Cup football matches.

Mexico State Prosecutor Jose Luis Cervantes, speaking at a press conference alongside Sheinbaum on Tuesday, said the gunman had made multiple visits to the pyramids, “stayed in hotels near the site ahead of time, and from there planned his violent acts.”

The gunman, who shot and killed himself as military personnel moved in, was identified as 27-year-old Mexico City resident Julio Cesar Jasso Ramirez.

The Canadian woman who died was in her early 20s.

Cervantes said that a backpack had been found at the scene with a gun, knife and 52 rounds of ammunition.

The bag contained literature and im-

ages linked “to violent events that are known to have occurred in the United States in April 1999,” Cervantes said, in an apparent reference to the infamous Columbine High School shooting. Two students, aged 17 and 18, attacked the Colorado high school on April 20, 1999, killing 12 classmates and a teacher in a matter of minutes, before taking their own lives.

Several other mass shooters in the United States have subsequently cited the high-profile Columbine tragedy as inspiration for their attacks.

An American who survived Monday’s attack, Jacqueline Gutierrez, told the Mexican newspaper Milenio that the shooter had mentioned Monday being the anniversary of the Columbine massacre. He also mentioned the pyramid being a place for ritual sacrifices in pre-colonial times, she said. AFP

Malaysia offers rare earths alternative

GBENG, Malaysia – Workers load tonnes of rare earth minerals into bags ready for shipping at a refinery in eastern Malaysia, fuelling the global pushback against China’s grip on the critical sector.

Rare earths are a key ingredient in products ranging from smartphones to fighter jets, electric cars and wind turbines -- and increasingly for hardware powering the artificial intelligence boom.

Global jitters about Beijing’s dominance as a rare earths producer have kicked Australian mining giant Lynas into action, expanding its portfolio of rare earths refined in Malaysia as it hopes to boost its approximately 10 percent share of the market.

China makes up the other 90 percent of the world’s market, stoking fears about Beijing’s ability to choke global supplies.

“China has built its success on executing a clear industrial plan -- it takes us to be serious about it,” Lynas company’s chief executive Amanda Lacaze told AFP.

Pushing against Chinese dominance will “take discipline, focus and clear planning”, she said during a rare press visit to the company’s sprawling chemical plant in Malaysia’s Gebeng industrial hub, near the coastal city of Kuantan.

The Lynas facility in Gebeng is now the world’s largest single rare earths processing plant.

China

Since 2012, the facility has been refining pure metals from raw materials mined in Western Australia, in an intensive and complicated separation procedure. It currently handles 11 of the 17 rare earths -- a number that is increasing -- with plans to expand even further to include “heavies” such as yttrium and lutetium, used for lasers, medical imaging and cancer therapy. From the plant, the bags are transported to Port Klang on the other side of Malaysia, and leave on a ship for Japan, where the metal powders are turned into high-performance magnets used in advanced industries such as electronics and aerospace. AFP

BRUSSELS – EU countries were set to make a push Wednesday to unblock a 90-billion-euro ($106 billion) loan for Ukraine, after Kyiv said it had fixed a damaged pipeline that had sparked a veto from Hungary. Hungary’s outgoing nationalist leader Viktor Orban -- who lost elections this month -- has stalled the loan for months as leverage in a feud with Ukraine over the Druzhba pipeline carrying Russian oil. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday said Kyiv had completed repairs on the pipeline hit by a Russian strike and urged the EU to green light the badly needed loan.

But Budapest has said it was waiting for oil to actually start flowing again before it would lift its veto. A Ukrainian official told AFP Wednesday morning that oil should start flowing to Hungary and Slovakia “within a few hours” through the pipeline. Ambassadors from the bloc’s 27 member states meeting in Brussels were expected later in the day to be asked to give their final greenlight to the loan. Hungary should then have a few hours to either agree or object in writing to the approval. The ambassadors were also due to consider approving a new package of sanctions on Russia that had been held up by the row. Russia-friendly Orban’s crushing defeat in elections after 16 year in power had fuelled hopes that the loan would be unlocked. AFP

NASA unveiled a new telescope on Tuesday (Wednesday, Manila time) to scan vast swathes of the universe for planets outside our solar system and probe the mysteries of dark matter and dark energy. The Roman space telescope is expected to discover tens of thousands of planets, possibly offering clarity abut

Navotas landfill smoke triggers alarm over serious health risks

By Rio N. Araja

VARIOUS environment groups on Wednesday pushed for accountability over the Navotas landfill fire that continues to burn, emitting hazardous smoke that poses serious health risks to families and communities in Metro Manila.

As the nation observed the Earth Day 2026, the EcoWaste Coalition echoed the calls of its members to hold accountable all parties behind the toxic landfill fire disaster.

It reaffirmed the urgency to get rid of unsustainable, end-of-pipe, quick-fix false solutions to the waste crisis to protect human health and the environment.

Huskies’ lethal attack on stray cat sparks viral online protests

By Joel E. Zurbano

PUBLIC outrage erupted on social media following an incident in McKinley, Taguig City, where a group of huskies attacked and killed a community cat named “Ghost.”

The Cats of McKinley volunteer group said it is preparing documents to file a case against the dog owner. Cat lovers in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) and McKinley have called for justice over the cat’s death.

A video posted online showed “Ghost” being attacked along Le Grand Avenue in McKinley. The man handling the huskies allegedly left the injured cat after his dogs bit it.

A bystander rushed Ghost to the nearest veterinary clinic, but the cat later died from severe injuries.

The incident has sparked the #JusticeForGhost campaign, which has been trending on social media. Cats of McKinley stressed the importance of keeping dogs on a leash and under control, especially in public spaces. The group said Ghost had been under its care since 2024.

It also noted that this was not the first reported case of huskies attacking cats in the area, urging pet owners to be more responsible.

“This is not only for the safety of our community cats, but for the safety of people and other animals around you. Incidents like this are entirely preventable if we practice responsible pet ownership,” the group said.

CARA Welfare Philippines (Compassion and Responsibility for Animals) echoed the call for accountability, saying responsibility goes beyond ownership.

“It shows in how we prevent harm before it happens—through caution, control, and respect in shared spaces. Ghost’s life mattered, as does every other life that quietly exists alongside us,” the group said.

“Let this be more than a story we feel sad about for a moment. Let it change how we act. Keep your dogs on a leash. Stay alert in shared spaces. Do not bring them out if you cannot control them. These are not small choices—they are the difference between safety and harm.”

The coalition said the government must address waste crisis at source by prioritizing policies, programs, and projects that prevent and reduce the production of trash, and not through costly end-of-pipe landfills or wasteto-energy incinerators.

The Mother Earth Foundation

flagged the apparent lapses in the Na-

votas landfill closure management, underscoring the urgent need for strict enforcement of Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act and Republic Act 8749 or the Clean Air Act as well as immediate accountability for the liable parties.

“These recurring incidents persist because the Philippines continues to rely on weakly enforced and inadequate waste policies that focus on disposal over prevention. Existing laws, like the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, recognize waste reduction and segregation, yet implementation remains poor,” the Greenpeace Philippines pointed out.

Critical gaps in policies, such as

the Extended Producer Responsibility Act, had continued to allow corporate overproduction and dependence on single-use products and packaging, “the main contributors to plastic pollution that is driving the increase in waste volumes,” Greenpeace said. Meanwhile, the Pagkakaisa ng mga Mamamayan sa Barangay Dampalit in Malabon City, together with the Samahan ng Mamamayan Zone One Tondo Inc. in Navotas City, raised grave concern over the effects of the lingering landfill smoke on the people’s health and safety.

In parts of northern Metro Manila, air quality plummeted to «very unhealthy» level even worse than when the fire was at its peak.

PDEA-PNP team seizes P278-m shabu, nabs 2

THE Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), in coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP), has seized 41 kilos of shabu worth P278.8 million and arrested two Chinese nationals during a raid in Quezon City.

Joint elements of PDEA-National Capital Region and the Quezon City Police District-Drug Enforcement Unit conducted the entrapment operation along Andrade St., Barangay Balingasa, resulted in the confiscation of 41 kilos of shabu concealed in a paper bag and carton boxes.

The two male suspects were identified only by their aliases Aye, 33, and Mok, 32, both from General Trias, Cavite.

Authorities reported that the suspects had been working as truck and ride-hailing drivers in Hong Kong.

The lawmen also seized sports utility van, a Hong Kong passport, a driver’s license, two mobile phones, and the marked money used in the buy-bust operation.

PDEA director general Isagani Nerez commended the operating units for their coordinated efforts, citing the significance of the operation in disrupting large-scale drug trafficking activities.

“This successful operation underscores our unwavering commitment

to dismantle drug networks that threaten our communities. The seizure of nearly P300 million worth of shabu is a major blow to illegal drug syndicates operating in the country,” he said. He warned foreign nationals involved in the illegal drug trade that Philippine authorities remain vigilant and uncompromising. Rio N.

Belmonte

orders barangays to be frugal on energy use amid crisis

QUEZON City Mayor Joy Belmonte has ordered the city’s 142 barangays to be prudent on energy use and boost efficiency amid the rising global fuel pressures and power demands.

“The effects of global instability are already being felt at the community level,” Belmonte said.

“Barangays must act decisively, reducing energy use while continuing to deliver responsive and reliable services to our people,” she emphasized.

The mayor issued an order mandating that all village chiefs or “punong barangays” to cut their monthly electricity and fuel consumption by at least 10 percent without comprising frontline services to remain fast, efficient and uninterrupted.

To meet targets, the barangays are required to limit air-conditioning use to 9 a.m until 4 p.m. and maintain temperatures at 24°C, switch off non-essential lighting, including a lights-off period from 12 noon until 1 p.m., turn off electricity in unused spaces, shift to LED and energy-efficient fixtures, ban personal appliances within barangay facilities, and reduce unnecessary travel and adopt video conferencing as the default.

Beyond internal operations, barangays have been directed to help residents lower their own energy costs by maximizing city programs, such as the QCity Bus Libreng Sakay and the QC E-Services Platform. Under Executive Order No. 7, the city government is extending the call for action to businesses and civil society organizations, urging them to adopt similar energy-saving practices and improve fuel efficiency through trip consolidation and smarter operations.

Private sector partners are encouraged to support food rescue and redistribution efforts and assist in price and supply monitoring under the Quezon City Price Coordinating Council. Rio N. Araja

IN BRIEF

New OPAPRU chief seen to speed up peace process LANAO del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong welcomed the appointment of former Interior and Local Governments Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento as the new Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU).

