TRUMP DECLARES TRUCE OVER AS FIGHTING FLARES ANEW
By Thony Lesaca and Alena Flores
US President Donald Trump said the ceasefire with Iran was "over" Wednesday but left the door open to more talks, after fighting flared, sparked by Iranian attacks on ships in the vital Strait of Hormuz.
Oil prices immediately jumped five percent after Trump's remarks, having already reached their highest level in two weeks
In Manila, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) said Wednesday that excise taxes on kerosene and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) will auto
Lawyer bucks OMB for using ‘Maleta
Boys’ affidavits
A LAWYER has criticized the Ombudsman’s plan to use the testimonies of the ex-bodyguards of former congressman Zaldy Co, also known as the “Maleta Boys,” to build its case against former Speaker Martin Romualdez and
Chiz warns vs. early ‘closing arguments’
By Joel E. Zurbano and Maricel V. Cruz
SENATE impeach-
ment court Presiding Officer Sen. Francis "Chiz" Escudero on Wednesday warned both the prosecution and defense against making what amounted to closing arguments while presenting evidence in the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Proceedings entered their third day with the continued cross-examination of the prosecution's first witness, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Senior Agent John Mark Calilung.
The warning came after remarks made Tuesday by prosecution counsel Atty. Amando Ligutan, which Escudero described as premature and which Sen. Pia Cayetano said resembled a closing argument.
"The presiding officer will not tolerate such perorations again by either party even if it is in response to a question from a senator-judge," Escudero said.
He added that he would "try to remind as best as we can, senatorjudges to let the witnesses present the
By Charles Dantes, Joel E. Zurbano, Katrina Manubay, and Maricel V. Cruz
MALACAÑANG on Wednesday pushed back against Vice President Sara Duterte's description of her impeachment trial as a "bloodbath" and "bludgeoning," with Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro saying it is Duterte herself who wanted a "bloodbath" and that the proceedings are meant to establish the truth.
Meanwhile, the House prosecution panel said it would present another witness to testify on the alleged
By Charles Dantes
By Rio N. Araja and Rex Espiritu
Sandigan HDO vs. Marcoleta, Defensor
By Maricel V. Cruz and Vince Lopez
THE Sandiganbayan Third Division has issued a hold departure order (HDO) against Senator Rodante Marcoleta, former lawmaker Michael Defensor, and two businessmen in connection with non-bailable plunder and indirect bribery charges.
2026. Earlier, the court had also issued a precautionary hold departure order against Marcoleta.
The Sandiganbayan has indefinitely postponed Marcoleta's arraignment after he was confined at the Philippine National Police (PNP) General Hospital due to fluctuating blood pressure.
PNP General Hospital chief of internal medicine Lt. Col. Benaly Bayani said Marcoleta's blood pressure rose to 160/90 on Wednesday, higher than the previous day's reading, although his chest and back pains had eased.
Chiz...
From A1
evidence of both parties instead of the counsels presenting both facts and law through their statements."
The issue arose after Sen. Risa Hontiveros asked the prosecution following the testimony of Calilung: "Why are these acts impeachable?"
Escudero said the defense would be given five minutes and 18 seconds after cross-examination to explain its side, matching the time the prosecution spent answering the question.
Importance of procedural rules
Pia Cayetano, likening the impeachment court to a basketball game, stressed the importance of following procedural rules.
"Why are we being strict about the rules? Why do I have to bother standing up? Well, because nothing in this world will run well without the rules," she said.
"Sometimes, there are also opportunities to question the rules, but that's also fine. That's why we have to stand up and call the attention of the presiding officer when we feel that the rules are being violated. And we will continue to do so when we believe it is necessary in the interest of justice."
Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano likewise urged fellow senator-judges to avoid questions that could prejudice the proceedings.
"Stop ourselves from asking certain questions that can prejudice the whole trial, whether or not our intention is to do so," he said.
The Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, is hearing Article IV of the Articles of Impeachment, which accuses Duterte of making grave threats, inciting sedition, and allegedly plotting
Four...
From A1
"Inday" is expected to reach its peak impact in Metro Manila on Friday and Saturday.
PAGASA’s latest weather bulletin showed that the eye of "Inday" was estimated at 1,405 kilometers east of Northern Luzon.
The weather bureau said "Inday" is expected to leave PAR by Saturday and make landfall along the eastern coast of mainland China on Sunday.
The cyclone was moving westward at 25 kilometers per hour, packing maximum winds of 185 kph near the center and gusts of up to 230 kph.
Signal No. 1 was hoisted over Batanes, Cagayan including the Babuyan Islands, the northern and central parts of Isabela, Apayao, the eastern portion of Kalinga, the northern portion of Aurora, and the northern and central portions of Catanduanes.
PAGASA said "Inday" was expected to continue moving generally westward over the next 24 hours before turning northwest while remain-
Lawyer...
But instead of signing, the group has asked for an extension, Roy said, which led him to question whether the ex-bodyguards really want to testify to support the government’s case.
“They have been floating that scenario of a mastermind for the longest time, yet until now they are waiting still for the affidavits to be signed. What does that mean? They're not willing to testify, nobody has come forward to say, 'this is the mastermind,'” the former president of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) said.
Roy previously said it appears the Ombudsman does not have a strong case against Romualdez since it is still gathering evidence against the Leyte first district representative nearly a year since the allegations surfaced. The anti-corruption office is also “holding hostage” former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan by tapping him as a state witness against the ex-Speaker and other government officials implicated in the scandal, the
The HDO was issued along with the arrest warrants released on July 6,
The charges stem from alleged undisclosed campaign donations amounting to P75 million. The anti-graft court directed the Bureau of Immigration to prevent the accused from leaving the country.
the assassination of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez. Authenticity of videos, threats questioned
During cross-examination, defense counsel Carlo Joaquin Narvasa questioned Calilung on the authenticity of the prosecution's videos, the NBI affidavit, the Department of Justice's earlier case build-up certification, and whether the President, the First Lady or Romualdez had personally filed criminal complaints.
Calilung testified that none of the three personally appeared before the NBI and that he had no personal knowledge of whether they filed complaints.
He maintained, however, that the NBI may investigate threats against top government officials even without a formal complaint if sufficient evidence exists.
"If we found that the evidence is enough, that there is a crime committed, we will file a case because that's the output of our investigation, sir," Calilung said.
Asked whether the NBI could proceed without a complaint from the alleged victim, he replied: "We submitted it, sir, even without a complaint in the preliminary investigation, sir."
A lengthy exchange with Cayetano centered on Duterte's statement containing the phrase "kapag pinatay ako" (if I get killed) and whether the alleged threat was conditional.
Calilung acknowledged that the NBI affidavit described it as conditional. But when Cayetano sought his personal assessment as an investigator, the NBI officer answered: "The threat is absolute, sir."
He explained that investigators also considered an earlier alleged conver-
ing over the Philippine Sea.
The cyclone was forecast to make its closest approach to extreme northern Luzon by Friday before tracking toward the southern islands of Japan and the waters north of Taiwan.
The cyclone is forecast to maintain super typhoon strength until Thursday before weakening into a typhoon by Thursday afternoon or evening.
It is expected to remain a typhoon throughout the rest of the forecast period.
PAGASA said the highest tropical cyclone wind signal that may be raised during "Inday's" passage is Signal No. 2 or 3, although the cyclone is not expected to make landfall in the Philippines.
However, its circulation and the enhanced southwest monsoon are forecast to bring strong to gale-force winds over coastal and upland areas in Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, Calabarzon, most of Mimaropa, the Bicol Region, much of the Visayas, and most of Mindanao on Wednesday.
Its winds are expected to affect most parts of the country on Thursday and Friday.
lawyer said.
Ombudsman spokesperson Mico Clavano earlier said Bonoan was accepted as state witness after the latter agreed to cooperate in its case against Romualdez.
Roy, who was a defense lawyer for former Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona during his impeachment trial in 2012, said the “Maleta Boys” have already proven to be unreliable witnesses with their constantly shifting testimonies, especially after vetting by the National Bureau of Investigation.
“We all know that the NBI already investigated those 18 Marines and concluded that the allegations had no value because they were not credible," he said.
“What did [Clavano] say? He said he had already prepared the draft affidavit on June 20 and gave it to them. But they refused to sign it and even asked for an extension. Does that make any sense? What evidence do you actually have? He claims they have evidence they can use, but the affidavit hasn't even been signed because they refuse to sign it."
Sen. Rodante Marcoleta remains confined at the PNP General Hospital after doctors declared him unfit to travel because of hypertension, mild pneumonia, and degenerative disc disease, police officials said Wednesday.
sation Duterte had before making the public statement.
"There is a condition na kapag pinatay siya, but as we can see, it's only applicable if there is only two parties. The statement make a loophole wherein a third party can use that kapag namatay si VP, ma-e-execute niya yung statement ni VP na may nakausap na siya," he said.
NBI invited Duterte to discuss threats
Calilung testified that he was assigned to the case after receiving instructions from his executive officer following the circulation of the video. He added that the NBI also invited Duterte to discuss alleged threats against her own life.
Sen. Joel Villanueva asked how the NBI evaluates threats.
"If it's an active threat, if the one giving the threat is capable of doing so," Calilung replied, adding that "official capability or power" and the manner in which the threat was delivered are also considered.
