Manila Standard - 2026 June 30 - Tuesday

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OMBUDSMAN WANTS BONOAN AS STATE WITNESS

By Rex Espiritu OMBUDSMAN Jesus Crispin Remulla will ask the Sandiganbayan to discharge former Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan from his cases to be a state witness.

His case is in connection with the alleged P573 million in kickbacks from flood control projects.

“We already have a side agreement for the cooperation of former Secretary Manuel Bonoan to be a state

VOL. XL • NO. 136 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 • TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2026

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Former DPWH Sec. Manuel Bonoan

Palace open to school phone ban DepEd eyes mandatory bag checks, setting up of metal detectors

• Batangas school halts classes over threat • Cops probe threat vs. Negros school

By Charles Dantes, Vince Lopez Maricel Cruz and Gabriel Oliva

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ALACAÑANG expressed support for efforts to limit cell phone use in public schools as part of security measures even as it raised concern on the penalties to be imposed by the municipality of Dumanjug in Cebu.

The Department of Education is also eyeing to adopt mandatory bag inspections and the setting up of walk-through and handheld metal detectors in schools following the recent shooting spree in a school in Tacloban City.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the administration recognizes the intent behind the policy implemented by the Municipality of Dumanjug, which imposed a total cellphone ban in public schools beginning June 29.

“The objective is good because it aims to help students concentrate more on their studies,” she said.

SULU SORTIE. Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. smiles as school

children greet him during the ceremonial turnover ng P82 million Socio-Civic Projects Fund (SCPF) assistance for 410 barangays in Sulu province. The fund is intended for educational assistance of Bagong Pilipinas Presidential Scholars and priority barangay projects. Inset shows the President inspecting 195 high-powered loose firearms voluntarily surrendered by civilians in the province during his visit at the newly-established Regional Mobile Force Battalion 9B headquarters in Maimbung, Sulu. PCO

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Plunder rap to be filed vs. Marcoleta—Boying Sen. Rodante Marcoleta

By Rex Espiritu A NON-BAILABLE plunder rap will be filed this week against Senator Rodante Marcoleta before the Sandiganbayan over undeclared campaign contributions worth around P75 million during the 2025 elections, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said yesterday.

Aside from Marcoleta, Remulla said the case will also cover former congressman Mike Defensor and businessmen Joseph Varias Espiritu and Aristotle Baluyut Viray. “(The case against) Senator Marcoleta, it’s for resolution. We’re about to file it already,” he said in a press conference Monday.

Remulla said based on the findings of the Ombudsman Field Investigation Bureau,

House prosecution team takes in four more volunteer lawyers

By Maricel V. Cruz THE House prosecution team announced yesterday the addition of four new volunteer private prosecutors and an additional spokesman and adviser.

Lawyers Reynaldo Robles, Mae

Divinagracia, Arnold Labay and former Supreme Court spokesman Theodore Te were introduced in a press briefing, bolstering the prosecution panel’s strength ahead of the July 6 start of Duterte’s impeachment trial.

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Philippine Airlines, and PepsiCo gather during the Wanderlust Week launch, highlighting a shared commitment to promoting Philippine destinations through creator-led storytelling.

(From left: Nicole Villarojo, Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) PepsiCo Philippines Beverages; Zhi Wei Sok, General Manager, Global Business Solutions, Singapore and Philippines at TikTok; Hon. Ma. Bernardita ‘Dita’ Angara-Mathay, Philippine Department of Tourism Secretary; Yves Gonzalez, Head of Public Policy for the Philippines at TikTok; Marjorie Chan, Snacks Category Marketing Lead, PepsiCo Philippines; Pelaine Tiong, Digital Marketing and Media Head, Philippine Airlines. Norman Cruz

By Maricel V. Cruz A QUEZON City court dismissed a P1-billion damages case against former Speaker Martin Romualdez, Quezon City Rep. Patrick Michael Vargas, and former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co after ruling that it failed to acquire jurisdiction because the plaintiffs did not pay the required fil-

ing fees.

In a two-page order dated April 15, 2026, Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 81 Presiding Judge Madonna Echiverri dismissed Civil Case No. E-UD-2500629, citing the plaintiffs’ failure to comply with the court’s directive to pay the docket fees.

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US, Iran agree to halt attacks, pursue talks A US official said Sunday that Washington and Tehran agreed to halt attacks after new tit-for-tat strikes strained their interim deal, with the sides planning to renew talks aimed at ending the Middle East war.

The exchanges have underscored the fragility of a Pakistan-brokered agreement to end the conflict that has killed thousands and snarled the flow of oil shipments through the vital Strait of Hormuz.

Although a ceasefire took effect in April, sporadic violence has flared up Next page

WANDERLUST WEEK. Representatives from TikTok, the Department of Tourism,

QC court dismisses P1-b case vs. Romualdez, Co, Vargas

BALDWIN AT DOLE. Former Ateneo men’s basketball coach Tab Baldwin arrives at the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) central office in Manila for a clarificatory hearing on the validity of his Alien Employment Permit (AEP). The hearing, led

by Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino, forms part of the department’s review of Baldwin’s employment documents, with the veteran coach attending alongside his legal counsel.

Norman Cruz

Baldwin admits not having alien work permit

By Vito Barcelo and Vince Lopez FORMER Ateneo de Manila University men’s basketball head coach Tab Baldwin admitted before the Department of Labor and Employment

(DOLE) on Monday that he has not secured an Alien Employment Permit (AEP) since working in the Philippines in 2013.

Labor officials said Baldwin’s failure to obtain the document meant he was not fully compliant with existing

Philippine labor regulations.

Baldwin’s legal team argued that he was exempt from obtaining an AEP because of his permanent resident visa.

Meanwhile, Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Next page

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Ombudsman...

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“(But) based on what we have read, the confiscated phones will only be returned after the school year. I do not know whether that penalty is appropriate, justified, or reasonable,” Castro said.

Asked whether Malacañang would support a nationwide cellphone ban, Castro said the Palace has already sought the opinion of Education Secretary Sonny Angara and is awaiting his recommendation.

She noted that several schools, particularly private institutions, already prohibit mobile phone use during class hours while allowing students to use their devices in emergencies.

Castro said the Palace is also open to studying Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla’s proposal to amend the country’s firearms law to strengthen public safety in schools.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier directed concerned agencies to determine the underlying causes of school violence, including whether copycat

behavior or exposure to violent content is contributing to the incidents.

The Batangas City Integrated High School (BCIHS) had to suspend classes yesterday due to reported threats of a school shooting.

BCIHS said classes will resume today (Tuesday) after school administrators and the LGU declared the campus safe following “a thorough assessment and the implementation of appropriate precautionary measures.”

Police in Negros Occidental, on the other hand, are investigating a monitored online conversation between two students of Escalante City National High School involving a supposedly planned campus violence that prompted some parents not to allow their children to attend classes.

“There was no official class suspension, but the parents were given leeway if they decide to fetch their children from school,” Negros Island Region police spokesperson Lt. Col. Joem Malong said.

On June 22, two ninth graders – alias Nash, 14, and alias Rod, 15, opened fire inside the San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, killing three

students and wounding 20 others.

While school shootings are a rarity in the country, seven students were wounded on June 16 in a knife attack by an older student in a private school in Cavite. Three days later, a student sustained injuries after being stabbed by a fellow Grade 11 student in a public school also in Cavite.

A day after the shooting spree at the San Jose National High School, a Grade 10 student stabbed a Grade 9 student in San Carlos City in Negros Occidental.

On June 26, a 17-year-old Grade 8 student was stabbed by a 15-year-old schoolmate during a confrontation in front of a public market in Silang, Cavite.

As this developed, social workers have found the 15-year-old suspect in the shooting spree in Tacloban City “acted with discernment,” Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian said.

“The law states that when you are 15 years old plus one day up to 18 years old, you have criminal liability if you have discernment. Discernment means you know what you are doing, you planned it, you tried to hide it, you know the concept of right or wrong or you know the conse-

quences. Now, when it is determined that you have discernment, you have criminal liability and will be charged accordingly,” he said.

“This initial assessment of the minor’s capacity to distinguish right from wrong still requires formal verification by the court,” the DSWD chief added.

The department is still awaiting the official results of the psychological evaluation conducted on both the 15-year-old and 14-year-old children suspects, both of whom are currently in the custody of the DSWD’s Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth (RRCY) in Tacloban City.

“The two minors are strictly monitored and are far from free as they are kept in separate rooms isolated from other children in conflict with the law inside the rehabilitation facility. They are also prohibited from receiving visits or having any connection with their parents at this time,” Gatchalian said.

Gatchalian said the department is willing to participate in discussions regarding proposed amendments to Republic Act 9344 or the Juvenile Justice Welfare Act, especially on the minimum age for criminal responsibility.

House...

Plunder...

Meanwhile, former Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers was also named additional spokesman and impeachment adviser.

Lawyer Benjamin Tolosa Jr., a prominent litigator, was earlier introduced as the panel’s legal spokesperson.

Robles, founding and managing partner of Chan Robles & Associates, said he and his fellow private prosecutors normally prefer to work behind the scenes, but decided to step forward because they could no longer remain silent in the face of developments they believe demand accountability.

“In this impeachment case, we dared to volunteer because we believe that we can no longer turn a blind eye to unacceptable things happening in our society. And we can no longer remain silent,” he said in Filipino.

Robles said he hopes the impeachment proceedings will help establish the truth and restore public confidence in government institutions.

“We volunteered because we want to help out in the process of accountability ordained in the Constitution. We also want to bring out the truth about what happened in our country,” he said.

“And we will know the truth and the truth shall set us free. It will allow us to rebuild our trust in the public institutions to help push our country forward,” he stressed.

Divinagracia, managing partner of Co Nazario Velasco-Catera and Divinagracia Law Offices, said accountability was the driving force behind her decision to join the prosecution team.

“I joined the prosecution team for one reason: accountability,” Divinagracia said. “I believe that we, the Filipino people, deserve nothing less than absolute transparency and accountability from our leaders.”

Divinagracia said she hopes her years of litigation experience will help present the facts clearly and objectively before the impeachment court.

Labay, a senior partner of Chan Robles & Associates and a certified public accountant, urged Filipinos to closely follow the impeachment proceedings and judge the evidence for themselves amid the spread of fake news.

“We invite the Filipino people to listen, watch, and be critical so that they can know for themselves what is true,” he said.

the alleged campaign contributions included P30 million from Defensor, P25 million from Espiritu, and P20 million from Viray.

The Office of the Ombudsman said the alleged donations were not declared in Marcoleta’s Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN).

In an earlier interview, Marcoleta acknowledged receiving the donations but maintained the cases filed against him were politically motivated and intended to intimidate government critics.

He added he did not disclose the campaign contributions from his friends during the 2025 polls because they wanted to remain anonymous.

Two weeks ago, Marcoleta said he expects to be arrested for a plunder and indirect bribery charge even as the Sandiganbayan denied having issued an arrest warrant against the minority lawmaker.

“I am not aware of having violated any law. The cases they have filed against me are all fabricated…the allegations are simply made up. They have nothing to do with public funds. I did not steal anything,” he said.

“So that is what they are holding against me—private funds that were given to me as assistance. How did those become public funds? How could that be considered plunder?”

Marcoleta added.

Meanwhile, Remulla also disclosed the complaint involving Senator Joel Villanueva in connection with alleged anomalies in flood con-

trol projects in Bulacan is now for full preliminary investigation.

Remulla said his office did not adopt the findings submitted by the Department of Justice on the case involving Villanueva due to deficiencies in the case build-up conducted.

“We did not accept the findings of the DOJ because we were lacking in the case build-up made by the DOJ, so we had to conduct our own,” Remulla said.

Former Department of Public Works and Highways Bulacan First District engineer Henry Alcantara earlier accused Villanueva of receiving P150 million in kickback for an infrastructure project in his province.

Villanueva has squarely denied the allegations.

“I never had any flood control project…I will never betray my principle,” the senator said.

sparked repeated flare-ups with Washington, the latest of which came early Sunday, when US Central Command said it had attacked 10 Iranian military targets over “continued Iranian aggression against commercial shipping.”

Iran said it retaliated with strikes against US bases in Kuwait and Bahrain. Both Kuwait and Bahrain denounced the Iranian attacks.

as long as Iran managed the strait, Washington’s “hegemonic dreams in the region will not be realized.”

Experts said there would likely be more Hormuz incidents.

For Iran, “a drawn-out negotiation accompanied by controlled pressure in the strait can work to its advantage,” said HA Hellyer of Royal United Services Institute, a London think tank.

While the tit-for-tat exchanges have largely been without reported casualties, Qatar’s interior ministry said one of its citizens was killed aboard a boat by shrapnel from “military operations in the area.”

Palace...

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From A1 “WHEREFORE, this case is DISMISSED for lack of jurisdiction,” the court ruled.

The complaint for damages was filed on Dec. 17, 2025 together with an urgent ex parte motion seeking to allow the plaintiffs to litigate as pauper litigants.

The court, however, denied the motion in an order dated Dec. 26, 2025 after finding that the plaintiffs failed to comply with the requirements under Section 19, Rule 141 of the Rules of Court, particularly the submission of affidavits showing that the litigants and their immediate families did not earn income exceeding the prescribed

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US, Iran...

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“Technical talks are slated to continue on all areas of the MOU,” a US official told Agence France Presse (AFP) in an email late Sunday, referring to the memorandum of understanding struck between Washington and Tehran.

“Both sides will stand down for now and vessels can move freely” in and around the Strait of Hormuz, the official added.

Iran has not immediately commented on the US statement, and the US official did not confirm a US media report that talks would resume Tuesday in Qatar.

Tehran has insisted on controlling passage through the vital strait, through which about a fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas travel in peacetime.

It did not have that control before the war.

Iran’s top diplomat warned Sunday that any attempt by ships to bypass its preferred route through Hormuz would “increase tensions” in the Middle East.

The strait comprises Omani and Iranian territorial waters, but under customary international law the two cannot generally block passage or charge tolls.

Nevertheless, Iran prevented most ships from using the narrow waterway during the war, granting it enormous economic leverage which it appears reluctant to give up.

Tehran’s enforcement of its control has

Iran presently insists ships transiting the strait pass through a corridor near its own shores, though this week dozens of vessels have travelled along the opposite side of the waterway, hugging the Omani coast.

“Any attempt to adopt new or separate arrangements compared to what is underway by the Islamic Republic of Iran, will only lead to more complicated situations and delays in the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and will increase the tensions,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said.

The published text of the memorandum says Iran will define the future administration of the strait in dialogue with Oman and the other Gulf States, but “in line” with international law.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they were taking measures to control traffic in the strait and that vessels violating those measures would be dealt with more firmly than before.

Mohammad Mokhber, adviser to Iran’s supreme leader, wrote on X that

threshold, as well as affidavits of disinterested persons.

The plaintiffs later sought reconsideration and attached the omitted documents, but the court denied the motion on Jan. 13, 2026 and directed them to pay the filing fee to be computed by the Office of the Clerk of Court.

On Feb. 23, 2026, the plaintiffs informed the court that they intended to file a special civil action for certiorari under Rule 65.

The court, however, noted that it had not received any temporary restraining order from the appellate court.

“To date, the court has not received any Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) from the appellate court, thus there is no reason for this court not to proceed with the court proceedings and

processes in this case including the implementation of the Order of the court dated January 13, 2026 for the payment of the filing fee,” the order read.

The court cited Supreme Court rulings, including Empire Insurance, Inc. vs. Bacalla, Manchester Development Corporation vs. Court of Appeals, and Sun Insurance Office, Ltd. vs. Hon. Maximiano Asuncion, in explaining that payment of the prescribed filing fee is essential for a court to acquire jurisdiction over a case.

Judge Echiverri noted that while non-payment at the time of filing does not automatically warrant dismissal if the fees are later paid within the applicable period, the plaintiffs failed to do so despite receiving the order directing payment.

“In their Manifestation, they have re-

‘Hegemonic dreams’

witness, to be a cooperating witness,” Remulla said in a press conference.

“We will ask the court to discharge him as a respondent so he can testify for us as a state witness,” he added.

Bonoan is facing a P573 million plunder charge and is a co-accused of Senator Jinggoy Estrada, former DPWH NCR Assistant District Engineer Denryl Caesar Sanchez Cortuna, DPWH NCR District Engineer Manny Bumagat Bulusan, and DPWH NCR District Engineer Arturo Lombres Gonzales Jr. The plunder case is pending before the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division over alleged pocketing of public funds off flood control projects of the government.

Bonoan is also Estrada’s co-accused in two counts of graft.

The anti-graft court division said it partially granted the “Urgent Ex Abudanti Ad Cautelam Motion to Allow Accused Manuel Manligas Bonoan Under Hospital Arrest While Case is Pending” filed by his camp on June 1.

Bonoan, 80, also asked the court if he could be allowed to be confined under hospital arrest at The Medical City in Pasig City.

However, the court only allowed him to be confined at the Philippine National Police General Hospital in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

Bonoan resigned last year as DPWH Secretary.

Prior to his appointment as DPWH chief, Bonoan was the president and CEO of the Manila Toll Expressway Systems Inc., STAR Tollway Corporation, and Skyway Operations and Maintenance Corporations.

He also served as a consultant adviser for the infrastructure sector of the San Miguel Corporation

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The Israeli army destroyed an extensive tunnel in southern Lebanon on Sunday, with Lebanese state media reporting strikes in the area and Iranbacked Hezbollah saying it reserves the right to respond to those attacks.

“The tunnel, stretching more than 200 meters and reaching a depth of over 25 meters, contained hundreds of weapons as well as several launch shafts intended to target the State of Israel,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz said in a joint statement.

In response to the attacks, Hezbollah said it “reiterates that what the enemy has done is a blatant violation of the ceasefire to which it has adhered until now, and that it is monitoring and tracking these violations, and reserves its right to defend its homeland and its people.” AFP

Remulla clarified that it is up to the Department of Justice (DOJ) to include the student managers and ball boys as respondents in the hazing case against members of the Ateneo Blue Eagles basketball coaching staff in connection with the June 8 drowning of two student-athletes at a teambuilding activity in Aurora province The admission came during a clarificatory hearing after Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino said Baldwin’s name was not found in the Bureau of Local Employment’s records of foreign nationals working in the country.

Baldwin said he received a partially completed AEP application by email in 2015 but could not recall if he submitted the completed form.

The Ateneo coach told the panel he did not have, and did not believe he ever had, an AEP card.

He added that a lawyer had advised him that his Philippine permanent resident status was sufficient for employment and that he was unaware he also needed an AEP or a Certificate of Exemption.

DOLE officials, however, maintained that foreign nationals with permanent resident status are still required to secure a certificate of exemption from the AEP requirement.

The labor department has subpoenaed Ateneo officials to appear at the continuation of the hearing on July 9 as it continues its inquiry into Baldwin’s employment status.

The investigation forms part of a broader DOLE review following the deaths of two Ateneo student-athletes during a team-building activity in Aurora earlier this month, after which Baldwin stepped down as the university’s head coach.

ceived the order of the court to pay the filing fee on February 20, 2026, however, to date, they failed to do so,” the court said.

The court also found that the plaintiffs failed to pursue the relief they intended to seek before the appellate court and did not obtain any order preventing the trial court from acting on the case.

“As above-discussed by the court, plaintiffs failed to file the necessary action which they intend to do with the appellate court and to obtain any relief prohibiting this court to act on the case at bench. Hence, it is proper for this court to continue acting on the case.

This court finds that this court has not acquired jurisdiction over the case for failure of the plaintiffs to pay the filing fee as computed by the Office of the Clerk of Court,” the order stated.

In December 2025, the United People’s Against Corruption (UPAC) represented by ex-Quezon City councilor Ariel Inton Jr. filed the civil suit against Romualdez, Co, Vargas and unnamed Department of Public Works and Highways and private contractors for alleged abuse of rights and unjust enrichment.

Romualdez maintained his innocence, reiterating his conscience remains clear amid the budget insertions controversy.

Co was then chairperson of the House committee on appropriations.

Vargas was involved over an alleged P2.86-billion budget allocation for flood control project from 2023 to 2025, according to UPAC. Inton said the court set the docket fees at P20 million based on the P1-billion civil case.

Israel strikes Lebanon

NEWS

By Charles Dantes and Katrina Manubay

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ALACAÑANG on Monday said no Filipino seafarers were injured in two separate attacks on commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, adding that authorities continue to monitor thousands of Filipino crew members still operating in the Persian Gulf amid heightened regional tensions.

Speaking at a Palace press briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac had updated President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on the

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backs No Pinoy seafarers hurt Tarriella Teodoro vs. in twin Hormuz attacks China attacks situation of Filipino seafarers affected by the security incidents.

Castro said the MV EVER LOVELY, carrying 21 Filipino crew members, was reportedly attacked

by Iran while exiting the Strait of Hormuz. She said none of the Filipino crew, including the ship’s captain, was injured.

“Secretary Hans Cacdac reported to the President, and I will also share with you some details regarding the stranded Filipino seafarers. The MV EVER LOVELY, with 21 Filipino crew members on board, was reportedly attacked by Iran while exiting the Strait of Hormuz. None of the 21 Filipino crew members, including the vessel’s captain, was injured,” she said.

Castro said the vessel remained seaworthy and continued its voyage,

with its arrival in Singapore expected on July 5.

Authorities are closely monitoring the condition of the ship and its crew, she added.

She also reported that another vessel, the Panama-flagged oil tanker Kiku, carrying 19 Filipino crew members, was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz.

“Another Panama-flagged tanker was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz. It is the oil tanker named Kiku, carrying 19 Filipino crew members.

The vessel remained seaworthy and continued its voyage, and none of the 19 Filipino sailors on board was injured,” Castro said.

She said Philippine authorities remain in contact with the crew and are prepared to provide on-

board psychosocial assistance if needed.

Castro said that as of Monday, about 2,100 Filipino seafarers aboard 85 ships had already exited the Strait of Hormuz, while approximately 3,800 Filipino seafarers remained deployed on vessels operating in the Persian Gulf.

“As of now, 2,100 Filipino seafarers aboard 85 ships have already exited the Strait of Hormuz, while about 3,800 Filipino seafarers remain on board ships in the Persian Gulf,” she said.

Asked whether the crew of the MV EVER LOVELY would return to the Philippines after arriving in Singapore, Castro said she had no additional information and would seek clarification from Cacdac.

Army to invest in modernization of artillery, missile regiment THE Philippine Army vows to support the ongoing modernization of the Army Artillery Regiment (AAR) to make it more capable of defending the country against all forms of threats.

“We will continue to invest in modernization, professional development, operational readiness, and innovation to ensure that the Philippine Artillery remains highly capable, adaptive, and always mission-ready,” said Army Chief LtGen. Antonio Nafarrete said in a statement.

