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Supreme Court takes no action yet on Alan’s plea

By Pot Chavez

THE Supreme Court (SC) has withheld action on a petition filed by senators aligned with Senator Alan Peter Cayetano seeking his recognition as Senate President.

Meanwhile, Senator Erwin Tulfo said the petition filed by Cayetano’s

group before the Supreme Court (SC) may have become moot and academic following the election of Senator Sherwin Gatchalian as Senate President earlier in the day.

In an interview with Manila Standard, Constitutional Commission member Adolf Azcuna also said the

VOL. XL • NO. 124 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 • THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2026 •

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Gatchalian elected Senate prexy, Cayetano concedes

Villanueva’s 13th vote triggers reorganization

By Joel E. Zurbano, Ram Superable, Charles Dantes, Maricel V. Cruz and Pot Chavez

S

ENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian was elected Senate President after Senator Joel Villanueva provided the necessary 13th vote to establish a new majority and end the leadership row with Senator Alan Cayetano during yesterday’s special session.

“The opportunity to serve as Senate President is a great honor. Along with this is the call to be an exemplar in service every day. Above all, this role is a responsibility to the Senate, to our Constitution, and to the Filipino people.

We hear the call of the public. The priorities are clear: laws and measures that will address the country’s most pressing problems,” Gatchalian said in his acceptance speech before a plenary where members of the Cayetano bloc were all absent.

“The people expect one thing: concern, action, and results. We call on all Senators, whether in the majority or minority, to work together in facing these challenges…What we want is a Senate

House elects five new CA members

By Maricel V. Cruz and Joel E. Zurbano THE House of Representatives on Wednesday elected new members for the Commission on Appointments during the special session called by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The Lower Chamber also approved House Resolution 1131 calling on its members to “collectively and individually rise up to meet the challenges of relief and rehabilitation in the earthquakestricken areas for the purpose of providing any form of assistance to the earthquake victims” in southern Mindanao.

Elected to represent the House to the CA were Deputy Speaker and La Union Rep. Francisco Paolo Ortega V, TGP Party-list Rep. Jose Teves Jr., Quezon City Rep. Franz Pumaren, Quezon Rep. Wilfredo Mark Enverga and Negros Occidental Rep. Mercedes Alvarez.

They replaced Camiguin Rep. Jesus Romualdo, Abono party-list Rep. Robert Raymond Estrella, Agusan del Next page

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CA confirms appointments of 5 generals, 85 DFA officials

BACK AT WORK. The Senate, top photo, and the House of Representatives, right bottom photo, convened yesterday for a special session called by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to act on pending matters, left bottom photo, including the appointments of diplomats and generals of the Armed Forces. Lino Santos, Ver Noveno

Marcos to meet Putin before ASEAN-Russia summit

By Ram Superable THE Commission on Appointments (CA) on Wednesday confirmed the appointments of five Armed Forces of the Philippines generals and flag officers, and 85 Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) officials during a special session called to act on urgent pending matters.

Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian, sitting as CA chairperson, first noted the election of the House and Senate contingents to the powerful appointments body before the newly elected members took their oath.

With 22 members present, Gatchalian declared a quorum and the CA moved Next page

WELCOME TREAT. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. gets a taste of Russian hospitality upon arrival in Kazan yesterday to attend the Russia-ASEAN Commemorative Summit and a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. PCO

Win endorses Chiz as presiding judge of impeachment trial

By Ram Superable NEWLY-installed Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian said yesterday that Senator Francis Escudero has been chosen by the new majority bloc as the presiding officer for the upcoming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

Gatchalian said he recommended Escudero for the starring role because of his legal background and his experience with prior impeachment proceedings, adding that the designation is expected to be formalized when the body officially convenes as Next page

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. arrived in Kazan City on Wednesday for a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin before leading the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) - Russia Commemorative Summit.

Marcos and Putin will discuss oil, nuclear energy and trade, among other issues several hours before the two leaders join other ASEAN heads of government in a gala dinner marking 35 years of dialogue relations between Russia and the 11-member regional bloc.

The trip comes as the Philippines

By Jeremiah Sevilla

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DOJ issues ILBO vs. Ateneo’s Tab Baldwin, 4 others

EALA KEEPS MASTERY OVER VEKIC IN BERLIN FILIPINA tennis sensation Alexandra Eala showed steely nerves down the stretch to reassert her dominance over Donna Vekic of Croatia, 7-5, 6-4, and barge into the second round of the Berlin Tennis Open 2026 in Germany on Wednesday night (Philippine time).

Eala fought her way back from love-40 in the final game

continues to confront energy supply challenges and rising concerns over global commodity volatility.

Mr. Marcos’ visit will also mark one of the highest-level engagements between Manila and Moscow during his presidency. While the Philippines and Russia have maintained diplomatic relations for decades, bilateral economic ties remain relatively modest compared with Manila’s trade relations with major partners in Asia, Europe and North America.

Putin, on the other hand, has sought to deepen political and economic ties with Asia during Moscow’s more

By Pot Chavez and Vince Lopez POWERFUL. Alexandra Eala hits a backhand. AFP

SENATE NOT UNDER SIEGE — VIDA

NEWS/ A2

THE Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on Wednesday (June 17, 2026) the issuance of an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) against former Ateneo Men’s Basketball head coach Tab Baldwin and four other individuals in relation to the ongoing investigation into the deaths of Next page

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NEWS

THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2026

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DOJ’s Vida says Senate not under siege

By Joel E. Zurbano

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matter was already moot considering the unfolding developments in the Senate.

SC spokesperson Camille Ting told Manila Standard that “there was no action on the petition.”

Ting made this confirmation as the High Court held its en banc session.

In their 87-page petition filed yesterday, the senators asked the SC to declare null and void the election of Senator Sherwin Gatchalian as Senate President Pro Tempore.

They argued that the session presided by Gatchalian was void for lack of quorum required under the Constitution.

“The Senate is composed of twenty-four (24) members. A majority of twenty-four (24) is 13 — one more than half. Twelve (12) is exactly onehalf of twenty-four (24), not a majority thereof,” the petition read.

Tulfo clarified however, that his comment was not intended to preempt the High Court’s ruling.

“I do not want to pre-empt the SC. That is up to them. But what TRO would he still be asking for when we already have 13 members as of today?

So it would appear that the petition he filed before the SC has become moot and academic,” he told GMA News.

For his part, constitutionalist Michael Yusingco expressed hopes the High Tribunal will still make a ruling on related matters.

“It would be reasonable to assume that the SC will see it as moot. But the SC may also discuss two issues: How to compute the majority to determine quorum, and what majority of all members mean. I hope the SC makes a ruling on these matters,” he said.

This was determined by the DOJ’s special panel of prosecutors which found the measures implemented by the Senate Office of the Sergeant at

Arms (OSAA) unacceptable from a prosecutorial perspective, Vida said.

At the same time, Vida cautioned those who may have aided Senator

Ronald Bato Dela Rosa in avoiding arrest after the disclosure of the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) sealed warrant against him, suggesting that these individuals could be held legally accountable for their actions.

Dela Rosa is facing an arrest warrant issued by the ICC due to his involvement in the drug war launched by the former administration under President Rodrigo Duterte, during which thousands of individuals

Gatchalian... for the people – a Senate that is ready to listen, open to dialogue, and focused on solutions,” he added.

Malacañang immediately congratulated Gatchalian and called on Congress to move swiftly in passing priority legislation aligned with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s agenda.

Speaker Faustino Dy III likewise hailed Gatchalian’s election, expressing confidence that Congress will continue to advance measures that promote economic growth, strengthen public services, and improve the lives of Filipinos.

House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander Marcos said the leadership change would allow the Senate to refocus on pending work.

The Supreme Court, for its part, did not act on the petition filed by Cayetano and his allies seeking to nullify the June 3 election of Gatchalian as Senate President Pro Tempore.

“There was no action on the petition,” SC spokesperson Camille Ting told Manila Standard.

Sotto was elected yesterday to suc-

ceed Gatchalian as Senate President Pro Tempore, while Zubiri was sworn in as the Senate Majority Leader.

Yesterday’s reorganization effectively made Cayetano the second shortest-serving Senate President for all of 37 days since his group unseated then Senate President Vicente Sotto III on May 11.

In a statement, Cayetano acknowledged that “the arithmetic has changed” after he spoke with Villanueva, adding that he would “not stand in the way of that vote.”

“I may leave the position of SP (Senate President), but I am honored to still be your PS — your Public Servant,” he said in a Facebook post.

“No leadership in a democracy is ever permanent; every office we hold is a loan, never a possession,” Cayetano added.

Cayetano’s allies eventually showed up yesterday after the morning vote and reorganization.

Senators Imee Marcos, Loren Legarda, Rodante Marcoleta, and Bong Go attended the Commission on Appointments hearing.

Senators Pia Cayetano and Camille Villar as well as Legarda and Marcos also attended the afternoon resumption of the special session.

Legarda congratulated Gatchalian and Sotto, affirming that the transition process complied with legal requirements after securing 13 votes, and clarified that even though she remains part of the minority bloc, she is ready to work with the new leadership.

Villanueva, for his part, said his attendance at the session was driven by a desire to resume work.

During the special session, Villanueva was also appointed as deputy majority floor leader alongside Senator JV Ejercito.

Senator Francis Escudero, meanwhile, has been selected by the new majority bloc as the presiding officer for the upcoming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

The Senate also selected new committee chairpersons during the special session to ensure that public hearings continue during the sine die adjournment.

Senator Erwin Tulfo was chosen to chair the Committee on Accountability of Public Officers and Investigations, known as the Blue Ribbon Committee, alongside the panels on Energy, and Social Justice, Welfare and Rural Development.

Senator Ping Lacson voluntarily declined to retain his chairmanship of the Blue Rib-

bon Committee to avoid personal animosities, accepting instead the leadership of the Committees on Ways and Means, Public Order and Illegal Drugs, and Accounts.

“Number one, I am tired of losing old friends and creating new enemies. And number two, there are other colleagues who are equally, if not more qualified than this humble representation to take on the job,” Lacson said.

Senator Bam Aquino was designated to lead the Committees on Basic Education, Science and Technology, and Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship.

The Committees on Health and Demography, and Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality will be chaired by Senator Risa Hontiveros.

Senator Francis Pangilinan took leadership of the Committees on Agriculture, Food and Agrarian Reform, Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Codes, and Justice and Human Rights.

Villanueva was appointed to head the Committees on Higher, Technical and Vocational Education, and Labor, Employment and Human Resources Development.

Gatchalian will concurrently chair the Committee on Appointments while Zubiri will manage the Committees on Foreign Relations, and on Rules.

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Sur 2nd District Rep. Adolph Edward Eddiebong Plaza, Cavite 5th District Rep. Roy Loyola, and Camarines Sur 4th District Rep. Arnulf Brian Fuentebella.

President Marcos, by virtue of Proclamation 1318, called for the special session of Congress not only for both chambers to urgently consider the passage of eight identified priority measures but also to enable the CA to convene and act on appointments made to the Cabinet, the military, and the foreign service.

As this developed, Resolution 1131, introduced by Speaker Faustino Dy III, Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander Marcos, and Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan, expresses the House’s “deepest sympathy, heartfelt concern, and unyielding support” for the victims of the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck General Santos City, Sarangani province, and other parts of Southern Mindanao on June 8.

“The spirit of bayanihan and collective resolve must guide the nation in confronting the aftermath of this calamity, ensuring that no community is left behind in the path toward healing and recovery,” the resolution read.

Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong earlier filed House Bill (HB) 9887, seeking a P15 billion supplemental appropriation for Fiscal Year 2026 to support urgent relief, recovery, rehabilitation, repair, and reconstruction efforts in communities devastated by the earthquake.

The bill seeks to augment the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund to address the widespread destruction across Regions 11 (Davao) and 12 (Soccsksargen), including severe damage to homes, schools, hospitals, roads, bridges, irrigation systems, power facilities, ports, airports, and other critical infrastructure.

Property damage in General Santos City alone has reached approximately P1 billion, with assessments ongoing in other affected areas.

to waive the five-day notice requirement for meetings, citing the special session called by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and the urgency of the pending appointments.

Senator Joel Villanueva was designated acting majority floor leader for the day and later moved to allow the CA committees on national defense and foreign affairs to immediately convene and act on appointments referred to them.

Butuan City Rep. Jose Aquino II, chairperson of the CA Committee on National Defense, said the military officers awaiting confirmation had been placed in limbo through no fault of their own.

“These officers have faithfully discharged their duties, rendered distinguished service to the nation, and met all the requirements for promotion,” Aquino said.

He said the timely consideration of their appointments was a recognition of their competence, dedication, and service to the Filipino people.

The CA then confirmed the ad interim appointments of five AFP generals and flag officers after members expressed support for their promotion and commended their decades of service in conflict zones, disaster response, and military leadership.

The CA also confirmed the nominations and ad interim appointments of 85 DFA officials, including chiefs of mission, career ministers, and foreign service officers.

Senator Panfilo Lacson, chairperson of the CA Committee on Foreign Affairs, said the career diplomats deserve timely action because they have devoted their careers to advancing Philippine interests abroad.

The CA also approved the DFA’s request to waive the personal appearance of 63 officials, many of whom are posted overseas, on official travel, or performing essential consular and diplomatic duties.

The CA secretariat reported that no oppositions had been filed against any of the DFA nominees and appointees.

Members from both the majority and minority blocs expressed support for the confirmations, saying the appointments would strengthen both national

defense leadership and the country’s foreign service corps.

Meanwhile, the Senate on Wednesday approved on third and final reading three measures during its special session—a bill declaring the waling-waling as the country’s national orchid and two bills granting Philippine citizenship to athletes Bennie Francois Boatwright III and Matthew James Ramos.

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri moved for the chamber to consider the bills on third reading, saying printed copies had been electronically distributed to senators on May 25 and 26 in compliance with the Constitution’s three-day rule.

First approved was Senate Bill 2092, which declares the waling-waling, or Vanda sanderiana, as the National Orchid of the Philippines.

The measure was approved with 13 affirmative votes, zero negative votes, and zero abstentions.

The Senate also approved House Bill 6639, granting Philippine citizenship to Boatwright, a basketball player being eyed to reinforce Gilas Pilipinas, and House Bill 6644, granting Philippine

Marcos...

an impeachment court on July 6.

Senator Panfilo Lacson stated that the selection of Escudero was based on his ability to rule on courtroom motions and not a result of political negotiations during the transition.

“I think I will be remiss of my duty and responsibility as a senator... if I didn’t thank and commend our two distinguished colleagues, Senator Chiz Escudero and Senator Joel Villanueva, for responding to their higher calling for this chamber, our beloved institution... Higher than their friendships. their affiliations, and every individual member of this body. Even higher than themselves,” said Lacson.

Meanwhile, Vice President Sara Duterte’s camp formally submitted the defense’s pre-trial brief to the Senate impeachment court on Monday, naming former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV and Ramil Madriaga as witnesses.

The pre-trial brief, according to a report of GMA News, stated that the respondent plans to present these witnesses “to disprove the allegations in the Articles of Impeachment, demon-

strate that the allegations are merely conclusions of law and fact, identify relevant documents, and clarify other related matters.”

On April 14, Madriaga testified in the impeachment process against the Vice President before the House Committee on Justice.

In December 2025, Madriaga signed an affidavit stating he brought cash to Duterte, claiming he delivered money-filled duffel bags and vehicles to various locations on orders allegedly linked to Duterte’s camp.

In the defense’s report, other individuals cited as potential witnesses included Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla, former Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, National Bureau of Investigation director Melvin Matibag and his predecessor retired Judge Jaime Santiago, NBI assistant director Glenn Ricarte, lawyer Gloria Camara of the Commission on Audit, ex- Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, Anti-Money Laundering Council executive director Ronel Buenaventura, Securities and Exchange Commission director Gerardo Del Rosario, Burreau of Internal Revenue Commissioner Charlito Martin Mendoza, and former Education Undersecretary Gloria Jumamil Mercado.

than four-year full-scale offensive against Ukraine.

The summit in the capital of Tatarstan, around 700 kilometers (435 miles) east of Moscow, comes as the G7 meets in France with ending the Ukraine and Middle East wars its main focus.

Representatives of 11 countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations will arrive in Kazan on Wednesday, with the main day of the summit set for the following day.

It commemorates 35 years of collaboration between Russia and the ASEAN countries, the Kremlin said.

Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia and Singapore are sending their prime ministers, while the Philippines will be represented by President Ferdinand Marcos.

Myanmar—which held a coup in 2021 and has close ties to Moscow— will also send a delegation.

Moscow said the leaders will “exchange views on global and regional problems” and new aims in Russia-ASEAN ties in “security,

trade, investment and humanitarian cooperation.”

Facing giant Western sanctions over its Ukraine offensive, Moscow has reoriented its economy—especially oil exports—towards Asia.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim intends to discuss “ensuring that oil supplies can continue to be channelled” to Malaysia, the country’s national news agency reported.

Asian countries have been particularly hard hit by the energy crisis triggered by the US-Israel war with Iran.

Pressure on Russia Russia’s economy—on a war footing for four years—is struggling due to high inflation, a labour shortage and high borrowing costs.

On the Ukrainian battlefield, the advance of forces has slowed this year.

Kyiv has multiplied attacks on Russian soil, including Tatarstan, where the summit will be held.

At the G7 in France, US President Donald Trump said Moscow should “make a deal” to end the Ukraine war, as he met Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky.

Trump also said Washington will soon be able to reimpose sanctions against Russian oil. With AFP

cide angles in the incident.

In a press briefing, Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida confirmed that he signed the ILBO today, considering the ongoing investigation.

Other individuals issued ILBOs were former team manager Christopher Quimpo and assistant coaches Reynaldo Jacinto Jr., Dean Castaño, and Sandro Soriano.

“Let me emphasize that an ILBO is a monitoring mechanism. It is intended

to alert authorities should the subjects attempt to travel abroad while the investigation is ongoing. It is not by itself a restriction on travel nor a finding of liability,” he said.

“The investigation remains ongoing and the department stands ready to undertake its mandate once a complaint is formally filed. We ask the public to allow our law enforcement agencies to do their work and to refrain from specu-

lation while the evidence is being gathered and assessed,” Vida added.

CIDG Director Major General Robert Alexander Morico II said the alleged team-building/boot-camp training was conducted far beyond the regulated area of the resort management despite warnings issued by security personnel.

“Majority of them were in the water.

They were not directly in front of the resort, about 700 meters away,” he said.

“They were aware that the current was strong prior to leaving. Before leaving for Aurora, they had been informed and had talked extensively about the current situation there, particularly the tides in the area. They were aware that the current was strong,” he added.

The CIDG director pointed out that they were still investigating the possible criminal aspects of homicide or hazing in the case.

T

HE Senate was not under siege during the shooting incidents that occurred on May 13, Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida said yesterday.

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two student-athletes.

As this developed,the head of the PNP’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) said that the deaths of the two basketball players were not “accidental’ and probers are looking into possible hazing or homi-

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were allegedly killed through extrajudicial means.

The Senate leadership then headed

by Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano had placed Dela Rosa under protective custody, preventing authorities from executing the warrant against him. Dela Rosa, together with Sen. Robin Padilla, left the building after the shooting incident.

Cayetano insisted at that time that the upper chamber was “under attack”.

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before piercing through an ace that virtually capped off her gutsy victory against the newly-crowned Queen’s Club champion in the opening Round of 32 of the WTA 500 tournament.

“I told myself that she’s fighting back, but I’m also a fighter,” said the world No. 35 Eala, who chalked up her third win in as many encounters with the No. 33 Vekic.

“I had a lot of expectations with the level that I had to bring and I’m really happy with the intensity of the game,” she added.

With the straight-set triumph that saw her fire eight aces, Eala arranged a rematch with No. 2 and two-time Grand Slam winner Elena Rybakina in the Round of 16.

Eala erased a 4-5 deficit in the first set as she put together three straight games highlighted by a forehand winner to seize the opening lead.

The Birmingham Open titlist coasted to a 5-3 advantage in the second set by taking a break point and holding her serve four times.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2026

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IN BRIEF Court convicts trafficker for exploiting minor

FLOOD PROJECT INSPECTION.

Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon, together with Philippine General Hospital officials, inspects ongoing hospital and flood control projects within and around the PGH complex in Manila on June 17.

The visit assesses infrastructure upgrades aimed at improving healthcare services and reducing flooding in the area. Norman Cruz

DSWD gets positive feedback from tutoring, parenting program

By Maricel V. Cruz

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S THE Tara, Basa! Program concludes its 20-day tutoring and parenting sessions, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) thanked all partner State and Local Universities and Colleges (SLUCs), Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), and local government units (LGUs) for supporting the program’s initiatives for school year 2026.

Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao, the DSWD spokesperson, said the Department achieved this milestone in partnership with the SLUCs, HEIs, and LGUs.