The witness outlined his qualifica
tions as a Certified Public Accountant with training in computer hacking forensic investigation, computer forensics, mobile forensics, photo and video authentication, cybercrime investigation, and 480 hours of cybersecurity training.
His credentials came under further scrutiny as Sen. Raffy Tulfo questioned his expertise in social media analytics and artificial intelligence after the defense presented excerpts from Duterte's more than two-hour online press conference on Nov. 23, 2024.
Calilung: Video was not AI-generated
Tulfo asked whether Calilung had the expertise to determine if the video had been generated using AI.
Calilung replied that, based on his
Trump...
From A1
to provide relief to consumers during the national energy emergency.
The order stipulated that tax rates would automatically return to those prescribed under the National Internal Revenue Code one week after the one-month average price of Dubai crude oil falls below $80 per barrel, as certified by the Department of Energy DOE, or upon the expiration of the threemonth suspension period.
The DOE certified that the onemonth average Dubai crude oil price, based on the Mean of Platts Singapore (MOPPS), from June 1 to 30, 2026, was US$79.45 per barrel.
Leo Bellas, president of Jetti Petroleum, however said prices are expected to rise further due to renewed fears of supply disruption following Trump's remarks.
The Department of Energy earlier announced that the worst was over for the oil industry after world prices dropped below $80 per barrel because of the truce between the US and Iran.
Tehran insists on controlling waterway
Tehran insists on controlling the waterway, saying it will charge fees for passage and threatening to hit vessels that deviate from its authorised route.
Its military has struck at least three
Marcos...
From A1
on developments affecting the country's political landscape.
"Assist the President by providing timely, relevant, and strategic advice on emerging national, local, and international issues affecting the political landscape," Castro said, citing the marching orders given to Abalos.
She added that the former interior chief will also act as the president's liaison with national and local government officials, political groups and other stakeholders.
"As may be directed by the President, serve as a conduit of the President to national government agencies,
"Right now, Sen. Marcoleta is okay, but his blood pressure is higher today than yesterday at 160/90. His other symptoms, such as chest and back pain, have somewhat subsided, so our main concern now is his blood pressure," Bayani said. She said a reading of 160/90 is
personal observation, the video was not AI-generated because it ran for more than two hours, explaining that AI-generated videos are typically much shorter.
Tulfo also asked whether the NBI had examined public reaction to the video. Calilung testified that some online comments expressed agreement with Duterte's statement regarding the killing of the President, while others allegedly called for a people power movement.
Tulfo said his questions were intended to help determine whether the acts attributed to Duterte could fall under the constitutional grounds for impeachment, including culpable violation of the Constitution, high crimes and betrayal of public trust.
Sen. Francis Pangilinan also questioned Calilung on his educational background after the defense challenged his qualifications in digital technology and cybersecurity.
Padilla focuses on authenticity of evidence
Meanwhile, Sen. Robinhood Padilla focused on the authenticity of the digital evidence. He asked whether investigators had obtained the original video file or an affidavit from the person who recorded it.
Calilung acknowledged that the NBI did not obtain the original recording, explaining that investigators preserved a copy of a publicly available internet video using OBS screen recording software.
Padilla emphasized the importance of securing the original file and asked the impeachment court to require the submission of Calilung's complete credentials and certifications, saying evidence and witnesses in a case of national significance must withstand the highest standards of scrutiny and due process.
ships in recent days, prompting extensive US strikes against Iranian targets Tuesday followed by retaliatory attacks from Iran on Gulf countries.
"As far as I'm concerned, it's over," Trump said at a NATO summit in Turkey on Wednesday when asked if the truce was intact.
"It's just a waste of time dealing with them," he added.
"I'll let our wonderful negotiators keep talking if they want, but I don't see it. I don't like these people."
As of press time, it was unclear if the BIR will proceed with lifting the suspension.
Multiple strikes, both sides
Both sides reported hitting dozens of targets, placing fresh strain on their interim deal to end the Middle East war.
Iranian state media on Wednesday reported a wave of explosions around the strait, including six on the island of Qeshm, seven in the city of Sirik and more in the major port city of Bandar Abbas.
It later reported a series of blasts in the coastal city of Bushehr, which hosts the country's only civilian nuclear power plant and lies near Kharg island, the main oil terminal through which 90 percent of Iran's crude exports transit.
State media said a member of the military's Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) had been killed, while the foreign ministry said monitoring and observation sites had been hit on the southern coast. With AFP
local government units, political organizations, groups or parties, civil society organizations, and sectoral groups on matters of political concern, and also serve as head of strategic action and response office, and for this purpose exercise supervision and control over its constituent offices," Castro said. Castro said those are among the key responsibilities assigned to Abalos in his new role as Cabinet Secretary. Abalos previously served as secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government before stepping down to seek a Senate seat in the 2025 midterm elections. He also served as mayor of Mandaluyong City.
considered Stage 2 hypertension and is high for someone of Marcoleta's age. Doctors are conducting additional tests, including blood chemistry, a twodimensional echocardiogram, chest Xrays, and cervical spine examinations. "The results of the chest X-ray and cervical spine examination are already available and show some findings, while the 2D echocardiogram results are still pending," Bayani said. Asked if Marcoleta could already be transferred to a detention facility, Bayani said, "Not at the moment."
Palace:...
From A1
Castro made the remarks a day after Duterte appeared at the Senate and declared: "In this bloodbath, in this bludgeoning, I will be bloodied but unbowed," a line adapted from the popular poem “Invictus.”
"Feeling niya na bloodbath ito at alam naman natin na ito ang kaniyang hiniling. Siya mismo ang nagnanais ng isang bloodbath," Castro said.
(She feels that this is a bloodbath, and we all know that this is what she wanted. She herself wished for a bloodbath.)
Castro noted that Duterte's quote had a literary source.
“We heard and watched her say, ‘In this bloodbath, in this bludgeoning, I will be bloodied but unbowed.’ So, she apparently had a basis for that statement—it came from William Ernest Henley’s poem Invictus,” she said in Filipino, adding that she was pleased the Vice President now had “a basis” for her statements.
VP still not addressing allegations
Castro, however, criticized Duterte for failing to personally address the allegations against her (see banner story on A1 – Editors)
“In her brief remarks yesterday, we still did not hear her deny the allegations against her. She is leaving it to her lawyers," she said.
Castro said the public would rather hear Duterte herself deny the accusations instead of relying on legal technicalities.
Asked whether Malacañang agreed with Duterte's characterization of the proceedings, Castro said the administration respected her opinion but maintained that the real issue was uncovering the truth.
"At magiging madugo talaga 'to kung hindi makikita ng taumbayan ang katotohanan at iyan naman ang hinahanap ng ating mga kababayan–malaman kung ano ba talaga ang mga katotohanan sa mga ibinabato sa kaniya," she said.
(And this will indeed be bloody if the public does not see the truth behind the allegations against her.)
Castro also defended the Senate's impeachment procedures after Duterte asked the Supreme Court to issue a status quo ante order questioning the authority of the trial's presiding officer and amendments to the Senate's impeachment rules.
She said the Palace believes the arrangements are constitutional, citing former Supreme Court Justice Adolfo Azcuna's opinion that no constitutional provision requires only the Senate President to preside over an impeachment trial.
Prosecution to present witness on alleged hitman
During Wednesday's proceedings, Senator-Judge Paolo Benigno Aquino IV asked whether prosecutors intended to present additional witnesses regarding the alleged hitman.
Private prosecutor Amando Ligutan replied: "As to the alleged hitman, your honor, yes."
Ligutan declined to identify the witness. The issue stems from Duterte's Nov. 23, 2024 online press conference, where she said: "I told him [the alleged hitman], 'If they kill me, kill Bongbong Marcos, Liza Araneta, and Martin Romualdez.' No joke, no joke."
The prosecution said lawyer Jeremy Lotoc of the National Bureau of Investigation-Bangsamoro Administrative Region will testify on Monday on Article IV of the impeachment complaint, which accuses Duterte of making grave threats and conspiring to commit an assassination.
The impeachment court also subpoenaed Duterte's chief of staff, lawyer Zuleikha Lopez, who is expected to appear next week.
The planned testimony followed the questioning by Aquino of NBI Senior Agent John Mark Calilung, who authenticated Duterte's video but said his assignment was limited to examining its authenticity.
"I was only tasked for the video, sir," Calilung said.
NEWS IN BRIEF
Church urged to address ‘emotional suffering’
A 90-YEAR-OLD retired bishop warned that emotional and mental distress has become a growing pastoral concern affecting not only society but also members of the clergy.
Bishop Emeritus Jose Manguiran of Dipolog said many Filipinos now endure greater suffering than he witnessed during decades of ministry, citing climate change, inequality, armed conflict, rapid technological change, and emotional struggles.
He urged the Church to respond with greater compassion, saying Christ’s example of washing the feet of his disciples shows that authentic leadership is rooted in humble service.
Manguiran also said environmental disasters continue to hit the poorest communities hardest, while globalization, artificial intelligence, and consumerism present new pastoral challenges that require the Church to defend human dignity and care for creation.
Vito Barcelo
AFP honors partners with inaugural award
THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) honored 14 distinguished partners with the inaugural Golden Flame of Partnership Award on Monday.
The award recognizes organizations and individuals whose support has helped advance the AFP’s mission of safeguarding the nation, strengthening governance, enhancing public engagement, and promoting national development.
