By Maricel V. Cruz
Co no longer under Czech custody—DOJ
PNP resurrecting probe into PCSO official's slay
By Rolando Ng III, Charles Dantes and Ram Superable
By Rio N. Araja
A MOVE seeking the inhibition of Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla in the case involving former Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez is grounded in established law and jurisprudence, a lawyer from the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG) said on Monday. At the same time, the FLAG lawyer said a precautionary hold departure order (HDO) against Romualdez may be challenged and lifted upon motion before the Sandiganbayan.
has
P1.48 billion worth of aid for communities that may be hit hard by typhoon ‘Julian’ which PAGASA says could turn into a supertyphoon. As of 5:00 PM on Sunday, PAGASA raised Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal
JUSTICE Secretary Fredderick
TVida confirmed that fugitive lawmaker Zaldy Co is no longer in the custody of the Czech Republic.
In a press briefing from Prague that began Monday midnight (Manila time), Vida said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was already informed of the "difficult news."
HE Philippine National Police (PNP) is reopening its investigation into the 2020 murder of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) board secretary Wesley Barayuga.
"We moved as quickly as we could. But we are working across sovereign borders," he said.
“Every country has its own laws, pro cesses and timelines, and we cannot compel a foreign government to act outside its legal framework,” he added.
By Maricel V. Cruz and Vito Barcelo
THE Sandiganbayan on Monday issued a pre cautionary hold departure order against Senate President Francis Escudero and businessman Maynard Ngu over their alleged involvement in the flood control mess.
On Sunday, PNP Chief Police General Rommel Francisco Mar bil said he ordered the reopening of the cold case after whistleblower Police Lt. Col. Santie Mendoza told the House Quad Committee that he helped carry out the killing at the behest of ex-PCSO general manager Royina Garma. Mendoza narrated before con gressmen how Garma allegedly fa cilitated the PCSO official’s roadside assassination on July 30, 2020 by providing the necessary information about his schedule, details about his vehicle and the funding necessary to carry it out. The whistleblower also implicated incumbent National Police Com missioner Edilberto Leonardo in the planning of the murder. Barayuga was a retired police general and lawyer who supposedly threatened to expose corruption within the PCSO shortly before he was shot dead in Mandaluyong City.
Colonel, allegedly gained the top spot at the PCSO because of her in
By Rolando Ng III, Maricel V. Cruz and Thony Rose Lesaca
By Alena Mae S. Flores
THE Department of Energy (DOE)
billion, other food items worth P276 million, and non-food items (NFIs) worth P919 million were already prepared by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Some P171 million in standby fund is also available for utilization by the DSWD, including P123 million which can be allotted as Quick Response Fund (QRF) in the central office of the DSWD. In Batanes, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) advised residents to secure their roofs and install window shutters as Typhoon Julian is expected to make landfall
Yang's lawyer mocks probers amid heated inquiry
legal counsel of Chinese businessman Tony Yang sought to disparage lawmakers’ conclusions about his client’s supposedly sketchy past and his alleged ties with Philippine Overseas Gaming Operators (POGOs) and even
Lawyer Raymond Fortun questioned the House Quad Committee’s impartiality and its ability to pin Chinese national Yang down for ay wrongdoing in a real
“I am very interested in how they [Quad Comm members] can prove this criminal network in court. In Congress, lawmakers act as both
Yang, who already admitted having a fake Philippine birth certificate, is the brother of Michael Yang, a presidential economic
adviser of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Fortun, a lawyer who often finds himself at the center high-profile cases, apparently sought to mock congressmen, calling their probe “unacceptable.”
of illegal drugs and illegal activities associated with POGOs,” Suarez said in a mixture of Filipino and English.
However, House members argued they did not come by their suspicions about Yang recklessly.
By Ram Superable
On Friday, Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr. of Pampanga and Deputy Speaker David Suarez of Quezon presented a matrix showing Yang’s first appearance and his subsequent activities at the Quad Comm hearing.
“We saw a pattern, and we tracked it to the top of these corporations... we stripped it of its layers , to get to the top and through it all, we have discovered and identified at least two main actors or players in the issue
matrix details Yang’s connections to other individuals involved in illicit activities, including the operations of illegal POGOs. are Brickhartz Technology Inc. and Xionwei Technology Co. Ltd., which are being linked to alleged kidnapping.
have connections with the Baofu Compound in Bamban, Tarlac, which, in turn, can be directly traced to disgraced ex-mayor
PAGASA
leaders Aurelio Gonzales and David Suarez
A2
VP Sara kill threat serious — Palace
By Charles Dantes
MALACAÑANG said Monday that President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has directed the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to act swiftly on what authorities described as a "serious threat" linked to Vice President Sara Duterte, including reports of alleged hired killers.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said the matter is being treated with urgency, emphasizing the gravity of the allegations given Duterte’s position as the country’s second-highest official.
Castro also said that alleged moves by some retired military officers to destabilize the government are "not new," following a warning from a senator about supposed recruitment activities within the armed forces.
Czech Republic has land borders with Germany, Austria, Poland and Slovakia.
Vida sa Co is in the Schengen area and is likely moving by land, given that his cancelled passport makes air travel difficult.
“What we can confirm is that he is within the Schengen area. That is the workable intel that we have,” he said.
"All our listening posts in the European Union have been alerted and are monitoring," Vida added.
Carpio...
From A1
Lima of Mamamayang Liberal partylist before the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office.
"Neither I nor my wife VP Sara has ever consented to the AMLC or any of its officers and staff to make public any transaction reports in relation to our bank accounts," Carpio said in his complaint. He said the publication of the bank transaction reports was “for pure propaganda purposes.”
On the same day, a Quezon City regional trial court junked Carpio's bid for a 20-day temporary restraining on the production of his Income Tax Return records before the House justice panel.
Carpio's lawyer, Peter Danao, said the court ruled the petition was already "moot and academic."
Danao said they have already filed a motion for reconsideration.
During last Wednesday’s impeachment hearing, the House panel decided to keep under seal the ITR records of the Vice President and her husband pending legal review.
During the same hearing the AntiMoney Laundering Council confirmed the Vice President and her spouse were linked to 663 bank transactions—630 covered and 33 suspicious—amounting to P6.77 billion, which were submitted to the House justice committee as part of the ongoing impeachment proceedings.
Of the total, P4.42 billion were inflows and P1.55 billion were outflows, with an additional P791.1 million classified as undetermined.
Lawmakers brushed aside the criminal complaint Carpio filed yesterday, adding that it would not affect the ongoing impeachment proceedings against the Vice President.
Meanwhile, the Central Bank said Remolona has yet to receive a copy of the complaint, and that the BSP governor will respond “before the proper forum.”
“We emphasize that the BSP and the Anti-Money Laundering Council continue to perform their mandates in accordance with law, guided by independence, professionalism, and due process,” the Central Bank said.
Manila Rep. Joel Chua, a lawyer and chairman of the House Committee
Diesel...
From A1
Garin said the price varies by location and delivery costs. This is the third week of consecutive price rollback due to the softening of global oil prices.
“Iba-ibang gas station, iba-iba ang presyo. Depende 'yan kung malayo sa depot or inland siya," Garin said. "Malayo i-deliver, mas magastos ang pag-deliver sa gas station so mas mahal ang benta." Seaoil Philippines, Shell and Jetti Petroleum announced their respective
"Unang-una po, totoo pong seryoso ang pagkakaroon ng isang tao, pagkakaroon ng isang public servant lalo pa na ikaw ay occupying the second highest position in the land, mayroon kang sariling assassin, seryoso na pong usapin," Castro said during a Palace briefing.
The NBI earlier confirmed that statements attributed to the vice president were not considered metaphorical or exaggerated, prompting an active investigation to identify individuals allegedly involved.
Castro said Mr. Marcos has left the conduct of the probe to the NBI, led by Director Melvin Matibag, underscoring that the agency is aware
tion, Ombudsman, and Commission on Audit were transmitted to Interpol.
Vida, who was accompanied by Philippine Center on Transnational Crimes executive director Romeo Prestoza, said the country has submitted additional documents to Interpol to support the red notice request against Co.
"With the voluminous documents we submitted, we expect that Interpol would grant our request," Prestoza said.
Vida said documents from the DOJ, National Bureau of Investiga-
on Good Government and Public Accountability, called the filing of a criminal complaint a “diversionary tactic,”
noting that neither the Vice President nor her husband has denied the AMLC report.
“This is clearly just a diversionary tactic to change the narrative… up to now they still haven’t denied the P6.7-billion transactions that passed through their bank accounts,” Chua said.
Cendaña added: “They have free will and they have plenty of money to file a case, but the question is: Did the members of the CoJ and the AMLC break any law? They did not.”
“Instead of wasting paper and time filing cases, VP Sara should just show up (for the April 29 hearing). That’s where she should explain,” he added.
Luistro, for her part, said the House Committee on Justice that is hearing the impeachment raps against the Vice President did not violate any law.
“What is clear is that these are attempts to suppress the disclosure of this information (AMLC data),” Luistro said.
“What the AMLC reported is not the bank account. What was reported were covered transactions and suspicious transactions…We opted not to subpoena the bank, including the bank records, because we can actually see from the documents of other government agencies the information that we wanted to see,” she added.
Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon, who is also chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts, said Carpio’s complaint does not dispute the existence or scale of the P6.77 billion in transactions flagged by AMLC.
“We haven’t heard them deny the figures. What they’re questioning is how this was discovered—not whether it’s true,” he said.
But Danao insisted that under Section 8a of Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001, AMLC cannot reveal any information it has obtained "in any manner."
"So, the law is clear: There is no exception, the prohibition is absolute," Danao said.
The AMLC, he added, should first get a bank inquiry order from the Court of Appeals if it wanted to secure "bank information."
He neither confirmed nor denied the P6.7 billion worth of bank transactions disclosed by AMLC.
rollbacks as announced by the DOE.
The country’s fuel inventory currently stands at 54 days. This includes gasoline at 53.91 days, diesel at 54.61 days, kerosene at 168.74 days, jet fuel at 70.83 days, fuel oil at 67.55 days, and LPG at 38.44 days.
The DOE also announced that all four diesel shipments secured under the government’s Emergency Energy Security Program have arrived. A total of 178,331,781 liters of diesel were delivered to strengthen the country’s buffer amid global market volatility and conflict in the Middle East.
of its mandate. "The NBI Director already knows his mandate. Thank you if this is being investigated more quickly," she said.
Castro added that the alleged threat extends beyond the President, citing remarks involving Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte. "This assassin will be used to eliminate the President, not only that, there is also the threat from Mayor Baste Duterte, this is serious," Castro said. The Palace did not provide further details on the specific directive issued by the President but reiterated the need for a thorough and expedited investigation.
Castro was responding to re -
Earlier on Sunday, Vida said the search for Co was not an impossible task.
The Philippines made the request to Interpol in November last year.
Co left the Philippines in mid-2025 for a medical check-up but did not return after the government launched a crackdown on alleged anomalies in flood control projects.
His passport was later canceled and his travel authority revoked after he was implicated in budget insertions and irregularities in flood control projects.
Sandigan... From A1
The anti-graft court’s Sixth Division, chaired by Associate Justice Sarah Fernandez, issued the order, acting on the request of the Office of the Ombudsman.
Earlier in the day, the court held a closed-door hearing to determine whether there was probable cause to issue a PHDO against Escudero and Ngu.
“Aside from being ex parte, we are considering that the evidence to be presented and the witnesses to be questioned will have to maintain a certain degree of confidentiality… The court is worried there may be spoilage of evidence if the hearing is open to everyone,” Fernandez said.
An ex parte request is filed before a court by one party without notifying or involving the opposing party.
The Ombudsman said Escudero and Ngu are being probed for alleged plunder, graft, and indirect bribery over questionable flood control projects.
Former Department of Public Works and Highways undersecretary Roberto Bernardo earlier testified before the Senate Blue Ribbon panel that he personally delivered 20 percent of about
Lacson...
From A1
“Definitely not, definitely not,” he said when asked if he needed a miracle to find Co and have him extradited or repatriated to the Philippines. Malacañang shared the same sentiment.
“We should all be hopeful. We want to bring Zaldy Co back to the country and that’s what the president wants,” Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a media briefing yesterday.
P800 million worth of flood control projects in Valenzuela to Ngu, allegedly on behalf of Escudero.
Escudero earlier refuted Bernardo’s allegations, while Ngu denied claims that he acted as a bagman for the then Senate President.
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Monday said it has implemented the PHDO against Escudero, effectively barring him from leaving the Philippines.
The BI said it is enforcing the directive of the Sandiganbayan Sixth Division, adding that Escudero remains in the country and is under close monitoring.
In a statement issued April 27, 2026, the BI said Escudero and Ngu have been included in its Hold Departure List, preventing them from boarding outbound international flights.
“Immigration officials added that alerts have been disseminated across all major ports of exit nationwide,” the BI said.
The PHDO stems from a verified petition filed by the Office of the Ombudsman on April 25, 2026, citing allegations of plunder, graft, and bribery tied to irregularities in flood control projects.
The BI emphasized that the measure does not imply guilt but aims to prevent flight risk and preserve the integrity of judicial proceedings.
“Other committee members do not seem keen on signing the partial report. If I present it via a privilege speech, I would not need to consult them,” he said.
The partial report currently lacks the required nine signatures to be sponsored in plenary, having secured only six as of Monday.
Once presented on the floor, the report becomes part of the public record and may be transmitted to the Office of the Ombudsman and the Department of Justice.
“It would be a waste if the evidence in the progress report could not be used because it did not get enough signatures,” Lacson said.
Efforts to gather more signatures are ongoing, with Senator Risa Hontiveros saying the findings must be made public amid strong interest in the probe.
“We will continue to follow this up so it can be reported to our fellow Filipinos… they need and deserve to know the full truth,” Hontiveros said in a radio interview.
She said six senators have signed so far, leaving three more needed for the report to be formally sponsored in plenary.
“We are no longer far from the required number. From the original four signatories, two more have been added. We are now six, and we only need three more for it to be sponsored on the floor,” she added.
The shipments mark a result of fuel security efforts under Executive Order No. 110, issued by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to safeguard domestic energy supply. Through the Philippine National Oil Company-Exploration Corp. (PNOC-EC), phased diesel deliveries were secured to maintain stable supply. The first shipment of 22,660,613 liters from Japan arrived in Batangas on March 26. The second shipment of 52,410,065 liters and the third of 50,808,430 liters arrived in Subic. The fourth shipment, totaling 52,452,673 liters, arrived in
marks by Senator Panfilo Lacson, who said some retired officers were allegedly planning to "grab power" amid ongoing political tensions involving President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte. "That news has been around for a long time, they have long wanted to carry out destabilization against our President, that is no longer new," she said. Asked whether the matter has reached the president and what directives have been issued to the security sector, Castro said authorities should proceed with an investigation if the claims are substantiated.
‘Move...
From A1
Lawyer Antonio Audie Bucoy said Supreme Court (SC) rulings, including Araullo vs Ombudsman and Soriano vs Deputy Ombudsman, recognized the applicability of inhibition rules to the Ombudsman.
“The Supreme Court (it) laid down, they said that the basis for inhibition of the Ombudsman, because it is executive, prosecutorial, the rules on inhibition used in courts can be applied, but the basis is not that strict. The Ombudsman is given flexibility in when he will inhibit,” Bucoy said in a radio interview over dzBB.
Romualdez’s camp earlier asked Remulla to inhibit, arguing that public statements attributed to him suggested possible prejudgment and could affect the fairness of the ongoing investigation.
They said inhibition is necessary to preserve due process and maintain public confidence in the probe involving the flood control controversy
Bucoy explained that there are two types of inhibition: mandatory and discretionary, with mandatory grounds covering conflict of interest such as family ties, prior legal representation, or financial stake in the case.
Bucoy said most cases fall under discretionary inhibition, which depends on the Ombudsman’s judgment but is guided by the need to remain impartial.