“We would like to thank all the state universities and colleges, and of course our partner LGUs, that helped in the DSWD’s mandate of bringing education and development closer

to the homes of our youth learners and parent-beneficiaries. Many college students who served as tutors and Youth Development Workers (YDWs) also earned extra income and were able to serve their communities through this program,” Dumlao said.

During this year’s tutoring and parenting sessions, a total of 132 SLUCs and 195 LGUs provided the DSWD with essential support, resources, and personnel to implement the Tara, Basa! Program, which benefited more than 133,000 incoming Grade 2 students, their parents, tutors, and YDWs. Most regions conducted their cul-

minating activities during the first two weeks of June in preparation for the opening of classes for academic year 2026-2027.

“We continue to expand the reach of our programs like Tara, Basa! In accordance with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., we aim to address illiteracy in the country and ensure that every family is encouraged to be productive not only in school but also in their own homes,” the DSWD spokesperson emphasized.

Partner SLUCs and HEIs celebrated their respective culminating activities in coordination with their regional DSWD Field Offices.

Dizon hits delayed flood project at PGH

By Vito Barcelo PUBLIC Works Secretary Vince Dizon expressed dismay over the delayed implementation of a flood control project inside the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH), which has reached only 16% completion despite having started in December 2024.

During an inspection of the hospital on Wednesday, Dizon said the slow progress of the project was unacceptable, especially with the rainy season approaching and the hospital serving thousands of patients daily.

“The President said our people deserve better than this. PGH is very important. As you can see, many people come here every day. The rainy season is coming again, and flooding will happen again,” Dizon said.

The inspection was conducted together with UP-PGH Director Dr. Gerardo Legaspi.

Aside from the flood control project, Dizon also visited several unfinished building projects being implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) within the hospital complex.

Dizon said the completion of the projects is essential to ensure the safety of patients, healthcare workers, and hospital personnel, particularly during extreme weather conditions.

RESCUE AND RETRIEVAL.

Members of the Bureau of Fire Protection’s Special Rescue Forces in Sarangani conduct search, rescue, and retrieval operations in quake-hit areas despite unstable ground and massive landslides following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake.

ANNOUNCEMENT President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has submitted to the Commission on Appointments (CA), for confirmation, the ad interim appointment of: Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to the rank of Brigadier General

The public may submit any information, written report, or sworn/notarized complaints or oppositions to the above ad interim appointment in seven (7) copies to the CA Secretariat, 6th Floor, PNB Financial Center, D. Macapagal Blvd., Pasay City, Metro Manila.

For the schedule of the public hearings, the CA Secretariat can be reached through telephone numbers 8834-2713, 8831-1824, 8831-0527, 8832-9830, 88342706 and 8551-1989.

16 June 2026.

(MS-JUNE 18, 2026)

MYRA MARIE D. VILLARICA Secretary

BOC gets facility for seized items in Mindanao hub THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) has been granted exclusive use of a 10,000-square-meter facility within the Mindanao Container Terminal in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental under a memorandum of agreement with the PHIVIDEC Industrial Authority and Mindanao International Container Terminal Services Inc. Under the agreement, the BOC will use the area for the storage and management of seized goods and for enforcement activities without disrupting the movement of legitimate cargo through the port.

The agreement was signed by Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno, PHIVIDEC-IA Administrator Joseph Donato Bernedo, and MICTSI President and General Manager Aurelio Garcia. Vito Barcelo

Dupax del Norte earns COA’s highest audit rating TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan —The local government of Dupax del Norte in Nueva Vizcaya has received an unmodified opinion from the Commission on Audit (COA) for its 2025 financial statements, the highest audit rating granted by the state auditing body.

In a June 10 letter, COA Regional Office II informed Mayor Juan Paolo Cayton that the municipality’s financial records fairly reflected its financial position and complied with government accounting standards.

COA auditors found no material misstatements or irregularities in the use of public funds, affirming that government resources were properly documented, legally utilized, and spent for public purposes.

Jessica M. Bacud

CHR urges lawmakers to swiftly pass anti-torture measure

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES COMMISSION ON APPOINTMENTS Twentieth Congress

ERIC D. GUEVARRA

A MANILA court has convicted a woman of qualified trafficking in persons following the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) successful prosecution of a case involving the exploitation of a 15-year-old girl.

In a 15-page decision, the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 29 found Ma. Donna Bernardo guilty of qualified trafficking in persons, ruling that the prosecution had sufficiently established all elements of the offense.

According to the DOJ, Bernardo was arrested by operatives of the Philippine National Police–Luzon Field Unit Women and Children Protection Center with the assistance of a confidential informant who reported alleged sex trafficking activities linked to the accused.

During the operation, a police officer acting as a poseur-buyer was allegedly offered sexual services involving the minor victim for P3,000. Pot Chavez

By Rio N. Araja THE Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Wednesday called for the immediate passage of legislation establishing a National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) to help prevent torture and strengthen oversight of detention facilities nationwide.

“The enactment of the National Preventive Mechanism law is long overdue and remains essential to preventing torture, ill-treatment, and other human rights violations against

persons deprived of liberty,” the CHR said.

The CHR expressed support for House Bills 3047, 6662, and 6666, identifying House Bills 3047 and 6662 as its preferred measures.

“These bills more clearly guarantee the NPM’s independence, authorize regular and unannounced visits to all places of detention, and provide sufficient powers to access information, document conditions, and issue recommendations to authoriCYAN MAGENTAdirectly YELLOW BLACK ties,” the commission said.

The commission said the proposed measure would fulfill the Philippines’ obligations under the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT).

This requires states to establish an independent body that regularly monitors places of detention.

According to the CHR, the absence of an independent preventive mechanism allows serious concerns—including overcrowding, inadequate

healthcare, poor sanitation, prolonged detention, and other conditions that may amount to cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment—to go undetected or unaddressed.

The commission said establishing an NPM would provide an additional layer of protection by ensuring regular monitoring of detention and confinement facilities and enabling authorities to promptly address conditions that may place individuals at risk of abuse or rights violations.

Iloilo touts dev’t at World Cities Summit

By Joel E. Zurbano ILOILO City Mayor Raisa Treñas highlighted the city’s best practices in disaster preparedness, public market modernization, and housing development during the recent 10th World Cities Summit in Singapore.

Treñas participated in the global forum, which brought together mayors and city leaders from around the world to discuss pressing urban challenges and share innovative policies aimed at building more sustainable, resilient, and future-ready cities.

“I joined global leaders in meaningful discussions on how cities today can respond to shared challenges such as climate change, urban inequality, infrastructure gaps, and shifting demographics, and how we can work together to make our cities more livable, inclusive, and sustain-

able through faster and more effective local action,” Treñas said.

Among the summit participants were Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Singapore Minister for National Development Chee Hong Tat, Google Vice President for Knowledge and Information Products, Government Affairs and Public Policy Cris Turner, and other international leaders.

During the discussions, Treñas emphasized the importance of building resilient communities amid increasing climate-related risks and natural disasters.

Drawing from Iloilo City’s experience, she shared how the local government has institutionalized disaster preparedness measures to ensure that residents, schools, and businesses are equipped to respond effectively during emergencies, including earthquakes.

FOR DADS. Fathers working at and visiting the Bataan Capitol receive free haircuts, manicures, and pedicures during a Father’s Day grooming and wellness program organized by the Bataan Capitol Provincial Association of Government Employees on Wednesday.

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EDITORIAL

Showdown set

The truth of simple men WHEN the high and mighty speak, you look for the motive, you suspect a hidden agenda, you wonder if what he speaks is truth or mere propaganda.

But when simple men speak, you notice the spontaneity in recounting details of their story, the unstudied facial expressions, and you see unrehearsed truth. You conclude that they must be telling their story based on real and factual experiences.

That is how I viewed the press conference held by the 18 ex-soldiers plus four last Tuesday afternoon. It was billed as a Blue Ribbon Committee hearing by the other half of the divided Senate, but two senators who went to the venue in the morning were refused entry.

One wonders why and who pressured the owners of the rented venue. Was it the ruling family of the city whose longtime mayor will soon be appointed to the Marcos Cabinet after losing in the elections last year?

Mercifully, after a delay of five hours, the organizers led by former congressman Mike Defensor decided to hold a press conference instead, just so the former employees of Zaldy Co could reveal their unvarnished truth.

This time, each of them was asked to share his individual experience as one tasked to deliver “maletas” filled with cash to congressmen, senators, and others from the political elite, including details of a planeload of five huge maletas to Paoay upon Ilocos Norte which were received by the son of the president.

Mind-boggling were the amounts of money stashed inside the maletas. A carry-on would contain 20 million, a medium suitcase would have anywhere from 30 to 35 million, and a huge maleta, depending on the size and/or expandable capability, could have 50 to 70 million inside.

They were able to recount how many times they delivered maletas to several addresses, whether to 42 McKinley, 14 Narra, or 30 Tamarind, all inside the uber-exclusive South Forbes Park where only billionaires can afford to live.

They delivered to Aguado, the street that ends in J.P. Laurel right smack in front of Malacanang. They showed pictures of the New Manila residence of a senator, eerily familiar as I have been there before.

They delivered to the house of Zaldy Co’s lady deputy of the Appropriations Committee in the 18th Congress, as well as to the East Greenhills mansion of a newbie senator who now claims to be the one and only chair of the Blue Ribbon in the hopelessly divided Senate.

As well with their boss Zaldy when he delivered five maletas to the other office of one who would soon be Senate President, at the time still a ”private citizen”

by his own excuse.

Private citizen too the night before former president Rodrigo Duterte was apprehended at the NAIA, then brought to the Villamor Air Base where he was flown out just before midnight to Den Haag, was a soon-to-be lady congresswoman who apparently was huddled together with the former Speaker, the defense secretary, the then PNP chief, and a former rebel soldier turned senator turned chief Duterte hater, and their boss Zaldy whom they accompanied.

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I find myself believing the truth of simple men like those ex-soldiers, rather than the lame excuses and the habitual prevarication of the nation’s high and mighty Why they were huddled at the Manila Polo Club townhouse in Forbes of the former Speaker makes you wonder if they were discussing details of the arrest and eventual kidnap of the former president the following day.

Before media persons huddled in the press conference, one of the witnesses recounted how they would deliver “small” paper bags filled with cash to one Bernard Peralta, a hotshot PR man who used to be Manny Pacquiao’s campaign confidante, for distribution to media anchors and personalities.

He named two prominent media persons as recipients and promised to name others in due time.

In the story of these simple men, everybody who matters in this government has been a conscript in the web of corruption woven by Zaldy Co, upon orders of whoever, the mastermind whose previous Senate Blue Ribbon chair claims does not exist, as if the crime of the century, involving what he himself described as having been given provenance by “the most corrupt budget ever,” was all happenstance, a concatenation of the greedy dividing the people’s pie without plan or system.

This writer must confess that having been a backroom part of several Senate corruption investigations and having once held reason to believe in many of the senators of the realm, I find myself believing the truth of simple men like those ex-soldiers, rather than the lame excuses and the habitual prevarication of the nation’s high and mighty.

Honor Blanco Cabie

Gold: Cultural symbol of stability, security, generational wealth WHEN Hermione Mary Anne was preparing for her wedding in June 2003, she and her mother talked privately in their modest San Juan City home and mapped out the upcoming event at the San Agustin church in Intramuros.

Somewhere in their conversation, her mother opened a small, faded velvet jewelry box where lay a heavy gleaming but slightly dented gold necklace of intricate traditional craftmanship, which her mom said was passed down to her from her Ilocos Norte-born mother.

At once, we see in this anecdote the axiom that gold as generational wealth in the Philippines is deeply rooted in both ancestral history and modern reality and serves as a physical store of value and cultural pride, seamlessly transitioning from pre-colonial adornments to modern financial safe havens in everyday life.

It mirrors the historical reality of pre-colonial Filipinos, where gold (balitok among Ilokanos) was the ultimate measure of wealth, health, and spiritual protection.Much like the ancient piloncitos (tiny gold bead currencies), tangible gold remains a reliable hedge against economic fluctuations and inflation.

It perfectly demonstrates how wealth in the Philippines is often passed down physically rather than solely through

financial institutions, keeping the family’s legacy tangible.

In truth, gold continues to play an important role in Filipino family culture as a symbol of hard work, security, and long-term value that is often passed down across generations.

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Many Filipinos continue to value assets that offer familiarity, stability, and long-term meaning For many Filipino families, gold has always meant more than just something valuable. Whether in the form of jewelry, gifts, or family heirlooms, gold is often tied to important life moments and memories.

It is commonly given during weddings, birthdays, baptisms, graduations, and anniversaries, not only as a sign of celebration, but also as something that holds lasting value over time.

There is Gcash Gcrypto, a sample platform Filipinos can use to invest in gold in today’s economy. This gold investment in GCash is done through Tether Gold, a type of stablecoin of-

W

HILE many Filipinos will be confronted by how they will stand up to the challenge of the rainy season and impending floodwaters, many politically oriented will be on the edge of their seats waiting and watching how the impeachment complaints against the Vice President will develop.

This week, the prosecution and the defense panels in the impeachment of the 48-year-old Vice President Sara Duterte have crossed the Rubicon, so to speak, after they submitted to the Senate, the impeachment trial court, their respective pre-trial briefs.

The three verified complaints cite the following overarching grounds: • First Complaint (Makabayan Bloc): Accuses Duterte of gross abuse of discretionary powers over ₱612.5 million in confidential funds, gross disregard of transparency, and the fabrication of liquidation documents.

• Second Complaint (Civil Society Groups): Involves similar charges of misusing ₱500 million in confidential funds from the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education, alongside alleged unexplained wealth.

• Third Complaint (Church-led groups and civil society): Cites culpable violation of the Constitution, betrayal of public trust, plunder, malversation, bribery, and graft, as well as unverified claims of political destabilization and conspiracy to commit high crimes.

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Preparing for the coming floods does not seem enough, with the Senate about to juggle soon the Sara Duterte impeachment trial – truly, we live in interesting times Following the filing of pre-trial briefs, the Senate impeachment court will hold a pre-trial conference to simplify issues, set specific trial dates, and determine the exact number of

(Last of two parts)

By Kanni Wignaraja and Christophe Bahuet LAST time we talked about priorities that stand out for the countries in this region, the first being integrating the cost of climate risk into the planning and delivery of public and private investments.integrating the cost of climate risk into the planning and delivery of public and private investments Today we talk about the second and third priorities, the second, extending and innovating financial instruments that better protect people and livelihoods.

The ability to respond quickly to shocks is essential, particularly for highly vulnerable populations. Adaptive insurance and social protection systems—capable of scaling up in times of crisis—are an increasingly important part of this effort.

Indonesia, for example, has expanded such financial instruments that allow faster and more targeted support, while other countries are investing in digital delivery mechanisms to improve reach and efficiency.

Parametric insurance is a tested instrument that can provide greater certainty to small farmers and businesses in times of heightened shocks.

This has been tried and scaled in countries such as the Philippines and Lao PDR, where parametric approaches are being used to strengthen disaster risk financing.

These mechanisms rely on datafered in GCrypto backed by 100 real gold held in Swiss vaults.

Official sources say each token represents ownership of exactly one fine troy ounce of physical gold stored in a Swiss vault.

Across generations, many Filipinos have grown up seeing gold as a practical possession that can be kept, worn, and eventually handed down within the family.

Unlike many material purchases that lose value over the years, gold is often viewed as something worth keeping because of both its emotional and financial importance.

Several common perceptions continue to shape how Filipinos view gold today: Gold remains a cornerstone of Filipino family culture because it serves as a tangible, wearable, and highly liquid store of value. It seamlessly bridges deep historical roots, practical finan-

driven systems that enable governments and private service providers to verify clients, track spending, assess outcomes, and adjust policies in real time—helping to ensure that these resources have maximum impact.

Third, investing in smart systems to inform decision-making.

Anticipating risks is ultimately more effective and less costly than responding to crises after the fact.

Tools such as climate and economic modelling, scenario planning, and risk assessments can help connect longterm risks with today’s policy choices.

This is especially true when such tools are applied to modernize energy systems.

Across ASEAN, there are encouraging examples—from localized climate projections, to looking at the energy mix in upgrading smart grids, to efforts to integrate and cost risk into macroeconomic planning.

The tools, technologies, and capa-

bilities are present.

The challenge remains to embed these behavioral changes into routine decision-making, budgeting, infrastructure planning, and financial regulation.

And such efforts are underway in several countries, including in the Philippines. Used in in well managed and targeted ways AI is helping strengthen analysis and decision-making.

Ultimately, the question is not whether the multiplicity of shocks will occur, but how effectively countries will manage them and stay ahead of them.

Southeast Asia—and under its current ASEAN chairmanship, the Philippines—has an opportunity to demonstrate how development can be delivered in an increasingly volatile and unpredictable global economic, climatic and geopolitical context.

This region has shown strong collaborative leadership even amid periods of volatility, helping to sustain economic stability over time.

The next stage of regional cooperation is an opportunity to build on this foundation, to strengthen capabilities and systems that can withstand a future of combined shocks, and to continue delivering development in the face of volatility.

(Kanni Wignaraja is an Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations, UNDP Assistant Administrator, and Director of the UNDP Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific, while Christophe Bahuet is UNDP Resident Representative in the Philippines.)

cial security, and emotional milestones.

The cultural and practical significance of gold is driven by several key factors: • First, gold is associated with financial security. Many families consider gold ownership as something they can rely on during difficult times or emergencies.

• Second, gold is seen as a family asset that can be passed on to future generations. Jewelry and other gold items are often treated as heirlooms that carry both sentimental and monetary value.

• Third, owning gold is often connected to personal progress and achievement. For many Filipinos, buying gold represents years of hard work, savings, and financial discipline.

• Even as financial habits evolve and more consumers explore digital platforms and modern investments, gold continues to hold strong cultural relevance in the Philippines. Many consum-

ers still prefer assets they can physically keep and easily understand, especially during uncertain economic conditions.

We cannot Emphasize gold as a sense of security and financial stability across all generations.

Gold remains closely linked to everyday Filipino financial behavior.

Note, for instance, the accessibility of pawnshops and gold buyers across the country reinforces the idea that gold is not only ornamental, but also practical and dependable when immediate funds are needed.

As economic uncertainty continues to affect households, many Filipinos continue to value assets that offer familiarity, stability, and long-term meaning.

More than just a commodity, gold remains deeply connected to Filipino family traditions, personal milestones, and the desire to build something lasting for future generations.

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Parametric insurance is a tested instrument that can provide greater certainty to small farmers and businesses in times of heightened shocks

Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser ROLANDO G. ESTABILLO Publisher

can be accessed at: manilastandard.net

MEMBER

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Delivering development in times of explosive global volatility

Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno

Published Monday to Sunday by Philippine Manila Standard Publishing Inc. at 6/F Universal Re Building, 106 Paseo de Roxas, corner Perea St., Legaspi Village, Makati City.

Telephone numbers 8-5646225 and 8-5646229 (connecting all departments), (Editorial) 832-5554, (Advertising) 832-5550. P.O. Box 2933, Manila Central Post Office, Manila. Website: www.manilastandard.net

The cards are now on the table for the scheduled July 6 start of the trial, expected to last for three months or until end of September if the trial is continuous.

witnesses.

Prosecutors from the House of Representatives plan to present over 30 witnesses, and both sides have submitted substantial evidentiary briefs.

Because of the high volume of evidence regarding fund allocations and other Constitutional allegations, proceedings are expected to span multiple months of continuous or staggered hearings.

By requiring both sides to declare their evidence and witnesses in advance, the court can plan a trial schedule, address procedural issues, and avoid wasting the Senate’s time.

It also forces both parties to agree on undisputed facts beforehand, so time isn’t wasted arguing about documents or events that are not contested.

Both the prosecution and defense are generally bound by what they declare. Any witness or evidence not identified and marked in the pre-trial brief cannot be presented during the actual trial.

In other words, the meaning of a pre-trial brief is to act as a roadmap for the upcoming trial, its purpose is to streamline the proceedings, prevent surprises, and encourage the parties to explore settlement options.

At the same time, it forces both sides to narrow down exactly what is in dispute so the court focuses only on unresolved conflicts.

Preparing for the coming floods does not seem enough, with the Senate about to juggle soon the Sara Duterte impeachment trial – truly, we live in interesting times.

Mario R. Policarpio Jr. Head - Finance

Baldwin R. Felipe

Head - Ad Solutions

Joyce Pangco Pañares Managing Editor

Honor Blanco Cabie

Opinion Editor

Feliciano T. Buscas Jr. Head - IT-MIS

Paula A. Reynoso

Head - Suppplements

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Aytch dela Cruz

Online Editor

Edgar M. Valmorida Circulation Manager

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THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2026

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Iranian tankers exit US blockade T

South Korea’s Lee urges Trump to help make peace with North

EHRAN – The first tankers carrying Iranian oil exited a US blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, a tracking website said on Wednesday, two days before Washington and Tehran launch talks on an agreed peace deal still scant on details -- including Iran’s The talks on a final settlement are set to begin Friday at Switzerland’s Burgenstock mountain resort, as news that the Hormuz Strait will reopen sent world oil prices tumbling.