Among the awardees were Ayala Corporation, BDO Foundation Inc., BDO Network Bank, Metrobank Foundation Inc., the Joint United States Military Assistance Group Philippines (JUSMAG-PH), and several local government units and private institutions.
AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. thanked the recipients for their continued partnership and support.
Rex Espiritu
Woman rider killed in Binondo hit-and-run
A 26-YEAR-OLD sales associate died after the motorcycle she was riding was struck by a truck in a hit-and-run incident along Mel Lopez Boulevard in Binondo, Manila, late Tuesday night.
The Manila District Traffic Enforcement Unit-Vehicle Traffic Investigation Section identified the victim, a resident of Navotas City, who died from severe head injuries.
Police said the victim was traveling along the Delpan Flyover near the Delpan Evacuation Center at about 11:17 p.m. when the truck hit her motorcycle.
The truck driver allegedly fled the scene after running over the victim, whose body was later taken to the SRB Sanctuary Chapels in Sta. Cruz, Manila. Itchie G. Cabayan
Saudia
By Darwin G. Amojelar
THE New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC)
said no major disruptions were caused to airport operations after a Saudia aircraft preparing for departure struck a parked Philippine Airlines (PAL) plane Tuesday night at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
The private operator of the country’s main gateway said the ground incident
PH unemployment climbs to 4.8%
By Thony Rose Lesaca
THE Philippines’ unemployment rate rose to 4.8 percent in May 2026 from 4.7 percent in April, as the number of jobless Filipinos increased to 2.50 million, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said Wednesday.
The latest figure was also higher than the 3.9-percent rate recorded in the same month last year, equivalent to 2.03 million unemployed individuals.
Meanwhile, the employment rate slipped to 95.2 percent from 96.1 percent in May 2025, with 49.63 million Filipinos employed. This was lower than the 50.29 million employed a year
earlier but higher than the 48.89 million recorded in April.
The PSA said employment declined across several sectors, including agriculture and forestry (-905,000), other service activities (-442,000), public administration and defense; compulsory social security (-213,000), wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehi-
cles and motorcycles (-141,000), and professional, scientific and technical activities (-75,000).
The agency said 6.04 million of the 49.63 million employed Filipinos were seeking additional work hours or another job, translating to an underemployment rate of 12.2 percent. This was lower than the 13.1 percent recorded a year ago and the 15.2 percent posted in April.
Philippine Institute for Development Studies senior research fellow John Paolo Rivera said the month-on-month data presented a mixed picture of the labor market.
aircraft hits parked PAL plane at airport, NAIA operator says
occurred at about 11:38 p.m. on July 7.
Initial reports showed that Saudia
Flight SV871, which was taxiing for departure, made contact with a parked PAL Airbus A320 when its wingtip struck the aircraft’s tail section at low speed.
“No injuries to passengers, crew, or ground personnel were reported,” NNIC said.
“All passengers aboard the departing aircraft were safely disembarked. Saudia
Flight SV871 was canceled, and the aircraft was towed to a designated bay for inspection. Both aircraft sustained damage that is now undergoing technical assessment. No airport infrastructure or ground equipment was damaged,” it added.
NNIC said its ground operations and safety teams responded immediately, secured the area, coordinated the repositioning of both aircraft, and notified the Civil Aviation Authority of the Phil-
By Rex Espiritu
THE country’s defense and military establishments have urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to certify as urgent a proposed measure that seeks to strengthen the Philippines’ antiespionage law.
“There was a request to the President today to certify the anti-foreign interference and malign influence bill as urgent,” Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. told reporters Tuesday.
ippines through established protocols.
“A full investigation is currently being conducted to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident, including a review of airside communications, aircraft movement records, and other relevant operational data,” NNIC said.
The operator said it is extending full cooperation to the airlines involved and aviation authorities to ensure a thorough and objective investigation.
Defense chief seeks tougher anti-espionage law to protect PH
Espionage under the existing Commonwealth Act No. 616 is punishable only during wartime.
Asked whether the President would certify the bill as urgent, Teodoro said: “He mentioned it, so we can take that as his agreement.” On whether the measure would be included among the President’s priority bills for the State of the Nation Address later this month, Teodoro said: “I don’t want to preempt it.”
“We really think it’s necessary,” he said.
However, he noted that the year-onyear increase in unemployment showed job creation has not kept pace with the growing labor force.
Rivera said the challenge is no longer just generating jobs but creating enough quality and productive jobs that provide Filipinos with stable incomes.
“Sustaining employment growth will depend on stronger investment, faster infrastructure spending, and continued support for sectors with high job-generating potential such as manufacturing, tourism, construction, and modern services,” Rivera said.
“While unemployment edged up slightly to 4.8 percent, the increase in total employment and the improvement in underemployment suggest that labor demand remains relatively resilient despite a slower economy,” Rivera said.
No comment yet on ‘impeachment’ against Remulla
By Charles Dantes and Maricel V. Cruz
MALACAÑANG on Wednesday
said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has not discussed reports of a planned impeachment complaint against Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla, saying there is no basis yet for the Palace to comment because no formal complaint has been made public.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said the reported impeachment plan has not been raised during the President’s meetings and remains outside the administration’s current agenda.
“At this point, we still have not discussed it. It has not become an issue in the President’s meetings,” Castro said. She also said she was unaware of any official copy of an impeachment complaint, noting that reports so far have been based only on media accounts.
“At this time, I do not know if there is already a copy of the complaint. It appears to have only been reported in the news, and as far as I know, no complaint has yet been released,” she said. Castro added that the Palace would refrain from commenting until a formal complaint is filed or concrete evidence emerges.
AWS MEETING. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. meets with executives of Amazon Web Services (AWS) during a courtesy call to discuss the
investments in the Philippines, including the
SUPPORT. Speaker Faustino Dy III visits fisherfolk in Ramon, Isabela. House of Representatives.
PITCH BLACK 2026. The Philippine Air Force sends off its contingent for Exercise Pitch Black 2026, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening interoperability, operational readiness, and professional excellence through multinational military exercises.
ILO study shows 80m workers in ASEAN to be affected by AI
IN BRIEF
QC gov’t assists young drowning victim’s family
THE Quezon City government on Wednesday extended condolences and pledged assistance to the family of a seven-year-old boy who reportedly drowned in a creek in Barangay Bahay Toro.
“The city government is already coordinating to provide the necessary assistance, including burial assistance, financial assistance for the funeral, livelihood assistance for his parents and psychosocial support for the family,” it said.
The boy was reportedly flying a kite when he fell into the Dario creek and was swept away by the rampaging water late afternoon of July 6. Rio N. Araja
Solon eyes higher taxes on sugar-based drinks
BATAAN 1st District Rep. Antonino Roman has filed House Bill No. 5969, or Sugar Tax Bill, seeking to increase excise taxes on sugar-based beverages to promote healthier lifestyles and generate additional funding for public health programs.
Roman said excessive consumption of sugary drinks increases the risk of obesity, diabetes, and other preventable diseases, posing a growing burden on Filipino families and the country’s healthcare system. Under the measure, the excise tax on sugar-sweetened beverages would be increased from P20 to P40 per liter, with a six-percent annual indexation to ensure the tax remains effective over time.
The bill covers soft drinks, sweetened coffee, flavored milk, and other beverages with high sugar content.
Butch Gunio
PAGCOR donates 100 television sets to Manila gov’t
THE city government of Manila received on Wednesday 100 smart television units from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) as support for digitalization and public service initiatives.
Mayor Francisco Moreno Domagoso, together with Vice Mayor Chi Atienza, led the turnover ceremony with PAGCOR assistant vice president Eric Balcos and senior manager Rydel De Guzman. In his message, the mayor thanked state-run PAGCOR for its continued partnership with the city, saying the donation reflects the value of collaboration between government institutions in improving services for Manileños. Domagoso said the smart TVs will complement the city’s ongoing modernization efforts as the local government continues to adopt technology to improve operations and public service delivery. Pot Chavez
ANEW study by the International Labor Organization (ILO) reveals that generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) is set to change the lives of nearly 80 million workers across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
However, only a small proportion of workers in occupations facing the highest levels of exposure would be affected, and there is no evidence to date of large-scale job losses, the research showed.
The report, titled “Generative AI and labour markets in ASEAN: Significant exposure, limited disruption, uneven preparedness,” examines implications of GenAI for jobs and labor markets across the 11 countries of ASEAN by considering both occupational exposure and emerging patterns of GenAI adoption.
According to ILO estimates for 2025,
about 22.9 per cent of total employment in ASEAN (equivalent to nearly 80 million workers) is in occupations with more than a minimal degree of potential exposure to GenAI.
However, only 3.3 per cent of the workforce, corresponding to 11.7 million workers, were employed in occupations classified within the “highest exposure category”. At the same time, around 67 per cent of employment remained concentrated in occupations with no identified exposure to GenAI.
Across nine ASEAN countries with
available data, Singapore records the highest share of workers with more than a minimal degree of GenAI exposure, accounting for 42.2 per cent of total employment, followed by the Philippines (28.1 per cent) which reflects, in part, the country’s relatively service and IToriented economy.
Indonesia is third with 21.7 per cent, followed by Viet Nam (20.8 per cent); and Thailand (20.6 per cent).
The report noted that employment in highly exposed occupations has continued to expand across the ASEAN.