“With his extensive experience in public service, local governance, and his proven commitment to inclusive development and community empowerment, I am confident that Secretary Sarmiento will bring fresh energy and effective leadership to the crucial task of advancing lasting peace in Mindanao and across the Philippines,” Alonto-Adiong said in a statement. Adiong said he looked forward to working closely with Sarmiento and his OPAPRU team to “strengthen the gains of the peace process, promote reconciliation, and foster unity among our diverse communities.” Nash B. Maulana

PH, Hungary accord to promote agri dev’t THE Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) and the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences have formalized a partnership to promote agricultural research, education, and technology development through space science applications. The tie-up was sealed through an agreement signed on April 20 by PhilSA ad interim director general Gay Jane Perez and Hungarian University rector Csaba Gyuricza. Under the accord, both institutions will focus on the use of space science and technology applications to address challenges in agriculture and environmental monitoring, facilitate exchange of students, researchers, and other personnel for research and training, promote the distribution of publications and technical materials, and undertake the joint planning of education and research initiatives.

“Through this cooperation, we aim to further advance the role of space science and technology in addressing real-world challenges, particularly in areas of agriculture and environmental monitoring,” Perez said. Rex Espiritu

BOC helps OFWs sue Makati

plaints on April 20, 2026 against the Makati Express Cargo before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), accusing the respondent of large-scale estafa through cybercrime. The NBI reported that Makati Express Cargo did not maintain offices since 2023, with investigators uncovering indications of fraudulent activity.

At least 19 OFWs and their families have joined the case so far, broadening its scope and strengthening the charges against those involved. Vito Barcelo

PUBLIC DISCIPLINE CAMPAIGN. Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Romando Artes and Malabon City Mayor Jeannie Sandoval, along with some key city o cials, pose with the mascot of ‘Yes to Ayos’ drive geared at instilling civic responsibility to promote a culture of discipline among the people. Andrew Rabulan

DOGS, NOT CURIOUSITY, KILLED THE CAT. Cat lovers have launched a ‘Justice for Ghost’ campaign over the death of a cat named ‘Ghost’ who was attacked by a handful of huskies in McKindley, Taguig City.

Araja

THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2026

RIERA U.

Bacolod Tay

Tung’s Alexa Bartolano scores against Canossa Academy’s Briana Diaz and Nicole Agojo. Roman Prospero

Bacolod Tay Tung snares 2nd

PERENNIAL title-contender Bacolod Tay Tung breezed past Canossa Academy, 25-10, 25-9, for back-to-back wins in the Shakey’s Girls Volleyball Invitational League (SGVIL) Rising Stars Cup Division 1 on Wednesday at the La Salle Green Hills Gym. The two-time runner-up provincial squad displayed balanced scoring, with veteran Rhose Almendralejo leading the way, as the Thunderbolts improved to a 2-0 win-loss record for solo lead in Pool B.

Almendralejo had 11 points on eight kills and three aces, Cristina Gale added seven, Faith Banguia added six while Alexa Bertolano finished with five markers for Bacolod Tay Tung, which is considered as one of the biggest threats to National University-Nazareth School’s reign.

“Nakaka-pressure po siya pero alam ko naman po na kaya po naming gawin ang kailangan naming gawin and hina-handle lang namin ng maayos ang pressure,” Bertolano said.

Bacolod Tay Tung, which lost to NUNS in a five-set thriller in the finale last season, opened its campaign with a 25-19, 26-28, 18-16, escape over University of Perpetual Help System Dalta on Tuesday. Briana Diaz scored eight points for Canossa Academy, which dropped to 0-2 card.

PH athletics’ team shows might at Singapore Open SPORTS

By Randy M. Caluag

THE Philippine men’s 4x400-meter relay team struck gold, while the national squad collected multiple podium finishes at the recent Singapore Open Track and Field Championships.

The quartet of Frederick Ramirez, Alfred Talplacido, Alhryan Labita and Michael Del Prado topped the relay event in 3 minutes and 11.25 seconds, finishing ahead of Malaysia (3:12.65) and host Singapore (3:12.68).

The Philippines’ medal haul also included a bronze from Janry Ubas in the men’s long

Bugna blazes trail with triple crown in Capiztahan tilt

KATHLYN Bugna continued to separate herself from the pack, delivering another commanding performance to lead the Capiztahan Juniors Age-Group Tennis Championships winners at the Villareal Stadium in Roxas City last Monday. Riding the momentum of a doubletitle romp in Bacolod, the 15-year-old Batang Onay/RSB standout imposed her will on the girls’ 16-and-under field, surrendering just three games across four matches. She capped her run with a ruthless 6-1, 6-0 demolition of Tori Deocampo in the finals.

Bugna, from La Carlota, proved just as clinical in the 18-and-U division, once again overwhelming Deocampo, 6-1, 6-1, to complete a twin-title sweep. The latest feat adds to her growing collection of crowns, including her recent triumphs in the Palawan circuit legs over the past four months. With her blend of composure, consistency and quiet dominance, Bugna is fast emerging as one of the brightest prospects in Philippine tennis – a player whose trajectory suggests she could soon make the leap from junior standout to national mainstay.

jump, along with the same color of medals from Ramirez in the men’s 400 meters and Clinton Bautista in the 110-meter hurdles.

Ramirez clocked 47.80 seconds to place third in the 400m final after posting 47.68 seconds in the heats, completing a double podium performance in the meet.

In the same event, Mico Del Prado finished just outside the podium in fourth place with 48.33 seconds, while Labita placed sixth in 49.05. Talplacido advanced to the final with a 48.14-second run in the heats but did not finish the race.

Ubas ruled the long jump in his international season debut with a leap of 7.40 meters.

Bautista, meanwhile, secured bronze in the 110m hurdles with a time of 14.22 seconds.

Teammate Tochukwu Okolo placed fourth in 14.36 seconds and was set to compete in the 400m hurdles.

Altamirano upbeat of Gilas Women’s chances

By Jeremiah Sevilla

GILAS Pilipinas Women’s 3x3 head coach Anton Altamirano remains upbeat of the team’s chances in the 2026 FIBA 3x3 World Cup even after getting drawn into a challenging group.

The Philippines, seeded No. 17 in the 20-team field, is set to clash against reigning Olympic champion Germany (No. 6), China (No. 3), Italy (No. 11), and Latvia (No. 15) in Pool C of the tournament slated June 1 to 7 in Warsaw, Poland. “Honestly, it’s a tough group,” admitted Altamirano during the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum on Tuesday. “Pero kami, ang battlecry namin is lalaban talaga kami and show the world what we’re really capable of.”

Gilas Pilipinas Women’s 3x3 national team members and SBP o cials pose in front of a mural honoring some of the country’s greatest athletes at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex. Shown here are (from left) SBP executive director Erika Dy, Gilas Pilipinas Women 3x3 members Kaycee Dela Rosa, Mikka Cacho, Reynalyn Ferrer, Anton Altamirano (head coach) and Afril Bernardino, SBP public relations consultant Virgil Villavicencio, and SBP 3x3 program director Ryan Gregorio. Jeremiah Sevilla/Manila Standard

King’s Montessori evened its record at 1-1 after blanking Lyceum of the Philippines University-Cavite, 25-19, 25-19, in Pool A of the country’s biggest grassroots volleyball league, backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner and R and B Milk Tea. De La Salle Zobel barged into the win column for a 1-1 mark after dominating Emilio Aguinaldo College, 25-12, 25-16, in Pool D. In Division 2, University of Santo Tomas-B and University of Batangas High School bolstered their quarterfinal chances by keeping hold of the top spot in their respective pools in the tournament backed by Smart Sports, PusoP.com, Solar Sports Free TV, Mikasa, Asics, Eurotel, Team Rebel Sports and Rigour Technology as technical partners.

“We’ll represent our country the best way we can. Whatever the outcome, we’re going to be head held high, give our best, and try to shock the world,” he added.

Bannered by Afril Bernardino, Kaycee Dela Rosa, Mikka Cacho, Cheska Apag, and Reynalyn Ferrer, the national standouts are eager to display the grit and heart that propelled them to a historic silver-medal finish in the FIBA Asia Cup followed by a successful campaign in the World Cup qualifier held in Singapore.

Gilas’ preparations are already in full swing for its comeback appearance in the 3x3 World Cup since the country hosted the tourney back in 2018.

The team will join several competitions for its World Cup buildup, including the Sanya Asian Beach Games and the FIBA Women’s Series Manila stop, which features powerhouse teams like Mongolia, Poland, USA, Japan, and Germany.

PH must build more world-class sports facilities to produce top-notch athletes

THE Philippines should take advantage of the global popularity of tennis superstar Alexandra Eala by building world-class and state-of the-art sports facilities, especially tennis courts.

This is the expert advice of one observer amidst the wildfire-like popularity of the very young Pinay tennis ace.

“She is an icon, a global force among us Filipinos; and we can reciprocate what she’d been achieving by building world class sports facilities,” the source told the Manila Standard in an exclusive interview.

The source said the tennis superstar’s performance at the 92-year-old Rizal Memorial sports complex in January this year had proven she has the star power and charisma to attract sports aficionados worldwide.

However, the lack of sports facilities, according to the source, is a major challenge for Filipino sports officials to follow the wave by constructing more advanced sports facilities.

Among the world’s most advanced tennis courts/facilities are the Mouratoglou Academy in Antipolis, France; Rafael Nadal Academy in Manacor, Spain; IMG Academy Fields in Florida, USA; Billie Jean King National Tennis Center (home of the US Open; Rod Laver Arena (home of Australian Open); and Roland Garros

stadium (home of the French Open).

Right now, he said, the sports facilities inside the National Government Administrative Center (NGAC) at the Tarlac side of the former Clark air base is a fine example of a state-ofthe-art sports facility.

The NGAC has a track oval and an Olympicsized swimming pool plus an athletes’ village where students at the National Academy of Sports (NAS) at the New Clark City are currently staying.

The source said students at NAS are at the right place because NGAC has a perfect example of a world-class, internationallyrecognized sports facility.

“Students there are very lucky to stay in such an area where all of the facilities are at par with the world’s best,” the source explained.

But he said there are more than 20 sportsdisciplines that the Philippines needs to have in order to produce more world class athletes in the league of Eala.

“Marami pa tayong dapat ipagawa,” he pointed out.

The source explained that if the Philippines will be able to build more superb sports facilities, more world-class athletes will surely follow.

NAS, he said, is a perfect springboard for

The PH relay team

The Rod Laver arena, the home of the Australian Open, is a ne example of an advanced tennis facility.