“If the Ombudsman has a prejudgment because of public pronouncements where he says, ‘this person is guilty,’ you know, prejudgment and coupled with actuation, ‘those are the instances where even though it is discretionary, the Supreme Court said, it should inhibit,” Bucoy said. He clarified that stepping aside from a case does not mean admitting bias or wrongdoing.
“It doesn’t mean the motion is right, I’m biased. Not necessarily, not necessarily. What he’s saying is, he doesn’t want to have color, he’s supposed to inhibit. He doesn’t want the process to have color, because ‘if it has color, he’s no longer impartial,” the lawyer said. Bucoy emphasized that inhibition is meant to protect the integrity of the process, not to derail it.
“No matter what the status of the investigation is when you hand it over to others, it will continue, you will not back down to zero,” he said.
Bucoy added that even if the Ombudsman inhibited, the case stays within the institution and will be reassigned to another official, such as a deputy or the Overall Deputy Ombudsman, ensuring continuity of the investigation.
“It can be reversed because it’s ex parte),” said lawyer Antonio Audie Bucoy in the same radio interview. The precautionary HDO was issued by the Sandiganbayan upon application by the Office of the Ombudsman as part of the supposedly ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities in flood control projects.
Bucoy said the order is issued ex parte—meaning it is filed by one party without prior notice to the other side— allowing the court to act based solely on the evidence presented by the applicant.
Davao City. Garin said the full delivery demonstrates the administration’s resolve to prepare for external supply risks.
“The arrival of all four diesel shipments shows that the government is acting with urgency to protect the country’s fuel supply,” Garin said. “As the Middle East conflict continues, our priority is to ensure that the Philippines remains prepared.”
The DOE said timely fuel arrivals are critical to supporting transport, logistics, power generation, agriculture, and industry.
“Ex parte, when the Ombudsman applied, there was no notice to the contrary. They alone will present evidence as to why the precautionary [HDO] should be ordered by the Sandiganbayan,” he said.
Bucoy said the ex parte nature of the order allows authorities to act swiftly, but also gives the respondent the opportunity to challenge it once notified.
Bucoy said such an order may be challenged on grounds of lack of probable cause, prematurity in the absence of a preliminary investigation, and the absence of any flight risk.
He said the Sandiganbayan may lift the order if these grounds were established.
‘LIGTAS TIGDAS.’ Parents and children line up for free vaccination during the launch of the ‘Ligtas Tigdas’ campaign in San Juan City, led by Mayor Francis Zamora as part of World Immunization Week 2026, in partnership with the Department of Health and aligned with the World Health Organization’s Immunization Agenda 2030, promoting vaccine access and protection under the theme ‘For Every Generation, Vaccines Work.’
‘No politics, no favoritism in brgy support’
EXECUTIVE Secretary Ralph G. Rec-
to underscored that the release of funds for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s development support to 42,011 barangays nationwide is governed strictly by compliance with requirements—not political considerations.
“This is not a political program. It is a program for the people—no color, no favoritism, and no one left behind,” Recto said.
Under the Bawat Barangay Makikinabang Program, each barangay receives P200,000. Half may be used for development and safety projects, while the remaining P100,000 will fund assistance for graduating college students at risk of dropping out.
Recto said delays in fund releases are due to incomplete documentary requirements, not politics, stressing that compliance with Commission on Audit rules ensures transparency and accountability.
He called on stakeholders to uphold the integrity of the program, emphasizing that government assistance is a right of every barangay and should not be used for political narratives.
‘Probe Negros operation deaths’
By Charles Dantes and Rex Espiritu
MALACAÑANG on Monday said the government would allow an independent investigation into a military operation in Negros Occidental that left 19 people dead, including a university student leader, a community journalist, and two Americans.
Presidential Communications Office
Undersecretary Claire Castro said the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has characterized the incident in Toboso town as a “legitimate military opera-
tion,” citing military reports that those killed were armed.
“Well, according to the AFP, a legitimate military operation took place, and General Brawner also said they were
armed,” Castro said in a briefing. She added the government would not obstruct an inquiry by the Commission on Human Rights.
The fatalities reportedly include Alyssa Alano, identified as a University of the Philippines student leader, and RJ Ledesma, described as a community journalist. Authorities have yet to release a full official list of those killed.
Castro’s remarks come amid renewed focus on the administration’s counterinsurgency policy following President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s recent meeting with the executive com-
Socmed ban on minors hard to enforce, says group
CITIZENWATCH Philippines warned lawmakers that a blanket ban on minors’ access to social media may be difficult to enforce and vulnerable to circumvention, urging instead “balanced, proportionate regulation.”
Co-convenor and former legislator Kit Belmonte said concerns over cyberbullying, online predators, and harmful content are valid, but
broad prohibitions may not address how young users behave or how platforms operate globally.
Belmonte said minors could bypass restrictions through VPNs, false identities, or by shifting to less regulated platforms, potentially displacing rather than reducing harm. He also raised concerns about the country’s readiness to implement such a policy, citing
Investigation into NBI raid needed Ejercito
By Ram Superable
THE Senate may launch a probe into the National Bureau of Investigation’s recent raid on Chicago karaoke bar and Bleu Hotel linked to the family of former lawmaker Michael Defensor over allegations of unfair treatment, Senator JV Ejercito said Monday.
“This is about ensuring that law enforcement agencies operate within the bounds of the law, free from undue influence, and guided solely by evidence,” he said. Ejercito said the inquiry would examine whether the April 21 operation applied the law fairly to all individuals allegedly involved in prostitution activities.
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla flagged possible
consistencies,
PRECIOUS FIND.
Workers discover a green sea turtle nest in Panglao, Bohol. Courtesy: DENR-7 Central Visayas.
the need for reliable identity systems, compliance audits, and mechanisms to regulate foreign-based platforms.
CitizenWatch proposed targeted measures such as stronger parental controls, safer default settings, digital literacy education, and stricter enforcement of consumer protection and data privacy laws.
mittee of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict. The AFP has not publicly detailed the operational circumstances of the encounter, including how the individuals were identified or whether arrest efforts were made.
University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) has confirmed that one of its students was among those killed in what the military described as an encounter in Toboso, Negros Occidental. In a statement on Saturday, UPOU identified the student as Maureen Keil Santuyo, an Associate of Arts student.
IN BRIEF
DENR: Protect green sea turtle nest in Panglao
PANGLAO, Bohol—The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Bohol called on the public and resort owners in Panglao to help protect a green sea turtle nesting site along the shoreline fronting Henann Resort in Tawala. The coastal stretch leading to Amorita Resort is known as a nesting corridor for green sea turtles. Provincial environment officer Wilson Henson said the nesting event shows that coastal ecosystems in Bohol continue to support marine biodiversity. He urged residents, visitors, and stakeholders to help keep the nest safe until the hatchlings reach the sea. Green sea turtles are vital to maintaining seagrass beds and marine ecosystems but are listed as endangered due to habitat loss, pollution, illegal trade, and climate change.
The nest was reported by local coordinators and confirmed by DENR-Panglao Island Protected Seascape, the Panglao Island Restoration and Rehabilitation Program, and the Philippine Coast Guard. Authorities cordoned off the site and advised nearby resorts to reduce artificial lighting that could disorient hatchlings. Minerva Newman
Police start probe into gov’t investigators’ data leak
THE Philippine National Police (PNP) will be working with the Office of the Ombudsman to track down those responsible for leaking the sensitive personal data of its field investigators.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. directed the Anti-Cybercrime Group to investigate the breach and identify suspects for possible charges. He stressed the seriousness of the case, noting it affects the safety of personnel.
The Ombudsman earlier condemned the online disclosure of its investigators’ identities, saying it appeared intended to intimidate them and expose them to risk. The agency described the incident as a direct attack on public servants’ security.
Nartatez said the probe will also examine possible internal involvement within the Ombudsman as part of the cyber investigation. Authorities are looking into both external and insider roles in the leak. Vince Lopez
PNP probes possible Ang link to online sabong in Negros
THE Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday, April 27 said it will probe police operations in Talisay City, Negros Occidental against illegal online cockfighting that may be linked to fugitive businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang.
PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño said the investigation will examine a police major’s possible ties to illegal e-sabong and other illicit activities in the region. The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) is also looking into the alleged links.
Authorities are checking two angles: a possible connection between Ang and the operation, and the police major’s alleged role as his operator. The officer, assigned in Bacolod City, has been relieved and is now under investigation at PNP headquarters. Vince Lopez
Most Pinoys don’t trust gov’t—poll
By Katrina Manubay
PUBLIC trust in key government institutions remains low amid the flood control project controversy, with both legislative bodies and implementing agencies registering weak approval with sustained levels of public skepticism, according to the latest PUBLiCUS Asia Inc. survey.
The Pahayag poll results showed that Congress continued to face weak public sentiment with the Senate recording 38 percent disapproval and 14 percent trust, while the House of Representatives posted 43 percent disapproval and 13 percent trust.
PUBLiCUS noted that distrust toward
Itogon ecotourism sites temporarily closed to visitors
By Dexter A. See
THE municipal government of Itogon, Benguet has temporarily disallowed trekking and other forms of related activities in identified ecotourism sites in the town due to “eminent danger” posed by forest fires in summer.
Mayor Bernard Waclin issued Executive Order No. 21 tentatively banning trekking, fun running, camping, and related activities “to ensure the safety of residents and tourists conducting outdoor activities. Waclin identified the closed areas as Ave Maria, Mount Bidawan, Mount Cotcot, Mount Pidingan, Mount Ulap, and Mount Ugo.
The mayor tasked the local police, fire, and disaster risk reduction and management office, as well as the barangay officials to ensure full compliance to the ban. Further, the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO), in coordination with local town officials and barangay leaders are enjoined to conduct continuing dialogues for the adoption and implementation of strategies to prevent the occurrence of forest and structural fires, as well as promote information, education and communication campaigns in their respective areas of jurisdiction to heighten public awareness on the prohibited activities.
both chambers remained high, with one in two voters expressing skepticism indicating deeply entrenched public doubt.
The survey also revealed that among implementing and oversight agencies, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) registered the lowest ratings, with 20 percent approval
and 13 percent trust.
The poll also showed that although distrust slightly declined from the previous quarter, it remained high at 60 percent, indicating continued public concern over infrastructure management and execution.\
Similarly, fiscal agencies indicated low confidence, with the Department of Finance (DOF) at 28 percent approval and 19 percent trust, while the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) logged 25 percent approval and 17 percent trust.
The figures implied that with about four in ten voters distrusting these agencies, there are concerns over budget allocation and financial oversight,
PUBLiCUS noted.
Accountability institutions also received modest ratings. The Commission on Audit (COA) had 30 percent distrust and 25 percent trust, while the Department of Justice (DOJ) posted 33 percent approval and 24 percent trust, and 39 percent distrust.
The Office of the Ombudsman garnered 28 percent approval and 19 percent trust, with 38 percent distrust, raising questions about the perceived effectiveness of anti-corruption and enforcement mechanisms.
Additionally, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) registered 30 percent approval and 21 percent trust, while 44 percent of voters expressed distrust.
IN BRIEF
Over 3k Isabela tricycle drivers got cash subsidy
ISABELA 2nd District Rep. Ed Christopher Go, in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), led the distribution of cash assistance to tricycle drivers in his legislative area to cushion the impact of inflation due to spiraling fuel prices. “I supported this program because I know how hard life is for our transport workers. This is part of President Marcos’ efforts to prioritize every Filipino’s welfare through programs with the DSWD). We give cash aid, subsidies, and tricycles with franchises to provide security, dignity, and better opportunities in the district,” Go said.
“Together, we can make a difference in the lives of our transport workers and their families, and contribute to the growth of our community,” he added.
Over 3,000 tricycle drivers received the cash aid, including 924 from San Mariano, 595 from Naguilian, and 710 from Reina Mercedes on April 24. The ayudas were also given away earlier to 500 tricycle drivers in Benito Soliven town, 407 in Gamu, and 63 in Palanan. Jessica M. Bacud
Region 12 cops capture ‘most wanted’ fugitive
THE Police Regional Office in Region 12 (SOCCSKSARGEN) reported on Sunday the arrest of a most wanted person during an operation in Barangay Apopong, General Santos City. The fugitive, identified as alias Rodel, 45, was wanted for multiple counts of murder and had a P250,000-bounty on his head.
“This accomplishment shows that through intelligence-driven operations, inter-unit coordination, and community support, we can effectively bring wanted persons before the law,” Region 12 police chief Brig. Gen. Arnold Ardiente, said.
“We will continue to intensify our efforts against wanted persons as part of our commitment to maintain peace and order, and to ensure that justice is served. This is the kind of service that is fast, honest, and felt by the people,” he added. Vince Lopez
Army declares Sogod, Calbiga towns peaceful
THE municipalities of Sogod, Southern Leyte and Calbiga, Samar have been officially declared under Stable Internal Peace and Security Condition (SIPSC), marking a “significant milestone” in government efforts to sustain peace and development in Eastern Visayas.
According to the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry “Stormtroopers” Division, the declarations were made on April 22 for Sogod and April 23 for Calbiga.
In Sogod, Vice Mayor Jose Ramil Golo and the municipal council unanimously approved Resolution No. 282-2026 affirming the town’s transition to a peaceful and secure environment. Rex Espiritu
Dy urges women legislators to work for inclusivity in governance
By Maricel V. Cruz
SPEAKER Faustino Dy III on Monday urged women parliamentarians across Southeast Asia to push for deeper, system-level change and move from representation to real power in governance.
Speaking at the 5th Meeting of the Coordinating Committee of Women Parliamentarians of the ASEAN In -
ter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), Dy anchored his message on building gender-transformative and futureready parliaments.
“Progress is not enough. As we pursue a future-ready and inclusive ASEAN, we must move beyond gender-responsiveness toward true transformation—reshaping systems, dismantling barriers, and ensuring
Filipino satellite marks 10th year in space
By Rex Espiritu
THE Philippines is marking the 10th year of Diwata-1, the country’s first Filipino-built satellite which was deployed into orbit on April 27, 2016 from the International Space Station (ISS).
According to the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA), the milestone symbolizes the country’s transformation into a spacefaring nation and highlights a decade of progress in satellite development, disaster management, and scientific innovation.
The drive to build Diwata-1 began after Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) exposed gaps in the country’s access to satellite imagery during disaster response. The need for faster and more reliable space-based data led to the vision of creating homegrown satellite capability.
“The historical significance of Diwata-1’s ISS release is that we became a spacefaring nation,” said PhilSA director Gay Jane Perez, who also served as project scientist of Diwata-1.
She added that the satellite also broke the perception that space exploration was only for wealthy nations, inspiring Filipinos to believe they too could reach space.
Diwata-1 became a training ground for Filipino engineers and scientists, helping build expertise in satellite design, operations, data processing, and Earth observation applications. Its success later paved the way for Diwata-2 and the Maya CubeSats program.
These gains were further institutionalized through the creation of PhilSA in 2019, which now leads the country’s national space agenda.
women have real decision-making power,” the Speaker said.
“Transformation must go beyond representation. It must create real opportunity—for women to lead, to build enterprises, and for marginalized voices to be heard. Inclusion is measured not by presence, but by impact,” he added.
The meeting, hosted by the Philippines via video conferencing, gathered
women lawmakers from across the region to advance cooperation on political participation, economic leadership, and inclusive governance.
It is being held online as part of the Philippines’ calibrated hosting approach to streamline engagements and manage rising global costs, including higher travel expenses driven by tensions in the Middle East.
PH
WORLD WAR II VINTAGE BOMBS. A police bomb disposal expert takes stock of unspent WW II bombs unearthed by a backhoe operator at a construction project along the Juliet Extension taxiway of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. PNP-Avsegroup
OPINION
What a time to be Filipino!