“The potential for labor market transformation is significant, but widespread disruption is not yet visible”, the report stated.
GenAI adoption remains at an early and uneven stage with use concentrated in technology intensive occupations and comparatively limited uptake in office and administrative roles despite their high exposure.
P9-b illegal drugs go up in smoke in QC crematory
By Rio N. Araja
THE Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on Wednesday destroyed some P1.9 billion worth of dangerous drugs in a Quezon City crematorium.
PDEA director general Isagani Nerez said destruction of the illegal drugs was “as vital as confiscating them.”
“Every gram of illegal drugs destroyed today represents lives protected, families spared from the devastating effects of drug abuse, and communities made safer. Once authorized by the courts, PDEA ensures that every confiscated drug is permanently destroyed,” Nerez said.
To prevent drug recycling and strengthen public trust, PDEA regularly conducts public drug destruction activities.
Nerez spearheaded the activity witnessed by Dangerous Drugs Board chairman Oscar Valenzuela, and key representatives from the Department of Justice, Department of the Interior and Local Government, law enforcement agencies, non-government organizations, barangay officials, and the media at the Cosmopolitan Memorial Chapels and Crematory on Gregorio Araneta Avenue, Barangay Doña Imelda.
Burned through thermal decomposition were 335 grams of solid dangerous drugs and some 1,000 milliliters of liquid dangerous drugs, consisting of 279,600 grams of shabu, 55,618 grams of marijuana, 202 grams of ecstasy, 77.5 grams of Diazepam, 97.28 grams of pseudoephedrine, 993 milliliters of liquid marijuana and 92 milliliters of Toluene.
Various courts ordered PDEA to destroy the illegal drugs after serving as evidence in successfully prosecuted cases, and to completely incinerate them under strict security measures to ensure they could never be recovered.
Teacher devises scheme to check school bullying
By John Bayarong
A SCHOOL in Olongapo City has devised a scheme to combat campus bullying by installing a system that allows for anonymous report of bullying incidents.
The school took the initiative following reports that a total of 485 bullyingrelated cases were logged during the current school year alone in the city.
Records at the Schools Division Office showed physical bullying accounted for 270 cases—more than half of the total—followed by 91 cases of cyberbullying, 47 verbal bullying cases, 32 social bullying, 30 retaliation-related incidents, and 15 cases of gender-based bullying.
The numbers suggested that physical aggression remained the most common form of school bullying despite growing concerns over online abuse.
Education officials said the figures likely capture only part of the problem because many learners hesitate to report bullying, allowing incidents to persist until they become more serious.
To address the gap, the Asinan Elementary School introduced the Gentle-Voice Box (G-Box), a confidential reporting system that allows pupils to report bullying and other learner concerns anonymously.
The initiative was developed by Nikei Garido, the school’s Learner Formation Officer, patterned after Department of Education training on the revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 10627, or the AntiBullying Act of 2013, which encourages schools to establish confidential and child-friendly reporting mechanisms.
“The absence of bullying reports doesn’t necessarily mean there is no bullying,” Garido told the Manila Standard.
“Many students are too shy or afraid to approach teachers, so we wanted to give them a safe way to be heard.”
By Pot Chavez
THE Supreme Court (SC) announced on Wednesday the list of local testing centers (LCTs) for the 2026 Bar examinations across the country.
In its Bar Bulletin No. 3, the Office of the 2026 Bar chairperson designated the 15 LCTs to promote inclusivity, accessibility, and efficiency.
“In designating the venues, the Court considered the geographic distribution of applicants and the suitability of prospective LTCs to meet the operational and technical requirements of the examinations. On this basis, the 2026 Bar Examinations shall be administered in 15 LTCs – seven in the National Capital Region (NCR), three in Luzon, three in Visayas, and two in Mindanao,” the document read.
The SC designated seven sites in the National Capital Region (NCR) including New Era University in Quezon City,
Ateneo De Manila University School of Law in Makati City, Manila Adventist College in Pasay City, University of the Philippines-Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City, and San Beda College Alabang in Muntinlupa City.
Meanwhile, two were assigned in Manila including San Beda University and the University of Santo Tomas.
Other LCTs in Luzon were Saint Louis University in Baguio City, Cagayan State University in Tuguegarao City, and University of Nueva Caceres in Naga City.
There were three sites designated in Visayas including Dr. V. Orestes Romualdez Educational Foundation in Tacloban City, University of San JoseRecoletos in Cebu City, and Central Philippine University in Iloilo City.
Completing the 15 designated LCTs were Ateneo de Davao University as well as Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology in Iligan City.
SAFE HAVEN. Fishermen tie up their boats at a Navotas marina as they won’t go out to the open seas with super typhoon Bavi, locally named Inday, entering the Philippine area of responsibility, although not making a landfall, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration. Manny Palmero
ARTISTIC PATRIOTISM. The top 100 finalists in the nationwide West Philippine Sea (WPS) Mural Festival 2026 are
Library in Manila, celebrating Filipino artistry, love of country, and strong resolve
heritage. Guest speaker Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. underscores the significance
OPINION
Theater
I HAD to watch the second episode of the show at the Senate, even if I normally doze off at the time. Retirement allows us seniors the luxury of a siesta which heretofore was not possible due to work routine.
I was invited to a teleradyo exchange over DZAR of SMNI hosts Admar and Almar late Tuesday night to comment on happenings at the trial of the vice president, so the need to be au courant.
No one visits London without watching a musical at the West End, or New York without watching a Broadway show. Our counterpart in the benighted land is either a Pacman bout in Vegas and for the few who these days desperately look for something to make us proud we are Filipinos, there’s Wimbledon where Alex Eala shone. And once in a while, the Senate trial of the impeached.
First there was Erap, at a time when JV Ejercito and our group had brought in Ms. Saigon, the musical that also made us Filipinos proud that our race could produce a Lea Salonga. Then there was Renato Corona, the Chief Justice Malacanang hated with the passion of PDAF bribes.
JVE’s and our group’s produced Ms. Saigon was up-ended by the trial at the Senate, the details of which are in my upcoming book on seven presidential campaigns and inside stories within the corridors of power.
Day One’s “threshold” issues will likely reach the Supreme Court. Whether the Senate President can, by the vote of 12 of his colleagues, surrender his presiding duties to another was contested. It will remain contested, even if in fairness, Chiz Escudero performed with aplomb and equanimity thus far. The arithmetic of 16 or less was put to rest on Day One, and on Day Two, even the intractable Ping Lacson reiterated the magic number, even as the skeptics continue to debate “two-thirds of all” in the same way they made a big brouhaha over “forthwith.”
I pity the justices of the high tribunal, who will need to make sense for the arithmeticimpaired and the narrow-minded crying for blood.
The lady Bitrics came in a “bloodbath” red, shining, shimmering satin terno, trying to outdo Imelda, or is it Auntie Kler? She would make Heart Evangelista-Escudero who is now in Paris, recoil. She did not make an opening statement. She came up with repetitive verses, much like a Boholano “balak” or a Bulacan “balagtasan,” playing to the gallery outside rather than the jurors inside.
Outside in its wider sense includes the “all” who are temporarily glued to the show in the aging rented theater facing our soon to vanish setting sun. “Outside” includes hypocrites like a “running priest” who neither Vatican nor his
bishop has deigned worthy to be elevated to monsignor, much more elevated to wearing a zucchetto despite decades of gimmickry as self-proclaimed pastor of the parliament of the streets. There he was presiding over a sacrilegious rite of “exorcism” in the Senate premises with a motley flock last Saturday, replete with incense and candles, the “baptism of the theater of the absurd.”
On Day Two when actual trial had to commence, the “pasa calle” of Iloilo’s Lorenz
Defensor, who supposedly received billions upon billions in pork slabs during the 19th Congress, showed their “strategy” once more, preaching to the crowd in demolition effort because their arithmetic upon 2/3 of 24 is as bad as a kindergarten schooler.
In the end, Sara may be ‘bloodied but unbowed’ and let the ‘Torquemadas’ do their worst
In sharp contrast was the business-like, courtroom style opening statement of Atty. Sheila Sison, who addressed the “august” without treating them like a bunch of “bobos” unlike the House prosecutors and their platoon of spokespersons.
She was brilliant and direct to the point, just as their solitary spokesperson, Atty. Michael Poa, always outwits his plethora of competitors by being cool and truthful.
Take this: One of the prosecution spokespersons pompously commented: “The victim here is the people. The victims are those who weren’t given adequate public service. The funds could have been allocated there but instead they went to the confidential and intelligence funds.”
They really take us “the people” for fools.
They forget that they and their ilk milked criminal tons of thousand peso bills from the “allocables” in pork that funded ghosts which Fr. Reyes should be exorcising instead.
And now that our Congress is transfixed on the theater of the absurd, will the Finance and Appropriations Committees, upon the benediction of Malacanang, do a repeat of what they did in the 2023, 2024 and 2025 budgets, the 2027 GAA being “the” election year budget?
Meanwhile, the vice president did a cameo performance on Day Two, by merely paraphrasing “Invictus”, with physical beauty to match.
In the end, she may be “bloodied but unbowed” and let the “Torquemadas” do their worst.
Selective justice?