Nafarrete emphasized the need for sustained modernization and readiness amid a rapidly evolving security environment, noting that today’s threats demand agility, competence

and the capacity to act with precision and decisiveness.

The Army chief also challenged the AAR to press forward in deepening professional development and strengthening operational readiness.

Recent modernization and organizational updates from the AAR include the provisional activation of the 1st GroundLaunched Missile Battalion which enhances the PA’s ability to deter threats and defend national sovereignty and the strengthening of its Light Deployable Battery Communication System.

“We will meet the challenges together. We will remain relentless in our pursuit of excellence,” Nafarrete said. Rex Espiritu

BURNHAM LAKE REHAB. The ongoing Burnham Lake rehabilitation project is now around 90% complete and expected to be finished by the end of July 2026. Plans for Phase 2 of the Burnham Park development are also discussed, including upgrades to the Children’s Park, Rose Garden, skating rink, and surrounding areas. The city is eyeing a possible groundbreaking by August 2026. Ariel Biala

PHILIPPINE Coast Guard spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS) Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela on Monday defended Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro against criticisms from the Chinese Embassy.

In a social media post, Tarriela said the Chinese Embassy had repeatedly targeted Teodoro for defending the Philippines’ interests in the disputed waters.

“The Chinese Embassy had four statements and one round of sanction. All aimed at one man — Secretary Gilberto Teodoro — for the crime of defending our own country,” Tarriela said.

He stressed that the Philippines’ claim over the WPS is supported by international law, particularly the 2016 Arbitral Award under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

“Let us be clear: the West Philippine Sea is ours — affirmed by the 2016 Arbitral Award under UNCLOS, final and binding. Our sovereignty was never a gift from Beijing to give or take away. It will never be ransomed for fuel, fertilizer, or ‘aid.’ Assistance offered as leverage is not friendship — it is a leash. And the Filipino people do not wear one,” he said.

Tarriela’s statement came after Beijing opposed Teodoro’s recent remarks, describing the Chinese Embassy’s latest statement as proof of its “insincerity and duplicity” in dealing with the Philippines. Teodoro also called China’s expression of “indignation” an act of “arrogance” following the Chinese Embassy’s rejection of the 2016 Arbitral Award, a position criticized by the DND on Sunday.

Despite China’s criticisms, Tarriela maintained that Philippine officials would continue to defend the country’s sovereign rights and uphold the truth. Rex Espiritu

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DOE issues 175 show-cause orders to power firms

By Alena Mae S. Flores

FOR BIDDING. The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) opens for public viewing four luxury vehicles confiscated from detained contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya at its central office in Quezon City on June 29. The collection, consisting of two Land Rover and two Mercedes-Benz vehicles, is on display from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ahead of a public auction. Manny Palmero

Malacañang downplays China rift after Teodoro remarks IN BRIEF M C

Quezon City launches new road safety policies

QUEZON City Mayor Joy Belmonte on Monday officially launched three new road safety policies aimed at creating safer streets and protecting residents from road traffic injuries and deaths. The initiative forms part of the city’s collaboration with the Partnership for Healthy Cities, a global network of more than 70 cities committed to preventing noncommunicable diseases and injuries.

The new policies include the implementing rules and regulations of the Comprehensive Road Safety Code, the Safe School Zone Ordinance, and an executive order establishing the Quezon City Road Safety Working Group (QC-RSWG). Belmonte also cited the city’s Healthy School Canteen Ordinance, Calorie Labeling Ordinance, Alcohol Harms Prevention Ordinance, Tobacco and Vape Regulatory Ordinance, and Textile Sustainability and Circularity Ordinance. Rio N. Araja

By Charles Dantes

alacañang on Monday sought to ease concerns over increasingly sharp exchanges between Philippine and Chinese officials, saying relations with Beijing remain “good” despite tensions over the West Philippine Sea. Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said the Marcos administration continues to view its ties with China positively, stressing that disagreements over the disputed waters have not resulted in a diplomatic rift.

“We, on the part of the Philippines, still consider our country’s relationship with China to be good. There has been no rift or conflict simply because of the statements made by our Defense Secretary,” Castro said during a Palace press briefing.

Her remarks came after the Chinese Embassy issued a statement responding

to Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.’s latest remarks on China and the West Philippine Sea. Castro said President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has consistently directed government officials to pursue diplomacy while protecting the country’s sovereign rights and national interests.

“Let me repeat, the President’s directive regarding our engagement with other countries, especially on the West Philippine Sea, is that it should be pursued through diplomatic means. We could protect our rights; we could fight for our interests in a diplomatic manner—that is

what the President wants,” she said.

Castro also maintained that the Philippines has not provoked or threatened any country despite the continuing maritime dispute.

“We have not engaged in any provocation, aggression or intimidation against any country’s territory. China is implementing its laws and policies, and so is the Philippines. Secretary Gibo is simply carrying out his mandate, just as Chinese officials are carrying out theirs,” Castro said.

Castro referred questions on the Philippine government’s formal response to the Chinese Embassy’s statement to the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Separately, Castro said Malacañang had yet to receive an update on Filipino seafarers stranded in the Strait of Hormuz following reports that the International Maritime Organization had suspended an emergency evacuation plan after attacks on two commercial vessels in the region.

She said she had no immediate information on whether any Filipino seafarers were affected by the incidents.

Tabuk City to build P31.5m Bahay Pag-asa facility TABUK CITY, Kalinga — The city government will build a P31.5-million Bahay Pag-asa facility for children in conflict with the law (CICL), funded by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), to expand juvenile justice and rehabilitation services in the Cordillera.

Mayor Darwin Estrañero said the facility will provide temporary shelter, counseling, education and rehabilitation services for children undergoing court proceedings or intervention programs. The city-run center will complement Kalinga’s existing provincial Bahay Pag-asa, making Tabuk one of the few local government units in the region with both provincial and city-operated rehabilitation facilities.

The provincial center has previously been recognized by the DSWD for meeting higher standards of residential care.

Estrañero said the new facility will improve access to rehabilitation and reintegration services for children from Tabuk City and neighboring provinces while strengthening child-centered justice and efforts to reduce juvenile delinquency. Dexter A. See

Mindanao quake infra damage rises to P1.47b

By Rex Espiritu

Western Visayas police seize 3,429 loose firearms POLICE Regional Office 6 (Western Visayas) chief Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño on Monday presented the results of the region’s intensified campaign against loose firearms, highlighting the removal of 3,429 firearms through voluntary surrender, police operations and strengthened community partnerships.

The accomplishment reflects PRO6’s continued implementation of the Enhanced Managing Police Operations (E-MPO), Tokhang Kontra Armas Luthang (TKAL), and the Armas Baylo Bugas program, which encourage firearm owners to voluntarily surrender unregistered firearms. Antique recorded the highest number of surrendered firearms with 1,236, followed by Aklan with 978 and Iloilo Province with 959.

Capiz recorded 175 surrendered firearms, the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 6 accounted for 121, Iloilo City had 177, and Guimaras reported 37. A total of 254 firearms have already been endorsed to the Regional Forensic Unit 6, while the rest remain secured by the concerned police units.

Vince Lopez

ENERGY Secretary Sharon Garin on Monday said the Department of Energy (DOE) is issuing 164 show-cause orders to power generation companies connected to the grid nationwide for various operational violations.

Garin said an additional 11 show-cause orders were issued to power generation companies in off-grid areas as part of a regulatory accountability review covering March 2025 to March 2026.

“These generating companies didn’t comply, but I have to emphasize that this is just a start,” Garin said. “There are companies that we have observed to be noncompliant; for example, they did not maintain the required number of days for their fuel stocks.”

“We will enforce the rules on this,” she added. “As we have seen with what’s happening in the Visayas, our consumers cannot afford a single minute of interruption, especially in island off-grid areas. Because they’re the only ones providing power there, they don’t have a backup grid.”

The show-cause orders cover 60 to 80 generating plants in Luzon, 40 in Mindanao and 20 in the Visayas.

“Most of the violations were forced outages, prolonged deratings and failure to deliver committed capacities,” said Gabriel Corpuz, a DOE legal officer.

“Under the department circular, there is a self-assessment form. They must show whether they can comply with operational commitments and technical specifications, and if they are deficient, they must submit an action plan.”

The enforcement actions follow the agency’s issuance of Department Circular No. DC2026-02-0006 in February 2026, which established a stricter accountability policy for power generation entities.

The circular was designed to reinforce energy security and protect electricity consumers through more stringent operational standards and transparent performance reporting. Under the rules, covered companies must operate generation facilities only with valid certifications, permits and clearances. They must also maintain continuous compliance with their authorization conditions, including keeping health, safety, environmental and regulatory clearances current in coordination with the Energy Regulatory Commission.

RICE DISTRIBUTION. San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora, together with First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, leads the distribution of rice under the “Bawat Bayan Makikinabang Rice Program” through the Local Government Support Fund at the FilOil Centre in San Juan City on Monday, June 29. Manny Palmero

INFRASTRUCTURE damage from the powerful earthquake that struck Mindanao on June 8 has risen to P1,466,859,440, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said on Monday.

In its latest situational report, the NDRRMC said infrastructure damage was reported in Regions 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula), 11 (Davao Region), 12 (Soccsksargen), and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

As of this posting, 1,065 infrastructure facilities had been damaged. The number of damaged houses reached 97,702, of which 75,098 were classified as partially damaged and 17,604 as totally damaged.

The NDRRMC said the damaged houses were recorded in Regions 9, 11, 12 and BARMM. Meanwhile, the death toll remained at 81, with nine confirmed fatalities, all in Region 11. The number of injured stood at 1,316, while 31 people remained missing.

The number of affected families reached 391,088, equivalent to 1,677,256 persons residing in 627 barangays across Regions 9, 11, 12 and BARMM.

LPA may develop into ‘Henry’ within 24 hours — PAGASA

By Rio N. Araja THE Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Monday said a low-pressure area (LPA) being monitored inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) has a high chance of developing into a tropical cyclone within the next 24 hours.

It will be named “Henry” once it develops into a tropical depression.

As of 8 a.m. Monday, the LPA was located 390 kilometers east of Guiuan, Eastern Samar.

Scattered rains will prevail over the Bicol Region, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas and northern Caraga.

The weather disturbance is forecast

to cross the Visayas and Southern Luzon on Tuesday before emerging over the West Philippine Sea on Wednesday.

During the potential storm’s passage, moderate to heavy rains are expected in Bicol, Mimaropa, Eastern Visayas and parts of Caraga.

Scattered rains may also affect Central Luzon, Calabarzon, the rest of the Visayas, and the western and northern sections of Mindanao.

Rainy weather may continue in Mimaropa on Wednesday and Thursday due to the enhanced southwest monsoon.

In Metro Manila, cloudy skies and scattered rains are expected from Tuesday through Friday.

NEW PROSECUTORS. House prosecutors Rep. Leila de Lima and Rep. Jose Manuel “Chel” Diokno introduce the second batch of private prosecutors during a press conference at the House of Representatives on Monday. Joining them are lawyers Arnold Labay, Reunaldo Robles, Mae Divinagracia, and Benjamin Tolosa Jr. Ver Noveno

OPINION

A5

TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2026

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

EDITORIAL

Smoke and mirrors

Honor Blanco Cabie

Lines in the law ON JULY 12, the Philippines will mark the 10th anniversary of the landmark 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Tribunal ruling in The Hague, which invalidated Beijing’s sweeping claims over the West Philippine Sea. Issued under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the decision overwhelmingly favored Manila, affirming its 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

International law experts say the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling is definitively a legal and diplomatic victory for the Philippines which invalidated China’s sweeping historic claims and affirmed the Philippines’ EEZ under the UNCLOS. But enforcement challenges persist, as the Philippines frequently resorts to diplomatic protests against China’s continuing defiance.

The primary challenge in implementing the 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling – which overwhelmingly favored the Philippines against China regarding the South China Sea – is China’s categorical rejection and defiance of the award.

International law does not have a centralized enforcement mechanism like a global police force, which forces enforcement to rely heavily on political will and state compliance.

Legal experts see these as major challenges to implementation: • Complete Chinese Rejection: Beijing officially considers the ruling “null and void,” arguing the tribunal lacked jurisdiction. China continuously defies the award by ignoring the invalidation of its “nine-dash line” and militarizing artificial islands within the Philippines’ EEZ. • Lack of a Global Enforcement Mechanism: The tribunal – operating under the Permanent Court of Arbitration – has no physical, military, or executive power to enforce its decisions. The primary enforcement route is the United Nations Security Council where China holds a permanent seat and veto power, effectively blocking any punitive resolutions.

• Sovereignty vs. Maritime Rights: The arbitration case legally skirted issues of land sovereignty (who owns the islands) and instead focused on maritime entitlements and historic rights under the UNCLOS. China conflates these maritime disputes with core territorial sovereignty,

which falls outside the compulsory jurisdiction of international tribunals, according to experts.

• Geopolitical Asymmetry and Retaliation: Nations that might otherwise pressure China to comply face severe diplomatic and economic repercussions.

China leverages its vast market, massive infrastructure investments (like the Belt and Road Initiative), and military superiority to deter smaller claimant states and discourage international allies from actively intervening or enforcing the ruling.

—“—

While a legal victory cannot immediately pull down hostile ships, it remains our most potent anchor against the tide of maritime revisionism • Regional Reticence: While organizations like the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations support the rule of law, the bloc struggles to form a unified, aggressive stance on the enforcement of the ruling.

This is partly due to varying economic ties individual member states have with China.

Despite these enforcement bottlenecks, the Philippines maintains that the ruling is a permanent and unalterable pillar of international law.

The award provides Manila and the broader international community with solid legal grounds to officially protest illegal maritime encroachments and assert sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea. History reminds us that might does not make right; while a legal victory cannot immediately pull down hostile ships, it remains our most potent anchor against the tide of maritime revisionism.

To dismiss the ruling as useless simply because giants choose to break the rules is to surrender our waters to impunity; the true value of the award lies in forcing the international community to choose between complicity and collective accountability

Inside the Herbosa smear campaign WHO watches the watchmen? At the Department of Health, apparently, a recurring cast of unnamed “concerned employees” whose specialty is filing complaints conspicuously devoid of evidence.

The latest production—a graft complaint against Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa and Undersecretary Randy Escolango—premiered this week with familiar dramatic flourishes: oxygen-deprived imputations, demands for preventive suspension, and no actual corruption proven whatsoever.

Structure Without a Crime The complainants’ case orbits a single document: a Feb. 2026 Department Personnel Order designating Escolango as head of both Financial and Management Service and Supply Chain Management Service, while also chairing the Central Office Bids and Awards Committee.

This, they charge, constitutes a “closed procurement scheme” violating Republic Act 12009, the New Government Procurement Act. Notice what is absent: a single rigged contract. One overpriced syringe. A solitary favor to a politically connected bidder. Instead, we are treated to structural criticism dressed as a criminal complaint—a governance seminar paper in handcuffs.

The complainants argue Escolango’s consolidated roles could enable mischief.

Undeniably.

Just as a surgeon could commit malpractice or a banker could embezzle.

But our legal system draws a bright line between potential and proof. The complainants have filed over 10 cases and still cannot locate that line.

Efficiency Is Not Corruption First, the administrative argument is formidable.

Cabinet secretaries possess broad latitude to structure departments for operational efficiency.

Herbosa inherited a DOH notorious for procurement paralysis—expired medicines languishing while patients went without, vaccines stalled in bureaucratic limbo. Consolidating oversight under one capable undersecretary is competent management, not corruption.

Second, the supposed violation of RA 12009 is a mirage. Section 41.2.5 prohibits the Chief Accountant from serving as a regular BAC member. Escolango is not the Chief Accountant.

—“—

The Ombudsman should write the final chapter: dismissed for lack of evidence—and merit The law envisions finance-area representation precisely to ensure fiscal competence. The complainants conflate “finance officer” with “accountant” because the distinction destroys their narrative.

Third, no evidence exists. No ghost deliveries. No midnight phone calls to favored contractors. No government loss.

The Supreme Court in Lihaylihay vs. People was clear: bad faith must be proven, not presumed. The complainants’ case is presumption dressed as complaint.

Fourth, the “pattern” they cite cuts against them. DOH Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo observed “a pattern of repeated filing of complaints despite the circumstances being frivolous.” Serial complainants are not necessarily whistle blowers.

Follow the Resources Who benefits from Herbosa’s removal? The DOH administers hundreds of

BEWARE of US visa scams.

The US Embassy in Manila is advising applicants to remain vigilant against visa fraud and scams, and be on guard against fake visa agencies and unauthorized representatives.

Scammers exploit Filipinos’ dreams of working in the US by using fake job offers and visa guarantees as they prey on the understandable desire for a better future, using fabricated contracts, fake US government emails, and illegal upfront processing or visa fees to steal money, according to official sources.

But the US Embassy in Manila, whose new ambassador to the Philippines Lee Lipton arrived in Manila on Sunday, warns applicants to be extremely careful because scammers impersonate government officials, demand unauthorized payments via messaging apps, and sell guaranteed approvals.

Falling for these scams, official sources say, can result in financial loss, stolen personal data, and a permanent ban from traveling to the US. Filipinos seek US visas primarily to reunite with the massive Filipino diaspora, experience iconic Ameri-

ManilaStandard

ONLINE

By Herman Tiu Laurel EX-US Air Force Col. Raymond Powell “Sealight” FB page posted a media advisory advertising himself for “interview requests” for the July 12,10th anniversary of the “sweeping victory over China’s claims in” the South China Sea. Powell used the name that not the US itself does not even use or recognize for the disputed area but, of course, hides the fact.

The hilarious thing about this is the “ugly American” himself has to come out plugging for interviews and not just his quisling underlings Justice Carpio, RAdm. Tarriela, RAdm. Trinidad and other proxies.

Right from the very beginning we in July 2016 our policy institute had exposed what its apologists claim as the “UN Backed” arbitration suit at the Hague as a hoax, and we published a quote card or meme on social media exposing this, highlighted the image of the UN Secretary-General then Ban Ki-Moon and spokesman Stefan Dujarric and quoting the latter: “The UN doesn’t have a position on the legal and procedural merits of the case or on the disputed claims.”

This has never been given meaningful news space by mainstream media.

There are vital paragraphs in the arbitration ruling that demolishes the arbitrary claim of the Philippines to areas of the South China Sea but “paragraph 272” is most significant: “... the Tribunal emphasizes that nothing in this Award should be understood to comment in any way on China’s historic claim to the islands of the South China Sea.” US psyops information warfare adopted by Carpio and Philippine media, et al. omits this. China has always insisted its historic claims are anchored on land (island) territorial rights – not the NineDash-Line. billions in procurement annually. Medicines, vaccines, equipment—every contract represents a river of money.

Before Herbosa centralized oversight, those rivers meandered through multiple offices, each a potential tollbooth for entrenched interests. Consolidation eliminates tollbooths. Elimination of tollbooths enrages toll collectors.

The complainants are anonymous for a reason. Anonymity shields them from accountability and obscures their connection to networks Herbosa disrupted.

Genuine whistleblowers attach their names because credibility demands a face.

Phantom filers require shadows because exposure would reveal alignment with the very corruption they pretend to combat.

The playbook is transparent: plant unverified claims, amplify through compliant media, frame administrative reform as corruption, stoke public distrust through repetition rather than proof, and

PPI

Philippine Press Institute The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

Filipinos seek US visas primarily to reunite with the massive Filipino diaspora, experience iconic American tourist destinations Applicants must pass through two stages – an initial appointment at the Visa Application Center and a subsequent in-person interview at the US Embassy in Manila. The new VAC is specifically built to handle up to 1,000 applicants per day.

Filipinos generally experience a

In June 2018 the Philippine Commission on Audit issued a memo questioning then President Noynoy Aquino about the P 700-million plus the Philippine government paid to American lawyer Atty.

Paul Reichler and law firm of Foley Hoag LLP. The whole story has never been told but apparently the arbitration case was conceived, prepared and argued all by the American lawyers and the Filipino taxpayer billed eventually other report say for P1 billion and never fully explained by the government.

The arbitration case has not gained on international recognition beyond token acquiescence of US client states.

The Philippines has not gained an inch of EEZ or territory. It only helped China justify its stronger assertion of its sovereignty over it while improving cooperation with other south China Sea claimants Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and others.

The tensions spun from the arbitration by the US Filipino proxies have cost the Philippines billions in goodwill with and infrastructure assistance from China -– to the satisfaction of the US. The arbitration award and EEZ claims is the basis for the 2023 Feb. introduction

of the “assertive transparency” strategy in the second decade of the US “Pivot to Asia.”

The modus operandi is “provoke Chinese Coast Guard to take control measures to Philippine Coast Guard incursions into Chinese claims, take media video footage and reporters and blast at ‘China bully’.”

The aim, in Powell’s own words, is to “exact reputational cost on China,” but on July 15, 2024 Powell had to write an article titled “Transparency has not ‘failed’ the Philippines.

If in 2024 there were already doubts about the efficacy of Powell’s “transparency strategy” where is it in 2026?

In May 2024 Adm. Alberto Carlos was roasted in the Senate for successful deescalation of tensions in BRP Sierra Madre Rotation and Resupply (RORE) missions after agreed “deescalation” with the Chinese embassy.

In Nov. 2024 President Bongbong Marcos already showed signs of skepticism and, at the San Francisco APEC, requested a sideline impromptu chat with President Xi Jinping for a deescalation.

Powell’s goal of “exacting a reputational cost” on China has not worked at all as the 2026 EU-sponsored global survey Democracy Perception Index showed “63 out of 83 surveyed countries now view China more positively than the US, representing a major drop in American soft power.”

The report also said that in Southeast Asia “52 percent of regional respondents would choose to align with China over the US.” On June 24, 2026 Powell posted a fund-raising event on his Sealight page.

(The author, who supports Philippines-China understanding, organized the Philippine BRICS Strategic Studies think tank dedicated to promoting global multi-polarity.)

pressure authorities to launch investigations that become headlines.

Guilt by process—a modern Philippine political art form.

The Roadmap Ahead The Ombudsman faces a dilemma.

Granting preventive suspension would validate allegations built on structural criticism alone—sending a clear message to every public official: reorganize at your own peril.

Denying it invites accusations of complicity. The complainants bet on political heat forcing Herbosa’s removal regardless of merit.

For Herbosa, resignation is precisely what the shadow architects want—a bloodless coup where tollbooths reopen under a corrupt crony. Surrender guarantees defeat for the universal healthcare agenda he was appointed to advance.

President Marcos Jr. faces his own calculus: removing Herbosa rewards complaint-harassment as a removal strategy.

The Ombudsman should dismiss this complaint briskly.

Structural disagreements belong in policy discussions, not criminal dockets.

Congress should clarify RA 12009’s separation provisions to eliminate the ambiguity these complainants exploit.

The law’s intent—preventing corruption—is undermined when its language enables harassment suits against reformers.