Optimism that the war triggered by the Feb. 28 US-Israeli strikes on Tehran might be coming to an end was dented, however, by fresh Israeli strikes on south Lebanon.

The TankerTrackers website, which monitors oil shipments and storage, marked Iran’s “first crude oil exports in two months”, citing digital tracking data

SEOUL – South Korea’s president has urged US President Donald Trump to help him make peace with North Korea, “just as he has resolved the conflict in the Middle East”, Lee Jae Myung’s office said on Wednesday.

The United States and Iran are set to sign a memorandum of understanding on Friday to end their war, and there has been speculation that the Trump administration may then turn its attention to North Korea.

Trump fueled that interest shortly after announcing the Iran deal, posting on social media an uncaptioned photograph of himself with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at their 2018 Singapore summit.

Trump asked Lee about developments in inter-Korean relations during an exchange at the G7 summit in France, Seoul’s presidential office said in a statement Wednesday.

During the conversation, “President Lee requested that he (Trump) take the lead in achieving a peaceful resolution to the North Korean issue, just as he has resolved the conflict in the Middle East”, it added.

“President Trump expressed his commitment to working toward a resolution of the North Korean issue.”

Lee has taken a dovish approach towards North Korea, in contrast to his more hardline predecessor Yoon Suk Yeol.

But Pyongyang has rejected his overtures, formally labelling Seoul its “most hostile” enemy and repeatedly declaring itself an “irreversible” nuclear state.

North Korea experts say the chances of a meeting between Kim and Trump is low.

“From North Korea’s perspective, there is virtually no reason to meet the United States,” Yang Moo-jin, former president of the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, told AFP. Kim has sought to enhance his standing with his other neighbors, for example sending troops and munitions to aid Russia’s war against Ukraine. AFP

d

AY

corroborated by satellite imagery.

“At least two National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC) VLCC supertankers named DIONA (9569695) and HERO2 (9362073) have exited the US Navy blockade perimeter carrying a combined total of 3.8 million barrels of Iranian crude oil between them,” TankerTrackers said on X, later adding that a third tanker had exited.

Negotiations over a final deal are to start immediately after the Swiss signing ceremony and continue during a 60-day window, leading to decisions on the fate

of Iran’s nuclear programme and a plan for the lifting of international economic sanctions, officials said.

The United States will allow Iran to immediately begin selling oil and fuel under the deal to end the war, the Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday, citing unnamed people familiar with the agreement.

A waiver of sanctions on oil sales will take effect immediately after the signing, the Journal added, also covering services such as banking, transportation and insurance.

Some conservatives have expressed concern over the peace deal, with Senate Republicans reportedly requesting the text of the agreement and briefings from the Trump administration.

“Let’s look at it and see what it actually is,” Senate Majority Leader John Thune was quoted as saying in the Journal.

IN BRIEF South Korea to ease civilian border curbs SEOUL – Civilians in South Korea will be able to get several kilometers nearer to North Korea under new rules broadening public access to the highly militarized border zone, Seoul’s defense ministry said on Wednesday.

The two Koreas remain technically at war because their 1950-53 conflict ended in an armistice, not a peace treaty, and are separated by a demilitarized zone through which the border runs.

A Civilian Control Line has long reCYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK stricted civilian access to areas within 10 kilometers south of the heavily fortified border in order to protect military facilities.

The CCL will be shrunk to an average of six kilometers, Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back told reporters in Seoul, increasing access for villagers and farmers, and visitors to the region.

The new measures aim to “enhance the REAL DEAL. This handout photograph released by the United Arab Emirates Presidential Court shows UAE’s convenience of local residents while enPresident Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan (center\C) holding hands with European Council President Antonio Costa suring the effectiveness of military opera(left\) and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen before a meeting on the sidelines of the G7 summit tions,” Ahn added. in Evian, eastern France, on Tuesday. The three-day summit of the leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, They would include a significant simpliBritain and the United States has focused intensely on Trump’s deal to end the war with Iran and efforts to pressure fication of flight approval procedures for Russia into brokering peace with Ukraine. AFP agricultural drones.

“We will enable regional development to the extent that it does not interfere with military operations, Ahn said.

South Korea removed loudspeakers last year that were used to blast K-pop and news broadcasts into the North, as the dovish government of Lee Jae Myung sought KINSHASHA, Congo – In 1976, young Congowe do today.” to ease tensions with its diplomatically isolese doctor Jean-Jacques Muyembe was sent to a Fifty years later, and now aged 84, Muyembe is lated, nuclear-armed neighbor. AFP

‘We have always won,’ says Ebola pioneer, 84

NOTICE Notice is hereby given that D.I.D PHILIPPINES INC. with office and plant address at Bldg. R1-B, Lot 13 Phase 1B, FPIP-SEZ Brgy. Pantay Bata Tanauan City, Batangas, is applying for registration with the Board of Investments (BOI) as New Producer and Assembler of Silent Type Cam Chain, at an annual capacity of 917,000 pieces, under Tier I “All Qualified Manufacturing Including Agro Processing” of the 2022 Strategic Investment Priority Plan (SIPP), pursuant to RA No. 11534, or the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act, as amended

by RA No. 12066.

Any person with valid objection/s on the abovementioned project may file his/her objection in writing, under oath, with the BOI within three (3) days from the date of this publication.

(SGD.) DR. ROSE MARIE O. MENDOZA Acting Director Manufacturing Industries Service

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION

remote village to look into a mysterious illness and found himself confronting Ebola, a deadly virus the world did not yet know.

Just back in the Democratic Republic of Congo after studying in Belgium, he had been called to Yambuku where doctors initially thought they were dealing with typhoid or yellow fever.

He drew blood from a sick nun and sent the sample to Belgium where microbiologist Peter Piot would soon isolate the new virus, later named Ebola after a nearby river.

At the time, Muyembe had little sense of the danger he had exposed himself to.

“When I removed the needle, the blood kept flowing and my fingers were covered in it,” he told AFP in Kinshasa.

“We had no gloves, no gowns, no masks as

Notice is hereby given that an “Affidavit of SelfAdjudication” has been executed by MA. TERESA LLAVORE, as sole heir of the late CESAR LLAVORE, who died intestate on December 21, 2020, under Doc. No. 260; Page No. 60; Book No. II; Series of 2025, executed before Atty. Alma E. Siapno – Cagungao, Notary Public for the Province of Rizal.

(MS-JUNE 4/11/18, 2026)

Career Opportunity in TECHNICARE SOFTWARE INC. MULTI-LINGUAL TEAM LEADER

still on the front line against a virus he helped uncover as the DRC battles its 17th deadly outbreak.

Despite the scale of the crisis, with 808 people infected and 192 killed in the country, according to the World Health Organization, he stressed: “We have always won the battle against Ebola.”

The latest outbreak, declared on May 15, has mainly hit the remote, conflict-weary northeastern Ituri province.

Causing it is the Bundibugyo strain, for which there is currently no vaccine or treatment, unlike the more common Zaire strain, against which vaccines were developed in 2018 and 2019.

But “the lack of a vaccine does not mean the battle is lost,” said Muyembe, who heads the state-run National Institute of Biomedical Research (INRB). AFP

(1 Vacancy)

EU lawmakers to OK migrant detention

Job Description: - Oversee daily operations, providing coaching, mentoring, and performance feedback to agents to meet or exceed KPI's.

- Utilize fluency in multiple languages to facilitate communication, bridge cultural divides, and manage work flows in a global environment.

- Review and edit content/customer interactions in multiple languages to ensure quality, consistency in style,and adherence to brand guidelines.

- Monitor team progress, identify performance issues, and develop improvement plans.

BRUSSELS – European lawmakers are to give final approval Wednesday to tougher migration rules that will grant authorities broader powers to detain irregular arrivals and allow for the creation of deportation centers outside the bloc.

The vote in Strasbourg is one of the last hurdles for a reform that has sailed through the EU’s notoriously long legislative process as Brussels and member states respond to political pressure to curb migration.

Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training): - At least 3 years of experience in the same field of work.

- Can work with minimal supervision.

- Knowledge about at least any 3 languages: English, Mandarin, Japanese, Tagalog, Cantonese.

Applications may be sent to: 1504, 15th Floor, Eco Tower, 32nd St., Corner 9th Ave., Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City Email Address: personnel@bhgglobal.net Company/ Employer

Name of foreign national intending to apply for the position

TECHNICARE SOFTWARE INC. Complete Address: 1504, 15th Floor, Eco Tower, 32nd St., Corner 9th Ave., Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City Nature of business: Other Computer Programming Activities

Name: DOU, ZHI Address: Avida Towers, 34th Street, Tower 2, Taguig City, 1635 Metro Manila Nationality: Chinese Intended period of employment: Two (2) years

Technicare Software Inc. hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is able, willing, and qualified to perform the services and job description for this position. The company has the intention to employ the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Department of Labor and Employment National Capital Region located at 967 Maligaya Street, Malate, Manila.

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Career Opportunity in Amazon Operation Services Philippines Inc (AOSPI) Ê

Ê Position title: Manager II, Finance

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Career Opportunity in Amazon Operation Services Philippines Inc (AOSPI)

Vacancy (1)

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Position title: Manager II, Finance Vacancy (1)

Job Description:

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Job Description:

Lead and manage a team of 8-12 application specialists, including hiring, onboarding, performance anddevelopment, career development, to build a high•Ê cash Lead and manage a team of 8-12 cash application specialists, including hiring, onboarding, performance management, management, and career to build a highperforming operations team. performing operations team.

•Ê Own end-to-end cash application operations for AWS APAC customers, ensuring accurate and timely posting of payments across multiple currencies and payment Own end-to-end cash application operations for AWS APAC customers, ensuring accurate and timely posting of payments across multiple currencies and payment channels.

•Ê Drive operational excellence by establishing and monitoring KPIs, SLAs, and quality metrics, consistently achieving 95%+ same-day cash application rates and minimizing channels. unapplied cash aging.

Drive operational excellence by•Êestablishing and monitoring KPIs, SLAs, and quality metrics, consistently achieving 95%+ same-day cash application rates and minimizing Collaborate with cross-functional partners including Collections, Billing, Treasury, Customer Service, and technical teams to resolve complex payment discrepancies unapplied cash aging. and system issues.

•Ê partners Analyze payment trends, exception patterns, Billing, and age reports to identify root causes and develop sustainable solutions teams that prevent Collaborate with cross-functional including Collections, Treasury, Customer Service, and technical to recurring resolveissues. complex payment discrepancies Ê and system issues.

Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training): Analyze payment trends, Êexception patterns, and age reports to identify root causes and develop sustainable solutions that prevent recurring issues.

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Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.

5+ years of experience in finance operations, accounts receivable, or cash application functions.

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Experience with cash application processes, payment reconciliation, and accounts receivable management.

Proficiency in financial systems and tools (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or similar ERP systems).

Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skillsexperience, Certification, Specialized •Ê 2+ years of people management including hiring, coaching, and Training): performance management.

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Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field. Ê may be sent to: Name of 5+ years of experience in finance operations, accounts receivable, or cashApplications application functions.

Company HR: Ivanka Patricia Quinial 2+ years of people management experience, including hiring, coaching, and performance management.

Email address: https://www.amazon.jobs/en/search Experience with cash application processes, payment reconciliation, and accounts receivable management.

Company/ Employer Name of foreign national intending to apply for the position Proficiency in financial systems and tools (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or similar ERP systems). Ê

Company Name:

Name: Karan Malhotra

Applications may be sent to: Name of Amazon Operation Services Philippines Inc (AOSPI) Address: TBC

Company HR: Ivanka Patricia Quinial Nationality: TBC Email address: https://www.amazon.jobs/en/search 9th to 14th Floor, Four E-Com Center, Blk. No. 22, Harbor Drive, Mall of Asia Intended period of employment: two (2) years Complete address:

Company/ Employer

Complex St., District 1, Barangay 076, Pasay City, Metro Manila, 1300

Name of foreign national intending to apply for the position

Nature of business: AOSPI is a corporation organized under Philippine laws. It is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under SEC Certificate of Registration No. CS201722700. It is authorized to provide support services, Name: Karan Malhotra including but not limited to remote technical support services, IT development, customer support, customer care services, business process outsourcing, backAmazon Operation Services Philippines (AOSPI) officeInc support (including but not limited to systems, hardware, software, financial Address: Pasay City operations, vendor management, and human resources relating to the back-office), Complete address: and other activities necessary or useful thereto, as well as marketing Nationality: support Indian activities, without engaging in retail trade, the practice of a profession, or acting as an Blk. Internet 9th to 14th Floor, Four E-Com Center, No. 22, Harbor Drive, Mall of Asia Intended period of employment: two (2) years Service Provider.

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Company Name:

Complex St., District 1, Barangay 076, Pasay City, Metro Manila, 1300

Amazon Operation Services Philippines Inc (AOSPI). hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is able, willing, and qualified to perform the services and job

description for this organized position. The company has the intention to employ Nature of business: AOSPI is a corporation under Philippine laws.the Itsaid foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Department of Labor and Employment - National Capital Region located at 967 Maligaya Street, Malate, Manila. is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under SEC Certificate jobseeker who is competent, able and willing to perform the services for which the foreign national is intended to be hired for, may file an objection of Registration No. CS201722700.AnyIt Filipino is authorized to provide support services, at Department of Labor and Employment - National Capital Region located at 967 Maligaya Street, Malate, Manila after this publication including but not limited to remote technical support services, IT development, Please inform Department of Labor and Employment – NCR, if you have any information on criminal offenses committed by the foreign national. customer support, customer care services, business process outsourcing, backÊ office support (including but not limited to systems, hardware, software, financial operations, vendor management, and human resources relating to the back-office), and other activities necessary or useful thereto, as well as marketing support activities, without engaging in retail trade, the practice of a profession, or acting as an Internet Service Provider.

Amazon Operation Services Philippines Inc (AOSPI). hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is able, willing, and qualified to perform the services and job description for this position. The company has the intention to employ the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Department of Labor and Employment - National Capital Region located at 967 Maligaya Street, Malate, Manila.

Any Filipino jobseeker who is competent, able and willing to perform the services for which the foreign national is intended to be hired for, may file an objection at Department of Labor and Employment - National Capital Region located at 967 Maligaya Street, Malate, Manila after this publication

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Despite the deal announcement, the Israeli military said it conducted a strike in south Lebanon after it “identified a suspicious vehicle” near where its soldiers were operating, and its forces intercepted rockets and carried out an air strike against a launcher.

Iran’s central military command warned Israel should “await a harsh response” to the strikes, which Lebanon’s state news agency said targeted two vehicles in the town of Mayfadoun and another in nearby Shukeen, killing four.

According to a senior US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, the framework agreement has already been signed electronically by President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Iran’s deputy foreign minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi and top negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. AFP

Please inform Department of Labor and Employment – NCR, if you have any information on criminal offenses committed by the foreign national.

“This regulation tells everybody that it is us and not the smugglers deciding who can stay in the European Union and who must leave,” said Magnus Brunner, the EU’s commissioner for migration.

Criticised by human rights groups, the text notably enables nations to open “return hubs” outside the EU’s borders, where migrants with no right to stay could be sent -- something a group of countries is raring to do.

Denmark, Austria, Greece, Germany and the Netherlands and others have already been exploring options to set hubs up.

Until recently a fringe idea, the plan got further endorsement Tuesday, when a majority of EU nations agreed to seek to secure EU money to run such centres in a move opposed by France and Spain.

“Our goal is to conclude the first agreements for the creation of these structures in 2026, so that they are operational from 2027,” Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said on Sunday.

European governments have sought a tougher stance amid a souring of public opinion on migration that has fuelled farright electoral gains across the continent.

With migrant arrivals down in 2025, the focus in Brussels has turned to improving the repatriation system, which currently sees less than 30 percent of people ordered to leave actually returned to their country of origin. AFP

Fujitsu chair resigns over ‘inappropriate conduct’ TOKYO – Fujitsu’s chairman has stepped down over “woman-related inappropriate conduct”, the Japanese computing systems firm told AFP on Wednesday.

Hidenori Furuta’s departure, effective Tuesday, came after the company became aware of the issue this month, a spokesman said on the customary condition of anonymity.

The spokesman declined to discuss the details of the matter but noted the personnel move was not prompted by any violation of the law.

There are no immediate plans to replace him, the spokesman added.

Furuta assumed the role of Fujitsu’s chairman in 2024 after serving as executive vice president and chief technology officer.

Fujitsu -- which has headquarters in Tokyo -- is one of the world’s largest IT services providers.

The firm was at the centre of an IT scandal at British Post Office branches after errors in Fujitsu’s accounting software incorrectly made it appear that money was missing from accounts.

The Post Office wrongfully prosecuted around 1,000 subpostmasters -- self-employed branch managers -- between 1999 and 2015. AFP

Battling cat-astrophic stray numbers JAKARTA – Three flea-riddled kittens frolic under the feet of a food vendor at a bustling train station in Jakarta, home to one of the biggest urban stray cat populations on Earth.

Numbering as many as 1.5 million by some counts -- about one for every ten human inhabitants of the sprawling Indonesian capital -- street cats are ubiquitous and, for the most part, doted on.

“Cats are there to neutralise negative auras and to cheer you up,” 33-year-old vendor Saiful Faizin told AFP. He gives the strays water and leftovers from his chicken porridge cart and plays tenderly with the little ones.

With no government department dedicated to domestic animal welfare, stray cat numbers in Jakarta have exploded over the years.

They live at the mercy of the elements, dodging Jakarta’s notoriously chaotic traffic and depending on kind-hearted people for food and medical care.

“There are too many cats here... so they end up dying... (in) incidents involving motorbikes,” said Hilwa Tasya Sholehah, 25, a vendor at a public park in Jakarta.

While they welcome the free rat control, some residents decry smelly cat urine, noisy territorial fights and property damage such as scratches to motorbike seats. AFP

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

NEWS

A7 THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2026

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Chinese floating platform at Bajo removed—NTF

By Rex Espiritu and Katrina Manubay THE National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) on Wednesday confirmed the removal of a floating platform set up by China inside the lagoon of Bajo de Masinloc, following continued maritime surveillance by Philippine authorities.

However, the Chinese Embassy in Manila defended the presence of a “floating structure” at Bajo de Masinloc, also referred to Scarborough Shoal, saying it was a temporary scientific research facility used to study and protect the area’s marine ecosystem.

In a statement, the NTF-WPS said the platform’s removal was verified during Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) patrols conducted on the morning of June 17.

The task force pointed out that the Philippine government had earlier lodged a formal diplomatic protest with China after the platform was detected within the disputed maritime feature.

“While we take note of the removal, we reiterate our principled and unyielding position: Bajo de Masinloc is and will always be an integral part of Philippine territory,” the NTF-WPS said.

The government maintained that it possesses “indivisible, incontrovertible and longstanding sovereignty” over Bajo de Masinloc, citing historical records, official government correspondence, cartographic evidence, surveys, and continuous acts of administration.

The task force stressed that only the Philippines has the right to construct structures or conduct activities, including marine scientific research, within Bajo de Masinloc and its territorial sea.

Research shows PH child stunting rate worsened

By Ram Superable THE country’s child stunting rate has worsened for the first time in a decade, according to data from the Department of Science and Technology - Food and Nutrition Research Institute.

The agency said this finding threatens to aggravate the children’s learning crisis even before they start attending school.

Meanwhile, Senator Francis Pangilinan urged national government agencies, local government units, and the private sector to join forces and support the expansion of Republic Act No. 11037 or the Masustansyang Pagkain Para Sa Batang Pilipino Act. On Wednesday, the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) raised alarm over the DOST-FNRI’s research which revealed that stunting among children under five years old has risen to 25.3 percent in 2025.

This current figure reflects a 1.7-percent hike from 2023 data, marking the first spike in nationwide stunting rates since 2015, and translates to roughly one in four young Filipino children suffering from the condition.

The study also found that 18.6 percent of school-aged children nationwide are underweight, with that specific problem climbing past 24 percent in the Bicol Region, MIMAROPA, the Zamboanga Peninsula, and the Bangsamoro autonomous region.

RETRACING ANCIENT SEA ROUTE. Twenty members of theTao community inhabiting Taiwan’s ‘Kakteh Do Cinai’ Lanyu or Orchid Island arrive in Batanes aboard their paddle-powered, hand-crafted canoe, ending a perilous journey across an unforgiving ocean first charted by their ancestors some 300 years ago. The voyage symbolizes the enduring connection between two Austronesian peoples whose shared seafaring traditions and cultural heritage have transcended generations and geographical boundaries. Dave Leprozo

PH hails US-Iran deal to end Middle East war

By Katrina Manubay

T

HE Philippines on Wednesday welcomed the peace deal reached between the United States and Iran, expressing hope that it would lead to a permanent end to hostilities and a lasting resolution to a conflict that has resulted in significant humanitarian and economic consequences.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. welcomed reports of the ceasefire, describing the development as among the best news the country could hope for if it is successfully finalized and implemented.