ONCE again, the INC flexed its political muscles and mounted a lightning rally at the EDSA People Power Monument in the early hours of July 1 that resulted in worsening the already bad traffic along EDSA. The demonstration left many motorists stranded for hours and, when they transferred to another venue, left approximately 36 tons of trash. The gathering was ostensibly to highlight the INC’s stand against what it termed as the administration’s practice of selective justice against its political enemies. In this case, it was to support Senator Rodante Marcoleta who was charged with the crime of plunder by the Office of the Ombudsman for allegedly accepting a cash donation of P75-m when he was a Congressman. The rally went on for three days, eventually ending at the Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila. But what did the demonstrations accomplish? If the purpose was to show the ability of the INC to mount a huge rally in such a short notice, then the INC was indeed successful. We can even add that it was able to send a message to many political leaders to remind them that the INC’s political clout remains intact and the next election is just around the corner. This makes the INC thick in our kind of political environment. Politicians are often afraid to say anything negative about the powerful religious sect for fear of incurring its wrath. Strategically, however, the move was a blunder because the activity caused so much traffic misery to a lot of ordinary people and motorists not to mention the millions who saw what happened on TV. Had the rallies been planned and implemented so as not to inconvenience the motoring and working public, perhaps more sympathy and support could have been generated. As it was, the vast majority of reactions from the public were mostly negative due to the traffic chaos created by the demonstra-
tions.
That was not the first time the INC organized mass gatherings in the NCR that were billed as non-political but ended up with politicians speaking and this one was no exception.
Senators Marcoleta and Padilla could not pass the opportunity and took to the stage to speak.
Even the former spokesperson of FPRRD Salvador Panelo spoke to deliver a message claiming it came from the former president which is highly unlikely because Panelo has no direct communication with FPRRD.
Whether that position is right or wrong, this should be an opportunity for Marcoleta’s defense lawyers to file a motion to dismiss the case and see if the court agrees with them
This leaves the question of the real motive of the mass action. Was it really about selective justice, the impeachment of the VP or FPRRD.
This case centers on the non-bailable plunder case filed by the Office of the Ombudsman in the Sandiganbayan against Senator Marcoleta and three other individuals that include former representative Michael Defensor.
From what the good senator himself admitted, while sitting as a Congressman in 2024, he filed his certificate of candidacy to run for senator in October of that year.
Sara’s impeachment trial rolls on
THE third day of the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte remained focused on Article 1V, which accuses her of making grave threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez. Here, the proceedings did not introduce new evidence but focused on the sustained effort by the defense to undermine the prosecution’s first witness, NBI Senior Agent John Mark Calilung.
The defense counsel sought to weaken the NBI investigation by cross-examining the NBI agent and trying to show that the investigation into Duterte’s alleged assassination threat was incomplete or procedurally deficient. Atty. Carlo Narvasa said the investigation lacked independent verification beyond the widely circulated video, and that the NBI witness relied heavily on publicly available material rather than extensive original investigative work.
The broader defense strategy appeared to create reasonable doubt about the reliability and thoroughness of the government’s investigation rather than disputing that the video itself existed.
The prosecution, on the other hand, tried to show that the threat stood on its own, and that the law does not require the threatened public officials to file a complaint before authorities may investigate. In fact, the NBI has the authority and the responsibility to investigate threats against high-ranking constitutional officials once such threats become known.
The impeachment court allowed the Vice President’s recorded statements in late 2024 making the threats to be shown on the screen. According to the prosecution, these threats were serious enough to justify immediate government action regardless of whether the intended victims personally sought prosecution.
Day 3 did not introduce new allegations but focused on testing the strength of the prosecution’s first witness
The prosecution further emphasized that the office held by Duterte made any explicit threat especially grave because
By Herman Tiu Laurel
THERE is an ongoing massive hyping of the so-called “sweeping victory” of the Philippines in the 2016 Arbitral Award’s 10th anniversary this 12th of July. It is to be expected. It is part of the US and its Filipino proxies’ effort to sustain the informational warfare in support of the US policy of “containment of China” that was reactivated in 2011 when then US president Barack Obama announced the “Pivot to Asia.”
The exaggerated claims of a “sweeping victory” is to be expected even though after a decade of hyping that so-called victory the Philippines still has nothing to show for it, not an inch of extra territory nor control of any part of the disputed Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) or any global recognition of its mythical “West Philippine Sea” it claims to have put on the international map but totally absent from the UN or International Hydrologic Society map.
What the propagandists of the arbitral award yarn did was to build several impressive folklores around the arbitral body that handled the Philippine case against China.
The first was to create a false image of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) that handled the proceedings and project it as a court of justice of the United Nations – but nothing can be farther from the truth as the facts shall show.
Just do a short search of the question “... is the Permanent Court of Arbitration at the Hague a court of justice” and the AIs will answer invariably:
“The Permanent Court of Arbitration is an intergovernmental organization headquartered at the Peace Palace, in The Hague, The Netherlands which was built to house the PCA. Unlike a judicial court in the traditional sense, the PCA provides administrative support in international arbitrations involving various combinations of states, state entities, international organizations and private parties.
“The cases span a wide range of legal issues involving territorial and maritime
In January of 2025 before the start of the campaign period he also admitted receiving donations totaling P75-m. He did not, however, declare this in his Statements of Contributions and expenditures to the COMELEC as well as his statements of assets and liabilities.
of the authority vested in a sitting Vice President.
An important feature of Day 3 was that the defense did not contest the allegation of threats .made by the Vice President in November 2024. They relied instead on a classic litigation strategy, which is to challenge the credibility and weight of the evidence rather than deny its existence.
In the course of the day’s proceedings, the debate had narrowed to several questions. One is whether the public statements by the Vice President are tantamount to a legally significant “grave threat”. Another is whether there must be a formal complainant before authorities may investigate. And still another is how much weight should senator-judges give to Sara Duterte’s own recorded statements. These questions are likely to be tackled next Monday as the prosecution continues presenting evidence under Article IV. According to the prosecution, Duterte’s own words constitute impeachable misconduct and that state investigators acted within their mandate. Meanwhile, the defense concentrated on procedural lapses and investigative gaps, in the hope of persuading the senator-judges that the prosecution has yet to meet the number of votes required for conviction.
On the whole, Day 3 did not introduce new allegations but focused on testing the strength of the prosecution’s first witness and establishing the legal framework for how the alleged threats should be interpreted by the senatorjudge, thus laying the groundwork for Day 4 of the impeachment trial on Monday, July 13.
The UN ‘bucked’ the 2016 arbitration
boundaries, sovereignty, human rights, international investment, and international and regional trade. The PCA is constituted through two separate multilateral conventions with a combined membership of 128 Contracting Parties. The PCA is not a United Nations agency, but has been a United Nations observer since 1993.”
—“—
What the propagandists of the arbitral award yarn did was to build several impressive folklores around the arbitral body that handled the Philippine case against China
The other tall tale the arbitration award celebrators hype is the so-called “UN Backed” decision sustaining the Philippine position in its case against China. Here’s one recent example of the erroneous or deliberately deceitful claim that the arbitration process and decision is “UN backed,” from Rappler: “’The landmark ruling also declared China’s sweeping ‘nine-dash line’ claim over the South China Sea invalid, with the United Nationsbacked tribunal concluding that there was ‘no legal basis for China to claim historic rights to resources within the sea areas falling within the ‘nine-dash line’. Philippine Coast Guard spokes-person Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela reiterated this international law basis in February 2026, during an interview with DYSS Super Radyo Cebu.” - FACT CHECK: International law backs PH claim to the West Philippine Sea, Jun 30, 2026 4:00 PM, Rappler.com
The truth and the fact are, stated by the Spokesman of the UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon Stefan Dujarric on July 12, 2016 at a UN Press Conference, “The UN doesn’t have a position on the legal and procedural merits of the case or on the disputed claims.”
That position has not changed through the past ten years and yet as recently as June 30, 2026 many news platforms still claim that the arbitration award is “UN backed.” There are many such deceptions the propagandists of the arbitration award “victory” dispenses and we have space just to expose one more, that the PCA rejected all claims of China to relative to its historic rights. Paragraph 272 of the arbitration decision disposes of that as it states, “... The Tribunal emphasizes that nothing in this Award should be understood to comment in any way on China’s historic claim to the islands of the South China Sea.” No amount of photo-op of flag waving by a hundred “bancas” posing as fishermen’s boats at sea led by the Akbayan party list NGO of anti-China and ex-US Air Force Col. Raymond Powell chum Senator Riza Hontiveros, no amount of Stratbase symposiums and press releases, will change the fact that the arbitration award has no international legal basis for enforcement nor any geopolitical reality for the Philippine to achieve any tangible gain.
Since the meeting of Premier Deng Xiao Ping and President Corazon
For whatever reason, he kept the receipt of this money to himself but since he was a sitting Congressman and as such a government official, he was prohibited from receiving any kind of gifts or money under the law. And since the amount exceeded P50-m, a case of plunder was filed by the Ombudsman, causing his arrest and detention together with his three co-accused. There is a debate whether this case is plunder, considering the money came from private sources. Whether that position is right or wrong, this should be an opportunity for the defense lawyers to file a motion to dismiss the case and see if the court agrees with them. On the charge of being an exercise of selective justice, the best answer to this is to compare Marcoleta’s detention with cases filed by previous administrations, like for example the imprisonment of former senator Leila de Lima. Was that not selective justice as well? She was kept in jail for over six years under what she and her supporters also believed were trumped-up charges. We can go on and on with many examples. In the end, one’s position depends on an individual’s own beliefs and political inclinations. Also, as one perceptive observer quipped, weather-weather lang yan and this is probably more true than anything else.