The public must recognize the stakes.

Accessible, quality healthcare requires procurement systems that work.

Herbosa’s centralization represents the unglamorous work of governance— fiercely opposed by those who profited from dysfunction. The anonymous complainants offer resistance. Herbosa offers results.

This is not a procurement scandal.

It is a reformer-under-siege narrative, authored by ghosts. The Ombudsman should write the final chapter: dismissed for lack of evidence—and merit.

—“—

The tensions spun from the arbitration by the US Filipino proxies have cost the Philippines billions in goodwill with and infrastructure assistance from China

Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser ROLANDO G. ESTABILLO Publisher

can be accessed at: manilastandard.net

MEMBER

—“—

high issuance rate, with the embassy maintaining around between 70 percent and 90 percent approval rate across different visa categories.

Official sources say scammers send fraudulent emails and messages claiming to be US government employees requesting visa processing or interview fees.

Be on guard. The Embassy never requests visa payments via email, phone, social media, or messaging apps. All valid payments must be initiated exclusively through official portals like travel.state.gov (immigrant visas) or ustraveldocs.com (nonimmigrant visas).

Fraudsters often promise to bypass the rigorous application or interview process and guarantee a US visa for a fee. No one can guarantee a US visa, and all applicants must go through a formal consular interview.

So-called “fixers” or “expediters” may offer to secure birth or marriage certificates faster by producing fake or artificially altered documents.

Submitting falsified documents is visa fraud, which leads to permanent ineligibility under US immigration law.

A 10-year arbitration award hoax

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

can tourist destinations, and pursue employment or educational opportunities.

Additionally, the US visa serves as a highly coveted “powerful visa,” unlocking travel access to several other countries that otherwise require separate visas.

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

Virgilio DC Galvez

Aytch dela Cruz

Online Editor

Edgar M. Valmorida Circulation Manager

News Editor

Lino M. Santos Chief Photographer

WORLD

A6

TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2026

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Rescue window closing in Venezuela

L

A GUAIRA, Venezuela – Emergency teams with rescue dogs were searching Sunday for any remaining survivors of powerful twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela, where the death toll has surpassed 1,450 and nearly 200 buildings have completely collapsed.

A man and his teen son were found alive under the rubble Sunday by French and American rescue teams in Caraballeda, a town about 40 kilometers north of Caracas, AFP journalists saw.

The rescue offered a glimmer of hope in an ongoing tragedy that has shaken a country already mired in an economic crisis, but tens of thousands of people were still reported missing and the critical 72-hour window for rescuing trapped

victims following a natural disaster has now passed.

Millions more people were feared to lack sanitation and other basic needs after one of Latin America’s most devastating earthquake disasters.

Rescue teams from the United States, Mexico and elsewhere scrambled to save people as desperate residents dug by hand for relatives trapped in the pancaked layers and rubble of collapsed apartments.

Some 774 buildings were badly damaged in back-to-back quakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 that struck on Wednesday evening, including 189 buildings that have totally collapsed, National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez said Sunday.

In one of the worst-hit areas, the coastal city of La Guaira, Hector Aguilera came to search for four family members buried in the rubble.

“We don’t have the support to get our family out -- we can’t do it alone. They are buried there: we know they are dead, but here we are,” he said.

“We have no hope left; all I have are memories.”

Experts say the first 72 hours after natural disasters define the narrow window for rescuing the living. After that the search usually becomes one of recovering bodies.

In the San Bernardino neighborhood

of Caracas, volunteers clambered over a collapsed building, using drills to break up concrete and forming lines to remove rubble by hand.

In Chacao, another area of the capital, large electronic screens on a building usually used for advertising were showing the faces of missing people in a bid to help find them.

On Sunday, Rodriguez reported 1,450 dead -- a toll expected to rise -- with 3,150 people injured.

Even as rescue efforts continued apace, outbreaks of looting hit La Guaira, much of which now lies in rubble after Wednesday’s disaster.

Pharmacies, supermarkets and other businesses were ransacked, said residents, some of whom complained of the slow and meager post-quake aid coming from authorities. AFP

HOLDING ONTO HOPE.

Rescuers and volunteers search for victims in Caraballeda, La Guaira State, Venezuela on Monday, Manila time following twin earthquakes.

Thousands of rescuers, relatives and volunteers dig day and night through mounds of concrete to find survivors of the earthquakes that struck Venezuela more than three days ago, leaving nearly 1,500 dead and tens of thousands missing. AFP

Bondi Beach Israel detonates tunnel in southern Lebanon attack survivor recalls ‘trauma’ SYDNEY – A Jewish lawyer wounded in a mass shooting at Australia’s Bondi Beach discovered that AI-generated images depicting him as a “crisis actor” were proliferating online as he was going into surgery, a royal commission inquiry heard Monday.

Arsen Ostrovsky, a Jewish community leader, said a selfie image he had sent to a friend in the aftermath of the antisemitic attack was quickly distorted by AI online to make it appear as if his injuries had been faked.

His story emerged in hearings of the federal royal commission, the highest level of public inquiry, which was formed after the December 14 attack, Australia’s deadliest in decades.

During the assault, father-son duo Sajid and Naveed Akram are accused of opening fire on Jewish families celebrating Hanukkah at the country’s most famous beach, killing 15 people.

Public hearings -- tasked with probing the factors leading to Australia’s deadliest mass shooting -- have started to receive testimony about the role social media plays in the spread of antisemitism.

“It has become increasingly apparent that the online environment and social media platforms in particular are perhaps the most significant factor for the spread of antisemitism,” said assisting counsel Richard Lancaster.

Ostrovsky, head of the Australia/Israel and Jewish Affairs Council in Sydney, said his selfie started “spreading like wildfire” after being posted online by his friend. AFP

BEIRUT – The Israeli army has destroyed an extensive tunnel in southern Lebanon, with Lebanese state media reporting strikes in the area and Iranbacked Hezbollah saying it reserves the right to respond to these attacks.

The incidents came despite a trilateral framework agreement signed by Lebanon and Israel under US sponsorship on Friday to pave the way for peace between the two countries and disarm Iranbacked Hezbollah.

Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency (NNA) reported several strikes Sunday, including on the southern city of

Nabatieh, with the Lebanese health ministry saying two people were wounded by an Israeli stun grenade in the south.

“The tunnel, stretching more than 200 metres and reaching a depth of over 25 metres, contained hundreds of weapons as well as several launch shafts intended to target the State of Israel and its civilians,” Katz and Netanyahu said in a joint statement.

“Israel informed the United States and the US representative in Lebanon in advance of the destruction of the infrastructure.”

An AFP reporter in the coastal city of

Tyre, situated about 10 kilometres (six miles) from the location of the detonation near the village of Majdal Zoun, saw smoke rising in the distance.

He said residents in towns south of Tyre left after hearing reports in the Lebanese media that Israel might detonate nearby.

In response to the attacks on Sunday, Hezbollah said it “reiterates that what the enemy has done is a blatant violation of the ceasefire to which it has adhered until now, and that it is monitoring and tracking these violations, and reserves its right to defend its homeland and its people.” AFP

Pakistan carries out airstrikes in Afghanistan ISLAMABAD – Pakistan carried out airstrikes overnight in eastern Afghanistan, Islamabad said on Monday, adding its operations had targeted militants as the Afghan government reported dozens of civilian casualties.

Pakistan’s information minister said the operations killed 25 militants and were aimed at a group that it blames for a deadly weekend attack in Karachi, though Afghan authorities have repeatedly denied their territory harbors militants.

The strikes are the latest flare-up of violence between the two countries whose relationship has been fraught since 2021, when the Taliban government took power, and follow a weeks-long war that erupted in February.

The Taliban government said on Monday the airstrikes in three eastern provinces killed or wounded dozens of civilians.

Spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid condemned the military action, calling it a “cowardly act of aggression”.

Pakistan’s information minister said the offensive also included ground operations in border areas and targeted Jamaatul-Ahrar, the TTP splinter group.

“Three targets in Paktia, Paktika and Kunar were destroyed during precision strikes,” said information minister Attaullah Tarar in a statement. He said four militants were also killed in ground operations.

The neighbors agreed to a ceasefire in March but there have been sporadic attacks since, with Pakistani strikes in June killing 13 people according to Afghan officials.

As Islamabad mediates between the United States and Iran to end their war in the Middle East, Pakistan says its battle against militancy at home requires its strikes on Afghanistan. AFP

IN BRIEF Foreign military base barred in Vanuatu CANBERRA – Australia and Vanuatu signed a sweeping economic and security agreement on Monday that bars the establishment of any foreign military base in the Pacific nation.

Vanuatu is at the centre of strategic rivalry between China and US allies in the South Pacific, and Australia has expressed concern that Beijing is seeking a permanent security presence in the region.

The agreement commits Australia to Aus$500 million (US$345 million) in support for Vanuatu, whose largest external creditor is China, and it stops a foreign military power establishing a base there.

“What this does do is to provide certainty for Australia that there will be no foreign military base,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told reporters after signing the deal in Canberra with his Vanuatu counterpart Jotham Napat.

“We have concluded a balanced agreement that will protect our collective and individual security and our sovereignty,” he said. AFP

China adds 20 to export blacklist BEIJING – China added 20 Japanese organizations including major companies to a blacklist on Monday over the export of items that can be used for both military and civilian purposes, escalating a months-long row between Beijing and Tokyo.

The new additions “have participated in enhancing Japan’s military capabilities”, the ministry said in a statement.

The export curbs are being implemented “for the purpose of safeguarding national security and interests and fulfilling international obligations including nonproliferation”, it added.

Relations between the countries were rocked in November when Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested that Tokyo may react militarily to an attack on Taiwan, the self-ruled island Beijing has vowed to seize control of by force if necessary. AFP

UK’s frontrunning Prime Minister ready PRESSURE ON HEZBOLLAH. Vehicles drive past a billboard that reads in Arabic ‘Lebanon first’ (in white) after it was defaced with the words ‘Army, People, Resistance’ and set on fire along Beirut’s airport road near Tehran-backed Hezbollah’s stronghold, amidst tensions following Lebanon’s framework agreement with Israel on Sunday. The militant group has rejected the agreement, which was signed in Washington on June 26, after five rounds of talks and aims to pave the way to peace between the neighbors, includes plans to disarm Hezbollah. AFP

Putin acknowledges fuel shortages after Ukraine strikes in 4-year war

‘READY FOR TALKS.’ In this pool photograph distributed by Russian state agency Sputnik, Russia’s Vladimir Putin addresses the audience at the 23rd Congress of the United Russia party in Moscow Sunday, when he vowed vowed o to ensure security and overcome challenges as Ukraine stepped up its retaliatory strikes inside Russia amid Moscow’s four-year war. AFP

MOSCOW – Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged that the country was suffering from “a certain shortage” of fuel in an interview published by the Kremlin Sunday, after repeated Ukrainian strikes in their fouryear war.

Kyiv calls the attacks fair retribution for Russia’s near-daily barrages on Ukrainian civilians and energy infrastructure since its February 2022 offensive.

“As for strikes against critical infrastructure in general, and energy infrastructure in particular, of course these attacks on our infrastructure facilities create problems, that’s obvious,” said Putin.

“Right now we’re observing a certain shortage, but it’s not critical.”

The main task now, he said, was to increase Russian anti-aircraft defence capacity and to ensure fuel supplies, particularly to Crimea.

In the interview, Putin also said he was expecting a team of US negotiators to come to Moscow to discuss ending the Ukraine war, once Washington was no longer so preoccupied with Iran and the Middle East conflict.

The authorities in Russian-annexed Crimea on Friday declared an “emergency situation” over fuel shortages and power cuts triggered

by Ukrainian attacks on its logistics chains and oil facilities. AFP

LONDON – The frontrunner to become Britain’s next prime minister, Andy Burnham, plans to lay out his economic agenda on Monday, in his first major policy announcement since Keir Starmer resigned as premier last week.

Burnham is currently the only candidate to replace Starmer. If he faces no challengers, the former mayor of Greater Manchester could be prime minister as early as mid-July.

During his campaign to become an MP this month, Burnham remained vague about his economic agenda, particularly on whether he would shift the ruling Labor party to the left.

His much-anticipated speech, expected to be delivered at a museum in his Manchester stronghold, is set to detail his economic policy and demonstrate he is ready to lead the government after a decade away from Westminster.

A pro-business socialist seen as representing the Labor party’s “soft left,” Burnham has sought to calm markets by committing to the government’s current borrowing limits. AFP

NEWS IN BRIEF Isabela wins 32 of 39 awards in regional agri competition ISABELA province won 32 of 39 awards in the 2026 Regional Gawad Saka: Parangal sa mga Magsasaka at Mangingisda, including recognition as “Outstanding Provincial Local Government Unit (LGU)” in ceremonies held June 26 in Tuguegarao City.

The Department of Agriculture regional office conferred the outstanding LGU award on the provincial government for agricultural development and rural advancement programs.

Provincial agriculturist Sergio Galamgam represented Gov. Rodito Albano in the event, alng with chief provincial veterinarian Dr. Helen Sevilla.

Isabela received awards across various sectors of the agri-fisheries industry, including dairy and livestock, coconut and high-value crops, rice and corn production, irrigation management, urban and peri-urban agriculture, agricultural entrepreneurship, rural finance, research and science, youth and women empowerment, extension services, and agri-fisheries cooperatives. Jessica M. Bacud

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TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2026 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Gov’t agents nab 10 aliens in Siargao

By Rex Espiritu

T

EN foreign nationals were arrested in a joint operation by military and Immigration agents in the resort island of Siargao, Surigao del Norte, the Philippine Navy said.

In a statement, the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM) said the June 26 operation was conducted by Joint Task Force Sinaya, Joint Task Force Diamond,

and the Bureau of Immigration (BI) Regional Intelligence Operations Unit–Mindanao.

The operation resulted in the apprehension of four Israelis,

two Chinese, and one each from Morocco, Lithuania, Australia, and Nigeria.

The Philippine Navy did not disclose the specific Immigration or legal violations allegedly committed by the foreigners.

Authorities said the operation was carried out simultaneously in different locations across Siargao Island as part of intelligence-driven law enforcement efforts.

Following their arrest, the foreign nationals were taken to the General

Luna Municipal Police Station for documentation and processing.

They are scheduled to be transported to Manila and tur ned over to the BI Warden Facility in Taguig City, where they will undergo Immigration and legal proceedings.

The NFEM said the operation underscored the coordination among military, law enforcement, and immigration authorities in enforcing Philippine laws and strengthening border and immigration security.

ART SHOW.

Artists, art enthusiasts, and government employees gather at SM City Baguio for the Art for Everyone Exhibit characterized as a celebration of local creativity and artistic expression.

Beyond showcasing visual arts, the event reinforces Baguio’s identity as a UNESCO Creative City by supporting artists, promoting cultural exchange, and strengthening the city’s vibrant creative community.

Dave Leprozo

DENR plants 1.6m trees in Region 2 on Arbor Day THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-Bataan office under Raul Mamac marked Arbor Day by spearheading the planting of 1.6 million tree saplings across Region 2.

The observance was also highlighted by the recognition of forester Gideon Lucas Vicente who despite physical handicap, remained dedicated and committed to his mandate.

The Arbor Day activity was attended by representatives from the Hermosa Philippine National Police, Hermosa Ecozone, Bureau of Fire Protection, Barangay Mabiga officials, and MSK Company from the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.

According to the DENR, the initiative aims to restore ecosystems, protect watersheds, and strengthen resilience against climate change. Butch Gunio

Caguioa gets honorary Doctor of Laws degree SUPREME Court (SC) Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa was conferred the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, by the Manuel L. Quezon University (MLQU).

Speaking during the MLQU School of Law’s graduation rites, the magistrate reminded the law graduates of the need to address cracks in the legal system.

“In recent days, we have been reminded again and again that the law is not merely written, it reaches into the life of every Filipino. It is tested when the integrity of our public servants is placed under scrutiny. It is demanded when tragedy calls for accountability,” said Caguioa.

“And in times of grave crisis, it is felt most urgently by ordinary Filipinos – when the promise of government becomes a question of rescue, shelter, and survival,” he added. Pot Chavez

PBBM justifies decision to release funds thru LGUs

By Charles Dantes PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday defended his administration’s decision to channel more national government funds directly to local government units (LGUs).

Speaking during the launch of the “Bawat Bayan Makikinabang” program in Sulu, Mr. Marcos said local governments face immediate public scrutiny whenever projects fall short, making them better stewards of government resources.

Referring to public concerns over infrastructure spending, Marcos said local officials cannot afford to implement

poor-quality projects because residents hold them directly accountable.

“Local governments cannot do what happened with those flood control projects because if the work is poor, people will come to our homes and knock on our doors at two or three in the morning to ask why the project was badly done,” the President said in Filipino.

He said the close relationship between local officials and their constituents gives him confidence that national government assistance transferred to LGUs will be spent properly and reach intended beneficiaries more quickly.

“There are people watching us,”

Mr. Marcos said, referring to local constituents.

“That is why I am confident these programs will be implemented properly and that the benefits provided by the national government will immediately reach the people who need them,” he added.

President Marcos made the remarks as he promoted two programs that give local governments greater control over public funds.

Under the Local Government Support Fund, municipalities, cities and provinces will oversee the distribution of 10-kilogram sacks of rice to identified poor and near-poor

families every two months, replacing what the president described as a slower, centralized system.

He also launched the Socio-Civic Development Program, which provides every barangay nationwide with P200,000 in direct funding. Half of the allocation will finance scholarships for students selected by barangay officials, while the remainder may be used for projects based on local priorities.

The Chief Executive said local officials have a better understanding of the needs of their communities than national agencies and should be given greater authority to implement government programs.

Oman’s 14-day visa-free entry covers Filipino travelers—DFA

By Katrina Manubay

YORME’S YORMILK PROJECT. Manila Mayor Francisco Moreno Domagoso and Vice Mayor Chi Atienza roll out at the Dr.. Alejandro Albert Elementary School their children nutrition program dubbed Yormilk 2.0 aimed at combating malnutrition and stunting problems among school children in the city. PIO photo

FILIPINOS traveling to Oman can now take advantage of the country’s 14-day visa-free entry policy without the need to present a negative HIV medical certificate, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced Monday.

In a statement, the DFA clarified that HIV certificates are no longer required for Filipino travelers utilizing the 14-day visa-free stay.

The DFA lauded the decision as a positive development, highManila lighting the strong bilateral ties Standard between the Philippines and the TODAY Sultanate of Oman.

In April, the DFA noted that dis-

cussions with Oman regarding the HIV certificate requirement for Filipino travelers were ongoing and are currently under review.

The Omani Embassy in Manila clarified that the HIV certificate is only necessary for tourists entering Oman without a visa and does not apply to those with work visas.

This update follows an airline travel advisory recommending that Filipinos traveling to Oman obtain an HIV test certificate before departure.

Filipinos traveling to Oman can now take advantage of the country’s 14-day visa-free entry scheme without the need to present a negative HIV medical certificate, the

Senate to reopen to public under new visitor control

By Ram Superable THE Senate will reopen its doors to the public under a new tracking system managed by the Office of the Sergeantat-Arms, Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian announced Monday.

This newly implemented Visitor Management System aims to strike a careful balance between institutional security and public accessibility.

“As your Senate President, it is my duty to maintain the integrity of the institution and ensure the safety

of all. Our goal is clear: ensure the safety of senators, media... and the public,” he said.

To ensure safety, security personnel will continue to conduct thorough entrance inspections, require the presentation of proper identification, and closely monitor the legislative compound.

“We will listen to each other and strive to address them while maintaining the proper balance between security and accessibility,” Gatchalian said.

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced Monday.

In a statement, the DFA clarified that HIV certificates are no longer required for Filipino travelers utilizing the 14-day visa-free stay.

The DFA also praised this decision as a positive development, highlighting the strong bilateral ties between the Philippines and the Sultanate of Oman.

In April, the DFA noted that discussions with Oman regarding the HIV certificate requirement for Filipino travelers were ongoing and are currently under review.

The Omani Embassy in Manila explained that the HIV certificate is only necessary for tourists entering Oman without a visa and does not apply to those with work visas.

This update follows an airline travel advisory recommending that Filipinos traveling to Oman obtain an HIV test certificate before departure.

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES COMMISSION ON APPOINTMENTS Twentieth Congress First Regular Session

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) NORSAL D. DIMAPORO to the rank of Commodore 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.

25 June 2026.

FREAK ACCIDENT. Workers take extreme safety measures following

the collapse on Sunday of a portion of a road under construction in Barangay Pamplona Dos, Las Piñas City probably due to a sinkhole. Two workers reportedly died while another was injured in the incident. Norman Cruz

MYRA MARIE D. VILLARICA Secretary (MS-JUNE 30, 2026)

SPORTS

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TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2026

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

Eala shoots for winning Wimby start WITH a possible dream match against tennis legend Serena Williams on the line, Filipina sensation Alexandra Eala eyes to score a winning start against Mexico’s Renata Zarazua in the Wimbledon Championships 2026 first round on Tuesday in London, England.

Eala, who slightly dipped to world rank No. 32 from No. 30 after becoming the first seeded Filipino tennister in a Grand Slam singles at 29th, clashes against No. 75 Zarazua in the Round of 128 no earlier than 8:50 p.m. (Philippine time) on Court 12 of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.

A victory by Eala could arrange a highly anticipated duel with the 23-time Grand Slam champion Williams, who is tipped to emerge triumphant in her own opening round assignment against Australia’s Maya Joint.

The 21-year-old Eala is looking forward to the “incredible” matchup versus the 44-year-old Williams, with the tennis great marking her Grand Slam comeback after getting awarded a main draw wildcard.

“A possible matchup with Serena is incredible. And just to be in the same draw as her, you know, competing at the same time, it’s amazing to see her back,” Eala said in a pre-tournament presser.

But first things first, Eala needs to settle the score with the 28-year-old Zarazua in their rematch two years after their first encounter in August 2024.

Eala, then only 19 years old and ranked No. 144, surrendered a 6-3, 4-6, 3-6 loss to then No. 104 Zarazua in the quarterfinals of the ITF/USTA W100 Cary in North Carolina, United States.

Eala has grown by leaps and bounds since then, reaching a career-high ranking of No. 29 against Zarazua’s No. 51.

The Pinay lefty also enters Wimbledon with an impressive 9-3 winloss record in the grass season that saw her go on a flawless title run in the Birmingham Open and cruise to the Berlin Tennis Open semifinals after beating Queen’s Club winner Donna Vekic as well as No. 2 Elena Rybakina and No. 8 Elina Svitolina.

Still, Eala is not taking Zarazua lightly as she focuses on improving her firstround finish in her Wimbledon debut last year. Jeremiah Sevilla

PH men’s football team gets berth to Aichi-Nagoya Asiad THE men’s football team gained qualification for the Aichi-Nagoya 20th Asian Games giving the Philippines complete participation in the sport after the women’s squad was among the early birds which made the grade to the September 19 to October 4 competitions.

Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino made the announcement on Monday as the country is bound to send its biggest delegation yet in eight editions of the quadrennial games with 443 athletes.

The Philippines had a record 524 athletes in the 1994 Hiroshima games and 391 athletes at the Hangzhou edition in 2023.

“The minimum goal is to do better at these games,” said Tolentino, referring to breaking the four gold, two silver and 12 bronze medals in Hangzhou.

The entire delegation—coaches and officials included—could reach 700 with gymnastics still confirming the qualification of five athletes in artistic events.

Filipino athletes are competing in 38 out of the 47 sports programmed by the Aichi-Nagoya organizers, who set quotas mostly in individual and combat sports because of the hosts’ limited capacity to accommodate big delegations.

The men’s football team qualified after India withdrew.

“We’re next in line so we got the slot,” Tolentino said.

Football in Aichi-Nagoya will feature 16 squads in the men’s division and 12 in the women’s side with the teams allowed to field 18 to 22 players—under-23 tournament but with a maximum of only three older players each.

Bisera, Constantino eye 2nd Ladies PGT triumph BAGUIO—After a heart-stopping three-way playoff sparked the season and a dominant blowout defined the next, the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour braces for a chaotic collision of both worlds.

The circuit’s third leg promises high drama, but past forms may mean very little as a compact, stellar field collides with the ultimate wild card – an unfamiliar, unpredictable and unforgiving Pinewoods layout.

The ICTSI Pinewoods Challenge blasts off today (Tuesday, June 30), featuring headliners Yvon Bisera and Harmie Constantino, both hungry to become the season’s first two-time winners. Yet, standing in their way is a hungry pack of elites, including Princess Superal, Sarah Ababa,

Chanelle Avaricio, Mafy Singson, Tiffany Lee and Daniella Uy – all determined to break into the winner’s circle in this early stretch of the 10-stage circuit organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. Bisera outlasted Ababa and Lois Kaye Go in a dramatic sudden-death playoff to capture the season opener at Lakewood in Cabanatuan City last March. She, along with Uy, Avaricio and Singson, then took her sharp game to the China LPGA Tour with the Davaoeña ace nearly snatching a second overseas crown, falling just one stroke short at the Singapore Ladies Masters recently.

“The course is very challenging, but I think it will be fun because no one has an advantage, so it’s anybody’s game,” said Bi-

sera. “I just need to focus on my short game since distance won’t be much of an advantage here.”

That razor-sharp momentum makes her a marked player in the P1 million championship.

But standing directly in her path is Constantino, whose commanding six-shot romp over Singson at Caliraya Springs last month didn’t just signal a return to form, but also served notice that she wants her throne back.

Constantino dominated the tour with four victories en route to the Order of Merit (OOM) title in 2024, only to suffer a frustrating, winless downswing last season that tested both her swing and her psyche.

Harmie Constantino is looking to become a two-time winner of the season.

EJ Obiena soars to 1st title of outdoor season in Poland

By Jeremiah Sevilla

T

WO-TIME Olympian pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena soared to his first title of the outdoor season after ruling the Czesław Cybulski Memorial 2026 at the Golecin Stadion in Poznan, Poland early Monday (Philippine time).

Obiena comfortably cleared the bar at 5.72 meters on his second attempt to seize the gold medal against 10 formidable international competitors including hometown bet Piotr Lisek in the World Athletics Continental Tour Silver meeting.

The World Championships silver and bronze medalist first flew past 5.40m on his first attempt and 5.60m on his second try, then skipped 5.67m before making his winning jump at 5.72m to beat Great Britain’s Owen Heard and Italy’s Matteo Oliveri, who

both leapt 5.60m. Heard took the silver via countback.

With the title already secured after Heard’s failed attempts at 5.72m, Obiena moved past 5.77m and tried to go for a season-best 5.82m, but fell short in all three attempts.

It was nonetheless a massive bounceback performance for the reigning Asian Games champion as he finally struck gold on his fourth outdoor tournament of the season.

After snaring the silver mint in the Eurowings Flight Circus with a season-

Obiena

high jump of 5.74m to open his outdoor campaign in Dusseldorf, Germany, Obiena crashed to the bottom of an eightstrong field after stumbling at 5.62m in the seventh leg of the Wanda Diamond League in Doha, Qatar.

Obiena also narrowly missed the podium in the FBK Games in Netherlands, falling short of leaping past 5.77m after a 5.64 jump and eventually losing to Menno Vloon via countback.

The three-time Asian Championships and four-time Southeast Asian Games winner is set to continue his outdoor stint in the Fly Athens 2026 Street Pole Vault on July 5 at the historic Panathenaic Stadium in Greece.

Obiena is expected to have his hands full against an elite roster in the Continental Tour Silver competition headlined by world No. 2 Emmanouil Karalis of Greece and former world record holder and Rio Olympics titlist Renaud Lavillenie of France.

The Filipino star pole vaulter is currently deep in preparation for his title defense in the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in Japan later this year and qualification bid for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Ilocos Norte Diamonds qualify for Perfect Game World Series

By Randy M. Caluag THE Ilocos Norte Diamonds captured the Perfect Game Philippines Under-13 National Championship to secure the country’s lone berth to the Perfect Game World Series set for October in West Palm Beach, Florida.

The Diamonds emerged as champions in what is regarded as one of the country’s premier youth baseball tournaments, completing an impressive campaign that earned them the right to represent the Philippines against international competition later this year.

Ilocos Norte also dominated the individual awards, with Ralph Mavee Mabanag winning Most Valuable Pitcher honors, Grant Zachary Bacarisas being

The Ilocos Norte U-13 baseball team

named Best Pitcher, Mark Daniel Bonoan topping the tournament in home runs, and Joshler Cardona finishing as the runs batted in (RBI) leader.

The championship underscored the province’s growing stature in youth baseball, with the Diamonds relying on a balanced effort from players, coaches,

and support staff throughout the tournament.

The team’s victory also highlighted the continued support of the Ilocos Norte provincial government for grassroots sports development. Team officials acknowledged the backing of Congressman Angelo Marcos Barba, Governor Cecilia Araneta Marcos and Vice Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc, whose programs have helped expand opportunities for aspiring baseball players in the province.

The Diamonds now shift their focus to preparations for the Perfect Game World Series in West Palm Beach, where they will carry the Philippine flag against elite youth teams from around the world.

Precision, patience key as ICTSI Pinewoods Challenge unfolds BAGUIO – Power may produce the occasional birdie at the Pinewoods Golf and Country Club, but the player who survives four days of golf’s ultimate mental examination is expected to emerge with the ICTSI Pinewoods Challenge crown.

With narrow landing areas, sloping fairways, undulating greens, swirling mountain winds and ever-changing weather, the third Philippine Golf Tour stop here is shaping up to be less a test of brute strength than of precision, patience and disciplined decision-making when the P2.5 million championship is fired off Tuesday (June 30).

Having sampled the par-72 layout during Monday’s pro-am, the Tour’s leading campaigners came away with one common conclusion: Pinewoods offers opportunities, but only to those willing to balance aggression with restraint.

“One careless swing can eas-

Angelo Que

ily lead to a bogey or worse because trouble is always waiting. Accuracy will be more important than distance this week,” said Tony Lascuña, who topped the 18-hole pro-am – with amateur partners Jaime Pisawan, Amor Paredes and Bensheen Apolinar with a net 58 – while getting a valuable preview of the layout.

The challenge goes beyond finding fairways. Swirling mountain winds can change direction without warning, while thick fog has the potential to alter club selection and visibility from one hole – or even one shot – to the next.

Combined with Pinewoods’ rolling terrain and deceptively small greens, every round promises to be a demanding exercise in course management.

Many players used the pro-am to map out their yardages and identify ideal landing spots on a course that demands strategic thinking, where every shot requires commitment and every decision carries consequences.

That should make for a fascinating four-day battle featuring the country’s leading professionals, rising stars and seasoned international campaigners.

Joining Lascuña in the title hunt is Angelo Que, who seeks back-to-back victories after edging the former in a thrilling finish at Caliraya Springs last month.

“The layout is tricky and conditions are difficult,” said Que, the reigning Order of Merit champion. “I’m just going to enjoy the week, play my game, and hopefully put together a good result.”

Known as two of the Tour’s longest hitters, Keanu Jahns and Clyde Mondilla expect to rely less on sheer power than on discipline and precision. While their length off the tee has often been a major advantage, they recognize that the mountain course rewards players who can stay patient, position the ball well and avoid unnecessary risks.

BUSINESS P140 billion Investments in first half

$3.36 billion Expected exports from projects

23,140 jobs

Expected employment

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TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2026

Ecozone investments jumped 94% in first half

By Othel V. Campos

T

HE Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) said Monday it approved P140.68 billion in investments in the first half of 2026, up 94.42 percent from the P72.36 billion recorded in the same period last year.

The approvals covered 157 newlyapproved projects expected to generate $3.36 billion in exports and create 23,140 jobs nationwide.

“PEZA’s first-half approvals send a clear message: the Philippines remains firmly on the radar of global investors. As companies reconfigure

supply chains and look for competitive locations in the region, PEZA is ready to provide the enabling environment, investor support, and ecozone platform needed to turn these opportunities into real projects, jobs, and exports,” said PEZA director-general Tereso Panga.

Twenty-one big-ticket projects accounted for P122.84 billion, or nearly 87 percent, of total approved investments. Manufacturing led all sectors with 70 projects, followed by ecozone development and information technology-business process management ventures with 24 projects each.

PEZA also approved 13 facilities projects, 13 logistics projects, seven domestic market projects, four tourism ventures, and two utilities projects.

By enterprise type, export manufacturing projects drew the largest share at P78.19 billion, followed by ecozone development at P27.14 billion, tourism at P20.32 billion, and domestic market enterprises at P5.78 billion.

WHAT’S INSIDE?

PSE index returns to 6,100 level

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CYBERSECURITY CENTER. The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), in partnership with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), commences the development of the National Cyber Security Center (NCSC) on June 29, 2026 at the DICT Valenzuela Compound, MacArthur Highway, Valenzuela City. Leading the groundbreaking ceremony are DICT Secretary Henry Aguda, Korea Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Sang-Hwa, KOICA vice president Lee Yun-Young, Valenzuela City 2nd District Rep. Gerald Cloyd Alexis Galang and Valenzuela City Mayor Wes Gatchalian.

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

ICC-CC clears LRT-MRT hub, 3 other projects

By Thony Rose Lesaca THE Investment Coordination Committee-Cabinet Committee (ICC-CC) approved four major public investment projects covering infrastructure and human capital development, the Department of Finance said Monday.

The approvals cover the Light Rail Transit (LRT) 1 South ExtensionCommon Station project under the Department of Transportation; the Boosting Employability in Strategic Technical and Vocational Education and Training Sectors (BEST) project under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority; the Philippine Geothermal Resource Derisking Facility (PGRDF) under the Department of Energy; and the Philippine Seismic Risk Reduction and Resilience Project (PSRRRP) under the Department of Public Works and Highways.

The LRT 1 Common Station approval clears the way for construction of the Unified Grand Central Station along North Avenue, Quezon City, connecting LRT-1, MRT-3, MRT-7 and the Metro Manila Subway into a single transit hub.

“Rail projects give people back their time. A seamless connection between LRT-1, MRT-3, MRT7, and the Subway means shorter commutes, more hours with family, and workers who can reach more opportunities across the city,” Finance Secretary and ICC-CC chair Frederick Go said.

The BEST project expands access to industry-aligned technical and vocational education in high-demand sectors, including manufacturing, construction, information and communication technology, and agri-fishery.

BPI permanently waives InstaPay, PESONet transfer fees starting July 1

By Jenniffer B. Austria

DOE says 40 power projects completed

B3

BANK of the Philippine Islands (BPI) said Monday it will permanently waive fees for fund transfers to other banks and e-wallets through InstaPay and PESONet beginning July 1.

The lender said the removal of interbank transfer fees is part of its broader strategy to boost digital banking adoption by making electronic payments, remittances and fund transfers more affordable. The waiver covers transactions made through the BPI mobile app, its online banking

platform, VYBE, BanKo, and BizKo. Previously, BPI charged P10 for InstaPay transactions and P50 for PESONet transfers via its mobile app.

The initiative aligns with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Circular No. 1238, Series of 2026, which encourages BSP-supervised financial institutions to adopt fair, reasonable, and market-based pricing for personto-person electronic fund transfers.

BPI president and chief executive Jose Teodoro Limcaoco said removing transfer fees will make digital banking more accessible while en-

couraging customers to use electronic payment channels more frequently.

“As we mark our 175th year, BPI remains committed to removing barriers to financial access and making banking more inclusive for all Filipinos,” Limcaoco said in a statement.

He said that eliminating per-transaction charges will drive more frequent digital transfers.

“It simplifies everyday payments and makes the BPI app an even more practical tool for managing finances,” Limcaoco said.

The initiative is expected to benefit

more than 9.5 million users enrolled on the BPI app. The waived fees will apply to all existing app users, including active and inactive account holders. Clients under BPI Preferred, BPI Gold, and BPI Private Wealth already receive free interbank transfers as part of their banking privileges.

Meanwhile, BPI also announced that customers should update their mobile application to the latest version by June 25. The update includes minor fixes and performance improvements aimed at enhancing the user experience.

GCash parent company Mynt plans October IPO to raise P92b

Ayala Land unveils new El Nido project

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PRIDE PARADE.

SM City Dasmariñas celebrates Pride Month with a vibrant Pride Parade, bringing together members of the LGBTQIA+ community, allies and supporters in a colorful display of unity, diversity and inclusion. The event offered a maxedout experience through lively performances and meaningful moments that championed selfexpression, equality and acceptance. Guests also had the opportunity to gala to the max as they joined the celebration at SM City Dasmariñas. Norman Cruz

MYNT Inc., the parent company of ewallet GCash, plans to hold its initial public offering in October 2026, with the offer period running from Oct. 5 to Oct. 9, according to an indicative timetable in a registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Shares will list on the main board of the Philippine Stock Exchange on Oct. 19.

The offering consists of up to 8.03 billion firm shares, with an overallotment option of up to 1.20 billion secondary shares.

The firm shares include up to 1.61 billion newly issued shares under the primary offer and up to 6.42 billion existing shares that current shareholders will sell through a secondary offer.

At the indicated maximum offer price

of P10 per share, Mynt expects to raise up to P92.3 billion in gross proceeds.

Upon completion, Mynt will have about 66.90 billion common shares outstanding. The firm shares will represent about 12 percent of the company’s issued and outstanding capital stock. Full exercise of the overallotment option would raise the public float to about 13.8 percent.

“GCash has become an indispensable part of everyday life for millions of Filipinos. From 90 million registered users, today about 40 million now actively use the platform every month, representing nearly half of the country’s adult population,” said Martha Sazon, president and chief executive of Mynt.

Jenniffer B. Austria

ILLICIT CIGARETTES. The Bureau of Internal Revenue and the Philippine National Police seize 30,598 packs of illicit cigarettes in Estancia, Iloilo, uncovering an estimated P25.07-million tax liability in a June 25, 2026 enforcement operation.

BSP issues AI governance principles for banks, other financial institutions

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is urging financial institutions to develop artificial intelligence (AI) governance frameworks to address risks including data privacy concerns and technology misuse.

Under BSP Memorandum No. M-2026-031, the BSP recommends that financial institutions build frameworks proportional to the nature, scale, complexity and materiality of their AI systems as well as their overall operational complexity and risk profile.

The BSP introduced the STARS

principles—covering sustainability, transparency, accountability, responsibility and security—to guide BSP-supervised financial institutions (BSFIs) in forming their own governance policies and risk management frameworks.

BSFIs should design and implement AI systems with environmental and societal awareness, aligned with the financial sector’s broader sustainability goals, the BSP said. These include minimizing carbon footprints, choosing energy-efficient implementations and building human-centered AI. Thony Rose Lesaca

CYANMAGENTA MAGENTAYELLOW YELLOWBLACK BLACK CYAN

BUSINESS

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Manila Manila

Standard Standard TODAY TODAY

TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2026

extrastory2000@gmail.com

PSEi climbs back above 6,100 on peace talks P

By Jenniffer B. Austria

HILIPPINE shares extended their gains Monday, with the benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index climbing back above the 6,100 level following news that the US and Iran have agreed to hold peace negotiations.

The PSEi advanced 61.17 points, or 1.01 percent, to close at 6,133.41, while the broader all shares Index gained 22.61 points, or 0.68 percent, to 3,352.96.

While the main index held above the 6,100 resistance level for most of the trading session, AB Capital Securities Inc. said market turnover remained muted as investors chose to stay on the sidelines amid broader macroeconomic uncertainties.

Financial stocks posted the strongest sectoral performance, rising 1.85 percent on the back of gains by BDO Unibank Inc. Holding firms followed, adding 1.14 percent due to a lift from SM Investments Corp.

Services climbed 0.93 percent, while industrial shares rose 0.64 percent. Conversely, mining and oil slipped 1.53 percent, and the property index edged down 0.26 percent.

SCN FORM NO. SCN FORM NO. 11 (R.A. NO. 9139) (R.A. NO. 9139)

REPUBLICOF OFTHE THEPHILIPPINES PHILIPPINES REPUBLIC SPECIALCOMMITTEE COMMITTEEON ONNATURALIZATION NATURALIZATION SPECIAL

THE MATTER THE PETITION IN IN THE MATTER OFOF THE PETITION OFOF PALAK LAKHANI PALAK LAKHANI naturalized Filipino citizen to to bebe naturalized asas Filipino citizen pursuant Republic 9139. pursuant to to Republic ActAct No.No. 9139.

SCN CASE NO. 000977 SCN CASE NO. 000977 x -x- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- ---- ------ ---- -- -- -- -- - x- x PETITION PETITION

Value turnover was thin at P4.34 billion. However, foreign investors were net buyers, bringing in P299 million in net inflows.

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Duty notarized Affidavit of Financial Capacity of the petitioner, or Affidavit  Duty notarized Affidavit of Financial Capacity of the petitioner, or Affidavit of of Support from person financially supporting petitioner, if petitioner is either Support from thethe person financially supporting petitioner, if petitioner is either a student, a new graduate, spouse or war cities without income or a candidate a student, a new graduate, spouse or war cities without income or a candidate a government licensure exam, who own income.

In addition, submit: forfor a government licensure exam, who hashas nono own income.

In addition, submit: Bank Certifications (two required: said bank certifications must (1)*(1)* Bank Certifications (two areare required: [1][1] said bank certifications must indicate present balance average daily balance past indicate thethe present balance andand [2][2] average daily balance forfor thethe past sixsix months); Certificate of Employment if employed Proof of Registration months); (2)*(2)* Certificate of Employment if employed or or Proof of Registration of Company if doing business (if doing business, please submit also latest of Company if doing business (if doing business, please submit also thethe latest (General Information Sheet) which was submitted Securities GISGIS (General Information Sheet) which was submitted to to thethe Securities andand Exchange Commission (SEC) and the financial statements of the company, Exchange Commission (SEC) and the financial statements of the company, which was submitted BIR/appropriate government agency]; (3)*Proof which was submitted to to thethe BIR/appropriate government agency]; (3)*Proof Ownership Real Property/ies such condominium, etc.; if owner of of Ownership of of Real Property/ies such as as condominium, etc.; andand if owner motor vehicle, proof ownership same Proof Ownership of of motor vehicle, proof of of ownership of of thethe same (4)(4) Proof of of Ownership of of other property/ies, such shares of stock, insurance, other property/ies, such as as shares of stock, insurance, etc.etc.

Note: If petitioner is relying on support from another person, the said person Note: If petitioner is relying on support from another person, the said person must also submit above-mentioned documents. must also submit thethe above-mentioned documents.

Note: If petitioner is already a graduate unemployed, submit a notarized Note: If petitioner is already a graduate butbut unemployed, submit a notarized affidavit of what petitioner is currently preoccupied with. affidavit of what petitioner is currently preoccupied with.

Pursuant to the provisions of Republic 9139, petitioner hereby submits Pursuant to the provisions of Republic ActAct No.No. 9139, petitioner hereby submits a petition naturalization to become a citizen of the Republic of the Philippines  Latest Latest Income Returns (ITR) and Documents (must show a petition forfor naturalization to become a citizen of the Republic of the Philippines Income TaxTax Returns (ITR) and TaxTax Documents (must show thethe respectfully declares: receiving stamp (Bureau Internal Revenue)] past three andand respectfully declares: receiving stamp of of thethe BIRBIR (Bureau of of Internal Revenue)] forfor thethe past three (3) years of the petitioner or of the person supporting him/her, with Proof (3) years of the petitioner or of the person supporting him/her, with Proof of of name is Palak Lakhani, I have also been known since childhood Payment of said taxes (such official receipts, alphalist, etc.)

1. 1.

MyMy fullfull name is Palak Lakhani, butbut I have also been known since childhood Payment of said taxes (such as as official receipts, alphalist, etc.)

I have been judicially authorized to use alias name(s) N/AN/A . .

Note: If petitioner is employed a family-owned company, company’s as asN/AN/A or Iorhave been judicially authorized to use thethe alias name(s) Note: If petitioner is employed in ainfamily-owned company, thethe company’s ITRITR company’s Proof Payment Taxes must also submitted, aside andand thethe company’s Proof of of Payment of of Taxes must also bebe submitted, aside 2. My present place of residence is 2045-M, Layug Miguel Village /Municipality from submission petitioner’s own documents Proof 2. My present place of residence is 2045-M, Layug St.,St., SanSan Miguel Village /Municipality from thethe submission of of petitioner’s own ITRITR andand taxtax documents andand Proof of of of MakatiProvince Province Metro Manila former places of residence (please Paymentof ofTaxes.

Taxes.Note: Note:TheThecompany’s company’slatest latestGISGIS(General (GeneralInformation Information of Makati of ofMetro Manila andand all all mymy former places of residence areare (please Payment indicate periods of residence) Sheet), which was submitted Securities Exchange Commission indicate periods of residence) Sheet), which was submitted to to thethe Securities andand Exchange Commission (SEC) financial statements of the company, which was submitted to the (SEC) andand thethe financial statements of the company, which was submitted to the 9059-C, Hormiga Brgy.

Valenzuela, Makati City (2008-July 2025) BIR/appropriate government agency, must also submitted.

9059-C, Hormiga St.St. Brgy.

Valenzuela, Makati City (2008-July 2025) BIR/appropriate government agency, must also bebe submitted.

1255-C Cardona Brgy.

Poblacion, Makati (2005-2008) 1255-C Cardona St.,St., Brgy.

