Manila Standard - 2026 May 20 - Wednesday

‘No evidence of Senate attack’

Remulla says 6-day probe showed just

By Charles Dantes, Rolando Ng III, Ram Superable, Rex Espiritu and Joel E. Zurbano

INTERIOR Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Tuesday investigators found no evidence of an attack on the Upper Chamber during the May 13 shooting incident inside the Senate complex, as authorities released details of the timeline leading to the gunfire.

Speaking at a Palace briefing with Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida and Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Remulla said a six-day investigation involving CCTV footage, affidavits, and interviews showed that “all evidence points that there was no attack on the Senate.”

‘Gun-related incident’ timeline

Authorities described the incident as a “gun-related incident” involving the dis-

charge of firearms inside Senate premises at around 7:45 p.m. on May 13.

Investigators said the Pasay City police initially handled the case before forwarding records to prosecutors on May 14, while the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group later expanded the probe and submitted findings to the Department of Justice.

Police presented a chronology of events beginning at 5:23 p.m., when

By Itchie Cabayan

THE National Bureau of Investigation said it has leads on the whereabouts of Senator Ronald dela Rosa who has gone into hiding following the issuance of a warrant of arrest by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Noted criminal lawyer joins Rody’s team

By Pot Chavez

PROMINENT international criminal lawyer Kate Gibson has joined the defense team of former President Rodrigo Duterte who is facing charges of crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands.

The ICC registry confirmed this in a document dated 18 May 2026, noting that Duterte’s newly-appointed counsel Peter Haynes requested for Gibson to assist the defense team in the trial.

Earlier this month, Nicholas Kaufman withdrew as defense counsel in the case ahead of the trial.

The Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) in the ICC earlier proposed that Duterte’s trial be set on Nov. 30, 2026.

In its submissions dated 15 May 2026, the prosecutors noted that they expect to complete all of the neces-

The Department of Justice earlier confirmed the Philippines has officially received the ICC arrest warrant against Dela Rosa. NBI director Melvin Matibag declined, however, to give further details about their leads.

Prosecutors: VP Sara resigning shouldn’t stop impeachment trial

By Maricel V. Cruz, Ram Superable and Pot Chavez

THE possible resignation of Vice President Sara Duterte would not automatically stop the impeachment trial, House prosecutors said Tuesday, arguing that

the Senate impeachment court must still determine whether the penalty of perpetual disqualification from public office should be imposed.

Speaking at a press conference, lead House impeachment prosecutor Rep. Gerville Luistro of Batangas said im-

peachment carries two principal penalties upon conviction: removal from office and perpetual disqualification from holding public office.

“We have to remember that there are two principal penalties in case the respondent in an impeachment case is

convicted. These two principal penalties are removal and perpetual disqualification,” Luistro said.

“While resignation from office will render moot and academic the penalty of removal, it is my position that

By Rex Espiritu, Vito Barcelo, and Ram Superable

By Charles Dantes

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the country wants to avoid being drawn into any conflict over Taiwan.

He acknowledged that the Philippines would inevitably feel the effects of any confrontation because of its geographic proximity and the large number of Filipinos living and working on the island.

“We certainly do not want to be part of any conflict,” Mr. Marcos said during a roundtable interview with Japanese media at Malacañang. The chief executive emphasized

By Othel V. Campos

READY FOR TRIAL. Members of the House prosecution panel on Tuesday answer questions from the media on their respective assignments for the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. The public prosecutors are (from left)

Suan,

Manuel Diokno, Terry Ridon, Joel Chua, Ysabel Maria Zamora, Gerville Luistro, Leila De Lima, Lorenzo Defensor, Jonathan Keith Flores and Ramon Rodrigo Gutierrez. Ver Noveno

Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Tuesday present a timeline of the ‘gun-related incident’ and Senator Bato dela Rosa’s escape from the Senate early Thursday morning last week (May 14). Revoli Cortez

Senator Ronald dela Rosa allegedly appealed for public support on social media amid reports of a possible arrest.

The Senate adjourned session at 5:58 p.m., while the Supreme Court had not issued a temporary restraining order sought by dela Rosa as of 6:14 p.m., officials said.

Authorities said Senate Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms chief Mao Aplasca allegedly announced at 6:57 p.m. that “somebody will be arrested,” followed by a Senate lockdown at 7:05 p.m.

Officials added that articles of impeachment from the House of Representatives were prepared for transmittal at 7:11 p.m. and delivered to the Senate at 7:22 p.m.

Gunshots were heard at around 7:45 p.m., triggering confusion after reports circulated that National Bureau of Investigation agents had entered the Senate premises. The NBI later denied involvement in any assault operation.

Authorities said security coordination between the Government Service Insurance System and Senate officials began as early as May 12.

Investigators said GSIS officials implemented heightened security measures and requested NBI assistance to secure entry points connected to the Senate building after dela Rosa publicly called for a “people power” movement.

Officials said three NBI agents initially arrived at the GSIS building on May 13, but a later CCTV reviewed 29 NBI personnel in the area.

‘Lock and load order, cover fire response’ Remulla stressed that none of the

sary pre-trial proceedings by the end of September.

“The Prosecution proposes that the trial be set to commence on Monday, 30 November 2026 which would then provide for a period of two months prior to the commencement of the trial,” the OTP said.

“The proposed date for the start of trial will allow the Prosecution to efficiently discharge its disclosure and other pre-trial steps, as detailed below, and will consequently likely prevent problems arising during the trial which could cause delay,” it added.

The OTP cited anticipated evidence including estimated number of witnesses to be called and number of hours of in-court testimony, use of expert witnesses, and testimony given by audio or video link.

Also included were the estimated volume of documentary and other non-testimonial evidence to be presented at the trial.

In an interview with Manila Standard on Tuesday, ICC assistant to counsel Kristina Conti said the court will consider all matters at the status conference hearing on May 27.

NBI agents wore tactical gear or carried assault equipment.

Authorities said CCTV footage showed NBI agents inspecting areas connected to the GSIS building between 6:52 p.m. and 7:01 p.m., shortly before the gunfire erupted.

Remulla said Aplasca later ordered operatives, including Philippine Marines and police personnel, to “lock and load” before proceeding toward the hallway leading to the veranda where NBI agents were positioned.

Authorities said Aplasca allegedly fired three shots after an NBI agent identified himself, prompting what officials described as “cover fire” from the agent, who believed he was under attack.

Remulla also dismissed conspiracy theories surrounding drilling noises heard before the shooting, saying these were caused by GSIS maintenance personnel reinforcing doors and installing additional bolts and steel cabinets at access points between the Senate and GSIS buildings.

“So, hindi gulatan ito (there were no surprises),” Remulla said. “They were duly informed.”

PNP chief Nartatez also disclosed that CCTV footage allegedly showed dela Rosa and Senator Robin Padilla leaving Senate premises around 2:30 a.m. on May 14 aboard a white Toyota Fortuner reportedly owned by Padilla.

NBI: Volunteer driver was unarmed Meanwhile, NBI Director Atty. Melvin Matibag said volunteer driver Ramil Masaya, also known as “Mel Oragon,” was unarmed when he was arrested following the incident.

Matibag said Oragon had no firearm

in his possession and may have tested positive for gunpowder residue through contact with Senate security personnel or from being pinned to the floor near where shots were fired.

“When he was arrested from GSIS, dinala siya sa Senate grounds sa second floor. Idinapa siya kung saan mismo nagpaputok nang nagpaputok ng baril yung mga OSAA (They pinned him down right where the OSAA personnel kept firing their guns),” Matibag said.

Matibag also maintained that Masaya was arrested without a warrant inside the GSIS premises and not inside the Senate.

“I’ve seen the video. He was arrested in the premises of GSIS. He was arrested without a warrant. Napagsuspetsahan lang siya (he was tagged as a suspect),” he said.

The NBI chief said the bureau had no operation inside the Senate and that agents present at the GSIS complex were there upon the request of GSIS management to secure entry points leading to the Senate building.

Matibag also criticized Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano, saying command responsibility should apply over Aplasca’s actions during the incident.

“If that is the case, sino ba ang unang nagpaputok? Wala namang nagpaputok doon, baka hindi nagkaratratan ng paputok doon. Sino ang may command responsibility kay Sergeant-at-Arms? Who was the head of the Senate?” Matibag said.

He added that “feudal thinking” should not prevail in discussions surrounding accountability.

Acting OSAA chief named Following Aplasca’s preventive suspension by the Office of the Ombuds-

man, Manuel Parlade was designated officer-in-charge of the Office of the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms.

The Ombudsman imposed a sixmonth preventive suspension on Aplasca while conducting a fact-finding investigation into the shooting incident.

Separately, the Ombudsman’s Field Investigation Bureau requested from the Senate a list of media personnel who were inside the Senate premises during the May 13-14 incident.

In a letter addressed to Senate Public Relations and Information Bureau Director Michael Caber, the bureau said the request was part of its ongoing investigation into the “shooting incident/ armed confrontation” that led to the Senate lockdown.

Senator Risa Hontiveros also filed a resolution commending members of the media for their professionalism and courage during the incident.

“In an information landscape increasingly compromised by systemic online disinformation, covert influence operations, and coordinated inauthentic behavior, the impartial reporting of the Senate Media serves as an essential pillar of truth, protecting the integrity of our democracy during times of national crisis,” Hontiveros said.

Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, meanwhile, said the shooting incident influenced his decision to join the Senate minority bloc.

“For the first time ever, there was gunfire here and chaos ensued. This has never occurred in the history of this body,” Zubiri said.

“Thus, I made a decision. I made a decision independently, alongside my family, that changes are necessary,” he added.

“If there is any person who should be asked, it’s Senator Robin Padilla because he was the last person to be seen with Senator Dela Rosa,” Matibag said at the Manila City Hall Reporters’ Association forum at the Harbor View Restaurant in Manila.

Matibag said he asked Dela Rosa to give himself up, adding the senator who served as Philippine National Police chief during the term of former President Rodrigo Duterte “should know what law enforcement is all about.” He cited how former senators Antonio Trillanes IV and Leila de Lima submitted themselves to the law when they, too, had warrants of arrest issued against them when they were sitting senators.

Dela Rosa fled the Senate premises, along with Padilla, on May 14, just hours after a shooting incident at the legislative chamber the previous night.

Dela Rosa was placed under Senate’s protective custody when he showed up on May 11 after being absent for almost six months.

On its website, the ICC already listed Dela Rosa as a defendant “at large” for crimes against humanity in relation to the bloody war on drugs during the Duterte administration.

In February, Dela Rosa, Senator Bong Go, and six others were identified as “co-perpetrators” in the crimes against humanity trial of Duterte, documents released by ICC prosecutors showed. Other individuals also identified as indirect co-perpetrators were former PNP officials Oscar Albayalde, Vicente Danao, Camilo Cascolan, and Isidro Lapeña, as well as former National Bureau of Investigation director Dante Gierran and former Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre.

we need to continue the trial for the senator-judges to be able to determine whether or not they will impose as well the penalty of perpetual disqualification,” she added.

Akbayan Party-list Rep. Chel Diokno, also a member of the prosecution panel, described Luistro’s view as a “valid” legal position.

Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima said the impeachment proceedings also serve as due process for Duterte.

“We must remember that this is also due process for VP Sara. So, this is her chance. It’s time for her to face and answer the accusations against her,” De Lima said.

“If there is no wrongdoing, nothing should be avoided. Nothing should be covered up and nothing should be blocked,” she added.

‘Forthwith an obligation’ Meanwhile, the “forthwith” requirement in the Constitution imposes upon the Senate the obligation to begin impeachment immediately, according to Supreme Court (SC) Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen.

In his concurring and dissenting opinion to the recent SC decision made

which President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. placed under a P50-per-kilo price cap for 30 days starting May 14.

The DA chief clarified that the SRP is not a price ceiling but a guide for consumers on fair local rice prices.

control projects in Davao City’s 1st District over alleged irregularities, including overlapping contracts, double funding, and missing project details.

The lawmaker said his team reviewed 121 flood control contracts implemented from 2019 to 2022 and recorded under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Of these, he claimed 80 contracts showed possible red flags amounting to billions of pesos.

According to him, the alleged irregularities included:

- Total overlap (P135 million): Two contracts allegedly funded construction on identical river sections, raising concerns over possible duplicate payments or ghost projects.

public Tuesday, he opined that it is “not an obligation merely to begin bureaucratic preparation.”

“It is, first and foremost, an obligation to immediately commence the constitutional process of convening the Senate as an impeachment court. Once convened, it is the impeachment court that should have supervised the preparations for the impeachment trial,” he said.

The senior magistrate added that the failure to constitute the impeachment court at the earliest opportunity can be considered grave abuse of discretion.

The Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, earlier ordered the issuance of a writ of summons directing Duterte to file her answer to the articles of impeachment within 10 days from receipt.

Luistro: Move without delay

Luistro said the prosecution panel expects the impeachment proceedings to move forward without delay despite pending petitions before the Supreme Court.

“Nevertheless, even if there are pending petitions in the Supreme Court, this should not hamper or delay the impeachment trial, especially considering there is no temporary restraining order or injunction issued by the Supreme Court for that matter,” she said.

“What is being mandated to be forthwith is not only the convening. What is being mandated to be forthwith is the

Rice remains a politically sensitive commodity in the Philippines because of its impact on household spending, inflation, and monetary policy decisions of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

Tiu Laurel said consultations with rice millers and industry groups showed broad support for the P53-per-kilo SRP. He added that retailers may still sell below the suggested price, allowing other players in the

- Double funding (P115 million): The same project allegedly appeared twice in the 2020 General Appropriations Act and was awarded to two different contractors.

- Location changes and shortchanging (P425 million): Eight projects were allegedly implemented in locations different from those authorized and covered significantly shorter lengths than appropriated, yet contractors allegedly received nearly full payment.

- Contracts without specifications (P3.56 billion): A total of 65 contracts allegedly lacked key details, such as station numbers or project lengths, making verification difficult and raising concerns about possible ghost projects.

- No GAA authorization (P623 million): A total of 10 contracts allegedly had no corresponding line item in the GAA, raising questions over potentially unauthorized expenditures.

trial,” she added.

Luistro stressed that the trial would proceed even if Duterte decides not to personally appear before the Senate impeachment court.

“Under the Senate rules, even if the Vice President would opt not to attend, kahit hindi siya mag-attend, o kahit hindi siya mag-file ng answer, o kahit walang defense team na dumating, trial will still continue,” Luistro said.

“Those instances will only be considered as an entry of a plea of not guilty,” she added.

Lacson: Remain vigilant

Also, Senator Panfilo Lacson called on the public to remain vigilant following the Senate’s formal convening as an impeachment court.

“The stark contrast between the smell of gunpowder last week and the breath of fresh air in the Senate yesterday was evident when we convened as an impeachment court after all the parliamentary procedures were strictly followed,” Lacson said.

“Arrogance of power, like impunity, has its limits,” he added.