Kathlyn Bugna (center) shines with her trophy after another dominant run at the Capiztahan junior tennis. With her are fellow MVP Francisco De Juan III (left) and coach Ronald Martin.

Asst. Editor

Jollibee Philippines earns the country’s first LEED certification for a quick service restaurant at its Enrile branch in Cagayan province, marking a milestone in sustainable fastfood operations. The Enrile branch in Tuguegarao City received the LEED Operations and Maintenance (O+M) certification from the US Green Building Council. Unlike design-only awards, the O+M rating evaluates how existing buildings perform day-to-day regarding waste management, indoor air quality and resource efficiency.

Business group backs lifting of coal power ban

By Othel V. Campos

The country’s largest business group said the move comes at a critical time as the Philippines seeks to strengthen its power supply while continuing a long-term transition toward renewable energy.

Level 19 Level 8 105% New fuel surcharge

CAB raises airline fuel surcharge to Level 19

By Darwin G. Amojelar

Current fuel surcharge

Increase in jet fuel prices

Airfares will rise sharply through the end of April 2026 after the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) hiked the fuel surcharge from Level 8 to Level 19 to combat surging global oil prices.

The regulator said in an advisory that the passenger and cargo fuel surcharge for both domestic and international flights will increase for the April 16 to April 30 period.

Under the Level 19 bracket, the fuel surcharge for domestic flights ranges from P627 to P1,834 depending on the distance. International travelers face surcharges between P2,070.77 and P15,395.15.

This follows a spike in global energy costs. International Air Transport Association (IATA) Jet Fuel Price

Monitor data showed average jet fuel prices reached $184.63 per barrel as of April 17, up 105.1 percent from the same period in 2025.

To manage the volatility, the agency is implementing a 15-day price monitoring and implementation cycle. This interim measure replaces the standard one-month cycle and temporarily suspends specific provisions of CAB Resolution No. 25 (2022).

The CAB said the move aims to mitigate the impact of surging fuel

SMART ENERGY. Slovenian Ambassador Dr. Smiljana Knez underscores the need for energy efficiency as current energy decisions shape future prosperity and security.

Speaking during the ‘Science2Business: Energy Resilience for Enhanced Security] conference hosted by Stratbase Institute and the Embassy of Slovenia to the Philippines, Knez says their country is ready to share technology in areas ranging from smart energy management and advanced electric drives to digital security and critical infrastructure protection.

By Alena Mae S. Flores

MANILA Electric Co. (Meralco) customers will see lower electricity bills starting in May 2026 after the Energy Regulatory Commission ordered the utility to refund P14.17 billion to offset rising generation costs. The refund, which averages P0.2511 per kilowatt-hour, stems from a “true-up” process for distribution charges implemented between July 2022 and December 2024. Residential consumers will see a higher refund of around P0.4278 per kWh.

The regulator accelerated the timeline for the remaining balance in Case No. 2025-025 RC, mandating Meralco to return the funds over 12 months instead of the originally planned 36 months. This decision aims to provide immediate relief as conflict in the Middle East drives up global energy prices.

Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) chairperson and chief executive Francis Saturnino Juan said the mandate protects consumers while ensuring a stable regulatory environment.

“The ERC’s mandate is to protect consumers while ensuring a stable and predictable regulatory environment,” Juan said.

“By expediting the refund, we are providing more immediate relief to Meralco consumers, particularly in the face of rising electricity costs driven by global and domestic factors,” he said.

The commission calculates the refund by comparing approved distribution rates against the Actual Weighted Average Tariff (AWAT), which is based on actual revenues and electricity sales. The mechanism ensures fair pricing during periods when the regulator cannot conduct a formal rate reset for private utilities.

An initial refund of nearly P20 billion began in April 2025 at a rate of P0.1189 per kWh. As of February 2026, P14.17 billion remained unrefunded.

Meralco originally proposed returning P19 billion over 36 months at an average rate of P0.1138 per kWh. The regulator instead approved a higher total of P19.958 billion and shortened the duration to increase the monthly impact for consumers.

The refund will appear as a separate line item on electricity bills labeled “AWAT (Refund)/Collect.”

The ERC said it will monitor the implementation and require regular reporting from Meralco until it returns the full amount.

prices on the riding public and airline operations. The regulator said the interim measure will be in effect until the current situation stabilizes or as may be revised or revoked accordingly.

Airlines are permitted to charge P3.22 to P9.43 per kilogram for domestic cargo and P10.65 to P79.15 per kilogram for international cargo under the new level.

While the surcharge helps carriers recover fuel costs and stem losses, it remains an optional fee that airlines must apply for before implementation.

“Airlines wishing to impose or collect fuel surcharge must file its application with CAB on or before the effectivity period, with fuel surcharge rates not exceeding the above-stated level,” the CAB said.

This follows remarks from Department of Energy Secretary Sharon Garin, who confirmed the government is reviewing the 2020 moratorium due to global fuel price volatility and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

PCCI president Ferdinand Ferrer said the economy cannot run on uncertainty and noted that while renewable energy remains the longterm goal, the immediate priority is stable and affordable electricity.

“Our economy cannot run on uncertainty. While the transition to renewable energy remains a longterm direction, our immediate priority is ensuring stable and affordable electricity,” Ferrer said.

The group said it supports new coal projects provided they adopt modern high-efficiency technologies to balance industrial needs with environmental responsibilities. PCCI cited the need for reliable baseload power to support industrial expansion and avoid supply shortfalls that could disrupt production.

High electricity costs remain a major constraint for foreign investors and local enterprises, particularly micro, small and medium enterprises. The chamber also highlighted the importance of a diversified energy mix to reduce exposure to global oil and gas price fluctuations.

THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2026 advertise@manilastandard.net

CIRCULAR

Republic of the Philippines COMMISSION ON AUDIT Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City

No.: 2026-001

Date: JAN. 08, 2026

TO : All Provincial Governors, City/Municipal Mayors, Punong Barangays, Sangguniang Panlalawigan/Panlungsod/Bayan/ Barangay; Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Chairpersons, SK Members, SK Treasurers, SK Secretaries; Heads of Department of Budget and Management, Department of the Interior and Local Government, National Youth Commission; Commission on Audit Assistant Commissioners, Directors, and Auditors; and All Others Concerned

SUBJECT : Updates on the Handbook on the Financial Transactions of the Sangguniang Kabataan to Provide Accounting Guidelines on the Proper Recording and Reporting of the Honoraria and Other Personnel Services Granted to SK Officials pursuant to Section 4 of Republic Act (RA) No. 11768,1 Amending for the Purpose Certain Sections of RA No. 10742, and Other Relevant Accounting Policies and Guidelines in the Implementation Thereof

1.0 RATIONALE

On January 28, 2020, COA Circular No. 2020-003 was issued prescribing the use of the “Handbook on the Financial Transactions of the Sangguniang Kabataan (HFTSK)” on the proper recording and reporting of SK funds. However, Republic Act (RA) No. 10742, otherwise known as the “Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Act of 2015,” and Article 423(a) of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the RA No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, provide that SK funds shall not be spent for personnel services (PS), hence, the HFTSK does not include accounting guidelines for the recording and reporting of honoraria and other PS for SK Officials.

Section 4 of RA No. 11768, amending Section 16(6) of RA No.10742, provides the following: The Sangguniang Kabataan members, including the Sangguniang Kabataan treasurer and secretary, shall receive a monthly honorarium, chargeable against the Sangguniang Kabataan funds, in addition to any other compensation provided by this Act and shall be granted at the end of every regular monthly Sangguniang Kabataan meeting: Provided, That the monthly honorarium shall not exceed the monthly compensation received by their Sangguniang Kabataan chairperson: Provided, further, That not more than twenty-five percent (25%) of the Sangguniang Kabataan funds shall be allocated for personnel services. The DBM shall issue the necessary guidelines implementing this provision; and The local government units may provide additional honorarium as well as social welfare contributions and hazard pay to the Sangguniang Kabataan chairperson and elected and appointed members through their own local ordinances: Provided, That the honorarium as stated in this section shall be subject to the post-audit jurisdiction of the COA.

In view of the foregoing, and in consonance with the rule-making function of this Commission under Section 2(2),3 Article IX-D of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, and Section 25(4),4 Chapter 2, Title I of Presidential Decree (PD) No. 1445 or the Government Auditing Code of the Philippines, this Circular is issued to prescribe the updates on the HFTSK for the accounting guidelines on the proper recording and reporting of the honoraria and other PS granted to SK Officials.

2.0 COVERAGE

This Circular covers the accounting guidelines on the recording and reporting of the honoraria and other PS of SK Officials, and other relevant accounting policies and guidelines in the implementation thereof.

3.0 DEFINITION OF TERMS

For the purpose of this Circular, the following terms shall be construed to mean as follows:

3.1 Additional Honoraria - refer to honoraria granted to SK Officials by a local government unit (LGU), on top of honoraria charged against the SK budget, for services actually rendered.

3.2 Hazard Pay - refers to a premium given only to government personnel exposed to hazardous situations such as, but not limited to, assignment in strife-torn or embattled areas, distressed or isolated stations, prison camps, mental hospitals, leprosaria, radiationexposed clinics/laboratories/workshops, disease-infested areas and areas declared under state of calamity or emergency which pose occupational risks or perils to life.

3.3 Honoraria - refer to the monthly honoraria, charged against the SK budget, and to the additional honoraria, charged against the financial assistance received from LGU/s.

3.4 SK Funds - for the purpose of computing the allocation for PS, SK funds shall refer to the following:

a. ten percent (10%) of the general fund of the mother barangay that is set aside for the SK for the budget year; and

b. other funds accruing to the general fund of the SK, such as the proceeds from their fund-raising activities pursuant to Section 8(e)6 of RA No. 10742, as amended by Section 1 of RA No. 11768, provided that such proceeds are not mandated to be used for specific program(s), project(s), or purpose(s).