Poblacion, Makati CityCity (2005-2008) Dulynotarized notarizedAffidavits Affidavitsof ofat atleast leasttwotwo(2)(2)credible credibleand anddisinterested disinterested  Duly I was born September 5, 2005 in St. Clare Medical Hospital Philippines. witnesseswho whomust mustbebeFilipino Filipinocitizens citizens(preferably (preferablynatural-born natural-borncitizens citizens 3. 3.

I was born onon September 5, 2005 in St. Clare Medical Hospital Philippines. witnesses I have been a resident Philippines since birth. present, I am a citizen Philippines), good repute their community, have criminal I have been a resident of of thethe Philippines since birth.

At At present, I am a citizen or or of of thethe Philippines), of of good repute in in their community, andand have nono criminal subject Republic India. record(Note: (Note:submit submitNational NationalBureau Bureauof ofInvestigation Investigation(NBI) (NBI)clearance clearanceof of subject of ofRepublic of of India. record character witnesses; also submit a copy which character witness character witnesses; also submit a copy of of thethe ID ID which thethe character witness father's name is Bhagwan Das Lakhani was born August used notarization affidavit) [Note: character witness must attest 4. 4.MyMy father's name is Bhagwan Das Lakhani andand hehe was born onon August 31,31, used in in thethe notarization of of thethe affidavit) [Note: character witness must attest 1970 in Ajmer, Rajasthan, India. a citizen or subject of Republic of India.MyMy affidavit: he/she known petitioner least years 1970 in Ajmer, Rajasthan, India.

HeHe is aiscitizen or subject of Republic of India. in in thethe affidavit: (a)(a) thatthat he/she hashas known petitioner forfor at at least 1010 years or or mother's name is Verkha Lakhani born January 1979,in Jaipur, in Jaipur, more(must (mustalso alsoindicate indicatehow howhe/she he/shegotgotacquainted acquaintedwithwiththethepetitioner); petitioner); mother's name is Verkha Lakhani andand sheshe waswas born onon January 11,11, 1979, more Rajasthan, India.She She a citizen or subject of Republic India. good moral character petitioner (and how he/she mingles Rajasthan, India. is aiscitizen or subject of Republic of of India. (b)(b) thethe good moral character of of thethe petitioner (and how he/she mingles withwith Filipinos society); in his/her own opinion, petitioner Filipinos andand thethe society); (c)(c) thatthat in his/her own opinion, petitioner hashas all all thethe trade, business, profession or lawful occupation from which qualifications necessary to become a citizen of the Philippines none of the 5. 5.

MyMy trade, business, profession or lawful occupation is is N/AN/A andand from which I I qualifications necessary to become a citizen of the Philippines andand none of the derive an average annual income of N/A , inclusive of bonuses, commissions and disqualifications provided for by law); derive an average annual income of N/A , inclusive of bonuses, commissions and disqualifications provided for by law); allowances. wife's/husband's trade, business, profession or lawful occupation allowances.

MyMy wife's/husband's trade, business, profession or lawful occupation from which derives average annual income N/A. MedicalCertificate Certificatefrom froma government a governmenthospital hospitalstating statingthatthatpetitioner petitioner is isN/AN/A andand from which sheshe derives anan average annual income of of N/A.  Medical sufferingfrom frommental mentalalienation, alienation,or ora user a userof ofprohibited prohibiteddrugs drugsor or is isnotnotsuffering (Where above does apply): I am exempt from requirement otherwise a drug dependent, he/she is not afflicted with acquired (Where thethe above does notnot apply): I am exempt from thethe requirement of of otherwise a drug dependent, andand thatthat he/she is not afflicted with acquired lucrative trade occupation from submitting income returns past immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) or any incurable contagious disease lucrative trade or or occupation andand from submitting income taxtax returns forfor thethe past immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) or any incurable contagious disease three years because I am a college degree holder [please state degree [pleaseattach attachthethefollowing followingto tothethecertificate: certificate:(1)(1)Neuro-Psychiatric Neuro-Psychiatric three (3)(3) years because I am a college degree holder [please state (1)(1) degree [please obtained: currently studying (2) name of school: Asian Institute of Management Evaluation Report (from a duly licensed psychiatrist (who is a medical obtained: currently studying (2) name of school: Asian Institute of Management Evaluation Report (from a duly licensed psychiatrist (who is a medical years graduated: who cannot practice profession practice doctor), a psychologist); Laboratory Test Results Drugs Test andand (3)(3) years graduated: N/AN/A who cannot practice mymy profession (the(the practice of of doctor), notnot a psychologist); (2)(2) Laboratory Test Results forfor Drugs Test andand which requires a government licensure examination) reason of my citizenship.

Teat, and, other laboratory test’s (Note: laboratory tests must also which requires a government licensure examination) by by reason of my citizenship.

HIVHIV Teat, and, (3)(3) other laboratory test’s (Note: all all laboratory tests must also conducted from a government hospital)]; conducted from a government hospital)]; status is Single, I was married N/A. wife's/husband's Note:Petitioners Petitionersforfornaturalization naturalizationarearerequired requiredto tohave havetheir theirmedical medical 6. 6.

MyMy civilcivil status is Single, I was married onon N/AN/A in inN/A. MyMy wife's/husband's Note: name she/he was born in N/A in N/A She/he a citizen subject examination/diagnosticprocedures proceduresconducted conductedin ina agovernment governmenthospital hospital name is is N/AN/A andand she/he was born onon in N/A in N/A She/he is aiscitizen or or subject examination/diagnostic presently residesN/A. N/A. facility, merely hospitals facilities which accredited of of N/AN/A andand presently resides or or facility, andand notnot merely hospitals or or facilities which areare accredited by by thethe government. mere government hospital facility is not near government.

TheThe mere factfact thatthat thethe government hospital or or facility is not near I am legally separated from spouse; marriage was annulled, residence place work petitioner is not a valid reason petitioner 7. 7.I am legally separated from mymy spouse; mymy marriage was annulled, perper thethe residence or or place of of work of of petitioner is not a valid reason forfor petitioner decree of legal separation/annulment dated granted N/A. (please indicate have said medical examination diagnostic procedure conducted decree of legal separation/annulment dated N/AN/A granted by by N/A. (please indicate notnot to to have said medical examination or or diagnostic procedure conducted in ain a particular court which granted same).

I am a widower/widow government hospital facility.

Note: It must clear in the medical certificate thethe particular court which granted thethe same).

I am a widower/widow andand mymy government hospital or or facility.

Note: It must bebe clear in the medical certificate spouse died in N/A. diagnostic/laboratorytesttestresults resultsthatthatthethesubject subjectof ofsaid saidmedical medical spouse died onon N/AN/A in N/A. andandthethediagnostic/laboratory examination or diagnostic/laboratory test is the petitioner. examination or diagnostic/laboratory test is the petitioner.

I haveN/AN/Achild/children, child/children, whose names, dates places birth 8. 8.

I have whose names, dates andand places of of birth andand residences follows: Certified copy school of the Diploma Transcript Records residences areare as as follows:  Certified truetrue copy withwith school sealseal of the Diploma andand Transcript of of Records of of petitioner from school’s attended to and/or graduated from in the thethe petitioner from thethe school’s he he or or sheshe attended to and/or graduated from in the Name Date Birth Place Place Birth Residence Name Date of of Birth of of Birth Residence Philippines (Elementary, High School College) Philippines (Elementary, High School andand College) N/AN/A N/AN/A N/AN/A N/AN/A Note: If petitioner is still a student, please submit a Certification from school Note: If petitioner is still a student, please submit a Certification from thethe school where he/she is currently attending, stating his/her year level, he/she is currently where he/she is currently attending, stating his/her year level, thatthat he/she is currently enrolled therein, and please attach proof of petitioner’s enrollment therein and submit enrolled therein, and please attach proof of petitioner’s enrollment therein and submit a a I received primary secondary education from following public 9. 9.

I received mymy primary andand secondary education from thethe following public certification to the amount of tuition other required school (such certification as as to the amount of tuition feefee andand other required school feesfees paidpaid (such as as schools private educational institutions duly recognized Department schools or or private educational institutions duly recognized by by thethe Department of of official receipt/s, certificate of matriculation, official receipt/s, certificate of matriculation, etc.)etc.)

Education, Culture Sports (DECS), where Philippine history, government Education, Culture andand Sports (DECS), where Philippine history, government Note: if petitioner has no own income and is relying on another person for support, Note: if petitioner has no own income and is relying on another person for support, and civics are taught and prescribed as part of the school curriculum and where and civics are taught and prescribed as part of the school curriculum and where person financially supporting petitioner must submit certifications thethe person financially supporting petitioner must submit certifications as as to to thethe enrollment is not limited race nationality: enrollment is not limited to to anyany race or or nationality: amount tuition other required school fees paid person amount of of tuition andand other required school fees paid by by saidsaid person forfor thethe of School of School DatesDates of Study Highest Highest Grade Completed education his/her other dependents (example: tuition other required NameName of School PlacePlace of School of Study Grade Completed education of of his/her other dependents (example: thethe tuition andand other required school fees of the children of the person financially supporting petitioner). school fees of the children of the person financially supporting petitioner).

OB Montessori Manila 2012-2018 Elementary OB Montessori Manila 2012-2018 Elementary Colegio Agustin Colegio SanSan Agustin

Makati Makati

2018-2024 2018-2024

School HighHigh School

I am able read, write speak Filipino and/or following 10.10.

I am able to to read, write andand speak Filipino and/or anyany of of thethe following dialects Philippines: English. dialects of of thethe Philippines: English.

I have enrolled minor children school following public 11.11.

I have enrolled mymy minor children of of school ageage in in thethe following public schools private educational institutions duly recognized Department schools or or private educational institutions duly recognized by by thethe Department Education, Culture Sports (DECS), where Philipine History, government of of Education, Culture andand Sports (DECS), where Philipine History, government civics taught prescribed school curriculum where andand civics areare taught andand prescribed as as partpart of of thethe school curriculum andand where enrollment is not limited race nationality: enrollment is not limited to to anyany race or or nationality: Name Child Name of of Child N/AN/A

Name Place School Date Date Enrollment Name andand Place of of School of of Enrollment N/AN/A N/AN/A

Certified copy school Diploma, Transcript Records,  Certified truetrue copy withwith school sealseal of of thethe Diploma, Transcript of of Records, or or Certification applicable) from school’s attended currently enrolled Certification (if (if applicable) from thethe school’s attended by,by, currently enrolled in, in, and/or graduated from petitioner’s child children school’s must either and/or graduated from by by petitioner’s child children [the[the school’s must either bebe public schools private educational institutions recognized DEPED public schools or or private educational institutions dulyduly recognized by by thethe DEPED (Department Education), where Philippine history, government civics (Department of of Education), where Philippine history, government andand civics areare taught and prescribed as part of the school curriculum and where enrollment is not taught and prescribed as part of the school curriculum and where enrollment is not limited to any race or nationality); limited to any race or nationality); (Note: please submit a Certification from school where said child/children (Note: please submit a Certification from thethe school where said child/children is/ is/ currently attending, stating his/her year level, he/she is currently enrolled areare currently attending, stating his/her year level, thatthat he/she is currently enrolled therein, please attach proof said child/children’s enrollment therein therein, andand please attach proof of of said child/children’s enrollment therein andand submit a certification amount tuition other required school submit a certification as as to to thethe amount of of tuition feefee andand other required school fees paid (such official receipt’s, certificate of matriculation, etc.) said child fees paid (such as as official receipt’s, certificate of matriculation, etc.) forfor said child children’s enrollment in said school. children’s enrollment in said school.

I shall never a public charge.

I am of good moral character.

I believe 12.12.

I shall never bebe a public charge.

I am of good moral character.

I believe in in  Clearances Clearances Clearance; Barangay Clearance barangay where NBINBI Clearance; Barangay Clearance of of thethe barangay where principles underlying Philippine Constitution.

I have conducted myself thethe principles underlying thethe Philippine Constitution.

I have conducted myself in in petitioner currently residing should a barangay clearance, petitioner is is currently residing (It (It should bebe a barangay clearance, notnot a a a proper irreproachable manner during entire period residence a proper andand irreproachable manner during thethe entire period of of mymy residence in in residencecertification); certification);Police PoliceClearance Clearancefrom fromthethePolice PoliceStation StationPolice Police residence Philippines in my relations with constituted government with thethe Philippines in my relations with thethe constituted government as as wellwell as as with thethe Office having jurisdiction of the place where petitioner is currently residing: Office having jurisdiction of the place where petitioner is currently residing: community in which I am living.

I mingled socially with Filipinos have evinced community in which I am living.

I mingled socially with Filipinos andand have evinced RTC Clearance (Regional Trial Court), from RTC which jurisdiction RTC Clearance (Regional Trial Court), from thethe RTC which hashas jurisdiction a sincere desire learn embrace customs, traditions ideals a sincere desire to to learn andand embrace thethe customs, traditions andand ideals of of thethe overthetheplace placewhere wherepetitioner petitioneris iscurrently currentlyresiding; residing;MeTC/MTCC/MTC/ MeTC/MTCC/MTC/ over Filipino people.

I have all the qualifications and none of the disqualifications under Filipino people. I have all the qualifications and none of the disqualifications under MCTC Clearance (Metropolitan Trial Court/Municipal Trial Court in Cities/ MCTC Clearance (Metropolitan Trial Court/Municipal Trial Court in Cities/ Republic 9139.

Republic ActAct No.No. 9139.

Municipal Trial Court/Municipal Circuit Trial Court, case may from Municipal Trial Court/Municipal Circuit Trial Court, as as thethe case may be)be) from the MeTC/MTCC/MTC/MCTC which has jurisdiction over the place where the MeTC/MTCC/MTC/MCTC which has jurisdiction over the place where I am opposed organized government affiliated with association I am notnot opposed to to organized government or or affiliated with anyany association petitioner is currently residing); and Office of the Prosecutor Clearance, from petitioner is currently residing); and Office of the Prosecutor Clearance, from group persons who uphold teach doctrines opposing organized or or group of of persons who uphold andand teach doctrines opposing all all organized Office of the Prosecutor of the place where petitioner is currently residing. thethe Office of the Prosecutor of the place where petitioner is currently residing. governments.

I am defending teaching necessity propriety governments.

I am notnot defending or or teaching thethe necessity or or propriety of of Note: All clearances must be current and must not be expired.

Note: All clearances must be current and must not be expired. violence, personal assault assassination success predominance violence, personal assault or or assassination forfor thethe success andand predominance of one's ideas.

I am a polygamist a believer in the practice of polygamy. of one's ideas.

I am notnot a polygamist nornor a believer in the practice of polygamy.

I I 16. Other documents submitted petitioner in support of his/her petition: documents submitted by by thethe petitioner in support of his/her petition: have been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude.

I am suffering 16. Other have notnot been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude.

I am notnot suffering Certification Proof of Payment of Tuition Fees issued Asian Certification andand Proof of Payment of Tuition Fees issued by by Asian from mental alienation from incurable contagious disease.

The country from mental alienation or or from anyany incurable contagious disease.

The country Institute of Management Institute of Management of which I am a citizen subject is not at war with Philippines grants of which I am a citizen or or subject is not at war with thethe Philippines andand grants to to Filipinos right naturalized citizens subjects thereof.

Filipinos thethe right to to bebe naturalized citizens or or subjects thereof.

PRAYER PRAYER is my true honest intention become a citizen Philippines 13.13.It isIt my true andand honest intention to to become a citizen of of thethe Philippines to renounce absolutely forever allegiance fidelity to any foreign andand to renounce absolutely andand forever all all allegiance andand fidelity to any foreign WHEREFORE, it respectfully is respectfully prayed petitioner conferred Philippine WHEREFORE, it is prayed thatthat petitioner bebe conferred Philippine prince, potentate, state sovereignty, and, particularly, Republic India prince, potentate, state or or sovereignty, and, particularly, to toRepublic of of India citizenship pursuant provisions Republic 9139. citizenship pursuant to to thethe provisions of of Republic ActAct No,No, 9139. which time I am a citizen subject.

I will reside continuously of of which at at thisthis time I am a citizen or or subject.

I will reside continuously in in thethe Philippines from date of the filing of this petition to the time of my admission Philippines from thethe date of the filing of this petition upup to the time of my admission Dated Parañaque City, Metro Manila, May,2026 2026 Dated at at Parañaque City, Metro Manila, thisthis dayday of of May, . .

Philippine citizenship. to to Philippine citizenship. character witnesses Lorenzo Borja Vishal Vishnu Hathiramani 14.14.

MyMy character witnesses areare Lorenzo dede Borja andand Vishal Vishnu Hathiramani both Filipino citizens, of legal age, residing at 77 Gen. Luna Brgy.

Ususan, both Filipino citizens, of legal age, andand residing at 77 Gen. Luna St.,St., Brgy.

Ususan, Taguig City Magallanes Ave., Magallanes Village respectively, who have Taguig City andand Magallanes Ave., Magallanes Village respectively, who have executed sworn statements attached hereto in support of my instant petition, together executed sworn statements attached hereto in support of my instant petition, together with: brief biographical data about themselves; detailed statements dates with: (a)(a) brief biographical data about themselves; (b)(b) detailed statements onon thethe dates they came to know circumstances of our initial acquaintance reasons they firstfirst came to know me,me, thethe circumstances of our initial acquaintance andand thethe reasons extent of our continuing familiarity; number of times they have acted andand extent of our continuing familiarity; andand (c)(c) thethe number of times they have acted as as character witnesses in other petitions naturalization. character witnesses in other petitions forfor naturalization.

PALAK LAKHANI PALAK LAKHANI Name Signature Petitioner Name andand Signature of of Petitioner Telephone Number: 09177264455 Telephone Number: 09177264455 Email Address: palak/lath@gmail.com Email Address: palak/lath@gmail.com

Attached hereto annexes made part petition 15.15.Attached hereto asas annexes andand made part of of thisthis petition areare thethe duplicate originals certified photocopies following documents duplicate originals or or certified photocopies of of thethe following documents REPUBLIC THE PHILIPPINES) REPUBLIC OFOF THE PHILIPPINES) (please check appropriate box): (please check thethe appropriate box): CITY/MUNICIPALITY CITY MANILA CITY S.S. CITY/MUNICIPALITY OFOF CITY MANILA CITY S.S. Authenticated copy of Birth Certificate of petitioner [issued PSA (Philippine  Authenticated copy of Birth Certificate of petitioner [issued by by PSA (Philippine Statistics Authority)] Statistics Authority)]

I, Palak Lakhani of legal a resident 2015 M-Layug San Miguel I, Palak Lakhani of legal ageage andand a resident of of 2015 M-Layug St.,St., San Miguel Village, Makati after being duly sworn, depose I am petitioner Village, Makati after being duly sworn, depose andand saysay thatthat I am thethe petitioner herein, that I have read the foregoing petition and know the foregoing petition herein, that I have read the foregoing petition and know the foregoing petition Certified true copy petitioner’s Alien Certificate Registration (ACR)  Certified true copy of of petitioner’s Alien Certificate of of Registration (ACR) known contents thereof, same is true of my own knowledge. andand known thethe contents thereof, andand thatthat thethe same is true of my own knowledge.

I-Card Certificate [issued (Bureau Immigration)]; or or I-Card Certificate [issued by by BI BI (Bureau of of Immigration)]; Certified true copy petitioner’s Native-Born Certificate Residence  Certified true copy of of petitioner’s Native-Born Certificate of of Residence (NBCR), if available (issued also (NBCR), if available (issued also by by BI);BI); Authenticated copy of petitioner’s Marriage Certificate, if petitioner is married  Authenticated copy of petitioner’s Marriage Certificate, if petitioner is married (issued PSA); (issued by by PSA); Authenticated copy Death Certificate his/her spouse if petitioner  Authenticated copy of of Death Certificate of of his/her spouse if petitioner is is widowed, his/her parent’s if petitioner a student candidate widowed, or or of of his/her parent’s if petitioner is ais student or or candidate forfor a a government licensure exam; government licensure exam; Certifiedtrue truecopy copyof ofCourt CourtDecree DecreeJudgment Judgmentannulling/nullifying annulling/nullifyingof of  Certified petitioner’s marriage granting legal separation, if such was fact; petitioner’s marriage or or granting legal separation, if such was thethe fact; Authenticated Birth Certificate/s of petitioner’s child/children (issued PSA);  Authenticated Birth Certificate/s of petitioner’s child/children (issued by by PSA); Certified copy of ACR 1-Card Certificate/s of petitioner’s child/children  Certified truetrue copy of ACR or or 1-Card Certificate/s of petitioner’s child/children (issued (issued by by BI);BI); Certified copy of NBCR/s petitioner’s child/children (issued also BT);  Certified truetrue copy of NBCR/s of of petitioner’s child/children (issued also by by BT);

PALAK LAKHANI PALAK LAKHANI Name Signature Petitioner Name andand Signature of of Petitioner

CAVITE SUBSTATION. Manila Electric Co. energizes the newly constructed Osorio substation in Conchu, Cavite.

The facility includes an 83-megavolt-ampere power transformer bank, three 115-kilovolt gas circuit breakers and new sub-transmission lines to improve grid reliability for customers in the province.

(Not So) Happy 250th Birthday, U.S.A. —“— ONE of the most remarkable parts of the history of the modern world has been the transformation and rise to power of the thirteen North American colonies of what was then the world’s leading nation. On July 4, 1776, the thirteen colonies issued, in the city of Philadelphia in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, a Declaration of Independence from Great Britain. They called themselves the United States of America. As a result of successful wars—against the Native Americans, the Mexicans and the French—purchases (Alaska from Russia and Louisiana from France) and treaty arrangements (with the rulers of the Hawaiian Islands)—the United States of America rose from 13 states in 1776 to 50 in 1867.

There is a widespread feeling that the U.S.A. has, for the time being, ceased to be the paragon of morality that it was until recently.

The last 250 years have seen the transformation of the U.S.A. from a group of 13 colonies seeking liberation from an autocratic monarch ruling from London to the world’s No. 1 economic and military power. The U.S.A. today accounts for approximately 20 percent of the global economy and, although China is trying hard to surpass its military capability, remains the world’s No. 1 military power. Because of its superpower status and the United Nations’ lack of law enforcement capability, the U.S.A. has since the end of World War II functioned essentially as the world’s policeman.

The U.S.A. is an excellent example of how a country can achieve rapid and sustained economic and political development on the basis of a solid agricultural foundation. In 1776, the Industrial Revolution was Career Opportunity in ADVANCED MEDIA BROADCASTING SYSTEM, INC. Career Opportunity in ADVANCED MEDIA BROADCASTING SYSTEM, INC. just beginning to hit its stride in Europe, and the Position: Marketing Specialist Position: Marketing Specialist nation formed by the 13 colonies still had a preVacant position: Vacant position: OneOne (1) (1) dominantly agricultural economy, exporting to Europe cotton and a few other agricultural goods Job Description: Job Description: A Marketing Specialist is responsible planning, executing, optimizing marketing strategies to promote a company’s •Ê •Ê A Marketing Specialist is responsible for for planning, executing, andand optimizing marketing strategies to promote a company’s produced largely on the basis of African slave products or services.