Manila Rep. Joel Chua, another member of the prosecution panel, said the House prosecutors are prepared to present evidence and witnesses before the Senate impeachment court as part of the constitutional process.

supply chain to earn reasonable margins.

The DA is expected to release a memorandum outlining the SRP guidelines anytime soon.

For imported rice, Tiu Laurel said full enforcement of the P50-per-kilo price cap will begin next week to give retailers and consumers time to adjust.

“We will start full enforcement next week,” he said.

- Incomplete projects (P713 million): A total of 10 contracts allegedly remain unfinished years after their expiry dates. Three were paradoxically tagged as “100-percent complete” but still marked “ongoing,” while one project, Matina Pangi Bridge 3, was allegedly only 64-percent complete after five years.

- Congressional insertions: A total of 49 of the 80 red-flagged contracts were reportedly congressional insertions, all concentrated in Davao City’s 1st District.

“We respectfully urge the Ombudsman to conduct a thorough investigation of these flood control projects, with priority attention to physical verification of incomplete and ‘100-percent complete but ongoing’ projects,” Tinio said in a letter submitted to Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla.

In a separate interview with reporters, he said the alleged irregularities bore “red flags” of possible anomalies.

The 11-member prosecution panel also announced that preparations for the impeachment trial are now in “full swing.”

“Rest assured that the 11 prosecutors are already in full swing of preparation. So come the pre-trial and the trial, you will expect that the 11 prosecutors will be there to appear before the impeachment court,” Luistro added.

Four articles of impeachment

The prosecution panel has been divided into teams handling the four articles of impeachment involving alleged threats and destabilization, bribery, unexplained wealth, and the alleged misuse of confidential funds.

Luistro will lead the prosecution for the confidential funds article, while Chua will head the bribery article. Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon will lead the unexplained wealth article, and Iloilo Rep. Lorenz Defensor will head the threats and destabilization article.

The articles accuse Duterte of misusing P612.5 million in confidential funds, failing to properly disclose assets and bank transactions in her Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth, committing alleged bribery during her tenure as Education secretary, and making grave threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former Speaker Martin Romualdez.

House prosecutors also dismissed

According to the ICC prosecution document, “Duterte and his co-perpetrators shared a common plan or agreement to “neutralize” alleged criminals in the Philippines (including those perceived or alleged to be associated with drug use, sale or production) through violent crimes including murder).”

that the Philippines’ concerns are driven not by politics but by geography and the potential humanitarian impact of a conflict.

“Just looking at the map, you can tell that the northern Philippines at the very least is going to be part of that or will feel the effects,” Mr. Marcos said.

He added that northern Luzon and possibly the rest of the island would be affected by any military confrontation near Taiwan.

He pointed to the estimated 200,000 Filipinos living and working in Taiwan as another major consideration for Manila in the event of a crisis.

“The Philippines has, from the very start, always held a one-China policy. We have always held a one-China policy, and we will continue to do that,” Mr. Marcos said.

concerns that participating in the impeachment trial could affect their political prospects in the 2028 elections.

“We are not worried,” San Juan Rep. Ysabel Maria Zamora said.

“We are fulfilling our constitutional duty as House prosecutors, as congressmen, as representatives of our constituents,” she added.

Push for transparency, accountability

For his part, Cebu Archbishop Alberto Uy also urged Filipinos to unite around accountability, due process, and the common good as the Senate prepares to hear the impeachment case.

“Despite our differences, there are important principles that should unite us as one people. First, we all desire an end to corruption,” Uy said in a pastoral statement shared with reporters covering the House of Representatives.

“We long for honesty, transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of public funds,” he added. Uy said all public officials accused of wrongdoing should be properly investigated regardless of political affiliation or influence.

“At the same time, we also believe in fairness and due process. Every accused person must be given the opportunity to defend himself or herself according to the law and within a just process,” he said.

PBBM: Indo-Pacific to dominate talks

By Charles Dantes

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is expecting regional security, coercive activities, and growing Indo-Pacific tensions to dominate his upcoming talks with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi during his visit to Tokyo later this month.

Speaking to Japanese media in Malacañang on Monday, Marcos said both the Philippines and Japan have faced similar security concerns involving “coercive acts” and “gray-zone tactics” in regional waters, particularly in the South China Sea.

“And as Japan and the Philippines have experienced the same difficulties in terms of coercive acts, in terms of different gray-zone tactics that are be-

IN BRIEF

Sarmiento: Stay calm ahead of BARMM polls

PRESIDENTIAL Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento on Tuesday urged stakeholders in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to remain calm and united as the region prepares for its first parliamentary elections on Sept. 14.

“My appeal is for the contending parties in Parliament to uphold the rule of law and stability,” Sarmiento said. “If there are contentious issues that need to be resolved, legal processes are available to address the current situation.” He urged all parties to use formal legal channels in resolving disputes to protect the “hard-earned peace” in the Bangsamoro region. Sarmiento also underscored that the upcoming elections will complete the political track under the Bangsamoro Organic Law as provided in the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro. Rex Espiritu

SC cites ‘dismissal’ in reduced work days

THE Supreme Court (SC) announced on Tuesday its ruling that the unilateral imposition of reduced workdays and worker rotation schemes amounts to constructive dismissal.

In its decision, the SC En Banc found a company’s unlawful reduction of workdays constituted constructive dismissal because it resulted in lower salaries, making continued employment unreasonable for workers. While employers may adopt flexible work arrangements during economic difficulties or national emergencies, the High Court said these arrangements must comply with Department of Labor and Employment Advisory No. 2, Series of 2009.

The SC explained that employers must first consult affected employees and obtain the voluntary support of the majority of workers before implementing such arrangements. Pot Chavez

AFP: Chinese ships in WPS down to 27

THE number of Chinese vessels monitored in parts of the West Philippine Sea (WPS) decreased to 27 in the past week, according to data released Tuesday by Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson for the WPS, retired Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad.

The figure was lower than the 35 Chinese vessels recorded in the previous monitoring report.

From May 12 to 18, China Coast Guard and People’s Liberation Army Navy vessels were monitored in several WPS features.

Ayungin Shoal recorded eight vessels, consisting of one PLAN ship and seven China Coast Guard vessels. Bajo de Masinloc had 14 vessels, including six PLAN and eight Coast Guard ships. Rex Espiritu

ing exercised in the South China Sea, that is something that we will certainly be discussing,” Marcos said.

Both the Philippines and Japan have territorial disputes with China. Beijing has intensified activities in the South China Sea, which it claims almost entirely, including features in the West Philippine Sea that fall within Manila’s exclusive economic zone.

Meanwhile, China also claims the Japanese-controlled Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea.

The President said the evolving security environment in the IndoPacific has made closer partnerships and coordination among allies increasingly necessary.

He noted that Japan’s shift toward a more active defense posture represents a “significant development” for the region, particularly as Tokyo expands its participation in regional security activities.

For the first time, Japan actively participated in this year’s Balikatan Exercises instead of merely joining as an observer, a move Marcos described as important in improving interoperability and joint readiness among allied forces.

Balikatan is the largest annual bilateral military exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the United States military.

“That changes the playing field,” Mr. Marcos said, referring to Japan’s evolving defense policy.

The President said Manila hopes to gain a clearer understanding of how Japan intends to implement its new security posture and how it could translate into expanded bilateral and multilateral cooperation involving ASEAN and other IndoPacific partners.

The Philippines and Japan have significantly strengthened security ties in recent years amid growing tensions involving China’s maritime activities and broader strategic competition in the region.

OSG: Dismiss plea for PBBM fitness test

By Rolando Ng III

THE Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) has asked the Supreme Court to dismiss the petition for mandamus seeking to compel President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to undergo a fitness test.

In its comment released on Tuesday, the OSG said the petition filed by former House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez showed no legal basis.

The petition was described as a “violation” of presidential immunity from suit because the complainants asked

Cyberwarrant issued against

Mabanta, others, says NBI chief

By Rolando Ng III

NATIONAL Bureau of Investiga-

tion (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag revealed on Tuesday that a cyberwarrant was issued last Friday for the gadgets of Peanut Gallery Media Network founder Franco Mabanta.

Matibag said the document would allow authorities to examine the call history of Mabanta and four others accused of extorting P350 million for an “exposé” video.

“We received an order allowing us to have access to the seized gadgets, including those of Franco Mabanta,” Matibag said during a press event.

A cyberwarrant is issued for cases involving the use of computer hardware and software to commit crimes.

“Legally, we can obtain information, videos, pictures, text messages, text logs, everything. We will have access to the personalities he communicated with,” Matibag explained.

The NBI chief also said the agency remains open to receiving more testimonies from politicians who had transactions with Mabanta and his team.

Former Quezon City Representative Marvin Rillo earlier filed separate cyberlibel charges against PGMN anchor CJ Hirro over alleged defamation.

Mabanta’s “exposé” video was released on May 10, a day after he was temporarily freed following his bail application.

Comelec says now 90% ready for BSKE polls in November

By Vito Barcelo

THE Commission on Elections

(Comelec) on Tuesday said it is already “about 90 percent prepared” for the nationwide Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections scheduled on Nov. 2, 2026, with ballot printing, election materials, and security preparations nearing completion.

Comelec chair George Erwin Garcia assured the public that the poll body is on track for the village and youth council elections.

the court to direct the President to undergo such a procedure.

“The reliefs prayed for are not directed at any departmental or institutional act of the Executive; it asks the Honorable Court to order the President himself, while in office, to submit to physical, mental, and drug examinations, and thereafter to publish the results thereof,” the OSG said.

On April 15, Alvarez’s camp asked the Court to direct the President to undergo a fitness test, including a hair follicle examination to determine alleged drug use. They argued that Marcos’ alleged drug use, based on statements from his relatives and associates, showed he was not “fit” to perform his duties.

The OSG, however, asserted that Marcos has no obligation under the Constitution to disclose his state of health. It also said claims about Marcos’ supposed ill health were based on allegations that could be weaponized in matters involving national security.

The OSG likewise highlighted the President’s recent public engagements, saying these debunk claims about his supposed ill health.

“An overly broad interpretation of the constitutional requirement to inform the public of the state of the President’s health may open the gate to political harassment and undermine governmental stability,” it said.

“We have repeatedly said that Comelec is ready. About 90 percent of our preparations are complete. We are ready with the ballots and equipment,” Garcia said.

The poll chief said around 95 million voters are expected to participate in the BSKE, making it one of the country’s largest electoral exercises.

“That is how many voters we expect in the Barangay and SK elections,” he added.

Garcia said the commission has been continuously coordinating with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, and other government agencies to ensure peaceful and orderly elections nationwide. He cited a recent command conference with security forces as part of ongoing preparations, saying the security measures laid out by the Commission would continue to be implemented in the coming months.

According to Garcia, preparations include ballot printing, deployment of election materials and equipment, and intensified coordination with law enforcement agencies to maintain peace and order during the polls.

POLICE MOBILITY. Manila Mayor Francisco ‘Isko Moreno’ Domagoso, Vice Mayor Chi Atienza, and Manila Police District Director PBGen Arnold Santiago lead the turnover of donated motorcycles to the MPD at Manila City Hall on Tuesday, May 19. Norman Cruz

NEW BUDGET

CHIEF. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. administers the oath of office to Department of Budget and Management Acting Secretary Kim Robert de Leon at Malacañan Palace in Manila on Tuesday, May 19. PCO

FOR THE CATTLE. A man drives

a motorbike loaded with cattle feed along a road in Santa, Ilocos Sur.

Revoli Cortez

WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2026

AFP scores 72% public approval rating

IN BRIEF

LBSCP fare discounts end May 22—LTFRB

THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Tuesday said the land-based service contracting program (LBSCP) will end on May 22.

LTFRB chief Vigor Mendoza II said the P10-per liter discount subsidy stays nationwide.

The LBSCP grants a 20-percent fare discount to regular passengers and 40-percent rebate for students, senior citizens and persons with disability. The program was intended to assist the commuters for a fast and affordable mass transport system. Rio N. Araja

MMDA halts Pasig River ferry service

THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced on Tuesday the temporary suspension of the Pasig River Ferry system. The agency made the suspension due to the proliferation of garbage and aquatic plants in the river, which pose a risk to the operation of the ferry boats.

“The Pasig River Ferry Service is temporarily suspended operations today, May 19, due to the severe increase in garbage in the river, which is causing damage and malfunctions to ferry boats. Necessary cleaning is currently underway,” the MMDA stated in its advisory. Garbage and water lilies have consistently plagued the operation of the ferry system, an issue that dates back to the tenure of former MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino, who made efforts to revive the ferry system. Joel E. Zurbano

PAOCC, NBI look into Mis. Or. steel plant

THE Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) on Tuesday said a probe is underway, in collaboration with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and other law enforcement, on the possible collusion between Sanjia Steel Corp. and some high-profile individuals in the government service.

In a press briefing held at PAOCC main office in Camp Crame, Quezon City, PAOCC chief Undersecretary Benjamin Acorda Jr. and NBI director Melvin Matibag bared that personalities working as executives of the Sanjia Steel have potential connections with influential personalities in the bureaucracy.

“There were 71 individuals arrested there in Phividec, there in the area, plus the 5 incorporators, two Filipinos, three Chinese, those are the ones charged. So if you are asking - if there are additional, that’s what Usec Benjie is saying, which is ongoing investigation, those who will be found responsible for this, will also be met with cases that we have filed, including government officials, or former government officials who participated on the operation, or made possible the Philippine-Sanjia to operate in such manner,” Matibag told reporters.. Vince Lopez

Stay focused on the job amid political

By Vince Lopez

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday called on all commanders and personnel to remain focused on their mandate to sustain public safety amid political noise and other issues circulating especially on social media.

Criticisms and intrigues being sown online should be taken both as a motivation and a challenge to improve the service and protection to the Filipino people, PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said.

“These intrigues and political noises, including attempts to encour-

age any of our personnel to engage in partisan politics, are meant to distract us from performing our job well and sustaining our gains on peace and order,” Nartatez added. He also said that the sustained efforts to reduce crime rate, backed by high public trust and performance rating, are sufficient vindication that the PNP is doing well in its commitment to peace and order across the country. Nartatez vowed to continue to work closely with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and other law enforcement agencies.

“The PNP remains completely focused on its mandate and other reform

rows—PNP

measures, including the integration of the policies of the DILG under Secretary Jonvic Remulla on internal reforms and actions that will make the public feel safe,” Nartatez said.

“Our working relationship with Secretary Remulla has been highly professional, collaborative, and anchored on institutional stability,” Nartatez said.

“We will not allow unverified political talk to distract us from our duty to protect the public,” he said.

The PNP also intensified internal cleansing efforts and strengthened coordination with local government units in crime prevention and antiillegal drug operations.

By Katrina Manubay and Rex Espiritu

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) remains one of the most trusted and best- performing government institutions in the country, earning a 72 percent trust rating and 70 percent satisfaction rating in a survey conducted by OCTAResearch group.

The AFP welcomed the latest OCTA Research survey showing the military as one of the most trusted and best- performing government institutions in the country.