JULY 9, 2026
Unstable 37-story skyscraper sparks major Manhattan evacuation
work are
NEW YORK – Emergency crews evacu-
ated a busy Manhattan street block during the Tuesday morning rush hour after structural columns buckled inside a skyscraper undergoing construction work, officials said.
The former head office of the drug giant Pfizer, near Grand Central station and the United Nations headquarters, is
being converted from offices into apartments in a major overhaul at the 37-story tower. The developer insisted there was no risk of the entire building collapsing. But city officials warned the situation remained serious as they worked to determine if the structure was safe enough to enter to perform remedial work.
“Two structural columns have buckled, in addition to multiple cracks and sagging floors. The building remains unstable. Since arriving on scene, we have witnessed additional movement in one of the compromised columns,” Mayor Zohran Mamdani said. No one has been injured and all the workers in the building repurposing
Trump raps allies as NATO meet begins
Columbia readies lawsuit against Open AI over school shooting
TORONTO – British Columbia said Tuesday (Wednesday, Manila time) it was preparing a lawsuit against OpenAI over the company’s failure to report violent ChatGPT activity by the person who committed a mass school shooting in the western Canadian province.
OpenAI had banned an account linked to Jesse Van Rootselaar in June 2025, months before the 18-year-old transgender woman killed eight people at her home and a school in the tiny mining town of Tumbler Ridge. Canadian families impacted by the February shooting have already filed lawsuits against the US tech giant in a California court.
British Columbia said Tuesday it was preparing a separate case, in coordination with the families, and had retained lawyers both in Canada and California.
Provincial Attorney General Niki Sharma told reporters BC wanted to “hold OpenAI and its decision-makers accountable for their failure to notify law enforcement of the violent prompts made on its ChatGPT platform by the perpetrator prior to the tragedy in Tumbler Ridge.”
“British Columbia has never shied away from taking on powerful corporations when their actions cause harm to people and communities,” she added.
She cautioned the legal process will “take time,” but said funds derived from a lawsuit would help Tumbler Ridge rebuild, including supporting the construction of a new school.
The province wants to use the courts to “ensure that British Columbians are not left bearing the costs of corporate wrongdoings.” AFP
Caracas airport to reopen soon to com’l flights
CARACAS-- Venezuela’s interim
President Delcy Rodriguez said on Tuesday (Wednesday, Manila time) the international airport damaged in last month’s twin earthquakes would reopen as soon as possible using an alternative runway. Simon Bolivar International Airport is in La Guaira, north of Caracas and the epicenter of the June 24 quakes that toppled scores of residential buildings and killed nearly 3,700 people.
One of Latin America’s worst earthquake disasters has left thousands of people homeless and thousands more still
missing, especially in badly damaged La Guaira, where families are still digging in the rubble.
The airport has been partially open to humanitarian flights.
“I ordered the immediate activation of an alternative plan to allow commercial flights to resume as soon as possible using the airport’s parallel runway,” Rodriguez said in a message on her Telegram account.
US airmen and military experts have been helping to reopen the airport and also repair the quake-hit port in La Guaira to facilitate delivery of supplies
and equipment.
Speaking to reporters on a conference call, US embassy Charge d’Affaires John Barrett said US officials were already in talks with American commercial airlines to resume flights. “There is some work to do in terms of the infrastructure to support commercial operations at the airport,” he said, without giving a precise date.
US Southern Command chief General Francis Donovan said US military personnel were still assisting with air traffic control and ground cargo operations at the airport. AFP
ANKARA – US
President Donald Trump lashed out at NATO allies Wednesday at a summit in Ankara, as the fallout from his war with Iran threatened to overshadow the key gathering.
With tensions peaking after an overnight flareup between US and Iranian forces, Trump declared the Iran ceasefire was “over”, then took aim at NATO allies who failed to back his campaign against Tehran.
And he insisted he still wanted Greenland, calling European resistance to his stance a “big problem”.
“I’m very upset with NATO.. because of what they did with Greenland, and.. because of the fact that they didn’t want to help us with the number one state sponsor of terror, that’s Iran,” he said. Trump singled out Spain for particular criticism calling it a “terrible partner in NATO”.
“Spain is a wasted cause. We don’t want to do any trade business with Spain anymore,” he said, dragging up a bitter row that also touches on Madrid’s defence spending, urging his Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to “cut it off”. And he raked up more sensitive territory by reiterating his desire for NATO member Denmark’s territory of Greenland.
“Greenland is a big problem for us,” he told reporters, saying it was “very important for the United States, but it’s not important for Denmark”.
“We need it for protection of the world, not just the United States.. It doesn’t help Denmark, but it helps us.”
Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen had earlier issued a terse response to Trump’s remarks a day earlier, saying: “Greenland is, of course, not for sale.” NATO chief Mark Rutte had earlier sought to shore up confidence in Washington’s “complete commitment” to the military alliance as anxious allies readied for a face-to-face meeting with the mercurial US leader. AFP
New Russian strikes on Kyiv kill 7
KYIV – Russian strikes on Ukraine overnight killed at least seven people as Kyiv’s army said it had hit several Russian tankers, in fresh attacks just hours ahead of a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a NATO summit.
A first large blast in Kyiv was heard shortly after midnight even before the city’s air alert sirens sounded -- a rare failure in the system that has spooked residents of the capital. That was followed by a barrage of several more explosions, AFP journalists in the city said.
One person was killed in Kyiv, Mayor Vitali Klitschko said, having reported warehouses on fire after a missile strike.
Russia has hit the Ukrainian capital with several large deadly attacks over the last week -- killing more than 50 this month in a spate of ballistic missile and drone strikes.
At the NATO summit in Ankara, Zelenskyy has been urging his allies to deliver ammunition for US-made Patriot air defence systems -- the only thing that can stop Russia’s ultra-fast hard-to-intercept ballistic missiles. Elsewhere in Ukraine, a mother and daughter were killed in the southern region of Mykolaiv when Russian forces attacked with guided aerial bombs, regional military head Vitaliy Kim said.
Two people were killed in the northeastern Kharkiv region and another two in the frontline Kherson region in the south, officials said.
Ukraine also mounted its own strikes deep into Russia -- attacks Kyiv calls fair retribution for the nightly barrages of its cities. AFP
UK to lead missiles initiative
LONDON – The UK government will lead a coalition of around a dozen European countries to step up funding for the next generation of long-range missiles designed to protect Europe, the UK government said on Wednesday. Prime Minister Keir Starmer
JOVIAL ‘STREET PRIEST.’ Archbishop of Rabat and apostolic administrator of the Archdiocese of Tangier
Cristobal Lopez Romero, is pictured during the ordination ceremony of Father Nicolas Lhernould (not pictured) as bishop of Constantine (Algeria) at the Cathedral of Tunis in the Tunisian capital on Feb. 8, 2020. At least five women have accused the archbishop of Rabat of sexual assault, according to an AFP investigation, prompting the Spanishborn cleric to announce he was ‘stepping back’ Tuesday while the Vatican holds an inquiry. AFP
Belgians troll Trump with YMCA dance
SEATTLE—It is Donald Trump’s signature dance, but triumphant Belgian footballers stole his “Y.M.C.A.” moves after he intervened before the match in which they knocked the United States out of the World Cup.
The Belgian team copied Trump’s unmistakable swaying fist pumps as they celebrated their 4-1 thrashing of the co-hosts on Monday, dancing and singing the song on the pitch and in the changing room. Before the game, Trump had called FIFA and pushed for a review of a one-match ban for US star Folarin Balogun.
To widespread astonishment and anger, Balogun’s ban was suspended and he was allowed to play.
Belgian captain Youri Tielemans said his team had been fired up by the decision.
“We told ourselves we needed to do our talking on the pitch. That’s what we did today,” he said. Trump, 80, often breaks out his Y.M.C.A. dance at rallies and speeches, drawing cheers from his supporters. AFP
France vs. Morocco rematch as World Cup quarters begin
LOS ANGELES—France begin their final push towards a third World Cup crown on Thursday when they take on Morocco in a blockbuster showdown as a star-studded quarter-final line-up kicks off.
After a month of scintillating action that has dispelled pre-tournament anxieties over sky-high ticket prices and geopolitics, the biggest, boldest and most logistically complex World Cup ever staged has been whittled down to eight teams.
France, who have emerged as the outstanding team of the tournament after a series of dazzling attacking displays, face arguably their toughest test so far in the shape of African champions Morocco at the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, outside Boston.
Les Bleus have surged into the last eight in style, scoring 14 goals in five games -- seven of them from in-form captain Kylian Mbappe. Mbappe is one of four star strikers who are leading the chase for the World Cup’s Golden Boot as the tournament enters the home stretch.
Argentina’s Lionel Messi tops the scoring chart with eight, Mbappe and Norway’s Erling Haaland have seven each and England’s Harry Kane has six. Thursday’s opening quarter-final is a repeat of the 2022 World Cup semi-final in Qatar, won 2-0
Jahns storms to 3-shot lead in ICTSI Pradera
LUBAO, Pampanga—Keanu Jahns capitalized on another scoring opportunity at Pradera Verde Golf and Country Club, delivering a second straight 68 to seize control of the ICTSI Pradera Verde Cham pionship and open a three-shot lead over Tony Las cuña at the halfway mark here on Wednesday.
