Manila Standard - 2026 July 3 - Friday

IGLESIA NI CRISTO ENDS PROTEST ACTION AT LIWASANG BONIFACIO

By Pot Chavez, Rex Espiritu, Vince Lopez and Itchie Cabayan

THE Iglesia ni Cristo ended its rally at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila Thursday evening, INC spokesman Edwil Zabala said.

“I hoped that we leave as peacefully as we arrived here,” Zabala said.

The three-day rally began at the People Power Monument on Tuesday before moving to Manila yesterday.

The religious sect mounted the pro -

test action following the announcement of the possible filing of a plunder case against Senator Rodante Marcoleta, a member of INC.

Zabala’s statement contradicted that of Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste, who claimed yesterday that INC protesters are ready to camp out at the Liwasang Bonifacio “for as long as it takes.”

Leviste added the rally “won’t end in the next few days.”

For his part, President Ferdinand

AHEAD OF IMPEACHMENT TRIAL

By Jeremiah Sevilla

‘No evidence to link ex-Speaker to flood control

By Maricel Cruz, Rex Espiritu

LEYTE Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has not been linked by any evidence to alleged anomalous flood control projects, his spokesperson said Thursday, arguing that the accusations are

By Pot Chavez and Vince Lopez

THE Department of Justice (DOJ) expressed full support for the 20th Congress amid ongoing efforts to pass legislation aimed at addressing possible cases of so-called nihilistic violent extremism (NVE).

inconsistent with how the national budget process operates.

In a statement, lawyer Elaine Atienza said that despite Senate and House inquiries and other official investigations, no former or incumbent official of the Department of Public

anomalies’

Works and Highways (DPWH) has identified Romualdez as having participated in the planning, procurement, implementation, inspection, payment, or release of funds for any alleged ghost flood control project.

By Maricel Cruz and Katrina Manubay

Catholic clergy prayed for the House prosecution panel to have the courage to ferret out the truth in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, and for the senator-judges to “vote for the truth.”

“The whole Filipino people are looking up to you. Carry out your task with great courage—not a courage that springs merely from the depths of your own hearts, but a courage that flows from the heart of our Lord,” Monsignor Mel David of Parañaque said dur-

‘Upper middle income status a boost for PH’

By Charles Dantes

international recognition of the country’s economic progress and will pave the way for more investments, jobs and opportunities for Filipino families.

As this developed, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said it is intensifying its monitoring of online platforms and transnational online groups as part of efforts to protect minors from violent extremism.

In a press briefing on Thursday, Justice Undersecretary Nicholas Felix Ty

Meanwhile, the DOJ will conduct a preliminary investigation in relation to the 15-year-old child involved in the Tacloban school shooting.

By Rio N. Araja

ing the “Holy Mass for Truth, Justice, and Accountability” organized by the Clergy for Good Governance at the Chapel of the Nativity of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Cubao, Quezon City yesterday.

“In presenting the truth, I do believe many of our senator judges will finally be convinced and vote for the truth,” David added.

He urged the prosecutors to “rise and walk through a courageous and truthful presentation of evidence that will finally bring darkness at the back of our human history and bring light to the life of the Filipino people.”

Lead House prosecutor and House Committee on Justice chairperson Gerville Luistro also called on Filipinos to pray “hardest” for a conviction of the Vice President.

“Join us as we pray for the conviction of the respondent in this impeachment trial… Let us pray even for the defense team. Let us pray even for the senator-judges. Let us

pray for the entire Philippine nation because we believe that Filipinos deserve better leaders,” Luistro said.

“It is not easy to stand before the impeachment court. It is not easy to be at the center of various opinions regarding this impeachment process. Nevertheless, we believe that there is honor to be at the forefront of this accountability mechanism. (But) there is glory in defending the interests of the Filipino people. There is fulfillment to be at the forefront in upholding what the Constitution mandates.”

“Let us pray harder, let us pray hardest. Please walk with us until the conclusion of this impeachment trial and join us as we pray for the conviction of the respondent in this impeachment trial,” she added.

Also present during the mass were House prosecutors Reps. Leila de Lima, Lorenz Defensor, Joel Chua, Ysabel Maria Zamora, and Kaka Bagao, as well as private prosecutors Lorna Kapunan and Marforth Fua.

Luistro acknowledged the prosecution panel’s limitations but said the prayers and support of Filipinos would sustain

them throughout the proceedings.

“We acknowledge our limitations. We acknowledge our imperfections. We acknowledge all our insufficiencies. But let me tell you, my dear brothers and sisters, all your prayers overpower them. All your support will overpower them. Ultimately, everybody’s love for the Philippine nation will overpower whatever the prosecutors lack,” she said.

The House impeached Duterte on May 11 after 257 lawmakers endorsed the verified complaint accusing her of betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, graft and corruption, and other high crimes.

The Articles of Impeachment allege that Duterte misused P612.5 million in confidential funds during her tenure as Vice President and Education Secretary, amassed billions of pesos in unexplained wealth, bribed Department of Education personnel, and publicly threatened President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.

However, he said the Office of the Ombudsman is still waiting for lawyer Levito Baligod, counsel for the eight individuals, to sign their affidavits.

The Senate is scheduled to convene as an impeachment court on Monday to begin the trial.

As this developed, the defense team of the Vice President said it is withholding the identities of some of its 90 witnesses, citing security concerns, adding they could be presented as “surprise witnesses” during the impeachment trial if necessary.

In an interview with Bilyonaryo News Channel, Duterte’s defense spokesperson Michael Poa dismissed accusations they merely copied the House prosecutors’ witness list, explaining that both sides filed their pre-trial briefs simultaneously.

He said any similarities are due to the case’s nature, not duplication.

“We’re not mirroring because we just submitted the pre-trial brief at the same time. It’s not as if we copied (their list).

But most are similar to their witnesses,” Poa said.

“We left out certain witnesses, especially their names, for security reasons. That’s where our witnesses might differ,” he added.

Once it enters the PAR, the cyclone will be given the local name “Inday.” It is also forecast to enhance the southwest monsoon.

The tropical storm, internationally named “Bavi,” was located more than 3,700 kilometers east of Eastern Visayas as of 9:30 a.m. Thursday, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.

“Based on our model guidance, we can see it crossing the northern Philippine Sea, although uncertainty remains high in this scenario,” Loreto said.

The weather system could indirectly bring significant rainfall later next week, she added.

“The tropical cyclone will enhance the southwest monsoon, so we expect rainy conditions over the western section of the country from the middle of next week through the weekend,” Loreto said.

Marcos Jr. on Wednesday night disputed allegations there is “selective justice” in his administration amid Marcoleta’s possible plunder rap.

“That’s their opinion. (But) I believe they’re wrong,” the President said.

Mr. Marcos noted the INC has historically conducted large-scale demonstrations without violence or major disturbances even as he voiced concern over the possibility of outside groups infiltrating the gathering to provoke unrest.

“I am confident because throughout the history of the Iglesia, whenever they hold rallies, no matter how large the crowd is, they do not cause trouble…The only problem is that we have information that there are those who may infiltrate the gatherings, the agitators. That is what worries us,” he said.

“What is most important for us is that no one gets hurt, whether they are members of the Iglesia or anyone else who may go there to cause trouble,” Mr. Marcos added.

Earlier, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said the plunder case against Marcoleta over undeclared campaign contributions worth around P75 million during the 2025 elections will still be filed this week despite the protest rallies.

“Nothing has changed. We will file the case,” Remulla said.

Aside from Marcoleta, Remulla said the case will also cover former congressman Mike Defensor and businessmen Joseph Varias Espiritu and Aristotle Baluyut Viray.

In a previous interview, Marcoleta acknowledged receiving the campaign donations but maintained the case to be filed against him was 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.

She added that even former DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan, who had firsthand knowledge of the department’s operations, never implicated the Leyte lawmaker.

“The issue traces back to the national budget process. In that process, no single person—not even the Speaker of the House—can control it,” she said. Meanwhile, Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said Thursday that the testimonies of eight former bodyguards of Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co would be used in the case being prepared against former Speaker Martin Romualdez.

He said the affidavits must be signed before their accounts can be used in the case.

Atienza explained that the National Expenditure Program is prepared by the Executive branch through the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and implementing agencies, including the DPWH, before it is submitted to Congress for deliberation by both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

“No Speaker can dictate to Cabinet secretaries. Neither can he dictate to senators, who exercise their own independent constitu -

ties as acts of terrorism, considering its controversial nature.

reiterated the agency’s support on the measure.

Ty made the assurance as the DOJ earlier said the possibility that the Tacloban shooting incident is related to a pattern of extremism.

“In our view at the DOJ at the moment, there is still no legal framework to tackle NVE. Meanwhile, it does not mean we can’t do anything about it. We have the law to punish the people behind NVE,” Ty stressed.

“We will look into how the Anti-Terrorism Law can be applied on NVE especially when there is mass casualty involved. Other countries are using the terrorism framework to investigate and prosecute people behind the NVE” Ty explained.

Among the laws that the DOJ is looking at include Cybercrime Act, Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) Act, as well as regular crimes under the Revised Penal Code.

Further, Ty explained that they must be cautious in referring to some activi-

As a regular member of the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC), the DOJ will also study other measures to address NVE including the response of other countries on such cases.

In a press briefing, Justice Undersecretary Ian Dato confirmed that the inquiry will be held following last week’s inquest proceedings.

Inquest proceedings vs. Tacloban youth

“On June 24, 2026, inquest proceedings were conducted before the Office of the City Prosecutor of Tacloban City where 3 counts of murder and 2 counts of attempted murder were filed against one of the children in conflict with the law (CICL). Following the inquest, he will now undergo the regular preliminary investigation process,” Dato said.

The other suspect will remain detained at the regional rehabilitation center for youth in Region 8.

Dato shared that the younger suspect, aged 14, will remain under the custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) where he is undergoing intervention programs.

The DOJ emphasized that the re -

tional mandate. They are all equals as elected officials—primus inter pares,” Atienza said. She stressed that once the budget becomes law, the Speaker has “absolutely no authority” over project bidding, contract awards, implementation, inspections, payments, or the release of government funds.

She added: “The Speaker cannot order the DPWH Secretary. He cannot dictate to the DBM or the Senate. And even more so, he is not the one who plans the projects, conducts the bidding, awards contracts, inspects projects, or releases funds.”

According to Atienza, insisting that Romualdez was the alleged “mastermind” would require the public to believe that one person

gional prosecution office in Region 8 assisted the families of the three fatalities and three surviving victims in filing their claims for financial assistance.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. made the commitment following revelations during a Senate hearing on the Tacloban City shooting that the two minor suspects may have been exposed to an alleged adult groomer linked to the so-called “764 Network,” a transnational online group associated with violent extremist activity.

PNP cyber monitoring

Nartatez said the enhanced cyber monitoring is intended to support the ongoing investigation into the Tacloban shooting and determine whether organized criminal or extremist groups played a role in the incident.

“The service and protection that we in the PNP have committed to provide extend beyond our streets and communities. We are now giving equal focus on cyberspace through close monitoring and intense cyber patrolling,” he said.

The move follows statements by Sen. Risa Hontiveros, who disclosed during the Senate inquiry that the al-

controlled every stage of the budget and infrastructure process.

Atienza maintained that accountability should rest on those who exercised legal and operational authority over the projects.

“If there were irregularities in any infrastructure project, then those who actually exercised legal and operational authority should be identified and held accountable. Accountability must follow the evidence—not political convenience,” she said.

Atienza said Romualdez was being portrayed as a “convenient excuse and political scapegoat” despite the absence of evidence linking him to the alleged anomalous projects.

“At the end of the day, justice demands only one standard,” she said.

leged groomer of the minor suspects was reportedly connected to the “764 Network.”

“The PNP will coordinate with foreign law enforcement agencies to determine the extent of the group’s operations and identify the individuals behind it,” Nartatez added.

The two minor suspects are currently under the supervision of the Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth.

Nartatez said investigators will also determine whether Filipinos are involved in the 764 Network’s activities and whether other minors in the country may have been targeted.

Fake stab news disrupts QC high school classes Classes at Bagong Silangan High School in Quezon City were disrupted Thursday after false reports of a stabbing incident spread in campus, prompting worried parents to fetch their children ahead of dismissal time.

Barangay Bagong Silangan Captain Wilfredo “Willy” Cara clarified in a Super Radyo dzBB interview that there were no stabbing or violent incidents at the school, contrary to messages circulating online and through SMS.

Meanwhile, Mr. Marcos landed in Canada on Wednesday for a two-day official visit aimed at expanding bilateral cooperation in trade, defense, maritime security and investment, marking the first official visit by a Philippine president to Canada in more than a decade.

In a recorded message, the President said the country’s reclassification after nearly four decades as a lower middle-income economy reflected stronger economic fundamentals and the resilience of the Filipino people.

“For years, Filipinos have worked hard to build this country. Today, the world has taken notice,” Mr. Marcos said.

The Philippines was officially classified as an upper middle-income country after meeting the income threshold set by the World Bank, marking its first such upgrade since it was categorized as a lower middle-income economy in 1987. Marcos attributed the achievement to the administration’s economic agenda over the past four years.

“After nearly four decades as a lower-middle-income country since 1987, this milestone affirms that the economic policies that we have pursued over the past four years have been effective,” he said.

The President cited the country’s steady economic growth, a broadly stable currency and long-term structural reforms as factors that strengthened the economy despite global uncertainties.

“Our steady economic growth, broadly stable currency, and long-term reforms have strengthened our economy even amid global uncertainties,” he said.

He also said the new classification affirms the country’s economic progress and demonstrates international confidence in the Philippines’ future.

“It validates the progress that we have made and the resilience of the Filipino people. It is also a vote of confidence in our country’s future,” Marcos said.

More opportunities

According to the Chief Executive, stronger investor confidence is expected to translate into greater economic activity.

“Greater confidence means more investments. More investments means

more businesses, better quality jobs, and more opportunities for Filipino families,” he said.

President Marcos said the milestone should produce tangible benefits for ordinary Filipinos rather than remain a statistical achievement.

“This is worth celebrating because economic progress is not meant to stay on paper. It is meant to open doors, put food on the table, and give every Filipino the chance to build a better life,” he said.

He vowed that his administration would continue pursuing policies aimed at ensuring that economic gains are felt by households across the country.

“That is the work that we will continue to do until every family feels the benefit of our country’s progress,” he said.

PBBM arrives in Canada

Mr. Marcos and his team landed at Vancouver International Airport at 4:46 p.m. Wednesday (7:46 a.m. Thursday in the Philippines), where they were welcomed by Philippine Ambassador Jose Victor Chan-Gonzaga, Consul General Gina Jamoralin and Defense Attaché Brig. Gen. Ray Anthony Derillo.

Eala weathered Joint’s early aggression as she launched her own assault in the last two sets to seize the comefrom-behind win in their anticipated rematch in the Round of 64.

The world No. 32 and 29th seed Eala took sweet revenge for her heartbreaking 4-6, 6-1, 6-7 (10-12) loss to the No. 87 Joint in the Eastbourne Open final last year.

“I really had to dig deep, especially after that first set. Maya came out on fire. I was expecting a really good match just like we had last year, and I was prepared for it,” Eala said.

“I think I improved a lot over the past year and I’m happy that I’m able to look back on that loss and smile,” she added.

Eala, the first Filipino netter to receive a Grand Slam singles main draw seed, reached the third round (Round of 32) of a major for the first time after posting a follow-up to her 6-1, 6-2 sweep of No. 75 Renata Zarazua of Mexico in the opening round.

The former US Open junior winner

also secured at least £160,000 or P15.1 million in prize money after punching her ticket to the third round.

Eala set up a rematch with No. 3 and reigning Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek of Poland, who earlier made quick work of No. 73 Karolina Pliskova of Czech Republic, 6-1, 6-3. Eala and Swiatek faced each other twice last year, with the Filipina pulling off a 6-2, 7-5 shocker over the Polish in the Miami Open quarterfinals, before the latter got her redemption with a 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 decision in the Madrid Open second round.

The 21-year-old Pinay needed to shrug off a hot start from the 20-year-old Aussie, who came off a big win against tennis great Serena Williams and fired 12 winners against Eala’s seven in the opener. Eala found her groove in the second set, piercing through forehand hits and converting a pair of break points to force a deciding frame.

The Pinay lefty sustained her scorching momentum in the clincher as she smashed through her shots and displayed her solid return game for a flawless set.

DOJ investigation on Dela Rosa flight still underway

By Pot Chavez

THE Department of Justice

(DOJ) on Thursday said it is still conducting a case build-up in relation to the departure of Senator Ronald dela Rosa from the Senate premises despite the issuance of an arrest warrant by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

“Case build-up is continuing, including the determination of the liability, if any, of individuals who may have facilitated the escape of Senator Ronald dela Rosa,” Justice Undersecretary Ian Dato said in a press briefing.

The DOJ panel conducted an ocular inspection of the Senate premises and requested relevant documents, including CCTV footage and other materials necessary for the case build-up.

As such, Dato said they need enough time to study the matter and determine whether conspiracy was involved in the senator’s flight.

The DOJ earlier assured the public that the investigation into the incident would proceed independently.

Dela Rosa, who was named a coconspirator in the crimes against humanity case against former President Rodrigo Duterte, is facing an arrest warrant issued by the ICC.

11 city facilities in Makati using renewable energy

MARKING one of the major milestones in Mayor Nancy Binay’s first year in office, Makati has officially launched the first phase of its renewable energy transition, with 11 major government facilities now operating on 100% renewable energy.

During the switching ceremony held at City Hall on Wednesday evening, Mayor Binay announced that Makati has reached 60.92% of its clean energy target for the year through a Renewable Energy Supply Contract with ACEN Corporation, an early sign of the city’s commitment to run all government buildings on renewable power.

The mayor, together with ACEN Managing Director and Chief Operations Officer Miguel de Jesus, unveiled the “Powered by Renewable Energy” badge awarded by the company as a symbol of Makati’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

The 11 facilities now running fully on renewable energy are among the city’s largest and most energyintensive, with a combined average monthly peak demand of 5.76 megawatts.

The New Makati City Hall tops the list at 2.09 MW, followed by the University of Makati at 1.33 MW and the Makati Coliseum at 0.46 MW. Also included are two electric meters at Ospital ng Makati, Makati City Hall Building 2, the Old City Hall Building, and three public schools—Nemesio I. Yabut Elementary School, Makati High School, and Pio del Pilar Elementary School.

Mayor Binay described the transition as a defining step for the city and a strategic investment in Makati’s future.

PNP eyes anti-bullying help desks for children

By Vince Lopez

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday said it is looking into the possibility of establishing help desks for bullying-related complaints in support of the Department of Education’s efforts to ensure the safety and welfare of learners.

PNP chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the initiative is in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive for concerned government agencies to ensure that all schools are safe spaces conducive to learning and development.

Nartatez acknowledged that bullying requires immediate intervention to prevent it from escalating into more serious offenses or crimes.

He said the move is part of the PNP’s support for the DepEd, which has been implementing measures to protect learners, including the proposed mandatory inspection of bags and the creation of school counselor positions.

The school counselor positions were approved by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) and are expected

to strengthen the mental health services available to students.

Nartatez said the initiative could be reinforced through help desks manned by personnel from the Women and Children Protection Desk, which operates in every police station.