SANTA Banana, if you think life is already hard, think again. Current world events have made the ordinary Filipino’s daily struggle even more difficult. And while our politicians quarrel, posture and point fingers, the man on the street pays the price, my gulay. Look around you. The global situation is far from comforting. Tensions in our own backyard are heating up. Just days ago, China conducted livefire drills near Luzon, practically at our doorstep. Meanwhile, thousands of Filipino and American troops are engaged in the largest-ever “Balikatan” exercises, with allies joining in what looks increasingly like a dress rehearsal for something more serious.
What does this mean for Juan de la Cruz? Simple : uncertainty. When big powers flex their muscles, small nations like ours get caught in the middle. Investors hesitate, businesses delay and prices go up. Anxiety is the reality. And then there is the oil problem, my gulay. The war in the Middle East has disrupted global supply. Because we import nearly all our fuel, we are hit harder than most. Diesel and gasoline prices have surged, forcing the government to suspend some fuel taxes just to give people breathing room.
To be honest, that relief is temporary. Transport groups have already staged strikes. Jeepney drivers who barely earn enough on a good day, go home with a few hundred pesos.
When fuel prices go up, everything goes up like food, electricity, transportation. It is always the poor who suffer the most.
You would think that in the face of such challenges, our politicians would unite.
Instead, we have political drama worthy of a teleserye. Former President Rodrigo Duterte is now set to face trial in the Hague for his bloody
and brutal way against illegal drugs, with international judges refusing to release him.
Back home, his daughter Vice President Sara Duterte is entangled in impeachment proceedings, with allegations and counter-allegations of destabilization plots.
Corruption issues continue to haunt us. From questionable flood control projects to arrests linked to billion-pesos scandals, the public’s perception is that public funds are not always used for the public good. When trust in the government erodes, so does hope. And even our economy, my gulay, is feeling the strain.
Fitch Ratings ( a global credit rating agency) has already downgraded our outlook to “negative”, citing the energy shock and global uncertainties.
That means slower growth, fewer jobs, tighter money. Ordinary Filipinos will feel this in their wallets, whether they understand credit ratings or not.
And let us not forget the silent but growing threat of climate change. When calamities strike, it is always the poor who lose their homes, their livelihoods and their lives.
Where does that leave us? It leaves the Filipino in a familiar position - resilient, but also burdened. Paying more for less and waiting longer for solutions. The Filipino deserves better.
And now are also facing the usual political drama on who will be running for president and vice president in 2028, Santa Banana.
The impeachment of Sara Duterte and the inclusion of the big personalities in the flood control scandal is another drama which will soon be upon us.
How Manila botched the Zaldy Co chase
IN THE dim glow of a video conference from Prague late Friday, Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida delivered the line that should haunt this administration for months.
Asked for a guarantee that fugitive former lawmaker Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co would not simply vanish from Czech soil, Vida offered the verbal equivalent of a shrug: “There is no such guarantee, and we need to respect their rules.”
Pressed on whether Co “may have gone out of Czech,” the secretary answered with devastating economy: “Possible.”
Possible. One word that collapses weeks of official chest-thumping into something approaching farce.
This is the same government that once let presidential whispers and DOJ spokesmen float the notion of Co’s imminent return in three weeks.
The same officials who spoke of “restrained liberty” and Czech authorities holding the line as if handcuffs were already clicking.
Now, with Vida himself in Prague leading a high-level delegation that includes Chief State Counsel Dennis Chan and officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Philippine Center on Transnational Crime, we learn the bird may have already flown the Schengen coop.
The man wanted for graft and malversation in the flood-control scandal—the very symbol of elite impunity—might be sipping espresso in Lisbon or points beyond while Manila’s finest chase ghosts across Europe. This is not mere bureaucratic clumsiness. It is the transformation of inter-
national criminal law into domestic political theater, staged for domestic consumption and paid for by taxpayers who deserve better than press conference bravado followed by quiet, embarrassed recalibration.
Earlier pronouncements implied custody; Friday’s admission conceded uncertainty.
The gap is not “fluidity,” Mr. Secretary. It is a credibility chasm.
And the Filipino people, long cynical about anti-corruption crusades that end in photo-ops rather than convictions, are watching the emperor’s new clothes dissolve in real time.
The Prague delegation itself stands as monument to the folly.
The Republic deserves competence, not choreography
They arrived without a pre-arranged meeting with Czech counterparts. They are still “exploring all things,” still waiting for another team to ferry documents, still hoping to secure an Interpol Red Notice that should have been priority one the moment Sandiganbayan warrants issued.
Vida himself concedes they have yet to sit down with their Czech opposite number.
The optics are merciless: a sovereign republic reduced to supplicants, suitcases in hand, pleading with Schengen authorities after the suspect may have already slipped the net.
PH’s heat index reaches danger levels
THE Philippines, whacked by high humidity in the last week of April, has reached dangerous levels in its heat index, from 42°C to 51°C+ which weathermen say should not be ignored.
The heat index – the temperature felt by the human body when relative humidity combines with actual air temperature – indicates a continuation or intensification of high heat trends from 2025, with frequent warnings issued for heat cramps, exhaustion, and stroke due to high humidity.
This week, some locations reached up to 45°C, while Metro Manila, home to nearly 14 million people reached 40°C–41°C, placing it in the “extreme caution” to “danger” categories.
Both 2025 and 2026 fall within high dry season temperatures, with similar, if not more frequent, instances of 40°C+ heat indices reported in April.
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, data indicates that by late April 2026, there are frequent daily alerts covering over 10 to 14 areas, suggesting intense or heightened heat compared to April 2025, which saw lower but still critical “extreme caution” levels.
We heard the Climate Change Commission in its earlier call on the public to take extra precautions as heat index levels in several parts of the country have reached the “danger”
category during the peak of the summer season. The CCC, quoting PAGASA, said heat index values between 33°C and 41°C fall under “extreme caution” which may cause heat cramps at heat exhaustion; 42°C -51°C under “danger level” and above 51°C as “extreme danger” which could lead to heat stroke.
Let’s listen to what health and climate authorities are saying
This is where we add our voice to what the Department of Health has said, and call on the the elderly, children, individuals with pre-existing health conditions, and outdoor workers to take extra precaution. Older adults-- estimated at 12 million, or 9.6 percent of the country’s total population. – are at a higher risk because their bodies are less capable of regulating temperature and they have fewer sweat glands. Children, particularly those under 18, have bodies less adaptable to heat
By Dr. Jose Antonio Goitia
AT A time when the Philippines needs clarity and resolve, the position of Secretary of National Defense Gilberto “Gibo” C. Teodoro Jr. is plain: unproven claims have no place in disputes governed by international law.
We must stand firm in defending what is rightfully our own.
In rejecting China’s allegations over activities in Ayungin Shoal, Teodoro did more than brush them aside. He called them out for what they are and challenged China to back them up in the proper legal forum. This matters.
In the theater of international relations, truth is not decided by the volume of a claim, but by evidence and the rule of law.
I have always maintained that a nation that stands on truth and law does not bend to pressure. It stands firm, knowing that its rights are neither granted by others nor subject to negotiation.
Awareness and Reality in WPS
Many Filipinos are no longer in the dark. There is a growing, collective awareness of how China continues to assert itself in areas that fall within our lawful rights.
This was never a mission of meticulous lawyering. It was an expensive gesture designed to manufacture the appearance of action while the actual legal groundwork remained undone. Consider the tools that were always available. Both the Philippines and Czech Republic are parties to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption.
Article 44 treats graft as extraditable; Article 46 opens doors to mutual legal assistance. Deportation for immigration violations—a canceled passport, an “undesirable alien” designation— offers a faster administrative route than formal extradition. Interpol Red Notices, properly prepared, trigger provisional arrests worldwide. None of these required a transcontinental delegation to discover. They required quiet, competent spadework months ago, not belated discovery upon landing. Yet here we are, with Vida now reject-
and are more susceptible to heatrelated illnesses, and many are also exposed during school hours, leading to widespread suspensions.
Health authorities also identified people with pre-existing conditions, including cardiovascular disease, respiratory problems, or chronic illnesses, who are highly susceptible to the stress caused by extreme heat.
Then we have outdoor workers like farmers, fisherfolk, construction workers, and traffic enforcers who are directly exposed to the sun, and urban residents who live in densely populated areas like Metro Manila, identified by authorities as more vulnerable due to the “urban heat island effect,” where buildings and asphalt trap heat, making the temperature feel significantly higher.
We went through this before, but we repeat what authorities say to stay safe: Hydrate, or drink water often; do not wait until you are thirsty, and avoid caffeine and alcohol; Be indoors or in shaded areas especially during peak hours from 10 am to 4 pm; and Clothes should be lightweight, and light-colored – for the acronym HBC.
PAGASA has enhanced its monitoring, using an “iHeatMap” to provide, real-time, localized, and hourly heat index forecasts to help the public make safety decisions.
Let’s listen to what health and climate authorities are saying.
We stand our ground
This isn’t just a map exercise; it affects the lives of those who depend on these waters. This issue is no longer distant. It is where our fishermen earn a living. It is where our sailors and the Coast Guard operate. It is where our rights, as a nation, are tested every single day.
We must stand firm in defending what is rightfully our own
Preparation is Not Provocation
Recent developments make this even clearer. Beijing recently warned the United States, Japan, and the Philippines against “playing with fire” following the commencement of the Balikatan exercises. But let us be clear: working with allies is not provocation. It is preparation. It is a necessary strategy to ensure our country is ready to protect itself, not just today, but for generations to come.
The West Philippine Sea is more than just a maritime boundary; it is a pillar of
ing timelines lest they offend Czech sensibilities, while Philippine immigration and police were only belatedly informed that Co had once been “under jurisdiction.”
The administration’s early triumphalism has given way to procedural piety. The shift is not statesmanship; it is damage control dressed in the language of comity.
Enough.
The Filipino people did not elect this government to turn the pursuit of a high-profile fugitive into a cautionary tale about performative governance.
Genuine accountability demands something far less cinematic: relentless behind-the-scenes coordination with foreign partners, airtight documentation filed before suspects board planes, automatic passport revocation and asset freezes the instant a Sandiganbayan warrant drops.
It demands telling the public the unvarnished truth from day one rather than curating narratives of inevitable
our national identity. It provides food and supports livelihoods. When it is challenged, it is not just policy that is affected—it is the very fabric of Filipino life. Sovereignty and Dignity Sovereignty is not defended in whispers. It is upheld with courage, clarity, and the unyielding will of a people who refuse to be denied what is rightfully theirs. At its core, our stance is not about choosing conflict; it is about choosing dignity. While the Philippines seeks peace, we will not accept being pushed aside. To put it plainly: Peace without dignity is submission. The Filipino people will always choose a peace anchored in justice, secured by courage, and defended by truth. That is where we stand today. We are not aggressive, but we are certainly not passive. We are calm, but we are firm. The message is simple: We know our rights. We will stand by them. And we will stand our ground. (The writer, Chairman Emeritus of ABKD, PADER, LIPI, and the Filipinos Do Not Yield Movement, holds a Juris Doctor, PhD and advanced degrees in National Security Administration, Public Administration, and Business).
victory. Create a professional Fugitive Recovery Task Force—lawyers and investigators, not press secretaries— tasked with results, not headlines. Fast-track bilateral extradition talks with EU states. Treat UNCAC not as rhetorical flourish but as operational blueprint. And for heaven’s sake, stop outsourcing justice to optics.
Zaldy Co may or may not still be in Prague. What is certain is that the credibility of this administration’s anticorruption rhetoric has already cleared immigration.
The real scandal is not that a graft suspect might have escaped.
It is that officials announced victory before they possessed the legal tools to enforce it.
In the unforgiving arithmetic of public trust, possible is not good enough. The Republic deserves competence, not choreography. Time to deliver the former before the latter costs us any more.
IN BRIEF
China’s vow if
enacts ‘Europe’ plan
BEIJING – Beijing slammed on Monday an EU plan aimed to bolster the bloc’s industries against fierce competition from China, vowing countermeasures if it is enacted.
The EU unveiled in March new “Made in Europe” rules for companies trying to access public funds in strategic sectors including cars, green tech and steel, obliging firms to meet minimum thresholds for EU-made parts.
The proposal, held up for months by wrangling over the measures, is a key part of a European Union drive to regain its competitive edge, reduce its industrial decline and stave off hundreds of thousands of job losses.
Beijing’s commerce ministry said on Monday that it had submitted comments to the European Commission on Friday, expressing China’s “serious concerns” regarding the act it called “systemic discrimination”.
“If the EU... presses ahead with the legislation, and thereby harms the interests of Chinese companies, China will have no choice but to take countermeasures to firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of its enterprises,” the commerce ministry warned in a statement. AFP
British royals begin 4-day US visit
WASHINGTON, DC – Britain’s King Charles III begins a state visit to the United States on Monday, as transatlantic tensions simmer over the Iran war, and despite a shooting two days earlier at a dinner attended by his host, President Donald Trump.
The four day trip by Charles and Queen Camilla is intended to honor historic ties between the two countries as the United States marks its 250th anniversary, according to the British government. Charles will become the first British monarch to address Congress since the late queen Elizabeth II, in 1991, while the royal couple will have tea with Trump and Melania, and attend a state dinner.
The royals will visit New York on Wednesday, touring the 9/11 memorial, before departing Thursday for Bermuda for his first visit to a British overseas territory as monarch.
Buckingham Palace said Sunday that the US visit would take place despite the shooting at a gala the night before, and that Charles was “greatly relieved” that Trump, his wife Melania and other guests were unharmed. AFP
All
Kim reaffirms support for Russia’s ‘sacred’ Ukraine war
has reaffirmed Pyongyang’s support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, vowing to help Moscow achieve victory in its “sacred” war, state media reported on Monday. Pyongyang has sent missiles, munitions and thousands of troops to assist Russia in Ukraine, and analysts say Moscow is sending financial aid,
Gunman sought to kill Trump, Cabinet at weekend gala dinner
WASHINGTON, DC – Investigators on Sunday (Monday, Manila time) said the gunman who tried to storm a gala dinner attended by Donald Trump planned to assassinate the US president and multiple top officials, as scrutiny grew over the event’s security.
Trump, who was rushed out of the hotel ballroom in Washington by Secret Service agents, posted surveillance footage of the gunman attempting to sprint past a checkpoint.
After a brief exchange of gunfire with agents, the suspect was detained at the scene on Saturday evening and was being questioned before he is due to appear
in court Monday. Trump shared photos of the suspect handcuffed on the carpeted hotel floor.
“He’s not actively cooperating. I expect that he will be formally charged tomorrow morning in federal court in Washington,” acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche told CBS’s “Face The Nation.”
“We do believe, based upon just a very preliminary start to understanding what happened, that he was targeting members of the administration.” Blanche added that no further motive was known for the attack, and confirmed the suspect -- who officials said was armed with a shotgun, handgun and knives -- was staying at the Washington Hilton hotel where the black-tie dinner was held.
“We believe that he traveled by train from Los Angeles to Chicago, and then from Chicago to Washington,” Blanche said. “It appears he purchased these firearms in the past couple years.”
Trump, without providing details, said the gunman had written an “anti-Christian” manifesto.
“The guy is a sick guy,” Trump told
Fox News. “His sister or his brother actually was complaining about it. They were even complaining to law enforcement.” The New York Post said the suspect, widely named as Cole Allen, 31, had written in a note shared with his family shortly before the attack that his targets would be “prioritized from highest-ranking to lowest.”
In the seconds after the shooting a floor above, Secret Service agents swarmed into the ballroom, prompting chaotic scenes as attendees dove under tables.
Crowded into the ballroom were Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, several cabinet members and top lawmakers, and hundreds of guests in black tie. AFP
SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia – Iran’s top diplomat blamed Washington on Monday for the failure of talks after landing in Russia as part of a whirlwind diplomatic tour, with direct negotiations between the warring parties seemingly at an impasse.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made the remarks in Saint Petersburg, where he is expected to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, having sandwiched a trip to Oman in between visits to main mediator Pakistan over the past few days.