Not even a late-round downpour – accom panied by lightning and thunderstorms which forced a one-hour suspension of play – could derail Jahns’ charge back to the top of the leader board. He calmly closed with a string of four pars for a pair of 34s and a 36-hole aggregate of 136 in a round that began under sweltering heat and ended amid stormy conditions.
“My ball-striking was much better today. I hit more greens, made the same number of putts and cut my bogeys down to just one after making three in the opening round,” said Jahns. He added his length off the tee is a major asset on the wide layout but emphasized that his smartaggressive approach has been just as important.
“Power is a big advantage here because the course is wide and suits longer hitters. I play smart-aggressive, and it fits my game,” he said.
Corpus matched Jahns with birdies on Nos. 10 and 12 to stay in command but stumbled with bogeys on Nos. 15 and 18. A birdie on No. 1 briefly re-ignited his charge before a costly double bogey on the ninth led to a 73, dropping him into a tie for third at 140 alongside first-round co-leader Russell Bautista, who also hobbled with a one-over card.
tee, firing a 71 to take solo second at 139, just three shots behind Jahns and firmly in contention on a course where precision outweighs power.
Fresh from his dominant Pinewoods victory,
opened with a 67, slipped with a 74 marred by a double bogey on the par-3 eighth, falling into the group at three-under overall.
Lascuña leaned on a sharp short game and steady putting to offset his lack of length off the
Forty-two players advanced to the weekend at 150, including James Ryan Lam (75), John Michael Uy (76), Jobim Carlos (78) and amateur Jed Dy (75).
Despite the absence of the wind that often defines the challenge at the sprawling complex, Arayat once again proved it could stand on its own as a formidable test for the men’s field. Any notion that the course would be vulnerable without its usual gusts was quickly dispelled, as its maze of bunkers, firm fairways and slick greens continued to demand precision from tee to green. After surrendering 18 under-par rounds in the opening day, the course tightened its grip in the second round, with only 13 players managing to finish below par.
Arayat’s exacting layout placed a premium on shot-making, pinpoint iron play and a confident touch on the greens, underscoring that even in calm conditions, it remains one of the circuit’s toughest courses.
Jahns was also pleased to finish with four straight pars despite the challenging wind, although he felt he could have gone even lower.
“I missed a few short putts, but they were more misreads than bad strokes. The greens are a little tricky to read,” he said.
But beyond taking command of the P2 million fourth leg of the Philippine Golf Tour, Jahns is fueled by something far more personal – redemption.
IOC eases restrictions on Russians before 2028 LA Games
LAUSANNE, Switzerland—More than four years after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Tuesday lifted some restrictions allowing their athletes compete in team events and qualifying competitions for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
“We made it clear that we wanted to ensure all athletes have the possibility to compete at the Olympic Games and not be held responsible for their government’s actions,” IOC president Kirsty Coventry said at a meeting in Lausanne. However, the IOC kept in place the ban on the Russian national anthem being played and the flag being displayed, for the time being, but stipulated returning Russian athletes would have to pass “multiple” doping tests be-
fore being allowed to participate.
On Tuesday, Ukraine slammed the IOC decision as “premature” and “unfounded” while Moscow’s invasion drags on through its fifth year.
“We consider this decision premature, unfounded, and adopted without regard to the objective circumstances that remain unchanged: the Russian Federation continues its fullscale armed aggression against Ukraine, flagrantly violating international law and the fundamental principles of peace and security,” Ukraine’s Olympic Committee said in a statement.
The IOC statement, laying out a host of conditions, said individual sports could decide whether to allow the flag and anthem at their own events or stage competitions in Russia.
As for the Games, with the Los Angeles Olympics two years away, the IOC said it “will take a decision in relation to the display of the Russian flag, anthem, colours or any identifications for the Olympic Games at the appropriate time”. Russia welcomed the decision.
“The IOC is sending a clear signal: the Olympic movement must remain free from politics,” Russian sports minister Mikhail Degtyarev said on Telegram, adding Russia planned to participate in qualifiers for the Los Angeles Games. Russia’s return remains more limited than that of Belarus, which was allowed back by the IOC in early May without any restrictions on national anthem or colours.
The IOC said to address “the lack of confidence” after a series of Russian doping scandals, “all athletes newly coming back to international competition must have been tested multiple times prior to their return”.
by France, who would go on to lose in the final against Argentina.
Tactical nous Morocco meanwhile have looked impressive en route to the last eight, easing through the group phase before battling past the Netherlands in the last 32 and swatting aside Canada in the round of 16 last weekend.
The Atlas Lions will threaten France with a mix of technical quality, physicality and tactical nous under the guidance of coach Mohamed Ouahbi, who masterminded Morocco’s shock victory in the under-20 World Cup last year.
The winner will advance to a semi-final showdown against the victor of Friday’s tie in Los Angeles between European champions Spain and Belgium.
Batangas trips Valenzuela five
THE Batangas City Tanduay Athletics struggled past the Valenzuela City Darkhorse, 91-93, on Tuesday in the SportsPlus MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) 2026 Season at the Batangas City Coliseum.
Trailing most of the way and by as many as 15 points, Batangas caught up with Valenzuela at 67, 70 and 72, only to fall back again at 72-77. Rhinwill Yambing, however, turned hot, pumping in nine points in an 11-point bundle that shoved the Athletics ahead for good, 83-77, in the nightcap of another triple bill in the round-robin elimination phase of the two-division, 27-team tournament. With Batangas making only 3 of 8 charities, Valenzuela managed to threaten at 83-85, with 45 seconds left, following a triple from Jay Collado.
The Darkhorse, who controlled the game for 32 minutes and 26 seconds, couldn’t score after that, however, and the Athletics sealed their 11th straight win and 13-2 record with two free throws each from Ino Comboy and Yambing, and one from Ced Ablaza.
Batangas City trails only Gensan (14-2) in the race for playoff spots in the South division.
Piling 18 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals, 2 assists and 2 blocks, Yambing was chosen the SportsPlus best player, edging Jhan Nermal, with 19 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists, and Comboy, with 17 points plus 5 assists.
“Credit to my teammates and the coaching staff for giving me the confidence to shoot,” said Yambing, a 6-foot-3 high flyer.
Keanu Jahns. Manny Marcelo
Valdez bags 2 silver medals in Thai Open shooting meet
By Randy M. Caluag
PHILIPPINE pistol ace Carlo Deniel Valdez showcased his class on the international stage after winning two silver medals in the 5th Thailand Open Shooting Championship and Master Games in Bangkok, Thailand.
The 2025 Southeast Asian Games bronze medalist bagged runner-up finishes in the men’s Olympic 10-meter Air Pistol and 50-meter Free Pistol events despite being the lone Filipino campaigner in the men’s division.
Valdez’s performance in the 50m Free Pistol proved even more remark-
Diamante, Espinosa eye sweep in Palawan tilt
DONNA Diamante sets her sights on a dominant campaign in the girls’ division, while Jhunreal Espinosa looks to prove he belongs among the country’s rising stars as the City of Naga Juniors Age Group Tennis Championships get underway Thursday (July 9) at the City of Naga courts in Cebu. The Group 2 tournament, sanctioned by the Philta and Universal Tennis Rating, ushers in the Visayas leg of the three-stage Juniors Series, following its successful launch in Mindanao as part of Palawan Pawnshop’s continuing commitment to discovering and developing the country’s future tennis champions through quality grassroots competition.
Diamante and Espinosa headline the 16- and 18-and-under divisions, both aiming for a title sweep to gain an early edge in the series while col lecting valuable ranking points and national recognition.
Their paths, however, are far from easy.
Etha Seno, Alessandra Garcia and Mercy Pinili are expected to mount strong challenges in the girls’ side, setting the stage for a week-long bat tle among some of the country’s most promising young talents in the Visayas.
The tournament forms part of Pala wan Pawnshop’s long-term grass roots development program, designed to provide Filipino junior players with a consistent, high-level competi tive platform where they can sharpen their skills, gain valuable match expe rience and steadily progress to higher levels of competition.
The circuit will then head to Cebu City for the second leg on July 16-21 at the Villa Aurora Tennis
able as he competed using a borrowed firearm after encountering equipment issues, yet still managed to finish on the podium against a competitive international field.
The twin silver-medal haul further cemented Valdez’s reputation as one of the Philippines’ premier
WASHINGTON—Donovan
Mitchell has agreed to a maximum four-year NBA contract extension worth $273 million with the Cleveland Cavaliers, his agent said Tuesday, a move that could help bring back LeBron James.
Austin Brown told ESPN that Mitchell could have waited until next year and added another year and $80 million to his deal but wanted to commit to a longterm deal as soon as possible.
Mitchell’s contract includes a player option for the 2030-31 campaign, according to the report.
Mitchell, who joined the Cavs in a 2022 off-season trade from Utah, said after being eliminated from the playoffs in May by the eventual champion New York Knicks that he had “unfinished business” trying to bring another NBA crown to Cleveland.
James led the Cavaliers to the 2016 NBA title after winning two titles with Miami after leaving the Cavaliers in 2010. He left again for the Los Ange-
pistol shooters. He was a mem ber of the Philippine squad that captured the bronze medal in the men’s 10m Air Pistol team event at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand and has consistently rep resented the country in major Inter national Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) competitions.