“Our coordination with DepEd is continuously being done to provide the best protection to our learners and to make sure that all schools are safe and conducive to learning,” Nartatez said.

The PNP chief also assured the public that the police force would actively participate in efforts to combat bullying, particularly in schools.

“We will strengthen our anti-bullying campaign through close coordination with other concerned agencies and offices,” Nartatez said.

Comelec says it won’t disqualify MILF bets

By Nash B. Maulana

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has dismissed a petition seeking to disqualify three members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) from joining the Sept. 14, 2026 parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Petitioner Haron Suraik Budzal failed to “allege that the Petition was not filed to harass, cause unnecessary delay or needlessly increase the cost of litigation,” the Commission said in its six-page decision.

Budzal, a member of the MILF from Barangay Macaguiling, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte, petitioned the Comelec to disqualify MILF leaders Oranon Swaib of Barangay Rebuken, Mohidin Usman

of Barangay Darapanan, both in the same municipality and province, and Dan Asnawie of Basilan. The three MILF candidates are running for Bangsamoro Parliament district or party-list seats under the Bangsamoro Federalists Party against nominees of the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP), which is backed by the MILF Central Committee. The Comelec ruled that “the perusal of the verification submitted by the petitioner reveals that there was a failure to allege the following: 1) that the petition was not filed to harass, cause unnecessary delay, or needlessly increase the cost of litigation; and 2) the factual allegations in the Petition have evidentiary support, or if specifically so identified, will likewise have evidentiary support after a reasonable opportunity for discovery.”

P790m in aid disbursed to earthquake victims

A TOTAL of P789.91 million in various forms of assistance has been provided to families affected by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Maasim, Sarangani, and nearby provinces on June 8, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said Thursday. In its latest situational report, the NDRRMC said the aid has reached 164,437 families in Regions 9, 11, and 12. Of the total, 4,038 families are from Region 9, 124,689 from Region 11, and 35,710 from Region 12. The agency said the figures remain subject to change as validation continues, adding that the total number of families requiring assistance in some areas has yet to be determined.

Assistance includes ready-toeat meals, family food packs, tents, sleeping and hygiene kits, blankets, bottled water, water containers, malongs, medicines, and other relief items provided by government agencies and private donors. Rex Espiritu BI arrests 3 Chinese nationals in Parañaque THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested three Chinese nationals in Parañaque City, including two fugitives wanted by Chinese authorities for alleged fraud and illegal online gambling.

Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado identified the fugitives as Jiang Yin and Li Chuang, who were arrested on June 16 by the BI’s Fugitive Search Unit with intelligence support from Chinese authorities.

Authorities also arrested Wang Weixin after discovering he had overstayed his visa and was the subject of a Hold Departure Order. The BI said Jiang and Li are wanted in China for allegedly taking part in large-scale fraud and operating illegal online gambling through the “Qianneng Wallet” application. They were reportedly members of gambling syndicates who served as supervisors and betting facilitators. Vito Barcelo Council to probe ethics complaint vs. QC councilor THE Quezon City Council will conduct its own investigation into the ethical issues involving District 2 Councilor Ranulfo Ludovica, who was seen scolding a Land Transportation Office (LTO) enforcer during the Iglesia ni Cristo rally at the People Power Monument on July 1. In a statement, the Council said it would undertake an impartial inquiry to establish the facts and determine whether the actions taken were consistent with the standards of conduct expected of public officials.

The Council said public officials have the duty to raise legitimate concerns and demand accountability, but these responsibilities must always be exercised with respect, professionalism, and due regard for the dignity and rights of others. It added that all parties would be afforded fairness and due process. Rio N. Araja

SUNFLOWERS IN BLOOM. Sunflowers line University Avenue ahead of the University of the Philippines’ 115th Commencement Exercises on July 5 in Diliman, Quezon City, symbolizing hope and new beginnings for graduating students. Edd Castro

FRIDAY, JULY 3, 2026

DILG reinforces early childhood dev’t

IN BRIEF

Prelate invites young women to religious life

APOSTOLIC nuncio to the Philippines

Archbishop Charles Brown is encouraging young women to consider a vocation in religion, saying Christ continues to call on new generations “despite a world filled with distractions and competing voices.”

Speaking during a thanksgiving Mass marking the 300th anniversary of the 1726 Rules and Constitutions of the Religious of the Virgin Mary on Wednesday, Brown said God continues to invite women to dedicate their lives completely to Christ.

He cited Venerable Mother Ignacia del Espíritu Santo, founder of the Religious of the Virgin Mary, as an enduring example of trusting God’s will, saying her witness continues to inspire women to embrace religious vocations.

Brown also reminded the faithful that every Christian vocation requires a personal response, stressing that choosing Christ is lived out each day through prayer, service and faithful living. Vito Barcelo

Agents nab American with P10-m illegal drugs

GOVERNMENT agents at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) have arrested a 37-year-old American after he claimed a parcel containing suspected ecstasy worth more than P10 million at the Central Mail Exchange Center in Pasay City.

The arrest was carried out on Wednesday by a composite team from the Philippine National Police-Aviation Security Group, the Bureau of Customs, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group. Authorities said the suspicious parcel originated from Canada and was declared to contain assorted food items, personal

clothing, candies, cereals, and other household goods. The package underwent routine X-ray screening and manual inspection by Customs personnel before PDEA subjected it to a K-9 inspection, which indicated the presence of suspected illegal drugs. Joel E. Zurbano

Bamboo span into steel bridge in just 45 days

THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has completed a temporary steel bridge in a village in Agno, Pangasinan in just 45 days, re-

Britain supports Philippines’ entry into CPTPP

By Katrina Manubay

THE United Kingdom has reaffirmed its support for the Philippines’ bid to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) after member economies agreed to initiate preparatory accession discussions with Manila.

Following the 10th CPTPP Commission Meeting on June 26, ministers approved beginning preparatory talks with the Philippines, Indonesia, and the United Arab Emirates, marking an important step toward potential membership

By Rex Espiritu

in one of the world’s largest free trade pacts.

UK Deputy Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific (Southeast Asia) Rhiannon Harries said the announcement builds on the CPTPP Joint Ministerial Statement from November 2025, which expressed interest in the Philippines, Indonesia, and the UAE.

“We’ve strongly supported the Philippines’ application. If the Philippines completes the process and joins the agreement, businesses in our countries would benefit from lower tariffs, simpler trading rules, and stronger supply chains,”

THE Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Thursday disowned circulating statements and social media posts allegedly attributed to the organization, describing them as false and not reflective of its official position.

In a statement, MILF chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim specifically cited a online post calling on MILF Ulama, including Ustadz Kawilan and Ustadz Gumander, to stop what it described as divisive actions and instead promote unity.

“The MILF clarifies that this circulating post is not an official statement,” Ebrahim said.

The MILF chairman urged the public to remain vigilant against misinformation and verify information through official and credible sources before believing or sharing it.

“The circulating claims are false and do not represent the official position of the organization,” he said.

Ebrahim also reminded social media users to exercise caution against disinformation and fake news circulating on various online platforms, encouraging the public to rely only on the MILF’s official communication channels and credible news organizations for verified information.

The MILF reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, peace, and the responsible dissemination of information.

she said. For the Philippines, joining CPTPP would provide access to a broad trade network, potentially reducing tariffs and simplifying trading regulations across various markets.

According to the UK Embassy in the Philippines on Wednesday, preparatory discussions do not guarantee accession or the initiation of formal negotiations. However, they are intended to foster engagement and understanding between the Philippines and CPTPP Parties regarding the agreement’s standards.

By Vince Lopez

THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Thursday moved to strengthen early childhood development initiatives by exploring the inclusion of the Infant and Toddler Early Development (ITED) Program as an indicator under the Child-Friendly Local Governance Audit (CFLGA) and integrating it into the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG).

The initiative supports the implementation of Republic Act No. 12199, which amended the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Systems Act and placing the ECCD Council under the DILG and reinforcing the Department’s role in advancing early childhood development nationwide.

Developed by the ECCD Council, the ITED Program promotes responsive caregiving, age-appropriate learning, proper nutrition, health, and developmental support for children from birth to two years old.

It also equips parents and caregivers with the knowledge and skills needed to nurture children during the most critical stage of development.

The DILG said strengthening support during the first 1,000 days of a child’s life is a long-term investment in healthier children, stronger families, and more resilient communities.

“By integrating ITED into existing governance assessment mechanisms, LGUs will be encouraged to institutionalize programs that support the health, nutrition, learning, and overall development of infants and toddlers,” the DILG said.

ITED is currently tracked under the CFLGA through a profiling indicator that identifies whether LGUs operate ITED centers.

Elevating it into a scored indicator would encourage more local governments to establish, sustain, and improve these programs as part of good local governance, the DILG said.

The proposal builds on the gains of the CFLGA, with preliminary DILG data showing a 21.9 percent increase in the number of LGUs that passed the audit in 2025 compared to the previous year.

Once integrated into governance assessment systems, ITED would become a stronger measure of local government performance, encouraging sustained investments in early childhood interventions that deliver lasting benefits for communities.

Minerva Newman

underweight children with 8,672 in Cebu province alone and 7,152 suffering from wasting or acute malnutrition. This nutritional deficit is compounded by severe systemic strain; the Expanded National Nutrition Survey reveals that 35.6 percent of households in Central Visayas suffer from moderate to severe food insecurity, eclipsing the national average of 31.4 percent.

SEED BANK. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. and Bureau of Plant Industry director Glenn Panganiban visit the newly inaugurated National Seed Reserve Facility at the BPI compound in Quezon City. The facility is designed as a long-term repository of quality seeds for regular crop production and post-disaster recovery, thereby boosting the country’s food security. Manny Palmero

DEEPER BILATERAL NAVAL TIES. The Philippine Navy and the Royal Canadian Navy boost their maritime defense interoperability with . ship exchange visit during the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise 2026, reinforcing professional ties and enhancing interoperability between the two maritime forces. The crew of BRP Miguel Malvar led by Capt. Paul Michael Hechanova toured Canada’s HMCS Regina skippered by Cmdr. Darren Sleen. PN photo

BRIDGE TO THE FUTURE. Before and after images of a bridge linking two

barangays in Agno, Pangasinan show a small boy crossing the span on his way to school. The Department of Public Works and Highways says it completed the transformation in just 45 days. DPWH photo

OPINION

Artificial intelligence and impeachment

TECHNOLOGY has always promised to make life better, and in many ways it has.

From the rise of online banking apps that let OFWs send money home in seconds, to telemedicine platforms that connect patients in far-flung barangays to doctors in Manila, innovation has reshaped how Filipinos live, work, and connect. Now artificial intelligence is the newest frontier, and it raises a question Pope Leo XIV tackles directly in the encyclical Magnifica Humanitas: can a machine ever replace what makes us human?

The Pope does not dismiss artificial intelligence (AI) as a threat to be feared. He recognizes, as most of us do, that technology has unlocked real progress.

But Pope Leo XIV cautions against a society that worships efficiency and productivity above all else, one that starts measuring people by output instead of worth.

This hits close to home in a culture where call center agents are often judged purely by call volume, or where students are ranked endlessly by grades and test scores.

The Pope reminds us that a person’s dignity does not come from how productive or “useful” they are. It comes from being human, created in the image of God, full stop. AI can analyze, predict, and even mimic conversation, but it cannot truly feel. It has no conscience. It cannot weep with a grieving family in Tacloban after a typhoon, or feel the quiet pride of a parent watching their child graduate from a public university despite years of hardship.

Algorithms can crunch data, but they cannot carry the weight of a moral decision the way a barangay captain does when mediating a dispute between neighbors, or the way a nurse does when comforting a frightened patient in a crowded public hospital.

There is also a sobering point about power. The Pope warns that in the wrong hands, AI can become a tool of control rather than service, used for surveillance or manipulation instead of genuine help.

Filipinos need only look at how easily disinformation spreads on social media during election season to understand this danger.

Technology without ethics is a loaded tool, and history has shown what happens when powerful instruments are used without accountability.

This danger will likely come into full view as the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte unfolds.

The proceedings will not stay confined to the Senate floor; they will spill into every Filipino’s social media feed, and AI will play a role on both sides of that divide.

On one hand, livestreams, automated transcription tools, and AI-assisted factchecking groups will give ordinary citizens unprecedented access to follow the trial in real time, verify claims, and understand

complex legal arguments that might otherwise stay locked behind legalese.

Used well, this could become a genuine civic education moment, a chance for Filipinos to better understand impeachment, due process, and accountability.

On the other hand, the same technology that informs could just as easily confuse.

AI-generated memes, deepfake-adjacent edits, and algorithm-driven echo chambers may turn the trial into fertile ground for disinformation, with partisan narratives likely to spread faster than verified facts.

AI can analyze, predict, and even mimic conversation, but it cannot truly feel

Whether the trial becomes a teaching moment or a muddled spectacle will depend less on the technology itself and more on how it is used, and by whom.

This is exactly the tension Pope Leo XIV describes: the same tool can serve truth or distort it, depending on the ethics guiding the hand that wields it.

Inequality is another concern close to the Filipino experience. Internet access remains uneven across the archipelago.

While families in Metro Manila enjoy fiber broadband and the latest AI apps, communities in Mindanao or remote island provinces may still struggle with basic connectivity.

If AI’s benefits are not shared fairly, Pope Leo XIV warns, the gap between rich and poor will only widen, leaving the most vulnerable further behind.

The Pope is not anti technology. He simply insists that machines must remain instruments that serve people, never masters that define them.

Filipino culture, with its deep traditions of bayanihan and pakikipagkapwa tao, already understands something AI never will, that real progress is measured not by speed or efficiency, but by how well we care for one another.

As the Philippines embraces the digital age, from AI chatbots in government offices to smart farming tools in Nueva Ecija, and livestreams from Congress, the goal should never be to let machines define our worth or our understanding of truth.

Technology may calculate, but only people can truly care, and only people will decide whether Sara Dutete’s impeachment trial becomes a lesson learned or a truth lost in noise.

Facebook: tonylavs Website: tonylavina. com

China’s United Front Work in PH

By Rommel Banlaoi

ACTIVITIES of the United Front Work Department (UFWD) of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) are being misunderstood in the Philippines.

In China, it is a legitimate institution tasked with building consensus among diverse groups, promoting harmony, and advancing national unity. Its initiatives are framed as instruments of cultural diplomacy and social cohesion.

In the Philippines, however, the UFWD’s presence is frequently met with suspicion, interpreted as a vehicle of covert influence rather than community engagement.

UFWD-linked programs in the Philippines typically take the form of cultural exchange and diaspora outreach. FilipinoChinese associations organize events celebrating heritage, language, and traditions.

These initiatives aiming to strengthen cultural ties and enrich the Philippines’ multicultural identity are lawful under Philippine statutes and, when transparent, beneficial in promoting mutual understanding.

But the UFWD is not merely cultural. It is also a political instrument tasked with mobilizing overseas Chinese communities to support Beijing’s agenda.

In the country, this sometimes manifests in civic federations echoing China’s positions on Taiwan or the South China Sea. While protected under freedom of expression, such pronouncements raise questions about foreign influence in sensitive debates.

The challenge lies in distinguishing between legitimate cultural diplomacy and activities that may undermine sovereignty.

The Philippines has laws to address these

concerns.

The Revised Penal Code covers sedition and rebellion, applicable if UFWD-linked groups incite hostility against government.

The Anti-Dummy Law prohibits foreign nationals from controlling businesses reserved for Filipinos, safeguarding against covert economic influence.

The Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 criminalizes coercion and intimidation, relevant if UFWD-linked networks harass dissidents

The Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 criminalizes coercion and intimidation, relevant if UFWD-linked networks harass dissidents.

Yet there is no comprehensive law requiring disclosure of foreign lobbying or propaganda, unlike the U.S. Foreign Agents Registration Act. This gap leaves the Philippines vulnerable to influence operations that operate legally but opaquely.

Not all UFWD activities are malign. Academic partnerships can enrich universities, business ties can stimulate growth, and community forums can strengthen diaspora identity. These are legitimate and desirable forms of engagement.

Risks arise when such activities are leveraged for political ends without transparency. The Philippines must therefore adopt

From port to pivot

THE two-week Exercise KAMANDAG 10, the 10th edition of the bilateral training activity between the Philippines and the United States, has concluded, symbolizing yet another chapter in close maritime partnership between Manila and Washington.

The exercise – an acronym for the Filipino phrase Kaagapay ng mga Mandirigma ng Dagat, which translates to “Cooperation of the Warriors of the Sea” – also symbolizes and signifies shared responsibility, and deep trust among allied forces.

The iteration included roughly 2,000 troops with active participation from the Japan Ground SelfDefense Force and the Republic of Korea Marine Corps, alongside observers from eight other allied nations: Australia, Bahrain, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands. Spain, and Thailand.

The exercise, which included amphibious training, aimed to bolster regional security by carrying out complex training events such as coastal defense operations, amphibious assaults, counter-landing operations, and Special Operations.

We find security significance here in that the drills have shifted toward archipelagic coastal defense facing the South China Sea and Luzon Strait, which directly directly supports the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Comprehensive Archi-

pelagic Defense Concept.

KAMANDAG highlighted highend, complex combat scenarios in contested littoral environments. Key capabilities demonstrated include:

• Anti-Ship Missiles: The deployment and transport of advanced maritime strike and air defense systems (such as the NMESIS anti-ship missile system) to strategic islands like Calayan Island.

KAMANDAG highlighted highend, complex combat scenarios in contested littoral environments

NMESIS is a highly mobile, land-based anti-ship missile system equipped with Naval Strike Missiles capable of targeting surface vessels at ranges of roughly 185 km.

Emphasizing “contested logistics,” the US Marines worked with Philippine counterparts to load NMESIS

and mobile command vehicles onto contracted Philippine commercial ferries.

The systems were transported and positioned on strategic islands, such as Calayan Island in the Luzon Strait, allowing forces to rapidly establish coastal defense nodes without relying entirely on traditional military vessels.

• Live-Fire and Drone Exercises: Combined forces conducted livefire counter-landing drills and utilized precision support, including one-way attack drone ranges, to control maritime key terrain.

• Amphibious and Air Assaults: Philippine, U.S., and Republic of Korea Marines executed rapid sea-to-shore landings and vertical maneuvers designed to seize and establish control over designated operational areas. Because the Philippines is highly vulnerable to natural disasters, HADR remains a core component of KAMANDAG:

• Civilian Evacuation: Allied units successfully executed simulated Non-Combatant Evacuation Operations (NEO) to test the speed and safety of deploying allied assets to rescue civilians during crises.

• Interoperability: The training integrates command and control protocols, allowing militaries from different nations to seamlessly work together on search-and-rescue and medical response in unfamiliar operating environments.

Vietnam unveils ‘baby bonus’ after scrapping two-child policy

HANOI – One year after lifting its longstanding two-child limit, Vietnam is offering incentives for people to have more babies as the communist country risks getting old before it gets rich.

A new population law and regulations coming into effect Wednesday extend maternity leave from six to seven months for mothers having a second child as well as offering financial help.

If Hanoi residents Nguyen Kim Bich and her husband have a second child, she will get an extra month of maternity leave, free prenatal screenings and a small cash bonus.

“I could stay at home one more month with the baby, and my husband could stay home some more days,” the 32-year-old said as her young son romped in a colourful pit of plastic balls.