They work across digital traditional channels to increase brand awareness, generate leads, products or services.

They work across digital andand traditional channels to increase brand awareness, generate leads, andand labor. Having laid a solid agricultural economic drive sales. drive sales.

Qualifications: Qualifications: base, the U.S.A. proceeded to build a strong inBachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Communications, Economics, Audiovisual Arts, a related •Ê •Ê Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Communications, Economics, Audiovisual Arts, or aorrelated fieldfield dustrial infrastructure — a shift that encouraged, Experience managing marketing campaigns across digital and/or traditional channels •Ê •Ê Experience managing marketing campaigns across digital and/or traditional channels Familiarity social media platforms, content creation, brand promotion and in turn was assisted by, the construction of a •Ê •Ê Familiarity withwith social media platforms, content creation, andand brand promotion Strong analytical skills ability to interpret optimize campaigns using tools •Ê •Ê Strong analytical skills withwith thethe ability to interpret datadata andand optimize campaigns using tools national railway system. By the end of the 19th Knowledge of online advertising platform •Ê •Ê Knowledge of online advertising platform century the U.S.A. had become arguably the Excellent written verbal communication skills •Ê •Ê Excellent written andand verbal communication skills Creative thinking problem-solving abilities •Ê •Ê Creative thinking andand problem-solving abilities world’s No. 1 industrial country.

Strong organizational project management skills •Ê •Ê Strong organizational andand project management skills The U.S.A.’s rise to world supremacy did not Ability to work independently collaboratively a team environment •Ê •Ê Ability to work independently andand collaboratively in ainteam environment happen without difficulties and challenges. InApplications may be sent to: Applications may be sent to: deed, at one point it looked very much like the Jean Fortes Jean Fortes jean.fortes@pavi.com.ph jean.fortes@pavi.com.ph union founded in 1776 would not survive. That point was the start of the Civil War, upon the Company / Employer Name of foreign national intending to apply position Company / Employer Name of foreign national intending to apply forfor thethe position secession of one-half of the states that declared Company: Name: Elizaveta Kuznetsova Company: Name: Elizaveta Kuznetsova their independence from the British Crown.

Advanced Media Broadcasting System, Address: 30-03 Vista Shaw Residences Shaw Blvd. corner Laurel Advanced Media Broadcasting System, Inc.Inc. Address: UnitUnit 30-03 Vista Shaw Residences Shaw Blvd. corner S. S. Laurel St.,St., Mandaluyong Mandaluyong CityCity The cause of the secessions has been indicated Address: Nationality: Russian Address: Nationality: Russian above: the slave trade. The nation was evenly th Floor Starmall IT Hub, CV Starr Ave., Philamlife, Intended period of employment: Three years Starmall IT Hub, CV Starr Ave., Philamlife, Intended 4th 4Floor period of employment: Three (3) (3) years Pamplona Dos, Piñas Pamplona Dos, LasLas Piñas CityCity divided between the Northern states, which favored the abolition of the slave trade, and the Nature of Business: Nature of Business: Media broadcasting company Media andand broadcasting company Southern states, which relied heavily on slaves Advanced Media Broadcasting System, hereby declares above-named foreign national is able, willing, qualified Advanced Media Broadcasting System, Inc.Inc. hereby declares thatthat thethe above-named foreign national is able, willing, andand qualified to to for their cotton-growing plantations and acperform services description position. company intention to employ foreign national apply perform thethe services andand jobjob description for for thisthis position.

TheThe company hashas thethe intention to employ thethe saidsaid foreign national andand apply Alien Employment Permit Department of Labor AND Employment – National Capital Region located at 967 Maligaya for for an an Alien Employment Permit withwith thethe Department of Labor AND Employment – National Capital Region located at 967 Maligaya cordingly desired the maintenance of the slave Street, Malate, Manila.

Street, Malate, Manila. trade.

The secessionists formed a Confederacy, Career Opportunity MAYA PHILIPPINES, INC. Career Opportunity in in MAYA PHILIPPINES, INC. created their own government, and raised Position title: Director, Pillars – Intelligent Operations, Solutioning, Platforms Vacancy) Position title: Director, AIAI Pillars – Intelligent Operations, AIAI Solutioning, AIAI Platforms (1 (1 Vacancy) an army. The Civil War lasted for four years, Job Description: Job Description: Provide executive-level leadership across iOps and Solutioning pillars, ensuring strategic caused the loss of an estimated 600,000 lives • • Provide executive-level leadership across thethe iOps and AI AI Solutioning pillars, ensuring strategic coherence with Maya’s broader vision and business priorities coherence with Maya’s broader AI AI vision and business priorities and created much bitterness. That the Union iOps Pillar Lead interim basis owning end-to-end delivery across iOps • • ActAct asas iOps Pillar Lead onon anan interim basis —— owning end-to-end delivery across thethe fullfull iOps portfolio, from conversational intelligence platform (chatbot, voicebot, shared brain) portfolio, from thethe conversational intelligence platform (chatbot, voicebot, shared AI AI brain) to to prevailed and the nation remained intact is back-office enterprise agents and enterprise-wide agentic operating model back-office enterprise agents and thethe enterprise-wide agentic AI AI operating model Set strategic direction Solutioning pillar, including use case prioritization, (agentic) • • Set strategic direction forfor thethe AI AI Solutioning pillar, including use case prioritization, (agentic) AI AI generally attributed to the steady leadership of architecture decisions, and tooling strategy (including AWS AgentCore, Harness, and Maya’s architecture decisions, and tooling strategy (including AWS AgentCore, Harness, and Maya’s existing stack) existing stack) President Abraham Lincoln and the superiority Prepare and integrate Platforms pillar a third direct report, aligning platform roadmap • • Prepare forfor and integrate thethe AI AI Platforms pillar asas a third direct report, aligning platform roadmap decisions other DSAI pillars decisions to to other DSAI pillars of the Union army.

• Define and drive the long-term vision for each pillar — from immediate delivery commitments • Define and drive the long-term vision for each pillar — from immediate delivery commitments through multi-year capability evolution through to to multi-year capability evolution The slave trade may have been abolished Implement and sustain a repeatable delivery operating model structured cadences, roadmap • • Implement and sustain a repeatable delivery operating model —— structured cadences, roadmap accountability, and escalation handling across pillars accountability, and escalation handling —— across pillars

by President Lincoln’s Emancipation Act, but Ensure delivery production-grade, incrementally valuable outputs with observable business • • Ensure delivery of of production-grade, incrementally valuable outputs with observable business outcomes outcomes racism continues to heavily influence AmeriBalancecompeting competingpriorities prioritiesacross acrossdelivery, delivery,platform platformwork, work,governance governancerequirements, requirements,and and • • Balance resource constraints resource constraints can society. The passage by the US Congress • Directly manage two (and later three) pillar leads: AI Solutioning and iOps Pillar leads and • Directly manage two (and later three) pillar leads: AI Solutioning and iOps Pillar leads and manage (interim) iOps pillar manage (interim) iOps pillar of the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Build and sustain a high-performing, AI-enabled team culture with clear career progression and • • Build and sustain a high-performing, AI-enabled team culture with clear career progression and capability development Act were big steps toward fulfillment of the capability development Serve a technical mentor and capability accelerator going beyond managerial oversight • • Serve asas a technical mentor and capability accelerator —— going beyond managerial oversight US Constitution’s “All men are created equal” actively participate architecture reviews, design sessions, and critical technical decisions, to to actively participate in in architecture reviews, design sessions, and critical technical decisions, sharing hard-won expertise ways that meaningfully raise team’s depth and velocity sharing hard-won expertise in in ways that meaningfully raise thethe team’s depth and velocity dictum, but full racial equality and harmony Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized remain elusive in the U.S.A. today.

Training): Training): Bachelor’s degree Computer Science, Marketing, Brand, Growth, Business Administration, • • Bachelor’s degree in in Computer Science, Marketing, Brand, Growth, Business Administration, There is universal recognition of the related fields or or related fields 15+ years experience data science, technology leadership, with least 8 years • • 15+ years of of experience in in data science, AI,AI, or or technology leadership, with at at least 8 years in in U.S.A.’s superpower status and its economic senior management roles overseeing multiple teams or workstreams senior management roles overseeing multiple teams or workstreams Provenexperience experienceleading leadingAI AIor orML-driven ML-drivenproduct productdelivery deliveryin ina aregulated, regulated,fast-paced fast-paced • • Proven and military superiority, but, as the U.S.A. preenvironment ideally financial services fintech environment —— ideally financial services or or fintech Demonstrated track record executive stakeholder management: building relationships, leading • • Demonstrated track record of of executive stakeholder management: building relationships, leading pares to celebrate its 250th birthday, there is high-stakes presentations, and driving organizational buy-in technology strategy high-stakes presentations, and driving organizational buy-in forfor technology strategy Hands-on familiarity with agentic systems, LLM orchestration, and modern deployment • • Hands-on familiarity with agentic AI AI systems, LLM orchestration, and modern AI AI deployment also a widespread feeling that the U.S.A. has, architectures (AWS preferred; experience with AgentCore, Harness, equivalent enterprise architectures (AWS preferred; experience with AgentCore, Harness, or or equivalent enterprise AI AI platforms a strong advantage) platforms a strong advantage) for the time being, ceased to be the paragon of • Experience leading multi-disciplinary technical teams including Data Scientists, ML Engineers, • Experience leading multi-disciplinary technical teams including Data Scientists, ML Engineers, and QA/QE functions and QA/QE functions morality that it was until recently. America’s Strong communicator with ability translate complex concepts executive and non• • Strong communicator with thethe ability to to translate complex AI AI concepts forfor executive and nontechnical audiences recent actions, such as stepping back from its technical audiences status as the world’s No. 1 aid-giver, its withPlace Assignment: Floor, Launchpad, Reliance corner Sheridan Streets, Highway Hills, Place of of Assignment: 6 67 7 , 8, 8 , 9, 9Floor, Launchpad, Reliance corner Sheridan Streets, Highway Hills, Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila drawal from the international agreement to Applications may sent Applications may bebe sent to:to: Recruitment Department Recruitment Department combat the effects of climate change, its walkcareers@maya.ph careers@maya.ph ing away from its longstanding alliances with Company/ Employer Name foreign national intending apply Company/ Employer Name of of foreign national intending to to apply forfor position democratic societies, and its unwillingness to thethe position support countries struggling to maintain their Company Name: MAYA PHILIPPINES, INC. Name:JANOS JANOS TOSCHKO SCHWELLACH Company Name: MAYA PHILIPPINES, INC. Name: TOSCHKO SCHWELLACH freedom — these things are inconsistent with Complete address: 6 7 , 8 , 9 Floor, Address: Unit 6 Blk 1 Lot 18 Thunderbird St. Complete address: 6 7 , 8 , 9 Floor, Address: Unit 6 Blk 1 Lot 18 Thunderbird St. Launchpad, Reliance Reliance corner corner Sheridan Sheridan Thunderbird Subdivision, Camarin Caloocan Launchpad, Thunderbird Subdivision, Camarin Caloocan the aspirations and intentions of the men who, Streets,Highway HighwayHills, Hills,Mandaluyong MandaluyongCity, City, Nationality:GERMAN GERMAN Streets, Nationality: Metro Manila Intended period employment: Three years Metro Manila Intended period of of employment: Three (3)(3) years on that July 1776 day in Philadelphia, declared Nature business: Financial Technology Nature of of business: Financial Technology themselves to be independent from an autoMAYA PHILIPPINES, INC. hereby declares that above-named foreign national able, willing, and MAYA PHILIPPINES, INC. hereby declares that thethe above-named foreign national is is able, willing, and cratic king ruling them from London. qualified perform services and description this position.

The company has intention qualified to to perform thethe services and jobjob description forfor this position.

The company has thethe intention employ said foreign national and apply Alien Employment Permit with Department to to employ thethe said foreign national and apply forfor anan Alien Employment Permit with thethe Department These and other bad things will pass. They Labor and Employment – Bureau Local Employment (BLE) located Intramuros, Manila. of of Labor and Employment – Bureau of of Local Employment (BLE) located at at Intramuros, Manila.

If there any objections inquiries, please contact concerned DOLE Regional Office. have to pass.

If there areare any objections or or inquiries, please contact thethe concerned DOLE Regional Office.

Email: aep_applications@ble.dole.gov.ph Email: aep_applications@ble.dole.gov.ph In the meantime, Happy 250th birthday, Contact Number: 8528-0087 | 8528 -0108 Contact Number: 8528-0087 | 8528 -0108 U.S.A. (llagasjessa@yahoo.com) th, th,th th th th th th

th, th,th th th th th th

CYANMAGENTA MAGENTAYELLOW YELLOWBLACK BLACK CYAN

BUSINESS DA seeking investments to curb P140b in annual losses

By Othel V. Campos THE Department of Agriculture is pushing for greater investments in post-harvest facilities, cold chain systems and storage infrastructure to address an estimated P140 billion in annual agricultural losses and strengthen food security.

Speaking Monday at the 51st Gawad Saka Awarding Ceremonies at the Philippine International Convention Center, Roger Navarro, the agriculture undersecretary for operations, agri-fisheries mechanization and rural credit, said food security challenges extend beyond simply increasing farm production.

“Production is not the game in today’s agriculture,” Navarro said.

“It should be more on our food systems, efficiency in food security, efficiency in our cold chain, efficiency in our post-harvest, efficiency in our storage.”

He noted that agricultural wastage across commodities ranges from 30 percent to 40 percent, largely because of inadequate storage and post-harvest facilities.

“While we produce, but we do not have the proper storage, the proper post-harvest, we just lose them,” Navarro said, noting that the P140 billion in annual losses could otherwise have been transformed into income for farmers and fisherfolk while stimulating rural economies.

Instead, the losses contribute to food deficits that eventually require imports.

“As the deficit becomes the volume that we are going to import, we are subsidizing other countries’ farmers,” he said.

Navarro said addressing inefficiencies in the food system is crucial as the country grapples with food security challenges and uncertainties in the international environment.

He also paid tribute to the 37 national winners of this year’s Gawad Saka Awards, citing their dedication and contributions to advancing Philippine agriculture.

B3 TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2026

extrastory2000@gmail.com

DOE: 40 power projects completed

By Alena Mae S. Flores

T

HE Department of Energy announced significant progress under its Task Force 200 initiative Monday, noting that 40 energy projects with a combined capacity of 1,500 megawatts were completed this year.

Agency officials said additional generating capacity is moving steadily toward commercial operation, reinforcing the government’s commitment to ensuring a reliable, adequate and secure power supply.

Task Force 200 is a departmentled initiative created to accelerate the completion of 200 power projects that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed the agency to fast-track over three years during his fourth

State of the Nation Address. The task force aims to address implementation bottlenecks, coordinate regulatory requirements and work with government bodies and private developers to deliver additional power supply across the country.

The 1,500 MW of new capacity includes nine battery energy storage system projects with a combined capacity of 169.7 MW, providing greater operational flexibility and strength-

ening grid reliability as the country integrates more renewable energy into the power system.

Meanwhile, 14 additional projects with a combined capacity of 371.8 MW are in the advanced stages of testing and commissioning. They are expected to enter commercial operation upon completing remaining technical and regulatory requirements.

Energy Undersecretary Mario Marasigan emphasized that the task force continues to closely monitor each project to ensure implementation schedules remain on track while proactively addressing issues that may affect timeline completions.

Among the major developments under active monitoring are the Bugallon and Terra Solar power facilities, which have expected capacities of 530 MW and up to 750

OFW AIRPORT FACILITIES. Officials from the Department of Migrant Workers, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration and Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corp. sign a memorandum of understanding at Mactan-Cebu International Airport. The agreement officially launches dedicated facilities and accessible assistance programs for overseas Filipino workers at the airport terminal.

Japan, PH fund P184.2-m project to modernize NFA grain quality testing THE National Food Authority’s grainquality testing system is set for a major upgrade under a P184.2-million project largely funded by the government of Japan, aimed at reducing postharvest losses and improving the quality of rice and corn reaching consumers.

The three-year initiative, scheduled for implementation from 2026 to 2028 pending executive committee approval, will strengthen the NFA’s institutional capacity in grains postharvest processing through an enhanced Product Quality Evaluation System.

Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., the agri-

culture secretary, said the project is a critical investment in the country’s food security framework, noting that preserving grain quality is as important as increasing production.

“Food security is not measured only by how much rice or corn we produce, but also by how well we preserve its quality from harvest to market,” Tiu Laurel said.

He added that the government is providing the agency with better tools to protect grain quality, support sound policymaking and enhance the competitiveness of the country’s agricul-

ture sector.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency will provide a P124.4million grant, while the Philippine government will contribute P59.8 million in counterpart funding.

“This project goes beyond modern equipment,” Tiu Laurel said. “It strengthens our technical capability, promotes knowledge transfer and helps build a more resilient and efficient grain management system that will benefit Filipino farmers and consumers.” Manila Standard The program will TODAY upgrade labora-

Gov’t fast-tracks $3-b offshore wind project

BUSINESS RESILIENCE. Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong delivers a

message of support during the Business Continuity Management Training for medium enterprises in Baguio City. Held June 23-25, the workshop was conducted by the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation through its Building Resilience through Inclusive Development and Gender Equality Project, in partnership with the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, to support local retail, food and beverage, and tourism sectors.

Bukidnon solar project gets DOE clearance A BROWN Co. Inc. said Monday its subsidiary Manolo Fortich Power Corp. has received a certificate of authority from the Department of Energy for its solar power project in Bukidnon province.

Manolo Fortich Power Corp. is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of A Brown through ABC Energy Inc. The certificate, effective June 25, 2026, grants the company exclusive authority to secure necessary permits and clearances for the exploration and assessment of the Manolo Fortich Solar Power Project. It allows the developer to deal with government agencies, local government units and entities holding jurisdiction over the solar energy development, covering reconnaissance and feasibility studies within the project area.

The project spans 202.38 hectares in the municipality of Manolo Fortich. The clearance is valid for one year, during which the subsidiary will conduct pre-development activi-

MW, respectively.

The facilities are undergoing commissioning, with testing progressing in coordination with the system operator. The energy department is working with project proponents and stakeholders to expand the plant’s testing capacity in the coming weeks as part of its phased commissioning toward full commercial operation.

“The steady progress of Task Force 200 demonstrates what can be achieved through strong coordination between government and the private sector,” Marasigan said. “Every project that reaches commercial operation strengthens our energy security, improves the reliability of our power system and helps ensure that sufficient electricity is available to support economic growth and meet the needs of consumers.”

ties required to transition the project into a formal solar energy operating contract with the DOE. The project fits into the broader renewable energy strategy of A Brown’s parent entity, ABCI, through ABC Energy Inc. The solar project remains in its early development phase, with site validation and permitting activities underway. The company said its projects are progressing in line with the energy department’s approved work programs and are targeting financial close this year.

A Brown has been expanding its renewable energy portfolio, recently acquiring a 40 percent stake in Alternergy Tanay Wind Corp. and Alabat Wind Power Corp.

Alternergy Tanay Wind Corp. is developing the 128-megawatt Tanay wind power project in Rizal province, while Alabat Wind Power Corp. is building the 64-megawatt Alabat wind power project in Quezon province. Alena Mae S. Flores

FINANCE Secretary Frederick D. Go is accelerating the development of the estimated $3 billion San Miguel Bay Offshore Wind Power Project in Camarines Sur, a 901-megawatt renewable energy venture poised to become the first offshore wind farm in Southeast Asia.

Go, who also serves as the administration’s investment czar, recently met with executives of Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners to discuss key project milestones, financing arrangements and preparations for the upcoming Green Energy Auction. The discussions bring one of the country’s largest renewable energy investments closer to implementation.

Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners presented its financing strategy during the meeting, including plans to engage government financial institutions to support development.

“Offshore wind development is critical to strengthening our long-term energy security and advancing our sustainability goals,” Go said. “Today, global companies are actively seeking renewable energy to power their operations and meet sustainability commitments to their own customers—and the Philippines needs to be ready to meet that demand. The San Miguel Bay Offshore Wind Power Project will help provide cleaner and more reliable energy, create quality jobs, spur local economic growth and support a more resilient and sustainable future.”

The project is expected to significantly expand the country’s renewable energy capacity, generating direct and indirect jobs during construction and operations. It is also projected to stimulate economic activity in Camarines Sur and neighboring provinces while providing a reliable source of clean energy to help meet growing power demand.

Go said the offshore wind project will contribute to achieving the renewable energy targets under the Philippine Energy Plan 2023-2050.

Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, a leading fund manager specializing in greenfield renewable energy investments, manages 15 funds backed by more than 200 institutional investors and has raised about $43 billion to date. The firm also has a global pipeline of offshore and onshore wind projects valued at around $5.5 billion. Othel V. Campos

tory facilities at the NFA central office and regional laboratories in Regions 2, 6 and 11, equip them with new testing instruments, and modernize grain quality assessment protocols. New testing standards and operating manuals covering 22 laboratory equipment units will also be developed.

The project also prioritizes workforce development. Technical personnel will undergo local and overseas training, including specialized courses in Japan on rice quality assessment and in Thailand on corn testing technologies. Othel V. Campos

NOTICE OF ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS’ NOTICE OFMEETING ANNUAL STOCKHOL

To AllAll Stockholders: To Stockholders:

Please be advised that the Annual Meeting of the Stockholders of BRIGHT KINDLE be advised that will thebe held Annual of t RESOURCESPlease & INVESTMENTS, INC. (the “Corporation”) virtually on 22Meeting July 2026 (Wednesday) at 2:00 p.m.

There will be no physical venue for the Meeting.

The Meeting will be held via RESOURCES & INVESTMENTS, INC. (the “Corporatio remote communication at https://bkr.com.ph/asm-bkr2026 with the Chairman of the meeting presiding from (Wednesday) at 2:00 p.m. There will be no physical venue fo Makati City.

remote communication at https://bkr.com.ph/asm-bkr2026 with The Agenda Makati City.of the Meeting is as follows: 1.Ê 2.Ê 3.Ê 4.Ê

Call to Order

The of the Meeting is as follows: Proof of Agenda Notice and Certification of Quorum Approval of Minutes of Previous Stockholders’ Meeting

Approval ofCall the Management Report and Audited Financial Statements for the Year Ended 1.Ê to Order 31 December 2025 2.Ê Proof of Notice and Certification of Quorum 5.Ê Ratification of All Acts of the Board of Directors and Management Approval of Minutes of Previous Stockholders’ 6.Ê 3.Ê Election of Directors 7.Ê 4.Ê AppointmentApproval of the Independentof External theAuditor Management Report and Audite 8.Ê Other Matters 31 December 2025 9.Ê Adjournment 5.Ê Ratification of All Acts of the Board of Director 6.Ê of theElection of Directors For purposes Meeting, stockholders of record as of 25 June 2026 are entitled to receive notice and to 7.Ê vote at the said Meeting.