3.5 SK Officials - refer to SK Chairperson, seven (7) SK members, and appointed SK Treasurer and SK Secretary.

4.0 GENERAL GUIDELINES

4.1 In the performance of their duties enumerated under Sections 8,8 149 and 1510 of RA No. 10742, the SK Officials, excluding SK Chairperson, shall each receive a monthly honorarium, chargeable against the SK funds, in addition to any other compensation provided by RA No. 11768, and shall be granted at the end of the month. Other compensation not authorized by RA No. 11768, such as MidYear Bonus, Year-End Bonus, Clothing/Uniform Allowance, and other unauthorized benefits/allowances, shall not be granted to the SK Officials. 11

4.2 The SK Chairperson automatically serves as an ex officio member of the Sangguniang Barangay (SB) pursuant to Section 430 of RA No. 7160. He or she enjoys the same privileges as the regular SB members and shall be entitled to a pro-rata honorarium for every SB session attended. As such, the SK Chairperson shall no longer be entitled to receive any honorarium charged against the regular SK funds, except those funded by higher-level LGUs, subject to the limitations in Section 3.2 of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Local Budget Circular (LBC) No. 148 dated December 23, 2022.13

4.3 Monthly Honoraria Charged Against the SK Budget

4.3.1 The amount of the monthly honoraria of SK Officials, excluding SK Chairperson, shall be subject to their attendance at SK meetings, deliberations, and official activities of the SK.14 Further, the monthly honoraria shall be pro-rated based on the actual work and/or attendance vis-a-vis the work and/ or meeting schedule or performance standards as may be prescribed under the internal rules of the SK concerned.15 As such, payment thereof shall be made at the end of each month.

4.3.2 The amount to be allocated for PS shall not be more than 25% of the SK funds pursuant to Section 16(6) of the Revised IRR of RA No. 10742, as amended by RA No. 11768.

4.3.3 The monthly honoraria of SK Officials, excluding SK Chairperson, charged against the SK budget shall comply with the following limitations: 16 a. It shall not exceed the rate equivalent to Salary Grade (SG) 9, Step I in the salary schedule implemented by the city or municipality where the barangay belongs; and b. It shall not exceed the actual monthly compensation of the SK Chairperson.

4.3.4 If the prescribed rate of the SG cannot be fully provided, the proportionate and uniform monthly honorarium shall be determined and approved by the SK through a resolution. 17

4.3.5 The grant of honoraria to SK Officials, excluding SK Chairperson, shall be included in the Comprehensive Barangay Youth Development Plan and Annual Barangay Youth Investment Program of the SK, and shall be subject to the SK planning and budgeting process pursuant to DBMDepartrnent of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) National Youth Commission (NYC) Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. I, s. 202518 dated May 23, 2025.

4.3.6 The grant of honoraria to SK Officials, excluding SK Chairperson, charged against the SK budget shall be subject to pertinent budgeting, accounting and auditing laws, rules, and regulations.

4.4 Additional Honoraria from LGU/s

4.4.1 The LGUs, i.e., provinces, cities, municipalities, and barangays, may provide additional honoraria, as well as social welfare contributions and hazard pay, to the SK Officials through their own local ordinances; Provided, that the grant of the additional honoraria shall be subject to the request of SK Officials, through a letter by the SK Chairperson, in accordance with Item 3.2.6 of DBM LBC No. 148, submitted to the LGUs concerned prior to

4.4.2

taken up as assistance to SK in the books of accounts of the LGU

4.4.3 The additional honoraria, as well as social welfare contributions and hazard pay, shall be subject to their attendance to SK meetings, deliberations, and official activities of the SK.21

4.4.4 The hazard pay as may be provided by the LGUs shall conform with existing laws and guidelines, such as Senate and House of Representatives Joint Resolution No. 422 dated June 17, 2009.

4.4.5 In no case shall the grant of additional honoraria to SK Officials result in a situation where the total honoraria to be received shall be more than the amount of honorarium being received by the members of the SB. The LGU officials concerned shall establish a mechanism or system to ensure that this policy is strictly observed and enforced.23

4.4.6 The grant of additional honoraria, as well as social welfare contributions and hazard pay, to the SK Officials, charged against the financial assistance received from LGU/s, shall be subject to pertinent budgeting, accounting and auditing laws, rules and regulations.

4.5 The total monthly and additional honoraria that the SK Officials will receive per month shall not exceed the rate equivalent to SG 9, Step I in the salary schedule implemented by the city or municipality where the barangay belongs. Sample illustrative computations of honoraria are presented in Annex 13 of this Circular.

4.6 Provisions set forth in the Internal Rules of Procedures on honoraria shall be in accordance with pertinent laws, rules and regulations.

4.7 Unexpended balances in the SK budget pertaining to honoraria, charged against the SK budget, shall revert to the general fund of the SK at the end of the fiscal year, and shall not thereafter be available for expenditure except by subsequent approval of the SK, through a resolution, in accordance with Item 4.3.5.6 of DBM-DILG-NYC JMC No. 1, s. 2025.

4.8 Financial assistance from the LGU/s for the additional honoraria, as well as social welfare contributions and hazard pay, shall be utilized solely for its intended purpose and specific period. Within ten (10) days after the end of the year, the SK shall submit a Report on Fund Utilization of Additional Honoraria (Annex 11) to concerned LGU. Any excess/unutilized balance at the end of the year shall be returned to the concerned LGU if stipulated under the MOA/contract. Otherwise, it shall be utilized for the same purpose in the subsequent year.

4.9 The Report on Fund Utilization of Additional Honoraria shall be prepared and certified correct by the SK Treasurer, and approved by SK Chairperson.

4.10 For proper recording and reporting of transactions pertaining to PS, the following registries, registers and reports have been added/revised:

4.10.1 Registry of Budget, Commitments, Payments and BalancesPersonnel Services (RBCPB-PS) (Annex 1);

4.10.2 Registry of Specific Purpose Fund, Commitments, Payments and Balances - Personnel Services (RSPFCPB-PS) (Annex 2);

4.10.3 Register of Cash Receipts, Deposits and Other Related Financial Transactions (RCRD) (Annex 3);

4.10.4 Register of Cash in Bank and Other Related Financial Transactions (RCB) (Annex 4);

4.10.5 Summary of Budget, Commitments, Payments and Balances (SBCPB) (Annex 5);

4.10.6 Summary of Specific Purpose Fund, Commitments, Payments and Balances (SSPFCPB) (Annex 6);

4.10.7 Quarterly Statement of Receipts and Payments (QSRP) (Annex 7);

4.10.8 Annual Statement of Receipts and Payments (ASRP) (Annex 8);

4.10.9 Notes to Financial Statements (Annex 9); and 4.10.10 Payroll (Annex 10).

5.0 ACCOUNTING GUIDELINES

5.1 Budget Monitoring

5.1.1 The specific policies and procedures on the receipt, utilization, recording and reporting of the approved budget for PS shall be the same as those prescribed under Item 5-Budget of the HFTSK.

5.1.2 The Budget Monitoring Officer (BMO) shall be responsible in the monitoring of the budget for PS and preparation of budget reports.

5.1.3 The RBCPB-PS shall be maintained regularly by the BMO to record the budget (annual and supplemental budget), commitments, payments and balances for PS charged against the SK budget. It shall be maintained by the BMO in addition to the RBCPB-Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE)24 and RBCPB-Capital Outlay (CO)25 prescribed in the HFTSK.

5.1.4 The RSPFCPB-PS shall be maintained regularly by the BMO to record the specific purpose fund, commitments, payments and balances for the additional honoraria, as well as social welfare contributions and hazard pay, received by the SK from LGU/s (such as the provinces, cities, municipalities, and barangays). It shall be maintained by the BMO in addition to the RSPFCPBMOOE26 and RSPFCPB-C027 prescribed in the HFTSK.

5.2 Receipts/Collections and Deposits

5.2.1 The specific policies and procedures on the receipts/collections and deposits of funds for PS, charged against the SK budget, including additional honoraria, the social welfare contributions and hazard pay from LGU/s shall be the same as those prescribed under Item 6-Receipts/Collections and Deposits of the HFTSK.

5.2.2 Funds received by the SK from LGU/s for additional honoraria, as well as the social welfare contributions and hazard pay, shall be recorded under “Assistance from Local Government Units” in the RCRD.

5.3 Disbursements/Payments

5.3.1 The specific policies and procedures on the disbursements/ payments of honoraria, charged against the SK budget, and additional honoraria, as well as social welfare contributions and hazard pay, shall be the same as those prescribed for payment of all claims out of the SK funds under Item 7-Disbursements/ Payments of the HFTSK except for Item 7.1.1528 which was already repealed by RA No. 11768.

5.3.2 Payment of monthly honoraria, charged against the SK budget, and additional honoraria from LGU/s shall be recorded under the “Honoraria” account. On the other hand, payment of social welfare contributions and hazard pay shall be recorded under the “PhilHealth Contributions” and “Hazard Pay” accounts, respectively. Both accounts are under the “Personnel Services” column of the RCB.

5.3.3 The Disbursement Voucher29 for the release of honoraria shall be supported by, but not limited to, the following:

a. Notice of meeting, duly approved by SK Chairperson, with agenda/meeting’s purpose; b. Minutes of meeting, duly approved by SK Chairperson; c. Attendance sheet; d. Accomplishment report on the SK’s official activities for the month, indicating the targets, duly certified by the SK Chairperson, and supported by an attendance sheet; e. Payroll; f. For additional honoraria, as well as social welfare contributions and hazard pay, in addition to Items a to e: i. MOA or contract, which should indicate the period covered for the additional honoraria; ii. Proof of receipt of financial assistance from concerned LGU; iii. Report on Fund Utilization of Additional Honoraria for the previous’ year’s

5.4.1

5.4.5

5.4.6

5.4.7

10.0

PH stocks slide below 6,000 ahead of meet

By Jenniffer B. Austria

PHILIPPINE stocks slipped below the 6,000 level Wednesday as investors turned cautious ahead of the Monetary Board’s policy meeting Thursday and amid stalled peace negotiations abroad.

The 30-company Philippine Stock Exchange Index shed 29.14 points, or 0.48 percent, to close at 5,989.56. The broader all shares index dropped 11.41 points, or 0.34 percent, to end at 3,376.12. With interest and inflation rates expected to rise, analysts said investors remained in a wait-and-see mode, largely ignoring the indefinite extension of a ceasefire between Iran and the United States.

“The local market declined on worries over the situation between the US and Iran,” said Japhet Tantiangco,

research head at Philstocks Financial Inc. “This comes as the two remain without a deal, causing the US to extend the ceasefire agreement while keeping a blockade at the Strait of Hormuz.”

Among the sector indices, only services closed the day with gains, rising 0.56 percent. Holding firms lost the most, falling 1.04 percent. Financials and property also dropped by 0.92 percent and 0.22 percent, respectively, on expectations that rates could increase.

Trading was thin, with value turnover at P5.27 billion. Foreign investors were net sellers, with outflows reaching P497.60 million.

Semirara Mining and Power Corp. was the day’s top index gainer, rising 1.18 percent to P30.10. Universal Robina Corp. was the main index laggard, declining 2.02 percent to P63.