The new regime subsidises prenatal and newborn screenings and establishes one-off cash bonuses of up to $228 -- two-thirds of the monthly average salary -- for mothers who meet certain criteria.

“This is a significant shift in approach,” said Pham Thi Lan, head of population and development at the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) in Vietnam.

“We are moving from controlling family planning to focusing on population development.”

The change, in a country where communist party members faced sanctions for having a third child until last year, comes as the demographic picture darkens.

Soaring life expectancy and declining birth rates have turned Vietnam into one of the fastest-aging countries in the world.

These trends reflect the development successes of recent years, but economists warn they could lead to labour shortages and strain the social safety net.

The new population law aims to slow the demographic shift.

But for Bich and her husband Lai, an accountant and advertising professional, the inducements are not enough.

a balanced approach: welcoming cultural diplomacy while safeguarding against covert interference.

From Beijing’s perspective, the UFWD is a means of building bridges, uniting communities, and promoting development.

For the Philippines, the challenge is not to demonize it but to manage its activities in ways that protect national interests. This requires legal reform, vigilance, and dialogue. Legislation mandating disclosure of foreign affiliations would enhance transparency. Strengthening institutions to monitor foreign influence would safeguard sovereignty. At the same time, engaging UFWD-linked organizations in constructive dialogue could transform risks into opportunities for cooperation.

A calibrated Philippine approach can, in fact, stabilize relations with China while preserving strong ties with the United States.

Nearly half their combined $1,000 monthly income already goes to raising their first child, and they share a small house with his parents.

“The benefits are nice but not enough.

One more month of leave and $75 can never attract us to have a second kid,” she said, citing how much of the bonus she would expect to qualify for.

‘Major slowdowns’ Vietnam’s preference for two-child families dates back to the 1960s, when communist authorities in the north sought to curb explosive population growth during the war.

Soaring life expectancy and declining birth rates have turned Vietnam into one of the fastest-aging countries in the world

An official limit was adopted in 1988, but enforcement was never as strict as in neighboring China, where sterilisations and forced abortions accompanied a one-child policy lifted from 2016.

Today, Vietnam is not yet locked in a demographic death spiral like South Korea or Japan. Its birth rate is below the replacement level of 2.1 children per woman, but at 1.93 is robust compared to most developed nations. Life expectancy meanwhile has risen to nearly 75 while the share of the population over 60 has ticked over ten percent. By the middle of the century, the over60 cohort will make up 25 percent and the population will begin to shrink, according to government projections.

The Philippines need not choose between its two foremost partners. By engaging UFWD-linked groups openly and transparently, Manila can signal goodwill to Beijing, fostering cooperation in trade, education, tourism, and cultural exchange. By reinforcing legal safeguards and ensuring transparency, the Philippines can reassure Washington that engagement with China does not erode democratic values or sovereignty.

The UFWD in the Philippines is a test of our capacity to navigate globalization’s entanglements. In today’s interconnected world, cultural diplomacy and political influence are inseparable.

To reject all UFWD activity outright risks alienating Chinese-Filipino communities and eroding bilateral ties. The way forward, therefore, demands nuance: affirming the legitimacy of cultural

What worries economists is that this shift is happening at an earlier stage of development than in other rapidly aging countries.

Vietnam is among the fastest-growing economies in Asia, but it is still relatively poor.

GDP per capita is around $5,000 -- half of Japan’s when its birth rate matched Vietnam’s in the early 1980s, and that is without adjusting for inflation. That means Vietnam will have “less time to adapt to an aged society than many advanced economies had”, the World Bank warned in a 2021 report.

The country has a “narrow window” for reform before facing “major slowdowns in growth”, it said.

‘No way’

Vietnam’s communist leaders have framed the new population law as one answer to that challenge, touting it as a first in the region.

UNFPA’s Lan welcomed the legislation, saying it “addresses the current demographic shift” and empowers couples to make their own reproductive decisions. However, she acknowledged the limitations of one-off benefits like cash bonuses, saying that continuous support through child-rearing is often necessary to change parents’ minds. Without more “comprehensive support”, high housing and childcare costs will continue to “hinder people from fulfilling their desire to have children”, she said. That tracks with one recent government survey, in which 73 percent of married respondents said their wages influenced their decision to have children.

Tran Minh Anh, 24, who earns about $380 per month as a cashier in Hanoi, felt similarly.

“I will not have any kids at all,” she said, adding it was “too much pressure, financially and mentally”.

“How can I take care of one more person? No way!” AFP

exchange, exposing illegal influence operations to scrutiny, and crafting policies that balance openness with vigilance. It is imperative for the Philippines to approach the UFWD with both caution and openness. Its role in cultural diplomacy merits recognition, even as its political dimensions warrant scrutiny.

A stronger legal framework can guard against undue influence while still encouraging genuine community engagement. Engagement with China through the UFWD and other channels must uphold sovereignty while cultivating amity over enmity.

(The writer, holder of a PhD, the Director of Philippines-China Studies Center at Diliman College and President of the Philippine Society for International Security Studies, is the Chairman of the Board of Advisers of the China Studies Center at New Era University.)

FRIDAY, JULY 3, 2026

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Unearthing man 8 days after quakes

8 monks killed after boy drives truck into procession

BANGKOK

– An 11-year-old drove his parents’ truck into a Buddhist procession in Thailand on Thursday, killing eight monks and injuring more than 20 others, police and health officials said.

The group of 35 monks and five lay followers were walking along a roadside in the northeastern Mukdahan province during a pilgrimage when the incident occurred.

“I saw a boy driving a pickup truck, approaching. At that moment I was chanting ‘Buddho, Buddho’ (a meditation mantra),” one monk, identified as Phra Sompong, said in a video posted online by local rescue workers.

“Then suddenly the truck hit at full speed and crashed us like this,” he said, gesticulating.

“Luckily another monk and I managed to jump out of the way in time,” he added.

“The first nine monks in line survived. But others who were hit were thrown into the air.”

Five monks died at the scene and three more later died in hospital, police said. CCTV footage from a nearby property shows the monks walking along the road, multiple vehicles driving past and then the sound of a loud crash before the procession stops. AFP

IN BRIEF

TikTok settles with US teenager

SAN FRANCISCO – TikTok settled a lawsuit with a teenager just weeks before the company was set to go to trial in a second landmark case over whether social media companies are responsible for the harms their products might cause.

The 15-year-old Florida teenager, identified only by his initials R.K.C., has accused four social media companies of harming his mental health and previously reached a settlement agreement with YouTube on June 23. This leaves only Meta and Snapchat as defendants in the trial which is scheduled to begin July 27 in Los Angeles.

“We can confirm that a settlement in principle has been reached with TikTok,” law firm Morgan & Morgan, which represents the teenager, told AFP on Wednesday without specifying the terms.

TikTok also previously settled a similar case, the first of its kind, in January before the trial started. AFP

China unity law comes into force

BEIJING – A new ethnic unity law came into effect Wednesday in China despite warnings from Taiwan, the United Nations and rights groups that it could threaten freedoms, especially for minorities.

The Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress aims to forge a “shared” national identity among ethnic groups, for example by strengthening the status of Mandarin as the official language.

But overseas campaigners have argued it will further degrade the rights of ethnic minorities, like Uyghurs and Tibetans, that Beijing is accused of persecuting.

They also point to a clause stating that people can be held liable for violating the law even when outside China, saying it gives the Chinese government more justification for targeting its opponents abroad.

The law will require “political and ideological alignment with the Chinese Communist Party” and “further institutionalize... policies of forced assimilation”, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director Sarah Brooks said Tuesday. AFP

Syria’s president finalizes post-Assad parliament

DAMASCUS – Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa on Wednesday finalised the formation of the country’s first post-Assad parliament, which is set to hold its first session next week in a step seen as a test for the country’s transition.

After toppling longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad in December 2024 after more than 13 years of civil war, the new authorities dissolved Syria’s rubber-stamp legislature and adopted a temporary constitutional declaration to cover a five-year transition period.

In a process that began in October and has been criticized as undemocratic, local committees appointed by the electoral commission -- which was in turn appointed by Sharaa -- began selecting two-thirds of the 210 members of a new parliament, with the president to appoint the remaining third. AFP

Biggest ever Russian barrage on Kyiv kills at least 13

and

ing at least 13 people dead, Ukrainian officials said.

The European Union’s top diplomat proposed new sanctions on Moscow following the strikes, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy asked the United States for licenses to manufacture Patriot air defense missiles. Russia has routinely launched waves of missiles and drones at Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, the capital, during its more than four-year invasion, which has become Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War II.

AFP journalists in central and eastern Kyiv heard more than a dozen explosions and saw residents -- some with children and pets -- rushing to shelter in metro stations.

In the morning, locals stood on the rubble of destroyed apartment blocks, ripped apart by the barrage, as smoke poured over the Kyiv skyline.

Blasts started echoing out over the Ukrainian capital late on Wednesday, lasting into the early hours of Thursday as Russian missiles and drones rained down on residential areas in the centre of the city.

Mayor Vitali Klitschko said at least 13 people had been killed and 86 wounded,

describing it as the “enemy’s most massive attack on the capital”. Kyiv urged its allies to send more air defense.

“Air defense supplies for Ukraine are an absolute and critical priority,” Zelensky said in a post on Facebook.

“We also very much count on a decision by the United States regarding licences for Patriots,” he added. Ukraine is seeking to manufacture munitions for the US-made missile interceptor system, one of its only ways of defending against Russian ballistic missiles, although defense experts say it will take time to set up production domestically. AFP

Iran chief negotiator calls to avenge Khamenei death with major turnout

TEHRAN – Iran’s chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf called on Thursday for massive turnout at Ali

Khamenei’s funeral to avenge the supreme leader’s death in US-Israeli strikes at the start of the war.

“I invite all the Iranian people... to write a glorious page in the history of Islamic Iran through your presence” at the funeral ceremonies starting Saturday, said Ghalibaf, who is also Iran’s parliament speaker.

“The nation’s call for vengeance must ring in the ears of the whole world,” he added in a statement.

Khamenei’s funeral, initially delayed at the height of the Middle East war, will take place as Iran and the United States observe a fragile ceasefire after signing a preliminary deal to halt the conflict. Khamenei, a spiritual figure for many Shias, was killed at the age of 86 at his compound in the centre of the Iranian capital on February 28, the first day of the war. His public funeral will begin on Satur-

day, with his body lying in state at the colossal Grand Mosalla complex in central Tehran that hosts major Friday prayers, official ceremonies and religious gatherings. The bodies of his slain relatives will also be presented. The ceremonies are expected to draw between 15 and 20 million mourners, according to officials, which would make it the biggest state funeral in the country’s history.

“Iran... is preparing to experience one of the most significant moments in its history,” Ghalibaf said.

CATIA LA MAR, Venezuela –Hundreds of rescuers struggled Thursday to unearth a 43-year-old Venezuelan man trapped for eight days under a collapsed building after twin earthquakes killed almost 2,300 people, an AFP reporter witnessed.

An international rescue team inched closer to Hernan Gil, a security guard buried inside his booth under the seven-story building where he worked in Catia La Mar, a coastal area almost entirely razed to the ground in the June 24 catastrophe.

“This is truly a miracle,” Gil’s wife Gusbimar Gonzalez told AFP.

“I’m completely amazed because it’s the first time I’ve seen so many countries come together like this to save a single person,” she said.

Rescue teams from seven countries -Venezuela, Chile, the United States, Portugal, Costa Rica, El Salvador, and Mexico -- have been working around-the-clock over the past three days to reach him. They were almost one meter (three feet) from his position overnight, rescuers told AFP, but working carefully to avoid the further collapse of nearby structures damaged in the quakes.

“This is a rather complicated structure to access,” Cristian Vera, the leader of the Chilean rescue team told AFP. “It wasn’t easy to reach the exact spot where the victim was located.”

Though hopes rose for one man’s rescue, Venezuela faces a disaster that has left many without shelter and desperately short on food. In addition to the dead, tens of thousands of people remain unaccounted for.

Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodriguez declared seven days of mourning, saying the country’s “soul is torn apart by the human losses.”

The majority of collapsed buildings in the hardest-hit city of La Guaira, just north of Caracas, have been marked with the letter ‘D’ for ‘deceased’ -- a sign they had been searched with no signs of life found. AFP

Israeli military says it has lost five soldiers and one contractor over the same period. AFP

together with

medics and members of the armed forces carry

DOZEN EXPLOSIONS. A Ukrainian police officer inspects the area near

Russian

attack on Kyiv late on Wednesday. Russian missile and drone strikes rocked Kyiv early on Thursday, setting off fires and wounding at least five people,

England’s forward Harry Kane celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the 2026 World Cup round of 32 match football between England and the Democratic

the Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta. AFP

England banks on Kane; US, Belgium make last 16

LOS ANGELES —Harry Kane scored twice to rescue England from the brink of a calamitous World Cup exit as co-hosts the United States swept into the last 16 with victory in their primetime clash against Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Another breathless day of World Cup action kicked off with England captain Kane scoring twice in the last 15 minutes to help the Three Lions snatch a 2-1 win against the Democratic Republic of Congo at Atlanta’s MercedesBenz Stadium. Belgium meanwhile pulled off an incredible comeback against Senegal, recovering from a 2-0 deficit with four minutes of normal time remaining to win 3-2 after extra-time in Seattle.

The Belgians will now play the United States in the last 16 next week after the hosts overcame the sending off of star striker Folarin Balogun to defeat Bosnia 2-0 in Santa Clara, California.

England, meanwhile, are now preparing for a daunting trip to take on Mexico at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on Sunday following Kane’s late show in Atlanta. DR Congo had threatened to pull off one of the greatest upsets in World Cup

history after winger Brian Cipenga fired the Leopards ahead in the seventh minute.

But Kane equalised with a 75th-minute header and then lashed home a superb winner 11 minutes later to secure the win.

“We spoke about people having hero moments, it could be anyone in the team. A save from (goalkeeper Jordan) Pickford, a block from a defender, whoever it is. We have hero moments, and for me it was the day,” said a beaming Kane.

England manager Thomas Tuchel said the win was testament to his team’s never-say-die approach.

“This team today did not accept a defeat as an outcome,” England boss

Tuchel said. “It makes me very proud, because they did what was necessary.

“The going got tough, and they showed up, and we got a deserved win, even if it was a late one.”

Belgium stunner

Belgium outdid England for drama in an enthralling duel with Senegal, somehow clawing their way back from 2-0 down with four minutes remaining before grabbing a hotly disputed winner from the penalty spot in the fifth minute of stoppage time at the end of extra time.

Senegal looked poised to join Morocco as the only other African side to advance to the last 16 so far after Habib Diarra opened the scoring in the 24th minute at Lumen Field. AFP

Go weathers early stumble, extends lead to 12 at Pinewoods

BAGUIO—After two days of nearflawless golf, Lloyd Go finally showed signs of vulnerability – but with conditions turning unexpectedly benign and his closest challengers failing to capitalize, the Cebuano ace moved within sight of the ICTSI Pinewoods Challenge crown with 18 holes still to play.

Go endured a birdie-less front nine marked by errant shots and missed opportunities, yet still managed a 70, thanks to a vintage back-nine surge that stretched his lead to a commanding 12 strokes after three rounds of the ₱2.5 million championship at the par 35-37 Pinewoods Golf Club here on Thursday. The 31-year-old, who built a massive nine-shot cushion with brilliant opening rounds of 64 and 67, recovered from a shaky 38 by firing six birdies against a lone bogey over the closing holes, highlighting his late charge with a scorching four-birdie run from No. 14, effectively leaving his nearest pursuers in his wake. His strong finish brought him to a 54hole total of 15-under 201, widening his gap over Jeffren Lumbo, who stumbled with a 73 for a 213, and leaving him in

THERE have been two wonderful pieces of news these past few days. The upsides, a fast- emerging sport, found a true leader and benefactor, while an Irish football club got a boost with the addition of a very familiar name to its ownership. There was one football-related news regarding the Philippines’ qualification to the soccer tournament of the forthcoming Asian Games due to India’s withdrawal from the event. And of course, there is the ongoing FIFA World Cup, which I just can’t understand why the association supposedly championing the sport is not doing anything to ride on the momentum of the biggest tournament in the world right now.

Probably because of “the high possibility of inclement weather and traffic”.

But first, former Filipinas’ team manager Jeff Cheng has completed his move “away” from football as he now leads Padel Pilipinas as its president. Incidentally, Padel Pilipinas hosted the Asia Pacific Padel Cup (APPC) 2026 with teams from the region having descended to Manila to compete for bragging rights and end the country’s chokehold on the title. To no avail.

Simply because the Philippine Padel Team scored a triple kill in the main competitions as LA Canizares and Jason Tamayo doused Abdullah Adnan and Muhammad

prime position to secure the ₱441,500 top prize and a second Philippine Golf Tour title after a breakthrough at Palos Verdes in 2024.

Ironically, the third round presented the field with its best chance to mount a comeback. Unlike the previous day, when strong winds battered Pinewoods and compounded the challenges of the already demanding mountain layout, moving day unfolded under near-ideal conditions. The calmer weather and lighter breeze were expected to produce low scores and tighten the leaderboard after Go’s uncharacteristic struggles on the front nine.

Instead, no serious challenge emerged.

While Go briefly faltered, the chasing pack failed to seize the opportunity, leaving the leader largely unthreatened despite his faulty start. With the elements no longer a major factor, Go once again showcased the shot-making that defined his dominant opening rounds, taming the backside with a 32.

“The first three holes were the hardest here, and I actually played them

pretty well, so it was a good start,” said Go, who opened with regulation pars.

“I hit a lot of good shots on the front nine, but I kept ending up in the wrong spots – unlike in the first two rounds –which led to some bogeys.”

He added, “But I steadied myself on the back nine.”

Not only did he regain control, he also pulled away again, all but securing a second PGT victory.

“I’ll just stick to my own game and try to find more fairways and greens,” he said of his final-round approach.

He also emphasized the need to avoid repeating his two three-putt mistakes and two bogeys from water hazards – errors that, despite everything, barely dented his lead. In fact, he even stretched his advantage to a near-insurmountable margin, putting him on track to surpass the nine-stroke victory by Reymon Jaraula over Rupert Zaragosa at Del Monte last year.

His commanding advantage has now put him on the verge of turning Friday’s final round into little more than a victory march on a course he had never

President JC, Chairman FRG

Salar’s upset bid in the men’s professional category with a 6-3, 6-3 win. The tandem of Joanna Tao Yee Tan and tennis ace Marian Capadocia, on the other hand, dumped Aqsa Khalid and Meheq Khokar via double bagels, 6-0, 6-0. Capadocia scored another win after pairing with Tamayo to rule the mixed doubles over Salar and Sheeza Sajid, 6-3, 6-3. The wins enabled the Philippines to defend and keep its titles in the professional category.

“Padel is a relatively new sport in the country, but we won the APPC in Kuala Lumpur last year. It proves that given the right environment, training, coaching, facilities and resources, our Filipino athletes can compete with the best in the world,” Cheng told The Designated Kit Man.

Can’t help but chuckle at the shade. There is more to come, though.

Ninong Jeff, however, is not letting go of the momentum generated by the successful hosting of the APPC. In fact, his focus is already two months ahead.

“After bagging the gold medals, we will now prioritize our preparation for the Asian Games in September, where Padel will be a medal sport,” he explained.