The latest Tugon ng Masa (TNM) survey commissioned by the AFP showed that only 11 percent of Filipino adults distrust the AFP, giving a net trust rating of +61.

Across major areas, trust in the AFP was more pronounced in the Visayas (75 percent), followed closely by the National Capital Region (73 percent), and Balance Luzon (71 percent), while Mindanao registered the lowest at (70 percent).

By socioeconomic class, trust is highest among Class E (77 percent), while the lowest level was observed among Class ABC (69 percent).

Meanwhile, the distrust level is also relatively higher among Class ABC (15 percent).

The survey also revealed that a significant majority of Filipino adults (70 percent) expressed satisfaction with the AFP, with only 14 percent expressing dissatisfaction, resulting in a net performance rating of +56.

Across major areas, satisfaction with its performance was strongest in the Visayas (73 percent), followed by the NCR and Balance Luzon with both having 70 percent, while Mindanao recorded the weakest at 65 percent.

Among socioeconomic classes, satisfaction is highest in Class E (75 percent) and lowest in Class D (68 percent), with dissatisfaction most notable in Class ABC (17 percent).

The poll likewise showed that public awareness of the AFP remains universal nationwide, with virtually all adult Filipinos aware of the institution.

OCTA noted that these high trust and performance ratings reflect widespread recognition of the AFP’s roles in defense, security, disaster response, and public service.

Additionally, results indicate that despite broader political polarization and public dissatisfaction affecting some civilian institutions, the AFP continues to maintain comparatively high levels of public credibility, confidence, and approval among adult Filipinos nationwide.

By Charles Dantes

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Monday he remains optimistic about the country’s economy’s recovery, citing sustained investor interest, accelerated public spending and targeted support programs aimed at cushioning the impact of global economic pressures.

In an interview with Japanese media at Malacañang, Mr. Marcos said the government has continued to keep the country’s “economic machine running” despite concerns over slowing growth and inflationary pressures linked partly to global oil market instability.

“Luckily, I suppose, or at least we are still continuing to see marked interest in investment in the Philippines,” Marcos said.

He attributed continued investor confidence to government policies and incentives designed to attract investments into the country.

“And perhaps this is because of the policies that we adopted, the incentives that we have put out for investors. So slowly, we can see the way through this, where we will recover through this,” the President said..

He also said the government remains focused on preventing stagflation, a condition marked by stagnant economic growth coupled with persistently high inflation.

“The concern was about stagflation, in which the gross domestic product growth becomes stagnant, while inflation continues to increase,” he said.

MEDICAL SCIENCE MARCHES ON. The Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) supports the development of a phantom model system that can serve as ‘practice dummies’ for clinicians training in ultrasound-guided procedures in obstetrics and gynecology. This allows for ultrasound-guided procedures to be used as a diagnostic imaging technique, where the clinicians rely on real-time visualization to monitor and navigate a needle into the abdominopelvic region to reach the patient’s reproductive system.

By Rio N. Araja

THE Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Philvolcs) said lava flow at Mayon Volcano in Albay had extended further in the Mi-isi gully from 1.6 kilometers on to 1.7 km. as of Tuesday. The lava flows in Basud and Bonga gullies remained at 3.8 km and 3.2 km, respectively, the Phivolcs said. It said the daily pyroclastic density current (PDC) signals or “uson” increased from nine to 14. More “uson,” rockfalls were observed in the volcano during the past 24 hours. The daily volcanic earthquakes increased from 20 to 31, lasting up to 83

minutes. Meanwhile, a total of 287 rockfall events were reported, which is lower against the 428 rockfalls previously recorded.

A short-term deflation of the edifice with shorter-term inflation on the northeastern flank was likewise noted.

On Monday, an estimated 957 tons of sulfur dioxide emission was recorded, lower than the 1,771 tons in the previous report. The crater glow was described as fair and visible to the naked eye. Mayon emitted a weak plume reaching 1,300 meters above the crater before drifting south and southwest, Phivolcs reported.

NEW COAT FOR AN OLD LANDMARK. Manila City Hall gets a fresh coat of paint as part of the city government’s bigger effort to renovate vital infrastructures and public spaces. Yancy Lim

Mirage of a media empire: The phantom profits of ABS-CBN

WHILE the public has long focused on the loss of its broadcasting franchise, a far more alarming drama is unfolding within the Audited Financial Statements (AFS) of ABS-CBN Corporation.

A Verified Complaint recently filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) by board member Federico “Piki” Lopez alleges that behind the scenes, management has been engaged in a “systemic scheme” to manipulate revenues and manufacture an “illusion of solvency” through deceptive accounting maneuvers.

The complaint, which names Chairman Martin Lopez, CEO Carlo Katigbak, and CFO Ricardo Tan, Jr. as respondents, calls for the urgent appointment of an Interim Management Committee (IMC) to halt the “continuing dissipation, wastage, and destruction” of corporate assets that has pushed the network toward “inevitable insolvency”.

At the heart of these allegations is the use of “phantom” dividends—a scheme where subsidiaries record paper gains to declare massive dividends back to the parent company. This process creates artificial income to mask a dire reality: between 2019 and 2025, ABS-CBN accumulated ₱45.5 billion in net losses, completely wiping out a once-healthy ₱13.8 billion in retained earnings and leaving a ₱6.0 billion deficit.

The case of The Big Dipper Digital Content & Design, Inc. serves as a primary exhibit of this “creative booking.” In 2022, Big Dipper recognized ₱1.19 billion in unrealized foreign exchange gains, largely from receivables owed to it by its own parent company. This paper gain allowed Big Dipper to declare a ₱2.5 billion cash dividend to ABSCBN. However, at the time of declaration, Big Dipper’s actual cash balance was a mere ₱1.83 million.

To settle the multi-billion-peso dividend, the subsidiary simply “offset” the amount against the debt ABS-CBN already owed them, inflating the parent’s income by ₱2.5 billion without any actual cash changing hands.

A similar maneuver allegedly occurred with ABS-CBN Global Hungary Kft. In 2025, it declared a dividend of approximately ₱3.63 billion, which ABS-CBN booked as “Other Income,” accounting for roughly 40% of the parent company’s revenue that year.

Yet, only ₱29.1 million was actually received in cash, with the ₱3.6 billion balance settled through a non-cash loan assignment. Most damningly, Hungarian auditors issued “Qualified Opinions” and “Disclaimers of Opinion” because these subsidiaries failed to provide evidence for their valuations. These material red flags were allegedly “whitewashed” and omitted from ABS-CBN’s consolidated reports to delude the investing public.

This financial mirage was further com-

pounded by a massive “black hole” of financial impairments.

In the last six years, ABS-CBN has written off ₱16.04 billion in investments.

Sky Cable alone reported ₱6.4 billion in impairment losses between 2023 and 2025 following a “fire sale” of assets.

Lopez argues there is “serious doubt” whether these funds were ever used for legitimate growth or were simply a means to further drain the corporation’s coffers.

For Lopez, the only way to preserve any remaining enterprise value is through a comprehensive forensic audit and the replacement of current management before the corporation’s assets are irrevocably dissipated

The staggering contrast lies in the payouts: while the company faced “material uncertainty” as a going concern, it disbursed ₱10.6 billion in compensation and advances to management and officers between 2020 and 2025.

To hide this, management reportedly reclassified bonuses into “guaranteed salaries” to report a zero balance for bonuses in annual reports starting in 2021. Furthermore, the complaint highlights the irregular purchase of ₱12.1 billion in plant property and equipment between 2020 and 2025—an expenditure made despite the network’s lack of a broadcasting franchise.

Lopez argues this massive sum alone could have turned the company’s finances around, yet it remains clouded by reporting discrepancies, such as a 2020 cash outlay that was inexplicably reduced from ₱4.3 billion to ₱3.0 billion in subsequent filings.

This cycle of “irrational squandering” is the direct reason why Piki Lopez has taken the extraordinary step of opposing a new ₱2 billion funding infusion, alleging that more than half is already earmarked for the Top 5 Officers rather than stabilizing the network.

For Lopez, the only way to preserve any remaining enterprise value is through a comprehensive forensic audit and the replacement of current management before the corporation’s assets are irrevocably dissipated.

(Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)

Beyond personalities and outrage

CORRUPTION in Philippine politics survives because the system keeps rewarding it. Every few years, the country goes through the same cycle. A controversy erupts. Hearings dominate the headlines. Social media fills with outrage. Political camps attack each other with moral certainty. Citizens grow frustrated. Leaders promise reform, accountability, and change. Then the noise slowly fades. New personalities emerge. Old alliances shift. Fresh slogans appear. Yet beneath the surface, many of the same political habits remain firmly intact.

That is why we need a more honest conversation about corruption in the Philippines. We usually discuss corruption as a problem of personal morality alone. Public debate quickly revolves around personalities. Who stole? Who abused power? Who lied? Who deserves punishment? These questions matter because integrity matters. Public office demands honesty, discipline, and accountability.

But if the same problems continue appearing across different administrations, parties, and generations of politicians, then the issue clearly extends beyond individual behavior. At some point, we also have to examine the environment that keeps producing the same outcomes. The structure of politics itself shapes political behavior. And today, that structure often rewards survival more than service.

To understand why corruption keeps repeating itself, we need to look more closely at three deeper realities inside our political culture: performative politics, preservation politics, and personality politics. First, performative politics. Modern politics increasingly rewards visibility over long-term governance.

Public officials now operate inside a political environment where attention has become a form of power. Viral moments matter. Sound bites matter. Constant visibility matters. The pressure to always appear strong, dramatic, confrontational, or emotionally charged slowly becomes part of political survival itself. Because spectacle attracts attention faster than serious governance, political theater gradually becomes normalized.

Because institutions remain weaker than personalities, the same cycle repeats itself under different names, different colors, and different slogans

Hearings sometimes begin functioning more like public performances for cameras. Outrage becomes strategy. Conflict becomes content. Governance becomes reactive instead of reflective. Meanwhile, the quieter work of reform rarely receives the same public attention. Procurement reform. Institutional strengthening. Transparency mechanisms. Regulatory improvements. These conversations feel technical and procedural, so they rarely dominate headlines. Yet these are exactly the reforms that strengthen accountability over time. And once politics becomes driven heavily by performance and visibility, another pres-

Deep red robes

WENTY-three senators donned their deep red robes as the Senate convened into an impeachment court on Monday, May 18. The gesture officially started the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, impeached on numerous grounds –culpable violation of the Constitution, graft and corruption, betrayal of public trust, bribery, and other high crimes.

Compared to the events taking place at the Senate in the past week and the uncertainty over what would happen next, the spectacle of the lawmakers putting on their robes was oddly calming, like a pause before a tempest. For those brief minutes, the physical and moral weight of the robe did not appear to be lost on the senators. Their faces showed they acknowledged what the robe stood for in the context of governance and democracy. They were serious as they raised their right hands and vowed to perform their role with impartiality.

At least, it looked that way.

Senators’ actions in the past week have marred the Senate’s reputation anew. Knowing that the articles of impeachment would be transmitted from the House of Representatives, senators quickly engineered a leadership change so that a proDuterte senator would be its leader by the time they received the articles. The numbers game prompted now-Senate Presi-

dent Alan Peter Cayetano to ask Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa – wanted by the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity -- to emerge after six months of hiding to make his vote count, guaranteeing protection from arrest. After three days, Dela Rosa escaped the Senate premises, escorted by another Senator, the action star Robinhood Padilla. Dela Rosa, the 24th senator, is absent once again after discharging his partisan vote, turning himself into a caricature, and showing too much candor in an interview with journal-

Will the senators dignify their regalia -- or morally wither underneath it?

ist Jessica Soho.

During Monday’s session, two senators -- Juan Miguel Zubiri and JV Ejercito -- who had abstained from the leadership vote declared themselves with the minority.

The next few days will bear watching.

It may be too much to hope that all senators are aware that their duty lies not to their political patron, but to the Filipino people who deserve to know the truth. Or to hope that the senators realize that the issue of impeachment exposes transgressions that transcend any one personality. A helpful exercise: if anybody from the opposite

reverence for the truth would take them.

Ultimately we will see whether the senators will dignify their regalia – or morally wither underneath it.

Love, lust and gnomes as top UK flower show bursts into bloom

LONDON – From gardens to

younger generations, to havens of peace and sanctuary, to a hothouse space designed to stir desire, the UK’s top flower show is flourishing.

“We’ve never needed the joy of gardening, the power of plants for our planet or the peace of simply sitting in a garden, more,” said Clare Matterson, director of the Royal Horticultural Society, in a statement.

Over five days from Tuesday more than 150,000 people are expected to visit the RHS’s annual popular Chelsea Flower Show with 30 gardens competing for coveted awards.

Shaking up the normally genteel world of gardening, Aphrodite’s Hothouse is described on the RHS website as “the ultimate pleasure garden... lush, fragrant and just a little bit naughty”.

It’s “a theatrical display” of lust and love, designer James Whiting told AFP.

With pendulous or heart-shaped flowers and suggestive, sculptural blooms, as well some discreet sex toys, the indoor garden has stirred some controversy.

Whiting dismissed it though, saying “people are excited to see something a bit fresh... and to see the RHS opening the doors to more modern topics”.

“Flowers are all about sex. So why not bring that to the Chelsea Flower Show?” he asked, pointing to “a new wave of gardeners” exhibiting at the show.

‘Hope, regeneration’

Elsewhere, fallen trees have been carved into a giant sculpture of a sleeping Gaia, or Mother Nature in Greek mythology, emphasizing the natural world’s power to protect.

“The garden aims to bring to you the potential and the joy in the ordinary,” said Sarah Eberle, designer of the Garden on the Edge from the Campaign for Protection of Rural England.

After the show, the whole garden including Gaia will be moved to be a communal park for

sure naturally follows: the pressure to preserve political survival itself.

Second, preservation politics.

Elections in the Philippines remain extremely expensive. Campaigns require machinery, alliances, organizers, logistics, advertising, and enormous financial resources. Because politics demands so much money, dependence naturally deepens. Candidates rely on financiers. Alliances create obligations. Relationships become transactional. Political access slowly turns into a form of currency.

Over time, public office becomes connected not only to governance, but also to maintaining influence, networks, and long-term political survival.

This does not mean every politician enters public life with bad intentions. Many begin with sincere ideals and genuine desire to serve.

But systems shape habits. When survival depends heavily on maintaining alliances, favors, and influence, transactional politics slowly embeds itself within the culture of governance. And once these habits become normalized, reform becomes much harder because the incentives themselves encourage repetition.

That is why outrage alone rarely solves corruption. If the incentives remain unchanged, many outcomes remain unchanged as well.

a housing estate in northern Sheffield. Also with an eye on sustainability, the Bring Me Sunshine garden has been designed to become part of the UK’s second Eden Project, which is set to open in 2028 in northwestern Morecambe. It is surrounded by a wall made from shellbased waste products -- clams, mussels and cockles, and limestone from the coast -- a recycled alternative to concrete.