Stockholders intending participate by remote communication Appointment of thetoIndependent External Audito should pre-register at service@brightkindle.com on or before 10 July 2026. Please refer to the 8.Ê Other Matters Requirements and Procedure for Participation and Voting at the 2025 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting 9.ÊDefinitiveAdjournment (attached to the Information Statement) for detailed information on participation by remote communication and voting in absentia (electronic voting) or by proxy. The deadline to submit proxy forms is on 10 July 2026. of proxies isof on 17the July 2026.

ForValidation purposes Meeting, stockholders of record

notice and to vote at the said Meeting. Stockholders intendin A copy of the Notice of the meeting, Proxy Form, Definitive Information Statement, Management should on or be Report, minutespre-register of the previous meetingat of theservice@brightkindle.com stockholders, and other documents relating to the meeting may be accessed through theand Company’s website: https://brightkindle.com/.

Requirements Procedure for Participation and Voting a (attached to the Definitive Information Statement) for detail By registering to participate in the virtual meeting, a stockholder, or proxy or representative of the communication and voting in absentia (electronic or by stockholder, authorizes the Corporation and its service providers to process all their sensitive voting) personal isinformation on 10necessary Julyto2026. proxies 17 with July verify their Validation identity and authority.of A stockholder who is failson to comply the 2026. registration requirement will not be able to participate in the virtual Annual Stockholders’ Meeting.

A copy of the Notice of the meeting, Proxy Form, Defi

For any question about the conduct of the virtual meeting, you may refer to the Frequently Asked Report, minutes of the previous meeting of the stockholders, a Questions at https://bkr.com.ph/asm-bkr2026 or email service@brightkindle.com.

may be accessed through the Company’s website: https://brigh Makati City, 8 June 2026.

By registering to participate in the virtual meeting, a sto stockholder, authorizes the Corporation and its service provi ANA MARIA A. KATIGBAK Corporate Secretary and authority. A information necessary to verify their identity registration requirement will3 not be able to participate in the vi Information Statement 2025 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting SEC Form 20 - IS

For any question about the conduct of the virtual meeti

BUSINESS

B4

TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2026

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

ALI to develop mixed-use district at El Nido estate

By Jenniffer B. Austria

A

PROJECT DELIBERATION. Members of the Investment Coordination Committee-Cabinet Committee (ICC-CC) convene on June 25, 2026 to deliberate on projects submitted by various government implementing agencies. Cochaired by Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Frederick Go (left) and Department of Economy, Planning and Development Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, the meeting reviewed proposed initiatives and modifications of projects aimed at supporting the country’s economic growth, infrastructure development, human capital enhancement, environmental sustainability and disaster resilience objectives.

World Bank grants $1-b loan for energy, water reforms

By Thony Rose Lesaca THE World Bank Group approved a $1.02-billion financing package for the Philippines to expand access to affordable electricity and strengthen water security.

The Second Energy Transition and Climate Resilience Development Policy Loan consists of a $1-billion loan from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and a $20-million performance-based grant from the Livable Planet Fund.

The World Bank described it as among the largest IBRD operations it has approved in support of the coun-

try’s development agenda.

“The Philippines has everything it needs to power itself at lower cost—wind along its coasts, sunlight year-round, and geothermal energy beneath its soil. This operation helps turn those natural advantages into reliable, affordable electricity for Filipino families and businesses,” said World Bank Philippines division director Zafer Mustafaoglu.

The package supports measures to scale up domestic energy capacity and mobilize private investment. These include renewable energy market integration, the incorporation of electric ve-

IN BRIEF Converge, SKY deny ending partnership

CONVERGE ICT Solutions Inc. said Monday its commercial arrangement with SKY Cable Corp. remains “in full force and effect,” amid reports that the two companies may be ending their partnership.

Converge said its agreement with SKY Cable continues without interruption and reaffirmed its commitment to delivering broadband and digital connectivity services to Filipino households.

SKY Cable also sought to reassure subscribers. “SKY assures its subscribers that they will continue to be supported and there will be no changes in the services that are provided to them,” the company said.

SKY Cable and Converge signed a network-sharing agreement on July 22, 2024, to improve internet speeds and service reliability for subscribers. Under the deal, SKY Cable uses Converge’s fiberto-the-home (FTTH) network — which the company describes as the largest in the Philippines, with a fiber footprint spanning over 896,000 kilometers.

SKY Cable discontinued its direct-tohome (DTH) satellite television service in August 2020 after its legislative franchise expired and was not renewed. The company has since focused on expanding its broadband subscriber base. SKY Cable posted P571 million in revenue for the first quarter ending March 2026.

Darwin G. Amojelar

DOE welcomes lower contestability threshold

THE Department of Energy on Monday welcomed the implementation of the expanded Retail Competition and Open Access and Retail Aggregation Program to bring the benefits of power sector reforms to ordinary consumers.

Effective June 26, the Energy Regulatory Commission lowered the contestability threshold to 100 kilowatts from 500 kilowatts. The reform allows qualified electricity consumers with an average monthly demand of at least 100 kilowatts to directly choose their Retail Electricity Supplier.

Smaller consumers, including households, may also participate in the competitive retail market by combining their electricity demand through the Retail

The property developer said it will invest in infrastructure and community enhancements designed to improve connectivity, mobility and the overall visitor experience, while supporting residents, hospitality operators, entrepreneurs and creative enterprises within the estate.

The centerpiece of the plan is Sitio Aplaya, a 16.3-hectare district that will offer residential, retail, hospitality and lifestyle options.

Strategically located near Lio Beach and the estate’s commercial and cultural core, it is positioned as a hub for long-term participation in El Nido’s growth, with opportunities for living, enterprise and investment within a nature-integrated setting.

“The next phase of Lio is about strengthening how the estate functions as a connected, lived-in destination,” said Cris Zuluaga, group head of Ayala Land Leisure Estates.

“These investments reinforce the relationship between nature, community and enterprise within a single integrated framework,” said Zuluaga.

Beyond Sitio Aplaya, the broader development plan includes a transport terminal and events pavilion, a visitor’s center, a 3.7-kilometer waterfront boardwalk and expanded pedestrian pathways linking Lio Airport to the estate’s commercial and beachfront areas.

The Lio Jetty will also be redeveloped into a leisure and community destination overlooking El Nido Bay. More than half of the Lio Estate has been set aside for open spaces and ecological systems — including mangroves, wetlands, forests and biodiversity corridors — as part of the company’s sustainability strategy.

The estate has drawn a growing mix of tourists, residents, hospitality operators, entrepreneurs and creative businesses.

“Lio attracts people who want to engage more deeply with the places they are part of — whether through business, creativity or community life,” said Paloma Urquijo Zobel de Ayala, creative director of ALI.

Aggregation Program.

The policy expands access to the competitive electricity market beyond large industrial users to include a broader range of commercial establishments, institutions, and residential communities.

“Electricity consumers deserve more than reliable power --- they deserve the opportunity to choose the service that best meets their needs. Expanding access to the competitive retail electricity market gives consumers greater voice, encourages suppliers to deliver better value, and strengthens competition for the benefit of the Filipino people,” Department of Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said.

Alena Mae S. Flores

DPWH asked to dismantle flyover for LRT-1 extension

THE Department of Public Works and Highways was asked to dismantle the C-5 Quirino Flyover, saying the structure is blocking construction of the LRT-1 Cavite Extension Project.

Las Piñas Rep. Mark Anthony Santos said dismantling the P300.39-million flyover is the most practical solution to move forward with Phase 2 of the railway project, which covers a 3.2-kilometer stretch serving the Las Piñas and Zapote stations. The third and final phase will extend another 2.4 kilometers to Niog in Bacoor, Cavite.

Unresolved right-of-way issues continue to stall Phase 2, Santos said, putting at risk the government’s target of completing the railway before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s term ends in June 2028.

Santos cited the 2019 removal of the Tandang Sora Flyover in Quezon City, which the Department of Transportation demolished to make way for the MRT7 Tandang Sora Station, and said the government should adopt the same approach in Las Piñas.

“The government dismantled the Tandang Sora Flyover to make way for the MRT-7. It should do the same with the C-5 Quirino Flyover if that is what it takes to complete the LRT-1 Cavite Extension Project,” said Santos.

Santos said he has informed DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon that the C-5 Quirino Flyover is the primary reason behind changes to the project’s approved 2022 alignment.

Gov’t urged to invest in digital infrastructure CONSUMER advocacy group CitizenWatch Philippines urged the government and development finance institutions to take a more active role in financing the country’s digital infrastructure, warning that relying primarily on telecommunications companies to fund digital transformation leaves the Philippines at risk of falling behind global standards.

CitizenWatch co-convenor Kit Belmonte said nationwide fiberization has become a strategic requirement for industrial development as economies worldwide accelerate investments in digital infrastructure to support artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing and cloud computing.

“The challenge is no longer simply expanding internet access. The real challenge is financing the digital backbone that will determine whether

hicle charging into utility planning, and the launch of the country’s first offshore wind auction, which targets 3.3 gigawatts of contracted capacity by 2030.

The package also supports cost-recovery tariff frameworks, a unified financing structure that prioritizes poor and climate-vulnerable communities, and bulk pricing regulations for the water sector.

“The DPL builds on the progress made under the first operation, reflecting the World Bank Group’s longterm commitment to support the Philippines to deliver affordable, reliable, and sustainable electricity, and build a more prosperous, resilient, and jobrich economy,” the World Bank said.

YALA Land Inc. said Monday it is developing a new mixed-use district at its 320-hectare Lio Estate in El Nido, Palawan, targeting growing demand for long-stay tourism, second homes and lifestyle-oriented developments.

the Philippines can compete in the global digital economy,” said Belmonte.

According to CitizenWatch’s review of publicly disclosed financial statements from 2011 to 2025, major telecommunications and broadband providers collectively invested more than P1.8 trillion in capital expenditures to expand and modernize digital infrastructure nationwide.

“These investments demonstrate the private sector’s commitment to building the country’s digital backbone. But achieving nationwide fiberization and bringing the Philippines closer to global digital infrastructure standards will require a broader financing partnership involving government, development finance institutions and private capital,” said Belmonte.

PUBLIC FINANCE. Department of Budget and Management (DBM) acting Secretary and Public Financial Management (PFM) Principals chairperson Kim Robert De Leon says the true measure of effective public financial management is not how government manages money, but how it improves the lives of Filipinos, as he opens the Philippine PFM Forum on June 25, 2026, at the Asian Development Bank (ADB) neadquarters. Carrying the theme ‘Utilizing Diagnostics to High-Impact Transformation,’ the forum marked the official launch of the Philippine Public Financial Management Reforms Roadmap 2024–2028 Midterm Update, accelerating the implementation of key fiscal reforms under Executive Order No. 29, s. 2023 signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

PAL to resume Manila-Dubai flights in October PHILIPPINE Airlines (PAL) said Monday it will resume nonstop service between Manila and Dubai on Oct. 2, 2026, restoring a key air link to one of the Middle East’s busiest travel hubs.

The flag carrier said it will initially operate four weekly flights on the route, with plans to gradually increase to daily service as operational conditions allow.

The Manila-Dubai route will strengthen connectivity for overseas Filipino workers, business travelers, tourists, and cargo customers. Dubai also serves as a gateway to destinations across the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.

The resumption comes as travel between the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates has become more accessible.

Eligible Filipino passport holders may now obtain a visa on arrival in the UAE if they hold a valid visa, residence permit, or Green Card issued by the United States, the EU/ Schengen Area, Australia, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Canada or New Zealand.

To mark the relaunch, PAL is offering an introductory all-in roundtrip fare starting at $650 for a limited time, subject to terms and conditions.

PAL posted a net income of $78.77 million in the first quarter of 2026, up 2.6 percent from the same period last year, on total revenue of $895.70 million, a 9.7 percent increase year-onyear. Darwin G. Amojelar

Globe gets nod for satellite-to-mobile service

By Darwin G. Amojelar GLOBE Telecom Inc. said Monday it won an approval from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to commercially operate Starlink’s satellite-to-mobile services nationwide, allowing voice, video and messaging over apps and SMS. The NTC, led by Commissioner Ella Blanca Lopez, granted the permit in line with the Philippine government’s agenda to “advance inclusive digital transformation and support the NTC’s mandate to bridge the digital divide for communities across the country.”

Globe president and chief executive

Carl Cruz said the approval allows the company to extend its reach beyond traditional towers, ensuring Filipinos in remote or disaster-stricken areas remain connected.

“This milestone reinforces our commitment to uplift lives, support businesses and keep the nation connected,” Cruz said.

“This new satellite-to-mobile technology enhances digital inclusion and accessibility,” he said.

As the Philippines’ first commercially approved satellite-to-mobile service, Globe is leveraging Starlink’s low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation, which operates essentially as a cell tower in space.

TAMIYA CHALLENGE.

Department of Tourism Secretary Dita AngaraMathay welcomes delegates from across Asia during the opening of the Tamiya Mini 4WD Asia Challenge (TMAC) 2026 at Ayala Malls Manila Bay on June 28, 2026. The three-day regional championship brings together around 150 of Asia’s top Mini 4WD racers, team officials, exhibitors, hobby enthusiasts and supporters from Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Cambodia, South Korea and the Philippines.

Norman Cruz

ENVIRONMENT

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TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2026

extrastory2000@gmail.com RAY S. EÑANO, Editor

& S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y Marine turtles come back to Agusan coast

BUTUAN CITY— For the second time in just over two weeks, a marine turtle emerged from the waters of Carmen, Agusan del Norte, and nested along the protected shoreline of the town’s critical habitat.

The nesting offers a rare and encouraging sign that years of conservation efforts are helping restore one of nature’s most important sanctuaries.

The first nesting was recorded on May 25 along the coast of Barangay Tagcatong, followed by another on June 10.

Oromia region of Ethiopia, Bule-Gola village following the five failed consecutive rain seasons.

The back-to-back nesting events, occurring within only 16 days, have energized conservation workers and local communities who view the turtles’ return as evidence of a thriving coastal ecosystem and the success of sustained environmental protection measures.

The development also supports the national government’s environmental agenda under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., which prioritizes biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and the protection and rehabilitation of critical ecosystems as part of broader sustainable development efforts.

For decades, marine turtles have faced increasing threats from habitat destruction, pollution, climate change and illegal wildlife trade. Across the globe, many nesting sites have disappeared or become unsafe, making every successful nesting event a significant milestone for conservationists.

NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte

Strong El Niño threatens harvest

M

ILLIONS of people already facing hunger, displacement and economic hardship could soon face another major climate shock, as UN agencies warned last week that extreme weather risks are intensifying across some of the world’s most vulnerable regions.

The warning comes as climate pressures continue to mount worldwide, particularly in regions already experiencing fragile food systems and recurring humanitarian crises.

For example, new data from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) last week show that climate impacts intensified across Africa in 2025.

According to the agency’s latest State of the Climate in Africa 2025 report, extreme weather and climaterelated events affected at least 13

million people and caused more than 3,000 reported deaths across the continent last year.

Flooding remained the most frequently reported hazard, accounting for more than half of recorded weather events.

Severe floods in Nigeria in May killed more than 200 people, while flooding in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in April caused over 160 deaths. Drought, meanwhile, continued to deepen hardship across parts of East Africa.

Africa is warming faster than the global average, glacier retreat is accelerating and sea level rise along sections of the continent’s coastline has exceeded global averages since 1999.

Ice coverage on Mount Kilimanjaro has declined from 11.4 square kilometres in 1900 to less than one square kilometre in recent years.

Climate scientists warn that these shifts are increasing the frequency and severity of weather shocks, narrowing the window for preparedness and adaptation.

El Niño triggers disruption Against this backdrop, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Food Program (WFP) warned that a potentially strong El Niño weather pattern expected to intensify through late 2026 and into next year could trigger another wave of climate-related disruption.

Changing rainfall patterns associated with El Niño are expected to bring drought to some regions and severe flooding to others, threatening harvests, livestock, water supplies and food production across Africa, Asia, the Pacific and Latin America and the Caribbean.

The agencies cautioned that without early action, millions more people could face worsening food insecurity and livelihood losses.

UN agencies push for action In response, FAO and WFP launched their first-ever Joint Anticipatory Action Appeal, seeking $202 million to help nearly 8.8 million people prepare for expected El Niño impacts.

The appeal is centered on acting ahead of time, delivering support before disasters strike rather than scaling up after crises unfold. FAO News

Zambales farmers, fishermen learn to rebuild reef, economy ON A low, wind scoured island in Zambales, a small group of fishers and farmers has quietly rewritten the script of coastal conservation, trading illegal and destructive fishing methods for mangrove nurseries, fruit jam workshops and community run ecotourism that are helping to revive coral, seagrass and shoreline forests.

The San Salvador Biodiversity Friendly Association, formally organized in 2022 with 22 members, has become the most visible sign of a decades long effort by the Philippine government and international partners to protect the Masinloc and Oyon Bay Protected Landscape and Seascape, the only marine protected area in Central Luzon.

Once known for dynamite blasts and cyanide fishing that shattered

reefs and livelihoods, the island community now markets itself as a model of local stewardship and sustainable enterprise.

“The San Salvador Biodiversity Friendly Association has transformed from a community previously linked to the exploitation of its resources to become a model of environmental stewardship and community leadership,” says Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Juan Miguel T. Cuna, “Through conservation and sustainable livelihoods, our community now protects the environment while creating opportunities for future generations,” added Edna Sarmiento, the association’s chairwoman.

The turnaround did not happen overnight. Conservationists and

government agencies began sustained outreach in the 1990s, and the DENR intensified support through a series of programs—from an Integrated Coastal Resource Management Project in 2007 to a coral reef management initiative in 2015 and, more recently, biodiversity friendly enterprise schemes under a coastal and marine ecosystems program.

International aid, including technical and enforcement support from a USAID backed project, helped bring science, funding and training to the island.

The combination of education, enforcement and alternative incomes was decisive. Several former fishers now serve as Bantay Dagat volunteers, a community maritime patrol that enforces fishing regulations.

One of the world’s oldest oil producers is betting big on renewable energy

DENR restores Balanga, Sasmuan riverbanks and makes them livable

Conclusion THESE include the 240-megawatt Khizi-Absheron Wind Farm, commissioned in January 2026. Its turbines produce enough electricity to power more than 300,000 homes, according to Mammadov. The renewable energy from Khizi-Absheron saves the equivalent of 330 million cubic meters of natural gas per year.

Further south, the sprawling Garadagh Solar Power Plant—a sea of 570,000 gleaming solar panels— was the largest solar power facility in the Caspian region when it was commissioned in 2023.

The plant generates enough electricity to power 110,000 homes, saving around 200,000 tons of carbon emissions per year. Developed and operated by Saudi company Masdar though a public-private partnership with the Azerbaijan government, the Garadagh plant is set to nearly double in size in the coming years.

Through projects already approved, Azerbaijan has reduced its annual greenhouse gas emissions by 600,000 tons, says Mammadov from the country’s renewable energy agency. That’s about the same as removing 130,000 cars from the road.

A bright riverside walkway now lines the Balanga Linear Park—a scene that has replaced the shanties that once crowded this riverbank and sent tons of trash into the water. Today, where debris used to collect, families browse weekend stalls, children run freely, and the river finally breathes again.

Azerbaijan, one of the world’s oldest oil producers, is scaling up its production of renewable energy. Florian Fussstetter/UNEP

A regional hub for renewable energy Azerbaijan’s renewable energy strategy extends beyond its borders.

The country has been developing multiple “green energy corridors.”

That includes a high-voltage transmission line slated to run under the Black Sea and into Georgia. Officials hope it will one day allow the country to export renewable energy to Central Asia and Europe.

The green energy corridors, Mammadov says, provide an added incentive for renewable project developers looking to invest in Azerbaijan, allowing them easier access to European markets.

“Azerbaijan has been an energy hub for a very long time,” says Mammadov. “We want to also do that for green energy.”

UNEP News

A GRITTY riverside shanty that once lived under the shadow of floods is now a sunlit promenade where families take selfies, joggers clock laps, and kids chase dragonflies.

In Balanga City, Bataan, the river easement between Barangays Bagumbayan and Talisay now stretches into a 290-meter linear park, where bamboo and native trees line walkways that were once largely unused and previously occupied by informal settlements along the river easement.

Further north in Sasmuan, Pampanga, along Dalan Bapor in Barangay Sta. Lucia, a once underutilized riverfront has taken a similar turn, unfolding into a 1,300-square-meter community space where residents now gather, rest and spend time by the water after the clearing of informal structures along the riverbank.

These were once ordinary stretches of riverbank―narrow, encroached in parts, or simply overlooked in daily community life. Like many urban and semi-urban waterways, they reflected a broader reality where river easements were seen more as boundaries than shared spaces, limiting access and weakening the natural systems that flow through them.

Today, both sites reflect a different direction.

What were once overlooked river edges now function as community spaces that bring people closer to the water while strengthening the riverbanks themselves.

The transformation is part of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) effort, together with the city government of Balanga, the muncipality of Sasmuan, and local communities, to recover river easements and align them with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call for safer, greener, and more livable communities for Filipinos.

“This is what becomes possible when communities, local governments and national agencies work together to recover and care for our waterways,” said DENR Secretary Juan Miguel T. Cuna. “We begin to restore not only the ecological function of our rivers, but also their place in the everyday life of the people who live beside them.”

SHOWBIZ

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TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2026

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

Angel Castro admits that being away from showbiz has helped her to grow stronger, become more confident, and more prepared for challenging roles

New ‘pantasya ng bayan’

Angel Castro

makes bold move A

NGEL Castro made quite an entrance at the intimate media junket held recently at the Viva office in Ortigas.

Draped in a seductive teal gown with daring cutouts that clung to every curve and left little to the imagination, the former Kapuso actress looked every bit the new bombshell being introduced to the VMX universe.

Bubbly and playful one moment, raw and vulnerable the next, Angel did not hold back as she opened up about career setbacks, online hate, and the

Angel returns to showbiz with a fresh outlook after battling depression and stepping away from the spotlight

depression that once drove her away from the spotlight.

Formerly known as Claire Castro, the actress has officially joined the roster of stars doing provocative films under VMX, signaling a daring reinvention of both image and career.

The daughter of former teen actor Diego Castro and former actress Raven Villanueva admitted that even her father was not fully aware of the bold path she was taking.

He knew she was signing with Viva, but not that VMX was part of the plan.

“To be honest, I told them I was joining Viva, but they thought Viva One,” Angel said with a laugh. “But he probably knows already because he sees on my Instagram. So, wala na din siyang magagawa.”