So the next question is, does this move mean that Cheng is turning his back on football?

“I have been supporting football in a different capacity.

Away from the national teams, I support local football festivals and

competitions, especially for boys and girls. I believe that more competition will accelerate the growth and exponentially improve the players,” he said. Anyone who knows Jeff Cheng and what he did to women’s football will unanimously agree that padel is in good hands.

The Designated Kit Man was also able to connect with Freddy Gonzalez, the former director of senior national teams of the Philippine Football Federation (PFF). It was announced a few days earlier that the former manager of the Philippine Men’s National Football Team is now one of the owners of the Irish side Finn Harps Football Club. The Harps compete in the First Division of the League of Ireland.

Gonzalez says the Harps, despite being on the other side of the globe, tick all the boxes of criteria he has set in acquiring a club.

“I’ve been looking at different leagues and clubs for the better part of two years, and when I left the PFF in June 2025, I really put more time and effort into this acquisition, as it’s always been my dream to own a club in Europe,” Gonzalez told The Designated Kit Man last Tuesday.

As Gonzalez reiterated, his decision to purchase the club was not a spur-of-themoment thing. It was a long, thought-out plan, and he is very sure that he made the right decision. He was happy too.

“I would say yes, it is because you own everything. From the team to the stadium

Palawan series sustains drive to develop future tennis stars

MOMENTUM continues to build for Philippine grassroots tennis as the Palawan Juniors Tennis Series moves to Cebu following a successful Mindanao opener, reinforcing its mission of developing future champions through quality competition.

Promising young netters from the Visayas are set to battle for titles, valuable ranking points and national recognition when the Cebu leg gets underway on July 9-14 at the City of Naga Tennis Courts in Naga City.

Sanctioned by the Philippine Tennis Association (PHILTA) and Universal Tennis Rating (UTR), the Group 2 tournament forms part of Palawan Pawnshop’s long-term grassroots development program aimed at providing Filipino juniors with a consistent, highlevel competitive platform where they can sharpen their skills, gain valuable match experience and steadily progress toward higher levels of competition.

Registration remains open for the second leg of the nationwide circuit through the UTR Platform, with all eligible junior players encouraged to participate in one of the country’s premier ranking events.

Following the City of Naga tournament, the circuit moves to Cebu City for the third leg on July 16-21 at the Villa Aurora Tennis Courts in Pardo before concluding the Visayas swing on July 23-28 at the Mandaue Tennis Courts.

played before this week.

That unfamiliarity never showed.

The Asian Tour and Asian Development Tour campaigner, who also sharpened his game while competing in Japan last year, immediately solved Pinewoods’ rolling terrain, narrow fairways and slick greens. He opened with a spectacular 64 highlighted by two eagles under preferred lies rules, then backed it up with a 67 in windy conditions to build a huge cushion entering the last 36 holes.

to the training facilities. You can hire the right staff, set proper standards, and professionalize everything without any politics or interference,” he explained.

Compared to his tenure in the PFF, Gonzalez says he is looking forward to his new role.

“You can do things for the long term, and no one can take it away or destroy it. Unlike in the PFF, the president is a temporary role, and while you can do everything to make it great, the next president or administration can just unravel everything, and all your hard work is gone. There are no guarantees with the PFF,” he said.

But the best thing about Gonzalez’s foray into Irish football is the fact that, included among his long-term plans, is to give opportunities for Filipino players to show what they are capable of in one of the football crazy nations in Europe.

“We will eventually bring in Filipino players to the club, but likely not until next season when we really make a push for the Premier Division. The youth academy is one of the main pillars of the club, and I hope to bring in some of the best Filipinos at 14/15 years old, boys and girls, every year,” he said. And if plans push through, Gonzalez will be the chairman of Finn Harps FC.

The point of this column: Ito ang mga taong sinayang lang ng you-know-what and -who. Stay safe. Stay happy, peeps!

For comments or questions, you can reach The Designated Kit Man at erel_cabatbat@yahoo.com or follow his account at Twitter: @erelcabatbat

The nationwide circuit is spearheaded by Palawan Pawnshop president and CEO Bobby Castro, whose continued support has helped expand opportunities for young Filipino players through regular, professionally organized tournaments. The program also enjoys the backing of ICON Golf and Sports, Dunlop and the Palawan Group of Companies, whose partnership underscores a collective effort to elevate Philippine tennis and discover the country’s next generation of champions.

“Developing future champions starts at the grassroots level. By bringing quality tournaments to different regions, we’re making competitive tennis more accessible and giving more young players the chance to pursue their dreams,” said Castro.

Alas

Girls

try to stay alive vs. Indonesia

THE Philippines bowed to Japan, 2025, 17-25, 24-26, Thursday in the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Girls’ U18 Championship at the Terminal 21 Hall in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand. With a 1-1 card in Pool C, the Philippines is in a must-win situation against Indonesia when they meet on Friday at 4 p.m.—Indonesia (0-1) faced Iran (01) later in the day.

“We had many opportunities that we did not maximize. We know that Japan is tough, we gave it our best,” said head coach Ray Karl Dimaculangan, who is assisted by Kenan Jairus Quitco and Marco Ely Maclang. Sharina Rhayza Lleses had 15 points on 13 attacks, one block and an ace, followed by Ma. Ellanie Lorraine Gonzalvo with 10 points, all on attacks for the Alas Pilipinas Girls, who were fielded in the tournament through the Philippine Olympic Committee and supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, Boysen and Monolith.

Ysabelle Patricia Cruz chipped in seven points on four attacks, two blocks and one ace for the team, which got the bronze medal in the Princess Cup.

“It was a good game, we fought hard. We tried to win but there’s still something missing. We will fight again tomorrow, hopefully, we’ll win,” said the 14-yearold Lleses, a Grade 9 student from King’s Montessori in Quezon City.

Republic of Congo at

Lloyd Go (Manny Marcelo)

Sharina Rhayza Lleses

FRIDAY, JULY 3, 2026

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor

RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor

Gilas PH tries to pull off upset win vs. New Zealand

GILAS Pilipinas aims to pull off an upset when it takes on host New Zealand in the first of its two road games in the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers third window on Friday at the Spark Arena in Auckland.

Tipoff is at 3 p.m. (Philippine time), with the Nationals eager to exact revenge against the Tall Blacks in the previous window and improve their record heading to the next round.

Gilas suffered a narrow 66-69 loss to New Zealand at the Mall of Asia Arena last February 26, marking the Filipinos’ third straight defeat and seventh overall at the hands of the Kiwis.

National team head coach Tim Cone emphasized the importance of the game against New Zealand as well as the match versus Australia on July 6 as records will be carried over to the crossover round.

“If we don’t win one of these next two games, we’re going to have a very small margin of error as we move forward into the next round. (It’s) almost like we’re going to have to sweep the next round,” Cone said.

The Philippines, already qualified for the second round, currently holds a 2-2 record with six points in Group A, behind Australia at 4-0 with eight points and tied with New Zealand. Guam is at the bottom with a 0-4 slate.

Gilas will look to keep the momentum from a dominant sweep of its tuneup games against two New Zealand National Basketball League teams.

The Nationals grounded the Manawatu Jets, 90-61, last Sunday despite coming off a lengthy trip caused by weather disturbances. They then tamed the Franklin Bulls, 94-66, two days later.

Justin Brownlee, who was rested by Cone in both friendlies, is expected to lead the charge for Gilas along with national team mainstays June Mar Fajardo, Dwight Ramos, and Chris Newsome. Jeremiah Sevilla

Shoemakers

nip Darkhorse in MPBL wars

THE Marikina Shoemasters bested the Valenzuela City Darkhorse in the homestretch to prevail 88-83 on Wednesday in the SportsPlus MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) 2026 Season at the One Arena Cainta in Rizal Province.

Valenzuela threatened at 83-84, but Marikina’s Regie Boy Basibas responded with a short jumper and Jethro Escoto pegged the final count with two charities, only 5.7 seconds left.

Marikina chalked up its sixth win in 16 starts in the round-robin elimination phase, injecting fuel into its sputtering playoff bid in the two-division, 27-team tournament.

The 6-foot-4 Basibas, a former University of Santo Tomas Growling Tiger, wound up with 14 points, 14 rebounds and 3 assists, and was chosen the SportsPlus best player over Escoto, who posted 23 points, 15 in the third quarter, 4 assists, 3 steals and 2 rebounds.

Jordan Sta. Ana supported with 12 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists, followed by Jason Strait and Alvin Pasaol with 8 points each.

Valenzuela fell to an even 8-8 slate despite Shaq Alanes’ 22 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists, CJ Alattica’s 20 points and 3 rebounds, Angelo Obuyes’ 13 points and 2 rebounds, and Ian Melencio’s 10 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals.

Obiena wins 2nd straight gold in ‘26 Raiffeisen Austrian Open

PRU Life UK marks its 30th anniversary in the country with the launch of PRU Pop Run, a one-of-a-kind running event that combines fitness, music, nostalgia and Filipino pop culture in a vibrant celebration of health, protection and community.

Set on Aug. 30 at Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati, the event reimagines the traditional fun run with five race categories – 3K, 5K, 10K, 21K and a special 30K – designed to welcome everyone from first-time runners to seasoned athletes. Registration is now open at www. prupoprun.com. The special 30K race serves as a fitting tribute to Pru Life UK’s three decades of helping Filipinos build a more secure future. More than a race, PRU Pop Run brings to life Pru Life UK’s Promise of Protection, highlighting that protecting one’s future goes beyond financial security. It also means investing in better health, developing positive habits, and building the resilience to live life to the fullest.

By Jeremiah Sevilla

FILIPINO pole vault star Ernest

John “EJ” Obiena clinched a second straight gold medal in the outdoor season as he soared to a season-best jump of 5.75 meters to rule the Raiffeisen Austrian Open Eisenstadt 2026 in Austria early Thursday (Philippine time).

Battling through strong winds at the Leichtathletikarena Eisenstadt, Obiena made his winning leap on his third attempt, surpassing his previous season-high of 5.74m he tallied to snag the silver in the Eurowings Flight Circus tournament in Dusseldorf, Germany, two weeks ago.

The two-time Olympian and former world-ranked No. 2 also shattered the two-year meet record of 5.74m set by Austin Miller of the United States in 2024 as he topped the 10-strong field.

“5.75m here at Eisenstadt, Austria, for the W and new stadium record. After many, many, many runs and third attempts, we needed to call it a night after 11 p.m.,” Obiena wrote on social media.

The 30-year-old Filipino track and field star bested Great Britain’s Owen Heard and the Czech Republic’s Dan Barta, who both posted 5.55m. Heard bagged the silver on countback.

Obiena marked his second straight victory in a World Athletics Continental Tour Silver event after dominating the Czesław Cybulski Memorial 2026 in Poznan, Poland, last June 29.

The World Championships silver and bronze winner bypassed the first four heights, going straight for 5.45m and easily clearing it on his first attempt. Obiena then skipped 5.55m and leapt past 5.65m on his third try before making his winning jump at 5.75m on his final attempt.

The many-time Asian Championships and Southeast Asian Games titlist now sets his sights on the Fly Athens 2026 Street Pole Vault on July 5 at the historic Panathenaic Stadium in Greece.

Obiena is set to face stiffer competition in Athens with current world No. 2 Emmanouil Karalis of Greece and Rio Olympics winner Renaud Lavillenie of France headlining the elite field.

The reigning Asian Games champion is continuing his outdoor campaign as part of his buildup for his title defense in the continental joust slated later this year in Nagoya, Japan, and his qualification bid for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

here are (from left) Julian Valencia, Race Director,

Calvin Kohchet-Chua, Pru Life UK Chief Legal, Government Relations, and Sustainability Officer; Kats Cajucom, Head of Brand and Integrated Marketing Communications, Pru Life UK; Princess Galura, President and Managing Director, Sunrise Events; and Migs Bustos, Brand Ambassador/Host, Pru Life UK. Lino Santos

“PRU Pop Run is all about encouraging Filipinos to take a more holistic approach to building a brighter future. At Pru Life UK, we believe that building a healthier and wealthier future starts with insurance and is strengthened by the discipline to show up and make better, more responsible choices every day,” said Sanjay Chakrabarty, Pru Life UK President and Chief Executive Officer, during the event launch Thursday at Electric Garden in Bonifacio

BAGUIO—With the howling winds that battered Pinewoods Golf Club a day earlier suddenly gone, Chanelle Avaricio seized the perfect opening to mount a championship charge and complete a gripping finish in the ICTSI Pinewoods Challenge.

Starting the final round five strokes behind, Avaricio wasted no time erasing the deficit, unleashing a blistering front-nine rally that immediately put the field on notice. From there, she leaned on experience, patience and steady nerves to outlast Tiffany Lee and Harmie Constantino in a tense back-nine duel, sealing the crown with a closing two-under 70.

The victory marked another emphatic rebound for the seasoned campaigner, who has rediscovered her winning rhythm after a playoff heartbreak to Sarah Ababa at Del Monte. She quickly answered that setback with a dominant seven-shot triumph at Apo and now added another title – this time forged through a gritty comeback that underscored her resilience and championship composure.

“I never really thought about being five down because this course is so difficult – anything can happen out here,” said Avaricio, who finished with a 54-hole total of one-over 217 to claim the top P125,000 purse in the third leg of the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour.

As Lee faltered early in the final round, Avaricio gradually found her rhythm, particularly on the greens,

and capitalized on the momentum.

“I played really well on the front nine,” she said. “My putting finally clicked, and I made a couple of 12-foot birdie putts.”

But the win did not come easily.

“One bad hole can put you in trouble, and it’s really hard to recover,” she said.

Instead, Avaricio focused on staying patient, a mindset shaped by the demanding conditions throughout the week.

“This course really tested my patience,” said Avaricio, who opened with a 71 before struggling to a 76.

Constantino and Lee mounted a furious late charge that turned the closing stretch into a pressure cooker. Constantino strung together three birdies over the last five holes to post a 72, while Lee, rebounding from a difficult round, sparked hopes of a miracle finish with back-to-back birdies from No. 14 to salvage a 76. Both finished just one shot behind at 218.

Avaricio, meanwhile, stood at the edge of a collapse that could have rewritten the leaderboard. After steadying herself earlier, she suddenly wavered with threeputt bogeys on Nos. 15 and 16 – her advantage shrinking, the tension rising, and the roar of a possible playoff beginning to build in the distance.

On the 17th tee, the tournament tightened into a test of nerve rather than shot-making. Every swing felt

Global City. The event also promises a unique race-day experience inspired by the evolution of Filipino pop culture. Participants and spectators can enjoy interactive attractions celebrating fashion, music, arts, cinema and entertainment through the decades, creating an atmosphere that goes beyond the finish line. Each race category caters to different fitness levels. Beginners can kick-start their running journey through the 3K and 5K distances, while more experienced runners can challenge themselves in the 10K and 21K events. Those seeking their next big milestone can take on the exclusive 30K race, a distance rarely featured in local running events and created especially to commemorate Pru Life UK’s 30-year journey in the country. Beyond promoting fitness, PRU Pop Run encourages Filipinos – especially young people and families – to disconnect from their screens, embrace a more active lifestyle, and experience the joy of movement, community and personal achievement.

Ernest John Obiena soars to his second victory in the new outdoor season. (Obiena Instagram)

Regie Boy Basibas of Marikina

Chanelle Avaricio (Manny Marcelo) heavier, every step slower. Yet Avaricio refused to yield to the pressure. She responded not with heroics, but with calm: a safe approach, a composed putt, and a par that steadied her grip on the lead. Then came the final hole. With Constantino and Lee still breathing down her neck, Avaricio

Shown

Sunrise Events; Atty.

The Intendencia (Aduana) Building— the first home of the Central Bank of the Philippines—where early post-war policies laid the foundations for economic recovery and reform.

BSP@33: Three decades, three pillars, one sustainable future for every Filipino

FOR over three decades, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has worked to protect the economy by upholding the fundamentals of central banking: stable prices, a sound financial system, and safe and efficient payments.

In 2025, the BSP pursued bold reforms that strengthened these fundamentals—laying the groundwork for a more resilient and sustainable future for Filipinos.

Keeping prices stable to protect the future

The BSP’s primary mandate is price stability. Keeping prices from rising—or falling—significantly helps protect purchasing power and supports better financial decision-making. When inflation is kept in check, households can manage budgets more effectively, save money with greater confidence, and plan better. Businesses, in turn, are better able to invest, expand, and create jobs.

In 2025, the BSP carefully adjusted its monetary policy in response to inflation trends and expectations. The target reverse repurchase (RRP) rate was reduced to 4.50 percent. By year-end, interest rates on overnight deposit and lending facilities were also lowered to 4.00 percent and 5.00 percent, respectively. This timely easing helped stimulate business activity and consumer confidence without compromising inflation management.

Inflation remained benign in early 2026 before rising in March due primarily to global oil supply disruptions linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. In response, the BSP implemented a preemptive 25 basis point policy rate increase in April and another 25-basis-point in June, bringing the reverse repurchase (RRP) rate to 4.75 percent. The move was meant to anchor inflation expectations and prevent potential second round effects, or subsequent increases in wages, prices, and inflation expectations following an initial price shock, in this case the spike in global oil prices due to the Middle East conflict.

The BSP also actively managed liquidity in the financial system to ensure that market conditions remained aligned with policy goals. As of December 2025, outstanding liquidity placements reached P1.5 trillion, with a greater share shifting to short-term, overnight instruments. Banks used BSP facilities to support lending, meet withdrawals, manage deposit movements, and comply with reserve requirements.

Price stability is further supported by a stable external environment. The BSP facilitated private sector foreign borrowings and prudently managed the country’s gross international reserves (GIR). As of end-April 2026, the country’s GIR reached US$104 billion, equivalent to almost seven months of import cover and nearly four times short-term external debt. Strengthening the financial system against tomorrow’s risks

Price stability is only one part of the strong foundations that the BSP continues to build as it turns 33 years old. A financial system that people can trust—one that remains resilient in the face of shocks, emerging risks, and rapid technological change—is another.

Philippine banks continued to grow in 2025. Total banking assets expanded to nearly P30 trillion, driven by healthy growth in loans and investments. This steady expansion reflected sustained confidence in the system and the banks’ continued ability to support households, businesses, and key industries.

Bank credit also grew at double-digit rates in 2025, widening access to financing for households and productive sectors. Loans flow to real estate, manufacturing, trade, utilities, and families— sectors that drive jobs, commerce, and everyday economic activity. This expansion directly supported financial inclusion, giving more Filipinos the ability to save, invest, build homes, and grow enterprises.

BSP supervised non bank financial institutions—from electronic money issuers and payment service providers to pawnshops and remittance firms—played an increasingly important role in widening access to finance. Digital payments and alternative credit channels helped reach underserved communities, providing lower-cost and more convenient services.

Another major milestone in 2025 reinforced confidence in the Philippine financial system: the country’s successful exit from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, followed by its removal from high-risk jurisdiction lists in Europe. This achievement reflected years of reforms to strengthen anti money laundering and counter terrorism financing frameworks.

New rules on large value cash transactions, stronger governance standards, and enhanced reporting requirements further reinforced financial integrity and transparency.

As everyday transactions became increasingly digital, the BSP moved decisively to strengthen cyber resilience and consumer protection. In 2025, it established a Financial Cyber Resilience Governance Council to guide sector wide efforts against online threats.