In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) acknowledged the contributions of Pakistan, Qatar, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye in forging the negotiations that led to

the peace agreement.

“We commend the constructive role played by Pakistan, Qatar, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and other partners in advancing dialogue and promoting a peaceful resolution of the conflict,” the DFA statement read.

“The conflict has exacted economic and humanitarian toll, resulting in the loss of lives and damage to civilian infrastructure and disruptions to

the global economy. We hope that this agreement will finally lead to the permanent cessation of hostilities and contribute to a just and durable peace,” it added.

Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Energy welcomed the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, noting that this development should help alleviate costs of fuel, fertilizers, and freight.

Earlier this week, during discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron, US President Donald Trump announced that a preliminary agreement had been signed.

US officials reported that the agreement was signed electronically by Trump, US Vice President JD Vance, and Iranian Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.

IN PURSUIT OF INCLUSIVITY.

San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora leads the launch of “Right To Care Card” program, highlighting their 19th cityhood anniversary celebration.

The initiative includes the distribution of the first batch of cards to LGBTQIA+ and heterosexual couples, allowing qualified residents to designate trusted healthcare proxies under the city›s Healthcare Proxy Ordinance.

Manny Palmero

MRT-3 exec told to explain train delays

By Darwin G. Amojelar

WHEN EVERY DROP MATTERS. Residents queue up their plastic

pails along Florentino Street in Sampaloc, Manila, to get their share of water from a tanker, following a prolonged supply interruption caused by a damaged pipeline that forced several barangays to go high and dry, leading to the water rationing scenario.

Norman Cruz

TRANSPORTATION Secretary Giovanni Lopez has ordered Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) general manager Michael Capati and the rail’s maintenance provider, Sumitomo Corporation, to explain a morning rush-hour disruption that stranded thousands of commuters on Wednesday morning.

The directive aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s standing order to guarantee continuous, safe, and uninterrupted operations across the country’s mass transit systems.

In a memorandum issued Wednesday, Lopez gave Capati a strict 24-hour deadline to submit a detailed explanation as to why he should not face administrative sanctions.

The technical malfunction occurred at approximately 5:30 a.m. between the Buendia and Guadalupe stations.

While normal operations were restored

by 6:57 a.m., the breakdown triggered massive delays and long lines during the critical morning commute.

Lopez further instructed Capati to issue an immediate show-cause order to Sumitomo —the rehabilitation and maintenance service provider for the line—and its consultants to identify the root cause of the breakdown.

“MRT-3 and Sumitomo must explain why this malfunction occurred. It is a huge inconvenience for the passengers who rely daily on the MRT-3,” Lopez said.

“We have to identify the cause of the disruption. We will do everything to ensure that train services are continuous and reliable for commuters,” he added.

To compensate affected passengers, Secretary Lopez ordered the immediate implementation of free rides for MRT-3 commuters for the remainder of the day.

IN BRIEF PH, Mexico sign accord on political consultation THE Philippines and Nicaragua on June 12, signed a memorandum of understanding establishing a formal mechanism for political consultations, marking the first bilateral agreement concluded by the two countries since diplomatic relations were established in 1973.

In a press statement on Tuesday, the Philippine Embassy in Mexico stated that the agreement is expected to facilitate closer cooperation and more structured engagement on issues of mutual interest.

“After the signing, both sides agreed to work more closely in the soonest implementation of the agreement which would open the door towards a more constructive and results-oriented engagement between the Philippines and Nicaragua,” the statement read.

Philippine Ambassador to Nicaragua Arvin de Leon, signed the accord with his Nicaraguan counterpart, Ambassador Juan Carlos Gutiérrez Madrigal, in Mexico.

Katrina Manubay

Wayward truck rams into pickup, kills five LABRADOR, Pangasinan— Five people reportedly died while dozens were injured in a tragic road accident here Tuesday evening involving a dump truck and a pickup vehicle.

Police investigators said the dump truck appeared to have lost its brakes while negotiating a slope and rammed into the pickup that in turn smashed into the railings.

The truck continued to careen downward until it went off the road and fell into a ravine.

Five of the victims allegedly expired while undergoing medical attention at the hospital.

Dexter A. See

Owners of collapsed building fined P11m THE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has ordered the owner and contractor of the collapsed building project in Angeles City, Pampanga, to pay more than ₱11.7 million in fines and liabilities after investigators found serious violations of workplace safety and labor standards linked to the tragedy.

Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino said project owner Jackson Lim and contractor Golden Years Construction and Steelworks Corp. were found liable for ₱1.4 million in labor standards violations and ₱10.3 million in administrative penalties under Republic Act No. 11058.

The investigation discovered that construction work continued despite a work stoppaged order issued by DOLE following findings of wage underpayment, unpaid benefits, and multiple occupational safety violations.

The company was also found liable for failure to provide personal protective equipment, secure permits for lifting equipment, deploy required safety personnel, and provide worker accommodations. Vito Barcelo

SPORTS

A8 THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2026

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor

Messi equals World Cup goals’ mark as Argentina wins Argentina’s forward Lionel Messi celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the 2026 World Cup Group J football match between Argentina and Algeria at the Kansas City Stadium in Kansas City. AFP

England’s Plumb fires 8-under 64 to seize PH ADT Open lead

By Jeremiah Sevilla

T

ARLAC CITY—England’s Thomas Plumb roared to a resounding debut in the BingoPlus Philippine ADT Open as he fired a bogey-free, eight-under-par 64 to seize the solo lead in the opening round on Wednesday at the Luisita Golf and Country Club here.

Playing in his first tournament in the country under the sweltering afternoon heat, Plumb rolled in eight birdies for a stellar start in the fifth stop of the Asian Development Tour’s 2026 season.

“It was a good day for me. I managed to get every single green out there, which kind of made it easier. Got off to a slow start with a few pars and then the birdies just kept coming after the front nine and then on the back nine I just kept going,” Plumb said.

“I was just kind of really steady. It sounds cliché, but I just played really well. It was perfect,” added the lanky

golfer, who currently stands at No. 26 in the ADT Order of Merit.

After making three birdies on the front nine, the 27-year-old pro rattled off three straight birdies on Nos. 10, 11, and 12 to start the back nine before adding two more on Nos. 14 and 16.

Plumb, who adapted quickly to the humid conditions as he lives in the neighboring Southeast Asian city of Bangkok, Thailand, is hoping to keep his momentum going in the succeeding rounds.

“It’s nice to start the week really well. It builds your confidence for the rest of the week,” he said.

Thomas Plumb

Chinese Taipei’s Su Ching-Hung trailed Plumb by one shot after firing a 65, while Japan’s Naoki Sekito, Malaysia’s Marcus Lim, South Korea’s Jael Kim, and Macao’s Kelvin Si were

on a deadlock at third with 66s.

Sean Jean Ramos, James Ryan Lam, Fidel Concepcion, Jeffren Lumbo, and Shinichi Suzuki emerged as the top Filipino players after the first round of the $100,000 tournament, carding 68s to share ninth place alongside ADT Order of Merit leader Nicklaus Chiam of Singapore and Franco Scorzato of Argentina.

Ramos, who hit an eagle from a bunker on No. 12 and added three birdies to offset his lone bogey on No. 8, said he plans to stick to his game plan heading into the second round on Thursday.

“I’ll just do the same thing and not be too greedy. But of course, if I get a green light to attack a flag, I will,” Ramos said. “I’m confident naman for the entire week.”

Veteran campaigners Angelo Que and Clyde Mondilla ended the day tied for 22nd after tallying 70s, alongside fellow Filipino standouts Reymon Jaraula, Russel Bautista, Kristoffer Arevalo, Rupert Zaragosa, and Randy Garalde.

LOS ANGELES—Lionel Messi opened his record-breaking sixth World Cup with a hat-trick to become the tournament’s joint all-time top scorer on Tuesday as holders Argentina launched their bid for back-to-back titles with a dazzling 3-0 rout of Algeria.

On a magical night at Kansas City’s 69,045-capacity Arrowhead Stadium, Messi delivered an electrifying individual display to join Miroslav Klose at the top of the World Cup scorers charts with 16 goals.

The 38-year-old had started an unforgettable occasion -- his 200th international appearance -- by claiming a piece of history, becoming the first man to play in six World Cups as he led Argentina onto the field for what would become a one-sided Group J clash.

Messi, who first played in the World Cup as a teenager during the 2006 finals in Germany, then emphatically stamped his class on proceedings with a memorable hat-trick -- the first of his World Cup career.

A 17th-minute curling strike took his World Cup goals tally to 14, putting him alongside German legend Gerd Muller and France superstar Kylian Mbappe in the all-time rankings.

He then moved one clear of Muller and Mbappe to join Brazilian great Ronaldo on 15 goals in the 60th minute after pouncing on a rebound from an Alexis Mac Allister shot to make it 2-0.

He went equal with Germany’s Klose on 16 goals in the 76th minute, sweeping in a low finish from the edge of the area before departing to a standing ovation from an adoring crowd four minutes later.

Messi later played down the significance of his milestone scoring feat.

“It’s an honor to be there, given what it means to stand alongside Klose or the others -- Ronaldo is there too -- but I don’t think it means anything,” Messi said. “In the end, it’s just a statistic and nothing more.”

Argentina defeated France in an epic 2022 World Cup final in Doha, winning on penalties after a 3-3 draw that saw Les Bleus striker Mbappe score a hat-trick. AFP

Donation drive USA posts clinical rout of Dominican Republic in VNL for Divine Adili’s family launched

By Randy M. Caluag FORMER University of Perpetual Help standout Eze Prince Nnamdi has initiated an online fundraising campaign to support the family of the late Ateneo basketball player Divine Adili following the latter’s tragic death earlier this month.

The donation drive comes in the wake of the drowning incident that claimed the lives of Adili and Rene Baterbonia during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora.

Nnamdi, a fellow Nigerian and former collegiate player in the National Collegiate Athletic Association, said he felt compelled to extend assistance after seeing an outpouring of support for Baterbonia’s family. Understanding the sacrifices made by families back home, Nnamdi emphasized the importance of ensuring that Adili’s loved ones would also receive help in coping with the loss.

Before launching the initiative, Nnamdi sought and secured the blessing of Adili’s father, underscoring the effort’s intention to respectfully support the bereaved family.

The fundraising campaign, organized through social media, aims to provide financial assistance as Adili’s family navigates the aftermath of the tragedy.

The incident has cast a somber mood over the local basketball scene, with tributes continuing to pour in for both Adili and Baterbonia, whose untimely passing has left a deep void in their respective communities.

Further details regarding the donation drive have been shared Nnamdi’s official social media channels.

A REJIGGED USA squad came up with a clinical per- justed quickly.

“Practicing, training and just trying to gel formance to start the Pasig City leg of the Volleyball Nations League, blasting past the Dominican Repub- together as a group, since it was a new roslic, 25-20, 25-19, 25-12, on Wednesday at the Phil- ter,” Thompson said.

Sports Arena.

“It wasn’t always pretty, but I With skipper and setter Jordyn Poulter dictating think what we the flow, the Americans converted efficiently and do reposted a 43-31 difference in attack points in the ally opener of VNL Week 2 presented by the Philippine Sports Commission.

Jordan Thompson, a holdover from the USA’s Week 1 roster, came up with 13 of those attack points, while also scoring two aces.

With the Americans unleashing firepower — once clocking over 91 kilometers per hour from the service line — the Dominicans were often left scrambling to organize their offense.

Logan Eggleston, also retained by USA for the Philippine leg, had 10 points, all from attacks, while Dana Rettke scored five attack points and five blocks as the USA improved its win-loss record to 4-1.

The teams posted only two aces each, and although the Dominican Republic had the statistical edge in reception, 69-46 and sets 104-94, the US was firmly in control.

Thompson noted it wasn’t the most fluid game for Team USA, but she was pleased with how players ad-

well is finding ways toi grit through it, even when it’s not exactly how we want it,” Thompson said.

Veteran outside hitter Yokaira Paola Pena Ysabel had eight points on seven attacks to lead the Dominican Republic, while young opposite Alondra Denis Tapia Cruz scored five, all on attacks.

Jordan The Dominicans abThompson sorbed their fifth loss in of the USA smashes one in. as many matches.

PSC

JPGT Finals race heats up as Cervantes, Abad seize control Jaicee Cervantes (Manny Marcelo)

GEN. TRIAS, Cavite—With Elite Junior Finals berths still up for grabs in nearly every age group, the ICTSI Eagle Ridge Junior PGT Championship delivered plenty of drama on Wednesday as players battled to keep their championship hopes alive heading into the final round at the Aoki course.

In the girls’ 7-10 division, Jaicee Cervantes and Jehanne Mendoza moved to the forefront after shooting 76 and 77, respectively. Cervantes, fresh off a victory at Beverly Place, birdied two of her first three holes and survived a difficult stretch to take a one-shot lead.

Mendoza recovered from an early triple

bogey to stay firmly in contention, while Tyly Bernardino carded an 81 for third place.

Cervantes and Mendoza entered the tournament ranked third and fourth in the Luzon standings and are seeking to join alreadyqualified Winter Serapio and Andrea Dee in the North squad. Another win by Cervantes and a runner-up finish by Mendoza could effectively secure the remaining Finals slots, while challengers Cecilia Mamauag and Laura Pablo face an uphill battle after opening with 90 and 91, respectively, at the challenging par-72 layout.

“I need to work on my short game tomorrow,” said Cervantes, 9, of Assumption College, who moved closer to com-

pleting back-to-back victories.

But after a solid start, she found the greens difficult to read, yielding seven bogeys against just one more birdie to finish with a 40-36.

The boys’ 7-10 division remains wide open as Asher Abad and Drake Matias shared the lead with 74s. Mateo dela Cruz and Kenzo Tan both shot 77, while Kingston Ching struggled to an 80.

Ranked fifth in the standings, Abad needs a victory and favorable results from rivals to earn a Finals berth. After a strong start highlighted by four birdies in his first nines holes, he closed with a two-over card despite two bogeys and two double bogeys.

BUSINESS

B1

THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2026 extrastory2000@gmail.com RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor

ONION FARMERS.

Farmers under the Jollibee Group Foundation’s Farmer Entrepreneurship Program benefit from improved access to financing and market opportunities through BPI Direct BanKo Inc., A Savings Bank’s (BanKo) tailored support for local farming communities. BanKo, the microfinance arm of the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), and Jollibee Group Foundation strengthen their partnership to support Filipino onion farmers through accessible and sustainable financing. The collaboration aims to help improve farmers’ productivity, increase their income and create long-term growth opportunities for local farming communities.

12% Mynt’s shares for IPO

P6.1 billion Gcash income contribution in 2025

$5 billion

Estimated GCash valuation

Ayala Corp. buys P457.5-m ALI shares after slump AYALA Corp. increased its stake in property developer Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) by acquiring 35 million common shares for about P457.5 million after the developer’s stock price hit a one-year low.

The parent firm purchased the shares at an average price of P13.07 apiece, according to a disclosure on Wednesday. The acquisition underscores Ayala Corp.’s continued confidence in ALI, one of the country’s largest property developers, amid efforts to strengthen its position in the listed real estate company.

The transaction followed a 58-percent drop in ALI’s stock price from its 52-week high of P30.05 to a new 52-week low of P12.58 on June 11.

The domestic real estate industry faces headwinds as analysts expect high inflation and a high interest rate environment to hit the sector hard.

“It should be viewed as a vote of confidence that there is nothing wrong with its subsidiary,” COL Financial research head April Lee Tan said.

Since reaching that low, the share price has recovered slightly and is trading at P13.46.

Jenniffer B. Austria AIRCRAFT FACILITY.

German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier (center) visits Lufthansa Technik Philippines. Joining him are Lufthansa Technik Philippines chief executive Holger Beck (left) and Lufthansa Technik chief executive Soeren Stark.

Lufthansa Technik Philippines, the joint venture between Lufthansa Technik and the MacroAsia Corp., is expanding its footprint in the Philippines with a new base maintenance facility at Clark International Airport. The new site will span 157,000 square meters and is intended to offer capacity for up to nine widebody aircraft bays.

Medium-term outlook remains favorable, says economic chief

By Thony Rose Lesaca

GCash gets parent’s nod for initial public offering E

By Jenniffer B. Austria

-WALLET GCash is moving forward with its long-awaited stock market debut after the board of parent Globe Telecom Inc. approved the filing of registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission and a listing application with the Philippine Stock Exchange.

Globe Telecom said in a disclosure Wednesday the proposed initial public offering (IPO) would cover shares equivalent to 12 percent of Mynt’s outstanding common stock after the listing. Mynt is the fintech powerhouse that operates GCash.

The offer will consist of a combination of primary and secondary shares.

The structure allows the company to raise fresh capital while providing an opportunity for existing shareholders to partially monetize their investments.

Globe has yet to disclose the size,

pricing and timetable of the offering, noting that the terms remain subject to prevailing market conditions.

Mynt contributed about P6.1 billion to Globe Telecom’s earnings in 2025. Analysts valued GCash at about $5 billion.

Globe said it would engage underwriters, legal counsels, stock transfer agents and other advisers as part of the listing process.

The planned IPO marks a major milestone for Mynt, whose flagship platform GCash has grown into the country’s largest financial super app.

The platform offers digital payments, lending, savings, investments and insurance products to millions of Filipinos.

“Over the past decade, Mynt has evolved from an e-wallet operator into the Philippines’ number one finance superapp and largest cashless ecosystem,” Mynt president and hief executive Martha Sazon said.

“The authorization of our board and shareholders allows us to work toward a potential public listing as the next step in Mynt’s growth journey, while continuing to focus on the priorities that have brought us to this point: serving customers, supporting merchants, strengthening our platform offering, and building the business for the long term,” Sazon said.

Since its founding in 2015, Mynt has built a national scale digital finance ecosystem through GCash, which started as an SMS-based local money remittance service in 2004.

TRANSPORT DEVELOPMENT.

Department of Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez and Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Marc Innes-Brown discuss the initiatives and areas of cooperation to further develop the country’s transport sector to ease Filipino commuting experience as well as the latter’s assistance in modernizing the Philippine Coast Guard.

DICT expects law on social media age limit by Q3

By Darwin G. Amojelar THE Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) expects Congress to pass a comprehensive digital safety law by the third quarter of 2026 that recommends a minimum age restriction of 16 for social media use.

The proposed legislation will strengthen the government’s ability to address online harms and hold digital platforms more accountable to Filipi-

no users, Department of Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Aguda said.

Lawmakers are consolidating several pending bills into a single “mother legislation” covering platform colocation requirements, age restrictions and content regulation, Aguda said on the sidelines of the Digital Bayanihan Safety Summit 2026.

“We suggested that platforms should have a corporate presence here,” Aguda said.

A local corporate presence will enable social media companies to employ Filipino content moderators who better understand the local context and language, which will lead to quicker action against harmful content, Aguda said.

The proposal also establishes direct communication channels between government agencies and platform operators, allowing authorities to report problematic content more efficiently.

Offshore wind industry seeks port funding

By Alena Mae S. Flores THE Philippine offshore wind industry is calling on the government and multilateral lending agencies to secure catalytic funding for dedicated ports to drive sector growth, warning that the country lacks the infrastructure required for large-scale development.

Global Wind Energy Council Asia Pacific director Ann Margret Francisco cited the critical need for financial backing during the Philippine Renewable Energy Leaders Reception.

“So our call to action is we have to have a way for catalytic funding to come in,” Francisco said.

“What does it mean? We have to work with the multilaterals, the ADB,

the World Bank, and see if they can help finance our upcoming ports,” she said.

The Philippine Ports Authority has approved the development of only two ports, located in Camarines Norte and Batangas. Francisco said these two facilities cannot adequately handle the immense interest and opportunities in the country’s offshore wind sector.

Building the necessary port infrastructure will require massive investments reaching up to $500 million.

“When we talk about offshore wind development, we really cannot remove infrastructure when we want to ensure that we develop the projects,” Francisco said.

THE medium-term outlook for the Philippine economy remains favorable even as officials recalibrated growth projections to reflect prevailing domestic and global conditions, according to the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev).

The agency said the challenge is not only to restore growth but to ensure it remains inclusive, employment-generating and resilient to future shocks.

It said the Philippines is wellpositioned to navigate a challenging global environment by pursuing reforms to strengthen economic resilience and sustain inclusive growth.

Sound macroeconomic fundamentals, resilient domestic demand and a growing services sector have placed the economy in a stronger position than in previous decades, DEPDev Undersecretary Rosemarie Edillon said.