At 27, Angel said she no longer seeks parental approval for every career move.

“Of course, I make my own money, I live alone. I am much older,” she said.

She also brushed off assumptions about intimate scenes, stressing that what audiences see onscreen is carefully constructed.

“There’s not anything real about the scene. Daya-daya lang po yon,” she expalined how daring scenes are professionally choreographed.

Angel also revealed why she abandoned the name Claire and returned to Angel, derived from her real name, Angelica. The reason was surprisingly practical.

“Not to go too much into it, but there is another person named Claire Castro,” she said, referring to a government

official who shares her former screen name.

“So, if you search her name, you won’t see my work in GMA, my work.

Natabunan.”

But behind the bold relaunch lies a darker story. Angel admitted there was a time she wanted nothing to do with show business.

“I did not renew. To be honest, wala talaga akong planong mag-showbiz uli.”

That decision came after enduring vicious online attacks during her stint as a kontrabida in the GMA drama Nagbabagang Luha. As the series aired, criticism escalated into something far more disturbing.

“During nag-air na po siya, siyempre ang daming haters, death threats, whatever,” she recalled. “Lahat na lang ng mali sa akin, nakikita nila.

Kahit yung mga hindi ko nakikita sa sarili ko, nakikita nila.”

The relentless scrutiny eventually took a serious toll on her mental health.

“So, I went to a shrink, and I got diagnosed with depression, and I had to take medicine for it. Hindi ko po talaga kinaya.”

Her confession offered a stark reminder of the emotional cost of fame, particularly in an age when social media can turn criticism into

Small boy on big spotlight

By Jasper Valdez AT EIGHT years old, Jayferson “JJ” Rivera Ahaja already knows what it feels like to see himself on television.

The Grade 3 student has appeared in the Tadhana episode My Husband’s Wedding with Glaiza de Castro, joined Family Feud, and recently won the Kids of the World 2026 Grand Winner title in the Little Mister category. And for a child who still talks about school subjects, music, games, and sleep with the honesty of someone his age, showbiz is becoming part of his young life, but not the center of it.

His father, Lans Ahaja, said the family supports JJ’s interests

Young artist Jayferson ‘JJ’ Rivera Ahaja continues to balance school with pageants, workshops, and television appearances as his family keeps education at the heart of his journey

as long as he can handle them and wants to continue.

“As long as he can do it and he wants it, we will support him.

But if he really does not want to, we will not force him,” Lans said.

JJ has also spent the past two summers joining GMA Network’s Sparkle workshop for kids, where he trains in acting, public speaking, and dance. He said he enjoys dancing and also wants to become a singer. Asked about his acting idol, JJ quickly named Coco Martin.

“Coco Martin!” he said with excitement.

Outside of acting and workshops, JJ also spends time listening to music and watching videos online. He named K-pop group Stray Kids as one of the acts he follows, picking up songs and performances the way many children his age discover new interests.

His first brush with seeing himself onscreen also left an impression. JJ said he was surprised when his teacher showed his Tadhana appearance in class.

“I was kind of shocked because when my teacher put it on the TV screen in our classroom, the whole classroom was like a literal zoo,” he said. “Everyone was happy.”

Behind the pageant title and TV appearances, Lans said school remains the family’s main concern.

“His schooling is the priority,” he said. “Doing showbiz is just a second option.”

The family’s approach, he added, is to guide JJ without forcing him. Lans said they are present not only during pageants but also during tours and other activities.

“Our family is really there with him,” he said.

Lans also reminds his son to stay respectful as more people begin to recognize him.

“My only advice to him is to be humble, especially in respecting those older than him,” he said. “If someone says hi, say hello. If there is an elder, mag-bless ka.”

While JJ is drawn to the performing arts, his father said another path remains open. Their family is in the construction business, and JJ has mentioned wanting to become an engineer someday.

“We want him to manage our business when we get older,” Lans said. “We’re in construction, that’s our business. He said he wants to become an engineer.”

For now, JJ is still a young student trying to find out what he enjoys, whether it is singing, dancing, acting, or one day helping run the family’s construction business. Whatever he chooses, his family says they will be there to support him, as long as the decision remains his.

Angel Castro describes her daring scenes under VMX as carefully choreographed and professional

cruelty almost instantly.

She took two years away from the industry, using the time to recover and rebuild. Now, she speaks with a striking sense of self-assurance.

“But now, I feel like I am much older, much more fierce,” she said.

“And if you say something bad about me, I’m not gonna believe you.

Even if totoong may bad about me, wala akong paki. Basta I’m happy with myself.”

Time away, she said, also made her a better actress.

“I feel like my acting has improved from before,” she said. “Now that I’m older, I feel like may mas bagahe ako for certain things, so may pinaghuhugutan ako.”

That emotional weight, once a burden, now fuels her performances.

Even love scenes, often seen as nervewracking for actresses entering bolder material, hardly fazed her.

“To be honest, with the love scenes, hindi ako kinabahan at all,” she said.

“I’m very comfortable with my body, so it was no big deal.”

GMA brings back Kapuso Lucky Numbers for fifth season GMA Network has launched the fifth season of its “Kapuso Lucky Numbers of the Day” promo, offering

viewers a chance to win weekly cash prizes and a grand prize.

From June 29 to Aug. 8, participants can win weekly prizes worth P5,000, while one grand prize winner will take home P100,000.

To join, viewers must watch participating GMA programs from Monday to Saturday and wait for the Kapuso Lucky Numbers of the Day to appear on screen during the broadcast of Born to Shine, Kamao, You’re My Favorite Song, The Master Cutter, Taskforce Firewall, First Yaya, Pepito Manaloto, and Magpakailanman.

Once the lucky numbers are revealed, entries must be submitted through the promo page on the GMA Network website.

Participants are required to provide their first and last name, as reflected on a valid ID, along with their complete address, mobile number, and email address.

For the full promo mechanics and more details on Kapuso Lucky Numbers of the Day Season 5, visit www.

GMANetwork. com/luckynumbers.

SHOWBIZ

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TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2026

Kris Bernal bares painful truths on career setbacks

Kris Bernal learns to embrace every role she gets and credits them in rediscovering her passion for acting

ACTRESS and content creator Kris Bernal opened up about her struggles in show business and personal life during a recent interview with Charo Cordial at Maddox Jewelry.

While shopping for jewelry ahead of her birthday, Bernal looked back on her career journey, including the transition from playing lead roles to taking on villain characters.

Bernal admitted she initially found the shift difficult to accept.

“For me, mentally, it was hard,” she said. “I thought, wait a minute, I used to be the lead. Why are they now casting me as the villain? Am I fading? Am I no longer a good actress?”

The actress shared that there was a time when she felt hurt and questioned herself. Over time, however, she realized that her love for acting mattered more than the size of the role.

“I remembered that what I do comes from passion. Whatever role is given to me, as long as I’m acting, I’m happy,” she said.

Bernal also addressed criticism she has received online, including comments from netizens about her household staff wearing uniforms.

She clarified that wearing uniforms is optional and that her staff decide for themselves whether they want to wear them.

“That’s their choice,” Bernal said. “Some don’t want to wear one, so we don’t give them uniforms.

But some prefer it because it’s more comfortable and they no longer have to think about what to wear every day.”

The conversation also touched on her relationship with her husband, particularly their different tastes when it comes to gifts.

According to Bernal, they often disagree on bags and luxury items.

“When he buys something for me, sometimes the color is wrong, sometimes the design is wrong,” she said jokingly.

Bernal also spoke about long-running speculation linking her to Aljur Abrenica, her former screen partner in several projects.

She said they once explored whether their relationship could become romantic, but it did not work out.

“We tried during the peak of our careers, but it didn’t work,” she said. “I didn’t feel romantic love.

We were really just friends.”

Despite the challenges she has faced in show business, Bernal said she is happy with where she is now, especially with the support of her husband and the family she has built.

She added that while she may not have

Kris Bernal (right) talks about her career challenges and personal life during an interview with lady entrepreneur Charo Cordial

achieved every dream she had for her career, she has found happiness in the life and family she now values.

Championing Filipino storytelling anew Globe strengthens support for Philippine entertainment, the creative economy, and responsible digital viewing through The 9th Eddys

The 9th Eddys returns on July 5 with Globe renewing its support for Philippine cinema and its advocacy for responsible digital content consumption

F

OR Globe, supporting Philippine entertainment has long gone beyond connectivity. Through the years, the digital solutions leader has helped build a wider, safer, and more sustainable space for Filipino stories to be created, shared, protected, and celebrated.

This continuing commitment comes into focus anew as Globe renews its partnership with the Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors (SPEEd) for the 9th Entertainment Editors’ Choice, more popularly known as The Eddys. Organized by SPEEd, the annual awards night honors the best in Philippine cinema, recognizing the actors, filmmakers, writers, producers, and technical artists whose work continues to shape the industry.

Set for July 5 at the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Newport World Resorts, The 9th Eddys will once again gather leading names in film and entertainment

David Licauco maps out his future by balancing long-term business goals with a steady approach to his personal life

The Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors reaffirms its partnership with Globe as The Eddys continues to celebrate excellence in Philippine filmmaking while championing Filipino storytelling

for a night of recognition, gratitude, and celebration. For SPEEd, Globe’s support carries special meaning, having been one of the award-giving body’s steadfast partners since its first year.

“The Eddys has always been about honoring the people who keep Philippine cinema alive, and Globe has been with us from the beginning in recognizing that Filipino stories deserve every platform, protection, and opportunity to flourish,” said SPEEd president Tessa Mauricio-Arriola.

“This partnership reminds us that entertainment is not only about what audiences see on screen. It is also about the ecosystem that allows artists, producers, media, brands, and audiences to support one another.”

For Maria Yolanda “Yoly” Crisanto, Globe Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer,

supporting entertainment is also part of Globe’s larger purpose of using technology and advocacy to create lasting positive impact.

“Filipino stories are powerful because they carry our values, our dreams, and our shared experiences as a people,” Crisanto said. “At Globe, we believe that supporting the entertainment industry means helping create opportunities for artists and content creators while also encouraging audiences to consume content responsibly. Through our partnership with The Eddys and through advocacies such as #PlayItRight, we hope to continue championing creativity, respect for intellectual property, and the many people whose hard work brings these stories to life.”

Globe’s relationship with Philippine entertainment has taken many forms

over the years. Through #PlayItRight, its anti-piracy advocacy, the company has consistently encouraged Filipinos to consume content through legitimate platforms, reminding audiences that every legal stream, download, or ticket purchase helps protect the livelihood of the many people behind every film, series, song, or digital work.

The campaign also underscores the realities of modern viewing habits.

In a time when content is easier than ever to access, Globe has helped bring attention to the responsibility that comes with every click. By encouraging the public to choose legitimate sources, #PlayItRight supports intellectual property rights while helping protect consumers from risks often associated with illegal sites, including malware and other cybersecurity threats.

As SPEEd celebrates the year’s finest achievements in cinema, the partnership also honors the larger movement to strengthen Philippine entertainment from every side, from creation to distribution, from legitimate access to audience engagement, and from artistic recognition to industry sustainability.

Now on its ninth year, The Eddys continues to uphold the judgment of the country’s entertainment editors, whose daily work places them in close conversation with the industry’s artists, producers, platforms, and audiences. With Globe once again standing with SPEEd, this year’s awards night becomes not only a celebration of excellence but also a reminder that Filipino stories are worth championing, protecting, and bringing to more people.

David Licauco sets sights on future in career and personal life ACTOR David Licauco is keeping his eyes on the future, with his growing business ventures showing careful planning for long-term stability.

“I think I’m carefully preparing for it,” he said, adding that his main goal is to provide a good life for his family. “I’ve planned all aspects of my life. I already know what to do in the next five years, and if there are other opportunities that will open, I will adjust accordingly.”

Despite his busy schedule, David remains private about his personal life, including rumors linking him to Alex Manalang.

“I always value my privacy when it comes to my personal life. I’ve always kept it away from the public eye. I choose not to talk about it,” he said.

He also denied rumors of tension with former screen partner Barbie Forteza, saying they remain close friends and did not ignore each other

more relaxed and stable. I’m not chasing anything new. I know who I am, basically,” he said. *** Fans were delighted after Marian Rivera paid tribute to husband Dingdong Dantes on Father’s at a recent event.

“Not true! We greeted each other.

I think I was just shy at first because I came in late. But we exchanged pleasantries for sure,” he said.

Although it has been a while since they last worked together, David said he remains open to reuniting with Barbie onscreen.

“Of course! It would be great if we’ll be given the chance to work together again.”

David said he now feels more secure both professionally and personally.

“All I can say is that I’m happy with everything. I no longer overthink. I’m

Marian Rivera (left) pays tribute to Dingdong Dantes on Father’s Day

Day, thanking him for being “the best dad” to their children, Zia and Sixto, and for loving their family wholeheartedly.

The celebrity couple is also set to reunite onscreen after the success of Rewind in a new film titled Remember.

Marian said the project is a collaboration among Star Cinema, APT Entertainment, and Agosto Dos Pictures. She added that they recently flew to Canada to film key scenes and expressed excitement for the m o v i e ’s release.

LIFE

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TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2026

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

The new store at SM Aura Premier expands on the Japanese brand’s lifestyle products, bringing new additions for its Filipino shoppers

The Taguig store’s café counter offers a variety of coffee drinks and pastry options

Everyday clothing essentials like breathable shirts, relaxed silhouettes, and season-ready basics designed for comfort and versatility are also available at the new BGC branch

What shoppers can expect from BGC’s newest Japanese lifestyle store

By Angelica Villanueva

M

UJI shoppers in the Philippines have long known the Japanese retailer for its clean-lined shelves, neutral clothing, storage boxes, stationery, snacks, and household items. Now, the brand is introducing makeup to its local lineup.

MUJI Philippines opened its 12th store at SM Aura Premier on June 26, using the new Taguig branch as the launch point for its first makeup collection in the country.

Located on the third floor of SM Aura Premier, the new store is MUJI’s third branch in Bonifacio Global City, joining its existing shops at Central Square Mall and Uptown Mall.

For Takeshi Akiyoshi, president and general manager of MUJI Philippines, the timing was tied to the retail calendar.

“Before peak season is September, October, November, right? So, I want to open before peak season,” Akiyoshi said in an interview.

The SM Aura branch carries MUJI’s makeup collection exclusively for now.

The line follows the theme “Natural and Healthy Look” and includes pow-

The new beauty section brings makeup and skincare together, with products made for simple packaging, moisturizing ingredients, and daily use

der foundation, loose powder, eyeshadow, eyeliner, mascara, cheek color, lip essence, and lipstick.

Akiyoshi said the collection took time to bring into the country because of regulatory requirements for products such as makeup, essential oils, fragrance, and food.

“It is difficult for our company and for our Japanese company. Our product is very safe, reasonable and organized,” he added.

The makeup line follows MUJI’s familiar approach to simple packaging and daily use. Its products are designed to fit into the brand’s makeup storage cases and contain moisturizing ingredients such as jojoba seed oil, shea butter, apricot kernel oil, and chamomile flower extract.

Asked what sets MUJI makeup apart

from other beauty brands in the market, Akiyoshi pointed to the company’s “no brand” philosophy.

“Our company only material, only product. The value, so reasonable, very reasonable, but good quality,” he explained.

The new store also has a Coffee Counter with a dining space overlooking Bonifacio Global City. Exclusive to MUJI SM Aura are Spanish Latte, peach, and blueberry Danish pastries.

The Spanish Latte is available hot or iced and made with espresso, fresh milk, and condensed milk, with oat milk available for an additional charge.

From June 26 to 28, the first 1,000 customers in line will receive a complimentary MUJI gift set with no purchase required. Each set includes two plain pandesal, one ube pandesal, one MUJI

item, and a P300 voucher for a minimum purchase of P1,500.

The opening also includes special prices on more than 50 items until July 1, photobooth sessions, a spin-to-win game, and social media activities for customers who meet the purchase requirement.

Akiyoshi said MUJI sees more room to grow in the Philippines because of its young consumer base.

“I feel good in the Philippine market because very many young people in the Philippines. Young people, I think, want to buy many things, right? Hair products, makeup, stationery, garment, food. So, we have possible. We have many chance in Philippines,” he shared.

MUJI is also preparing to open another store in August. More products may also arrive later this year, including chocolate, pending approvals.

Training the minds powering the Philippine future

N O W By Nickie Wang ARTIFICIAL intelligence is often discussed in terms of productivity, and & automation, disruption. But for Dr. GaSampedro of Philippine N briel Coding Camp, the conversais much bigger, he sees AI E tion as a tool for nation-building. may sound ambitious, X butThat Sampedro argues that the begins in a familiar place: T path the classroom.

Speaking during InnoVision 2026, a special forum on military IT convergence held at the FEU Institute of Technology Innovation Center in Manila, Sampedro laid out a vision anchored on education, collaboration, and long-term digital readiness.

“AI is just the beginning,” Dr. Sampedro told Manila Standard Life.

Among the initiatives in the pipeline is the Southeast Asian Stakeholders Summit on Generative AI for Education, organized in partnership with the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation through the UNESCO Chair and the

AI education is becoming part of a wider push to prepare students, industries, and public institutions for a changing digital economy

Dr. Gabriel Sampedro (second from left) with FEU’s (from left) Jarvis Muyargas, Rossa Adao, and Daryl David at InnoVision 2026

Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization, or SEAMEO. Sampedro said the summit aims to deepen regional conversations on how artificial intelligence can be integrated into education systems across Southeast Asia.

Previous editions were held in Malaysia, while the next one is expected to be hosted in the Philippines.

“When we talk about nation-building, education is really the foundation,” Sampedro noted that their objective goes far beyond academic discourse. “Academic institutions are the breeding ground for talent and innovation.”

His point is difficult to ignore. The future of the Philippine digital economy will not be determined solely by infrastructure or software.

It will also depend on whether schools can produce graduates equipped to work in fastchanging sectors such as AI, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and data science.

Sampedro believes the ripple effects extend across industries.

“If we equip graduates with the right skills, that creates stronger industries, more job opportunities, advancements in technology, even improvements in national defense,” he said. “Ultimately, it contributes to a more robust economy.”

That vision is beginning to take shape through Philippine Coding Camp’s partnership with FEU Tech and the FEU

Tech Innovation Center, a collaboration aimed at expanding access to technical training and applied research.

The partnership was formally announced during InnoVision 2026, where defense personnel, academic leaders, researchers and technology professionals gathered to examine how emerging technologies are reshaping military education, public sector readiness and national security.

Rossana T. Adao, executive director of FEU Institute of Technology, indicated that partnership strengthens the university’s mission.

“Partnering with Philippine Coding Camp is a significant advantage for us because it expands our mission,” Adao said.

As a technology-focused academic institution, she said FEU Tech sees the collaboration as a way to widen conversations about how technology can serve society.

“This collaboration allows us to further promote the benefits of technology to society,” she said. “Since they also engage with various industries, the partnership extends our reach and helps amplify our shared goal of making technology accessible and beneficial to more people.”

The collaboration is designed to move learning beyond traditional classrooms.

Instead of limiting training to theory, the initiative aims to give students, educators, and public sector personnel hands-

on exposure to real-world applications involving AI, cybersecurity, autonomous systems, the Internet of Things, and cloud technologies.

The FEU Tech Innovation Center will serve as a testing ground where ideas can be developed, challenged and refined.

One notable area of focus is digital defense.

Philippine Coding Camp has been working with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and other defense institutions to strengthen skills in software quality assurance, digital tools, and data-driven systems.

The effort supports the country’s broader defense modernization initiatives, particularly as security challenges become increasingly tied to digital infrastructure.

Experts at the forum stressed that technological readiness is now central to national security.

Dr. Artem Lensky of UNSW Canberra at the Australian Defence Force Academy noted that technology has become indispensable in modern defense operations, from surveillance systems to communication networks. He said military personnel must be equipped to operate within increasingly complex information environments.

Dr. Steve Chan, a science and technology adviser, pointed to the importance of collaboration across sectors. He said technological resilience depends on an ecosystem where academe, private industry, and government work together and adapt to rapid change.

Digital transformation is rarely about hardware alone. New machines and software can improve efficiency, but real progress depends on people who know how to use them responsibly and strategically.

Philippine Coding Camp appears to understand that distinction. Its work with corporations such as Toyota, ANZ, and JTI, along with government agencies including the Department of Labor and Employment and the Department of Science and Technology, has positioned it at the intersection of industry and public service.

Rooting for better hair Why scalp health matters more than ever HAIR care is placing greater focus on scalp health, as more consumers turn to products designed to address concerns such as dandruff, hair fall, dryness, and damage from heat styling.

Watsons, one of the country’s largest health, wellness, and beauty retailers, said demand continues to grow for hair care products tailored to specific scalp and hair needs.

Industry trends also point to the rise of “skinification” in hair care, a practice that applies skincare-inspired ingredients and science-backed formulations to scalp treatment. The approach focuses on creating a healthier scalp environment to support stronger and healthier hair growth.

Ingredients such as peptides, ceramides, and salicylic acid, once commonly associated with facial skincare, are now widely used in shampoos, treatments, and scalp products aimed at improving hair health.

Among the brands gaining consumer attention is Selsun Blue, which was named Shampoo Brand of the Year at the Watsons Health, Wellness and Beauty Awards in 2025 and 2026. Other popular brands include Head & Shoulders Clinical, known for scalp-focused care; L’Oréal Elseve Anti-Hairfall Resist, developed for hair strengthening; and Luxe Organix, which has gained traction among younger consumers.

Japanese hair care products are also seeing strong demand, driven by formulations centered on scalp nourishment and gentle maintenance.

Unlike traditional cleansing-focused routines, Japanese hair care often emphasizes balance, hydration, and rootstrengthening treatments designed to reduce damage while improving shine and manageability.

Popular Japanese brands available in the local market include Tsubaki, known for camellia oil-based formulations; Fino, whose hair mask has gained popularity online; and Ma Cherie, recognized for products that enhance shine and smoothness.

Hair protection has also become a growing category, with consumers looking for products that help reduce moisture loss and shield hair from heat and environmental stress.

Products such as Dove Hair Care, Sunsilk, and Vitress remain popular choices for daily protection, styling, and frizz control.

Retailers continue to expand offerings as innovation in hair care accelerates, giving consumers access to newer scalp treatments, ingredient-led products, and lightweight styling solutions aimed at improving long-term hair health.

Explore Watsons’ extensive hair care range at Watsons stores nationwide or shop conveniently through the Watsons App, where you can enjoy services such as Click & Collect Express and Home Delivery Express. For even more savings and exclusive benefits, sign up as a Watsons Club member and enjoy memberonly offers, including up to 50 percent off, Buy 1 Take 1 deals, and free gifts from participating hair care brands.

Scalp care is a growing priority among Filipino consumers looking for products that address dandruff, hair fall, dryness, and heat damage