Islamabad played host to the first and only round of unsuccessful talks between Washington and Tehran, and Araghchi’s visit had fanned hopes for fresh negotiations over the weekend, until US President Donald Trump scrapped a planned trip by his envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
“The US approaches caused the previous round of negotiations, despite progress, to fail to reach its goals because of the excessive demands,” Araghchi said Monday.
After calling off his emissaries’ trip, Trump told Fox News that if Iran wanted talks, “they can come to us, or they can call us”, though he has said the cancellation does not signal a return to hostilities.
In a sign that backchannel efforts were ongoing, the Fars news agency said Iran had passed “written messages” to the Americans via Pakistan spelling out red lines, including nuclear issues and the Strait of Hormuz.
Fars news agency said the messages were not part of formal negotiations, however. AFP
Iran FM blames US for failure of talks after landing in Russia 6.2 quake on Hokkaido latest to shake Japan
TOKYO – A strong earthquake rattled Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido early Monday, US and Japanese meteorological agencies reported, the latest in a series of powerful tremors to hit the island nation.
The 6.2-magnitude quake struck at 5:23 am in Hokkaido’s southern region, at a depth of 83 kilometers, the Japanese Meteorological Agency reported, revising its preliminary estimate of magnitude 6.1. No tsunami alert was issued, JMA said, and the US Geological Survey predicted that damage to property and threat to life was minimal, given the limited population in the region some 200 kilometers east of Sapporo.
But “in areas that experienced strong shaking, the danger of falling rocks and landslides has increased,” a JMA official told reporters.
JMA also warned that risks of experiencing more quakes of a similar strength in the area in the coming week are high. Hours earlier, a magnitude 5.0 earthquake occurred in the sea a few hundred kilometres south of Hokkaido. The temblors come less than a
Final talks begin on missing piece for pandemic treaty
GENEVA – An extra week of negotiations to complete the crucial missing piece of an international agreement on handling future pandemics kicks off Monday at the WHO, with sharp divisions holding up an accord.
Wealthy countries and developing nations are at loggerheads in the World Health Organization talks over how the pandemic treaty, adopted last year, will work in practice.
The agreement’s Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) system deals with sharing access to pathogens with pandemic potential, then sharing the benefits derived from them: vaccines, tests and treatments.
“Developing countries are voicing their mistrust, fearing they will share their viruses without any guarantees of equitable access to vaccines in the event of a crisis,” WHO chief scientist Sylvie Briand told AFP.
Meanwhile other countries are ask-
ing whether the pharmaceutical industry would have the capacity and motivation to contribute to a global pandemic agreement “without a guarantee of return on investment”, she said. Another challenge, she said, was “to integrate the sharing of genetic data, now as crucial as that of physical viruses for developing vaccines, treatments, and diagnostics.”
In May 2025, WHO member states adopted a landmark pandemic agreement on tackling future health crises, after more than three years of negotiations sparked by the shock of Covid-19.
The accord aims to prevent future pandemics from the disjointed responses and international disarray that surrounded the coronavirus crisis, by improving global coordination, surveillance and access to vaccines.
But PABS, the heartbeat of the treaty, was left on the side in order to get the bulk of the deal over the line. AFP
FALLING ROCKS. Tsunami barriers are seen on the beach in Ishinomaki, Miyagi
and
MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS.
agents depart on
tactical vehicle after entering a house associated with the suspected White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooter in Torrance, California, early on Monday. US Secret Service agents bundled Donald Trump from the stage as shots rang out
TRIAL VS. ASSAD. Former head of political security in south Syria’s Daraa province, Atif Najib attends
first
session at the Palace of Justice, in Damascus on Sunday. Trials of prominent figures from the rule of ousted Syrian
Korda wins LPGA Chevron Championship
HOUSTON (AFP) -- Nelly Korda rolled to a five-stroke victory in the LPGA Chevron Championship on Sunday, capturing her third major title to assure her return to the world number one ranking.
The 27-year-old American took a five-shot lead into the final round and carded a two-under par 70 to win the first women’s major of the year with China’s Yin Ruoning and Thailand’s Patty Tavatanakit sharing second.
Korda completed an impressive wire-to-wire victory at Memorial Park in Houston, becoming the third player in the last 50 years to win a major championship after leading by multiple strokes after each round.
“Honestly, having that big of a lead, it’s not easy,” Korda said. “It was definitely one of the hardest things I’ve had to do mentally.
“I’m, like, having to play defensive at some point but also not wanting to get too defensive because I want to play my own game. That’s where I struggled this weekend.”
Somodio is first PH trainer in US Boxing Hall of Fame SPORTS
Korda, whose 2024 Chevron triumph was her second major after a victory in the 2021 Women’s PGA, had matched the tournament’s 54hole scoring record with a 16-under total and opened the final round with an up and down birdie at the par-five first. She nabbed another birdie at the par-five third, where her long eagle attempt just missed.
Playing partners Patty and Yin tried to keep some pressure on, both posting three birdies on the front nine, but the American was still up by five at the turn.
A three-putt bogey at the 12th saw Korda’s lead cut to four, but she answered with birdies at the 13th and 14th -- bombing a drive at 13 and sticking her approach within three feet of the pin.
“Obviously having the two backto-back birdies helped,” she said. “The par-fives are easier for me to play like myself.”
A bogey at 17 didn’t even dent her lead as Yin made bogey as well.
Both of Korda’s bogeys were three-putts, and she missed a couple of birdie chances as well.
“What I kept telling myself was I really want to hoist this trophy because I want to show the kids at home that it’s OK to miss short putts and still win a major championship,” she said.
“You’re going to make mistakes, but you have to mentally still be in it 100 percent.”
- ‘All worth it’There may have been some miscues on the green, but Korda hit 12 of 13 fairways in regulation and 16 of 18 greens.
Yin finished with four birdies in her three-under 69 and Patty had three birdies and a bogey in her 70 -- coming home with 10 straight pars.
Korda’s win continued a strong 2026 campaign that has seen her win the season-opening Tournament of Champions and finish second in her three other starts.
After those runner-up finishes, Korda said, victory felt like something of a vindication.
“For me to put myself in a position going into every tournament, being in the final group on a Sunday and not getting it done and finally getting it done in a major championship, it’s all worth it to me,” she said. She will rise from number two in the world to number one, supplanting Thailand’s Jeeno Thitikul who missed the cut this week.
By Randy M. Caluag
TSomodio was part of the Class of 2026 that included former world champions Erik Morales and Felix Trinidad. The ceremony was held at the Quiet Cannon Crystal Grand Ballroom in Montebello,
California.
The Hall of Fame recognizes professional boxers and contributors to the sport.
Somodio currently trains former world champion Mark Magsayo and has built his reputation through work with elite fighters in the United States.
He gained wider recognition after helping Angelo Leo win a world title, marking a milestone for a Filipino trainer operating at the top level of U.S.based boxing. He also worked with former multidivision champion Nonito Donaire.
Somodio is known for a coaching style that emphasizes defense, timing and ring awareness.
Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach congratulated Somodio in a statement, calling the induction “the first of many.”
NUNS, FEU-Diliman
DEFENDING champion National University Nazareth School overpowered hapless Bethel Academy, 25-12, 25-12, to complete a sweep of Pool A in the Shakey’s Girls Volleyball Invitational League (SGVIL) Rising Stars Cup Division 1 Monday at the La Salle Green Hills Gym.
Raine Alonzo led the Lady Bullpups’ relentless charge for a 4-0 win-loss record as they built momentum heading into the knockout quarterfinals.
Magsayo said the honor was well deserved and expressed pride in his coach. Somodio has also opened the Combinations Academy in Carson, California, a boxing gym equipped with multiple rings, punching bags, treadmills, and a sauna. He previously worked with eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao and trained under Roach.
Other inductees included Timothy Bradley, Chris Byrd, Tracy Byrd, Seniesa Estrada, Wilfredo Gomez, Rafael Marquez, Victor Terrazas, Felix Trinidad Sr., Paul Vaden and commentator Larry Merchant.
The ceremony also featured the presentation of the Don José Sulaiman Lifetime Achievement Award.
sweep Shakey’s volley pool play
“Masaya po na nakapasok kami sa quarterfinals na walang talo. Lahat po pinaghirapan namin may kinalabasan,” said Alonzo, who scored all of eight of her points from attacks.
Bella Cruz added six markers while Jhayna Bulandres and Diza Berayo scored five each for NUNS, who will face St. John’s Institute in the Last 8 action erupting on Wednesday.
Far Eastern University-Diliman, likewise, dominated Pool C with a
perfect 4-0 record following a 25-16, 25-18, victory over San Felipe Neri Catholic School.
The Baby Lady Tamaraws battle Pool B second seed Immaculada Conception College in the quarters. Meanwhile, King’s Montessori claimed the last quarters seat in Pool A after eliminating inaugural champion California Academy, 25-17, 25-21, for a three-game winning run to close the pool stage 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. Sharina Lleses finished with 11 points for King’s Montessori, which rebounded from an opening day loss to NUNS and advanced to the knockout stage to face unbeaten University of Santo Tomas, which completed a sweep of Pool D after escaping upsetconscious Emilio Aguinaldo College, 25-18, 20-25, 15-9. Rhose Almendralejo uncorked 14 points as last year’s runner-up Bacolod Tay Tung built momentum heading for the quarters with a 25-14, 25-13, win over erstwhile unbeaten Immaculada Conception College to emerge unscathed in Pool B after four starts. De La Salle-Lipa finished its stint with 25-16, 25-23, mastery over winless University of the Philippines Integrated School for an even 2-2 record in Pool C. In Division 2, Corpus Christi School finished Pool E with a perfect 5-0 slate following a 25-22, 25-19, over Miriam College. Reigning champion Domuschola International School took the second quarters seat in Pool E by burying Miriam College, 25-12, 25-22, in the afternoon match of tournament backed by Smart Sports, PusoP.com, Solar Sports Free TV, Mikasa, Asics, Eurotel, Team Rebel Sports and Rigour Technology as technical partners. Corpus Christi School faces St. Jude Parish School in the quarters while Domuschola International School clashes against undefeated University of Batangas.
Asian Games years could be moved in shake-up
NUNS players rejoice after scoring a point. Roman Prospero
Nelly Korda
Noted Filipino trainer Marvin Somodio (left) works with Manny Pacquiao, Jr. (Marvin Somodio FB)
TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2026
RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor
RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor
Eala sets
By Jeremiah Sevilla
PHILIPPINE tennis standout
Alexandra Eala now shifts her focus to the much bigger Italian Open 2026 after withdrawing from the Catalonia Open in Spain.
Eala was initially among the seeded players in the WTA 125 tournament in La Bisbal d’Empordà, but her name did not appear in the official draw released prior to the opening match day on April 27.
This marked the second time that Eala has missed the Catalonia Open after pulling out of last year’s edition.
The 20-year-old Eala recently wrapped up a taxing campaign in the WTA 1000 Mutua Madrid Open, where she competed in both the singles and doubles events.
Eala, currently ranked No. 44 in the world, suffered another early exit on the clay courts in Madrid, bowing to No. 21 Elise Mertens of Belgium, 2-6, 1-6, in the Round of 64 after a winning 6-3, 6-3 debut against veteran Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova of Russia.
It was the third consecutive time in the clay season that the Filipina tennis player fell short of advancing past the second round, following similar results in the Linz Open in Austria and the Stuttgart Open in Germany earlier this month.
Eala, though, managed to post a decent Round of 16 finish in the doubles event together with Zeynep Sonmez of Turkey.
The wildcard duo won their opening match against the higher-ranked pair of Fanny Stollar of Hungary and Chan Hao-ching of Taiwan, 6-2, 6-2, before losing to the second-seeded tandem of Katerina Siniakova of the Czech Republic and Taylor Townsend of the USA, 1-6, 5-7.
Eala is now headed to another WTA 1000 tourney, the Italian Open set from May 5 to 17, where the world’s top players are once again expected to compete, including No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka of Russia, No. 2 Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan, and No. 3 Coco Gauff of the USA.
The Filipina is also listed in the WTA 125 Parma Ladies Open as she continues to gear up for another Grand Slam appearance in the French Open slated from May 18 to June 7.
sights on Italian Open MPTC Tour
Dominant wins
for FEU-D 19U, Ateneo 16U
DEFENDING champions Far Eastern University–Diliman and Ateneo de Manila University opened their respective title defenses in the UAAP Season 88 High School 3x3 Basketball on a high note on Monday at Ayala Malls Manila Bay.
The two-time defending 19-and-under boys’ champions, the Baby Tamaraws, made quick work of the Adamson Baby Falcons with a 22-9 (7:33) victory, while the back-to-back-seeking Blue Eagles dominated the UPIS Fighting Maroons, 21-14 (8:33), in the 16-and-under division.
It was a balanced attack for the Baby Tamaraws, with Sam Hall and Marc Burgos leading the way with six points apiece, while Cabs Cabonilas and JB Cagurangan added five points each.
Hall eventually delivered the gamewinning deuce with 2:27 remaining.
“Gawin lang namin ‘yung best dito at kunin namin ‘yung championship dito para sa mga teammates ko dito at makatulong sa kanila,” said graduating forward Cabonilas, who also finished with six rebounds and four assists. Cabonilas and the rest of FEU-D are eyeing a “golden double” after also winning the 5-on-5 tournament last March.
“Ibubuhos ko lahat dito para makapagtapos kami nang maayos sa last tournament ko sa high school. Gusto ko ring ipasa sa mga teammates ko ‘yung mga natutunan ko dati sa tournament na ‘to,” added Cabonilas, who was also part of last season’s championship team. Meanwhile, Sky Jazul torched the Fighting Maroons for 11 points on four deuces, including the game-winner with 1:17 remaining.
“Our mindset is to play as one and try to defend the championship. But we have to take it one game at a time,” said the son of RJ Jazul, who is just 15 years old.
3x3 surge o sets beach volley exit, PH stays 3rd
SANYA, China — The Gilas Pilipinas 3x3 men’s and women’s squads powered into the quarterfinals of their respective tournaments, providing a lift for Team Philippines after the exit of the Alas Pilipinas in the beach volleyball competitions at the 6th Asian Beach Games here Monday.
At press time, the Philippines remained third overall in the 45-nation meet with a 3-2-2 gold-silverbronze tally. Host China continued to dominate the standings with 14-11-4, while Thailand ran second at 4-5-3.
The Philippine campaign in this resort city is backed by the Philippine Olympic Committee under president Abraham Tolentino and the Philippine Sports
THE MPTC Tour of Luzon 2026 officially kicks off with the Opening Ceremony and Team Presentation on Tuesday afternoon at CaSoBe in Calatagan with 13 teams—six foreign and seven local—showcasing their imposing and shiny jerseys ahead of what is expected to be an actionpacked and grueling 14-stage race dubbed “A Heritage in Motion.”
Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, chairman of Tour copresentor Philippine Sports Commission who’s now known as the “Father of the Tour of Luzon Revival,” and MPTC Tour of Luzon Chief Organizer and CEO Arrey Perez will address the 91 riders of various nationalities in the program that will culminate with an amazing fireworks display on the shore off Balayan Bay.
Also expected to grave the event is Ricky Vargas, member of the Board of Directors of the MPTC Tour of Luzon Organizing Committee and president and CEO of Mediaquest Holdings Inc.
Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino will also relay his message in the program that will be opened by NLEX Corporation president and general
A SLEW of marquee matchups banners the ICTSI John Hay Junior PGT Championship, with rivalries heating up across all three age-group divisions when the third leg of the Luzon Series is fired off Tuesday (April 28) in Baguio City. And there’s no shortage of compelling duels. At the forefront is the boys’ 15-18 division, where Shinichi Suzuki and David Charles Serdenia are set for a highly anticipated clash of contrasting styles –power versus precision, aggression against calculated course management. But the demanding Camp John Hay layout, known for its tight fairways, rolling terrain and punishing angles, is expected to neutralize sheer power and reward those who can think their way around the course. That dynamic opens the door for a loaded field. Jakob Taruc, Santi Asuncion, Tristan Padilla, Lujo Gomez and Andres Fabie all loom as serious contenders in the 54-hole tournament, each capable of
Commission led by chairman Patrick Gregorio.