Celebrities including actor Cate Blanchett and guitarist Brian May have painted the cheeky characters to be auctioned off for charity

The garden is filled with edible plants, such as samphire, making its first appearance at the show, sea kale, and sea buckthorn -- all plants from the Morecambe Bay coast. An “important way to connect with nature is using food as that gateway”, said one of the designers and keen forager, Harry Holding. The original Eden Project has pumped £6.8 billion ($9.1 billion) into the local economy in the 25 years since a clay pit in southwestern Cornwall was transformed into stunning gardens. It draws about a million visitors annually, and the aim is to bring the same benefits to the impoverished Morecambe, providing jobs and training to young people. This is a story about “hope and regenera-

And those incentives become even more entrenched when politics revolves more around personalities than institutions. Third, personality politics. Strong democracies usually rely on strong political parties grounded in ideas, programs, and long-term principles. In the Philippines, many parties remain centered more on personalities than coherent political philosophies. Alliances shift quickly. Loyalty often follows influence instead of ideology. Elections become contests between political brands rather than competing national visions.

As a result, governance also becomes unstable and deeply personalized. Policies change depending on personalities. Accountability becomes selective. Institutions become vulnerable to political pressure. Public debate becomes emotional instead of programAnd because institutions remain weaker than personalities, the same cycle repeats itself under different names, different colors, and different slogans. This is why anti-corruption efforts must go beyond exposing wrongdoing. Investigations matter. Journalism is important. Legislative oversight is consequential. Citizens demanding accountability is critical. But real reform also requires institutional courage. We need stronger campaign finance rules.

tion”, co-designer Alex Michaelis told AFP. Further along is the Children’s Society garden, a peaceful, informal space for teenagers.

“It’s a garden of safety, it’s a garden of calm, of protection,” said designer Patrick Clarke, describing entering the denser part as moving “into the hug of the garden” allowing the “always-on generation” to reflect and slow down.

He has included smaller plants to show resilience, “little jewels, that just need that little bit of love, that little bit of care that we all need”.

‘Be curious’ Set on the banks of the River Thames, the Royal Chelsea Hospital has hosted the show since 1913. So popular has it grown that tickets are all sold out.

This year, for only the second time in the show’s 113-year history, gnomes -- those whimsical, some say kitschy, ornaments -- have been allowed back onto the showgrounds.

Celebrities including actor Cate Blanchett and guitarist Brian May have painted the cheeky characters to be auctioned off for charity.

King Charles III, expected to visit the show with Queen Camilla later Monday, also has a garden featured.

The RHS and The King’s Foundation Curious Garden “celebrates the rich diversity of plants and their impact on our lives”, the show’s website says. The king’s favourite flower is said to be the majestic delphinium.

Designer and TV presenter Frances Tophill and her team tracked down what is thought to be the rarest delphinium in the world, the cornflower blue Delphinium elatum “Alice Artindale”.

“In my experience, gardening is all about being curious,” said footballing legend David Beckham, who co-created the king’s garden, on the RHS website. AFP

More transparent procurement systems. Better safeguards against abuse of public funds. Stronger and more professional political parties. Institutions that remain stable regardless of who occupies power. These reforms may sound technical. They rarely generate viral headlines. Yet systems shape political behavior far more deeply than temporary outrage does. And perhaps this is the uncomfortable truth many of us already sense: we have become very good at condemning corruption while postponing many of the structural reforms that can actually reduce it. We attack personalities loudly but we delay institutional reform quietly. Still, this conversation should never remove personal responsibility from public officials. Leadership still demands integrity. Public office still requires conscience. Every abuse of power remains a choice. But a nation cannot simply lecture itself into reform. Political culture changes when institutions consistently reward transparency, competence, discipline, and long-term public service.

And until we begin fixing the incentives that shape political behavior, the country will continue reliving the same cycle every election season: new scandals, new faces, new slogans, familiar outcomes.

Cuba warns of ‘bloodbath’ if attacked; US adds sanctions

HAVANA—CUBA’S LEADER

warned Monday of a “bloodbath” in the event of an American attack, while the US Treasury sanctioned Cuba’s main intelligence agency and top leaders as tensions spiked between the arch-foes.

President Miguel Diaz-Canel stressed Cuba’s right to defend itself a day after US news site Axios reported that Havana had obtained over 300 military drones from Russia and Iran and is mulling using them against US targets.

The report, which quoted US intelligence officials, came amid growing speculation that the United States is weighing military action to topple Cuba’s communist government.

Axios quoted unnamed US officials as saying that Havana was considering drone strikes on the US base at

Guantanamo Bay in eastern Cuba, on US military vessels and possibly even Florida.

Writing on X, Diaz-Canel repeated that Cuba “poses no threat” to the United States or any other country and warned that a US attack would “trigger a bloodbath with incalculable consequences.”

He did not directly address Cuba’s alleged stockpiling of attack drones but said the island had “the absolute and legitimate right to defend itself against a military onslaught.”

Cuba’s ambassador to the United Nations struck a similarly defiant note.

“If someone tried to invade Cuba, Cuba will fight back, no doubt about it,” Ernesto Soberon Guzman told AFP in New York. AFP

Argentine scientists lay traps in hantavirus hunt

USHUAIA , Argentina—Scientists attempting to determine whether or not hantavirus is present in Argentina’s Ushuaia on Monday laid the very first traps to catch rodents potentially carrying the disease, AFP journalists observed.

IN BRIEF Trump: US held off on new Iran attack, upbeat for pact to end war

WASHINGTON, DC—US

The MV Hondius cruise ship, where a hantavirus outbreak on board killed three people and triggered a global health scare, set sail from the city at Argentina’s southernmost tip on April 1.

Beginning Monday, biologists from Buenos Aires are spending several days setting traps at various locations on the southern island of Tierra del Fuego to awnalyze whether the captured rodents carry the Andes strain of the virus, the only one known to spread between people. AFP

ICE agent faces Minnesota charges over migrant shoot

WASHINGTON, DC—An Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent was charged by state prosecutors in Minnesota on Monday in connection with the January shooting of a Venezuelan migrant.

Christian Castro, 52, faces four felony charges of assault and one count of falsely reporting a crime, Hennepin County attorney Mary Moriarty said at a televised press conference.

Castro was one of two federal immigration agents placed on leave earlier this year for allegedly lying about the January 14 shooting in Minneapolis of Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, who was wounded in the leg.

The shooting of Sosa-Celis came one week after a federal agent in Minneapolis shot and killed Renee Good, a 37-yearold American citizen and mother of three.

Good’s death inflamed protests against President Donald Trump’s immigration raids in the city and a second killing of US citizen Alex Pretti in late January fueled a national backlash against the aggressive Minneapolis crackdown.

Moriarty said a nationwide warrant has been issued for Castro’s arrest. AFP

President Donald Trump said he was planning a major new assault on Iran on Tuesday, but held off as he saw hope for securing a so far elusive agreement to end the war.

Trump said that he stopped his purported attack plan at the urging of Gulf Arab allies, which Iran has threatened with reciprocal attacks if the United States and Israel end a nearly six-week ceasefire.

Trump, who had indefinitely extended the truce and made clear he wants to exit

a war that has proven to be a political liability, said he had prepared a new attack for Tuesday after Iran refused his outlines of a deal.

The leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates asked him “to hold off on our planned Military attack of the Islamic Republic of Iran, which was scheduled for tomorrow, in that serious negotiations are now taking place,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

But Trump added he had instructed the US military to be “prepared to go forward with a full, large scale assault of Iran, on a moment’s notice, in the event that an acceptable Deal is not reached.”

Speaking later at a White House event, Trump said there had been a “very positive development” and that Arab allies said a deal was near that would leave Iran without nuclear weapons, which Tehran denies pursuing.

“There seems to be a very good chance that they can work something out. If we can do that without bombing the hell out of them, I’d be very happy,” Trump said. Iran has repeatedly rebuffed Trump’s offers and has exerted control over the Strait of Hormuz, the vital waterway into the Gulf, sending global oil prices spiraling.

Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei confirmed exchanges

US to screen for Ebola at airports, one American infected

WASHINGTON, DC—THE United States said Monday (Tuesday, Manila time) it is bolstering precautions to prevent the spread of Ebola, including screening air travelers from outbreak-hit areas and temporarily suspending visa services.

The measures shared by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) come as the World Health Organization has declared the deadly Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) an international health emergency.

In a briefing, Satish Pillai, the health agency’s Ebola response incident manager, told journalists one American in the DRC had contracted the virus following exposure related “to their work” there.

Bolivia protest sees violent clashes, looting

LA PAZ—BOLIVIAN protests calling for center-right President Rodrigo Paz to resign intensified Monday as demonstrators swarmed government buildings and a protest leader faced terrorism charges over the unrest.

Calm was returning to the capital in the afternoon, where clouds of tear gas shrouded the streets, shops were shuttered and supplies ran low due to protest blockades choking routes into the city. Thousands of farmers, miners, teachers, workers from other sectors and Indigenous communities have led weeks-long protests calling for wage increases, economic stability and an end to the privatization of state-owned companies.

The Andean nation is suffering its worst economic ordeal in the past four decades, with year-on-year inflation hitting 14 percent in April.

Those on the streets are furious with President Rodrigo Paz, a conservative who took office less than six months ago following two decades of socialist rule. He scrapped two-decade-old fuel subsidies that had drained the treasury’s international dollar reserves, but so far he has failed to stabilize fuel supplies. Earlier Monday,

“The person developed symptoms over the weekend and tested positive late Sunday,” Pillai said, adding that efforts were underway to transport the individual to Germany for treatment.

The official added the United States was attempting to evacuate six additional people for health monitoring.

Pillai said there are about 25 people working in the US field office in the DRC, and that the CDC was fulfilling a request to send an additional senior technical coordinator.

“At this time, CDC assesses the immediate risk to the general US public as low, but we will continue to evaluate the evolving situation and may adjust public health measures as additional information

becomes available,” the health agency said in a statement.

In addition to screening at airports, the CDC said it was implementing entry restrictions on non-US passport holders if they had traveled to Uganda, DRC or South Sudan within the past 21 days.

The US Embassy in Kampala, Uganda, said it had temporarily paused all visa services, and that impacted applicants had been notified.

Trump said he was “concerned” by the outbreak but that “I think that it’s been confined right now to Africa.”

There is no vaccine or specific treatment for the strain responsible for the current spread of the highly contagious hemorrhagic fever. AFP

with the United States through mediator Pakistan and said Tehran made clear its “concerns.”

The cleric-run state, whose supreme leader was killed in the initial strikes on February 28 but has proven resilient, is demanding the release of Iranian assets frozen abroad, the lifting of longstanding sanctions and reparations for the war.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, considered a moderate in a system increasingly dominated since the war by the hardline Revolutionary Guards, said that speaking with Washington “does not mean surrender” and that Iran would defend its “dignity” and rights. AFP

Musk loses suit vs. OpenAI as jury says too late

OAKLAND—A FEDERAL jury ruled Monday (Tuesday, Manila time) that Elon Musk waited too long to sue OpenAI and its co-founders, delivering a decisive victory to the ChatGPT startup and ending one of Silicon Valley’s most closely watched courtroom battles.

The swift decision caps a threeweek trial that saw a parade of tech titans take the stand, with Musk arguing that OpenAI’s pivot to a profitdriven business betrayed its original nonprofit mandate.

The jury in Oakland federal court found that Musk’s claims against OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, President Greg Brockman, The OpenAI Foundation and Microsoft were barred by statutes of limitations, leaving the billionaire’s core arguments largely unaddressed. Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, who had asked the jury to advise her on the matter, accepted and confirmed their decision.

The outcome spared OpenAI from a potentially existential legal threat.

Had Musk prevailed, he was seeking to force the company to revert to its nonprofit structure—a move that would have derailed its planned IPO and unwound ties to major investors including Microsoft, Amazon and SoftBank.

“The finding of the jury confirms that this lawsuit was a hypocritical attempt to sabotage a competitor,” OpenAI attorney William Savitt said outside the courthouse.

“Musk can bring his claims, and he can tell his stories, but what the nine members of this jury found is that his stories were just that -- stories, not facts,” he added.

Musk, the world’s richest person, had sued OpenAI over its transformation from a scrappy nonprofit into the $850 billion juggernaut behind ChatGPT, claiming Altman and Brockman improperly used a $38 million donation intended to sustain OpenAI as a research lab devoted to developing AI for the benefit of humanity.

But in their deliberations, the jury first had to resolve a threshold issue of whether Musk, who filed suit in 2024—four years after his last contribution -- had done so within the statutory time limit. AFP

Inaugural PH speed cubing set in Tagaytay

ELITE speed cubing comes to Philippine soil with the staging of the inaugural Philippine National Speed Cubing Open 2026 on May 27 and 28 in Tagaytay City.

It’s the first nationally-endorsed speed cubing tournament in the Philippines which the Asian Mind Sports Association (AMSA) is conducting in partnership with the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC).

The event set at the Tagaytay City Combat Sports Center, according to POC president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, is expected to propagate the mind game in the country.

“We played the cube as kids at one time or another and what we thought then was merely a game is now a serious sport,” Tolentino said.

The most famous speed cubing equipment is the Rubik’s Cube which elite cubers solve using pattern recognition, muscle memory and predefined sequences called “algorithms,” according to the web.

As the first nationally endorsed

Rich Palawan Open ushers in new tennis era

LOCAL tennis continues its upward surge as the Palawan Open 2026 fires off on May 24 at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center, promising one of the most competitive and record-setting editions of the championship in recent years. Featuring an international cast and a ₱2 million prize pool, the tournament is expected to deliver high-level action throughout the week.

India’s Digvijay Pratap Singh, who reached a career-high ATP singles ranking of No. 485, headlines the stacked field and is determined to assert his dominance against a formidable local contingent led by some of the country’s top players, including multititled AJ Lim and Eric Jed Olivarez.

Asian Games veteran and former junior Grand Slam campaigner Casey Alcantara also joins a formidable local cast set to test their mettle against a strong international field in the landmark tournament designed not only to crown champions but also to elevate the level of Philippine tennis by giving homegrown talents rare exposure to world-class competition.

With a growing pool of Filipino players eager to break through on the international stage, the week-long championship aims to provide local aces and rising stars the kind of high-level environment – one where they can measure themselves against seasoned foreign campaigners while gaining valuable experience in pressure-packed matches.

Joining Lim, Olivarez and Alcantara are John Benedict Aguilar, Nilo Ledama, Vicente Anasta, Arthur Pantino, John Kendrick Bona and Ronard Joven, along with Jarell Edangga, Lance Fernandez, Noel Salupado and Loucas Fernandez, all hoping to make the most of the rare opportunity to compete in what organizers describe as the biggest Open tournament staged in the country in many years.

The tournament also builds on the momentum generated by the successful inaugural Philippine Women’s Open earlier this year, which drew significant attention following the participation of rising global sensation Alex Eala in her first local tournament appearance after her breakthrough performances on the world stage.

speed cubing open tournament in the Philippines, the event sponsored by Stellar Cube represents a significant step toward the professionalization and integration of speed cubing into the country’s sports ecosystem.