The peso also weakened, slipping below the 60-level Wednesday to close at 60.13 per US dollar, down from 59.938.

Oil prices fell and Asian stocks were mixed Wednesday as investors assess the chances of US-Iran peace talks after Donald Trump extended his ceasefire at the eleventh hour but kept his blockade of the

NEWPORT SCHOLARSHIP. Newport World Resorts’ Academy for Leisure and Tourism is opening more than 200 scholarship opportunities this year across its food and beverage services training programs and its newly launched housekeeping program. The initiative aims to create pathways into the hospitality industry for aspiring professionals. Qualified applicants may be awarded a full scholarship grant with daily allowances.

THE smoke spewing out at the Navotas Sanitary Landfill that is choking Metro Manila and nearby provinces and obscuring the sun could be the precursor of the worsening urban blight.

Like a scene straight from a dystopian movie, residents here in the capital region have an eerie feeling that nature has altered its course―haze has taken over the skies amid the searing heat of the dry season.

The smolder since it began on April 10 has resulted in poor air quality, with that of Navotas reaching the orange level last Sunday. The city recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 138―classified as “orange,” meaning air quality is unhealthy for sensitive groups. Health authorities have advised residents to wear face masks and limit outdoor exposure as much as possible.

The smoke has spread rapidly. The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) recorded higher levels of nitrogen dioxide, a proxy for smoke extent, over Navotas City on April 11, with elevated levels extending to as far as Bataan due to predominantly westward wind from the port city.

Satellite images taken six days after the fire began, according to PhilSA, showed an estimated 28.58 hectares, or about 285,800 square meters, of land impacted. That is slightly larger than the area of Quezon Memorial Circle.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Monday advised the public that unhealthy air from the Navotas Sanitary Landfill is still affecting several parts of the National Capital Region. Landfills, whether smoldering or not, cause direct air and water pollution. The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the DENR noted that the air quality in Metro Manila was poor as of Monday morning, as the landfill burned for the 10th day.

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentration monitoring from the EMB showed acutely unhealthy air in Valenzuela City at 6 a.m.

PM2.5 refers to particulate matter measuring 2.5 micrometers or smaller, about 1/20th of the width of the human hair. The fine particles, including smoke and combustion products, can penetrate deeply into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, causing chronic illnesses.

“Very” unhealthy air quality was observed in Marikina and along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City. Unhealthy air was also monitored in Caloocan, Malabon, and inside the Ateneo de Manila University

campus in Quezon City.

Unhealthy air conditions also prevailed over the weekend in the same areas and some localities in Central Luzon, such as Bulacan and as far as Bataan.

Landfills are the bane of exploding population and poorly-planned urban development.

Available sanitary landfills in the Philippines, ironically, are fast filling up. Only a few new ones by the last count have been built to meet the increasing amount of waste produced daily.

But local government units are probably not aware of the best global practices in dealing with piles of trash. For them, landfills are simply the solutions to the mounting garbage problem in their districts.

Worse, landfill operators turn to incinerators that pollute the air and nearby communities, instead of recycling waste.

Burning waste is hazardous to one’s health and the environment. The most advanced technologies so far cannot prevent the release of huge amounts of pollutants that contaminate air, soil and water, and end up entering the food chain.

An automated materials recovery facility (MRF) like the one in Cebu that uses state-of-the-art equipment for waste segregation and storage, however, can recycle trash and prevent pollution.

Meanwhile, a town in Japan―Osaki―with a population of around 12,000―recycles 80 percent of its waste and shuns an incineration plant.

Plastics here are separated into different types and then compressed. The compressed waste then is taken to recycling factories across Japan, where they can be used as construction bricks, tiles and blocks.

Food waste, meanwhile, is collected three times a week with a blue bucket, according to UN News

It is crushed into smaller pieces. Pruned plants will also be brought in here, and they are mixed together with the food waste. The pruned plants contain many native micro-organisms. As they decompose, the waste turns into a rich compost, almost all which is used in Osaki’s farms.

A circular economy is about reducing waste to a minimum and recycling materials to maximize their value.

The Navotas landfill clearly was not built with a circular economy feature.

E-mail: rayenano@yahoo.com or extrastory2000@gmail.com

Strait of Hormuz in place. With the two-week truce in its final hours, the US president said he would push the deadline back indefinitely

following a request from mediator Pakistan and stressing the need to give Tehran’s “fractured” leadership time to form a proposal. With AFP

THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2026

extrastory2000@gmail.com

RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor

ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor

Lopez majority seeks probe into First Gen deals

THE Lopez family majority called on the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) to investigate First Gen Corp. for allegedly failing to disclose two “poison pill” provisions to secure the position of Federico Lopez.

The majority group claimed the company violated market rules by withholding these details for several months, depriving the investing public of timely and accurate information.

According to a statement from the family majority, First Gen did not disclose the provisions during the announcement of major transactions such as a P50-billion deal for sale of 60-percent of its gas assets, and a

P75-billion deal in February 2026 for a stake in hydropower business.

The majority said these transactions represent roughly a third of the market capitalization of First Gen and could significantly impact shareholder dividends and share prices if triggered.

First Gen chairman Federico Lopez only admitted the existence of the provisions after the majority group exposed them and the stock exchange requested a formal clarification, they said.

First Gen said the November 2025 provision would only activate if the February 2026 provision is triggered.

The family majority questioned the validity of the first provision, suggesting it may have been an afterthought or a retroactive insertion since it ap-

IN BRIEF

AmCham warns of risks in proposed labor bills

THE American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AmCham) expressed support Wednesday for efforts to promote fair employment but cautioned that proposed labor measures could negatively impact foreign investment and job creation.

The business group, in a statement, thanked Senate Committee on Labor, Employment and Human Resources Development chairman Senator Raffy Tulfo for the invitation to a recent public hearing regarding the proposed Anti-Endo and Magna Carta for Workers in the Informal Economy bills.

AmCham said it supports the objective of ensuring dignified and secure livelihoods for Filipino workers. However, the group raised concerns that additional regulatory measures may affect investor confidence and overall economic growth.

The business group said existing Philippine labor laws already provide a comprehensive framework governing contracting and subcontracting arrangements, with established rules and enforcement mechanisms. Strengthening the implementation of current regulations may be more effective than introducing new measures that could create overlap or confusion, the group said.

AmCham also underscored the importance of workforce flexibility, which allows businesses to respond to seasonal demand, project-based work and specialized service requirements. The group warned that overly broad restrictions could discourage expansion, reduce efficiency and limit job creation. Othel V. Campos

ACEN evaluates equity raising plans for expansion

ACEN Corp. is evaluating plans to raise additional equity capital within the next six to 12 months, including a potential stock rights offering, to support its long-term growth and maintain a resilient balance sheet.

ACEN president and chief executive Eric Francia told stockholders during the company’s annual meeting on Wednesday that the firm expects to decide on the structure of the capital raise by the middle of the year. The Ayala Group’s energy arm is exploring a range of equity sources to ensure flexibility, with the final timing depending on market conditions. The company is monitoring external factors such as geopolitical developments in the Middle East, inflation, interest rate movements and overall market sentiment.

“We believe that this measured approach allows ACEN to remain opportunistic while ensuring that any capital raise is aligned with shareholder value and long-term strategic objectives,” Francia said.

He said ACEN shifted its focus in 2025 from rapid expansion toward disciplined execution. The company reached over 7 gigawatts in attributable renewable capacity last year and transitioned its portfolio to 100-percent renewable energy. Alena Mae S. Flores Megaworld readies P21-b project turnover MEGAWORLD Corp. said it plans to turn over P21 billion worth of major property developments this year as the Philippine real estate giant accelerates construction across its nationwide township portfolio.

The company said it expects to deliver residential units at the Sunny Coast Residential Resort in Westside City, Parañaque; commercial lots within Northwin Main Street in Bulacan; and beachside residential lots at Paragua Beach Village in San Vicente, Palawan.

The Palawan project sold out within weeks of its initial launch. Megaworld president and chief executive Lourdes Gutierrez-Alfonso said the company remains focused on expanding its footprint in key tourism locations and business districts.

“This is our way of honoring the trust of our investors and fulfilling our part in helping build the nation. Each of these projects offers a development milestone for us, since these are designed to provide jobs, foster innovation, and become catalysts of growth in areas where we are present,” Gutierrez-Alfonso said.

The P12-billion Sunny Coast Residential Resort features two towers located near the Grand Westside Hotel at Entertainment City. Every unit includes a private balcony designed to provide views of the Manila Bay sunset. Jenniffer B. Austria

pears to reference a future, non-existent agreement.

The majority group raised concerns over whether the First Gen board and its independent directors were fully informed of the P24 billion in potential penalties associated with these deals.

They also questioned why board members did not demand immediate disclosure as required by Philippine Stock Exchange rules. The statement also criticized the management style of Federico Lopez, claiming he lacks the transparency he publicly professes.

“Since First Gen is always on the shorter end of the bargain and Prime always gets the upside, we keep asking Piki: who are you working for?” the family statement said.

Rice target at risk from high costs, El Niño

By Othel V. Campos

HIGH fuel and fertilizer costs combined with an approaching El Niño dry spell are threatening the Philippines’ ability to sustain record rice production this year, a government official said.

Department of Agriculture assistant secretary Arnel De Mesa said the sector is contending with multiple pressures that could weigh on productivity in the next cropping cycle. While the government is implementing support programs to stabilize supply, the overall production trajectory is weakening.

“If the price of oil is too high, land preparation and crop establishment become expensive. Tractors, cultivators and other agri-machinery cost more to operate,” De Mesa said.

Monitoring shows fertilizer prices remain elevated at about P2,500 to P2,800 per bag. De Mesa said the Philippine Statistics Authority has already revised downward its firstquarter palay yield outlook, making it difficult to project another recordhigh harvest for 2026.

The Department of Agriculture initially projected palay output at 19.68 million to 20.3 million metric tons of unmilled rice at the start of the year. However, external risks and global geopolitical tensions are adding fur-

Cebu Landmasters opens 144-room hotel in Mandaue

By Jenniffer B. Austria

CEBU Landmasters, Inc. (CLI) expanded its hospitality footprint with the opening of Radisson RED Cebu Mandaue, the first of its kind in the Philippines. The P1.99-billion development serves as the fifth operational hotel property under the company’s hospitality arm, CLI Hotels and Resorts.