The country’s three gold medals came from jiu-jitsu standouts Annie Ramirez and Alexandria Luz Enriquez, and high jump ace Leonard Grospe, as the Games returned after a decade-long hiatus. The Philippines is also set to host the 2028 edition in Cebu.
Silver medals were delivered by jiu-jitsu bet Emily Thomas and the women’s relay quartet of Jessica Rose Laurance, Kristina Marie Knott, Lianne Diana Pama, and Shane Poince. Bronze medals, meanwhile, came from Laurance in the 60-meter dash and Kaila Napolis in jiu-jitsu.
In 3x3 action at the Sanya Sports Centre Gymnasium, the Gilas men absorbed a 14-21 loss to Iran to close their Pool A campaign but still advanced to the quarterfinals.
Despite the setback, the Patrick Fran-mentored squad finished with a 2-1 record in a three-way tie with Iran and China, emerging as the top team in the group based on total accumulated points to secure a favorable seeding in the knockout round.
manager Luis Reñon and graced by Games and Amusements Board chairman Atty. Francisco Rivera, Calatagan Mayor Rico Puno and Cardinal Santos Medical Center president and CEO Raul Pagdanganan.
MMDA General Manager Gen. Nicolas Torre III, who joined Sunday’s Heritage Race for cycling executives, and the family of the late cycling godfather Albert Lina—wife Sylvia and daughter Donna—are also among the distinguished guests.
The ceremony—starting at 5 p.m.—will also be highlighted by the handover of the MPTC Tour of Luzon Perpetual Trophy from last year’s inaugural champion MPTC DriveHub back to the organizers— the Perpetual Trophy will go to the team which
“We accomplished our goal top our pool. Just to be honest, the boys deserved to be here. They worked hard and this is a blessing for us because of the hard work we put in the first day,” Gilas 3x3 men coach Patrick Fran said.
“I think this is a big preparation for us going into the quarterfinal tomorrow,” he added.
Jeff Manday fired eight points for the Pinoy 3x3 cagers while Nic Cabañero added six. Gilas 3x3 men’s opponent in the quarterfinals will be known Tuesday. The women 3x3 side shrugged off a slow start to complete a sweep of Group C, defeating Kyrgyzstan, 21-15, and secure a quarterfinals spot.
The Gilas women battled back from an early deficit when their lax defense helped Kyrgyzstan gain the lead early.
Fortunately, 3x3 veterans Mikka Cacho and Reynalyn Tantoy Ferrer combined to slowly chip at the lead, with Gabi Bade and Kaye Pingol also making key baskets down the stretch against the winless Kyrgyzstan squad.
wins the race thrice with MPTC DriveHub getting a replica of the trophy.
Joo Dae Yeong will be back to defend his individual title for Gapyeong Cycling Team, the second of two South Korean squads—Seoul Cycling Team—from overseas in the race supported by the MVP Group and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.and aligned with the National Sports Tourism Inter-Agency Committee.
LCW UAE Cycle, Malaysia National Team, CCN Factory Racing from Hong Kong and Ponti Wijaya Racing Team from Indonesia will be racing alongside Philippine continental teams 7-Eleven Cliqq Roadbike Philippines and Go For Gold Philippines and defending champion MPTC DriveHub.
Joining them are elite local teams Standard Insurance Philippines, DReyna Orion Cement Pro Cycling Team, Excellent Noodles and Pangasinan Cycling Team in the race that features Hors Category climbs—including a first in the Tour from Candon City to Bessang Pass in Cervantes (Ilocos Norte) in Stage 10 on April 9 and the final Stage 14 from Lingayen to Johh Hay Hotels in Baguio City.
capitalizing on the course’s premium on accuracy and discipline. Adding intrigue are the Baguio-based bets – Xian Robles, Jake Garcia, Von Raiden Tablac and Renzo Sagsago – who will lean on local knowledge of the tricky par-69 layout, hoping familiarity breeds advantage against their Big City rivals. The girls’ 15-18 category shapes up to be just as unpredictable. Siblings Lisa and Mona Sarines lead the charge but
The Philippines’ Reynalyn “Tantoy” Ferrer rams into a Kyrgyzstan defender in a 3x3 game won by the Filipinas, 21-15, in the 6th Asian Beach Games on Monday.
Shinichi Suzuki
David Charles Serdenia
DOE to maintain coal moratorium despite Middle East energy crisis
By Alena Mae S. Flores
Coal share in power mix in 2025
Coal share in power mix in 2023
RE share in power mix in 2025
THE Philippines will maintain its moratorium on new coal-fired power plants despite earlier considerations to lift the ban due to the Middle East crisis, the Department of Energy said Monday.
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said the moratorium stays because existing contracts provide sufficient coverage for the country’s energy needs.
She said that while coal remains a source of cheaper electricity, lifting the ban is unnecessary as the agency is already focused on ensuring current projects and contracts proceed.
The department is allowing coal plants to increase electricity production as a proactive measure against rising energy costs, noting that coal
is more cost-effective than liquefied natural gas.
The Philippine Energy Plan targets a renewable energy share of 35 percent by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040. As of 2025, the renewable energy share reached 25 percent, up from 22.2 percent in previous years.
Department of Energy data showed coal accounted for 56.6 percent of the generation mix last year, down from 62.52 percent two years prior. Under the policy, exceptions remain
for businesses in off-grid island locations and for new on-grid plants during declared or imminent power crises.
Garin said Department of Energy officials are also reviewing coal projects approved in 2019 before the ban took effect.
She urged developers to fast-track these projects to help balance electricity costs. Simultaneously, the agency is evaluating which aging coal plants should be retired, citing frequent breakdowns that increase consumer costs.
“Many of them, even though they are cheap, if they are constantly breaking down, they become more expensive for our consumers,” Garin said.
“The DOE is now reviewing which ones should transition to cleaner energy,” she said.
By Othel V. Campos
THE Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) said Monday it awarded a P206.9-million contract for the detailed engineering design of a second runway at Clark International Airport (CRK) to a PhilippineSouth Korean joint venture.
The agency said it selected Schema Konsult Inc. and South Korea-based Yooshin Engineering Corp. follow-
By Othel V. Campos
DEPARTMENT of Agriculture
Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel
Jr. has warned that global agriculture is confronting a severe convergence of risks as climate change, geopolitical tensions and disease outbreaks strain government response capacities. Speaking at a post-ministerial workshop in Pasay City following the 14th World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference, Tiu Laurel said the role of agriculture chief has become significantly more difficult amid overlapping crises affecting production and trade.
“I guess we started on a negative note. In a sense, we are in the wild, wild west at this moment. I think it’s also the worst time to be the secretary of agriculture,” Tiu Laurel said. He cited erratic weather patterns driven by climate change, including recurring El Niño and La Niña cycles that have disrupted planting and harvest schedules.
He said these shocks are compounded by persistent animal diseases such as African swine fever and bird flu, which weigh on livestock supply and prices.
Tiu Laurel also pointed to geopolitical disruptions, including the war in Ukraine and lingering pandemic effects, which have contributed to supply chain instability and export restrictions on key commodities. He labeled these pressures as part of a broader pattern of global volatility rather than isolated incidents. Drawing on his background as a former businessman, Tiu Laurel said that while uncertainty has always existed, the frequency and intensity of disruptions have escalated. He said that governments should respond with greater agility and a more commercially grounded approach to risk management.
ing a competitive bidding process to undertake the design of the new infrastructure. BCDA president and chief executive Joshua Bingcang said the project aims to bolster the airport’s operational resilience and long-term capacity.
“By building a second runway, we are taking a significant step toward strengthening CRK’s operational resilience and long-term capacity. This development will build in redundancy to ensure uninterrupted operations, minimize the risk of disruption and enhance Clark’s competitiveness as a premier logistics and aviation hub,” Bingcang said.
and hold meetings with national and local government agencies involved in managing and mitigating the fire incident.
The project aligns with the Marcos administration’s strategy to modernize transport infrastructure and strengthen the Luzon Economic Corridor.
Officials expect the additional runway to support 2.75 million annual passengers and expanding operations from global logistics firms FedEx and UPS. Bingcang said the project will enhance connectivity for businesses in Central Luzon and create more jobs as airport services expand.
GOVERNMENT subsidies to staterun firms dropped nearly 30 percent in February as lower allocations for minor corporations offset increased funding for national irrigation and food programs, Bureau of the Treasury data showed.
Budgetary support to governmentowned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) fell 29.57 percent to P5.334 billion in February 2026 from P7.574 billion in the same period last year. Despite the annual decline, the figure rose from the P3.357 billion recorded in January. Major non-financial government corporations received P4.014 billion in subsidies during the month, up 23.77 percent from P3.243 billion a year earlier.
The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) accounted for the largest
Meralco refutes social media claims on bill charges, cites gov’t oversight
By Darwin G. Amojelar
To support this growth, the BCDA and the Department of Transportation are advancing additional airside infrastructure including taxiways and aprons to improve aircraft turnaround times.
share of the funding at P2.451 billion, while the National Food Authority (NFA) received P1.478 billion. The national government allocated P1.320 billion to other government corporations, down 69.07 percent from the P4.268 billion posted in February 2025. Among these entities, the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. (PCIC) received P351 million, the Philippine Heart Center (PHC) took P202 million and the Philippine Children’s Medical Center (PCMC) received P128 million. Government financial institutions received no subsidies during the month. The national government extends subsidies to GOCCs to cover operational expenses that their own revenues cannot meet.
Thony Rose Lesaca
Manila Electric Company (Meralco) corporate communications head Joe Zaldarriaga addresses confusion and counters misleading claims circulating on social media about electricity bill charges, as the company intensifies efforts to empower consumers with accurate,
THE Philippine peso weakened to 60.71 against the US dollar Monday, while local stocks finished just above the 5,900 level as rising oil prices and geopolitical tensions soured market sentiment.
The local currency depreciated from its 60.70 finish on Friday.
The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) lost 42.34 points, or 0.71 percent, to close at 5,901.15, while the broader all-shares index shed 17.09 points, or 0.51 percent, to end at 3,335.13.
AB Capital Securities analysts said the PSEi remained under pressure as risk-off sentiment persists due to stalled US and Iran peace talks, higher oil prices and a weakening peso.
Market observers said a hawkish
tone from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, which suggested more rate hikes to curb inflation, also contributed to the decline.
Conglomerates led the losses among sectors with a 1.74-percent drop. Financials fell 1.16 percent and property declined 0.62 percent. Mining and oil shares climbed 1.96 percent, while the industrial sector advanced 0.42 percent.
Value turnover totaled P5.35 billion as investors remained on the sidelines to weigh macroeconomic risks against growth prospects.
Market breadth ended negative as 107 stocks declined, 86 advanced and 56 remained unchanged.
Foreign investors were net sellers with P677.3 million in outflows. Jenniffer B. Austria
WOMEN EMPOWERMENT. TP in the Philippines (formerly Teleperformance) marks Women’s Month with a series of meaningful activities that promote empowerment, intersectionality and leadership with TP Women. Through these initiatives, the organization continues to reinforce its steadfast commitment to building inclusive workplaces where women can thrive both personally and professionally.
Megaworld to develop first beach club in Laoag
By Jenniffer B. Austria
PROPERTY developer Megaworld Corp. is expanding its footprint in northern Luzon with plans to build the first beach club in Laoag City within its 84-hectare Ilocandia Coastown township in Ilocos Norte.
Megaworld said in a stock exchange disclosure Monday that the Ilocandia Beach Club will rise along the township’s 1.4-kilometer coastline. The project forms part of efforts to enhance the development’s position-
ing as a premier beachside destination in the region. The planned beach club will feature a main facility with direct access to the shore, complemented by a promenade of restaurants, cafes, retail shops
12 members move to oust Lopez Inc. chief
TWELVE members of the Lopez family are seeking to oust Federico Lopez as president of Lopez Inc. after a dispute regarding transparency and “poison pills” which were allegedly embedded in energy transactions.
The family members, representing 71 percent of the group, said in a joint statement they lost confidence in their cousin, commonly known as Piki Lopez, after he allegedly failed to disclose material details on the sale of natural gas assets and the acquisition of hydropower interests.
Signatories in the statement include Maria Cristina Rosario Lopez Grassi, Roberta Pilar Lopez Feliciano, Maria Margarita Lopez Lichauco, Maria Eugenia Psinakis Brown, Eugenio Lopez III, Rafael Lopez, Ernesto Miguel Lopez, Manuel Lopez Jr., Ramon Javier Lopez, Miguel Lopez, Michael Lopez Psinakis and Martin Lopez.
The signatories alleged that First Gen chairman and chief executive Federico Lopez did not inform nor consult them on the P50-billion sale of a 60-percent stake in First Gen’s natural gas business or the P62 billion acquisition of a 33-percent stake in a hydropower business.
“Excluding us from such significant decisions was a clear failure in Piki’s fiduciary responsibility and a circumvention of corporate governance,” the family members said in the statement.
The majority owners said they discovered two “poison pills” within the deals designed to protect the leadership’s tenure. According to the statement, if Federico Lopez or his designates are removed from management, First Gen must pay P24 billion and allow a buyout from the gas and hydropower deals at a 25-percent discount.
and alfresco dining areas. Amenities include a fitness center, swimming pools, private lounges, relaxation areas and walking and jogging paths.
Megaworld said the design will emphasize the coastal setting with a central arcade leading visitors toward the beachfront, where loungers and shaded seating areas will be installed.
“Our goal is to offer a unique, vibrant, and exciting beachside township experience in Ilocandia Coastown,” Megaworld head of sales and marketing for the project May Santos said.
The beach club is envisioned to serve as the township’s main lifestyle hub, she said.
Land development for Ilocandia Coastown is set to begin early next year.
Located in Laoag City, the township is the first integrated “live-workplay” development for Megaworld in the Ilocos Region.
Plans include a town center, lifestyle mall, office and commercial spaces, hotels, a shophouse district and leisure facilities complementing the beachside community.
The project is situated beside the Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel, less than 10 minutes from the Laoag International Airport and about 30 minutes from the Paoay Church.
THINGS have become very lively at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) since June 2025, when the newlyappointed chairman, Francis Lim, assumed his position. Reformist memoranda-circulars have been emanating from the SEC in rapid succession.
This will not have come as a surprise to those who are familiar with Lim’s professional record. Having been the chief executive of three of the institutions that make up the Philippine capital market— the Philippine Stock Exchange (Phisix), Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (Finex) and Shareholders Association of the Philippines—and a corporate lawyer, Lim has ample firsthand experience of the flaws and inadequacies of corporate governance in this country. He knows where the fault lines are in the Philippine corporate structure. He knows where reforms are needed.
The Philippine stock market is by most objective standards one of the weakest stock markets in East Asia. True, some adverse socio economic factors—particularly geography, demographics and culture—go some way to explain this state of affairs, but the larger explanation is to be found in its weak structure and inadequate governance.
Some of the sorely needed reforms are being put in place, logically, by Lim. He has gone after those items first.
posture of this country’s sole stock exchange.
Another low hanging fruit that the new reform minded SEC chairman has targeted likewise relates to independence of judgment. This time Lim’s target is the tenure of independent directors. The Revised Corporation Code of the Philippines introduced the independent-director concept to improve and strengthen the management of corporations that offer shares to the public.
As the word ‘independent suggests, independent directors are expected to operate as independent minded, arms length members of the board of directors to which they are elected. Unfortunately, after repeated re elections to a board of directors, some “independent” directors have been known to lose objectivity and independence of judgment.
The Philippine stock market is by most objective standards one of the weakest stock markets in East Asia. Major retailer gives away 12,000 grocery packs at Iloilo ‘Hakot Relay’
PUREGOLD Price Club Inc. rede-
fined the traditional fun run on April 25, 2026 by converting its annual Hakot Relay into a vital lifeline for Filipinos facing rising costs for basic goods and household staples.