AMSA signed a strategic cooperation agreement with the POC to further the development of mind sports in the country—the partnership combines top tier international event standards with local resources.

Day 1 on May 27 covers the Philippine National Speed Cubing Summit and AMSA Referee Certification Training while Day 2 on May 28 will be the tournament proper featuring 3x3x3 cube, 2x2x2 cube, Pyraminx, 3x3x3 one-handed and 3x3x3 blindfolded.

A team relay exhibition event is also included to balance competition and viewership.

The agenda for the first day focuses on building an ecosystem for Philippine speed cubing, centering on AMSA’s referee and trainer certification system.

World no. 2 chess player Nakamura to play in PH

By Randy M. Caluag

WORLD No. 2 chess player Hikaru Nakamura is set to bring star power to Manila as he headlines the inaugural WR Bughouse Championship scheduled on June 1 and 2 at the Grand Hyatt Manila.

The American super grandmaster, widely regarded as one of the most dynamic players of his generation, confirmed his participation through his X (formerly Twitter) account, expressing excitement over competing in a fast-paced and unconventional format of chess.

Known for his speed and creativity, Nakamura is expected to thrive in bughouse, a variant that emphasizes teamwork and rapid decision-making.

Nakamura will team up with German chess patron and WR Chess founder Wadim Rosenstein, who is spearheading the event in partnership with the National Chess Federation of the Philippines

(NCFP). Their collaboration aims to introduce a fresh and entertaining dimension of chess to Filipino fans and the international community.

The two-day tournament boasts a hefty prize pool of $100,000 (around P6.1 million), with half awarded to the eventual champions. Organizers expect around 100 teams from across the globe, with a strong contingent of Filipino players eager to test themselves against elite competition.

Bughouse, also known as transfer chess, is played by teams of two, with each player controlling a board. What sets it apart is the rule that captured pieces are passed to a teammate

and can be deployed strategically on their board. Each player is given five minutes with no increment, making for high-pressure, fastpaced encounters. The competition format will feature a 12-game qualification phase on Day 1, with the top eight teams advancing to a knockout playoff on Day 2. Matches can be decided by checkmate, resignation, or time forfeiture, while special rules prohibit immediate checkmates using transferred pieces and allow unique promotion mechanics involving pieces from a partner’s opposing board. Adding prestige to the event, Philippine chess legend Eugene Torre, Asia’s first grandmaster, is expected to grace the tournament along with NCFP official and organizer Jayson Gonzales. Registration is currently ongoing on a firstcome, first-served basis, with organizers encouraging early sign-ups due to limited slots. To support international participation, accommodations near the venue will be provided for up to 40 foreign teams.

Online sports tutorial ‘MILO Homecourt’ launched

MILO is bringing sports right at the comfort of every Filipinos’ home.

The popular beverage drink brought back the MILO Homecourt this year in an effort to have more kids get involved into sports not only physically but also digitally.

The program is an online sports tutorial that can be accessed through mobile phones, laptop, or tablet via the website MILO.com.ph.

It was launched last April 1, initially centering in the sport of basketball in cooperation with the BEST Center Sports.

“The Homecourt is designed to address one major barrier, and that is access to sports. We need to cope with the times especially now that everything is almost digital,” said MILO sports head Carlos Sampan during Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at the media room of the Philippine Sports Commission.

“And why basketball? Nakikita naman natin that we’re still a basketball

country, and marami sa atin are big fans of it. So malaki ito and we can see the opportunity that it can create.”

MILO Philippines brand manager Hans Chua said a total of 12 modules

CAVINTI, Laguna – Tony Lascuña reminded everyone that experience and skill reign supreme over sheer power, seizing control of the highly competitive ICTSI Caliraya Springs Championship field with a brilliant eight-under 64, gaining a two-stroke lead over Angelo Que and Clyde Mondilla at the start of the P2.5 million championship here on Tuesday.

With the notorious Caliraya winds taking a rare break beneath dark skies, the stage was set for an exceptional day of golf. The winter conditions proved ideal for low scoring, and Lascuña took full advantage, leading the charge with a bogey-free round that showcased the caliber of a player who has long dominated the Philippine Golf Tour.

A record five-time Order of Merit winner, Lascuña, 55, not only defied Father Time but also

or episodes had been uploaded for the return of the Homecourt, which was first unveiled during the pandemic.

“With the help of BEST Center, we’re able to launch 12 modules showcasing

delivered a performance worthy of yet another championship.

“I feel like young again. I hit all fairways and greens and finished with 28 putts,” said Lascuña in jest, basking in the glow of his performance, made even more impressive by the lift, clean and place rule in effect due to the fairways’ uneven conditions from summer heat.

Yielding 50-60 yards to the Tour’s revered long hitters, Lascuña relied on his trusted fairway woods and newly acquired Srixon irons to dominate the course. He birdied four of the first seven holes and added another four on the back nine.

“It’s been a long time since I shot this low, it’s exhausting but the conditions were great,” said Lascuña, recalling his last win in adverse weather conditions at Splendido Taal in 2024.

However, Que, the reigning Order of Merit winner, and multititled Mondilla lurked closely behind with matching 66s. Keanu Jahns entered the mix with a 67, aiming for back-to-back championships after defeating Que by four strokes in this event last year.

The rolling Caliraya layout, known for its challenges, transformed into a scoring paradise under these conditions, yielding 35 under-par rounds and 11 even-par cards. This raised the stakes significantly for the chase for the top 40 and ties that will advance to the final two rounds of the second leg of the 10-leg circuit organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.

The first 18 holes revealed a captivating narrative filled with promise. A blend of seasoned veterans remained within two or three strokes of the durable Lascuña, setting the stage for a riv-

basic skills and techniques to learn basketball not only from the courts but also from your home,” said Chua in the same session presented by San Miguel Corporation, PSC, Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO, and the country’s 24/7 sports app ArenaPlus.

“And it’s free and accessible,” added Sampan. “You can pause, play, repeat, and learn from it.” Since it was first made available online, the modules have already garnered 1 million views.

Chua said by next year, MILO is looking to add volleyball and running as part of the program.

“These are sports that can easily be accessed and don’t require too many facilities,” he said.

The Homecourt is just among the programs being promoted by MILO aside from its highly-popular summer sports clinics together with the traditional MILO Marathon, MILO Barangay Liga, and MILO Safe Swim.

eting battle that showcased not only raw power but also critical elements of course management, strategic decision-making, and precision putting.

“I just hope my putting stays on point through the final round,” said Lascuña, confident in maintaining his top form yet aware of the threats posed by his multititled rivals. Que, poised to match Lascuña’s flawless performance, stumbled with a bogey on the tricky par-4 18th. However, this misstep did not overshadow his superb 31-35 round, which included three birdies and an eagle on No. 4, along with birdies on Nos. 16 and 17.

“I didn’t make any mistakes except for the last hole, but that’s golf,” said Que, eager to remain at the top of the PGT heap for a second straight season.

Wadim Rosenstein and Hikaru Nakamura (NCFP)

MILO sports head Carlos Sampan (left) and brand manager Hans Chua

Tony Lascuña Manny Marcelo

WEDNESDAY,

Ginebra plays RoS, Meralco faces TNT as semis begins

By Jeremiah Sevilla

BARANGAY Ginebra locks horns with Rain or Shine, while Meralco tangles with TNT as the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup best-of-seven semifinals kick off on Wednesday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

The Gin Kings and the Elasto Painters go at it in the second game at 7:30 p.m., with the Bolts and Tropang Giga’s tussle serving as the appetizer at 5:15 p.m. Ginebra, which took advantage of its twice-to-beat bonus with a 112-81 thrashing of Phoenix Super LPG in the quarterfinals, holds the upper hand in its head-to-head against RoS through a 114-90 romp last May 2.

But with the fast-paced basketball that Yeng Guiao’s E-Painters displayed all conference long, veteran mentor Tim Cone is expecting a grueling series ahead for the Kings.

“They play the game extremely hard, they play the game extremely fast. They compete all the time, and they can wear you down in a seven-game series because of their defense and who they go to,” said Cone, whose team is seeking a return trip to the Commissioner’s Cup finals.

The third-seeded RoS, on the other hand, set foot on the semis after staving off a tough San Miguel Beer squad, 113-104, behind Andrei Caracut’s inspired 29-point game.

It was a good omen for the Elasto Painters, who last beat the Beermen in the playoffs during the Season 41 Commissioner’s Cup when they won a title. Guiao, though, is not fully buying it, especially with the Kings standing in their way.

“Of course, it’s a good sign. Pero hindi ako naniniwala sa mga ganoon e. You still have to earn it,” Guiao said. “Ang daming factors pa na puwedeng mangyari. Ang bigat na naman ng kaharap namin in Ginebra.” Meanwhile, Meralco is eager to deny the Bol Bol-backed TNT a fourth consecutive finals appearance.

“They are deserving to make the finals and they are hard to beat in a seven-game series. But with the way we are playing we deserve to be there, too,” said coach Luigi Trillo.

The Bolts indeed showed they can maintain their composure under pressure, repelling the Magnolia Hotshots with a pulsating 105-102 overtime win in Game 2 of their quarterfinal tiff.

Batang San Miguel routs TNT juniors

BATANG San Miguel scored a 79-52 trashing of Batang Talk ‘N Text in the 10-Under division in the 2026 Batang PBA on Tuesday at the Victoria Sports Complex in Quezon City.

Ivan Luke Hufano and Khalix Aiden Marohom tallied with 26 and 20 points, respectively, to lead the way for the Batang Beermen and spoil the 37-point eruption of Lucas Gabriel Miciano for the Batang Tropang 5G.

SMB shoots for a finals berth in the three-team division when it takes on Batang Rain or Shine on Friday.

Simon Bailey Robles scored 11 points and Nathan Louie De Leon added eight for the Tropang 5G.

The Batang Beermen trailed 13-17 after the first quarter but turned things round with a 26-5 explosion in the second period to seize the lead for good.

In the 15U division, Adrian De Guzman, Mihangel Philrick Morre and Mark Vincent Patungan scored 15 points each as the Batang Meralco turned back Batang Pureblends, 71-63.

The Batang Bolts, were behind at 17-24 after one quarter but dictated the tempo in the three quarters to take the win.

Batang Meralco tied early leader Batang Ginebra in the four-team 15-U division. The Batang Gin Kings opened its campaign with a 72-68 win over the Batang Converge FiberXers last Saturday.

Aside from 10U and 15U, the Batang PBA is also staging 11U and 13U divisions this year as well as 3x3 for eightyear-old kids and below in a bid to provide more platforms and exposure for young aspirants who could be the future of Philippine basketball.

Eala faces French Open test after clay struggles

By Jeremiah Sevilla

FRanked No. 38 in the world, Eala bowed out in the first round of the Internationaux de Strasbourg in France after suffering a 6-3, 5-7, 3-6 stunner against No. 66 Ukrainian qualifier Oleksandra Oliynykova (No. 66) on Monday night (Manila time).

The lefty Pinay squandered an opening set lead and a 3-2 advantage in the decider as she committed costly unforced errors in the endgame that allowed the lower-ranked Ukrainian to complete a comeback in their grueling Round of 32 match.

Eala made 48 errors overall against Oliynykova’s 40, and that spelled the difference in the tightly-contested showdown between the Strasbourg debutants that lasted for two hours and 52 minutes.

It was another stinging exit for the 20-yearold netter as the WTA 500 Strasbourg tourney served as her final tuneup for her second main draw appearance in the prestigious Roland Gar-

ros slated May 24 to June 7 in Paris.

In five clay events leading up to the French Open, Eala only reached as far as the third round, which she managed to do in the WTA 1000 Italian Open where she gave world No. 2 Elena Rybakina a hard time in taking a 6-4, 6-3 win in Round of 32.

Before the Rome tilt, Eala crashed out in the second round of the Upper Austria Ladies Linz (Round of 16), first round of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix (Round of 32) in Stuttgart, Germany, and second round of the Mutua Madrid Open (Round of 64) in Spain.

The Rafa Nadal Academy graduate, who holds a 4-5 win-loss record in the clay swing, needs to finetune her game as she faces a tall order in the French Open featuring top 10 players including Aryna Sabalenka (No. 1), Rybakina, and defending champion Coco Gauff (No. 3).

Eala will try to make a deep run this time around

ILIPINA ace Alexandra Eala aims to regain her bearings entering the French Open 2026 after a shaky buildup for the clay season’s Grand Slam tournament. Constantino regains form,

CAVINTI, Laguna – Harmie Constantino heralded her return to form in style, shooting an eagleboosted six-under 66 to take a two-stroke lead over Mafy Singson after 18 holes of the ICTSI Caliraya Springs Championship here on Tuesday. This performance not only marked a significant turnaround for Constantino, whose recent campaign have been marred by underwhelming results, but it also signaled her drive to reclaim her position at the top of the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour.

A stellar backside 31 at the Caliraya Springs Golf Club, featuring a stirring three-birdie finish, ignited Constantino’s chase for redemption.

An eagle on No. 4 and a birdie on the sixth more than compensated for her two bogeys at the front, propelling her into the lead.

“I hit the ball really well and played smart, hitting it to the right spots. I just happened to catch my 3-wood perfectly, setting up a 10-footer for eagle at the par-5 No. 4,” she reflected on her round, which began with back-to-back birdies from No. 10.

While she dropped a stroke on No. 13, her resilience shone through as she tallied four birdies in the next five holes, including three straight to close her back nine. Despite a bogey on the first hole, she

Arespacochaga named Gilas PH Youth Women head coach

GILAS Pilipinas U-18 Women have started their preparations for the upcoming 2026 FIBA Women’s U-18 Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers under the guidance of Sandy Arespacochaga, who has been installed by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) as Gilas Pilipinas Youth Women head coach.

Arespacochaga is a multi-titled assistant coach in the UAAP and PBA. He has experience in Youth coaching as he led Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA U-19 Basketball World Cup in 2019. His selection is another step in the right direction for the SBP under the leadership of President Ricky Vargas, who has empowered the federation to aggressively invest more in women’s basketball.

Asked why he was the best fit for the team, Gilas Pilipinas Women Program Director Bacon Austria said, “First of all, he is a teacher. At this stage, he fits perfectly in shaping the girls’ future. More than winning, his focus is on developing

the girls into better basketball players and better people. On the basketball aspect, Coach Sandy is no stranger to FIBA tournaments. He’s already coached Gilas Youth Men and assisted Gilas Men at the World Cup level.”

“For the assistant coaches, we asked the NU and UST high school programs to lend us one of their coaches to help Coach Sandy,” added Austria. “UST and NU have been dominating women’s high school competitions, and most of the talented players in that age group are with their programs already, so it made perfect sense to make sure they will have representation in the coaching staff.” The 2026 FIBA Women’s U-18 Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers will be hosted in Bacolod from June 2 to 6. However, the Philippines is already guaranteed a spot in the 2026 FIBA Women’s U-18 Asia

dampened her momentum.