Global uncertainty persists due to geopolitical tensions, shifting trade relationships, financial uncertainty and climate-related risks, Edillon said while delivering a keynote presentation on behalf of DEPDev Secretary Arsenio Balisacan at the Jollibee Group Mid-Year Economic Briefing on June 16.

Household consumption and the services sector remain long-standing pillars of Philippine growth and will continue to anchor the development trajectory, Balisacan said in his message. He underscored the need to broaden the growth base through stronger investment, innovation, productivity and industrial transformation.

To support this objective, the government outlined three key priorities: a whole-of-government approach to mitigate external risks and contain inflationary pressures; accelerated implementation of highimpact infrastructure projects to strengthen connectivity and job creation; and stronger institutions and governance to restore public trust and sustain investor confidence.

Gov’t raises $2.5b from bond offering on strong demand THE government raised $2.5 billion from a triple-tranche US dollar global bond offering on Wednesday, completing its external borrowing program for 2026 after drawing strong investor demand.

The Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) upsized the bond sale to $2.5 billion from an initial target of $2 billion after the orderbook became 4.4 times oversubscribed.

Proceeds from the sale will finance the general budget, according to the Treasury.

The foreign borrowings consist of $550 million in 5.5-year bonds with a reoffer yield of 4.699 percent, $1.65 billion in 10-year bonds priced at a yield of 5.355 percent and a $300 million tap of the 2051 global bonds at 5.850 percent for the 25-year tenor.

The Treasury said the global bonds were priced with minimal to negative new issue premiums, representing a significant price tightening across all tranches.

Moody’s Ratings assigned a “Baa2” rating to the dollar-denominated bonds, while Fitch Ratings gave them a “BBB” rating and S&P Global Ratings rated them “BBB+”.

The transaction is scheduled to settle on June 24, 2026. Joint lead managers and bookrunners for the deal include BNP Paribas, Citigroup, HSBC, J.P. Morgan, MUFG and Standard Chartered Bank.

Finance Secretary Frederick Go said the strong demand for the country’s second international bond offering for 2026 reflects investor confidence in its economic resilience and foundational stability despite challenging market conditions and short-lived execution windows.

Thony Rose Lesaca

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42454

344527

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42455

344507

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42456

344508

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42457

344509

L/Res

40.00

CYAN MAGENTA BLACK San Jose 22,400.00 1998-2026 YELLOW 12,323.52 3,000.00 15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42458

344510

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank Declared Owner Philippine Veterans Bank

Tax Declaration OCT/TCT 18-R-010-42459 344511 L/Res Kind of

Total 12,323.52

18-R-010-42461 Number

No. 344513

Property

Years 22,400.00 Assessed 1998-2026 Value 22,400.00 1998-2026 Delinquent

Delinquencies as of 2026 12,323.52

3,000.00 Cost Of Sale 3,000.00

15,323.52 Total Tax Due 15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42462 18-R-010-42643

344528 345227

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42463 18-R-010-42644

344529 345228

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42464 18-R-010-42645

344530 345229

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42465 18-R-010-42646

344531 345230

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42466 18-R-010-42648

344532 345232

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

6,585.60 12,323.52

3,000.00

9,585.60 15,323.52

NOTICE OF AUCTION OF SALE OF DELINQUENT REAL PROPERTIES

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42467 18-R-010-42649

344533 345233

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42468 18-R-010-42650

344534 345234

L/Res

56.00 40.00

San Jose

34,500.00 22,400.00

1998-2026

10,143.00 12,323.52

3,000.00

13,143.00 15,323.52

Pursuant to Section 260 & 263 of RA 7160 otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, the undersigned will sell at the

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42469 18-R-010-42651

344536 345235

L/Res

51.30 40.00

San Jose

31,600.00 22,400.00

1998-2026

17,385.76 12,323.52

3,000.00

20,385.76 15,323.52

public auction on July 23, 2026, Thursday, 9:00.a.m. at the Ynares Event Center, Ynares Center Complex, Brgy. San Roque, City of Antipolo,

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42470 18-R-010-42652

344537 345236

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42471 18-R-010-42653

344538 345237

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42472 18-R-010-42654

344539 345238

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42473 18-R-010-42655

344540 345239

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42474 18-R-010-42656

344541 345240

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42475 18-R-010-42657

344542 345241

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Manila

Standard

TODAY Republic of the Philippines PROVINCE OF RIZAL City of Antipolo OFFICE OF THE PROVINCIAL TREASURER

Province of Rizal, the real properties herein enumerated below in lot which are hereby certified to be delinquent in the payment of real property taxes and penalties due thereon as of this date to wit:

Declared Owner

Tax Declaration OCT/TCT Number

No.

Kind of Property

Area (sq.m.)

Location of Property

Years

Assessed Value Delinquent

Total Delinquencies as of 2026

Cost Of Sale

Total Tax Due

MUNICIPALITY OF MONTALBAN

L/Res

Area 40.00 Location San Joseof Property 40.00 San Jose (sq.m.)

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-41381

346105

L/Res

67.30

San Jose

41,460.00

1998-2026

22,807.88

3,000.00

25,807.88

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42476 18-R-010-42658

344543 345242

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-41390

346114

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42477 18-R-010-42659

344544 345243

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-41391

346115

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-41392

346116

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42478 18-R-010-42660

344545 345244

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-41393

346117

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42479 18-R-010-42661

344546 345245

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-41394

346118

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42480 18-R-010-42662

344547 345246

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-41395

346119

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42485 18-R-010-42663

344552 345247

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-41396

346120

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42486 18-R-010-42664

344553 345248

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-41397

346121

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42487 18-R-010-42665

344554 345249

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-41398

346122

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42488 18-R-010-42666

344555 345250

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

18-R-010-42489 18-R-010-42667

344556 345251

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-41399

346123

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-41400

346124

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42490 18-R-010-42668

344557 345252

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-41401

346125

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Acme Savings Bank Bank

18-R-010-42491 344558 18-R-009-01687 N-18353

L/Res

40.00 240.00

San Isidro Jose San

22,400.00 8,640.00

1998-2026 2013-2026

12,323.52 3,563.88

3,000.00

15,323.52 6,563.88

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-41402

346126

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Acme Savings Bank Bank

18-R-010-42492 344559 18-R-009-01688 N-18354

L/Res

40.00 240.00

San Isidro Jose San

22,400.00 8,640.00

1998-2026 2013-2026

12,323.52 3,563.88

3,000.00

15,323.52 6,563.88

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-41403

346127

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-41404

346128

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank Angela Espino Bataclan

18-R-010-42493 344560 18-R-009-01692 N-65537

L/Res

40.00 240.00

San Isidro Jose San

22,400.00 8,640.00

1998-2026 1983-2026

12,323.52 6,355.08

3,000.00

15,323.52 9,355.08

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-41405

346129

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank Felipe De Jesus

18-R-010-42494 18-R-009-01693

344561 380626

L/Res

40.00 240.00

San Isidro Jose San

22,400.00 8,640.00

1998-2026 1980-2026

12,323.52 6,408.66

3,000.00

15,323.52 9,408.66

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-41406

346130

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Acme Savings Bank Bank

18-R-010-42620 N-18357 345875 18-R-009-01695

L/Res

40.00 240.00

San Isidro Jose San

22,400.00 8,640.00

1998-2026 2013-2026

12,323.52 3,563.88

3,000.00

15,323.52 6,563.88

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-41407

346131

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank Felipe De Jesus

18-R-010-42621 18-R-009-01697

345876 380637

L/Res

40.00 240.00

San Isidro Jose San

22,400.00 8,640.00

1998-2026 1975-2026

12,323.52 6,542.56

3,000.00

15,323.52 9,542.56

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-41408

346132

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Acme Savings Bank Bank

18-R-010-42622 N-18358 345877 18-R-009-01699

L/Res

43.80 240.00

San Isidro Jose San

24,530.00 8,640.00

1998-2026 2013-2026

13,496.28 3,398.76

3,000.00

16,496.28 6,398.76

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-41409

346133

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Acme Savings Bank Bank

18-R-010-42623 N-18359 345878 18-R-009-01700

L/Res

41.40 240.00

San Isidro Jose San

23,180.00 8,640.00

1998-2026 2014-2026

12,755.14 3,398.76

3,000.00

15,755.14 6,398.76

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-41413

346137

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Hipolito V. Veterans Dayao Bank

18-R-010-42640 N-74651 345224 18-R-009-01703

L/Res

56.00 240.00

San Isidro Jose San

34,500.00 8,640.00

1998-2026 1980-2026

18,977.90 6,408.66

3,000.00

21,977.90 9,408.66

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-41414

346138

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

18-R-010-41416

346140

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Tax Declaration OCT/TCT 18-R-010-42641 345225 L/Res 18-R-009-01704 N-74650 Kind of Property No. Number 18-R-010-42642 345226 18-R-009-01706 380657 L/Res

Area 40.00 Location San Isidro Joseof 240.00 San Property (sq.m.)

40.00 San San Jose 236.00 Isidro

Years 22,400.00 1998-2026 8,640.00 1980-2026 Assessed Value Delinquent 22,400.00 1998-2026 8,500.00 1975-2026

Total 12,323.52 6,408.66

Philippine Veterans Bank

Philippine Hipolito V. Veterans Dayao Bank Declared Owner Philippine Veterans Bank Felipe De Jesus

3,000.00 Cost Of Sale 3,000.00

15,323.52 9,408.66 Total Tax Due 15,323.52 9,439.02

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-41420

346144

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank Felipe De Jesus

18-R-010-42643 18-R-009-01707

345227 380656

L/Res

40.00 240.00

San Isidro Jose San

22,400.00 8,640.00

1998-2026 1974-2026

12,323.52 6,569.34 3,000.00

15,323.52 9,569.34

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-41421

346145

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank Felipe De Jesus

18-R-010-42644 18-R-009-01708

345228 380655

L/Res

40.00 240.00

San Isidro Jose San

22,400.00 8,640.00

1998-2026 1975-2026

12,323.52 6,542.56 3,000.00

15,323.52 9,542.56

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-41422

346146

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-41423

346147

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Acme Savings Bank Bank

18-R-010-42645 N-18361 345229 18-R-009-01710

L/Res

40.00 267.00

San Isidro Jose San

22,400.00 9,610.00

1998-2026 1974-2026

12,323.52 7,067.10 3,000.00

15,323.52 10,067.10

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-41424

346148

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Acme Savings Bank Bank

18-R-010-42646 N-18360 345230 18-R-009-01711

L/Res

40.00 260.00

San Isidro Jose San

22,400.00 9,360.00

1998-2026 2013-2026

12,323.52 3,860.92 3,000.00

15,323.52 6,860.92

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-41426

346150

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Magno D. Veterans Ciervo Bank

18-R-010-42648 N-50778 345232 18-R-009-01712

L/Res

40.00 240.00

San Isidro Jose San

22,400.00 8,640.00

1998-2026 2019-2026

12,323.52 2,242.94 3,000.00

15,323.52 5,242.94

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-41428

346152

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank Felipe De Jesus

18-R-010-42649 18-R-009-01714

345233 380649

L/Res

40.00 240.00

San Isidro Jose San

22,400.00 8,640.00

1998-2026 1974-2026

12,323.52 6,569.34 3,000.00 3 15,323.52 9,569.34

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-41429

346153

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine I.Veterans Francisco CapulsoBank

18-R-010-42650 N-59283 345234 18-R-009-01717

L/Res

40.00 240.00

San Isidro Jose San

22,400.00 8,640.00

1998-2026 1980-2026

12,323.52 6,223.54 3,000.00

15,323.52 9,223.54

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-41430

346154

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank Felipe De Jesus

18-R-010-42651 18-R-009-01719

345235 380633

L/Res

40.00 240.00

San Isidro Jose San

22,400.00 8,640.00

1998-2026 1975-2026

12,323.52 6,542.56 3,000.00

15,323.52 9,542.56

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-41431

346155

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine I.Veterans Francisco CapulsoBank

18-R-010-42652 N-59280 345236 18-R-009-01720

L/Res

40.00 240.00

San Isidro Jose San

22,400.00 8,640.00

1998-2026 1980-2026

12,323.52 6,699.62 3,000.00

15,323.52 9,699.62

18-R-010-42653 N-65535 345237 18-R-009-01721

L/Res

40.00 240.00

San Isidro Jose San

22,400.00 8,640.00

1998-2026 1983-2026

12,323.52 6,355.08 3,000.00

15,323.52 9,355.08

Delinquencies as6,439.02 of 2026 12,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-41432

346156

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank Angela Espino Bataclan

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-41433

346157

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank Felipe De Jesus

18-R-010-42654 18-R-009-01722

345238 380630

L/Res

40.00 240.00

San Isidro Jose San

22,400.00 8,640.00

1998-2026 1975-2026

12,323.52 6,542.56 3,000.00

15,323.52 9,542.56

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-41434

346158

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank Angela Espino Bataclan

18-R-010-42655 N-65536 345239 18-R-009-01723

L/Res

40.00 240.00

San Isidro Jose San

22,400.00 8,640.00

1998-2026 1984-2026

12,323.52 6,337.22 3,000.00

15,323.52 9,337.22

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-41435

346159

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Acme Savings Bank Bank

18-R-010-42656 N-18356 345240 18-R-009-01724

L/Res

40.00 240.00

San Isidro Jose San

22,400.00 8,640.00

1998-2026 2013-2026

12,323.52 3,563.88 3,000.00

15,323.52 6,563.88

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-41436

346160

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-41437

346161

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank Felipe De Jesus

18-R-010-42657 18-R-009-01725

345241 380627

L/Res

40.00 410.00

San Isidro Jose San

22,400.00 14,760.00

1998-2026 1975-2026

12,323.52 3,000.00 11,236.34

15,323.52 14,236.34

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-41438

346162

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank Felipe De Jesus

18-R-010-42658 18-R-009-01726

345242 380561

L/Res

40.00 240.00

San Isidro Jose San

22,400.00 8,640.00

1998-2026 1974-2026

12,323.52 6,569.34 3,000.00

15,323.52 9,569.34

Philippine Veterans Bank Declared Owner Philippine Veterans Bank

Tax Declaration OCT/TCT 18-R-010-41439 346163 No. Number 18-R-010-41440 346164

L/Res Kind of Property

Area 40.00

Total 12,323.52 Delinquencies as of 2026 12,323.52

3,000.00 Cost Of Sale 3,000.00

15,323.52 Total Tax Due 15,323.52

345243 18328

L/Res

40.00 240.00

San Isidro Jose San

22,400.00 8,640.00

1998-2026 2013-2026

12,323.52 3,563.88 3,000.00

15,323.52 6,563.88

(sq.m.)

40.00

Years 22,400.00 Assessed 1998-2026 Value Delinquent 22,400.00 1998-2026

18-R-010-42659 18-R-009-01728

L/Res

San Joseof Location Property San Jose

Philippine Veterans Acme Savings Bank Bank Philippine Veterans Acme Savings Bank Bank

18-R-010-42660 18-R-009-01729

345244 18329

L/Res

40.00 240.00

San Isidro Jose San

22,400.00 8,640.00

1998-2026 2013-2026

12,323.52 3,563.88 3,000.00

15,323.52 6,563.88

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-41441

346165

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Acme Savings Bank Bank

18-R-010-42661 18-R-009-01730

345245 18330

L/Res

40.00 240.00

San Isidro Jose San

22,400.00 8,640.00

1998-2026 2013-2026

12,323.52 3,563.88 3,000.00

15,323.52 6,563.88

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-41442

346166

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Acme Savings Bank Bank

18-R-010-42662 N-18339 345246 18-R-009-01731

L/Res

40.00 240.00

San Isidro Jose San

22,400.00 8,640.00

1998-2026 2013-2026

12,323.52 3,563.88 3,000.00

15,323.52 6,563.88

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-41443

346167

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

PhilippineV.Veterans Bank Salvador Capistrano

18-R-010-42663 N-65138 345247 18-R-009-01732

L/Res

40.00 240.00

San Isidro Jose San

22,400.00 8,640.00

1998-2026 2012-2026

12,323.52 3,729.00 3,000.00

15,323.52 6,729.00

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-41444

346168

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Acme Savings Bank Bank

18-R-010-42664 18-R-009-01733

345248 18331

L/Res

40.00 240.00

San Isidro Jose San

22,400.00 8,640.00

1998-2026 2013-2026

12,323.52 3,563.88 3,000.00

15,323.52 6,563.88

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-41445

346169

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Acme Savings Bank Bank

18-R-010-42665 18-R-009-01735

345249 18337

L/Res

40.00 240.00

San Isidro Jose San

22,400.00 8,640.00

1998-2026 2013-2026

12,323.52 3,563.88 3,000.00

15,323.52 6,563.88

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-41447

346171

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42666

345250

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-41448

346172

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42667

345251

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-41450

346174

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-41453

346177

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42668

345252

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-41454

346178

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Acme Savings Bank

18-R-009-01687 N-18353

L/Res

240.00

San Isidro

8,640.00

2013-2026

3,563.88

3,000.00

6,563.88

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-41455

346179

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Acme Savings Bank

18-R-009-01688 N-18354

L/Res

240.00

San Isidro

8,640.00

2013-2026

3,563.88

3,000.00

6,563.88

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-41456

346180

L/Res

64.60

San Jose

39,790.00

1998-2026

21,890.18

3,000.00

24,890.18

Angela Espino Bataclan

18-R-009-01692 N-65537

L/Res

240.00

San Isidro

8,640.00

1983-2026

6,355.08

3,000.00 4 9,355.08

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42198

345269

L/Res

65.00

San Jose

40,040.00

1998-2026

22,030.46

3,000.00

25,030.46

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42222

345298

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42251

345322

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

1

Felipe De Jesus

18-R-009-01693

380626

L/Res

240.00

San Isidro

8,640.00

1980-2026

6,408.66

3,000.00

9,408.66

Acme Savings Bank

18-R-009-01695 N-18357

L/Res

240.00

San Isidro

8,640.00

2013-2026

3,563.88

3,000.00

6,563.88

15,323.52

Felipe De Jesus

18-R-009-01697

380637

L/Res

240.00

San Isidro

8,640.00

1975-2026

6,542.56

3,000.00

9,542.56

18-R-009-01699 N-18358

L/Res

240.00

San Isidro

8,640.00

2013-2026

3,398.76

3,000.00

6,398.76 6,398.76

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42252

345323

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Acme Savings Bank

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42253

345324

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Acme Savings Bank

18-R-009-01700 N-18359

L/Res

240.00

San Isidro

8,640.00

2014-2026

3,398.76

3,000.00

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42255

345326

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Hipolito V. Dayao

18-R-009-01703 N-74651

L/Res

240.00

San Isidro

8,640.00

1980-2026

6,408.66

3,000.00

9,408.66

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42256

345327

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Hipolito V. Dayao

18-R-009-01704 N-74650

L/Res

240.00

San Isidro

8,640.00

1980-2026

6,408.66

3,000.00

9,408.66

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42257

345328

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42258

345329

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Felipe De Jesus

18-R-009-01706

380657

L/Res

236.00

San Isidro

8,500.00

1975-2026

6,439.02

3,000.00

9,439.02

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42259

345330

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Felipe De Jesus

18-R-009-01707

380656

L/Res

240.00

San Isidro

8,640.00

1974-2026

6,569.34

3,000.00

9,569.34

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42260

345332

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Felipe De Jesus

18-R-009-01708

380655

L/Res

240.00

San Isidro

8,640.00

1975-2026

6,542.56

3,000.00

9,542.56

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42310

345382

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Acme Savings Bank

18-R-009-01710 N-18361

L/Res

267.00

San Isidro

9,610.00

1974-2026

7,067.10

3,000.00

10,067.10

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42311

345383

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Acme Savings Bank

18-R-009-01711 N-18360

L/Res

260.00

San Isidro

9,360.00

2013-2026

3,860.92

3,000.00

6,860.92

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42342 345482-A L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Magno D. Ciervo

18-R-009-01712 N-50778

L/Res

240.00

San Isidro

8,640.00

2019-2026

2,242.94

3,000.00

5,242.94

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42343 345483-A L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Felipe De Jesus

18-R-009-01714

380649

L/Res

240.00

San Isidro

8,640.00

1974-2026

6,569.34

3,000.00

9,569.34

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42344 345485-A L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Francisco I. Capulso

18-R-009-01717 N-59283

L/Res

240.00

San Isidro

8,640.00

1980-2026

6,223.54

3,000.00

9,223.54

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42345 345486-A L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Felipe De Jesus

18-R-009-01719

380633

L/Res

240.00

San Isidro

8,640.00

1975-2026

6,542.56

3,000.00

9,542.56

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42346 345487-A L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Francisco I. Capulso

18-R-009-01720 N-59280

L/Res

240.00

San Isidro

8,640.00

1980-2026

6,699.62

3,000.00

9,699.62

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42347 345493-A L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Angela Espino Bataclan

18-R-009-01721 N-65535

L/Res

240.00

San Isidro

8,640.00

1983-2026

6,355.08

3,000.00

9,355.08

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42348 345494-A L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42349 345495-A L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Felipe De Jesus

18-R-009-01722

380630

L/Res

240.00

San Isidro

8,640.00

1975-2026

6,542.56

3,000.00

9,542.56

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42350 345496-A L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Angela Espino Bataclan

18-R-009-01723 N-65536

L/Res

240.00

San Isidro

8,640.00

1984-2026

6,337.22

3,000.00

9,337.22

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42351 345497-A L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Acme Savings Bank

18-R-009-01724 N-18356

L/Res

240.00

San Isidro

8,640.00

2013-2026

3,563.88

3,000.00

6,563.88

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42352 345499-A L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Felipe De Jesus

18-R-009-01725

380627

L/Res

410.00

San Isidro

14,760.00

1975-2026

11,236.34

3,000.00

14,236.34

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42353 345500-A L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42417

344521

L/Res

75.50

San Jose

46,510.00

1998-2026

25,585.96

3,000.00

28,585.96

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42418

344522

L/Res

52.70

San Jose

29,510.00

1998-2026

16,236.44

3,000.00

Felipe De Jesus

18-R-009-01726

380561

L/Res

240.00

San Isidro

8,640.00

1974-2026

6,569.34

3,000.00

9,569.34

Acme Savings Bank

18-R-009-01728

18328

L/Res

240.00

San Isidro

8,640.00

2013-2026

3,563.88

3,000.00

6,563.88

19,236.44

Acme Savings Bank

18-R-009-01729

18329

L/Res

240.00

San Isidro

8,640.00

2013-2026

3,563.88

3,000.00

6,563.88

18-R-009-01730

18330

L/Res

240.00

San Isidro

8,640.00

2013-2026

3,563.88

3,000.00

6,563.88

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42420

344474

L/Res

52.40

San Jose

29,340.00

1998-2026

16,143.96

3,000.00

19,143.96

Acme Savings Bank

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42421

344475

L/Res

52.20

San Jose

29,230.00

1998-2026

16,080.12

3,000.00

19,080.12

Acme Savings Bank

18-R-009-01731 N-18339

L/Res

240.00

San Isidro

8,640.00

2013-2026

3,563.88

3,000.00

6,563.88

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42422

344476

L/Res

51.90

San Jose

29,060.00

1998-2026

15,987.92

3,000.00

18,987.92

Salvador V. Capistrano

18-R-009-01732 N-65138

L/Res

240.00

San Isidro

8,640.00

2012-2026

3,729.00

3,000.00

6,729.00

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42423

344477

L/Res

51.80

San Jose

29,010.00

1998-2026

15,961.18

3,000.00

18,961.18

Acme Savings Bank

51.50

San Jose

28,840.00

1998-2026

15,868.70

3,000.00

18,868.70

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42425

344479

L/Res

51.30

San Jose

28,730.00

1998-2026

15,804.86

3,000.00

18,804.86

18-R-009-01735 Number

L/Res

240.00 (sq.m.)