New regulations under the Anti Financial Account Scamming Act also required financial institutions to adopt advanced fraud monitoring tools and introduce rapid “kill-switch” mechanisms to protect customers from scams.

After 33 years, the BSP’s mission to help maintain financial system stability remains unchanged—but its tools are sharper, its outlook broader, and its commitment stronger than ever. In safeguarding stability, enabling innovation, and expanding access, the BSP continues to build a financial system that not only stands firm—but moves the country forward.

Powering a future ready payments and settlement system

A modern economy also depends on payments system that works—one that supports financial transactions that are fast, secure, and reliable.

In 2025, digital payments continued to expand, supported by the quick response (QR) code-based payment ecosystem, particularly QR Ph person-to-merchant (P2M) and InstaPay

payments.

Behind these channels, resilience remained a priority. The Peso RealTime Gross Settlement Payment System or PhilPaSSplus delivered consistently high efficiency, ensuring the timely settlement of large value interbank transactions and retail payment clearing results. Looking ahead, the BSP advanced initiatives to prepare the Philippines for an increasingly connected payments landscape. The adoption of ISO 20022 messaging standards strengthened data quality and transparency, laying the groundwork for more efficient, interoperable, and future ready payment systems.

Anchored on stability, focused on the future At 33, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas looks back with pride and forward with purpose. Its journey affirms a simple, enduring truth: sustainable progress is built on strong fundamentals. In a world shaped by rapid technological change,climaterisks,andglobaluncertainty, the BSP remains firmly anchored on its three pillars. These fundamentals guide sound, forward-looking policies and underpin public trust.

Building on these strong fundamentals, the BSP moves ahead with confidence—securing stability today to shape a sustainable future for all Filipinos.

ELI M. REMOLONA JR. Chairman of the Monetary Board and Governor, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas

From this hub of policymaking, the BSP’s evolving mandate continues to drive reform, resilience, and a more inclusive and sustainable future.

Mandate in motion: The BSP’s story of reform and resilience

ACROSS decades, the mandate of central banking in the Philippines has expanded—shaped and guided by landmark laws, policies, and reforms that strengthened its role in nation-building.

From postwar reconstruction to financial stability and sustainability, each reform has reinforced the fundamentals of an inclusive and sustainable future.

A developmental beginning

The Central Bank of the Philippines was established under Republic Act No. 265, or The Central Bank Act, in 1948, when the nation was rebuilding from war.

Its mandate was largely developmental—supporting production, employment, and industrial recovery through national development bonds, credit programs, foreign exchange controls, and policies aimed at strengthening key domestic industries.

In the decades that followed, reforms such as the lifting of quantitative restrictions on imports and other foreign financial transactions in the 1960s signaled a gradual transition toward a more market-oriented role.

Responding to uncertainty

The economic challenges of the 1970s and 1980s required further evolution in central banking responsibilities. Periods of high inflation, external imbalances, and global economic volatility underscored the need for a sharper focus on stabilization. Amendments to the Central Bank Charter under Presidential Decree No. 72 in 1972 marked a significant shift in the mandate.

The reform repositioned the Central Bank from its developmentoriented functions toward the maintenance of internal and external monetary stability, while expanding its authority beyond banking supervision to include oversight of the broader financial system.

The Central Bank moved to its new headquarters in Manila and began producing the country’s currency and refining gold at its Security Plant Complex in Quezon City.

Anchoring on price stability

A significant milestone was reached in 1993 with the establishment of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas under Republic Act No. 7653, or the New Central Bank Act.

This reform enshrined central bank independence and provided a clearer articulation of its primary objective: the maintenance of price stability conducive to sustainable economic growth.

In 2002, the adoption of inflation targeting further strengthened the BSP’s policy framework, anchored expectations, and enhanced the credibility of monetary policy. Banking reforms, including the shift to a risk-based approach to supervision, were implemented to align prudential standards with international norms, promote good corporate governance, and deepen banks’ reach among small borrowers, including micro entrepreneurs.

Broadening the scope

In the years that followed, the BSP’s mandate expanded in response to the increasing complexity of the financial system.

Beyond price stability, the central bank assumed a more comprehensive role in safeguarding financial stability, promoting sound risk management, and ensuring robust supervision of financial institutions.

Equally significant has been the growing emphasis on financial inclusion. Initiatives aimed at extending financial services to underserved sectors have underscored the BSP’s commitment to ensuring that economic growth is both broadbased and accessible to more Filipinos.

Recognizing the potential of digital technology to enable a more efficient, secure, and reliable payment ecosystem, the National Payment Systems Act (NPSA), or RA No. 11127, enacted in 2018, designated the BSP as the overseer of payment systems in the Philippines. This enabled the safe and seamless operation of digital payment channels such as InstaPay and PESONet, as well as e-wallets and QR-based payments.

Expanding the mandate

The enactment of Republic Act No. 11211 in 2019, which amended the New Central Bank Act, introduced a milestone in the BSP’s evolution.

The expanded mandate strengthened the BSP’s independence, increased its capitalization, and expanded its supervisory coverage to include a wider range of financial institutions and payment system operators.

The law also reinforced the BSP’s role in promoting balanced and sustainable economic growth, recognizing the links among price stability, employment, and a more inclusive financial system.

In line with its expanded mandate, the BSP continued to promote broad and convenient access to quality financial services while safeguarding the public’s interests. It also made significant progress in strengthening consumer protection amid the continued digitalization of financial services.

With the enactment of the Financial Products and Services Consumer Protection Act (FCPA) in 2022, the BSP advanced mechanisms to protect the interests of financial consumers, including effective dispute-handling mechanisms and measures that promote equitable treatment, transparency and data privacy.

The BSP also fast-tracked the implementation of the AntiFinancial Account Scamming Act (AFASA) following its passage in 2024. The law empowers the BSP to require stronger fraud safeguards and more efficient fraud detection, monitoring, and response processes among its supervised institutions. Continuity through change

The evolution of the BSP’s mandate, at its core, is a story of continuity through change.

Bearing the theme “Going from Strength to Strength,” the BSP’s six-year Enterprise Strategy (2024-2029) draws inspiration from the concepts of “Pagpapatuloy” and “Pagpapabuti,” which symbolize the Bank’s commitment to learn from past experiences and build on its achievements to set a greater vision for itself as an institution.

While its responsibilities have expanded and adapted over time, its fundamental objective has remained constant: to foster a stable and resilient economic environment for all.

As the BSP celebrates its 33rd anniversary, its legacy is anchored on stability, foresight, and adaptability—qualities that will remain essential as it continues to serve the Filipino people in the years ahead.

Building stability from ground up

FROM everyday financial choices to longterm security, the BSP is helping Filipinos build resilience where it matters most.

As the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) celebrates its 33rd year, the milestone comes with a powerful message: stability begins at home. Beyond sound policies and steady numbers, the country’s financial strength is increasingly reflected in how Filipinos earn, save, spend, borrow, and protect what they have worked hard for.

Anchored on the anniversary theme “Strong Fundamentals, Sustainable Future,” the BSP’s work in financial education, consumer protection, and financial health shows how strong institutions translate into real benefits for everyday life. These gains point to an economy that is not only expanding but also growing more resilient from the ground up.

Stronger financial foundations at home

A quiet but significant shift is already underway inside Filipino households. By 2025, 85 percent of households had access to a financial account, up sharply from 62 percent just three years earlier. This progress reflects sustained reforms aimed at making financial services more accessible, safer to use, and inclusive of more sectors of society.

Empowering the next generation

Through the Youth Financial Inclusion Initiative, launched in 2025, the BSP has placed young Filipinos at the heart of its financial empowerment agenda. The initiative brings together government agencies, schools, industry players, and youth leaders to expand access to financial services, deepen financial education, and encourage hands-on participation.

Early results are encouraging. Account ownership among Filipinos aged 15 to 19 continues to rise, alongside youth-led advo-

cacy efforts and innovation-driven activities. By reaching young people early, the BSP is helping ensure that tomorrow’s economy will be shaped by financially confident, informed, and responsible citizens. Educating millions, securing the future Since 2022, more than 20 million Filipinos—including students, overseas Filipino workers, educators, and other priority groups—have been reached through BSPled and BSP-supported financial education initiatives.

These efforts are now being institutionalized through the Philippine National Strategy for Financial Education, which integrates financial learning into schools, workplace programs, and digital platforms such as the BSP E-Learning Academy. The goal is simple but far-reaching: to build lifelong financial capability for every Filipino. Stopping scams before the damage is done

Protecting consumers has become even more critical as digital finance expands. One of the BSP’s strongest recent interventions focused on stopping financial scams at their source through the fast-tracked implementation of the Financial Products and Services Consumer Protection Act (FCPA) and the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (AFASA).

Under the law and related regulations, banks and other BSP-supervised institutions are required to adopt more robust, real-time fraud detection systems, enhance transaction verification processes, and deploy proactive consumer protection tools. Together with closer coordination with law enforcement and other government agencies, these reforms strengthen the country’s ability to hold fraudsters accountable while safeguarding consumers and the integrity of the financial system. Making consumer protection more accessible For many Filipinos today, consumer protection begins online. The BSP further enhanced BSP Online Buddy (BOB), its AIenabled chatbot and primary entry point for consumer complaints. BOB makes it easier for the public to report concerns involving banks, e-wallets, and other financial institutions anytime, anywhere.

Growing public trust in these channels is reflected in the numbers. In 2025 alone, the BSP received and processed more than 120,000 new consumer complaints, nearly double the previous year’s total. The increase reflects both greater awareness of consumer rights and wider use of digital financial services. Strong fundamentals today, sustainable future tomorrow By strengthening the financial foundations of Filipino households today, the BSP is helping shape a future where growth is inclusive, resilience is shared, and prosperity is sustainable. After 33 years, the lesson is clear: strong fundamentals do not just support the economy—they empower generations.

Advancing everyday life through digital payments

FROM transit to daily transactions, the rise of real-time, account-based payments is reshaping how Filipinos pay and travel.

Every day, thousands of Filipinos take public rail lines—navigating queues, tapping cards, and rushing to catch the next train. For years, long lines at ticket booths meant lost time during busy workdays or evenings. Today, that experience is changing. A quiet but powerful transformation is underway. With digital payments now part of the daily commute, boarding trains are becoming faster, simpler, and more seamless — helping move more people and the country forward. A smarter way to ride At the center of this shift is the Automated Fare Collection System (AFCS) proof-of-concept (POC), launched in July 2025 on the MRT-3 line. The Department of Transportation (DOTr), in coordination with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), authorized G-Xchange, Inc. (GCash) to test next-generation cashless fare payments as part of the government’s broader transport modernization efforts. The POC introduced three cashless payment options through a unified validator: (1) Scan-to-Pay using AccountBased Ticket QR (ABT-QR); (2) Tap Card using EMV-enabled debit and credit cards; and (3) Tap-to-Pay using NFC-enabled mobile phones. Together, these options reduce reliance on stored-value card top-ups and signal a more open, interoperable fare system for commuters. More than a convenience upgrade, the initiative offers a real-world glimpse of how Filipinos will move and pay in the future, where transport and digital finance seamlessly converge.

The launch of tap-to-pay and scan-QR technologies at Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) stations last July 2025 marked a major step toward fast, secure, and cashless commuting, BSP Deputy Governor Mamerto E. Tangonan demonstrates how to pay train fares using the tap/scan-to-pay turnstile.

Cutting the queue

The impact is immediate and tangible. Previously, commuters had to queue for tickets or reload stored-value cards for train rides—a process that could take over a minute per passenger during peak hours. With digital payments, they can now proceed directly to the turnstiles, bypassing queues altogether. What used to take around 110 seconds can now be done faster.

At scale, those minutes add up. With thousands of passengers using digital lanes daily, the system is projected to save over 700 collective hours daily, time that commuters can spend more productively, whether at work, at home, or simply at rest. With nationwide AFCS rollout targeted by 2028, this pilot marks an important step toward a faster, more efficient public transport system.

Driving digital momentum

Beyond the stations, the MRT initiative reflects a broader national shift toward digital payments. In 2025, digital payments in the Philippines accelerated sharply, underscoring the growing preference for cashless transactions among individuals and businesses. Turn to B4

When a financial consumer takes action

An entrepreneur’s journey from complaint to resolution

FOR Francis, a 33 year old entrepreneur from Makati City, the disputed amount of P41,050 was not just a financial concern; it represented capital that helped keep his business running each day.

E-wallets are at the heart of Francis’ daily operations— handling transactions, managing cash flow, and keeping his online retail business running smoothly.

On 24 February 2026, Francis received a notification that his account had been linked to an unknown account on an online commercial platform. Shortly after, two disputed transactions amounting to P41,050 were processed.

Francis immediately reported the matter to his financial institution and filed a dispute. However, his complaint was denied, and the transactions were tagged as “userauthorized.’’

For many consumers, this would have been the end of the road. For Francis, it was a reason to continue pursuing available channels to have his concerns reviewed.

Turning to BSP

Francis escalated the case to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) through its Consumer Assistance Mechanism (CAM).

“When front-end support failed, I sought out the BSP, recognizing it as a channel where complaints can be properly addressed,” he said.

CAM serves as BSP’s frontline platform for receiving, assessing, and referring complaints involving BSPsupervised financial institutions (BSFIs).

Following the BSP’s referral of the complaint, the financial institution revisited the case. By 21 May 2026, the full amount was restored to Francis’ account.

“I am extremely satisfied,” Francis shared. “The BSP’s intervention provided the institutional weight needed to ensure my case was properly addressed, and my business capital was recovered.”

For Francis, the BSP’s CAM provided an avenue through which his concerns could be elevated. His experience shows how consumers can use available redress mechanisms when concerns involving BSFIs remain unresolved.

As more Filipinos use digital financial services, more consumers are also learning about available channels for assistance when issues arise.

Reaching more Filipinos

The increasing use of digital financial services has brought greater awareness of consumer rights and greater reliance on the BSP’s assistance channels.

In 2025 alone, more than 120,000 complaints were received and processed through CAM, reflecting a significant rise in consumer engagement.

ACT, REPORT, RECOVER. After disputed e-wallet transactions, Francis sought BSP’s assistance— demonstrating how informed consumers can protect their finances.

This trend points to two realities: challenges in the digital financial landscape persist, and consumers are more willing to speak up and seek redress.

Strengthening consumer protection

Francis’ experience reflects how consumer protection frameworks provide safeguards in a fast-evolving financial environment.

Under the Financial Products and Services Consumer Protection Act (FCPA), financial institutions are required to maintain mechanisms for receiving and addressing consumer complaints. When concerns remain unresolved, consumers may seek further assistance through available redress mechanisms, including those administered by the BSP.

Complementing this is the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (AFASA), which enhances coordination and fraud response mechanisms among financial institutions and relevant authorities in addressing scams and unauthorized transactions.

A message to every consumer

For Francis, his experience offered an important lesson: consumer protection is most effective when consumers take an active role in protecting themselves and responding promptly when concerns arise.

“Do not hesitate, act instantly,” he said, urging fellow financial consumers to document incidents and escalate them promptly.

He added that the experience reinforced the importance of staying vigilant while continuing to embrace digital financial services.

Advancing...

From B3

The growing preference for digital payments is shown in the increased use of InstaPay and PESONet. In 2025, InstaPay processed a record of 4.7 billion transactions valued at P11.6 trillion, representing increases of 230.9 percent in volume and 57.3 percent in value from 2024. Similarly, PESONet processed 117.2 million transactions worth P13.2 trillion, representing a 16.3-percent year-on-year increase in volume and 30.9-percent rise in value from 2024. This surge reflects the mainstream adoption of account-to-account transfers for everyday payments, supported by improved accessibility, system reliability, and growing user trust. As digital payments now account for more than half of all retail transactions, the BSP continues to sustain momentum through its digital transformation agenda. It remains focused on developing data-driven policies, promoting secure and reliable services, expanding access, and advancing interoperable payment solutions, in line with its commitment to a safe, efficient, secure, and reliable national payment system.

More Filipinos are gaining access to financial accounts

MORE Filipinos are gaining greater access to the formal financial system, marking steady progress in the country’s push for financial inclusion, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

Account ownership among Filipinos aged 15 to 19 rose to 34 percent in 2025, up from 27 percent in 2021, based on the latest Consumer Finance and Inclusion Survey (CFIS). These financial accounts range from traditional bank deposits to e wallets and other transaction accounts, reflecting the growing role of both brick and mortar banks and digital platforms in everyday financial life.

Borrowing patterns have also shifted toward safer and more formal options. While fewer adults had outstanding loans—25 percent in 2025, down from 45 percent in 2021—those who borrowed increasingly turned to formal and regulated sources. In 2025, 16 percent of adults borrowed from banks and other formal institutions, compared with 10 percent who relied on informal lenders, reversing the situation in 2021 when informal borrowing was more widespread.

Financial capability also appears to be keeping pace. In 2025, 74 percent of Filipinos correctly answered at least half of the financial literacy questions, an improvement from 69 percent in 2021, indicating stronger understanding of basic financial concepts.

Filipinos are also becoming more vigilant when it comes to financial security. About 78 percent avoided sharing personal information online, while 64 percent checked whether financial institutions were regulated before transacting.

These indicators, introduced for the first time in

the 2025 survey, suggest growing awareness of consumer protection and digital safety. Meanwhile, individual account ownership among adults eased slightly to 50 percent in 2025

BSP grants relief to banks, borrowers amid energy crisis

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is extending regulatory relief measures to BSP-supervised financial institutions (BSFIs) and their clients, in response to recent geopolitical developments in the Middle East, which have contributed to rising energy prices and supply constraints.

Approved under Monetary Board Resolution No. 296 dated 08 April 2026, the relief measures aim to support lending activity and borrower recovery. The move follows the declaration of a State of National Energy Emergency on 24 March 2026.

These measures include, among others, the grant of temporary grace periods of up to six months for loan payments of affected borrowers, and the deferment of agricultural loan payments for up to one year, subject to bank assessment. Loans to affected borrowers may also be temporarily excluded from past-due and non-performing loan classifications for up to one year, subject to applicable notification and reporting requirements. BSFIs are expected to exercise prudent judgment in availing themselves of these measures and to ensure that relief is extended only to borrowers whose repayment capacity has been materially affected by the energy emergency. The BSP emphasizes that the application of regulatory relief must remain targeted, proportionate, and consistent with safe and sound banking practices.

The BSP also urges BSFIs to help consumers and businesses during the national emergency by temporarily suspending fees and charges on online banking platforms or e-money services, including InstaPay and PESONet electronic fund transfers. Lower-cost digital transactions may help consumers and businesses by reducing the need to travel to banks and e-money service providers.

The BSP remains committed to promoting financial stability, financial consumer protection, and overall financial health amid the energy emergency.

Cebuana Lhuillier MoneyXchange links Filipinos to the world as Global Currency Center

AS INTERNATIONAL mobility and global commerce continue to accelerate, Cebuana Lhuillier strengthens its position as the Philippines’ trusted Global Currency Center through Cebuana Lhuillier MoneyXchange, its dedicated foreign exchange service.

Designed for globally mobile Filipinos and businesses, it offers secure, accessible, and convenient currency solutions that support evolving cross-border financial needs.

Today, Filipinos are increasingly connected to opportunities abroad whether through work, education, business, or travel.