Located within the Astra Centre mixed-use development on A.S. Fortuna Street, the 144-key hotel targets business and leisure travelers. The property provides access to major hubs including Cebu IT Park, Cebu Business Park, and Mactan Cebu International Airport.

“Bringing Radisson RED to Cebu marks the entry of a globally recognized brand into a market with strong and growing demand,” CLI Hotels and Resorts first vice-president Mathias Bergundthal said.

“This reflects our focus on well located, thoughtfully designed developments that respond to evolving and diverse travel and lifestyle needs,” said Bergundthal.

Group says NEA procurement hub threatens electric-coops

CONSUMER advocacy group Laban Konsyumer raised alarms over the National Electrification Administration’s (NEA) policy direction, warning that the agency’s recent measures undermine the interests of electric cooperative member-consumers.

The group identified the Regional Procurement Hub as a primary example of increasing centralization within the management of electric cooperatives. Under the RPH system, procurement decisions consolidate at the NEA level, which Laban Konsyumer claims weakens the ability of individual cooperatives to respond to local conditions and specific community needs.

“Instead of strengthening electric

cooperatives, this setup risks taking decision-making power away from the very communities these institutions are meant to serve,” the group said in a statement.

Laban Konsyumer questioned the NEA justification that the hub promotes efficiency and cost savings. The advocates cited a lack of clear explanation and meaningful consultation with stakeholders, noting that decisions affecting electricity service and pricing often bypass engagement with member-consumers.

Centralized procurement carries risks including project delays, reduced operational flexibility and the purchase of materials unsuited to local requirements, the group said.

Laban Konsyumer said consumers

would ultimately bear these burdens through higher costs and declining service quality.

The advocacy group also expressed concern over a broader pattern of limited transparency and reduced public participation in policy decisions. Because electric cooperatives function as member-owned institutions, the group said consumers should maintain a voice in decisions impacting their livelihoods.

Laban Konsyumer called on the NEA to provide a comprehensive explanation of its policies and to conduct open consultations with cooperatives and their members. The group urged the agency to uphold the principle that members should own and govern their cooperatives.

The hotel features five room categories ranging from Superior and Deluxe to suites and family rooms.

The design blends contemporary aesthetics with Cebuano influences and includes high-speed connectivity and streaming-enabled televisions. A lifesize jeepney installation stands in the lobby as a focal point to highlight local culture within the global brand.

Dining and leisure facilities include the Mediterranean-inspired OUIBAR+KTCHN, Asian takeaway at RED Deli and cocktails at The RED Deck poolside bar.

The property also houses a 24-hour fitness center, a spa, a swimming pool, and flexible event spaces named The Studio, The Loft, and the RED Room.

The addition of Radisson RED Cebu Mandaue complements CLI’s existing portfolio, which includes Citadines Cebu City, lyf Cebu City, The Pad Co-Living, and Citadines Bacolod City.

The expansion aligns with the company strategy to grow recurring income alongside its primary residential business.

ther uncertainty to domestic supply. Rice imports typically adjust to fill domestic supply gaps, De Mesa said. During a severe El Niño episode in 2024, imports reached 4.8 million metric tons.

The United States Department of Agriculture has projected that imports could reach 5.2 million metric tons for the next cycle depending on local harvest outcomes.

To mitigate the impact on consumers, the National Food Authority is preparing 10,000 bags of rice under the Benteng Bigas program to benefit about 50,000 people.

The Food Terminal Inc. is expanding its Kadiwa store operations following presidential directives. For long-term resilience, the department is advancing solar-powered irrigation projects to reduce dependence on fuel and lower production costs.

De Mesa said several of these projects are scheduled for completion in key regions, including Bicol.

DOE to secure power supply in Catanduanes as fuel costs soar

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Department of Energy said it is taking steps to ensure a reliable electricity supply in Catanduanes province as rising international oil prices strain local power generation.

Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said the government is responding to operational challenges facing Sunwest Water and Electric Co (Suweco) caused by the high cost of diesel.

“We are fully aware of the current situation affecting the operations of Suweco, particularly the pressure brought about by rising fuel costs and operational challenges that have placed strain on diesel-based generation,” Garin said.

The department said it is coordinating with the National Power Corp. (NPC) and PNOC Exploration Corp. to facilitate fuel deliveries necessary to keep Suweco diesel plants running. Diesel remains the primary stabilizing source of power for the island province.

Suweco has secured an initial fuel supply for 7 days of operation. Additional deliveries are being arranged on a continuous basis to prevent service disruptions.

Garin said the government is stepping in to align fuel logistics and inter-agency coordination to maintain uninterrupted power.

Financial support through the Universal Charge for Missionary Electrification (UCME) is also being deployed. NPC confirmed that subsidy funds for Suweco are ready for pickup, with subsequent payments being finalized.

“This is a critical intervention that can help ease immediate financial pressure on operations and support the company’s efforts to secure the fuel supply needed to maintain continuous electricity service in the province,” Garin said.

FUEL SUBSIDY. Land Bank of the Philippines enables the efficient and secure digital processing of the fuel subsidy for public utility vehicles (PUVs)—specifically for public utility jeepneys (PUJs) and UV

in Metro Manila.

Cebu Landmasters Inc. opens the P1.99 billion Radisson RED Cebu Mandaue, the first Radisson RED in the Philippines, featuring 144 rooms and local Cebuano design.

oil

Gov’t meets business groups to curb prices

By Michael Wong Ho

EXECUTIVE Secretary Ralph Recto convened business leaders and oil executives at Malacañang to coordinate government responses to surging fuel and commodity prices triggered by Middle East instability.

The separate but linked discussions included 22 business representatives and 25 petroleum executives. Recto pledged swift action to address escalating logistics costs, chronic port congestion and the volatility of global fuel supplies.

Energy Secretary Sharon Garin estimated that the Philippines maintains about 50 days of fuel supply. Recto described the consultation as a “dipstick reading of the nation’s fuel tank,” adding that the government will utilize diplomatic channels to replenish stocks and build reserves to prevent shortages.

Industry groups warned that rising diesel prices are rapidly inflating movement costs. Diesel accounts for an estimated 70 percent of transport

Taiwan’s cultural workshop empowers Filipino teachers

TAIWAN’S Overseas Community Affairs Council and the Culture Center of T.E.C.O. in the Philippines hosted a cultural workshop on April 18, 2026 to help local educators integrate traditional customs into their curriculum.

More than 30 teachers attended the “Dragon Boat Festival Cultural Workshop: Mugwort Craft and Wellness Experience,” which paired historical lectures with hands-on activities.

The program is part of a broader effort by the OCAC to strengthen educational cooperation and cultural exchange between Taiwan and the Philippines through teacher training and Mandarin resources.

Philippine firms offered new trade channels

ZHANJIANG Hua Hang CrossBorder E-Commerce Company is seeking Philippine partners to expand bilateral trade and investment, focusing on digital technology and supply chain management.

Founded in May 2024 by a group including Lu Di Geng, the company operates from its base in Zhanjiang, Guangdong province. The platform specializes in internet marketing, data services, and import and export operations for global markets.

Over the last two years, Hua Hang imported branded beauty products from Japan, South Korea and Europe. The firm also sourced Australian red wines and exported lighting products to Russia.

The company is promoting the Zhanjiang Aquaculture Fair, which runs from June 18 to 20, 2026. Hua Hang is advancing plans to export household appliances and slippers while importing fish products and Philippine specialty goods, including bagoong, dried mangoes, and banana chips.

Hua Hang is actively looking for Philippine partners interested in promoting trade and investment between the two countries, according to Hua Hang Joint Founder Lu Di Geng. Interested parties may contact the company through the Philippine-based NP Multimedia Consultancy Services at npmultimediaservicesph@gmail. com. Michael Wong Ho

Grace Christian College guest instructor Huang Ting-Ting led the session, explaining the medicinal history of mugwort and its traditional role in the upcoming festival. Participants created mugwort massage hammers, which are wellness tools made from dried herbs intended to improve circulation.

Huang shared strategies for using experiential learning to make heritage lessons more relatable. She said educators can engage students more effectively by using storytelling, creative crafts and contextual teaching.

Culture Center director Eric Po-chih Chuang said the initiative provides teachers with practical methods to

bring heritage into the classroom.

“By bringing culture into everyday learning, we not only strengthen students’ language skills but also deepen their connection to heritage and values,” Chuang said.

Chuang urged the 30 attendees to use storytelling and hands-on crafts to ensure cultural lessons remain engaging for students.

The event also featured the OCAC’s HuayuWorld platform. The digital hub provides free Mandarin teaching materials, training videos and cultural literacy resources for partner schools. Organizers concluded the workshop by presenting a certificate of appreciation to Huang for her instruction. Julie Ann Lope

Educators learn to integrate Dragon Boat Festival traditions and mugwort craft into classrooms at a Taiwan-sponsored cultural workshop in Manila.

Filipino-Chinese groups to host Water Cube Cup singing finals in Manila

THE Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) and partner associations will host the final rounds of the 2026 “Cultural China-The Water Cube Cup” Chinese song competition over three consecutive Sundays starting April 26.

Organizers scheduled the semifinal and final rounds for April 26 from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., May 3 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and May 10 from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

All events will take place on the ground floor of the FFCCCII building, where contestants should register and draw lots before their performances. The youth category completed its preliminary and second-round stages in January with assistance from the Federation of Filipino-Chinese School Associations. About 100 contestants advanced to the final round from an initial pool of several hundred singers.

The youth group preliminaries concluded in March with support from the Federation of Filipino-Chinese School Alumni Associations. More than 100 singers participated in this segment, resulting in the selection of 25 finalists.

FFCCCII co-organized the event alongside various Filipino-Chinese associations to promote cultural heritage through music. All participants should report to the FFCCCII office to finalize their registration details prior to the start of the competition phases. Michael Wong

expenses for many goods. These groups noted that container delays and port congestion translate directly into higher retail prices for consumers.

To ease throughput, Recto forwarded proposals to the Bureau of Customs to open container yards outside Metro Manila. He also referred a recommendation to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority to review truck-ban hours.

Other trade measures discussed included accelerating the digitalization of documentary processes, trimming redundant local government fees and removing unnecessary checkpoints for perishable cargo.

Recto urged the private sector to implement energy-saving measures

and flexible work arrangements to reduce peak fuel demand. He also called for cooperation to prevent unjustified price hikes.

The meetings included National Economic and Development Authority

Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, Presidential Communications Office

Secretary Dave Gomez, Senior Deputy Executive Secretary Maria Luwalhati Dorotan Tiuseco, PCO Undersecretary Claire Castro and OES Undersecretary Erwin Sta. Ana.