Assessed Value 8,640.00 Delinquent 2013-2026

3,563.88 Total

Acme Savings Bank

Location of Property San Isidro

2013-2026 Years

3,000.00

L/Res

Kind of Property

8,640.00

344478

240.00 Area

San Isidro

18-R-010-42424

OCT/TCT No. 18337

L/Res

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-009-01733 Tax Declaration

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42426

344480

L/Res

51.20

San Jose

28,670.00

1998-2026

15,772.08

3,000.00

18,772.08

Jovencio V. Trinidad

18-R-009-01736

91771

L/Res

240.00

San Isidro

8,640.00

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42427

344481

L/Res

50.90

San Jose

28,500.00

1998-2026

15,679.66

3,000.00

18,679.66

Narcisa A. Garcia

18-R-009-01737 N-120182 L/Res

240.00

San Isidro

8,640.00

Narcisa A. Garcia

18-R-009-01738 N-120183 L/Res

240.00

San Isidro

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42428

344482

L/Res

50.70

San Jose

28,390.00

1998-2026

15,620.18

3,000.00

18,620.18

Acme Savings Bank

18-R-009-01739

18338

L/Res

240.00

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42429

344483

L/Res

50.50

San Jose

28,280.00

1998-2026

15,560.76

3,000.00

18,560.76

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42430

344484

L/Res

50.30

San Jose

28,170.00

1998-2026

15,496.56

3,000.00

18,496.56

18-R-009-01740

N-54190

L/Res

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42431

344485

L/Res

50.10

San Jose

28,060.00

1998-2026

15,437.14

3,000.00

18,437.14

18-R-009-01741

N-53410

L/Res

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42432

344486

L/Res

49.80

San Jose

27,890.00

1998-2026

15,344.92

3,000.00

18,344.92

Sps. Alfonso Agringo & Aurora R. Agringo Sps. Alfonso Agringo & Aurora R. Agringo Acme Savings Bank

18-R-009-01742

18340

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42433

344487

L/Res

49.60

San Jose

27,780.00

1998-2026

15,280.82

3,000.00

18,280.82

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42434

344488

L/Res

49.50

San Jose

27,720.00

1998-2026

15,252.46

3,000.00

18,252.46

18-A-005-08037

685958

L/Spl

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42435

344489

L/Res

49.20

San Jose

27,550.00

1998-2026

15,155.88

3,000.00

18,155.88

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42436

344492

L/Res

48.60

San Jose

27,220.00

1998-2026

14,972.78

3,000.00

17,972.78

Philippine Veterans Bank Declared Owner Philippine Veterans Bank

Tax Declaration OCT/TCT 18-R-010-42437 344493 No. Number 18-R-010-42438 344494

L/Res Kind of

Property

Years Assessed 1998-2026 27,050.00 Value 26,990.00 Delinquent 1998-2026

Total 14,880.62 Delinquencies as of 2026

14,847.62

Cost Of 3,000.00 Sale 3,000.00

Total Tax 17,880.62 Due 17,847.62

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42439

344495

L/Res

48.00

San Jose

26,880.00

1998-2026

14,788.20

3,000.00

17,788.20

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42440

344496

L/Res

47.70

San Jose

26,710.00

1998-2026

17,522.46

3,000.00

20,522.46

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42441

344497

L/Res

67.40

San Jose

37,740.00

1998-2026

20,765.28

3,000.00

23,765.28

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42442

344498

L/Res

56.00

San Jose

34,500.00

1998-2026

18,977.90

3,000.00

21,977.90

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42443

344499

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42444

344500

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42445

344501

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

2 15,323.52 15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42446

344502

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42447

344503

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42448

344504

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42449

344505

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42450

344506

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42451

344524

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42452

344525

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42453

344526

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42454

344527

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42455

344507

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42456

344508

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42457

344509

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42458

344510

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42459

344511

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42461

344513

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42462

344528

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42463

344529

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42464

344530

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

Philippine Veterans Bank

18-R-010-42465

344531

L/Res

40.00

San Jose

22,400.00

1998-2026

12,323.52

3,000.00

15,323.52

L/Res

Area 48.30 Location San Joseof Property (sq.m.)

48.20 San Jose

Declared Owner

Antipolo Properties Inc.

18331

6,563.88

Delinquencies as of 2026

3,563.88

Cost Of Sale 3,000.00

Total Tax Due 6,563.88

2008-2026

4,191.36

3,000.00

7,191.36

1974-2026

6,965.70

3,000.00

9,965.70

8,640.00

1974-2026

6,582.94

3,000.00

9,582.94

San Isidro

8,640.00

2013-2026

3,563.88

3,000.00

6,563.88

240.00

San Isidro

8,640.00

1974-2026

6,543.30

3,000.00

9,543.30

276.00

San Isidro

9,940.00

1974-2026

7,381.40

3,000.00

410,381.40

L/Res 276.00 San Isidro 10,710.00 MUNICIPALITY OF ANGONO

2013-2026

4,420.86

3,000.00

7,420.86

2011-2026

44,061.70

3,000.00

47,061.70

1,401.00

Mahabang Parang

67,250.00

I hereby certify that pursuant to Section 258 of RA 7160 otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991 the foregoing statement of delinquencies is a correct transcript of the records of the Municipal Treasurer and Assessor as certified and submitted to this office.

At any time before July 23, 2026, the owner of the real property or person having legal interest therein may stay the proceedings by paying the delinquent tax, the interest due thereon and the expenses of sale.

Those who have already paid their taxes but whose name and property still appear herein may disregard this notice but should inform the office of the Provincial Treasurer.

The Provincial Government of Rizal would like to extend its gratitude to the provincial taxpayers and rest assured that all your taxes will be transformed into worthy projects and efficient delivery of basic services.

By the Authority of the Provincial Treasurer:

(Sgd.) ROSANNA SA. ADDUCOL Assistant Provincial Treasurer

Note: Prospective bidders are advised to verify the properties listed above before making any bid and to secure the rules and regulations of the public auction.

(MS June 11 & 18, 2026)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Manila

Standard

TODAY

Republic of the Philippines ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION Pasig City IN THE MATTER OF THE JOINT APPLICATION FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE POWER SUPPLY AGREEMENT (PSA) BETWEEN ANGELES ELECTRIC CORPORATION (AEC) AND BAC-MAN GEOTHERMAL INC. (BGI), WITH MOTION FOR CONFIDENTIAL OF TREATMENT INFORMATION AND MOTION FOR PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY,

June 02, 2026 ERC CASE NO. 2026-077 RC

ANGELES ELECTRIC CORPORATION AND BACMAN GEOTHERMAL, INC., Applicants. x---------------------------------------x NOTICE OF VIRTUAL HEARING TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES: Notice is hereby given that on 26 May 2026, Angeles Electric Corporation (AEC) and Bac-Man Geothermal Inc. (BGI) filed a Joint Application dated 05 December 2025, seeking the Commission’s approval of their Power Supply Agreement (PSA), with motion for confidential treatment of information and motion for provisional authority.

The docketed copy of the Joint Application, excluding its annexes, is attached as Annex “A” of the Notice of Virtual Hearing.

ERC CASE NO. 2026-077 RC The OF Commission set the instant Joint Application for NOTICE VIRTUALhas HEARING hearing,2pursuant PAGE OF 4 to the pertinent rules of the Commission, as follows: Date and Time 07 July 2026 (Tuesday) at two o’clock in the afternoon (2:00 P.M.) 14 July 2026 (Tuesday) at two o’clock in the afternoon (2:00 P.M.)

Platform

Microsoft Teams

Activity Determination of compliance with jurisdictional requirements and Expository Presentation Pre-Trial Conference and Presentation of Evidence

Accordingly, Applicants are hereby directed to mirror the virtual hearings, to be hosted by the Commission, at AEC’s principal office at Don Juan D. Nepomuceno Avenue corner Doña Teresa Avenue, Nepo Mart Complex, Angeles City, Pampanga as the designated venue for the conduct thereof and ensure that the same is open to the public. Moreover, Applicants shall guarantee that, during the conduct of the expository presentation, the participation of the public shall not be impaired.

Any interested stakeholder may submit its comments and/or clarifications at least one (1) calendar day prior to the scheduled initial virtual hearing, via e-mail at docket@erc.ph, copy furnish the Legal Service through legal@erc.ph. The Commission shall give priority to the stakeholders who have duly submitted their respective comments and/or clarifications, to discuss the same and propound questions during the course of the expository presentation.

Moreover, all persons who have an interest in the subject matter of the instant case may become a party by filing with the Commission via e-mail at docket@erc.ph, and copy furnishing the Legal Service through legal@erc.ph, a verified Petition to Intervene at least five (5) calendar days prior to the date of the initial virtual hearing. The verified Petition to Intervene must follow the requirements under Rule 9 of the ERC Revised Rules of Practice and Procedure, indicating therein the docket number and title of the case, and state the following: 1)Ê

The petitioner’s name, mailing address, and e-mail address;

2)Ê The nature of petitioner’s interest in the subject matter of ERC CASEthe NO.proceeding 2026-077and RCthe way and manner in which such NOTICE OF VIRTUAL HEARING interest is affected by the issues involved in the proceeding; PAGE 3 OFand 4 3)Ê A statement of the relief desired.

Likewise, other persons ERC CASE NO.all2026-077 RC who may want their views known to the Commission with respect to the subject matter of the case may file NOTICE OF VIRTUAL HEARING through PAGE 4 e-mail OF 4 at docket@erc.ph, copy furnish the Legal Service through legal@erc.ph, their Opposition or Comment thereon at least five (5)Finally, calendaralldays prior to persons the initialmay virtual to interested be hearing allowedand to subject join the the requirements Ruleby9 of the ERCthe Revised Rules of through Practice scheduled virtual under hearings providing Commission, and Procedure.

No particular form of Opposition or Comment is legal.virtualhearings@erc.ph, their respective e-mail addresses, required, the the document, letter,oforthewriting contain the indicating but therein case number instantshould Joint Application. following: The Commission will send the access link/s to the aforementioned hearing platform within five (5) working days prior to the scheduled hearings.

1)Ê The name, mailing address, and e-mail address of the person; WITNESS, the Honorable Chairperson and CEO FRANCIS 2)Ê A concise statementand of thetheOpposition or Comment; and SATURNINO C. JUAN Honorable Commissioners FLORESINDA G. BALDO-DIGAL, MARKO ROMEO L. 3)Ê The grounds relied upon.

FUENTES, AMANTE A. LIBERATO and PARIS G. REAL, Energy Regulatory Commission, in Pasig City.

All interested parties filing their Petition to Intervene, Opposition or Comment are required to submit the hard copies thereof FOR AND BY or AUTHORITY OF THE through personal service, registered mail ordinary mail/private ERC CASE NO.five 2026-077 RC daysCOMMISSION: courier, within (5) working from the date that the same NOTICE OF VIRTUAL HEARING were electronically submitted, as reflected in the acknowledgement PAGE e-mail 4 OF 4sent by the Commission. receipt ATTY. MARIA CORAZON C. GINES* Finally, all interested personsDirector may be to join the III,allowed Legal Service scheduled virtual hearings by providing the Commission, through legal.virtualhearings@erc.ph, their respective e-mail addresses, indicating therein the case number of the instant Joint Application.

LS: JAB/MVM The Commission will send the access link/s to the aforementioned hearing platform within five (5) working days prior to the scheduled hearings.

WITNESS, the Honorable Chairperson and CEO FRANCIS SATURNINO (This C. space JUANis intentionally and the Honorable left blank.) Commissioners FLORESINDA G. BALDO-DIGAL, MARKO ROMEO L. FUENTES, AMANTE A. LIBERATO and PARIS G. REAL, Energy Regulatory Commission, in Pasig City.

FOR AND BY AUTHORITY OF THE COMMISSION: ATTY. MARIA CORAZON C. GINES* Director III, Legal Service

LS: JAB/MVM

*

Authority granted during Commission Meeting on 20 August 2025.

*

Authority granted during Commission Meeting on 20 August 2025.

2026-077 May 26, 2026

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

d

Y

BUSINESS

B4

THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2026 extrastory2000@gmail.com RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor

AC Health signs deal with Taisho

PSEi plunges 2.1% on rate hike jitters ahead of BSP meet PHILIPPINE shares extended their decline Wednesday as investors continued to lock in gains after the market’s recent rally and ahead of the upcoming policy meeting of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) plunged 2.10 percent, or 130.94 points, to close at 6,114.81, while the broader all shares index dropped 1.27 percent, or 43.53 points, to 3,381.50.

Philstocks Financial Inc. said investors turned cautious ahead of the BSP meeting Thursday, when traders expect a 25- to 50-basis-point rate hike due to a rising inflation rate.

While inflation slowed to 6.8 percent in

May from 7.2 percent in April, the figure is still above the BSP’s 2 percent to 4 percent target range.

Trading remained active, with total value turnover reaching P8.23 billion on a volume of 566.15 million shares. Losers outnumbered gainers, 90 to 72, while 62 issues were unchanged.

Services stocks led the decline, sinking 4.59 percent, followed by holding firms, which fell 2.67 percent. Mining and oil dropped 1.62 percent, while property and industrial shares slipped 1.22 percent and 0.34 percent, respectively.

Financial stocks bucked the broader market weakness, rising 1.37 percent.

Globe Telecom Inc. was the day’s top index gainer, up 5.05 percent to P1,809 after the company reported a planned initial public offering of e-wallet giant GCash.

On the other hand, International Container Terminal Services Inc. was the main index laggard, down 6.25 percent to P900 pesos.

The peso held steady against the U.S. dollar Wednesday, closing at 60.393 from 60.32 on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, oil prices extended losses Wednesday and most equity markets rose, fueled by the US-Iran deal, with attention now on peace talks and the reopening of the crucial Strait of Hormuz.

Jenniffer B. Austria with AFP

By Jenniffer B. Austria

A

YALA Healthcare Holdings Inc., or AC Health, has partnered with Japanbased Taisho Pharmaceutical Co. to broaden access to healthcare products in the Philippines.

AC Health said in a statement that the partnership aims to combine Taisho’s global healthcare expertise and the company’s local distribution network to bring more medicines and wellness products to Filipino consumers.

“AC Health continues to improve the affordability, accessibility and availability of medicines for the Filipino consumer,” said Yet Abarca, president and chief executive officer of AC Health Pharma. “We look forward to bringing high-quality and innovative Japanese products across AC Health’s growing network of over 900 pharmacies, 300 corporate clinics, 17 multispecialty centers and seven hospitals.”

The collaboration adds to AC Health’s growing partnerships with Japanese companies, including its recent tie-up with Sugi Pharmacy, a leading Japanese drugstore chain.

Founded in 1912, Taisho Pharmaceutical is one of Japan’s leading healthcare companies and is known for its portfolio of over-the-counter medicines and health products, including Tempra, Flanax, Bonamine, Vivalyte, Biofermin, Luseco and Locoa.

Jiang Peng, president of Taisho Pharmaceuticals Philippines Inc., said the collaboration underscores the Japanese firm’s long-term commitment to the Philippine market.

“This collaboration reflects Taisho’s long-term commitment to the Philippine market, our strong confidence in AC Health and AC Health Pharma, and our shared vision of helping more Filipinos live healthier and better lives through greater access to world-class healthcare products, services and innovations from Japan,” Peng said.

AC Health, the healthcare arm of Ayala Corp., has been expanding its footprint in pharmacies, clinics, hospitals and specialty care centers as it seeks to build an integrated healthcare ecosystem in the Philippines.

The company’s goal is to expand to at least 10 hospitals, 300 clinics and 1,150 pharmacies by 2027.

EASTWEST DONATION. EastWest Rural Bank, the rural banking arm of EastWest Banking Corp., donates 20 smartphones to

the Department of Education’s Learner Support Center to strengthen the responsiveness of learner protection services nationwide, including mental health, child welfare, and anti-bullying initiatives. The turnover was held during the YAKAP at Kalinga Caravan, which traveled across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

PLDT Home, Meralco and MSpectrum form alliance for smart home solutions

By Darwin G. Amojelar PLDT Home, power distribution giant Manila Electric Co., and solar energy solutions provider MSpectrum have entered into a strategic partnership to help Filipino families build smarter, more connected and more sustainable homes while managing rising energy costs.

The collaboration reflects a shared commitment within the MVP Group to leverage the strengths of its companies, delivering practical innovations that improve everyday life and support the nation’s transition toward a digital, green future.

“One of the priorities that I have set across our organizations is to work together to create innovations that deliver greater value and meaningful impact for Filipinos. This partnership between PLDT Home, Meralco

ALLIED CARE EXPERTS (ACE) MEDICAL CENTER - LEGAZPI, INC.

Daraga-Legazpi Diversion Road, Bogtong, Legazpi City ContactCENTER No. 09753729932 ALLIED CARE EXPERTS (ACE) MEDICAL - LEGAZPI, INC. Daraga-Legazpi Diversion Road, Bogtong, Legazpi City Contact No. 09753729932

SEC approves A Brown’s P12-b bond issuance

NOTICE OF ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING DEAR STOCKHOLDERS: NOTICE OF ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING Please be informed that the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting of Allied Care Experts DEAR STOCKHOLDERS:

DEARMedical STOCKHOLDERS: (ACE) Center- Legazpi, Inc. (“ACE-LEGAZPI”) will be held on July 9, 2026

Please be informed the a.m., Annual Stockholders’ of Allied Care Experts (ACE) Medical Center- Legazpi, Inc. (“ACE(Thursday) atthat 8:00 via ZoomMeeting Webinar.

LEGAZPI”) will be held on July 9, 2026 (Thursday) at 8:00 a.m., via Zoom Webinar.