Through Cebuana Lhuillier MoneyXchange and its click-and-collect feature, customers can access reliable foreign exchange services with greater convenience and confidence.

“Today’s Filipinos are more connected to the world than ever before. Through Cebuana Lhuillier MoneyXchange, we are making foreign exchange more accessible, convenient, and secure, ensuring that every Filipino can participate confidently in the global economy,” said Jean Henri Lhuillier, President and CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier.

For families with loved ones working overseas, dependable foreign exchange services help maximize the value of hardearned income. Lani, whose husband works as a seaman, shared that Cebuana Lhuillier MoneyXchange helps her family manage expenses more effectively through transparent rates, fast service, and secure transactions.

“Sa Cebuana Lhuillier MoneyXchange, kampante kami dahil malinaw ang palitan, mabilis ang serbisyo, at alam naming ligtas ang aming transaksyon. Malaking tulong ito lalo na ngayong pasukan, dahil mas napaplano namin nang maayos ang budget para sa pag-aaral at iba pang pangangailangan ng aming mga anak,” she shared.

To meet the needs of today’s globally connected customers, the company introduced Cebuana Lhuillier MoneyXchange click-andcollect service, allowing customers to reserve foreign currency online and conveniently complete transactions through Cebuana Lhuillier’s nationwide branch network. Entrepreneurs also benefit from efficient foreign exchange solutions. Kevin, an importer, shared that Cebuana Lhuillier

MoneyXchange helps his business secure the currencies it needs quickly and conveniently, allowing him to focus on growth and strengthening relationships with international partners.

“Before, managing foreign currency requirements could take a lot of time and effort. With Cebuana Lhuillier MoneyXchange, the process has become much more efficient. We can secure the currencies we need quickly and conveniently,” he said.

For travelers, Cebuana Lhuillier MoneyXchange offers a more seamless way to prepare for trips abroad. Frequent traveler Jericho highlighted the convenience of checking rates online, reserving foreign currency, and picking it up at his preferred Cebuana Lhuillier branch before departure.

“As Filipinos continue to make their mark around the world, they need financial services that move with them. Cebuana Lhuillier MoneyXchange reflects our mission to empower Filipinos beyond borders through trusted, accessible, and world-class financial solutions,” said Philippe Andre Lhuillier, Senior Executive Vice President of Cebuana Lhuillier. With its strong nationwide network and digital innovations, Cebuana Lhuillier continues to strengthen its role as the country’s trusted Global Currency Center. Through Cebuana Lhuillier MoneyXchange, it empowers individuals, families, entrepreneurs, and travelers to confidently seize opportunities in an increasingly borderless world.

WHAT’S INSIDE?

Sentral vows to preserve stability

Gov’t debt rose 0.41% to P18.55t in May

By Thony Rose Lesaca

THE Philippine government’s outstanding debt rose 0.41 percent to P18.55 trillion in May from P18.47 trillion in April, as the government continued to raise funds for its financing needs despite the ongoing Middle East conflict, the Bureau of the Treasury said Thursday.

Data showed that on a year-onyear basis, the debt stock increased 9.62 percent from P16,92 trillion in May 2025. The Treasury said net incurrence of domestic securities drove the increase in total debt stock, while the peso’s appreciation against the US dollar and other foreign currencies tempered the rise. Domestic debt grew 0.65 percent to P12.50 trillion in May from P12.42 trillion a month earlier. The agency attributed the higher domestic borrowings to a P80.23 billion net issuance of government securities and a stronger peso that trimmed P0.11 billion from onshore dollar bonds valuation.

External debt fell 0.07 percent to P6.05 trillion from P6.06 trillion in April as the peso rebounded. The favorable downward valuation effect of P18.91 billion outweighed P14.90 billion in net external debt availment, the bureau said. Domestic debt made up 67.37 percent of the country’s total debt stock, while external obligations accounted for 32.63 percent.

26 Japanese firms eye MRT-3 expansion project

By Darwin G. Amojelar

26 Japanese rms have expressed interest in investment opportunities tied to the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 capacity expansion, operations and maintenance public-private partnership (PPP), the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said.

DA

to

cap rice imports at 25% broken grains to support farmers

By Othel V. Campos

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) said Thursday it will begin limiting rice imports to 25-percent broken grains starting this month, effectively ending the entry of premium 5-percent broken rice, as part of efforts to stabilize palay-buying prices and give Filipino farmers a fairer chance to compete.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the proposed import guideline aims to narrow the

quality gap between imported and locally produced rice, which he said has put domestic farmers and millers at a disadvantage.

“We will no longer allow what I call ‘Miss Universe’ rice into the Philippines. Starting this month, nothing better than 25-percent broken rice should be imported,” Tiu Laurel said on the sidelines of the opening of the National Seed Reserve Facility. Imported rice with only 5-percent broken grains has long enjoyed an

advantage over local rice because of its superior appearance and processing, he said.

“If consumers see imported rice and local rice sold at the same price, they will naturally choose the imported rice. Their rice is only 5-percent broken, while ours is typically 25-percent broken. It undergoes four stages of polishing, while ours is polished only once. They also benefit from lower electricity and logistics costs,” Tiu Laurel said.

The proposed guideline seeks

PH weighs Bataan, Mindanao sites for 15-m barrel petroleum reserves

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Philippine government is evaluating two sites in Bataan and the Phividec Industrial Authority in Misamis Oriental, Mindanao to host the country’s strategic petroleum reserves, each with a capacity of 15 million barrels.

State-run Philippine National Oil Co. (PNOC) is conducting a feasibility study with Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) on the strategic petroleum reserve (SPR) program, which involves large stockpiles of crude oil and petroleum products stored domestically or overseas for release during local or international supply disruptions.

The Department of Energy and METI

agreed to advance collaboration on establishing an SPR program in the Philippines as well as joint stockpiling efforts within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. The agreement emerged from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s state visit to Japan.

“We are in coordination with the METI as discussed by the DOE, and we are expecting to have a feasibility study for a 15-million-barrel reserve in Bataan by the end of 2026,” PNOC Office of the General Counsel manager Antonio Buenviaje said during a Senate hearing Tuesday.

“Another study will be conducted after that for an establishment also of a 15-million-barrel reserve somewhere in

most likely in the

to level the playing field for local farmers and millers rather than halt rice imports altogether, Laurel said.

“We need importers to help our farmers and millers. Otherwise, they will just continue lobbying against each other,” he said.

The DA introduced the proposed measure to prevent another collapse in palay-buying prices ahead of the September-to-October harvest season. Some farmers sold palay for as low as P8 to P12 per kilogram last year.

By Darwin G. Amojelar

GLOBE Telecom Inc. voiced strong support for the Department of Education’s policy on the responsible use of gadgets in schools, aligning its youth digital safety programs with the government’s new guidelines. Department Order No. 006, s. 2026, known as the Guidelines on Ensuring a Safe and Motivating Learning Environment, regulates gadget use during instructional hours while allowing devices for educational purposes and emergencies.

Globe chief sustainability and corporate communications officer Yoly Crisanto said creating safer digital spaces is key to preparing young Filipinos for the future.

“We aim to give the youth and students access to technology, alongside the need to be responsible online. In the age of AI and digital learning, connectivity opens doors to education, innovation, and equal opportunities,” she said.

The company said every Filipino child deserves the opportunity to learn, create and thrive in a digital world that is safe and secure by design. As technology and artificial intelligence reshape education and everyday life, Globe said protecting children online must go hand in hand with empowering them with skills for the future.

Globe said it advocates a balanced approach that promotes responsible use of the internet and digital devices through stronger platform safeguards, informed parental guidance and consent and digital literacy.

Stocks rise nearly 1% after PH gets higher income status

By Jenni er B. Austria

PHILIPPINE stocks closed higher Thursday, with the benchmark index gaining nearly 1 percent as investors welcomed reports that the country has offi cially entered the World Bank’s uppermiddle income category.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) rose 56.46 points, or 0.93 percent, to close at 6,125.72 as most sectoral indices ended in positive territory. The broader all shares index also advanced, climbing 18.25 points, or 0.55 percent, to 3,343.03.

The World Bank on Wednesday confi rmed the upgrade in its latest income assessment, reporting the Philippines’ gross national income per capita at $4,850, above the $4,636 uppermiddle income threshold.

Regina Capital Development Corp. head of sales Luis Limlingan said the local bourse ended higher on strong buying interest.

“Market sentiment remained upbeat following the news of an improved manufacturing purchasing managers’ index for June,” Limlingan said. “The positive macro signal supported risk appetite and sustained demand for equities.”

Five of the six sectoral indices finished in the green, led by mining and oil, which surged 2.45 percent. The services index increased 1.16 percent while the financials index gained 0.93 percent. Holding firms rose 0.82 percent, followed by the property index, which added 0.80 percent.

The industrial index, on the other hand, declined by 0.11 percent.

Value turnover amounted to P5.37 billion.

Market breadth was positive as gainers edged decliners 98 to 87, while 47 stocks remained unchanged.

The peso also closed stronger Thursday against the U.S. dollar at 61.565 from 61.621 on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, South Korean stocks plunged nearly eight percent Thursday in tech stock rout in Asia as investors unwound huge bets on the sector that have propelled markets to record highs.

However, Federal Reserve boss Kevin Warsh provided some support after saying price pressures had “come down” in recent weeks, soothing fears the central bank was preparing for an interest rate hike.

SM Group firms win 24 governance awards

By Jenni er B. Austria

SM Group companies bagged a total of 24 awards at the 16th Asian Excellence Awards hosted by Hong Kong-based publication Corporate Governance Asia.

SM Investments Corp. (SMIC) accounted for eight of the awards, including the Sustainable Asia Award, Asia’s Best CSR, Best Corporate Communications and Best Investor Relations.

SMIC president and chief executive Frederic DyBuncio was recognized as Asia’s Best CEO for investor relations. SMIC executive vice presidents Erwin Pato and Franklin Gomez were named co-winners of the Asia’s Best CFO for investor relations award, while Timothy Daniels, consultant and head of investor relations and sustainability, received the Best Investor Relations Professional award.

SMIC’s banking unit, BDO Unibank Inc., received nine awards, the most among the group’s companies, while its property arm, SM Prime Holdings Inc., garnered seven.

The awards recognized companies and executives in the region for achievements in corporate governance, sustainability, investor relations and leadership.

In a statement Thursday, DyBuncio said the recognition reflects the company’s continued focus on governance and sustainability in decision-making and long-term value creation.

“We are honored to receive this recognition from Corporate Governance Asia,” DyBuncio said. “Governance and sustainability remain embedded in how we operate, helping strengthen resilience, support disciplined decision-making, and enable long-term value creation for our various stakeholders.”

The awards come as companies across the region navigate heightened economic volatility, geopolitical uncertainty and growing climate-related risks.

Corporate Governance Asia is a regional publication focused on corporate governance, sustainability, investor relations and boardroom leadership across Asia.

Cebu gets boost from desalination facility

By Alena Mae S. Flores

METROPOLITAN Cebu Water District (MCWD) said Thursday it began receiving desalinated water on July 1 from Isla Mactan Cordova Corp. (IMCC), a subsidiary of Vivant Water.

Representatives from MCWD, Vivant Water—the water arm of Vivant Corp.— and the local government of Cordova convened at the water injection point for a ceremonial tapping connecting IMCC’s supply to MCWD’s distribution system.

“Vivant aims to create solutions for our changing world. But before we speak of a sustainable tomorrow, we must first help sustain what is needed

here at home—where responsibility feels most personal,” Vivant chief executive Arlo Sarmiento said.

The initial delivery will provide 5,000 cubic meters of potable desalinated water to the MCWD network. Supply will increase in phases toward the full 20,000-cubic-meter commitment as intake systems further stabilize. The additional water supply comes

as MCWD prepares for the anticipated effects of the El Niño weather phenomenon. Once fully operational, the plant is expected to support close to 30,000 Cebuano households.

The partnership is part of MCWD’s continuing effort to expand and diversify water sources for Metro Cebu. With rapid economic activity, climate variability and growing demand placing greater importance on long-term water planning, MCWD has been working with partners to bring additional climate-resilient supply into the system.

“The MCWD administration has been actively looking for partners who understand the urgency of Cebu’s water needs and share our vision of serving

Cebuanos better,” said John Dx Lapid, MCWD general manager.

“With Vivant Water, we found a company that sees this situation through the same lens,” said Ruben Almendras, MCWD board chairman. “That makes this partnership personal, and it makes every step intentional. This is about bringing additional water supply to the communities we serve while building stronger foundations for Cebu’s future.”

The partnership follows a joint venture agreement signed in April 2025 between MCWD and Vivant Water for the delivery of 20,000 cubic meters of desalinated water to Metro Cebu.

Experts continue to point to the need for Metro Cebu to add more climate-

DA opens solar-powered National Seed Reserve Facility

By Othel V. Campos

THE Department of Agriculture has strengthened the country’s food security and disaster preparedness with the opening of the National Seed Reserve Facility, a centralized storage vault designed to preserve highquality seeds and ensure a reliable supply of planting materials for regular crop production and post-disaster recovery.

Located within the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) compound in Quezon City, the solar-powered facility will serve as the government’s long-term repository for strategically important seeds, supporting both agricultural resilience and the department’s sustainability agenda.

In addition to storing BPI seed collections,

BATTERY PROJECT.

Attending the groundbreaking ceremony for Aboitiz Power Corp.’s 60-megawatt Naga battery energy storage system project in Naga City, Cebu, are, from left, Volt Cruz, AboitizPower Transition Business Group (TBG) senior vice president for project development and execution; TBG chief operating o cer Aldo Ramos; TBG president Celso Caballero III; Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro; Energy Undersecretary Mario Marasigan; Naga Mayor Valdemar Chiong; Rhea Navarro, AboitizPower TBG regional COO for Visayas; and Anton Perdices, Distribution Business Group senior vice president and chief operating officer.

the facility will provide secure storage services to partner government agencies and institutions, helping protect the country’s seed resources from disruptions caused by natural disasters and other emergencies.

“In the face of stronger typhoons, prolonged droughts and other climate-driven disruptions, having a dependable reserve of quality seeds means we can help farmers replant quickly, restore food production faster and strengthen the resilience of our agriculture sector,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said. “This facility is about ensuring that food security is never compromised, even during the most challenging times.”

The facility was inaugurated Thursday as the government accelerates efforts to

make Philippine agriculture more climateresilient. By maintaining a ready supply of quality seeds, the reserve is expected to reduce planting delays after disasters, speed up production recovery and help cushion food supplies from disruptions that could trigger higher prices. Designed for long-term seed preservation, the facility will support government production programs, rehabilitation initiatives and emergency response operations while strengthening coordination among agencies responsible for safeguarding the country’s seed resources.

Glenn Panganiban, BPI director, said the facility marks a significant step toward building a more integrated and reliable national seed security system.

Metro Pacific unit improves water supply for Bulakeños

By Othel V. Campos

resilient water sources to help ease pressure on groundwater systems and reduce the long-term risks linked to aquifer stress and overextraction. Desalination adds a source that does not draw from groundwater or surface water systems, giving MCWD another supply option to support Cebu’s continued growth.

“This is a milestone not only for us but for the country,” Vivant Water president Jess Anthony Garcia said. “But more than that, we are in a race with nature. The sooner we bring climateresilient sources online, the sooner we can help reduce stress on our aquifers and protect the natural resources that Cebu’s future depends on.”

John Lapid, Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) general manager; Vivant Corp. chief executive Arlo Sarmiento; Cordova

Vice Mayor Victor Tago; Ruben Almendras, MCWD board chairman; Vivant Water President Jess Garcia; Francis Garcia, Vivant Corp. chairman of the board; and Cordova Mayor Cesar Suan attend the ceremonial tapping connecting Isla Mactan Cordova Corp.’s desalinated water supply to the MCWD distribution system.

BSP vows to preserve stability

By Thony Rose Lesaca

THE Philippines’ transition to upper middleincome country (UMIC) status reinforces the need to preserve macroeconomic stability and sustain the government’s structural reforms, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Eli Remolona Jr. said Thursday.

Remolona said the country’s new income classification marks a significant milestone reflecting years of steady economic progress, improved productive capacity and incomes.

He said the new status also highlights the BSP’s role in maintaining price stability and strengthening the financial system.

Converge prepares BPO sector for AI

By Darwin G. Amojelar

CONVERGE ICT Solutions Inc. has joined the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) as its newest platinum member, teaming up with the group to help the country’s information technology and business process management (IT-BPM) sector prepare for artificial intelligence.

The sector remains a critical pillar of the Philippine economy, employing nearly 2 million Filipinos and generating $40 billion in export earnings last year.

“We need to level up the skills of our workers and transform our industries to enable us to capture the opportunities being offered by the AI boom. At Converge, we have laid down the solid foundation through our national digital infrastructure to support industries including our BPOs in their AI journey,” Converge ICT Solutions Inc. chief executive and co-founder Dennis Anthony Uy said.

IBPAP represents the collective interest of the IT-BPM sector from more than 400 companies and is also partnered with six industry-specific associations: the Animation Council of the Philippines Inc., Global Capability Center Philippines, Customer Xperience Association of the Philippines, Game Developers Association of the Philippines, Healthcare Information Management Association of the Philippines and the Philippine Software Industry Association.

“During the pandemic, when the world was shutting down, the IT-BPM sector added 260,000 jobs and connectivity made that possible. Converge was central to that story, keeping our people online and our operations running across the country,” IBPAP president and chief executive Jack Madrid said.

“That’s why welcoming them as our newest Platinum Member isn’t just a recognition of business value — it’s an acknowledgment of a partner who showed up when it mattered most,” he said.

“On the part of the BSP, it underlines the importance of managing inflation to encourage investment and protect the purchasing power of Filipino households; maintaining adequate international reserves to ensure confidence; ensuring banks are solid and able to support economic growth; and payment systems are modernized to pro-

vide businesses and consumers fast and safe transfers,” said Remolona.

Finance Secretary Frederick Go said the transition towards an upper-middleincome economy affirms the government’s continued push for reforms.

“The Philippines’ transition to an upper middle-income country is an affirmation of the reforms and policies that the government has consistently pursued to strengthen our economic fundamentals and create more opportunities for our people,” said Go.

He said the Philippines should now build on these gains to ensure that its benefits reach more Filipinos.

The Philippines has been reclassified as an upper-middle-income country by the World Bank, marking a historic milestone in the government’s AmBisyon Natin 2040 development agenda.

The World Bank reported that the Philippines’ gross national income per capita reached $4,850 in 2025, placing it within the upper-middle-income range of $4,636 and $14,375 for fiscal year 2027.

The multilateral lender attributed the status upgrade to the country’s broadbased expansion. Gross domestic product grew at an average of 5.8 percent per year over five years, which it said reflects “gains across all major industries, not a single sector boom, but an economy-wide shift.”

The Philippines joined four other countries which have also been upgraded as upper-middle-income economies, including Jordan, Micronesia, Sri Lanka and Vietnam. The lender updates its income classification at the beginning of each fiscal year that starts on July 1.

The session brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). Shown are (from left) Citi Philippines chief executive Paul Favila, Philippine Seven Corporation head of finance and investor relations Lawrence De Leon, BIR division chief of taxpayer service programs and monitoring division Elenita Mariano, BSP Deputy Governor Mamerto Tangonan, Monde Nissin CFO Jesse Teo, Citi head of Asia South and Singapore liquidity management services Rupa Mankad, Citi Philippines services country head Arlene Nethercott and Minell Co of Citi Philippines global solution sales.