With an inspiring tied-for-fourth finish at

to reclaim her glory.

“I need to stick to my game plan and keep things simple: hit the fairways, hit the greens, and make the putts,” said Constantino, who moved 36 holes away from adding another LPGT title to her collection.

But trailing closely behind is the equally hungry Singson, who highlighted her otherwise routine round with four consecutive birdies from No. 4.

Though she finished without any bogeys, Singson missed a few birdie opportunities, settling for pars on her last 11 holes.

“I hit all the greens from No. 4 and made my putts from inside 15 feet,” said Singson of her birdie streak that has put her in strong contention in the P1 million championship. Despite facing challenges on the greens, she demonstrated resilience, recovering each time she missed.

“The greens are tough because they’re playing slowly, so I just aimed to hit them and hoped my putts would drop,” she added. Like Constantino, Singson is focused on maximizing her greens in regulation while hoping to capitalize on her

PBA BEST PLAYER. Andrei Caracut delivered an inspired performance amid talks romantically linking him to volleyball star Bella Belen as

Alexandra Eala

yielding to Colombia’s Emiliana Arango, 0-6, 6-2, 3-6, in her Roland Garros debut last year. Eala will also see action in the doubles competition as she teams up with fellow rising star Victoria Mboko

Sandy Arespacochaga (right) with Norman Black

Harmie Constantino Manny Marcelo

WHAT’S INSIDE?

US, PH reframe Luzon economic security zone

THE United States and the Philippines are reframing their planned Economic Security Zone in New Clark City as a live pilot for jointly operating and governing critical supply chains, shifting it from a conventional ecozone development into a test bed for a new allied economic security operating model.

The move was highlighted during the visit of US State Department senior advisor Jacob Helberg to New Clark City on May 18, 2026, where US and Philippine officials discussed the next phase of the initiative and its transition from planning to a more operational framework.

“This is the site of a planned Economic Security Zone to fuse the predictability and certainty of American law with the speed and scale of Asia. We are committed to pursuing this objective in our own distinctly American way, which will be sharply different than China’s Belt and Road Initiative,” Helberg said.

Rather than functioning solely as a traditional special economic zone, the project is being designed as a working platform where both countries can align investment rules, regulatory processes and supply chain coordination in real time with participating firms.

Helberg said that global supply chains have become structurally vulnerable due to overconcentration of key inputs, noting that “when ninety percent of a critical input comes from one country, you do not have a supply chain. You have a hostage chain.”

The New Clark City initiative seeks to address these risks by building an integrated operating environment where governance and industrial execution are designed together rather than layered separately. The goal is to improve reliability and continuity for firms operating in strategic sectors such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing.

Helberg said the effort reflects a broader shift in approach, noting that economic security is now being treated as something to be built and tested rather than simply declared in policy. Othel V. Campos

the House of Representatives; Prof. Rommel Banlaoi, former Deputy National Security Adviser; Asian Century Philippines Strategic Studies Institute (ACPSSI) president Herman Tiu Laurel; Zhang Zhaodong, who is getting an honorary award in enhancing agriculture in the Philippines; and Baguio City businessman Peter Ng. Others in photo are APCU vice-chairman Sixto Benedicto (center) and Wilson Flores, forum moderator. Joseph Muego

By Thony Rose Lesaca

THE Philippines recorded a balance of payments (BOP) deficit of $2.12 billion in April 2026, which widened the cumulative shortfall in the first four months of the year to $7.41 billion, according to data released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas on Tuesday.

The April deficit narrowed from the $2.56-billion gap reported in the same period last year and improved from the $2.64-billion shortfall seen in March. The BOP measures the overall economic transactions of the country with the rest of the world.

Union Bank of the Philippines chief economist Ruben Carlo Asuncion

said the narrower April deficit pointed to some normalization after earlier capital outflows.

“The narrower BOP deficit in April reflects some normalization after earlier outflows, but the wider year-to-date gap highlights persistent external pressures, particularly from the country’s large trade deficit amid

strong import demand and softer exports,” Asuncion said.

Asuncion said remittances and services supported the external position of the country, but these inflows fell short of fully offsetting the current account deficit, particularly as capital flows remain vulnerable to global market conditions.

“Moving forward, the BOP is likely to stay under pressure, although we may see some moderation in the coming months as inflows stabilize and seasonal [foreign exchange] receipts improve,” Asuncion said.

Gross international reserves (GIR) settled at $104.33 billion as of endApril, down from $105.31 billion recorded a year earlier.

Federal Express Corp. (FedEx) announces the groundbreaking of its Clark gateway facility expansion, reinforcing the Philippines’ role as a key trans-shipment gateway within the FedEx Asia Pacific network and enhancing the company’s ability to connect customers to global markets. Shown are (from left) Noel Manankil, president and CEO, Luzon International Premiere Airport Development (LIPAD); Joshua Bingcang, president and CEO, Bases Conversion Development Authority; Trade Secretarty Cristina Roque; Masamichi Ujiie, president, FedEx North & South Pacific; Finance Secretary Frederick Go; Mybelle Aragon-GoBio, president and CEO, Robinsons Land Corp.; Maribeth Espinosa, managing director, FedEx Philippines; Agnes Devanadera, president and CEO, Clark Development Corp.; Jairus Reyes, district collector for the Port of Clark; and Jefferson Cheng, director of LIPAD.

FedEx expands Clark facility to enhance PH trade

By Othel V. Campos

FEDERAL Express Corp. (FedEx)

has started the expansion of its Clark gateway facility to strengthen the role of the Philippines as a major transshipment and logistics hub in the Asia-Pacific region.

The company said the upgraded facility will cover more than 78,000 square meters once completed. It will feature enhanced handling and operational capabilities to improve shipment flow reliability and service flexibility for customers, allowing growth for domestic as well as crossborder trade.

The project builds on the expansion

of FedEx in the Philippines following the opening of its Clark gateway in October 2021 and the signing of a land lease agreement with LIPAD in July 2024. Robinsons Land Corp. will develop the project, with construction scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2026.

FedEx North Pacific and South Pacific president Masamichi Ujiie said the expansion of the Clark gateway reflects the continued commitment of the company to the Philippines and to building a smarter, more resilient network across the region.

“The expansion of our Clark gateway reflects our continued

commitment to the Philippines and to building a smarter, more resilient network across the region,” Ujiie said. He said the upgraded facility would enhance the ability of FedEx to support Philippine businesses, facilitate efficient cross-border trade and provide more reliable connectivity to global markets.

Finance Secretary Frederick Go said the expansion would deepen global connectivity and strengthen local trade capabilities. This allows Filipino firms and consumers to access more international markets while enabling foreign traders to expand into the Philippines.

By Darwin G. Amojelar

A MAJOR overhaul of Metro Manila’s busiest transit line has drawn 74 local and international private companies from 14 countries expressing strong interest in taking over the system, the Department of Transportation said Tuesday. The high turnout occurred during a joint market sounding activity at the Asian Development Bank headquarters in Mandaluyong City for the MRT-3 Capacity Expansion, Operations and Maintenance PublicPrivate Partnership Project. Department of Transportation Undersecretary for railways Timothy John Batan said

The BSP said the reserve level serves as a robust external liquidity buffer equivalent to 6.9 months of imports of goods, service payments and primary income. The reserves also cover about 3.8 times the shortterm external debt of the country based on residual maturity.

The GIR consists of foreigndenominated securities, foreign exchange holdings, gold and other assets. These reserves ensure sufficient dollar liquidity for import needs and foreign debt obligations, address currency volatility and buffer against external economic shocks. Analysts consider reserves adequate if they can finance at least three months of imports.

STATE-RUN Pag-IBIG Fund reported that its net income grew 11 percent year-on-year to P16.772 billion in the first quarter of 2026, boosting its capacity to finance affordable housing and protect member savings.

The net profit for the January-toMarch period grew by P1.70 billion from the same period in 2025. The company attributed the growth to strong collections and steady earnings from housing loans, short-term loans and investment portfolios. Investment returns led the growth, jumping 51 percent to P3.033 billion from P2.013 billion last year.

The robust financial position positions the agency as the primary funding source for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (Expanded 4PH) Program, according to Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary and PagIBIG Fund board of trustees chair Jose Ramon Aliling.

“This performance shows that PagIBIG Fund remains strong, stable and ready to support President Marcos’ directive to open more opportunities for Filipino families to own decent and affordable homes. As the key financing arm of the Expanded 4PH Program, Pag-IBIG Fund plays a vital role in turning the national housing agenda into real homes for our workers. We shall continue to manage our members’ funds prudently, so that more Filipino families may benefit from housing finance that is affordable, accessible and sustainable,” Aliling said.

demonstrates the commercial viability of the project, which is backed by high passenger demand.

“This MRT-3 PPP, it is a very viable and promising project,” Batan said.

is an existing line, and we know that historically, we know its ridership

PH-CHINA UNDERSTANDING. Association for Philippines-China Understanding (APCU) chairman and president Raul Lambino (right) announces in a news briefing on May 18, 2026 at the Kamuning Bakery Cafe in Quezon City the winners of the Awards for Promoting Philippines-China Understanding (APPCU) for 2026. The awarding rites will be held on June 3, 2026 at Manila Hotel. The awardees are Prof. Carlita Carlos, former National Security Adviser and a consultant of

By Thony Rose Lesaca

TMalaysia, Indonesia and Brunei led the region’s Islamic finance sector. Large Muslim populations, government commitments, supportive regulations, expanding halal economies and digitalization efforts drove the growth.

“Development across ASEAN

Finance Secretary Frederick Go (left) meets with Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Charlito Martin Mendoza

ASEAN Islamic finance tops $1t

region’s Islamic finance industry. Islamic banking assets followed at 41 percent, Islamic funds’ assets under management at 8 percent and takaful assets at 2 percent.

remains uneven, although enhanced links with GCC countries and within ASEAN could boost industry penetration, attract investments and support financial inclusion,” Fitch said. Sukuk, or Islamic bonds, accounted for nearly half of the

ASEAN accounted for almost half of global sukuk outstanding, with Malaysia ranking first and Indonesia ranking third worldwide. All Fitch-rated dollar ASEAN sukuk hold investmentgrade “BBB” category ratings as of end-April 2026, with no defaults in the past 4 years, according to the credit rating agency.

However, Fitch noted that 63

By Jenniffer B. Austria

a disclosure to the stock exchange. An oversubscription option of up to P2.569 billion could bring the total proceeds to P11.56 billion.

The issuance represents the third tranche of FLI’s P35-billion bond shelf registration program, which the regulator approved in 2025. The company previously raised P11.4 billion in December 2023 and P12 billion in March 2025 under the same program. FLI appointed BDO Capital & Investment Corp., BPI Capital Corp., China Bank Capital Corp., East West Banking Corp., First Metro Investment Corp., Land Bank of the Philippines, RCBC Capital Corp. and Secu-

rity Bank Capital Investment Corp. as joint lead underwriters and book runners for the offer.

In a separate disclosure, FLI announced it fully settled P1.746 million worth of fixed-rate bonds that matured on May 18, 2026.

“The bonds which were issued by the company on November 18, 2020 matured on May 18, 2026, and were paid in full on the same day, through the company’s paying agent, the Philippine Depository & Trust Corp.,” FLI said.

percent of ASEAN sukuk issuers carry Negative Outlooks. The agency recently revised its outlook on Indonesia and the Philippines due to the varying impact of the Iran conflict on regional sovereigns and sukuk issuers.

“These depend on factors including higher energy prices and subsidy burdens, risk sentiment, wider credit risk premia, weaker currencies and tighter external funding conditions,” Fitch said.

In the Philippines, local regulators are developing a

ERC approves P2.8-b

Laoag grid project

THE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) authorized the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines to complete a P2.799 billion power quality improvement project in Laoag by Dec. 31, 2026, to address voltage fluctuations caused by renewable energy sources. The regulator approved the project after evaluating evidence and determining that the implementation will benefit consumers by providing continuous, safe, reliable, secure and efficient service.

The National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) filed the application after raising concerns about grid stability.

Ilocos Norte has nine existing power plants with a total VRE capacity of 509 megawatts. The province’s aggregate VRE capacity will increase to 937.95 megawatts by the end of 2026 with the addition of 428.95 megawatts, consisting of 230 megawatts of wind power and 198.95 megawatts of solar power. To improve voltage stability in Ilocos Norte, the Laoag Power Quality Improvement Project will install a 50MVAR grid-forming static synchronous compensator, known as a GFM-STATCOM, and two 25-MVAR, 230-kilovolt capacitor banks at the Laoag 230kV Substation. Alena Mae S. Flores

Top Line signs sublease deal

TOP Line Business Development Corp. has signed a sublease agreement for a 30-million-liter fuel depot facility in Cebu to build a strategic logistics and storage hub.

The listed fuel distributor and retailer said its subsidiary, Topline Logistics and Development Corp., signed the deal with Lu Do & LuYm Group for the depot facility.

The company expects the first phase of the project, which involves refurbishing and optimizing the facility, to finish by the fourth quarter of 2026. Once completed, the depot will increase the company’s storage capacity by about

nascent Islamic finance ecosystem through new sukuk guidelines. A recent agreement with the United Arab Emirates seeks to deepen cooperation in Islamic finance. The UAE has signed similar agreements with Indonesia and Malaysia.

The Philippines issued its first sovereign sukuk in 2023 and now has five licensed takaful operators. Overall, the country’s Islamic banking assets reached about P2.5 billion ($44 million) as of end2025.

300 percent from its current 10-million-liter capacity, strengthening logistics operations and supply chain reliability.

The expanded

“We

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association Inc. (Philreca) is pushing for a new law to rationalize the application of value-added tax on electricity billing by excluding certain charges that do not constitute actual consumption.

The group made the proposal to address longstanding concerns regarding the current tax framework under the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended by Republic Act 9337, which imposes VAT on the gross receipts of electricity-related services.

Philreca said this setup includes various components in the electricity bill—such as system losses, universal charges, subsidies, and pass-through costs—that do not represent valueadding transactions or actual consumption by end-users.

“This proposed measure is thus anchored on the fundamental prin-

ciple that VAT, as a consumption tax, should only be imposed on transactions that involve the actual sale or exchange of goods or services where value is added,” Philreca said.

Under the current tax framework, authorities impose VAT on gross receipts derived from the sale of services, including electricity. The government interprets this to include all components reflected in the electricity bill under the Single Billing Scheme, which covers pass-through charges, subsidies and regulatory impositions.

“As a result, consumers are effectively subjected to VAT on amounts that do not redound to the benefit of the collecting utility, nor correspond to any direct service rendered. More importantly, it erodes the principles of fairness and equity in taxation, as consumers are made to shoulder additional costs on items that are already burdensome in nature,” the association said.

By Othel V. Campos and Darwin G. Amojelar

COMMUTERS are expected to benefit from improved services along Manila’s Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) after government transport agencies signed an agreement with the Land Bank of the Philippines to help settle P3.6 billion in contractual obligations to the rail line’s private operator. The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) signed the credit line agreement on May 14, 2026 to ensure continued and reliable rail operations while enabling the government to meet its financial commitments to Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC).