Participating organizations included the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Management Association of the Philippines, Federation of FilipinoChinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc (FFCCCII), IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines, Makati Business Club and Ease of Doing Business Foundation Inc.

FFCCCII executive vice president Jeffrey Ng and FFCCCII vice president David Chua represented their organization during the talks.

OEDO brings authentic Japanese flavors to Cavite

By Julie Ann Lope

JAPANESE restaurant OEDO

launched its first location at the Stadium Shopping Strip in Naic, Cavite, on April 19, 2026, bringing authentic Tokyo flavors to the local fast-food market.

Located on the 2nd Floor Food Centre, the outlet aims to provide a high-end dining experience at affordable prices through a menu rooted in 40 years of culinary tradition.

Kands Corporation president Ogawa and OEDO founder Obayashi established the brand based on a decades-long friendship. As a supplier of premium ingredients, Ogawa provided technical expertise and high-quality Japanese components to support Obayashi’s expansion into the Philippines. The brand focuses on the spirit of the shokunin, or master craftsman, to maintain quality.

“We are not just making food; we are delivering excellence,” Obayashi said. The restaurant uses 100-percent

Japanese rice, professional cold-chain management, and science-based recipe ratios to ensure consistency. A signature Don-gaeshi sauce is used to replicate Edo-period flavors from Tokyo across its various bowls. The menu features traditional dishes such as tonkotsu ramen, the S1 set consisting of ramen and a minced chicken bowl, tori soboro don, pork donburi, gyudon, oyakodon, katsudon, and pork cutlet curry rice. Other options include mild Japanese curry and a crispy teriyaki karage bowl. The beverage and dessert selection includes matcha tea, matcha lattes, sweet soy dango, and mizu shingen mochi.

Joshibi University of Art and Design graduate and daughter of the founder, Obayashi, designed the brand’s visual identity. She utilized a black and gold aesthetic for the signage and interiors to differentiate the outlet from standard mall dining spaces.

OEDO plans to introduce additional menu items and expand to new locations in the coming months.

THE Federation of FilipinoChinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc.’s (FFCCCII) social responsibility committee provided free medical services to 830 individuals during a mission at Pinagbuhatan Elementary School on April 12, 2026. The FFCCCII team of six doctors and 10 dentists worked with barangay officials and school faculty to treat 600 medical patients and perform 30 dental extractions. The group also distributed 200 pairs of reading

Executive Secretary Ralph Recto meets with business groups and

executives to address rising fuel prices, port congestion and logistics costs amid Middle East tensions.

OEDO opens its first branch in Naic, Cavite, offering authentic Tokyo flavors, 100 percent Japanese rice and traditional shokunin craftsmanship.

William Yap Castro donated Gibi sports shoes

THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2026

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

Very Wang

Nickie Wang

two years shaping the film’s story, drawing from interviews with

SHOWBIZ

TO better understand their characters, Jodi Sta. Maria and her co-stars Sanya Lopez , Loisa Andalio , and Jane Oineza spent several days living in anonymity inside a Nagoya hostess bar.

For three nights, the cast of Midnight Girls worked inside a real omise, serving drinks and engaging with Japanese clients who had no idea they were speaking to film actors. The exercise was a deliberate immersion designed to reflect the lives of Filipina entertainers in Japan.

Irene Villamor’s ‘Midnight Girls’ lays bare

“Nobody knew among the Japanese clients who went there who we were or why we were there. The only thing they knew was we were newcomers, mga bago kaming salta, mga bagong ‘babae, ’” Jodi said after a special screening attended by co-stars Sanya and Jane, along with director Irene Villamor and other cast members.

Jodi plays Vicky, a seasoned Filipina hostess navigating the demands of nightlife work in Nagoya. The experience, she said, quickly moved past performance and into something more sobering.

The cast encountered the routines and pressures that shape the lives of many overseas Filipino workers, from language barriers to the emotional toll of maintaining a persona for clients. What began as research blurred into a lived glimpse of the struggles faced by Filipinos working abroad.

The film centers on women in Japan’s nightclub scene, tracing the complexities behind the bright interiors of hostess bars.

One of the most difficult scenes required the actresses to perform a song-and-dance number inside

the club. Jodi said the sequence tested her confidence, as she had to deliver with conviction despite nerves and the cold conditions on set. The director, known for relationship-driven films such as The Loved One, Only We Know, Sid & Aya, and Meet Me in St. Gallen, said “Midnight Girls” marked a shift toward a more social theme.

“When this project was given to me, ‘yung konsepto tapos nagimmersion , sabi ko ‘ at least hindi na pag-ibig na kuwento ,’” she said. “ Pero siyempre may pag-ibig pa

ABS-CBN debuts first vertical drama starring Alexa Ilacad, Gelo Rivera

ABS-CBN is entering the microdrama format with its first vertical drama, The Chambermaid’s Daughter, set to premiere on iWant on April 30, with episodes designed for short, mobilefirst viewing.

The series is topbilled by Alexa Ilacad and Gelo Rivera, who are introduced as a new on-screen love team. It centers on a hotel chambermaid whose life changes after a Korean guest hires her as a private translator, leading to an unexpected romance.

The show features Ilacad as Hannah Montano, a hotel room attendant who is often overlooked at work despite her dedication. Rivera plays Daniel Jeon, a Korean executive who selects her as his Tagalog translator. What begins as a side job develops into a personal connection as Hannah enters a new environment and both characters deal with their backgrounds and expectations tied to their roles.

ABS-CBN Studios said the project

din. Pero it’s a welcome change sa akin… dealing with issues na mas societal so parang sobra akong happy.”

She spent two years preparing the project, including research trips to Japan where she interviewed Filipina entertainers. The director said the stories shared by overseas workers shaped the script, which she developed with writer Rod Marmol over the course of a year.

Irene said she had Jodi in mind from the start for the role of Vicky, with Sanya, Jane, and Loisa later

is its first vertical drama, with episodes designed in short segments for quick viewing, joining iWant’s expanding lineup of mobile-focused series.

The first five episodes will be available for free on the iWant app, ABS-CBN Facebook page, and iWant YouTube channel. Episodes 6 to 30 will be available exclusively through subscription, priced at P35 per month in the Philippines and $12.99 per month in the United States.

Material girl: Madonna offers reward for missing clothes

AMERICAN songstress Madonna is appealing for the return of missing costumes she wore during her recent Coachella set with Sabrina Carpenter

The “Like A Virgin” singer, 67, took to Instagram to ask for help in finding outfits that vanished after the show.

“I discovered that the vintage pieces that I wore went missing—my costume that was pulled from my personal archives—jacket, corset, dress, and other garments,” the diva wrote.

“These aren’t just clothes, they are part of my history,” she said, adding other items from the

same era had also gone.

The missive came after her viral appearance alongside Carpenter during the weekend’s headline set at the festival in the California desert.

The duo performed Madonna’s 1990 hit “Vogue” and 1989’s “Like A Prayer”—chart smashes around the world a decade before Carpenter was born.

“I’m hoping and praying that some kind soul will find these items and reach out,” Madonna said, adding: “I’m offering a reward for their safe return.” AFP

joining the cast. Japanese actors were selected through auditions. The director chose to set the film in Japan to remain faithful to the women whose stories informed the project. She also incorporated elements inspired by their real-life accounts to ensure their voices were represented.

Midnight Girls opens in cinemas nationwide starting May 13. It also stars Carmi Martin, Zaijian Jaranilla, Shamaine Buencamino, Meryll Soriano, and Miggy Jimenez

By Angelica Villanueva

SB19 ’s Wakas at Simula: The Trilogy Finale concert is set to be released as a concert film.

On Monday, April 20, David Tu Sun Son g of CJ 4DPLEX shared behind-thescenes photos and clips from the April 18 show at the SMDC Festival Grounds.

“SB19 concert film shoot DONE,” he wrote, adding that the project aims to bring the experience “back to the big screen.”

David, who has previously worked on concert films for major K-pop acts, thanked SB19, 1Z Entertainment, and the group’s fandom A’TIN for their support.

“What we captured goes beyond just a recording. We’ll be back soon with something truly special,” he said.

The production team was also acknowledged during the concert’s

Madonna seeks the return of archival pieces worn during her guest set with Sabrina Carpenter (rightmost) after the items disappeared following their Coachella performance

SB19’s trilogy closer moves from the live stage to cinemas as production begins on a concert film capturing

From left: Jodi Sta. Maria, Loisa Andalio, Jane Oineza, and Sanya Lopez topbill ‘Midnight Girls’ ‘Midnight Girls’ follows four Filipinas as they navigate work, friendship, and survival far from home behind the bright interiors of Japan’s hostess bars

Alexa Ilacad (right) and Gelo Rivera headline a mobile-first romance that opens with an unexpected connection between a hotel worker and a Korean executive

Director Irene Villamor spends

LIFE & SHOWBIZ

Satirical comedy film ‘Samahan ng mga Makasalanan’ premieres on Prime Video

SATIRICAL comedy film Samahan ng mga

Makasalanan will begin streaming on Prime Video on April 24.

Directed by Benedict Mique, the film stars David Licauco as Deacon Sam, an idealistic young man assigned to Sto. Kristo, a town known for crime and vice.

Determined to guide residents toward reform, Sam forms a group called “Samahan ng mga Makasalanan,” bringing together self-confessed sinners in an effort to encourage change through community and faith. As the townspeople begin to

shift away from their old ways, Sam faces his own test of belief and temptation.

The cast includes Sanya Lopez, Joel Torre, Soliman Cruz, Betong Sumaya, Buboy Villar, Chariz Solomon, Liezel Lopez, Jun Sabayton, and Chanty Videla, among others.

The screenplay was written by Mique and Aya Anunciacion Produced by GMA Pictures, the film explores themes of morality, faith, and redemption through satire, presenting a story that balances humor with social commentary.

‘Mother

Mary’ turns fame into haunting echo chamber

By Nickie Wang

ANNE Hathaway enters uneasy territory in Mother Mary , a pop psychological thriller directed by David Lowery . The film arrived in Philippine cinemas on April 22.

In the story, Hathaway plays a global pop icon whose carefully managed image begins to fracture when she reunites with her estranged friend and former costume designer, portrayed by Michaela Coel . What follows is not a traditional comeback story but a slow excavation of old wounds, where loyalty, ambition, and identity blur under the weight of fame.