The company kicked off its 2026 Hakot Relay series along the Iloilo Sunset Boulevard, distributing at least 12,000 grocery packs to participants. Each bundle contained everyday necessities ranging from pantry essentials and snacks to hygiene and household cleaning supplies.
The event attracted more than 4,000 runners from across the Visayas region, including Antique, Bacolod, Cebu and Panay. This second iteration of the race follows the 2025 inaugural event which gained social media attention for its scale of participant rewards.
Visayas runners received a full race experience that included finisher medals, organized race waves
and loot stations featuring surprise item drops. The event also featured exclusive merchandise and live performances from OPM hip-hop artists
Skusta Clee and Flow G.
Puregold Price Club president Vincent Co said the expansion of the event into new regions serves as a meaningful way for the company to support its customers.
“We’re happy to introduce the Hakot Relay to more regions this year, starting with the Visayas. It’s our way of giving back by helping in a simple but meaningful way. Seeing the positive response from our Iloilo customers and participants makes this leg deeply fulfilling for us,” Co said.
The 2026 series will continue with upcoming legs scheduled for Southern Luzon and Metro Manila. Company officials said the events reflect a commitment to providing a “panalo” experience to Filipinos during periods of economic difficulty.
One of these low hanging fruits has to do with the composition of the Board of Governors of the PSE index. Officials of institutions, whether private or public, should be subject to term limits. There are two basic reasons for this. One reason, enshrined in the Constitution of the Philippines, is the need to give all qualified individuals the opportunity to hold office. The other is the need for a constant flow of fresh ideas into a private or public institution.
In accordance with these entirely reasonable precepts, Chairman Lim has proposed a term limit of one year for members of the PSE Board of Governors, with a maximum cumulative tenure of 10 years, whether consecutive or non consecutive.
Predictably, this proposal of the new chairman has met with fierce opposition, especially from the Association of Brokers and Dealers Inc. Lim should stick to his guns on this issue. Almost certainly, the feeling entitled mindset of most of the members of the Phisix Board of Governors has been responsible for the unprogressive, laid back
Aware of this tendency, Lim, having been a corporate lawyer for a long time, has proposed a term limit for independent directors. After all, why allow independent directors to retain their positions after they have lost some of their independence? Predictably, this Lim proposal has likewise met with vigorous opposition from corporate managements that have come to like the independent-director members of their boards of directors.
These are by no means the only reforms that Lim has lined up for the Philippine capital market. He has provided indications of a full reformist agenda. The agenda includes reforms of the operations and procedures of online lending platforms—especially their capitalization—and of umbrella funds and their sub funds.
Francis Lim has come as a welcome breath of fresh air to the operators of this country’s capital market regulator. He should not be distracted by the opposition of those who long have prospered in the business as usual environment made possible by past SEC managements.
Go to it, Mr. Chairman. (llagasjessa@yahoo.com)
Puregold Price Club Inc. kicks off its 2026 Hakot Relay in Iloilo, distributing 12,000 grocery packs to 4,000 participants to help Filipinos combat rising inflation.
Ilocandia Beach Club in Ilocandia Coastown
Cebu Pacific opens modern training academy
By Darwin G. Amojelar
CEBU Pacific inaugurated a new, state-of-the-art training facility for pilots and cabin crew in Parañaque City on Monday, representing an expansion of its technical infrastructure.
The Gokongwei-led airline said the Cebu Pacific Training Academy is a purpose-built facility designed to provide high-quality, hands-on and experience-based training for prospective aviation professionals. It stands as one of the first centralized, modern aviation training hubs of its kind in the country.
Spanning 1,685 square meters, the academy is equipped with Airbus A330 and ATR door trainers, cabin mock-ups and slide trainers. It also features classrooms and equipment
rooms where pilots and cabin crew can undergo scenario-based, practical training led by the airline’s expert instructors.
“The Cebu Pacific Training Academy reflects our strong commitment and investment in the Philippines and its aviation industry. This facility allows us to stay focused on what matters most: operational excellence, service consistency and nation-building,” Cebu Pacific chief operations officer Javier Massot said. Massot said that with the facility, the airline seeks to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of aviation training standards in the Philippines and to help raise a generation of more capable and future-ready aviation professionals.
To support aspiring aviation professionals, the airline revived
its Cadet Pilot Program in 2024 in partnership with Cebu-based flight training school Airworks Aviation.
The program provides prospective pilots with high-quality training, structured mentorship and a clear pathway to employment with the airline. As of April 2026, the program has produced its second batch of pilot graduates.
Cebu Pacific has also been conducting cabin crew recruitment activities across its key hubs nationwide to support its growing operations, focusing on building a pool of well-trained and serviceoriented crew members.
The airline operates the widest network in the Philippines, serving 35 domestic and 26 international destinations across Asia, Australia and the Middle East.
APECO, PPPI explore pharmaceutical hub in Aurora
By Othel V. Campos
THE Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority and the Philippine Pharmaceutical Procurement Inc. (PPPI) are exploring the development of a pharmaceutical investment hub in Casiguran, Aurora.
APECO president and chief executive Gil Taway IV and PPPI president and chief executive Maria Blanca Kim BernardoLokin met to discuss areas of cooperation between the two government-owned and controlled corporations.
PPPI outlined potential components for the planned hub including research and development, clinical trials and cold chain logistics and warehousing.
Taway said the ecozone is ready to accommodate high-value industries that require reliable infrastructure, efficient regulatory processes and sustained investment support.
“We are building APECO as a complete, investment-ready ecosystem. For industries like pharmaceuticals that demand stability, efficiency and scale, our ecozone
provides an environment where they can operate and grow with confidence,” Taway said.
APECO allocated land in parcel 1 for the proposed hub, covering 496 hectares out of the 12,923 hectares under its management pursuant to Republic Act 10083 of 2010.
Taway said ongoing efforts to improve power supply, water access and logistics connectivity are key to meeting the requirements of pharmaceutical locators.
PPPI is developing a roadmap with the Department of Trade and Industry’s Supply Chain and Logistics Group to establish a network of pharma hubs. BernardoLokin said APECO is a potential site for this network.
“This initiative can help position the Philippines as a competitive regional hub in Asia for global pharmaceutical firms, leveraging strengths in research and development, clinical trials and logistics. Our collaboration with APECO supports the broader goal of improving access to affordable, quality healthcare for all Filipinos,” Bernardo-Lokin said.
Customs extends exporter permit validity to 3 years
By Thony Rose Lesaca
THE Bureau of Customs has extended the validity period of exporter registration to three years to align with the longer accreditation period for importers, according to a memorandum issued April 24.
Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno directed the Management Information and Systems Technology Group to integrate the new validity period into the Client Profile Registration System (CPRS). Under the policy, exporter registration remains valid for three years unless authorities deactivate, suspend or cancel it.
Exporters should register with the CPRS before engaging in trade. Nepomuceno said the initiative aims to enhance the reliability of exporter information while supporting efficient processing.
“This measure ensures that our exporter database remains accurate and reflective of active stakeholders. By adopting a defined validity period, we are improving data quality while maintaining a facilitative environment for legitimate exporters,” Nepomuceno said.
The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) earlier supported the issuance of Customs
Administrative Order 01-2026. The group said the order introduces practical reforms that streamline accreditation and strengthen accountability. A key provision extends importer accreditation to three years, which the chamber said reduces administrative friction and allows businesses to focus on expansion. The group also welcomed an automatic renewal system for qualified importers with strong compliance records or those recognized under the Authorized Economic Operator and Super Green Lane programs. PCCI president Perry Ferrer said the reform rewards compliance while improving turnaround times.
“CAO 01-2026 is a meaningful step toward a more efficient and predictable trade environment. By simplifying accreditation, enabling automatic renewals, and strengthening digital processes, we reduce friction in the supply chain while encouraging higher standards of compliance,” Ferrer said.
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
Please be advised that the 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Meeting”) of OCEANAGOLD (PHILIPPINES), INC. (the “Company”) will be conducted in person and online on 15 June 2026 at 10:00 a.m. to be presided at the Company’s principal office address at Didipio Mine, Didipio, Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines.
The order of business at the Meeting will be as follows:
1.
of Notice and Quorum
Approval of the Minutes of the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting held on 16 June 2025
Presentation of the Chairman’s Report and Annual Report, and approval of the Audited Financial Statements for the year 2025
of the Audited Financial Statements for the year 2025
Ratification of all acts of the Board of Directors, Audit and Risk Oversight Committee, Corporate Governance, Nominations and Related Party Transactions Committee, and Management since the last Annual Stockholders’ Meeting (held on 16 June 2025)
6. Election of the Members of the Board of Directors including the Independent Directors for the ensuing year
Appointment of the Company’s external auditors
5. Ratification of all acts of the Board of Directors, Audit and Risk Oversight Committee Corporate Governance Nominations and Related Party Transactions Committee, and Management since the last Annual Stockholders’ Meeting (held on 16 June 2025)
6. Election of
A brief statement of the rationale and explanation for each agenda item which requires shareholders’ approval are incorporated in the Definitive Information Statement which will be published through the PSE EDGE portal and Company website.
the PSE EDGE portal and Company website.
Stockholders of record as of the Record Date owning (alone or together with other stockholders) at least 5% of the Company’s total outstanding capital stock may submit proposals on items for inclusion in the Meeting’s agenda on or before 31 May 2026.
Stockholders of record as of the Record Date owning (alone or together with other stockholders) at least 5% of the Company’s total outstanding capital stock may submit proposals on items for inclusion in the Meeting’s agenda on or before 31 May 2026
The Board has set 15 April 2026 as the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to the Notice and to vote at the Meeting.
The Board has set 15 April 2026 as the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to the Notice and to vote at the Meeting.
Stockholders who wish to participate in the Meeting must register by completing the registration form (“Registration Form”) and all required attachments, and submit the same to oceana.asm@stocktransfer. com.ph (cc: CorporateSecretaryOGP@oceanagold.com) for validation. Registration begins on 1 May 2026 and closes on 20 May 2026 (“Registration Period”).
The requirements and procedure for participating and voting, including the Registration Form, proxy form and period for voting in absentia, may be accessed via the Company’s website at https://didipiomine.com. ph/annual-general-meetings/ and will be available beginning 1 May 2026.
Stockholders who wish to participate in the Meeting must register by completing the registration form (“Registration Form”) and all required attachments, and submit the same t o oceana.asm@stocktransfer.com.ph (cc: CorporateSecretaryOGP@oceanagold.com ) for validation. Registration begins on 1 May 202 6 and closes on 20 May 2026 (“Registration Period”).
The requirements and procedure for participating and voting, including the Registration Form proxy form and period for voting in absentia, may be accessed via the Company’s website at https://didipiomine.com.ph/annual -general-meetings/ and will be available beginning 1 May 2026
The Annual Report for the year 2025 (and the accompanying Audited Financial Statements and Sustainability Report) (https://didipiomine.com.ph/annual-information-forms/ ), as well as the minutes of the 2025 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting (https://didipiomine.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/OGPDraft-of-the-Minutes-of-Meeting-of-the-2025-ASM-June-16-2025-signed-redacted.pdf) are available for download and/or viewing on the links provided and the Company Disclosures section at the PSE EDGE portal at edge.pse.com.ph. The Definitive Information Statement will be available once approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission which is estimated on or around 21 May 2026.
content/uploads/2025/06/OGP-Draft-of-the-Minutes-of-Meeting-of-the-2025-ASM-June-162025-signed-redacted.pdf) are available for download and/or viewing on the links provided and the Company Disclosures section at the PSE EDGE portal at edge.pse.com.ph. The Definitive Information Statement will be available once approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission which is estimated on or around 21 May 2026
The Annual Report for the year 2025 (and the accompanying Audited Financial Statements and Sustainability Report) (https://didipiomine.com.ph/annual -information-forms/ ), as well as the minutes of the 2025 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting (https://didipiomine.com.ph/wp-
KARINA P. DULINAYAN
Corporate Secretary
KARINA P. DULINAYAN
LAND TITLES. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna with Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu, Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. and other government officials roll out the ‘Handog ng Pangulo: Luntiang Bukas’ as they distribute 820 land titles for Western Visayas and two climate-ready housing development projects to beneficiary communities during a short turnover ceremony on April 24,2026. Norman Cruz
Nestlé opens Laguna biomass plant for net zero goals
By Othel V. Campos
CABUYAO, Laguna—Nestlé Philippines inaugurated a biomass boiler facility here on Monday to accelerate its decarbonization strategy and meet its commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2050. The facility uses locally sourced agricultural waste to power spray drying operations for milk production, which ranks among the company’s most energy-intensive processes. The investment aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance energy stability and improve cost predictability.
The Cabuyao plant follows the model of an earlier biomass facility in Cagayan de Oro. While both systems use the same principles, they utilize different feedstocks. The Cabuyao site focuses on dairy production while the Cagayan de Oro plant processes spent coffee grounds and rice husks for coffee manufacturing.
Nestlé Philippines sustainability head Meg Anne Santos said biomass energy plays a central role in the company’s roadmap. “This milestone reflects how we are turning sustainability ambition into operational reality while scaling solutions that can be replicated across our
IN BRIEF
Gov’t raises P37.65b in T-bill auction
THE government raised P37.65 billion from its Treasury bill auction Monday as the Bureau of the Treasury fully awarded
and 4.737 percent, respectively – prompting the Committee to double the non-competitive bids for these tenors to P9.6 billion and P7.2 billion,” the Treasury said in a statement. Thony Rose Lesaca
TikTok Shop toughens anti-counterfeit measures
TIKTOK Shop reinforced its commitment to protecting intellectual property and eliminating counterfeit products through a deepened enforcement partnership with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL). The collaboration follows a recent IP Bootcamp where brand owners and platform partners developed measures to improve protection across the e-commerce ecosystem. The platform reported that it proactively rejected more than 40 million products globally due to intellectual property violations between January and June 2025, while removing over 2 million items after they were posted. The platform utilizes an Intellectual Property Protection Center (IPPC) system, which functions as a centralized reporting tool. The system allows rights holders
UNION Bank of the Philippines said Monday its net income surged 167 percent in the first quarter to P3.8 billion from P1.43 billion a year ago, as robust core revenues offset losses from market trading.
The lender said earnings growth maintained momentum from the second half of 2025 even as geopolitical conflict in Iran caused market volatility that impacted trading performance.
Union Bank chief financial officer
Manuel Lozano said in a statement the bank is carrying over strong momentum by building on actions taken in 2025 to strengthen its balance sheet and lay a foundation for sustainable growth.
“First-quarter results provide an early indication that the Bank is continuing its path to improved performance,” Lozano said.
Lozano said recent geopolitical developments pose risks which prompt-
to flag suspected infringements and triggers faster enforcement actions against violative listings. TikTok Shop said these initiatives aim to keep infringing goods off the platform while helping legitimate businesses protect brand equity.
TikTok Philippines public policy head
Yves Gonzalez noted the importance of brand integrity in the digital marketplace.
“Safety is at the core of how we operate on TikTok Shop, as a marketplace only thrives when it is built on authenticity.
When a consumer clicks ‘buy,’ they are also buying into the promise of a brand. Our responsibility is to help ensure that promise is protected,” Gonzalez said.
Othel V. Campos
Concepcion reports 41% profit drop
CONCEPCION Industrial Corp. (CIC)
reported a 41-percent decline in firstquarter net income on Monday as foreign exchange losses and subdued retail demand weighed on its performance.
The Philippine appliance manufacturer earned P171 million in the first three months of 2026, down from P287 million in the same period last year. Profit after tax and minority interest (PATAMI) fell 45 percent to P99.2 million from P179 million a year ago.
Consolidated net sales slipped 2 percent to P4.8 billion amid cautious consumer spending. Including its associate Concepcion Midea Inc. (CMI), net sales rose 9 percent to P7.1 billion.