By Alena Mae S. Flores

connection to NGCP’s Palauig substation.

“The evidence presented shows that approving MPCL’s application to connect its 2x350MW Masinloc CFPP to NGCP’s Castillejos Substation, as an interim connection, and to NGCP’s Palauig Substation, as a final connection scheme, will benefit electricity consumers in terms of continuous, quality, reliable, and efficient power supply in accordance with Section 2 of the EPIRA,” the ERC said. The regulator said the dedicated facilities should be used exclusively by the generating plant. The company should build the facilities in compliance with NGCP’s system impact study and facility study, and should complete all compliance requirements before starting commercial operations.

“If any part of the facilities becomes necessary for competitive use or for connecting another user, ownership shall be transferred immediately to NGCP at fair market value, subject to optimization,” the ERC said.

MPCL said the coal-fired power plant, which features two 350-megawatt units, will help meet rising energy demand and support the capacity additions projected in the Department of Energy’s Philippine Energy Plan. The plant’s two units are set to participate in the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market, the country’s electricity trading floor.

Meralco PowerGen unit restarts Iloilo coal plant after May outage

PANAY Energy Development Corp.

(PEDC), a subsidiary of Meralco PowerGen Corp., has synchronized Unit 3 of its 278.4-megawatt coal-fired power plant in Iloilo City to the grid, restoring a key source of power for Panay Island and the Visayas region.

The company completed the recovery ahead of its previously communicated timeline following an equipment failure in May 2026. An engineering and restoration program that prioritized safety, technical rigor and operational excellence guided the effort.

MGEN Thermal president and chief executive Arnel Santos said the successful return of PEDC Unit 3 reflects the strength of the company’s engineering capabilities, disciplined execution and the dedication of its people and partners.

“Beyond restoring generating capacity, this recovery has further strengthened our engineering governance and asset management practices, enabling us to

QR Ph captures 55% of business payments

FINANCIAL technology company PayMongo Group

for 21 percent. Other methods, including online banking and buy-now-pay-later services, make up less than 5 percent combined. QR Ph and e-wallets together account for 76 percent of total payment volume and 9 in 10 transactions on the platform, a sign that Filipino merchants are moving toward mobile-first payment acceptance.

Las Piñas residents back LRT-1 extension

NEARLY 82 percent of Las Piñas residents support dismantling the C-5 Quirino Flyover to allow immediate continuation of the LRT-1 Cavite Extension Project, a survey conducted by the

continue delivering safe, reliable and dependable power to the communities and industries we serve,” Santos said.

The recovery process included comprehensive engineering assessments, forensic investigation, equipment repairs and extensive testing. PEDC worked closely with original equipment manufacturers, independent technical experts, contractors and the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines to ensure the unit met technical and operational requirements before returning to service.

PEDC will continue to monitor the unit’s performance while completing remaining engineering enhancements identifi ed during the recovery process. MGen said the company will integrate lessons from the restoration into MGEN Thermal’s engineering standards and asset management framework to strengthen the reliability of its generating fl eet. Alena Mae S. Flores

P300.39-million C-5 Quirino Flyover.

Respondents said the LRT-1 Cavite Extension would provide greater public benefit by reducing travel time, easing traffic congestion and delivering more efficient public transportation for commuters from Las Piñas, Parañaque and Cavite.

Many residents said the temporary inconvenience caused by dismantling part of the flyover would be a small sacrifice if it allowed the railway project to move forward and deliver long-term benefits to the public. They said completing the LRT-1 Cavite Extension matters more than preserving an infrastructure project they consider a major obstacle to the railway’s completion.

Residents urged the government to prioritize the welfare of commuters and remove all remaining obstacles so construction of the LRT-1 Cavite Extension can proceed without further delay.

Santos earlier proposed dismantling the flyover, saying it would be more practical than spending billions of pesos on repeated redesigns and project delays.

Manufacturing gauge

sustained

growth in June

THE Philippine manufacturing sector extended its recovery for a second consecutive month in June 2026, as new orders and output continued to rise, but business confidence fell to its lowest level in five months, according to survey data released by S&P Global Wednesday.

The Philippines Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index rose to 50.9 in June from 50.8 in May, signaling a second straight month of improving operating conditions in the country’s goods-producing sector. A reading above 50 indicates expansion. New orders and output, the index’s two largest sub-components, both rose for a second consecutive month. Growth in new orders strengthened slightly, while production growth eased, with firms reporting only a marginal increase.

S&P Global market intelligence economist Maryam Baluch said manufacturing conditions in the Philippines continued to improve in June, building on the tentative recovery seen in May as the sector regained footing following disruptions linked to the war in the Middle East.

FINANCE LEADERS. Metro Paci c Investments Corp. (MPIC) is named Team of the Year at the 2026 Finance for the Future Awards. The recognition marks MPIC’s third Finance for the Future award and underscores the company’s leadership in embedding sustainability into nancial decision-making, governance, and long-term value creation. Shown are Jilmar Villalon, assistant vice president, nancial planning at MPIC; Kats Roxas, vice-president, treasury; Chaye Cabal-Revilla, chief nance, risk and sustainability o cer; Kristine Pineda-Fragante, vice-president, nancial planning and reporting, controller; Maricris Aldover-Ysmael, vice-president, investor relations, data privacy o cer; and Julius Caesar Manalo, group nancial reporting manager.

By Darwin G. Amojelar

CASINO Plus, a digital gaming platform licensed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR), distributed about P1 billion in fullyvalidated and withdrawn jackpot payouts in the second quarter of 2026, the company said.

The platform released P263 million in validated jackpot payouts in June alone, which the company attributed to sustained player confidence in its withdrawal process.

Casino Plus said the figures represent only fully validated and successfully withdrawn jackpot payouts and exclude pending balances or unclaimed winnings.

The biggest payouts during the quarter came from games including Color Game, Jin Ji Bao Xi Gold,

Duo Fu Duo Cai and Pula Puti.

The largest was a P271.4-million jackpot won by a player identified as “Angel” through Color Game in April, one of the biggest payouts in the platform’s history.

Casino Plus said representatives from the company and PAGCOR attend high-value awarding ceremonies to ensure major jackpot payouts are properly validated and documented.

“At Casino Plus, player safety is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to providing a fair, transparent and secure digital gaming environment where players can enjoy responsible entertainment with confi dence and experience the ease of withdrawing their winnings,” Casino Plus chief executive Evan Spytma said.

TRANSPORT

QC to Bulacan in 35 minutes: MRT-7 partial launch set for 2027

THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) is targeting the second quarter of 2027 for the partial opening of the Metro Rail Transit Line 7 (MRT-7), with the first 12 stations expected to begin operations.

“We are advancing MRT-7—a 22-kilometer line connecting North Avenue in Quezon City to Bulacan. Travel time will be cut from up to three hours to just 35 minutes,” Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said.

“We expect to commence operations for its first 12 stations by the second quarter of next year,” he added.

SMC MRT-7 Corp., a wholly

PH, Belgium strengthen maritime cooperation

THE Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to strengthening maritime cooperation through initiatives on digital transformation, green shipping, seafarer development, and maritime industry investments.

To advance these shared priorities, MARINA Administrator Sonia B. Malaluan, welcomed a highlevel Belgian delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H.E. Maxime Prévot, alongside Ambassador Vladislava Iordanova of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Belgium in the Philippines.

Officials from Philippine Transmarine Carriers (PTC) and the Philippine Center for Advanced Maritime Simulation and Training, Inc. (PHILCAMSAT) were also present to highlight their long-standing partnerships with Belgian maritime stakeholders.

During the visit, the delegation toured the state-ofthe-art facilities of the International Food Services (IFS) Maritime Catering Training Centre in Parañaque, which showcases Belgium’s continued investment in developing the competencies of Filipino seafarers through world-class training. MARINA presented its flagship digital transformation initiatives, MISMO

and MARINA-BEST, while bilateral discussions focused on aligning workforce development with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) 2023 Greenhouse Gas Strategy. Furthermore, the parties explored potential collaborations on alternative fuel training to equip Filipino seafarers with the essential skills required for the global transition to greener shipping.

Malaluan also invited Belgium to explore strategic partnerships with MARINA to advance the development of the Philippines’ shipbuilding, ship repair, and ship recycling industries, recognizing Belgium’s extensive expertise in maritime innovation and sustainable industrial practices.

Additionally, the discussions covered the ongoing EU-ASEAN Sustainable Connectivity Package (SCOPE) for Seafarers project, which was presented by Project Lead Mr. Andreas Nordseth.

This project actively supports the Philippines in strengthening its implementation of the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Convention and the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006).

owned subsidiary of San Miguel Corporation earlier inked an operations and maintenance (O&M) services agreement with Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL) for MRT 7.

Under the agreement, KORAIL will continue its advisory role — helping guide the setup of MRT-7’s core operational systems, safety protocols, and maintenance programs. SMC MRT-7 Corp. holds the concession to build, operate, and maintain the MRT-7, which links Metro Manila to Bulacan via Commonwealth Avenue.

With its extensive experience in running large-scale rail networks, KORAIL will provide technical expertise to ensure a smooth transition from construction to daily operations.

The engagement starts in July 2025, with the first six to 12 months focused on completing pre-operational requirements and stabilizing key systems. Over the long term, KORAIL will continue to provide technical support for

AirAsia Philippines partners with DOT for ‘Discover More to Love’ campaign

AIRASIA Philippines is collaborating with the Department of Tourism (DOT) to inspire more Filipinos to explore the country’s diverse destinations through the “Discover More to Love” campaign, kicking off the partnership by offering over half a million promo seats with one-way base fares starting from as low as P208.

According to AirAsia Philippines President and General Manager Anna Victoria Lu, the budget airline stands firmly with the DOT in its efforts to keep travel affordable so that more Filipinos can appreciate the incredible destinations within their own borders, noting that driving domestic tourism growth is deeply rooted in the airline’s low-cost DNA.

For the inaugural promotional series running from June 8 to July 5, 2026, the airline is introducing its “July Let’s Fly and Go” campaign, featuring one-way base fares from Manila to Bacolod for P208, Kalibo for P328, Cagayan de Oro for P428, Iloilo for P438, Cebu for P538, Tacloban for P658, and Caticlan for P768. The promotional seats are valid for an extended travel period spanning from June 8, 2026, to May 31, 2027, and interested passengers can

Department of Tourism Secretary Ma. Bernadita Angara-Mathay (left) and AirAsia Philippines president and general manager Anna Victoria Lu

book these exclusive travel offers by visiting the official campaign portal at tourism.gov.ph/fly/.

Korean Air, Delta expand seamless baggage transfer service

KOREAN Air and Delta Air Lines are expanding their Seamless Baggage Transfer service from Incheon International Airport (ICN) to SeattleTacoma International Airport (SEA) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). This expansion further enhances the travel experience for customers flying from Asia to the United States, saving connecting passengers up to 20 minutes at U.S. gateways. Powered by International Remote Baggage Screening (IRBS) technology, Seamless Baggage Transfer allows checked luggage to be screened prior to arrival in the US, eliminating the traditional requirement for passengers to collect and recheck their bags during a connection.

With this expansion, the service is now available across five major U.S. gateways: Atlanta,

Minneapolis-St. Paul, Detroit, Seattle, and Los Angeles. This ensures faster, more efficient connections for all Korean Air and Delta customers transit-flying through Incheon from across Asia to these five U.S. cities. Using advanced X-ray imaging technology, baggage is screened at Incheon and the data is securely reviewed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) before the aircraft even lands. Because the bags are automatically transferred to the final destination, travelers can proceed directly to their connecting gate just like a domestic transfer passenger. Since its initial launch on Incheon–Atlanta flights in August 2025, the program has drastically elevated passenger convenience. Notably, it has reduced customs physical interactions at US airports by over 65 percent.

To further empower travelers with greater booking flexibility, AirAsia continues to offer its one-time zero change fee policy via the AirAsia MOVE app, which allows guests to modify their flight date or time at least 48 hours before departure without incurring penalty fees, though any applicable fare differences will still apply.

Beyond simply promoting leisure travel, this strategic initiative forms part of the Department of Tourism’s broader business continuity and recovery efforts designed to stimulate domestic travel demand and support local tourism enterprises.

Tourism Secretary Ma. Bernadita AngaraMathay expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting that encouraging Filipinos to travel during off-peak periods gives travelers greater value while helping local businesses maintain steady bookings, sustain jobs, and strengthen regional economies throughout the year.

She emphasized that the official DOT website will continue to evolve as a dynamic platform, and she invites every Filipino traveler to help shape the future of domestic tourism together.

operations and maintenance to help maintain continuity, support knowledge transfer, and apply global best practices throughout the system

A 22-kilometer stretch, the MRT7 consists of 14 stations including Quezon North Avenue Joint Station, Quezon Memorial Circle, University Avenue, Tandang Sora, Don Antonio, Batasan, Manggahan, Doña Carmen, Regalado, Mindanao Avenue, Quirino, Sacred Heart, Tala and San Jose del Monte.

Once in full operation, the MRT-7 will reduce travel time from Quezon City to San Jose Del Monte in Bulacan to just 35 minutes.

The railway system is expected to carry 300,000 passengers in its inaugural year of operation. The project will also feature an intermodal transportation hub catering to other types of public transportation and a 19-km highway from San Jose del Monte to Bocaue, Bulacan. Darwin G. Amojelar

Pamilya pass beneficiaries

THE Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) recorded a total of 68,437 passengers who benefited from the LRT Line 2 Pamilya Pass 1+3 Program during the four Sundays of June 2026, based on the total number of coupons issued. The Pamilya Pass 1+3 Program allows one paying adult to bring up to three family members or companions along for a free ride on LRT Line 2 every Sunday. This initiative aims to make weekend travel more affordable while encouraging families and friends to spend quality time together. To avail of the promo, passengers simply need to purchase one regular-fare ticket at any LRT-2 ticket booth. Upon purchase, they receive Pamilya Pass coupons allowing up to three companions traveling to the same destination to ride the LRT-2 for free.

Meanwhile, the LRTA has successfully completed its second-quarter ambient air and noise quality monitoring for 2026, with results confirming that environmental conditions across all LRT-2 stations and depot facilities remain well within national standards. Conducted from May 6 to 8, 2026, the assessment forms part of the LRTA’s regular quarterly environmental program. It aims to ensure a safe, healthy environment for commuters, employees, and stakeholders throughout the rail system. The monitoring covered all operational stations along the LRT-2 line, as well as key areas within the LRT-2 Depot, measuring ambient air quality and noise levels to evaluate compliance with environmental regulations. To ensure accuracy and impartiality, the testing was carried out by Optimal Laboratories Inc., a third-party service provider accredited by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The field monitoring team was led by Field Engineer Engr. Jairus M. Tada, with the assistance of Field Technicians Mr. Darrel A. Aranda and Mr. Ireneo Vergara. The results showed that all facilities strictly adhere to the limits prescribed by Republic Act No. 8749 (the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999) and Presidential Decree No. 984 (the National Pollution

MARINA Administrator Sonia B. Malaluan

FRIDAY, JULY 3, 2026

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER VALDEZ,

Writer

POP singer Taylor Swift and NFL star Travis Kelce have kept their wedding plans tightly under wraps, but New York City is bracing for what could be the celebrity wedding of the year at Madison Square Garden this week.

U.S. media reported that festivities will begin Thursday with an exclusive dinner for about 100 guests at the iconic arena, followed by the wedding on Friday. Around 1,000 guests are expected, including Swift’s close friends Gigi Hadid, Cara Delevingne, Selena Gomez, and Zoë Kravitz, along with Kelce’s teammates from the Kansas City Chiefs.

Rumors suggest performances by

New York prepares for Taylor Swift-Travis Kelce wedding

Stevie Nicks and Tim McGraw , with possible appearances from Ed Sheeran and Paul McCartney . Guests reportedly signed confidentiality agreements and will surrender their phones during the ceremony. Celebrity outlet TMZ reported the decor will include a replica castle inside the venue.

Wedding speculation intensified as trucks and crews unloaded equipment outside Madison Square Garden, drawing crowds of fans and reporters. Officials also noted increased police presence and street closures in the area.

The couple, engaged since last August, appears to already be in New

York. Swift’s private jet landed nearby Tuesday, while Kelce was spotted jogging in Manhattan. Even Zohran Mamdani fueled speculation with a social media post joking about people “renting out MSG to get married.”

Though an unconventional venue, Madison Square Garden has hosted weddings before, including the 1974 marriage of Sly Stone to Kathy Silva during a concert.

Swift, a 14-time Grammy winner, recently celebrated the success of her album The Life of a Showgirl , while Kelce is set to return for his 14th NFL season. AFP, Raphaëlle Peltier

Why collaboration may be the future of the Philippine TV industry

FOR decades, Philippine television thrived on one enduring spectacle: the ratings war.

Every primetime slot felt like a battlefield, with networks locked in a relentless race for viewership, advertisers, and cultural relevance. Success was measured in numbers, rankings, and who captured the lion’s share of the audience.

But the rules are changing.

Today, success may no longer be defined by who defeats whom. Increasingly, it may depend on who is willing to work together.

Recent developments suggest the industry is entering a new phase.

The airing of Coco Martin’s Sigabo, Someone, Someday, Kapamilya Deal or No Deal, and Everybody, Sing! on TV5, along with Face to Face with Ate Koring on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, and ALLTV, shows an industry slowly moving toward a different model, one built not purely on rivalry but on collaboration.

The signs are becoming harder to ignore.

TVJ’s Eat Bulaga is now seen not only on TV5 but also on RPTV. Entertainment producers are no longer the only groups forming partnerships with television networks. Advocacy groups and government institutions are doing the same. Knowledge Channel and DepEd TV continue to bring educational content to free television, while PTV has expressed interest in collaborating with ABSCBN, GMA, and TV5.

These developments would have seemed almost unthinkable years ago. But television is no longer competing only with television.

Every day, Filipino viewers divide their attention across countless screens. A few swipes can lead them

to short-form videos, vertical dramas, livestream selling, online shopping, and endless digital content engineered to hold attention for seconds at a time. The competition for audiences has grown far larger and far more unforgiving.

This new reality is reshaping the industry.

The stakes go far beyond ratings. Behind every television drama, variety show, and news program are hundreds of workers, writers, directors, camera operators, editors, researchers, artists, technicians, and production staff, whose livelihoods depend on a healthy and sustainable media ecosystem.

When the industry weakens, opportunities shrink. When it grows, so do the chances for Filipino creative professionals to thrive.

This is where collaboration matters.

When broadcasters, content creators, and

digital platforms find ways to work together, local programs gain a stronger chance of reaching audiences wherever they are. More viewers create stronger incentives to invest in Filipino productions. That leads to more jobs, more opportunities for creative talent, and more locally produced stories capable of standing beside foreign films and series.

And perhaps the biggest winners are the viewers themselves.

Filipino audiences gain wider access to the shows they love, regardless of platform or network.

Collaboration does not mean the end of competition. Competition still fuels creativity, sharpens ideas, and pushes networks to innovate. But in today’s fragmented media landscape, collaboration may be just as vital.

The old ratings war may no longer be enough.

In an age where attention is the most contested currency, survival may depend not on building higher walls, but on building stronger bridges.