Lowery, known for the meditative tones of The Green Knight, leans into restraint. The film moves with deliberate pacing, allowing tension to seep through silences and sideways glances. It asks a pointed question without overstating it: how much of oneself can be traded away before there is nothing left to reclaim?

Music becomes both lure and weapon. Original tracks from Charli XCX Jack Antonoff, and FKA Twigs add texture rather than spectacle. Hathaway’s performance on “Burial” carries a brittle edge, while Twigs, who also appears in the film, delivers a quieter, more intimate counterpoint.

The supporting cast, including Hunter Schafer and Gerber, orbits the central pair without crowding them, reinforcing the film’s focus on fractured relationships rather than industry satire.

Not everything works cleanly. The story sometimes drifts, and its ambiguity may challenge viewers expecting a traditional arc. Still, its unease remains. Like a song that never fully resolves, Mother Mary stays in the mind, circling themes of vanity, connection, and the cost of staying in the spotlight.

Distributed locally by CreaZion Studios, the film joins a growing slate of A24 titles reaching Filipino audiences. Mother Mary is now showing in cinemas nationwide.

THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2026

Dementia Singapore premieres film anthology on care and memory loss

through drama, comedy, romance, and thriller genres, at Temasek Shophouse.

The project featured Singaporean filmmakers, including actor Andie Chen in his directorial debut. Chen directed What Day Is It?, a romantic comedy written by his wife Kate Pang, which followed a couple navigating love and memory loss with humor and tenderness.

“I wanted to tell a dementia story about love and hope in a romantic comedy,” Chen said, noting that many portrayals of dementia tend to lean toward heavier drama.

The anthology also included Another Go, directed by Gavin Lim, starring Tan Kheng Hua and her daughter Lim Shi-Ann as a couple facing early-onset dementia. Really?, directed by Jenny Ng, follows a son who gives up his job to care for his mother, drawing on real caregiving experiences.

Two Ways to Forget, directed by Raymus Chang, used animation and AIgenerated visuals to depict contrasting experiences of dementia, with voice work by Bernard Lim and Suhaimi Yusof

The Last Thread, directed by Vikneshwaran Silva, was a thriller about a retired soldier confronting memory loss and past trauma, starring A. Panneeirchelvam

The films featured a local cast that included Tan Kheng Hua, Lim Shi-Ann, Peter Yu, Alaric Tay, Onn Shu Ann, Suhaimi Yusof, and A. Panneeirchelvam.

Veteran producer Daniel Yun, who curated and produced the anthology, said the project drew from real-life cases and conversations with caregivers and persons living with dementia.

Dementia Singapore chief executive Bryan Tan said dementia affected not only individuals but also families and society, adding that empathy was key to building a dementia-inclusive community. Lien Foundation chief executive Lee Poh Wah said the films highlighted “lives altered by dementia” while helping reduce stigma and promote compassionate care. The project was built on earlier collaborations between the two organizations, including the “Forget Us Not” initiative and the Post Diagnostic Support program for dementia care.

Filipinos lace up for healthier lifestyles

MORE Filipinos are adopting active lifestyles, with running and outdoor fitness activities gaining popularity as health and wellness take greater priority.

From early morning jogs to weekend fun runs, running remains a widely accessible form of exercise in the country, supported by its community-driven culture and low barrier to entry.

The shift toward healthier living comes amid a broader focus on physical and mental well-being, as well as growing awareness of sustainability, Smart Communications said.

“Our initiatives reflect our belief that progress must be purposeful and sustainable,” said Marjorie Garrovillo, first vice president and co-officer in charge at Smart Communications Inc. “As we expand our 5G infrastructure, we are also committed to ensuring our growth supports healthier communities and a

greener planet.”

The telco added that it is supporting wellness and environmental initiatives through partnerships and community events, including running programs such as the GCash Run, which combines fitness, digital engagement, and environmental advocacy. Alongside these efforts, Smart is expanding its 5G network nationwide to support what it described as a more connected digital ecosystem.

The company reported an 88 percent year-on-year increase in 5G traffic, driven by rising adoption of 5G-capable devices. These devices grew 35 percent year-on-year to 11.2 million, accounting for 19 percent of total handsets.

Smart said wider access to affordable 5G devices and network upgrades are enabling faster speeds and lower latency, supporting fitness apps, real-time communication, and other digital services.

THE Lien Foundation and Dementia Singapore premiered A Singapore Dementia Story, an anthology of five short films exploring dementia

David Licauco (right) and Joel Torre lead ‘Samahan ng mga Makasalanan,’ a satire film that follows a young deacon trying to reform a town known for vice

Actress Tan Kheng Hua leads one of five short films in ‘A Singapore Dementia Story’

THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2026

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

The road to awareness, inclusion and care for autism

By Rolando Ng III

IN a country where 1 in 100 Filipinos are diagnosed with autism, awareness campaigns remain one of the crucial steps to increase knowledge among the general public. Autism Society Philippines has made it its mission to raise awareness of its effects on anyone living with it. Angels have flown by—or, in this case, walked— with people in need of treatment, support, and wholehearted care for many years now.

As such, this year’s Angels Walk for Autism, organized by ASP since 2000, will strive to fulfill its longstanding mission.

The event, which will take place on April 26 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, will feature a celebration of people supporting the needs of those living with autism. Families and personalities associated with the advocacy are set to engage with the general audience to raise awareness, especially on how those on the spectrum are living normally and are treated as humans in the wider community.

SM Supermalls vice president for operations, Junias Dunio, noted that communities like this have formed part of their corporate values through its

CSR arm. The mall chain has assured that its continued engagement with this sector supports its mission of inclusivity. SM Mall of Asia has been a haven for those who would like to engage with people who may be seen as different from mainstream society.

“This milestone reflects our shared journey towards inclusion. It only becomes real when we work together, when we open our doors for those who need it most. And we are willing to do what has not been done before,” Dunio said, adding that continuous engagement with the public and private sector is essential for its accomplishment.

Some families continue to care for members living with the condition.

Michelle Dee continues to serve as a living testament to her advocacy work on autism. Dee, ASP’s Goodwill Ambassador, has championed these messages throughout her reign in and out of the pageant stage.

However, she believes there are more things that ought to be done in campaigning for what autism is and how it should be viewed by wider society.

“The stigma nowadays is definitely that we see (autism) as a disability, but we forget to focus on the fact that so many of them are so talented and so capable. They are able to do so many things. We are beginning to see the right steps in that direction, including the efforts and the proposed National Autism Care Plan,” Dee noted.

Beyond campaigns, Autism Society Philippines remains hopeful that a bill will help advance the needs and causes of people living with autism, as well as those who care for them.

A walk, nevertheless, is always a step forward in breaking stigma and seeing autism in a more positive light.

SPEAKCLINIC, a digital health platform that connects families with licensed clinicians, is expanding access to teletherapy services for children with autism after receiving support from the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD).

The support is provided under the DOSTPCHRD Startup Research Grant Program, which funds continued development of the platform. The grant includes a one-year research and development roadmap covering an integrated therapy appointment and reservation system, as well as machine learning features aimed at improving pediatric intervention and supporting evidence-based care.

SpeakClinic allows families to book teletherapy sessions and consultations with licensed clinicians. It operates alongside Mylo Speech Buddy, a speech therapy support app designed to assist both clinical consultations and daily language development.

The platform was developed to address gaps in access to speech and developmental therapy in the Philippines, where families often face challenges related to distance, cost, and limited availability of specialists, particularly outside urban centers.

The initiative coincides with World Autism Awareness Month in April, which highlights the need for early intervention and inclusive support systems for individuals on the autism spectrum.

Throughout the month, Mylo Speech Buddy is offering vouchers for a 30-day free access to its platform. SpeakClinic also does not charge membership fees for users.

DOST-PCHRD’s support is expected to help develop the platform into a more integrated digital system combining clinical research, data tools, and collaboration among clinicians, therapists, and families.

Vincent Rocha, founder and chief executive officer of Mylo Incorporated, said the grant marks a key milestone for the platform.

“The support from DOST-PCHRD is a turning point for Mylo,” Rocha said. “What started as a personal journey to help children access speech therapy has grown into a research-backed digital healthcare solution.”

Beyond its clinical tools, Mylo Speech Buddy continues its autism advocacy through “Ausome Stories,” a digital series that has drawn more than 20 million organic views since its launch.

The latest season, launched April 14 and hosted by Tuesday Vargas, features families, therapists, and medical professionals discussing early intervention and long-term care.

FLEXIBLE work setups have eased daily

life for many corporate workers, cutting commute time and costs while allowing more space for family, hobbies, and health. But Rakuten Viber says remote work still brings challenges, especially communication gaps that can lead to misunderstandings without face-to-face cues.

The super app notes that clearer digital communication helps teams stay aligned and productive. It shared several practical habits for smoother remote work.

Treat video calls like in-person meetings. Video calls help build rapport and improve clarity but require discipline.

Employees are encouraged to be on time, dress appropriately, mute when not speaking, and avoid multitasking.

Manage availability wisely. Stick to work hours and communicate clearly when away from the desk. Teams should be informed about breaks, WiFi issues, or leave schedules, with some users using “on leave” tags or profile updates as

visual cues.

Reach out and tag responsibly. Avoid overusing group tags like @all and respect colleagues’ focus time. Sensitive or nonurgent matters are better handled through direct messages, while group chats should stay on topic.

Keep communication courteous and clear. Viber said tone matters in digital spaces. Emojis, GIFs, voice notes, and formatting tools can help avoid misinterpretation and improve clarity. It also encouraged giving recognition for good work.

Follow digital safety protocols. Workers should protect sensitive company data, use approved apps, and stay alert to phishing attempts. Keeping software updated and using security tools like VPNs was also advised.

Protect privacy in public spaces. Employees working outside the home should avoid unsecured WiFi and use tools such as screen locks on apps to protect information.

Mall is positioning its Quezon Avenue and Malabon branches as community wellness hubs, offering sports and fitness programs aimed at promoting active lifestyles and social connection.

The mall said the initiative goes beyond retail, integrating health and wellness activities into its spaces as part of a broader lifestyle offering for shoppers and “We’ve always envisioned our malls as more than just buildings; we want them to be places where you truly feel at home while pursuing a better version of yourself,” said Raymond del Rosario, president of Fisher Mall Group of Companies.

“By opening our doors to these programs, we’re creating a space where every neighbor can find their own path to wellness.”

The programs include martial arts training through A.L. Taekwondo at Fisher Mall Quezon Avenue, held on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, as well as Arena Fitness

Dojo sessions on weekends. Fisher Mall Malabon also hosts taekwondo classes on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

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