“Retail demand remained soft amid weaker consumer sentiment and cautious spending, while the commercial business, aftermarket, and selected appliance categories continued to grow,” CIC said. Foreign exchange movements pressured the bottom line as the Philippine peso weakened against the US dollar and Chinese yuan. The company recorded P89.4 million in FX losses, a sharp reversal from the P17 million gain posted in the first quarter of 2025. Gross profit remained steady at P1.5 billion despite lower volumes, aided by a favorable product mix. Operating expenses rose 1 percent to P1.2 billion, primarily due to higher outbound freight costs following a spike in fuel prices. Jenniffer B. Austria
ed the bank to take proactive steps to reinforce its portfolio and enhance credit risk management. The bank said it remains well-capitalized and liquid despite the heightened volatility, positioning it to navigate external uncertainties and sustain earnings.
Net revenues rose 11.8 percent to P21.7 billion due to gains in lending and transaction-based businesses.
The bank grew its customer base 7.6 percent to 18.9 million, which provided a wider platform for loan growth and cross-selling. Net interest income reached P16.8 billion on the back of higher loan volumes. Consumer lending accounted for 60 percent of the total loan portfolio and served as a key driver, with unsecured loans growing 19.2 percent to P153.1 billion. Institutional loans increased 11.5 percent to P223.7 billion. Jenniffer B. Austria
network,” Santos said.
Santos said insights from these facilities guide future expansion plans. The company is evaluating additional sites and exploring early-stage opportunities in international markets, including Singapore.
Nestlé Philippines chairman and chief executive Mauricio Alarcón described the shift to renewable energy as a core business necessity.
“Sustainability is not just an environmental commitment. It is a business imperative. It strengthens resilience against fuel price volatility, secures energy independence and future-proofs operations against carbon regulations,” Alarcón said.
By Jenniffer B. Austria
National Bank (PNB) on Monday reported a net income of P6.37 billion in the first quarter of 2026, up 5 percent from a year ago behind steady core revenue growth and increased lending.
uity of
volatile interest rate environment.
The bank’s total loan portfolio grew 15 percent year-on-year on sustained demand across key segments. Total deposits reached P1.01 trillion, while low-cost current and savings accounts (CASA) represented 80 percent of the total deposit base.
PNB chief financial officer Francis Albalate said return on assets (ROA) remained solid at 1.91 percent.
“Our return on assets remained solid at 1.91 percent in the first quarter, reflecting efficient asset deployment and the benefits of a balanced loan mix that continues to support consistent earnings despite an uncertain rate environment,” Albalate said. The bank recorded a return on eq-
of 4.78
PNB president and chief executive Edwin Bautista said the bank delivered “solid first-quarter progress” despite global economic headwinds, supported by a strong balance sheet and improving core income.
“We are building momentum with focused growth, tighter cost control, and improving asset quality, while continuing to push forward our digital and AI initiatives, regardless of the market cycle,” Bautista said.
Moody’s Ratings recently affirmed the investment-grade rating and stable outlook for PNB, citing a strong capital position compared to its peers. Forbes also included PNB in its World’s Best Banks 2026 list, which recognized eight Philippine banks based on a global survey of more than 54,000 respondents.
HOKA expands PH footprint with first store in Cebu
By Darwin G. Amojelar
GLOBAL performance footwear
brand HOKA opened its first store outside Metro Manila at Ayala Center Cebu, a strategic shift toward provincial markets as running culture gains momentum across the country.
The expansion targets a growing local fitness scene with an increase in organized races and run clubs. Following the Cebu launch, the brand plans to open more stores at SM City Iloilo and Ayala Abreeza Mall in Davao City to connect with active communities in the Visayas and Mindanao regions.
Prior to the provincial push, HOKA centered its operations in Metro Manila with five locations in One Ayala, GH Mall, SM Aura, Ayala Malls Manila Bay and Trinoma. The brand previously utilized events like Midnight Run Asia to build its profile among Filipino runners.
MAP Active Philippines country head Anil Malhotra said the expansion reflects the increasing strength of the national running community.
“HOKA’s continued growth in the Philippines reflects the strength of running communities across the country,” Malhotra said.
“Expanding into Cebu, Iloilo, and Davao allows us to connect more closely with our customers where they are, while deepening our presence in places where running thrives,” said Malhotra.
THE Board of Investments signed a tripartite agreement with Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. and Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. on Monday to strengthen efforts to attract and facilitate Japanese investments into the Philippines.
The memorandum of understanding established a framework for closer coordination among the three institutions in investment promotion, information exchange and investor facilitation, particularly in priority sectors. BOI Investments Promotion Services executive director Evariste Cagatan, RCBC president and chief executive Reginaldo Anthony Cariaso
and SMBC managing executive officer and head of Asia Pacific division Katsufumi Uchida led the signing. Cagatan said the partnership enhances the BOI’s access to Japaneselinked financial networks, improving the agency’s ability to engage companies exploring or expanding operations in the Philippines.
“We see this partnership as a way to better support companies that are exploring or expanding their presence in the Philippines,” Cagatan said. Cariaso said the agreement expands the reach of both banks to include domestic growth sectors such as infrastructure, manufacturing and services.
Othel V. Campos
Executives of Nestlé Philippines inaugurate a new biomass boiler facility in Cabuyao, Laguna,
production
Board of Investments-Investment Promotion Services executive director Evariste Cagatan (center), Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) managing executive officer and head of the APAC division Katsufumi Uchida (left) and Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation president and chief executive Reginaldo Anthony Cariaso, signs a tirpartite memorandum of understanding (MOU) to deepen cooperation in promoting and facilitating investments across priority sectors.
ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY
Extreme heat threatening food security
Nature-based solutions ease burden of PH families—CCC
THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) reiterated its call to adopt naturebased solutions (NbS) that translate into safer homes, steadier incomes and cleaner neighborhoods.
DENR Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna made the call during the celebration of Earth Day last week, saying that NbS are options that can ease the daily burden of households and barangays.
“A family in a rural barangay wakes before dawn to fetch water from a distant spring; a farmer tills land he does not legally own and cannot invest in better crops; children in crowded neighborhoods have nowhere safe to play; every storm threatens the roof and the harvest,” he said.
“These are the everyday costs— in time, money and peace of mind— that nature-based solutions can ease,” Cuna said.
As the nation marks Earth Day under the theme “Our Power, Our Planet,” the DENR framed the day as both a call to action and a promise: that everyday environmental choices, supported by community programs and local leadership, can turn policy into tangible relief at the household level.
Cuna said the DENR is actively developing a national policy to institutionalize NbS as a core strategy for climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction, moving beyond traditional, rigid infrastructure.
Key initiatives focus on ecosystem restoration, specifically watershed management, forest restoration and mangrove protection to build community resilience against climate change.
Cuna outlined how nature-based programs under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. are designed to deliver those community and household benefits.
Reforestation and watershed rehabilitation restore springs and improve local water availability, reducing the hours families spend fetching water and lowering reliance on costly alternatives.
DENR News
CCC seeks unified climate action as risks intensify
By Marita Moaje
AS CLIMATE risks become increasingly complex and interconnected, the Philippines must shift from fragmented climate initiatives to a unified, systems-based approach, the Climate Change Commission (CCC) said. At the launch of the CapacityBuilding Initiative for Transparency
(CBIT) Philippines project in Pasig
City last week, CCC vice chairperson and executive director Robert E.A. Borje stressed the urgency of strengthening governance systems that can anticipate and manage climate risks, rather than respond to disasters after they strike.
“Everybody knows that our climate risks are no longer linear, cascading
executive director Secretary Robert E.A. Borje (center) leads the signing of the statement of commitment during the Capacity-Building Initiative for Transparency Philippines
Government rolls out 660 public school sites in 2026
THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) today announced it is set to roll out 660 legal titles for public school sites in 2026, giving public schools permanent ownership of the land they occupy. “The most important thing we can give our children is a secure place to learn,” DENR Secretary Juan Miguel T. Cuna said. “When a school has a clear title, it is no longer at risk of being taken or disputed. President Ferdinand Marcos’ directive is to provide this foundation that lets school leaders improve classrooms, build stronger facilities, and focus on teaching — and that helps families plan for a better future.”
The undertaking is a joint project with the
Finally, stronger international cooperation is essential. Governments, space agencies, private companies and scientists must work together to establish and apply global sustainability standards before challenges escalate.
4. What does the term “space sustainability” mean?
Space sustainability refers to using outer space in a way that protects both space itself and Earth’s environment over the long term. In essence, it means treating space as a shared environment that must remain safe and usable for future generations. This means: minimizing debris; reducing emissions; protecting dark and quiet skies; using resources efficiently; ensuring the safe reentry of spacecraft; and maintaining equitable access to space.
Department of Education (DepEd) which provides DENR with the list of school sites and helps identify which schools need titling.
DENR regional and field offices then start the survey process, measuring and mapping each site, verifying boundaries on the ground with school and community representatives, and preparing the legal documents necessary for the issuance of special patents or presidential proclamations. The DENR’s Land Management Bureau provides overall oversight and monitors the project’s implementation.
The DepEd list of school sites was recently updated to March 6, 2026, with a total number of 44,178 school sites.
Langub Elementary School in Purok 3 Centro, Brgy. Langub, Davao City, one of the public school sites issued a Special Patent by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources on May 6, 2024. Established in 1960, the school occupies a 1,698-square-meter lot and currently serves around 500 learners from Kindergarten to Grade 6 for School Year 2025–2026.
across sectors and then compounding over time,” he said.
Borje said the country is now being tested to see whether its systems can anticipate risks and deliver timely, precise and sustained responses to these challenges.
He said the CBIT Philippines project is designed to strengthen the country’s measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) framework by integrating data systems, institutional processes and analytical tools into a single decision-making platform.
He underscored that the country’s focus now must shift from recovery to prevention, and from reacting to risk to managing it.
“What we are launching is not simply another project. It is part of a broader effort to build a system where climate information shapes decisions and where those decisions lead to real, measurable results, allowing us to situate where we are very clearly,” he said.
Borje said the initiative will align data architecture, clarify institutional roles and improve analytical capacity so that climate information feeds directly into policy choices, investment planning and performance tracking, emphasizing the need to move beyond compliance-driven reporting.
By Vibhu Mishra
EXTREME
heat is pushing global food and farming systems to the brink, threatening the livelihoods of over a billion people as rising temperatures and more frequent heatwaves redefine how food is produced worldwide, a new UN report warns.
The joint report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) finds that extreme heat is already causing half a trillion work hours to be lost each year, with impacts set to intensify as temperatures rise.
“Extreme heat is increasingly defining the conditions under which agrifood systems operate,” said WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo, warning that it acts “as a compounding risk factor that magnifies existing weaknesses across agricultural systems.”
The report highlights how heatwaves–prolonged periods of unusually high day and night temperatures–are affecting crops, livestock, fisheries and forests, while also putting agricultural workers at serious risk.
Extreme heat is “a major risk multiplier,” said FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu, “exerting mounting pressure on crops, livestock, fisheries and forests, and on the communities and economies that depend upon them.”
Across farming systems, the impacts are already visible. For many major crops, yields begin to decline above 30°C (86°F), leading to weakened plant structures and reduced productivity.
Livestock experience stress at even lower temperatures, particularly pigs and poultry, which cannot cool themselves efficiently, resulting in reduced growth, lower dairy yields and, in severe cases, organ failure.
In oceans, rising temperatures are lowering oxygen levels, putting fish under strain–with 91 percent of the global ocean experiencing at least one marine heatwave in 2024. Forests are also affected, as extreme heat disrupts photosynthesis and increases the risk of wildfires.
5. Who is responsible for managing space-related environment challenges? This is a shared responsibility. International agreements, like the Outer
space activities, while national governments regulate launches, satellite operations and licensing.
Companies and agencies are responsible for designing and operating technologies that reduce environmental harm.
Other bodies also play key roles. The International Telecommunication Union manages satellite orbits and radio frequencies, while the International Maritime Organization is examining impacts on oceans.
But there is still no comprehensive global environmental framework for space.
6. What is the role of the United Nations?
As space activities increasingly affect our atmosphere, oceans, ecosystems and communities, the United Nations is stepping in to help bridge this gap.
UNEP and the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs are working together to better understand environmental risks, strengthen the scientific evidence base, and ensure that environmental considerations and space governance go hand-in-hand.
What happens in space is no longer separate from what is happening on Earth. But with strong global cooperation and action, countries can keep this frontier free from environmental crisis. Written by Alyona Synenko, UNEP and scientifically reviewed by Andrea Hinwood, UNEP; Jason Jabbour, UNEP; Jennifer Dev, UNOOSA; Nathalie Ricard, UNOOSA. UNEP News
Extreme heat is reshaping farming conditions globally, threatening food security and rural livelihoods. ©FAO/ Samuel Creppy (file photo)
PNA
Climate Change Commission vice chairperson and
TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2026
lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com
NICKIE WANG, Editor
ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer
JASPER VALDEZ, Writer
SHOWBIZ
PRIMETIME
television in the Philippines has long followed a familiar pattern of nightly drama, but TV5 is now changing how it is experienced.
With its “Primetime Pa5iklab” rollout, the network is leaning into a more cinematic, high-concept approach that pairs glossy production values with emotionally driven storytelling. The result: My Bespren Emman and A Secret in Prague, which both premiered on Monday.
TV5 raises primetime stakes with back-to-back
Leading the lineup at 8:00 p.m. is A Secret in Prague. It is a glossy action-romance that sees Enrique Gil and Andrea Brillantes in their first screen collaboration.
“It’s so nice to be back on TV, and I’m glad that I was able to do it in a way that complements my current vision as an actor. I wanted something with happy vibes, familiar, but something different at the same time,” he told Manila Standard Entertainment
Working with a co-star for the first time often comes with uncertainty, but for Enrique, the experience has been met with positive audience response and personal excitement.
“I’m really happy with the reaction of the people. I’m glad they welcomed the idea.
MICHAEL , the much-anticipated biopic about late superstar Michael Jackson, debuted atop the North American box office this weekend with a thrilling $97 million, industry estimates showed Sunday.
The film, directed by Antoine Fuqua and distributed by Lionsgate, chronicles the legendary artist’s rise from a child star to one of the world’s most famous pop icons. In the starring role is Jaafar Jackson, the popstar’s nephew.
In second place at the US and Canadian box office was The Super Mario Galaxy Movie , with another $21.2 million. After spending the last three weeks in the top spot, the animated sequel from Universal and Illumination Studios has hauled in over $775 million at the global box office, Exhibitor Relations reported. Third place went to Amazon MGM’s hit sci-fi adventure comedy Project Hail Mary with $13.2 million. The film, which stars Ryan Gosling as a teacher-turned-astronaut who must save Earth from a dimming sun, has earned nearly $600 million worldwide in an extended theatrical run.
In fourth place with $5.6 million was Lee Cronin’s The Mummy, an original horror film from Warner Bros. about a young girl possessed
Personally, I like it because it feels fresh, new, and exciting,” he said.
Shot against the striking European backdrop of Prague in the Czech Republic, the series blends espionage tension with emotional stakes, giving the production a distinctly international scale and look.
The story follows Mikoy (Enrique), a devoted brother who moves to Prague in search of a better future for his family, only to be drawn into a covert operation that forces him to spy on Chiara (Andrea), the strong-willed daughter of a mafia boss. The series is co-produced by Slingshot Studios, with Enrique also attached as a partner, and is directed by Barry Gonzales and Paco Sta. Maria from a script by Mark
Duane Angos
Meanwhile, at 8:45 p.m., the mood shifts with My Bespren Emman, an inspirational romantic drama that arrives with a timely, grounded story about regret, healing, and second chances.
The series features JM de Guzman, Shaina Magdayao, Sid Lucero, and Ai-Ai delas Alas in key roles.