GMA radio stations lead Mega Manila airwaves in June

GMA Network’s flagship radio stations Super Radyo DZBB 594 kHz and Barangay LS 97.1 Forever! maintained their lead in Mega Manila in June 2026, based on data from Nielsen Radio Audience Measurement.

Super Radyo DZBB, GMA Network’s flagship AM station, posted an audience share of 48.4 percent, ahead of DZMM Radyo Patrol 630 at 19.1 percent and DZRH 666 at 16.1 percent.

Barangay LS 97.1, the network’s flagship FM station, recorded a 51.0 percent audience share. It led over 90.7 Love Radio, which posted 16.9 percent, and Wish 107.5, which registered 9.0 percent.

Super Radyo DZBB and Barangay LS 97.1 air daily and can also be heard through their stations nationwide. Select DZBB programs are also available on GTV through Dobol B TV from 5:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., Monday to Saturday. Listeners can also access Super Radyo DZBB programs through YouTube, Facebook Live, and Spotify, including its podcast Sumasapuso . Barangay LS 97.1 also streams content on YouTube and offers podcasts such as Barangay Love Stories and Liham ng Gabi on Spotify.

A MULTIFACETED businesswoman and devoted mother of seven from San Fernando, Pampanga, Maria Cristina Barras holds the title of Mrs. Universe Official France 2026 and will compete in the Mrs. Universe Official 2026 pageant. The Paris, France-based Barras faced the media during a meetand-greet affair organized by Megastar Philippines president Ovette Ricalde, held at Pandan Asian Cafe in Quezon City. Calm, cool, and collected, Barras spoke about the importance of empowering women, embracing authenticity, and her platform to create positive change in society.

Barras, formerly Mrs. Philippines UK 2025, started her path in pageantry early in life when she won Miss Saint Joseph Mexico Pampanga in 1991, a search held during the school’s intramurals promoting youth advocacies. Eventually becoming an international model, Barras has walked the runways of major global events including London Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Week, and Milan Fashion Week.

A holder of a degree in Education from the University of the Assumption Pampanga, Barras is a ‘Mother of the Year 2026’ awardee. Her inspiring journey is a remarkable model of success in balancing business, family, and community service. Having the heart of a philanthropist, Barras continuously gives support to community projects and educational initiatives in her hometown, including donating solar-powered lights to a far-flung barrio in San Agustin, Pampanga, and various outreach programs to uplift the lives of the underprivileged. Among Filipina beauty queens, Barras chose Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach as her favorite because of the way Wurtzbach treats her fans and her continuous advocacies for the needy sector of society, and that, for her, is a great legacy. She shared her beauty secret, which is to always have peace of mind and think positively. Barras believes that a crown should be placed in the soul, not on the head of a beauty queen. Barras is seen as a strong contender in the 5th edition of the Mrs. Universe Official 2026 pageant scheduled from Oct. 12 Sugar Mercado

Taylor Swift (left) and Travis Kelce keep wedding details private as reports point to a high-profile Madison Square Garden ceremony

Very Wang Nickie Wang

Maria Cristina Barras (center), France’s titleholder, sets

‘Super Radyo DZBB’ and ‘Barangay LS 97.1’ keep strong Mega Manila audience shares in June as listeners tune in through radio and digital platforms

LIFE & SHOWBIZ

Setting the stage for 9th Eddys

By Nickie Wang

ALL roads lead to Newport World Resorts as the 9th edition of the Entertainment Editors’ Choice, more popularly known as The Eddys, kicks off the local film awards season, training the spotlight once again on the films and artists that captivated audiences

Why landline still has a place in Filipino homes

AS digital communication becomes more common, many Filipino families are finding value in keeping multiple ways to stay connected, including the traditional home landline.

Mobile phones, messaging apps, and video calls have made communication easier, but changes in daily routines and unexpected situations can highlight the need for reliable backup communication at home.

Unlike mobile phones, which are typically used by individuals, a landline serves as a shared household contact point. It provides a single number that children, parents, grandparents, and other family members can use to make or receive important calls.

For families with young children who do not yet own smartphones, a landline offers a way to contact parents or guardians. For older family members who may be less familiar with mobile apps, it remains

Set for Sunday, July 5, at the Ceremonial Hall of the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Pasay City, the awards night promises an evening of glamour, prestige, and celebration of the industry’s finest talents.

Organized by the Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors (SPEEd),

The Eddys will recognize outstanding achievements in Philippine filmmaking across 14 competitive categories, honoring works that have helped shape and elevate the local cinematic landscape through powerful storytelling, bold artistic vision, and technical excellence.

Seven distinct and masterfully crafted films that offer a compelling lens on the Filipino experience are vying for Best Picture: Bar Boys: After School , Eraserheads: Combo on the Run I’m Perfect Journeyman Quezon Sunshine and UnMarry Special honorees, whose contributions have left a lasting mark on both entertainment and society, will be recognized as well.

Leading this year’s special awards recipients are Box Office Heroes Vice Ganda for Star Cinema’s comedy-drama Call Me Mother , veteran actress Maricel Soriano and the cast of Meet, Greet, & Bye , screen partners Kim Chiu and Paulo Avelino for the romantic comedy My Love Will Make You Disappear , and Richard Gutierrez for leading Regal Entertainment’s horror entry, Shake, Rattle & Roll: Evil Origins

Also to be presented are three special distinctions.

The Isah V. Red Award honors individuals whose work uplifts communities through meaningful service. This year’s recipients are corporate leader and philanthropist Chaye Cabal Revilla and actor Donny Pangilinan

a familiar way to communicate with relatives, neighbors, healthcare providers, and essential services.

A home landline can also serve as a contact point for schools, delivery services, utility providers, and home-based businesses.

Communication options can become especially important during emergencies. Having multiple ways to reach others may help families contact loved ones, service providers, or emergency responders, including the national emergency hotline, 911.

For many households, having another communication channel provides added reassurance, especially in situations where immediate contact is necessary.

Homes today often serve multiple functions, acting not only as living spaces but also as workplaces, classrooms, and small business hubs.

As household connectivity needs continue to evolve, service providers are adapting their offerings. PLDT Home offers Fiber plans that bundle a landline with internet service, combining broadband access with a dedicated voice line for personal, family, business, and emergency communication.

While smartphones remain central to daily life, access to a reliable home contact number continues to offer practical benefits for many families, particularly when urgent communication is needed.

The

The

Lhar Santiago for his decades of contribution to entertainment journalism.

Hosted by Concert Queen Pops Fernandez and television host and broadcaster Kim Atienza the star-studded ceremony is directed by Calvin Neria

The night opens with a special production number from Fred Moser and Kanata of Pinoy Big Brother , joined by the cast of the advocacy drama I’m Perfect AKTOR PH chairman and founding president Dingdong Dantes will present ongoing initiatives developed in partnership with SPEEd and Unilab.

Up-and-coming young singer-songwriter Isha Ponti will take the stage with a special performance, while singer Jamie Rivera will deliver an emotional number for the posthumous tribute segment, a poignant portion of the program expected to bring a solemn pause to the evening.

Closing the ceremony are performances by Andrea Gutierrez and singer-songwriter David Young

Organized by SPEEd, The Eddys remains one of the country’s most respected award-giving bodies dedicated to recognizing excellence in Filipino filmmaking.

The 9th Entertainment Editors’ Choice is presented by Newport World Resorts, PlayTime Entertainment, and Echo Jham Productions, with Gold Sponsors Globe Telecom and Unilab Inc.; Silver Sponsors SoundCheck Inc. and Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival; and Major Sponsors Luxent Hotel, RS Francisco , Beautéderm Corporation, Isha Ponti, and PlayaLolita Beach Resort Hotel and Restaurant.

The 9th Eddys will stream live on the Entertainment Editors’ Choice official Facebook page and YouTube channel, with simultaneous broadcasts on leading news platforms.

MCDONALD’S Philippines and Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Philippines, in partnership with Megawide Foundation, reopened the refurbished Ronald McDonald Bahay Bulilit Learning Center in Bacoor City, renewing efforts to support early childhood education and community development.

Located in Barangay Mambog IV, the learning center is marking its 15th year of service to children and families in the community. Originally turned over on June 10, 2011, the facility has served young learners by providing a space for early education.

The refurbishment was completed with support from Megawide Construction and Megawide Foundation and marks the foundation’s first renovation project for a Ronald McDonald Bahay Bulilit Learning Center.

“For the past 15 years, this center has helped provide young learners with a strong foundation for their educational journey. As we reopen its doors, we are renewing our commitment to ensuring that future generations of children have access to safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environments,” RMHC Philippines president Kenneth S. Yang said.

RMHC Philippines has established 56 Bahay Bulilit Learning Centers nationwide. Each center serves about 90 to 100 children annually and helps prepare them for formal

schooling.

Megawide Foundation said it plans to continue its partnership with McDonald’s Philippines and RMHC by helping build more Ronald McDonald Bahay Bulilit Learning Centers in 2027.

“We believe quality learning environments are essential in shaping a child’s future. We create spaces where children can learn and develop, knowing every opportunity for growth helps build stronger communities,” Megawide Foundation president Teresa C. Saavedra said.

Local officials also underscored the importance of partnerships in supporting education.

Naniniwala tayo na ang kinabukasan ng kabataan ay nakasalalay sa edukasyon. Maraming salamat sa McDonald’s at Megawide Foundation sa inyong suporta. Malaking tulong ito sa ating mga kabataan at sa kanilang kinabukasan ,” Bacoor City Mayor Strike Revilla said.

Apart from providing classrooms, the Bahay Bulilit Learning Center also supports children’s literacy, social development, and life skills as they prepare for formal education. The reopening comes as students prepare to return to school, highlighting collaboration between the private sector, local government, and community partners in supporting children’s education.

Leaders and partners mark the reopening of an improved learning space for young learners in Bacoor City

The 8th Eddys big winner ‘Green Bones’ with Best Actor Dennis Trillo (center) and Best Supporting Actor Ruru Madrid (fourth from left)

Joe Quirino Award will go to director and songwriter Joven Tan whose career journey from entertainment journalism to filmmaking has produced more than a dozen films.

Manny Pichel Award will be presented to television reporter

The 9th Entertainment Editors’ Choice prepares to honor this year’s standout films, performers, and creative workers in Philippine cinema

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA

VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER

VALDEZ, Writer

A stark portrait of homelessness in the Philippines

By Alfredo E. Pascual

MIGUEL Zoleta Patolot’s Homeless: Kariton Republic—The Philippine Dilemma is an urgent, morally forceful book about one of the country’s most visible yet least systematically addressed social problems. Its central image, the kariton as shelter, workplace, storage space, and a symbol of survival, compels the reader to see homelessness not as a marginal street condition but as evidence of deeper failures in land policy, housing finance, governance, social protection, and national compassion. One of the book’s strongest contributions is its insistence that homelessness must be distinguished from the broader housing backlog. Socialized housing and homelessness, though related, are not the same problem. Socialized housing generally assumes some capacity to pay, institutional eligibility, and a path toward ownership or community tenure. Homelessness often requires a more immediate and comprehensive response: transitional shelter, health care, livelihood support, documentation, child protection, legal aid, social reintegration, and, only later, a pathway to permanent housing. This distinction is one of the book’s most important policy insights. The book also reminds us that Philippine presidents have repeatedly invoked land, housing, social justice, and the poor, yet declarations have too often outpaced execution. Patolot shows that the country has never lacked laws, agencies, programs, or rhetoric. What it has lacked is a durable, adequately financed, professionally managed, and data-driven system to end homelessness.

Miguel Zoleta Patolot’s ‘Homeless: Kariton Republic—The Philippine Dilemma’ examines homelessness through policy, governance, and social justice in the country

Another strength is the book’s interdisciplinary approach. Patolot does not treat housing merely as the construction of units. He repeatedly returns to land, livelihood, water, education, transportation, community design, disaster resilience, culture, and governance. These elements are crucial. A house without access to work, schools, health services, water, sanitation, and community support is not yet a sustainable home. The book’s recurring argument, that shelter should be treated as infrastructure, not simply as charity, a dole-out, or episodic social assistance, is persuasive. The book also benefits from practitioner voices: architects, planners, housing officials, local government observers, business leaders, finance specialists, and social advocates. These perspectives show that homelessness is not a problem for a single agency. DHSUD, SHFC, NHA, Pag-IBIG, LGUs, Congress, the judiciary, private developers, civil society, and communities themselves all have roles to play.

At the same time, readers should approach the data with care. The book cites official figures, indicative estimates, and international references that vary widely in scale and definition. This is not merely a limitation of the book; it is one of the institutional failures the book exposes. For policy purposes, the country still needs to clarify exactly what is being counted: households, individuals, informal settlers, street dwellers, families in danger zones, or the broader shelter-deficient population.

The opinion poll is useful as a collection of informed views, but it is best read as exploratory rather than representative. Its value lies less in statistical precision than in surfacing the concerns that professionals in housing, finance, planning, governance, and social advocacy repeatedly encounter.

Some passages are deliberately provocative, especially in discussions of resistance to relocation, beneficiary behavior, cultural traits, and social integration. These should be read as part of the author’s effort to confront the complexity of shelter delivery. Still, homelessness must be understood with empathy. Resistance to relocation may stem not from obstinacy but from livelihood loss, distance from schools and hospitals, kinship ties, fear of resettlement failure, debt, or distrust of authorities.

The book’s wish list is bold and wide-ranging: a national homelessness strategy, a digital census, land inventories, rental subsidies, stronger LGU partnerships, and even a possible Department for Homelessness. Not all readers will agree with every proposal, raising questions about fiscal feasibility, institutional overlap, and the risk of creating another bureaucracy. Nonetheless, the agenda makes clear that homelessness cannot be solved by building houses alone.

Homeless: Kariton Republic succeeds in its most important task: making complacency difficult. It forces readers to confront the gap between constitutional aspiration and street-level reality. Part documentary, part advocacy, part policy memorandum, and part moral appeal, it justifies its urgency. The book’s enduring challenge is simple: count the homeless, define their rights, organize the land, finance shelter, build livable communities, and treat housing as a foundation of human dignity and national development. Even where one disagrees with the book, it deserves credit for placing homelessness at the center of the Philippine development agenda.

‘Music Travel Love’ and memories that fit like a glove

MY 14-year-old self would have been thrilled to know that one day I’d get to meet, interview, and have my photo taken with The Moffatts

Back in 1999, I was a high school student in Dubai. Among my closest friends was a group of diehard The Moffatts fans. The Canadian band, made up of Scott and his triplet brothers Clint, Bob, and Dave, was one of the biggest teen sensations of the late ’90s. My friends Janice, Edel, Katrina, and Mariden had posters and teen magazines, and each of them had already chosen which Moffatt brother they were destined to marry.

Random Talk Kate Adajar

Music. Music has an extraordinary way of preserving memories. One familiar tune can unlock years you didn’t even realize were waiting to be revisited. Sitting inside the theater, I was transported back to being a teenager, surrounded by classmates who adored The Moffatts, while I unknowingly memorized every word myself. Looking around, I realized everyone in the audience had traveled back to a different version of themselves.

Travel.

I was just there for the ride, happily spectating. Or so I thought.

Years later, as an adult, I realized I knew their songs by heart. I owned their cassette tape, eventually bought their CD, and somewhere along the way, I had quietly become a fan myself.

Life has a funny way of coming full circle.

Nine years ago, I was part of the small media group that welcomed The Moffatts at the airport for their reunion concert in the Philippines. I still remember that familiar flutter of excitement. That same excitement lingered in my heart when I watched Music Travel Love perform for the third time on June 28 at the New Frontier Theater, the final stop of their three-city Philippine tour.

Bob and Clint Moffatt may now be known around the world as Music Travel Love , but one thing hasn’t changed. It is their ability to make people feel something. Through acoustic performances filmed in breathtaking locations across the globe, the brothers have built an entirely new following. Many of those fans probably discovered them through YouTube without realizing they were once half of one of the biggest pop groups of their generation.

Inside the New Frontier Theater, however, every era came together.

The concert felt like a trip down memory lane and proof that some songs simply never grow old. Acoustic covers of “Every Breath You Take”, “Perfect”, “Have You Ever Seen the Rain”, “Heaven”, and “How Deep Is Your Love” filled the venue, with voices singing along to every word from beginning to end. Guest performers added good vibes, with recording artist Bugoy Drilon standing out and making the crowd ask for more.

Then came the expected surprise: Dave Moffatt, who is now based in Indonesia, joined his brothers onstage. The cheers were instant. Together, Bob, Clint, and Dave performed their hits “If Life Is So Short”, “Miss You Like Crazy”, and “Girl of My Dreams”. For those few songs, it wasn’t Music Travel Love standing before us. It was The Moffatts once again, and judging by the crowd singing their songs aloud, the boys left their mark.

The evening closed with “When You Say Nothing at All”, “Stand by Me”, and “Can’t Help Falling in Love”. But it was the final song that touched many of us.

Delightful Philippines is their original composition. It is a sincere tribute to the country. It seemed to be Bob and Clint’s way of saying thank you, not just for the sold-out shows, but for decades of undying support from Filipino fans who have stayed with them through every chapter of their musical journey.

That final song made me realize why the name Music Travel Love is a perfect fit.

Way before Bob and Clint made travel part of their identity, their music had already become my passport home. The moment those familiar songs played, I was back inside the bedroom my sister and I shared in Dubai as teenagers, surrounded by my sticker-filled planner, Hello Kitty plushie, cassette tapes, and stereo. I found myself fighting back tears, thinking about my sister, who now lives abroad. Music crossed countries and decades in an instant. Love.

If music brought us back and travel carried us across time, love explained everything else.

Throughout the concert and even in previous interviews, Bob and Clint never missed the chance to acknowledge how instrumental Filipinos have been in their journey. They have often spoken about the undying support they’ve received from Filipino fans through different stages of their career. They even honored that connection by getting traditional hand-tapped tattoos from Apo WhangOd, the legendary Kalinga tattoo artist. Ending the concert with Delightful Philippines felt like the most fitting expression of that gratitude.

Their story is also a lesson in what love for one’s craft can do. While Gen Z may have missed the screaming fans, bedroom posters, and the pop phenomenon that was The Moffatts, Bob and Clint reinvented themselves.

Some artists belong to one era. Bob and Clint are meant to keep singing, keep traveling, and keep sharing their musical talent. They were always meant for music, travel, and love.

For your random thoughts, e-mail the author at randomrepublika@ gmail.com.

PREMIUM grocery retailer The Marketplace opened a new branch at Molito Lifestyle Center in Alabang on June 26, expanding its presence in key lifestyle and residential areas in the Philippines.

The new store is located on the second floor of Molito Lifestyle Center along Madrigal Avenue corner Alabang-Zapote Road in Muntinlupa City. The company noted the branch aims to serve consumers in southern Metro Manila

with a wider selection of local and imported products.

The store carries gourmet and specialty food items, including artisanal cheeses, premium cold cuts, imported delicacies such as jamón ibérico, and pantry staples. It also offers imported labels such as Waitrose,

The author (standing), together with (from left) Bob, Clint, and Dave Moffatt at the media conference ahead of Music Travel Love’s Manila concert

Music Travel Love reunites with Dave Moffatt (center) onstage for a performance that brings together acoustic favorites and classic hits from the group’s days as The Moffatts