Under the agreement, LandBank

will extend financing to partially cover the amount needed by the transport agencies to settle their obligations with the private operator.

The move follows an earlier directive from Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to settle outstanding obligations to concessionaires to improve commuter experience and maintain safe and reliable rail services.

DOTr Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the financing arrangement will allow the agency to fulfill its obligations and support service continuity.

“We hope that as we settle our obligation with the private concessionaire, we will see more improvements in their services, including structural upgrades, digitalization, and reliability of the rail line,” Lopez said.

Cebu Pacific to resume Dubai flights

CEBU Pacific said Tuesday it will resume operations between Manila and Dubai on July 2, 2026 after conducting safety assessments and coordinating with Dubai airport authorities.

The budget carrier suspended its Dubai flights in April due to the escalating security situation and airspace risks in the Middle East.

Cebu Pacific said flights 5J 14/15 and 5J 18/19 will return to service as part of a steady transition back to normalcy.

The airline said it will operate the route four times every week, with departures scheduled on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Passengers who hold tickets for previously cancelled flights to or from Dubai can rebook by logging into the “Manage Booking” portal on the official website, the company said.

While the Dubai route gets back on track, Cebu Pacific continues its regular operations to Saudi Arabia. It flies from Manila to Riyadh four times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, with the return legs from Riyadh to Manila taking off every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Cebu Pacific said the safety and well-being of passengers and crew remain its utmost priority.

The airline also encouraged travelers to check their current flight status online and keep their personal contact details updated to ensure they receive timely operational notifications.

Darwin G. Amojelar and Joel E. Zurbano

Filipina-led AI initiative wins global challenge, boosts sari-sari stores

CONNECTED Women has won the Activate AI Challenge, a global initiative led by data. org and supported by Zoom that advances collaborative AI solutions aimed at unlocking economic opportunity and building more resilient futures.

Selected from a competitive pool of 500 applications across 76 countries, Connected Women is the only Southeast Asian awardee in the cohort, joining other AI Challenge awardees such as CodeYourFuture – United Kingdom, IDENTI – Peru, Migrasia – Hong Kong, Nest Center for Journalism Innovation and Development – Mongolia, and Umbaji – Togo.

Intramuros museums highlight heritage on Museum Day

By Bernadette Araño

WITHIN the centuries-old walls of Intramuros, history came alive once more as museums and heritage sites joined the global observance of International Museum Day (IMD) on May 18, reaffirming the role of cultural institutions in preserving identity and fostering unity in an increasingly divided world. This year’s celebration carried the theme “Museums Uniting a Divided World,” spearheaded by the International Council of Museums (ICOM) and UNESCO. The campaign emphasized the power of museums to bridge cultural, social, and historical divides by creating spaces for learning, dialogue, and collective memory.

In the country’s historic capital, the message resonated strongly.

Tourists, students, families, and heritage advocates visited some of Intramuros’ most iconic museums and landmarks, including Museo de Intramuros, Casa Manila Museum and Centro de Turismo Intramuros where exhibits continue to narrate the story of the Filipino people through centuries of colonization, struggle, faith, and resilience. Amid the rapid modernization of Metro Manila, Intramuros remains one of the few places where the nation’s past can still be experienced firsthand — not merely read in textbooks.

For many visitors, museums have become more than repositories of old artifacts and relics. They serve as living spaces where history becomes relevant to present-day realities.

Heritage workers likewise underscored the importance of museums in preserving cultural identity at a time when misinformation, political polarization, and digital distractions continue to shape modern society.

Inside Intramuros, carefully preserved paintings, religious images, centuries-old manuscripts, and colonial architecture offer visitors a glimpse into the nation’s evolving story — one marked by both hardship and hope. The Intramuros Administration and participating institutions also continued efforts to encourage younger generations to appreciate Philippine heritage through educational tours, cultural programs, and historical exhibits.

Cultural advocates noted that observances such as International Museum Day help strengthen awareness on the need to protect

and the pressures of commercialization.

The award supports a collaborative project with Packworks, the Philippine technology company behind the Store Insighting Project (SIP). SIP uses sari-sari store transaction data to generate AI-powered recommendations on inventory, product mix, pricing, and demand patterns. Connected Women’s role is to help women store owners understand, trust, and apply these insights

through digital literacy sessions, guided onboarding, hands-on coaching, and community-based feedback loops.

Women-led sari-sari stores are a critical part of local economies across the Philippines. Yet many store owners manage their businesses informally, with limited access to actionable data or digital tools. This project is designed to move women store owners from having limited access to data, to having AI-powered insights they understand, trust, and act on.

“We want AI to be something women entrepreneurs can actually use, not something that feels distant or out of reach. This project is about making AI practical, humancentred, and relevant to small businesses on the ground.” — Agnes Gervacio, CEO, Connected Women

Save the bees, save the world!

By Robert Harland

AS we mark World Bee Day on May 20, spare a thought for these small creatures.

But spare more than a thought — for bees are not just insects, they are the most important living creatures on Earth. And their very existence is under threat.

At the May general assembly of the Negros Occidental Garden Club, hosted by the Sampaguita Group, beekeeper Freddie Lozada — focal person of the Bee Program of Brgy. Gawahon Livelihood on Apiculture Development Association (Bee GLAD) at Gawahon Eco-Park in Victorias City, Negros Occidental — warned: “Without bees, the world as we know it will slowly come to a grinding halt.” Lozada stressed that “bees are the lifeblood of our food supply and biodiversity. They pollinate the fruits, vegetables and flowers we depend on, sustaining ecosystems and agriculture alike. Without bees, harvests would collapse, biodiversity would shrink and the balance of nature would unravel.” Their disappearance, he cautioned,

“would not be a minor inconvenience — it would be a catastrophe for humanity.”

Yet across the world, bee populations are in decline. Pesticides poison them, habitat loss robs them of food and shelter, climate change disrupts their feeding cycles and parasites weaken their colonies. The warning signs are clear: when bees suffer, we all suffer. In the Philippines, wild bees are especially vital. Species such as the stingless bees, the Philippine giant honey bees (Apis dorsata) and the Liguan honeybee (Apis cerana) thrive in forests, farms and gardens, pollinating fruit trees, vegetables and wildflowers. Unlike managed honeybees, many wild species are solitary or live in small colonies, making them more vulnerable to environmental change. Their protection is inseparable from the protection of local communities.

That is why programs across the country are stepping up — not only to conserve wild bees but also to empower people. One model is PCP4NBS “Nurturing Gawahon: a community–driven approach for utilizing nature-

DOST boosts 25 Ilocos firms through technology assessment program

THE Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Ilocos Region has opened new growth opportunities for 25 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across Region 1 through its Technology Needs Assessment (TNA) under the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP). The assessment serves as a key step for businesses seeking assistance through SETUP, DOST’s flagship initiative aimed at improving productivity, competitiveness, and innovation among local enterprises. During the validation activities, DOST teams evaluated the firms’ production capacity, technology use, operational challenges, and areas for improvement. Recommended interventions included equipment upgrades, process improvements, technical consultancy, and workforce capability enhancement to help businesses expand and

become more competitive. The assessment also considered genderresponsive needs to support more inclusive and sustainable enterprise development. Among the 25 firms assessed were four from La Union, seven from Pangasinan, four from Ilocos Sur, and 10 from Ilocos Norte.

Results from the assessment will determine whether the firms can proceed to the next stage of SETUP, which includes project proposal preparation and possible funding support through the Review and Technical Evaluation Committee. Through the program, DOST Ilocos Region continues to support MSMEs by providing access to technology and technical assistance aimed at improving product quality, strengthening innovation, and creating more market opportunities for local businesses.

“SIP gives sari-sari store owners the data they need to make smarter business decisions. But data alone does not change behaviour. Partnering with Connected Women means every insight is paired with the coaching and confidence that turns knowledge into action. That is how AI actually reaches the stores that need it most.” — Ibba Bernardo, Co-Founder, Packworks Connected Women brings extensive experience in digital skills and AI-related training through its Elevate AIDA (Artificial Intelligence Data Annotation) and Elevate GAIL (Generative AI Learning) programs. With a community of 200,000+ members and 3,000+ women trained in AI data annotation, both programs have demonstrated that women with little to no prior AI exposure can build confidence and apply

AI tools in practical, business-relevant ways. For Connected Women, the recognition affirms a core belief: women-led small businesses must not be left behind as AI reshapes how people work, earn, and make decisions. The project aims to expand economic opportunity, strengthen small businesses, and help more women participate in an AI-enabled future with greater confidence and resilience.

“This recognition is a signal that ethical, human-centred AI has a place in mainstream development funding. Connected Women has spent years proving that women in the Philippines can lead in the AI economy: as builders of AI systems, as AI-powered contributors to global workflows, and as entrepreneurs driving local commerce.” — Gina Romero, Executive Chair / Founder, Connected Women

Espinosa builds legacy beyond the ring based solutions, fostering gender equality and harnessing ecotourism.” Based in Victorias City in partnership with Forest Foundation Philippines Inc. (FFPI) and the Government of Canada, this initiative shows how conser-

Luisito

By Lyschelle Joy Armijo

FORMER world boxing champion Luisito Espinosa is continuing his legacy beyond the ring as he dedicates his time to training aspiring boxers and fitness enthusiasts at Fitpad Fitness in Quezon City.

Known for bringing pride to the Philippines through his achievements in international boxing, Espinosa now focuses on mentoring individuals from different walks of life who want to learn the sport — not only young people, but also adults who see boxing as a way to improve themselves physically and mentally. For Espinosa, boxing is more than competition. It is a tool for discipline, self-confidence, and personal growth that can positively influence the community.

“Sa lahat ng pinagdaanan ko, ang gusto ko i-share sa mga tao lalo na sa mga gustong matuto ng boxing ay magkaroon ng disiplina at laging sumunod sa magulang,” Espinosa said. At Fitpad Fitness, Espinosa has built a supportive community where beginners, aspiring fighters, and fitness enthusiasts are welcomed and encouraged to pursue their passion for boxing. Many of those training under him dream of one day becoming recognized in the sport, inspired by the success and journey of the former world champion. Espinosa believes anyone can benefit from boxing, regardless of age or background, as long as they are willing to work hard and stay disciplined. He also shared that his goal now is to

Without

WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2026

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

SOCIAL media is filling the gap left by the silence surrounding the alleged breakup of Bea Alonzo and businessman Vincent Co. Since neither of them has spoken publicly in detail, online discussions have turned into a flood of rumors and claims about what may have gone wrong before the wedding.

One of the first rumors to spread claimed that Bea would allegedly be required to live with the Co family in an exclusive Metro Manila village after marriage. The story quickly caught attention online because it fit the image many people already had about rich families and celebrity relationships. But newer details now seem to challenge that story.

Photos circulating online, along with reports cited by the Philippine Daily Inquirer, allegedly showed the couple preparing a luxury condominium unit in Rockwell Center that was reportedly meant to be their future home. The unit was allegedly bought by Vincent, while Bea was said to have personally helped design the space by choosing furniture,

Star of Rome’s ‘sexy priest’ calendar admits: ‘I was never a priest’

HIS face smiles out from every kiosk in Rome on the cover of the ubiquitous “sexy priest” calendar sold to tourists, but Giovanni Galizia was never a man of the cloth.

In an interview with Repubblica daily Monday, the now 39-year-old flight attendant instructor said he donned the priestly garb as a lark with a photographer when he was 17 years old.

“I don’t see anything sexy in that photo... there’s nothing sensual about it,” Galizia told the newspaper of the shot gracing the “Calendario Romano,” the annual calendar featuring a pho-

tograph of a supposed priest for each month.

Today, he said, “time has passed, and it shows.”

“What I can assure you is that I was never a priest,” he said, adding that other presumed priests could also be fake. Countless tourists buy the calendar— which costs upwards of 10 euros ($11.65)—as a memento of their visit to the seat of the Catholic Church, where not every clergyman is as easy on the eyes as Galizia.

In 2004, he met a photographer who wanted to reveal various Italian

cities through photographs: “Venice with gondoliers and Rome with priests.”

“At one point, he asked me if I wanted to participate. It was a game, he had everything ready,” including the priest outfit, Galizia said.

The photograph was taken in Palermo, and he “never asked for a euro” for it, he noted. Galizia said that while his face is famous in Rome, elsewhere he can go incognito. Friends who visit the capital “always send me a photo of the calendar.” AFP

What went wrong between Bea Alonzo and Vincent Co?

appliances, fixtures, and artworks.

If those reports were true, then the earlier claim that Bea would supposedly live with Vincent’s family becomes harder to believe. At the very least, it raises questions about whether some parts of the story were exaggerated or completely made up.

Another rumor that spread online involved an alleged prenuptial agreement provision claiming the deal could supposedly become invalid if Bea raised her voice during arguments. The claim gained attention because many people found it unusual and difficult to believe.

Some observers pointed out that the alleged provision does not seem to match how prenups usually work. In general, prenuptial agreements are meant to protect assets and settle financial matters between couples before marriage.

Vincent comes from the family behind major retail businesses, including Puregold and S&R Membership Shopping, which made the rumors even more talked about online. Some people questioned why the wealthier side would supposedly agree to a clause that could weaken the prenup over arguments or raised voices.

So far, none of these rumors has been confirmed by Bea or Vincent. Still, the speculation continues.

Some online discussions have also pointed to people around the couple. A report published by Bilyonaryo on May 11 men

GMA Network head honcho At -

torney Annette Gozon-Valdes , together with award-winning screenwriter and GMA Public Affairs senior assistant vice president Anj Atienza, shared their creative expertise and industry insights at the Asian Academy Creative Awards (AACA) National Winners 2026 event held on May 14. Gozon-Valdes and Atienza were among the featured speakers at the roundtable discussion titled “Spotlight Philippines: Local Stories, Global Opportunities.”

A respected media executive, Gozon-Valdes, who is the network’s senior vice president for Programming, Talent Management, Worldwide, and Support Group, and president and CEO of GMA Films, has always championed creative excellence across the Asia-Pacific region. Through GMA Films, she has brought visionary storytelling to the big screen through various titles, in-

cluding the widely acclaimed Firefly, Green Bones, and Balota Atienza, on the other hand, has won various awards for screenwriting. She wrote Firefly and was the 2025 AACA National Winner for Green Bones “Spotlight Philippines: Local Stories, Global Opportunities” was moderated by AACA president and Emmy Award winner Michael McKay. Joining Gozon-Valdes and Atienza in the panel were Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) chairman and CEO Jose Javier Reyes, Regal Entertainment executive producer and COO Keith Monteverde, and Rein Entertainment co-founder, president, and CEO Lino Cayetano Welcoming invited speakers and other guests at the AACA National Winners 2026 event was GMA

and Alternative Productions Gigi

Rumors and speculations about Bea Alonzo (right) and Vincent Co’s alleged breakup are circulating online

Santiago-Lara, who was appointed Philippine Ambassador to the AACA. The AACA is a prestigious awardgiving body in the Asia-Pacific that

tioned veteran talent manager Shirley Kuan, describing her as a longtime confidant of Bea and an influential figure in entertainment circles. The report claimed that Bea and Vincent truly wanted to get married and start a family, but that tensions involving management and close personal circles may have affected the relationship. Those claims remain unverified, and none of the people involved have publicly addressed them in detail.