The drama follows Mateo (JM), a man confronting the weight of his past while trying to rebuild a future with his childhood best friend, Ruth (Shaina). After a life-changing accident, he encounters a mysterious figure named Emman, who becomes a guide through a journey of redemption and personal reckoning.
The series is presented as a well-crafted, emotionally charged production that leans into polished storytelling and strong performances, giving viewers the sense of a fullscale, big-budget romantic drama rather than a routine weekday offering. Co-produced by Numinous Narratives and Spring Films, and directed by Derick Cabrido and Jerome Pobocan, My Bespren Emman airs right after A Secret in Prague, completing TV5’s new primetime one-two punch.
“A lot of things are happening now in our country, and this series feels timely and relevant,” JM said during the series’ special screening. “It gives hope while helping restore the audience’s faith.”
SHARON Cuneta and Barbie Forteza are set to headline Honor Thy Mother , a family drama series slated for release on Prime Video this year. The project pairs the two for the first time as on-screen mother and estranged daughter.
Cuneta said her familiarity with Forteza came through casual encounters in industry events.
“GMA has lots of young artists but it’s Barbie whom I always bump into during social gatherings,” Cuneta stated. “We would always end up talking to each other. We really enjoyed each other’s company. That’s why when I learned that she’s my main co-star in the project, I readily said yes.”
The series is a collaboration between GMA Network and ABS-CBN, a partnership Cuneta said she welcomed.
“This is my second project with Prime Video. My first was ‘Saving Grace’ in 2024 under Dreamscape and ABS-CBN,” she said. “Now I’m very pleased because Kapamilya
Shticks
Joseph Peter Gonzales
and Kapuso merged forces for this program. It feels like two families coming together under one roof through Prime.”
Cuneta also announced the project on social media, calling it a collaboration between ABS-CBN and GMA, with production by Dreamscape Entertainment and distribution via Prime Video. She said she will be working with Forteza, John Estrada and Khalil Ramos, and noted that filming will begin soon.
Meanwhile, Forteza said the project brings together major production groups in what she described as a large-scale family drama.
“These are big companies coming together for this massive project,” Forteza said. “It’s my first time working with Dreamscape. I’m glad to be part of this.”
She also said working with Cuneta is a milestone in her career.
“It’s a huge honor to work with her for the first time,” Forteza said. “I’ve always admired her. She’s one of the
reasons I became an actress.”
* * *
ACTRESS Janine Gutierrez said her recent move to Star Magic was driven by career growth and new opportunities.
“I know how they take care of their artists and guide them to new opportunities,” Gutierrez said. “At this stage, I still have many dreams for my career.”
She said she had long felt connected to the talent agency even before officially joining.
“I’ve always felt the warmth of the Star Magic family, especially Direk Lauren Dyogi and the managers,” she said. Gutierrez also named Belle Mariano and Joshua Garcia as actors she hopes to work with under her new management.
“I’m a fan of Belle. She’s a good actress and very nice,” she said. “Joshua is also very talented. I hope I get the chance to work with them in the future.”
Jaafar Jackson (left) steps into his uncle’s shoes as ‘Michael’ opens strong in North American cinemas
Sharon Cuneta (right) and Barbie Forteza team up for the first time in a family drama about an estranged mother and daughter fighting against a deadly conspiracy
Enrique Gil (left) and Andrea Brillantes star opposite each other in ‘A Secret in Prague,’ an action-romance shot partly in Czech Republic
From left: JM de Guzman, Shaina Magdayao, and Ai-Ai delas Alas lead the new drama, which centers on faith, friendship, and the long road to redemption
The cast of ‘My Bespren Emman’ and ‘A Secret in Prague’ in full force during a back-to-back TV5 media event
Very Wang Nickie Wang
LIFE & SHOWBIZ
Local brand ambassadorship fuels speculation of AHOF’s Manila comeback
By Angelica Villanueva
FANS who witnessed AHOF might get another up-close and personal moment with the rising K-pop group, as the possibility of the members coming back to Manila is highly likely.
The members of the South Korean boy group have been named youth ambassadors for wellness company IAM Worldwide for 2026 to 2027.
The appointment is the group’s first brand endorsement since its formation in 2025 and comes amid growing local interest following earlier fan events in the Philippines.
AHOF, short for “All-time Hall
Of Famer,” is a nine-member multinational group formed through the survival program Universe League . Its members include
Steven, Jeongwoo, Woongki, Shuaibo, Han, Daisuke, Juwon, Chih En, and Filipino member JL Gaspar
The group debuted on July 1, 2025, with the EP Who We Are and has since gained a following across multiple markets, according to entertainment industry reports. Their fans are known as “FOHA.”
“In IAM Worldwide, we believe that modern wellness is about consistency, discipline, and the courage to evolve,” the company said in a statement. “AHOF embodies this mindset. They are
not only global artists, but symbols of ambition, resilience, and transformation.”
As part of the partnership, AHOF will front campaigns for IAM Worldwide’s IAM Amazing Organic Barley Gummies, a dietary supplement product, the company said.
IAM Worldwide said the collaboration will include promotional content and digital campaigns, though it did not release details on specific schedules or potential appearances in the Philippines.
SATIRICAL comedy film Samahan ng mga Makasalanan produced by GMA Pictures has reached the No. 1 spot on Prime Video Philippines, according to the streaming platform’s local rankings. The film, which stars David Licauco, has drawn renewed viewership following its release on the platform, with audiences revisiting its light but reflective take on redemption and Also part of the cast are Sanya Lopez, Joel Torre, Soliman Cruz, Betong Sumaya, and , among others.
The film became available on Prime Video on April 24. It was first released in cinemas in 2025 and was directed by Benedict Mique
The story follows Deacon Sam, played by Licauco, a devout and idealistic young man assigned to Sto. Kristo, a town described as being populated by sinners. He later forms the “Samahan ng mga Makasalanan” to guide the townspeople, but eventually faces his own struggles with temptation.
By Nickie Wang
ACROSS the Philippines, Filipina entrepreneurs are turning household spaces into business hubs. Their numbers are growing, but so are the obstacles they face in expanding— ranging from financing gaps to the demands of balancing work and family. Filipina entrepreneurs, many of them mothers, account for about 66 percent of existing businesses and 62 percent of newly registered enterprises in the Philippines but continue to face challenges in scaling their operations due to limited access to capital, gaps in digital adoption, and caregiving responsibilities, according to industry and government stakeholders.
The issue was raised at the 4th Gawad Madiskarte, where government and
development leaders said stronger institutional support is needed to sustain the growth of women-led micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said local government programs are helping entrepreneurs transition from informal ventures to formal businesses through capital assistance and training.
“Our goal is to guide entrepreneurs
UN Women Philippines country programme coordinator Rosalyn Mesina said investing in women entrepreneurs should be viewed as an economic strategy.
“Women entrepreneurs must not only be supported, they must be seen, recognized, and protected within the system,” Mesina said, calling for stronger gender-responsive policies.
Philippine Commission on Women chairperson Ermelita Valdeavilla pointed to digital access as a key driver of growth, citing programs such as Elevate AIDA that provide training in artificial intelligence and data-related work for women.
PLDT Home’s Madiskarte Moms PH, a community of more than 228,000 members, also highlighted its programs supporting women entrepreneurs through training, mentorship, and networking.
“At its core, entrepreneurship goes beyond hitting sales targets. It is about building a strong support system that empowers entrepreneurs to sustain growth, overcome challenges, and scale with confidence,” said Menardo “Butch” Jimenez Jr., chief operating officer and chief technology officer of PLDT.
Launched five years ago, the platform recognizes women-led businesses through its annual Gawad Madiskarte awards.
Despite their economic contribution, speakers at the event said many women-led MSMEs still require coordinated support from government, the private sector, and communities to scale sustainably.
FILIPINOS know the line all too
well: “ Isara mo nga ’yung pinto! Lalabas ’yung aircon!” While grammatically off, the warning has become a staple in humid households, where keeping the cold air in feels like a daily negotiation with the tropics. CoCo Tea & Juice is tapping into that shared moment of frustration and humor in its latest summer campaign film, which imagines a world where air conditioners themselves finally give in. The ad leans into the absurd with mock seriousness, staging what looks like a burnout support group for air-conditioning units. In the film, the machines are shown overheating, exhausted, and increasingly unable to keep up with the demand of constant use. Eventually, they “walk out,” leaving behind rooms that are anything but cool.
The concept takes a familiar Filipino household phrase and stretches it into a surreal storyline, turning everyday exasperation into comedy. What if the AC really had enough?
From there, CoCo Tea & Juice steps in as the fictional fix. In the narrative, even the overworked machines turn to the brand’s drinks as a way to “cool down,” extending the joke into a tongue-in-cheek payoff that links refreshment with relief. Behind the humor, the campaign highlights a broader idea of burnout and the need for pause, whether for people or even the most overused appliances of summer. The film was directed by Thailand-based Factory01’s awardwinning director Un Wuthisak Anarnkaporn
TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2026
lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com
NICKIE WANG, Editor
ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer
JASPER VALDEZ, Writer
MARCO Polo Ortigas Manila is offering a range of dining experiences this May in celebration of Mother’s Day, featuring international buffets, Cantonese set menus, skyline cocktails, and desserts across its restaurants.
At Cucina, “Made for Mom: A Cucina Celebration” will be available on May 9 for lunch and dinner at P2,988 net per person and on May 10 for lunch only at P3,200 net per person. The buffet includes international dishes and chef specials, along with a flower bar, a summer mocktail mixing experience with Dilmah, a photo booth, a dessert grazing table and live entertainment.
Lung Hin will offer “For the Love of Mom,” a Cantonese set menu available from May 1 to 10, priced at P2,888 net per person for a minimum of four guests. The menu features Peking duck roll, braised dried scallop soup with seafood, wok-fried prawns with seasonal vegetables, seafood spinach fried rice, mango custard roll, and a fruit platter. A beverage pairing is available at P988 net for two hours.
VU’s Sky Bar and Lounge will run “Sunset Date with Mom,” offering unlimited tapas and rosé wine for two hours with skyline views. The package is priced at P3,500 net for two persons.
Connect Lounge will serve Mother’s Day-themed cocktails throughout May, including Cherry Blossom Martini, Elderflower Rose Spritz, and Sangria de Rosa, priced at P450 net each.
Café Pronto will offer desserts from May 1 to 10, including Fruity Chocolate Cake at P2,200 net, Mini Cakes (box of 10) at P1,500 net, and Praline Boxes priced at P500 net for six pieces and P900 net for 12 pieces.
For reservations and inquiries, guests may call +632 7720 7777 or email manila@marcopolohotels.com or restaurant.mnl@ marcopolohotels.com.
By Angelica Villanueva
WEEKDAY dining takes on a more flexible format as Olive Garden Philippines rolls out a new set offering built around choice, value, and its familiar dine-in experience.
The P595 Favorites weekday promotion offers a set meal that includes a main dish, unlimited soup or salad, and a drink. It is positioned for both quick lunch breaks and longer, more relaxed gatherings, depending on how diners choose to pace their meal. The format brings in a wider range of dishes while keeping the restaurant’s usual portions and casual setting intact. It also highlights what regulars often come back for: the option to enjoy unlimited servings alongside a full entrée.
At the center of the offer are Olive Garden’s staple items, including unlimited soup, salad, and freshly baked breadsticks. Guests can choose one main dish from a selection that covers both classic pasta options and heavier plates with protein. Choices include Penne Pesto, with new items like Creamy Spinach Fettuccine and Tuscan Spaghetti. For those wanting a heartier option, there are also Pan Seared Tenderloin and Creamy Mushroom Tenderloin, offering a mix of lighter pasta and more filling meals.
The new menu offers a blend of flavors that range
showcases
By Nickie Wang
IN the neon-lit nightlife of Poblacion in Makati, where concepts rise and evolve quickly, Opal Bar MNL has carved out a lane built on a different concept and preference. The bar is designed for intimate, elevated gatherings over crafted cocktails.
Gay drinking with Carlos
For its first anniversary, the bar expanded that vision by inviting a lineup of international and local bartenders, including Davaobased mixologist Carlos Mangcupang, known for his growing platform “Gay Drinking with Carlos.”
Carlos joined a strong lineup of international guest bartenders, including Diageo World Class Indonesia 2023 champion Melvern Nathaniel, Diageo World Class Vietnam 2025 champion Nguyễn Ngọc Khánh (Patrick) of The Hudson Rooms at Capella Hanoi, and Kyoto-based Bee’s Knees bar manager Toru Ariyoshi. Together, they brought global techniques and distinct storytelling approaches to Manila’s cocktail scene.
Carlos’s inclusion in Opal Bar MNL’s celebrated mixologist lineup was a showcase of drinks taken to a different level. Think art and culture mixed with Mindanaoan flavor and flair behind the counter delivered with nails on fleek.
“Gay Drinking with Carlos” originally started as a concept for a brunch menu at his family-run restaurant in Davao City, Taste of Home, located in Matina Town Square. The idea was simple at first: day drinking, reimagined. But as the concept evolved, so did its identity.
“I said, day drinking, gay, so I made it ‘gay drinking,’” Carlos shared with Manila Standard Life, describing how the name took shape. The brunch plan eventually did not push through, but the idea found a second life as a small bar corner inside Taste of Home, transforming into what he now calls “an act of drinking with me.”
The space became a platform for his self-expression.
Carlos considers bartending an extension of a wider creative practice that includes painting, music, cooking, and design. He describes cocktails as a medium where ideas are translated into flavor, texture, and presentation.
“I think bartenders are artists,” he said. “It is a way of expressing ideas and emotions, like translating experiences into a drink in a glass.”
That artistic lens is rooted in years of experience across service, kitchen work, and community-based projects, including time spent in Mati and Davao’s culinary scene. What he found in bartending, he said, was a culture of openness, where knowledge is shared freely, and collaboration is central.
At Opal’s anniversary, Carlos brought that philosophy onto a wider stage, representing Mindanao through ingredients, stories, and design. His cocktails featured elements such as charred durian washed in bourbon, yangsum lime used in kinilaw, strawberries from Bukidnon, and local vinegar blends like Pinakurat. Each drink functioned as a map of southern Philippine flavors.
One creation combined Mindanao produce into a structured, oldfashioned-style cocktail. Another drew from his mother’s carrot cake, reinterpreted through carrot vodka, walnut orgeat, and cream cheese foam.
Apart from technique, Carlos emphasized identity. His use of Bagobo-inspired prints, Waling-waling motifs, and collaborations with Davao-based creatives underscored his intent to ground his work in Mindanao culture.
with a lineup of international and local bartenders, including Davao-based Carlos Mangcupang (center)
“There are so many flavors in Mindanao, so much history and art,” he asserted. “I don’t think we get enough spotlight.”
That perspective shaped his presence at Opal, where he joined international guest bartenders in a week-long celebration that highlighted global and local talent. The event culminated in a community night that brought together industry professionals and guests in a shared space of cocktails and conversation.
“Gay Drinking with Carlos” is a concept he defines as inclusive rather than exclusive, anchored in expression rather than identity alone. It is a space where drinking becomes performance, storytelling, and connection.
“Representation is not an abstract idea but a daily practice. I just wanted to show what Mindanaoans are capable of. We have so much creativity. We just need more light on it,” he said.
“And as for drinking, I may call it gay drinking, but this is very inclusive. I have long advocated that we shouldn’t put drinks and cocktails in a box like ladies’ drinks or men’s drinks. Some men prefer sweet drinks, and some women prefer strong liquor, but at the end of the day, it’s a celebration, and that’s what ‘Gay Drinking with Carlos’ is all about,” Carlos elucidated.
The hotel’s restaurants are offering special menus, packages, and themed cocktails throughout May
Carlos Mangcupang
Marco Polo Ortigas Manila is celebrating Mother’s
The Opal Bar MNL celebrates its first anniversary
Carlos Mangcupang (right) with Opal Bar MNL owner Wilfredo ‘Sev’ Sevilla Jr. at the bar’s anniversary event