Please be informed that the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting of Allied Care Experts (ACE) Medical Center- Legazpi, Inc. (“ACE-

For conduct of held theplease Webinar, register before 1, 2026, through For thethe conduct ofwill the Webinar, or before July 1, 2026,on through the following link:Zoom LEGAZPI”) be onregister July 9,onplease 2026 (Thursday) ator 8:00 a.m.,July via Webinar. the following link:

Link: : https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_aGAp0hziT1-eQGNVXfGzGQ

For the conduct of the Webinar, please register on or before July 1, 2026, through the following link: Link: : https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_aGAp0hziT1-eQGNVXfGzGQ Once you have successfully registered, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about the webinar

meeting. linkhave will provide you with the process for the registration.

You will receive a a confirmation email onceemail you have Once successfully registered, you will receive confirmation Link: you :The https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_aGAp0hziT1-eQGNVXfGzGQ successfully registered on the platform, including the details and procedures for the conduct of the meeting. Voting will be done containing information about the webinar meeting.

The link will provide you with the via the online tool which you can access once you have logged in to theWebinar; voting in the election of directors may also be process for the registration. done inÊabsentiaÊthrough the above link. You will receive a confirmation email once you have successfully registered on the platform, including the details and procedures for the Once yoube have successfully registered, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about the webinar The meeting of shall (visualVoting and audio) for future reference. conduct therecorded meeting. will be done via the online tool which you can access Themeeting.

Agenda: Thelogged link willinprovide you withvoting the process for the registration.

You also will receive a confirmation email Atome once youPhilippines have has partnered with Dunkin’ to offer Atome cardholders a once you have to the Webinar; in the election of directors may I. Call to Order successfully registered on the including the details and procedures for the conduct the meeting. willofbe139 doneparticipating Dunkin’ stores across Metro Manila. To claim the offer, freeofclassic donutVoting at any beInvocation done in absentia through the platform, above link.

II.

FREE DONUT.

III. Determination of Quorum via the online tool which you can access once you have logged in to theWebinar; voting in the election of directors may also be IV. Welcome Message frombe the Chairman of the Board and audio) for future reference.

The meeting shall recorded (visual done inÊabsentiaÊthrough the above link.

V. Reading and Approval of the Minutes of the Y2025 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting The Agenda: VI. Audited Financial Report 2025 The meeting shall be recorded (visual and audio) for future reference.

VII. President’s Report VIII. Ratification of the Acts and Proceedings of the Board of Directors, Officers,and Management of the Corporation The Agenda: I. Call to Order IX. Election of the Board of Directors 2026-2027 CallInvocation to Order II.I.Appointment X. of External Auditor for the year 2026 XI. Other Matters III.II. Determination of Quorum Invocation XII. Adjournment IV. Welcome Message from the Chairman of the Board

cardholders must spend P300 or more on any Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday. Present during the signing ceremony at the Dunkin’ Sheridan branch in Mandaluyong City are, from left: Shalini Sivakumar, Atome senior BD manager; Leandro Carpio, Atome VP of business development; Christian Quiros, Atome Philippines president; Esther Palabay, Dunkin’ chief technical services officer; Arlene Andal, Dunkin’ business unit head; and Richie Manayon, Dunkin’ new business channels head.

III. Determination of Quorum

SM Leisure to turn over Balea Suites by Q4 2027

XI. Other Matters

themed residential developments.

XII. Adjournment Only stockholders of record at the close of business on June 19, 2026, Friday, shall Balea Suites forms part of the P3 billion be entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting. If you cannot personally attend the RICO D. MADLANGBAYAN meeting, you may optof torecord send your proxy to of attend on your behalf.

Only stockholders at the close business on June 19,Kindly 2026,submit Friday,your shall be entitled notice of and to vote aat the Pico to Terraces project, five-building resiCorporate Secretary duly executed proxy form personally with the undersigned, via email, acemedicallegazpi@ meeting.

If you cannot attend the meeting, youatmay opt to send your proxy todential attend oncommunity yourbehalf. Kindly submit within the 5,900-hectare gmail.com acemclegazpi@gmail.com later than via 5:00 p.m.aton July 8, 2026, your dulyorexecuted proxy form with the no undersigned, email, acemedicallegazpi@gmail.com or acemclegazpi@gmail.com but preferably, on or before July 1, 2026, to enable your proxy to register in the Hamilo Coast estate.

It is the second tower no later than 5:00 p.m. on July 8, 2026, but preferably, on or before July 1, 2026, to enable your proxy to register in the Zoom Zoom Webinar. A sample proxy form is available at the Corporation’s website for your launched under the development, following Webinar.

A sample proxy form is available at the Corporation’s website for your reference [NOTE: Management is not soliciting reference [NOTE: Management is not soliciting proxies.]

Very truly yours,

proxies.]

Ardea Suites in 2023. Both buildings reached

The Information Statement and Management Report and SEC Form 17-A are their topping-off milestone in April 2025. available at the Corporation’s at www.acemclegazpi.com The Information Statementwebsite and Management Report and SEC Form 17-A are available at the Corporation’s website at

www.acemclegazpi.com

“Market reception for Balea Suites has

You may contact the undersigned via email at acemedicallegazpi@gmail.com or been strong, with most units already taken acemclegazpi@gmail.com at mobile number: 09753729932/09257800974 if you Youinquiries/concerns may contact theregarding undersigned via email at acemedicallegazpi@gmail.com or acemclegazpi@gmail.com at mobilesenior number: vice president up,” Imee Francisco, have the meeting.

09753729932/09257800974 if you have inquiries/concerns regarding the meeting.

Very truly yours, RICO D. MADLANGBAYAN Corporate Secretary

and head of Costa del Hamilo Inc., said in a statement to the stock exchange. “The distinct seaside setting, exclusivity and amenities of Hamilo Coast make the project a compelling option for discerning buyers.”

Marketed as a “resort within a resort,” Pico Terraces provides residents with access

OceanaGold, Geocycle to divert mine waste

OCEANAGOLD (Philippines) Inc. has partnered with Geocycle Philippines to divert a significant portion of residual waste and MSpectrum reflects that commitment by from its Didipio Mine, a move expected to bringing together connectivity and energy extend the life of its landfill and generate solutions that can help improve everyday millions in operational savings.

Under a two-year memorandum of agreelife while contributing to a more sustainable ment signed June 11, Geocycle will transport future for our communities and our nation,” residual waste from the Didipio Mine in Manuel Pangilinan, PLDT and Meralco Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya, to its co-processing facility in Norzagaray, Bulacan. Geocycle is chairman and chief executive, said. the waste management arm of the Holcim As energy costs continue to rise and Group. digital connectivity becomes increasingly The initiative is expected to divert up to 70 percent of the mine’s residual waste from landvital for work, education, entertainment fill disposal. This will extend the operational and entrepreneurship, the partnership crelife of Didipio’s existing sanitary landfill from ates long-term value for households while less than two years to nearly 11 years.

OceanaGold said the arrangement could supporting the country’s transition toward also save up to P6.16 million by avoiding cleaner and more sustainable energy sourcthe immediate construction of a new landfill facility. es. The collaboration expected to help CYANisMAGENTA YELLOW BLACK “Our existing landfill facility is nearing meet the growing demand for smart-home capacity and could be full within the next solutions among Filipino families seeking year,” OceanaGold asset president James Isles said. “Rather than expanding our landgreater control over their energy consumpfill footprint, we have chosen a more sustaintion without compromising access to reliable and forward-looking solution. Imporable digital services. tantly, this is a pragmatic solution.”

Under the agreement, OceanaGold will cover the cost of hauling waste to Geocycle’s facility. Qualified materials, including paper, plastics, textiles, and packaging waste, will be processed for use as alternative fuel and raw materials in cement manufacturing.

Othel V. Campos

NOTICE OF ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING

V.Only Reading and atApproval of Chairman theon Minutes ofFriday, theshall Y2025 Annual ofMessage record thefrom close ofthe business June 19,of 2026, be entitled to noticeStockholders’ of and to vote at the IV. stockholders Welcome the Board meeting.Meeting If you cannot personally attend the meeting, you may opt to send your proxy to attend on yourbehalf. Kindly submit V. Reading and Approval of the Minutes of the Y2025 Annual Stockholders’ your duly executed proxy form withReport the undersigned, VI. Audited Financial 2025via email, at acemedicallegazpi@gmail.com or acemclegazpi@gmail.com no later than 5:00 p.m. on July 8, 2026, but preferably, on or before July 1, 2026, to enable your proxy to register in the Zoom Meeting VII. President’s Report SM LEISURE Resort and Residences, a unit Webinar. A sample proxy formis available at the Corporation’s website for your reference [NOTE: Managementis not soliciting VI. Ratification Audited Financial 2025 VIII. of the Report Acts and Proceedings of the Board of Directors, Officers, and proxies.] of SM Prime Holdings Inc., is targeting the VII. President’s Report Management of the Corporation The Information Statement and Management Report and SEC Form 17-A are available at the Corporation’s website at IX. Election of the Board ofand Directors 2026-2027 turnover of Corporation Balea Suites at Pico Terraces in VIII. Ratification of the Acts Proceedings of the Board of Directors, Officers, and Management of the www.acemclegazpi.com X.IX. Election Appointment External Auditor 2026-2027 for the year 2026 of the of Board of Directors Hamilo Coast, Batangas, by the fourth quarXI. Other You may contactMatters the undersigned via email at acemedicallegazpi@gmail.com X. Appointment of External Auditor for the year 2026 or acemclegazpi@gmail.com at mobile number: 09753729932/09257800974 ter of 2027 amid strong demand for resortXII. Adjournment if you have inquiries/concerns regarding the meeting.

IN BRIEF

to exclusive amenities while remaining connected to the broader Hamilo Coast estate.

Unit owners also receive bundled club shares that grant access to the Pico de Loro Beach and Country Club.

According to SM Leisure Resort and Residences, demand has been driven largely by millennials and Generation X buyers from southern Metro Manila and nearby urban centers looking for vacation homes and long-term lifestyle investments in a low-density coastal community.

“Buyers are responding to Pico Terraces because it offers an accessible entry point into elevated, nature-inspired living,” Francisco said. “Pico de Loro’s sea-and-mountain setting gives the project a distinct sense of place that is difficult to replicate.”

Aside from beach access and mountain views, Pico Terraces will feature swimming pools, fitness facilities and landscaped picnic grounds designed to provide a quieter residential environment within the estate.

Jenniffer B. Austria

THE Securities and Exchange Commission has approved the P12 billion bond shelf registration program of Mindanao-based property firm A Brown Company Inc. Under the plan, A Brown will initially issue up to P5 billion in bonds, consisting of a P3 billion base offer and up to P2 billion to cover oversubscription.

The offering includes three-year Series A bonds due in 2029 and five-year Series B bonds due in 2031, which will be offered at face value.

Net proceeds from the offering will be used to fund renewable energy investments, residential projects, the redemption of shares and other general corporate purposes.

The offer period will run from June 22 to 26, ahead of the issuance and listing of the bonds on the Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp. on July 3, according to the latest timeline submitted to the SEC. The company tapped PNB Capital and Investment Corp. as sole issue manager, which will also act as joint lead underwriter and bookrunner together with the Land Bank of the Philippines. Jenniffer B. Austria

CREC declares maiden P250-m cash dividend CITICORE Renewable Energy Corp.

(CREC) on Wednesday declared its maiden cash dividends totaling P250 million, or P0.0224 per share.

The company said the declaration marks its first dividend payout since listing on the Philippine Stock Exchange in June 2024, reflecting solid earnings and capital management as it continues its green energy expansion.

In 2025, the company generated a consolidated net income of p1.15 billion, with net comprehensive income attributable to parent shareholders reaching P740.1 million.

“Our dividend declaration reflects a prudent balance between funding the continued high-growth phase of the company and rewarding shareholders with a decent yield return,” Oliver Tan, CREC president and chief executive, said. “As we continue to energize more projects, we are converting our pipeline into operating assets that support sustainable growth and shareholder value.”

The board of directors approved the dividend on June 17, 2026. Stockholders of record as of July 17, 2026, will receive the payout on August 12, 2026.

Alena Mae S. Flores

BINONDO

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THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2026

extrastory2000@gmail.com

FFCCCII president Victor Lim urges Filipinos to unite in nation-building during a flag-raising ceremony at Rizal Park marking the 128th Philippine Independence Day.

Filipino-Chinese business leader urges unity on PH independence Day

By Julie Ann Lope FEDERATION of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) president Victor Lim urged Filipinos to unite in nationbuilding and community development during a flag-raising ceremony at Rizal Park on June 10 to mark the 128th Philippine Independence Day.

The FFCCCII led the event alongside representatives from the Association of Volunteer Fire Chiefs and Firefighters of the Philippines (AVFCFFPI), which AVFCFFPI chairman Arvin Sy headed. The groups laid floral tributes at the Rizal Monument to honor the country’s historical figures.

National Historical Commission of the

Philippines (NHCP) chairman Regalado Trota Jose Jr. attended the ceremony and delivered a speech honoring the nation’s heroes.

During his address, Lim paid tribute to the bravery, ideals and patriotism of Dr. Jose Rizal, noting that Rizal’s life and achievements continue to inspire Filipinos, especially the youth.

He said that Rizal and other heroes fought for

the peace and freedom that citizens enjoy today.

Lim said heroism extends beyond the battlefield to everyday acts of compassion, responsibility and dedication to the community.

He said the Filipino-Chinese community will spare no effort in helping to build a stronger and more prosperous country while upholding the values defended by the nation’s heroes.

Ongpin Food City opens in Binondo

By Michael Wong Ho

A

NEW food hub in Manila’s Binondo district aims to attract tourists, create jobs and boost local businesses in the world’s oldest Chinatown.

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno led the ribbon-cutting ceremony to open Ongpin Food City. The venue, located on the second floor of the TMT Gold Center on Tambacan Street in the Sta. Cruz district, features affordable, home-style culinary options tailored for office workers, tourists, families and nearby residents.

The project aims to offer convenient dining choices while supporting micro and small-scale food entrepreneurs.

Moreno said the project will strengthen commerce in Binondo by increasing foot traffic, creating livelihoods for small business operators and helping preserve Chinatown’s traditional culture.

“He also expressed gratitude to entrepreneurs for their continued trust and investment in Manila.”

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno leads the launch of Ongpin Food City in Binondo to boost tourism, support small food entrepreneurs and stimulate business activity. Source: Manila Public Information Office

Consulate marks 128th Philippine independence THE Philippine Consulate General in Guangzhou commemorated the 128th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence with a three-day program emphasizing diplomacy, community solidarity and public service from June 12 to June 14, 2026.

The observance opened on June 12 with a diplomatic reception attended by officials from the Foreign Affairs Offices of Guangdong Province and Guangzhou Municipality, representatives from the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Commerce Department, leaders of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, business figures and members of the Consular Corps in Guangzhou.

Consulate General Consul General Iric Cruz Arribas addressed the attendees during the event.

“Independence Day is not only about the past—it is about a principle that continues to matter deeply: that every people has the right to define its own history and shape its own future with dignity and self-respect,” Arribas said.

He said strong bilateral relations are built not only by governments, but by people who choose friendship, understanding and cooperation.

The celebrations continued on June 13 with a barrio fiesta that brought together Filipinos from across Guangdong and as far as Hunan and Beijing. The gathering

featured traditional games, dances and raffle prizes aimed at recreating the festive spirit of home.

During the gathering, Arribas encouraged overseas Filipinos to believe in their power to effect change and to support leaders guided by integrity and service.

The commemoration concluded with a twoday Overseas Filipino Workers Caravan from June 13 to June 14. The Consulate General organized the service initiative alongside Land Bank of the Philippines, the Philippine Statistics Authority, Pag-IBIG Fund and the Department of Migrant Workers.

The caravan offered consular assistance, information on government programs and overseas voter registration. Julie Ann Lope

The Philippine Consulate General in Guangzhou marks the 128th Philippine Independence Day with a three-day program featuring a diplomatic reception, a community barrio fiesta and an OFW service caravan.

Ying Hu Yu Shan Fellow Townsmen Association marks 37th anniversary

The Filipino-Chinese Ying Hu Yu Shan Fellow Townsmen Association celebrates its 37th anniversary in Manila and inducts new president Hong Lian Yi.

THE Filipino-Chinese Ying Hu Yu Shan Fellow Townsmen Association celebrated its 37th anniversary and inducted its 38th and 39th officers on June 7 at the Dalian Seafood Restaurant in Binondo, Manila.

The association elected Hong Lian Yi as its new president. During the ceremony, Hong donated P100,000 to the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) “Lost FilipinoChinese Students Allowance” project.

FFCCCII vice-president Edwin Fabro and forever honorary president Co Kin Hung attended the event alongside other leaders of the Filipino-Chinese community.

In his speech, Fabro said mutual assistance is a vital spiritual pillar and a source of strength for the survival and development of overseas Chinese.

He described it as a demonstration of traditional Chinese virtues rooted in shared lineage—a legacy of unity and mutual support passed down through generations.

Fabro said the Fellow Townsmen Association serves as a spiritual home that preserves hometown ties and provides a platform for new immigrants to settle, establish businesses, assist one another and resolve disputes.

Michael Wong Ho

SHOWBIZ

C2 THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2026

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com NICKIE WANG, Editor ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

Pop-rock singer

Miguel Escueta finds his voice anew Very Wang

Nickie Wang

RETURN TO MUSIC. Pop-rock singer and songwriter Miguel Escueta returns with a new album, ‘Stand In The Fire,’ a seventrack record that tackles corruption and societal issues

A

FTER years of releasing singles and testing the waters of a comeback, pop-rock singer-songwriter Miguel Escueta has finally arrived at a moment he considers worth documenting in full.

Yet even before the album has had time to settle into listeners’ playlists, Escueta is already preparing for something bigger.

Asked if the project signals something larger as he approaches a milestone year next year, the singer revealed that discussions are already underway for an expanded edition.

“There are plans for a deluxe version of the album where we actually have more songs written already and somewhat produced,” he told Manila Standard Entertainment during the official launch of the new seven-track album, Stand In The Fire.

“But we wanted to come out with the album already now after getting momentum from the previous three singles,” he went on.

Whether that deluxe edition materializes, however, depends on how audiences respond to the current release. While several songs on the record began life as standalone singles, Escueta believes they share a common thread.

“I think life in general,” he said. “If you go through the track list, ‘Stand In The Fire’ is about coming together and fighting for what you believe in. Another theme is ‘Pangako ng Bukas,’ which is about making it through tough times and being there for people.”

That spirit runs strongest through the album’s title track, which Escueta describes as an anthem for collective action. “’Stand In The Fire,’ the carrier single, is an anthem about

standing together for something a group collectively believes in,” he explained. “A call to arms that can be applied to sports, work, relationships, and business. Fighting for something together while leaning on each other.”

The song’s origins predate the album itself. Escueta wrote the lyrics years ago with friend Nicolo Villonco, though the track remained unfinished until work on the album began.

Its meaning evolved as current events unfolded.

“The song really started moving in that direction when we began discussions for the music video,” he said. “At the time, things were starting to get messy. The oil crisis and the government’s response, the unresolved flood control scandal, and the circus happening in the Senate pushed us toward making the song about standing together against corruption and holding people accountable.”

But what does the phrase “standing in the fire” really mean for Escueta? He said it means enduring frustration, anger, and uncertainty while continuing to push for change.

The album combines three previously released tracks, “Summer Dream,” “Pangako ng Bukas,” and “Bakit Ba Ganyan?,” with four additional recordings: “Stand In The Fire,” “Handa,” “Honey My Love,” and an unplugged version of “Summer Dream.”

Each song carries a chapter of Escueta’s musical journey, he said.

“Summer Dream” marked his return after a seven-year absence from releasing music. “Pangako ng Bukas,” featuring Champ Lui Pio of Hale, was tied to a mental health awareness campaign in partnership with Mental Health Philippines. “Bakit Ba Ganyan?” was launched during the coronation night of Miss World Philippines at MOA Arena.

One of the album’s surprises is “Handa,” a song originally released in 2008 that never found its way onto streaming platforms.

“It was always a crowd fave,” Escueta shared. “So we decided to re-record it and come up with a re-imagined version.”

Then there is “Honey My Love,” a revival he initially resisted.

“I truly had my doubts initially when ALV suggested it,” he admitted. “I didn’t think we could do justice to such a big hit from the ‘90s because it was so far from our style.”

A promising demo changed his mind.

Behind the scenes, Escueta credits producers David Lina and Juni Devecais for helping shape the album.

Lina produced “Stand In The Fire,” “Bakit Ba Ganyan?,” and “Honey My Love,” while also handling drums and several instrumental parts. Devecais produced the remaining tracks and mixed and mastered the entire project.

“He’s been my partner in crime in this whole music thing since day one,” Escueta said of Devecais. “I don’t think I’d be able to do all this without him.”

Family members also contributed to the record, including brother Mateo Escueta on guitar and cousin Paula Castillo on bass for “Summer Dream.” Champ Lui Pio lent vocals to “Pangako ng Bukas.”