GMA Network executives, led by GMA Films president and CEO Attorney Annette Gozon-Valdes, share industry insights with media practitioners

A calendar displaying a picture of Giovanni Galizia dressed as a priest is on sale in a souvenirs shop in Rome

Photos and reports suggest Vincent and Bea prepared a luxury condo in Rockwell Center, with Bea designing the space (Photo from X @BeiALonzo)

SHOW

Pokwang recounts difficult journey before showbiz success

COMEDIENNE and TV host

Pokwang and media executive

Maria Rosa “Ms. Charo” Cordial shared personal stories of hardship, family and success in a podcast recorded at the Maddox Jewelry showroom in Marikina City Filmed at the showroom of Maddox Jewelry on JP Rizal Street, Concepcion Uno, the conversation went beyond a typical interview, which opened reflective discussions on life, career, and motherhood.

Pokwang, who has been in the entertainment industry for more than two decades, said comedy remains more difficult than drama because performers must project

By Angelica Villanueva

VMX’s latest original film Scissors focuses on the emotional fallout of love alongside its provocative Girls’ Love (GL) elements. The film centers on heartbreak, difficult choices, and the process of letting go.

Directed by Christopher Novabos and written by Lawrence Nicodemus, the film stars Rhian Rivera, Allison Ross, and Ghion Espinosa in a narrative that begins with romantic betrayal and escalates into a tangled relationship shaped by desire and consequence.

The story follows Karina, played by Rhian, who is blindsided after discovering her boyfriend Jeric (Ghion) with another woman. In an attempt to reset her life, she cuts her hair, an act that signals both personal grief and transformation. That decision leads her to Allison’s character, Missy, a hairdresser who becomes her confidante and eventually her romantic partner, setting off a chain of emotional collisions involving all three characters.

During a media conference, Rhian described Karina as a woman driven by hope even in the middle of repeated heartbreak.

“I play Karina in this film. And as Karina, she’s kind of a hopeless romantic. She really puts so much trust in love. And even when she’s already being cheated on, she still believes in love. In a way, she still believes that you should continue to love even if it’s already wrong,” she shared.

Her portrayal frames Karina as someone who clings to love even when circumstances suggest she should walk away, a theme that anchors much of the film’s emotional tension.

Meanwhile, Ghion described the film’s central metaphor as something tied to separation and emotional cuttingoff. In explaining the title, he pointed to the idea that relationships in the film are not simply broken but actively severed.

“If you watch the film, Jeric is really a playboy. Yet, Karina keeps giving him chances even though she can already

happiness regardless of personal struggles.

“ Para sa akin, mas mahirap ang comedy,” she said, noting comedians must constantly adjust to different audiences. She added that audiences today are more sensitive than before.

She also shared her upbringing in poverty, recalling how she grew up without a television and watched programs through neighbors before working overseas as an overseas Filipino worker prior to entering show business.

“ Hindi talaga! Kasi kapag sinabi mong artista, dapat mestiza, maganda ,” she said, adding opportunities later opened for her in the industry.

Cordial related to Pokwang’s experience, recalling her own childhood watching borrowed tapes and television.

The two also discussed family life, touching on the importance of staying connected with aging parents and prioritizing children amid social media influence.

Cordial became emotional while expressing gratitude to her parents, saying perspective changes once one has a family.

They also reflected on shared goals of improving their families’ lives and childhood dreams far from their current careers.

The full podcast is available on Maddox Jewelry’s social media platforms.

Cutting through love and loss

VMX’s ‘Scissors’ explores emotional breakdowns in relationships

see that her partner is cheating on her.

So one of the symbols there is the scissors. It’s used to cut off a relationship so you can move toward a cleaner path,” he explained.

For Ghion, the metaphor extends beyond romance into emotional consequence, the idea that cutting ties is rarely clean and often comes after damage has already been done.

He also spoke about how the cast approached the film’s intimate scenes, emphasizing professionalism and communication on set.

“I really talk to the girls about their restrictions so I know my limits. It’s hard because you might end up disrespecting them without realizing it. So I really ask them what’s allowed and

Donny Pangilinan,

what’s not. That’s where I gain their trust so we can better deliver our characters properly,” he shared.

He added that preparation and respect were key to making the performances feel grounded rather than performative.

“In every scene, we talk. Hygiene is important, communication is important, and professionalism is important. Because if there’s awkwardness, the scene won’t feel realistic,” Ghion stated.

The cast and director frame “Scissors” as a film about emotional extremes—how love can begin as healing, shift into dependence, and eventually turn destructive. Scissors is now streaming on VMX.

Belle Mariano launch nationwide ‘Road to Wakas’ mall tour

DONNY Pangilinan and Belle Mariano are drawing massive crowds nationwide as they launch “The Road to Wakas” mall tour ahead of their upcoming film Tayo Sa Wakas, while advance tickets are now on sale via the official website tayosawakas.com

Fans can purchase tickets directly through the site, which also features updates on participating cinemas, exclusive content, milestone announcements and other film-related activities tied to the release.

The popular love team recently made stops in Zamboanga City, Antipolo and Bulacan, where large crowds gathered to welcome the pair and join in the growing anticipation for the movie. The nationwide promotional tour continues across key cities, with upcoming appearances scheduled at KCC Mall of Cotabato on May 22, Ayala Malls Marquee Pampanga on May 23, SM City Bacoor and SM City Dasmariñas on May 24, Robinsons Galleria Cebu on May 30, SM City Iloilo on June 6 and SM City Bacolod on June 7. The stars are also set for a series of block

Dingdong Dantes breaks silence on political plans

By Angelica Villanueva

ACTOR Dingdong Dantes has again ruled out entering politics, saying his focus remains on acting and his work in the entertainment industry.

In an interview in Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho, Dingdong was asked if he had plans to seek public office.

Malinaw po sa akin na ang focus ko talaga ay dito sa industriyang ito, dito sa pagiging aktor,” he said.

Asked directly if he had political plans, the actor answered, “Wala po.”

In a January vlog by Janno Gibbs and Bing Loyzaga, Dingdong also said he had no interest in public office, stressing that service can be done in different ways.

Aside from acting, Dingdong serves as chairman of Aktor PH, or the League of Filipino Actors, a group formed during the pandemic to address concerns in the industry.

“It was a collective effort of a group of actors,” he said, recalling how the organization began during a period of uncertainty for performers.

Dingdong said the group continues to work with other organizations to support the entertainment

community.

“Ang sarap lang ng pakiramdam na kabilang ka sa isang community ng mga taong nagmamalasakit,” he shared.

screenings in Cebu, Iloilo, Davao and Bacolod. Directed by Cathy Garcia-Sampana, Yayo Sa Wakas opens exclusively in Philippine cinemas on May 27, with international screenings beginning in June.

From left: Ghion Espinosa, Allison Ross, director Christopher Novabos, and Rhian Rivera at VMX ‘Scissors’ press conference

Rhian Rivera plays a character of a woman who keeps believing in love even as heartbreak pushes her toward change

Pokwang (left) looks back on her early life, motherhood, and her comedy career with entrepreneur Maria Rosa Cordial

River Joseph, Donny Pangilinan, and Belle Mariano join fans as the film’s nationwide promo run builds momentum ahead of its cinema release

From left: River Joseph, Emilio Daez, Belle Mariano, and Donny Pangilinan bring the ‘Road to Wakas’ tour to another packed mall stop

Donny Pangilinan (right) and Belle Mariano will star opposite each other in ‘Tayo Sa Wakas’

Dingdong Dantes makes it clear that his focus remains on acting and his work with the entertainment community

WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2026

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

MARI Dance presents the restaging of its acclaimed production a dance in a day in a dance, a full-length contemporary dance production that brings together five choreographies by choreographer JM Cabling, four of which were developed through the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ (CCP) Choreographer’s Series and other dance programs.

The production runs from May 16 to 31, at the Doreen Black Box Theater, Areté.

Structured as a layered narrative on the lives of dancers and choreographers, the piece explores burnout, rejection, creative pressure, intimacy, and survival within the craft.

Produced by Mari Dance Company and shaped by musical theater director Mikko Angeles, with Al Garcia reprising his role as the Choreographer, the work unifies five distinct choreographic voices into a single evening that reflects the realities of dance making in the Philippines today. Four of the five works featured in the production were originally developed through the CCP Choreographers Se-

ries, underscoring the institution’s continuing role in nurturing contemporary dance practice.

The CCP Choreographers Series aimed to become the prime mover of contemporary dance expressions in Philippine society.

The CCP Choreographers Series was composed of three dance projects: (1) WifiBody.ph, a competition for emerging choreographers; (2) Koryolab, a laboratory and showcase of experimental dance pieces by mid-career choreographers; and (3) NeoFilipino, a venue for established choreographers to create and stage major works in collaboration with artists.

Conceptualized by founders Denisa Reyes and Myra Beltran, the CCP

Choreographers’ Series has been a prime mover of contemporary dance expressions in the Philippines. Launched in 2015 in consultation with former CCP President Nestor Jardin, the series continued the legacy of NeoFilipino’s boundary-breaking contemporary work since 1987 and the independent dance initiatives of the Wifi Body Festival since 2006.

Bent, which was Cabling’s earliest piece in the program, premiered at the 2014 Wifi Body Festival’s New Choreographers’ Competition, directed by Myra Beltran and supported by the CCP; Nothing Special and Lihim ni Lea were developed and premiered under the CCP Choreographers’ Series (2017 and 2019), led by Denisa Reyes and

Beltran; and I Wanna Say Something was first presented in 2021 under the CCP Professional Dance Support Program during the pandemic. a dance in a day in a dance becomes a living archive where dance works developed through different CCP platforms are recontextualized into a single performance, revealing how CCP institutional programs have shaped the evolution of Filipino contemporary choreography.

Artists outside traditional company structures were given mentorship, support, and opportunities necessary for their sustained growth, flourishing under a system that supports choreography from its earliest experimental stages to full-length theatrical performances.

Visual artist Vida Doria channels art into healing

Fashion designer and former beauty queen Vida Doria is presenting her latest paintings in Tapestry of Woven Dreams, a group exhibition opening May 22 at The Podium in Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City.

Known for her eponymous clothing line, Doria has also built a following in the visual arts, producing oil-on-canvas works that often depict flowers and nature scenes. Her style, once closely associated with Claude Monet, has evolved to incorporate bolder color and movement influenced by Vincent van Gogh

The exhibit, which runs until May 28 at the mall’s second-floor atrium, brings together Doria and five fellow members of Katha Art, a collective of women artists mentored by the late Nestor Villanueva and now guided by Jeff Consumo. Each artist will present 15 to 20 works.

SLIM’S Fashion & Arts School, under De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, is launching a series of Saturday workshops on couture Filipiniana techniques in celebration of National Heritage Month this May.

The program is organized with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority through Juana Creatives, a co-working and skills hub for women freelancers, hobbyists, cultural practitioners, and design entrepreneurs. The first workshop, “Art of Embellishments,” introduces traditional and contemporary artisanal methods,

Proceeds from the show will partly benefit selected charities, including ANCOP, as well as Sibol Ning Aeta Foundation Inc. and Mary Queen of Heavens Missionaries.

Doria said painting has become both a creative outlet and a means to help others. She began painting in 2005 after personal losses in her family led her to join a “Paint to Heal” class in Quezon City.

Since then, demand for her work has grown among collectors, with several pieces quickly sold in past exhibits.

The artist said she continues to explore new themes, including waterscapes, while maintaining an emotional core in her work.

Joining Doria in the exhibit are fellow Katha Art members Gracie Aranda, Clarita Lazatin Magat, Bebet Pastelero Sto. Tomas, Salie Henson Naguiat, and Rellie Liwag

guiding participants in transforming garments into hand-finished statement pieces that emphasize texture, depth, and material understanding. It will be led by designer Aan Pineda, whose industry work includes stints with Dar Noor Designs, Fanny Serrano Couture, and Golden ABC. Sessions are scheduled on May 23 and 30, and June 6 and 13, with a registration fee of P12,500. A second module, “Pañuelo-making,” focuses on the cultural significance and design of the embroidered Filipino neck scarf or shawl. Participants will learn fabric preparation, color application,

With this, contemporary Filipino choreography emerges not as a collection of isolated works, but as an evolving lineage of practice.

The production also features alternating performances by former Ballet Philippines dancer Georgette SanchezVargas and former Ballet Philippines dancer and Daloy Dance Company’s artistic director and founder Ea Torrado as the mother; and former Ballet Philippines and Alice Reyes Dance Philippines dancer Janine Arisola-Cabrera in the lead role of Lea.

Returning cast members Michael Que and Sarah Samaniego join a broader ensemble composed of Mari Dance scholarship students from Butuan, Iriga, Sagay, Sorsogon, and Surigao, reflecting the company’s commitment to regional inclusion and dance education.

Beyond performance, the production also highlights Mari Dance’s educationdriven mission, with many of its dancers coming from scholarship programs under Guang Ming College and company training initiatives. This model integrates creation, pedagogy, and communitybuilding, expanding access to professional dance training across the Philippines.

As Mari Dance mounts its first major multi-weekend run, a dance in a day in a dance stands as both a performance and a testament to how the right platforms transform the lifespan of choreography, allowing it to evolve.

The show runs from May 16 to 31 at the Doreen Black Box Theater, Areté, co-presented by Areté. Tickets are available via: maridance.com

and design techniques, combining traditional textile approaches with contemporary fabric painting. The workshop will be conducted by visual artist and costume designer Edgar San Diego, a past recipient of the Manila Fashion Designers Awards Haute Couture Designer of the Year. It will run on June 20 and 27, with a fee of P7,500. The final workshop, “Crafting the Filipiniana Butterfly Sleeve,” covers pattern drafting, cutting, hand-sewing, and finishing techniques for creating the signature sleeve without machine stitching.

It will be facilitated by designer and educator Joseph Richard Papa, whose work has been featured in international competitions, including the Concours International des Jeunes Créateurs de Mode in Paris. Sessions are set on July 4 and 11, with a fee of P7,500. All workshops are open to the public and will be held

Slim’s Fashion & Arts School opens workshops that teach Filipiniana design and traditional craft techniques

The production explores the realities of dance-making in the Philippines

The show features a diverse ensemble, including scholarship students from various regions

Vida Doria continues to turn personal experiences into colorful works inspired by nature and healing

Doria’s latest paintings showcase her evolving style through vivid colors and expressive brushwork

Vida Doria shares her love for flowers and nature through paintings

Vida Doria’s works blend art, emotion, and nature in her newest exhibit