Most of the album was recorded at Big House Studios and Sunny Side Sound, with additional work completed at Sound Weavers and Banana Rising Studios.

The visual side of the project involved collaborations with Gabie Lema and Isabel Drilon for the album artwork, while Larry Ang and Pao Moreto worked on the music video for the title track.

Away from music, Escueta continues to juggle his responsibilities as owner of Frank & Dean Coffee, a balancing act he admits has made the past several months a whirlwind.

New Asian pop and folk categories announced by music’s Grammy Awards GMA and Viva artists join company officials as the new alliance sets out to create more platforms for Filipino music and talent discovery

GMA, Viva seal joint venture for music expansion GMA Network Inc. has formed a 50-50 joint venture with Viva Music Group to expand its music business across production, recording, marketing, promotion, distribution, artist management, and publishing.

The partnership, signed through GMV Studios, marks a new phase in the media company’s expansion in the entertainment industry and builds on previous collaborations between GMA Network Inc. and Viva Communications Inc. Under the agreement, GMA will contribute its multi-platform content, nationwide broadcast reach, and roster of talents, while Viva Music Group will provide its catalog of artists, production experience, and music industry network.

The signing was attended by GMA Network senior vice president Annette Gozon-Valdes, Sparkle GMA Artist Center first vice president Joy Marcelo and assistant vice president Tracy Garcia, alongside Viva Group of Companies chairman and CEO Vicente “Boss Vic” del Rosario Jr., Vicor Music

GMA’s Annette Gozon-Valdes (center left) and VIVA’s Vicente ‘Boss Vic’ del Rosario Jr. (center right) formalize the music partnership aimed at wider production, distribution, and artist development

president and COO Antonio M. Ocampo, and Viva Records president Verb del Rosario.

Also present were Viva Communications Inc. president Vincent del Rosario and Studio Viva president and COO Valerie del Rosario.

GMA Music said the partnership supports its goal of expanding opportunities for Filipino musicians and strengthening its presence in the

local music industry.

Sparkle consultant Lawrence Tan and several Sparkle artists, including Ysabel Ortega, Jeff Moses, Anthony Rosaldo, Princess Aliyah, Vianna Ricafranca, and P-pop group Dollipop, also attended the event.

The companies said the alliance aims to promote Filipino music globally and create new avenues for music distribution and discovery.

NEXT year’s Grammy Awards will feature five new categories, the Recording Academy announced Tuesday, along with redefined rules that could affect the future of the coveted Best New Artist prize.

Based on feedback from its members, the 2027 show will honor Best Asian Pop Music Performance, Best R&B Collaboration Performance, Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance, Best Traditional Folk Album, and Best Latin Song.

The academy also redefined how many times an artist can be submitted in the Best New Artist category, allowing four submissions instead of three and opening up the opportunity to budding singers who may have exhausted their limit.

In the past, the category was won by singers Olivia Rodrigo, Chappell Roan, and Olivia Dean.

“The changes advanced by our Recording Academy members speak to the breadth of today’s music industry and the many genres, crafts, and creators shaping it,” said Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy.

“We’re excited to see these updates come to life in the year ahead as we celebrate the music people who are driving music forward.”

The Grammys will host “music’s biggest night” in Los Angeles in February. AFP

Olivia Rodrigo stands among the past Best New Artist winners as the Recording Academy updates rules and adds new categories for the 2027 ceremony

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SHOWBIZ

THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2026

Atasha Muhlach’s love for the stage comes full circle

BONGGANG-BONGGA!

Atasha Muhlach is set to return to the theater stage as she takes on the title role in “Bongga Ka, ’Day!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical.”

By Nickie Wang

T

Touchbass

HERE is something fitting about Atasha Muhlach returning to the stage where she first discovered theater.

Fifteen years ago, she was a 9-year-old making her debut as Brigitta von Trapp in The Sound of Music at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. This September, she will return to the same venue, this time as the lead star of Bongga Ka, ’Day!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical.

“It feels like a full-circle moment,” she said. “I think this is where I first started my theater journey with The Sound of Music, and now I’m back for a new production on the same stage.”

The actress, host, and performer has steadily built her career across television, streaming, and live entertainment. Audiences have seen her in projects such as Da Pers Family and Bad Genius: The Series, but theater remains a place closely tied to her beginnings.

Now, she essays Annie Batungbakal, the spirited young woman at the center of the musical based on the iconic Hotdog h i t .

Annie is

Atasha feels grateful for the opportunity to play the titular role in the upcoming musical

Yugel Losorata

portrayed as creative, generous, and ambitious, working as a dispatsadora at House of Pasion while dreaming of becoming a fashion designer. Her desire to be part of the Coco Banana crowd drives much of her journey, even as she learns that authenticity cannot be manufactured.

The production reunites Newport World Resorts, VIVA Communications, and The Philippine STAR, with PETA Plus handling staging duties. The musical also stars Sam Concepcion, KD Estrada, Jeff Moses, and Anthony Rosaldo.

The return to the Newport Performing Arts Theater has taken Atasha back to where she first learned what it means to perform before a live audience.

“I’m currently living my dream of being an artista and still finding my way in this industry,” she said. “So to return to the very stage where it all began 15 years later is deeply meaningful.”

That emotion resurfaced even before rehearsals were in full swing.

“Just walking back onto that stage, even while filming content for this production, already felt emotional and heartwarming,” she said. “It really brought tears of joy. I felt so grateful to be here, to be given this opportunity, and to be able to perform again in the place where it all started.”

Theater, she said, continues to offer a challenge unlike any other.

It demands that performers sing, dance, and act simultaneously while relying on preparation rather than multiple takes.

The rehearsal process, she noted, allows actors to build a relationship with their characters through repetition and discipline.

“By the time you step onto the stage, especially in a continuous two-hour show with no cuts, everything feels instinctive,” Muhlach said. “You know every movement, every cue, and the character begins to fully live through you.”

What ultimately sets theater apart, however, is the audience.

Unlike television or film, where reactions arrive days or weeks later, stage performers experience every laugh, smile, and emotional response as it happens.

“What makes it even more meaningful is seeing the audience in real time, their reactions, their smiles, their laughter as the performance unfolds,” she said. “That immediate connection is something truly memorable and fulfilling.”

Four new tracks explore love’s highs and lows LOVE comes with unforgettable highs and heartbreaking lows, and music often helps us make sense of it all. These four new releases from ABS-CBN Music capture the kilig of new beginnings, the pain of letting go, and the journey of healing.

Rising artist Keybi’s ‘Kahit Na’ talks about sincerity and steadfastness in love, without expecting anything in return

1. Unconditional love in “Kahit Na” by Keybi New DNA Music artist Keybi offers a heartfelt song about love that remains constant in his debut single “Kahit Na.” Written by Kemp Brian Mahor Rogame, the track captures the quiet strength of loving someone wholeheartedly without expecting anything in return, choosing to stay sincere and steadfast through it all. The song was produced by DNA Music label head Gabriel Tagadtad.

3. A heartbreak that lingers in “Tangan” by BAN Old School Records artist BAN reflects on the lingering pain of a relationship that has fallen apart in his latest single, “Tangan.”

The pop-alternative written and produced by Kiko KIKX Salazar tells the story of someone struggling to let go, choosing to hold on to love and memories even after the relationship has ended.

BAN’s newest single ‘Tangan’ dives into the pain of a lingering heartbreak, holding on to love and memories after a relationship ends Leon’s song ‘Sumaya’ explores finding happiness through love during difficult times

Celebrity gang of New York BY now, we have witnessed how passionate New York Knicks fans are. Winning a chip on a Saturday while playing on the road seemed perfect. It gave the city the weekend vibe to celebrate what had been a 53-year-long wait and probably the biggest thing film director Spike Lee, the most notable of all Knicks fans, had anticipated in his storied life.

The Knicks had everything going for them to develop such a fiery fan base. New York is the most populous city in the United States, with over 8.4 million residents.

Their home court, Madison Square Garden, is labeled the “Mecca of Basketball.” Add the Statue of Liberty as a New York symbol and the city’s reputation as “The City That Never Sleeps,” and you have hordes of fans fully awake, decidedly proud, and loud.

It’s icing on the cake and perhaps expected that the Knicks have a good dose of celebrity fandom, even if the team has been on the losing side for years. Lee, director of acclaimed movies like BlackKkKlansman and Da 5 Bloods, was infamously the direct recipient of Reggie Miller’s “choke” sign 32 years ago during Game 5 of the 1994 Eastern Conference Finals between the Knicks and the Pacers. We can only imagine how happy Spike was after announcer Mike Breen teased Knicks fans to “go ahead and cry” after the final buzzer sounded in the championship-clinching Game 5 against the San Antonio Spurs.

This dream season for the Knicks somewhat erased the stigma of that choke, even if, just last year, Tyrese Haliburton of the current Pacers mimicked the menacing act at MSG. In the just-concluded epic Finals series, we saw the Jalen Brunson-led team overcome double-digit deficits and win.

Celebrity fans came in droves to watch the comeback Knicks. Actor Ben Stiller was often seen videodocumenting game moments. Young actor Timothée Chalamet proved to be a true-blue fan, having been born in New York and reportedly chasing autographs from Knicks players.

Familiar face Tracy Morgan is a regular, intense presence during home games, while you won’t be surprised to see Jerry Seinfeld and Chris Rock every once in a while.

Female celebrities were likewise well represented.

Actress Mariska Hargitay actually had postgame interactions with some players, while current sex symbol Sydney Sweeney even attended the last game in San Antonio.

We can argue that celebrity presence helps boost team morale. This was best illustrated in Game 4 of the Finals when the Knicks bounced back from a 29-point deficit, avoiding what initially appeared to be a second straight loss at the Garden. They instead took a commanding 3-1 lead, and who else was in the house when OG Anunoby and company engineered the greatest comeback in NBA Finals history? A billionaire recording artist whose own fan base is arguably as dedicated as the Knicks’ supporters. Yes, Taylor Swift was cheering for the Knicks all the way to the tip-in that sealed the comefrom-behind win.

Shame on her critics for accusing her of not being a legitimate fan. Why would she be there wearing a customized Stevie Knicks shirt and excitedly jumping throughout the rally? For attention? To promote her latest album? Certainly not. She relocated to New York in 2014 and expressed her love for the city in her album 1989.

The celebrity-filled courtside support reached another level when President Donald Trump himself came to watch Finals Game 3. The kind of welcome he received from New Yorkers, despite being one by birth and upbringing, is talk-show cuisine. But one cannot belittle the fact that he was the first sitting president to attend an NBA Finals game. That alone was a hint that this year was a special run for the Knicks. They rewarded their celebrity fans and legion of nameless faithful with the crown on a Saturday night.

2. Sudden changes in “Pakiusap” by KYLO “Pakiusap” by KYLO captures the confusion and heartache of watching someone you care about suddenly grow distant and cold.

Written by KYLO and produced

by Cursebox, the hiphop track explores the longing for clarity and reassurance when a onceclose connection begins to fade.

The emerging singersongwriter from Cainta has composed songs for ABSCBN Music artists such as Mika Salamanca, Kolette Madelo, Rain Celmar, and KD Estrada.

‘Pakiusap’ by singer-songwriter KYLO delves into the heartache of a fading connection

4. Finding light amid darkness in “Sumaya” by Leon Leon wrote “Sumaya” when he was 17 as a personal outlet during a difficult period while struggling with his mental health. The uplifting track reflects on finding happiness through different forms of love—whether romantic, platonic, familial, or self-love—and serves as a reminder that healing and hope can come from meaningful connections.

Produced by Dan Simon, the song marks Leon’s third single under DNA Music.

The New York Knicks’ victory was a momentous occasion, celebrated by both celebrities and their devoted fans

LIFE

C4 THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2026

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com NICKIE WANG, Editor ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

Why beauty is getting a softer reset

Musical therapy: Classical concerts in New York for dementia sufferers IN his early sixties, Rob Kaufman suffered a medical emergency that caused him to faint and hit his head on a wooden floor, resulting in a traumatic brain injury.

He was placed in a medically induced coma, his wife Ellen told AFP, and spent about a month in intensive care. Nine weeks of intensive rehabilitation, including speech therapy, followed, and he now lives with significant short-term memory loss.

Music therapy proved invaluable in the recovery of the former studio musician, who said he once played for artists including Jimi Hendrix.

Today, the Kaufmans regularly attend a Manhattan concert program designed for people experiencing dementia symptoms.

The couple recently attended a 10th anniversary performance featuring the Calidore String Quartet. The musicians closed the spring season before a packed audience of about 100 people.

One audience member closed her eyes and mimed conducting as Mozart played, while another tapped her caregiver’s arm as if it were piano keys.

Lincoln Center, the arts complex on New York’s Upper West Side, began the series “out of a need,” said Miranda Hoffner, the institution’s accessibility director.

Classical concerts give people with dementia symptoms and their caregivers a shared space for music, memory, and connection

“We were hearing more and more from our subscribers… that they weren’t renewing their subscriptions because of dementia,” she told AFP. “We felt a responsibility to fill that gap.”

Dementia is an umbrella term for symptoms that can include memory loss and impaired movement and daily function. Alzheimer’s disease accounts for most cases. The World Health Organization estimates about 57 million people globally were living with dementia in 2021, with around 10 million new cases each year. There is no cure.

Cases are rising as the Boomer generation reaches older age and lives longer, increasing exposure to chronic illness, said Emily Finkelstein, a geriatrics provider at NewYorkPresbyterian.

She noted that the broader U.S. system for dementia care remains fragmented and difficult to access.

“It’s a huge issue,” she said, adding that while art, music, and dance therapy show strong benefits, programs remain limited.

At Lincoln Center, the dementia-focused concerts are free. An Alzheimer’s caregiver support nonprofit trains staff to help make performances more accessible.

“You will see people holding hands, you will see people tapping their feet,” Hoffner said.

The concerts are less formal than traditional classical performances and include workshops led by music therapists to encourage participation.

Hoffner said the goal includes helping seniors “age in place” in the city.

For Kaufman, now 73, the concerts have helped him “come out of his shell,” his wife said.

“All of us are different than almost everybody else out there, so when we’re in a community like this, we get to be different,” he said.

Ellen Kaufman said support programs were far fewer when she first began navigating her husband’s condition. AFP

Dr. James Co (left) and Thirdy Tatco represent an aesthetic direction shaped by restraint, personalization, and natural-looking care

By Nickie Wang

Y

EARS of online beauty trends followed a familiar template: sharper jawlines, sculpted cheeks, and glass-like skin polished for camera-ready perfection. Across social media feeds, individuality often gave way to symmetry, repetition, and filter-driven ideals.

As digital beauty culture accelerated, cosmetic enhancements followed suit. Procedures once considered subtle gradually became more pronounced, shaped by curated images that influenced perceptions of attractiveness, confidence, and self-image.

A change in direction is emerging.

Esthetic physician and educator Dr. James Co, who has trained aesthetic practitioners across Southeast Asia and Europe, observes rising interest in personalized, natural-looking outcomes among patients.

“Patients today are becoming more aware and more informed,” Co said. “Many are no longer asking to copy celebrities or viral trends. Most simply want to look healthier, fresher, and more confident while still looking like themselves.”

The trend comes amid discussion around the so-called “Instagram face,” a term used to describe uniform features shaped by social media aesthetics and cosmetic enhancement culture.

According to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, demand for minimally invasive procedures continues to rise globally, pointing to a preference for subtle results.

Markets such as South Korea, Singapore, Dubai, and parts of the United States are also moving toward refinement rather than reinvention, with

RAINY season often brings a rise in colds, sore throats, and flu cases, and eating well can be difficult when symptoms hit. Makati Medical Center offers guidance on which foods may help ease discomfort and support recovery.

When someone has a cold, sore throat or flu, appetite often drops. Nasal congestion can dull smell and taste, fever can contribute to dehydration and dry mouth, and throat pain can make swallowing difficult.

Still, nutrition remains important, said Maricar Esculto-Khan, RND, MD, a medical and clinical nutrition specialist at Makati Medical Center.

“A sick person needs calories, nutrients, and fluids to boost their immune system, prevent dehydration, reduce inflammation, increase energy, and hasten healing,” she said. She added that the traditional advice to “feed a cold, starve a fever” should be replaced with “feed a cold and a fever.”

She said choosing nutrient-dense foods such as fruits and vegetables helps recovery, but certain foods can also make eating more tolerable during illness.

Sore throat: soft foods and warm broth Sore throat, or pharyngitis, is often caused by viral or bacterial infection and can make eating painful due to inflammation.

Warm liquids such as chicken tinola, beef nilaga, vegetable broths like bulanglang and lawuy, and ginger tea with honey may help soothe irritation, Esculto-Khan said.

Dr. James Co points to a growing preference for fresher, healthier results that preserve a person’s own features

emphasis on facial balance and anatomy-based planning instead of dramatic transformation.

Co believes the Philippines is entering a similar direction.

“Beauty standards here were heavily influenced by social media trends,” Co said. “Many Filipinos today are starting to ask different questions. They want treatments that fit their own facial structure, lifestyle, and long-term goals.”

Filipinos remain among the most active social media users globally, spending hours daily on digital platforms. Constant exposure continues to influence how beauty is viewed and compared.

Yet priorities appear to be changing.

“The goal is increasingly about looking healthy, rested, and confident rather than looking dramatically different,” Co said.

Lifestyle pressures also play a role, including long work hours, Metro Manila traffic, screen fatigue, and constant online visibility, shaping how Natural-looking procedures gain ground as patients move away from dramatic changes and toward facial balance many people approach self-care.

Among many patients, looking wellrested now carries more appeal than appearing and goals rather than uniform templates. flawless.

“No two faces are alike, and no two “People still want to look good, but many are treatment plans should be identical,” Co said. no longer chasing perfection,” Co said. “They “The best results happen when treatments are want to look healthy, energized, and confident in designed around the individual, not the trend.” real life, not only on camera.”

Aesthetic care, Co added, should enhance Global conversations around wellness, rather than replace identity. balance, and authenticity influence younger “The goal is not to change who you are,” Co professionals and entrepreneurs. At the same said. “The goal is to help people become the time, caution is growing around overdone results best version of themselves.” after years of exaggerated aesthetics online.

Beauty conversations continue to evolve, “The conversation is slowly moving from with growing emphasis on restraint, precision, transformation to refinement,” Co said. and individuality. The direction now favors “Subtle enhancement, facial harmony, and age enhancement that preserves recognizability, refinement often create more sustainable and where looking like oneself remains the measure natural-looking results over time.” of success.

What to eat when you’re under the weather

Hydration, small meals, and easy-to-swallow food remain important when illness affects appetite, taste, and energy

Warm soup can help ease discomfort while giving the body fluids and nourishment during recovery from a common cold

Simple, nutrient-rich meals help support the body when colds, sore throats, or flu symptoms make eating difficult

Today’s patients are also more informed about aesthetics, including anatomy, facial movement, and long-term planning.

“Technique, assessment, and understanding facial harmony all affect outcomes. Good aesthetic work should never immediately announce itself,” Co said.

A common misconception remains the idea that more product delivers better results.

“In many cases, less creates better harmony,” Co explained. “The best results are often the ones people cannot immediately identify. People simply notice that you look fresher or healthier.”

He cautions against decisions driven by trends, promotions, or price alone.

“Aesthetic procedures are still medical procedures,” Co said. “Patients should never choose treatments based solely on promotions or social media trends. Proper consultation and medical expertise matter.”

Personalization has become central to modern aesthetic care, with treatment plans shaped around individual anatomy, lifestyle,

Soft foods such as arroz caldo, bananas, and scrambled eggs are easier to swallow.

Cold foods are often avoided, but she said ice water, popsicles, or ice cream may help numb throat pain. She cautioned against high-sugar options, which may contribute to inflammation.

Common cold: fluids and citrus The common cold, caused by rhinovirus, is a contagious upper respiratory infection that typically begins with a sore throat before affecting the nose and sinuses.

“Mucus helps trap the virus, while a runny nose helps

flush it out,” Esculto-Khan said, noting that yellow or green mucus can indicate immune activity.

She recommended citrus fruits, broths, ginger tea, and water to maintain hydration. Spicy soups such as tom yum may help relieve nasal congestion for some people.

Bland but filling options like lugaw or oatmeal may also be easier to eat when taste is reduced. Citrus fruits also provide vitamin C, which supports immune function.

Flu: focus on hydration and simple meals Influenza can cause fever, cough, sore throat, headache, muscle pain, and fatigue.

Hydration and calorie intake remain important, Esculto-Khan said. She suggested broths, ginger or peppermint tea, coconut water, and popsicles to help with symptoms.

When appetite is low or taste changes occur, she recommended the BRAT diet: bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. Small portions of chicken or fish can add protein.

She advised eating small, frequent meals and taking fluids in sips rather than forcing regular meal sizes.

“Once the infection has resolved, your body will know it, and you’ll be back to eating like before,” she said.