Adding to the country’s en couraging showing was Carlo’s sister, Christine Valdez, who advanced to the finals of the women’s Olympic 10m Air Pistol event.
Carlo Deniel Valdez
said he will not return to the Lakers, with his hometown Cavaliers, Philadelphia, Miami and Golden State among those listed as favorites as landing spots for the 41-year-old forward.
Mitchell, a 29-year-old guard preparing for his 10th NBA season, averaged 27.9 points, 5.7 assists, 4.5 rebounds and 1.5 steals a game last season, when the Cavs reached the Eastern Conference finals before being swept 4-0 by New York.
The Cavaliers have reached the playoffs each of the past four seasons with Mitchell on the club after missing the post-season the four prior campaigns.
With Mitchell around for the long term and center Evan Mobley a solid pillar, the Cavs have what it takes to potentially lure James back to his hometown for another run at a title.
Lowry retires
Kyle Lowry, a 40-year-old point guard who played 20 NBA seasons, signed a one-day contract with the Toronto Raptors and announced his retirement as a member of the team he helped to an NBA crown in 2019.
Lowry said farewell on the seventh
day of the seventh month of the year, a nod to his jersey num ber seven.
ily, my friends, my team mates, my coaches, my opponents, the staff, the media and especially the fans,” Lowry said. “It’s all about you. I appreciate you. Thank you.
I’m retiring as a To ronto Raptor -- 20 years and one day. Seven
Marathon man Djokovic revels in Wimbledon epic triumph
LONDON—Novak Djokovic admitted even he was surprised by his ability to out-last Felix Auger-Aliassime in a five-set epic that ranked as the longest quarter-final in Wimbledon history. Djokovic is 14 years older than Auger-Aliassime and had to battle a calf injury throughout a Centre Court classic lasting five hours and 15 minutes in sweltering temperatures.
The 39-year-old Serb somehow summoned up the energy, focus and will-power to beat the Canadian third seed 7-6 (12/10), 3-6, 6-3, 6-7 (4/7), 7-6 (10/4), booking a blockbuster semi-final against defending champion Jannik Sinner. Djokovic appeared out on his feet at times in the final set, which was only settled in a nerve-shredding tie-break that finished just minutes before the 2200 GMT curfew that would have halted play for the night.
Refusing to accept defeat, the indefatigable Djokovic delivered one of the most tenacious performances of a glittering career that has brought him a record-equalling 24 Grand Slam titles.
Djokovic has often tested the limits of his endurance with marathon victories in the past, but he conceded this was an extra special effort at an age when most of his contemporaries have retired.
“I guess yes, at this stage that I’m still able to battle these young guys that have 15 years less than me, that I’m able to beat them at the tightest possible scoreline. Of course, in a sense, it is really a nice surprise,” he said.
“I try to also enjoy the moments like this. I think it was a really thrilling experience for us players, but also the crowd. I’m sure also a lot of people watching on TV. Glad to be part of another historic match.”
Djokovic rated his astonishing victory alongside his 2019 Wimbledon final against Roger Federer, which the Serb won in five sets over four hours and 57 minutes, as among the best of his career. AFP
Bisera battles injury, weather to wrest 3-shot lead
LUBAO, Pampanga—Battling through a lingering left-hand injury and enduring an hour-long weather delay, Yvon Bisera continued to showcase remarkable grit and composure, shooting a second straight 69 to pull ahead by three after two rounds of the ICTSI Pradera Verde Championship at the Arayat course here on Wednesday. Bisera barely put a foot wrong in another steady display, shaking off an early challenge from first-round co-leader Harmie Constantino before methodically taking control with a near-flawless round highlighted by timely birdies and disciplined recovery play. Despite playing through discomfort, the Davaoeña ace wasted little time asserting herself, birdieing Nos. 2 and 3 to
pull clear of Constantino. A bogey on the fifth briefly slowed her momentum, but she quickly regained control with birdies on Nos. 10 and 12, capitalizing on the opportunities while Constantino struggled to convert scoring chances and settled for a frontside 36.
From there, Bisera relied on solid course management and steady putting, bouncing back from a miscue on the 17th with a birdie on the last to preserve another three-under card for a 36-hole aggregate of six-under 138, putting herself in prime position to capture her second Ladies Philippine Golf Tour title of the season.
The 18-hole leader now stands just one strong round away from adding another trophy to a solid start, having claimed the ICTSI Lakewood Championship in
dramatic fashion via playoff last March.
“I played much steadier yesterday. I didn’t make a single bogey,” said Bisera in Filipino as she compared her two rounds. She rued a costly three-putt on the par-4 fifth that stalled what had been a birdie-birdie surge starting from No. 2. But she quickly regained her rhythm, gunning down three birdies against just one bogey at the back to seize firm control heading into the final round of the P750,000 championship.
Constantino lost ground after mixing two birdies with two bogeys for an evenpar 72, dropping to second place at 141, while Chihiro Ikeda struggled to a 74 but held on to third at 144, with the rest of the field needing low final-round scores to mount a serious title challenge.
Serbia’s Novak Djokovic celebrates beating Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime after their men’s singles quarter-final tennis match on the ninth day of the 2026 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon. AFP
IMF, ADB cut Philippine growth forecasts on ME conflict fallout
By Thony Rose Lesaca
THE International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Wednesday cut their 2026 and 2027 growth forecasts for the Philippines, citing the fallout from the Middle East conflict on prices and economic activity.
The IMF trimmed its growth forecast to 3.9 percent in 2026 and 5.5 percent in 2027 from earlier estimates of 4.1 percent and 5.8 percent, according to its World Economic Outlook July update.
“This reflects a weaker than expected outturn in [the first quarter of 2026] alongside a larger-than-
(international name: Bavi) and the enhanced southwest monsoon. Meralco says it is closely monitoring weather updates as the state weather bureau warned of possible heavy rainfall and strong to gale-force winds that may affect the company’s franchise area.
By Othel V. Campos
RICE imports jumped 20.1 percent in the first half of 2026 to 2.75 million metric tons from 2.29 million tons a year ago, as the Department of Agriculture (DA) allowed increased purchases to cushion irrigation disruptions, higher production costs and the anticipated effects of El Niño on domestic output.
expected effect of the war in the Middle East on prices and activity in the Philippines,” an IMF spokesperson said.
Philippine economic growth slowed to a five-year low of 2.8 percent in the first quarter of 2026, while inflation eased to 6.4 percent in June from 6.8 percent in May.
The IMF said risks to growth are tilted to the downside while inflation risks are tilted to the upside, pointing to renewed geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, higher food prices, deanchoring of inflation expectations, tighter global monetary conditions and lower remittances.
Domestic risks stem from a slower than projected normalization of public investment, extreme climate events and weaker-than-expected reform momentum, the IMF said.
The projected 2027 rebound is driven by favorable base effects and a gradual pickup in investment as confidence improves and warrelated supply-side effects ease, the spokesperson said.
higher import volume reflected the country’s need to respond to supply risks that differed from those seen in 2024 and 2025.
“Though importation is higher now, the challenges we are facing are different compared to last year,” De Mesa said in a press briefing Wednesday.
country’s planted area before conditions recovered in the second quarter.
De Mesa also cited a surge in global oil prices, which raised farmers’ production and transport costs, as well as higher fertilizer prices earlier in the year.
part of the year.
“These challenges make it important for the market to respond to supply requirements,” he said.
By Darwin G. Amojelar
and Southeast Asia. PAL Holdings Inc. president Lucio Tan III said the pricing of the transaction reflects how far Philippine Airlines has come in recent years.
Department of Agriculture assistant secretary Arnel de Mesa said the
“This landmark bond offering is a powerful affirmation of Philippine Airlines’ transformation and the confidence that global investors have in our long-term vision and growth ambitions. This allows us to strengthen our network and continue to elevate the travel experience for our customers. It reinforces Philippine Airlines’ role in promoting tourism, trade, investment and economic growth for the Philippines,” Tan said. 3.9% 3.8% 5.9%
He said more than 30,000 hectares served by the Upper Pampanga River Integrated Irrigation System were affected in the first quarter, reducing the
IN BRIEF
“As
DANISH
Moller acquires
the companies said in a joint statement.
The investment was made through A.P. Moller Capital’s Emerging Markets Infrastructure Fund II, via EMIF II Holding III B.V. The partnership was first announced in March 2025. The deal is expected to accelerate AC Logistics’ growth by expanding its nationwide footprint and capacity, enhancing its service offerings, strengthening operational capabilities and adopting global best practices, the companies said.
A.P. Moller Capital said the partnership would support AC Logistics’ next phase of growth across its four business segments: cold chain, air cargo logistics, contract logistics and national distribution, and project cargo.
“We see an opportunity to support AC Logistics and Ayala Corp. in scaling a platform that can deliver attractive, sustainable longterm growth, serving customers across key logistics segments, while contributing to the wider development of the sector in the Philippines,” said Lars Reno Jakobsen, senior partner at A.P. Moller Capital. Jenniffer B. Austria
He said the looming effects of El Niño, as forecast by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), remain a concern for domestic rice production in the latter
Monthly rice arrivals peaked in May at 593,203 tons, followed by March with 481,457 tons, February with 442,866 tons and June with 438,582 tons. January imports reached 381,367 tons, while April was the only month to post a yearon-year decline, falling to 412,200 tons from 502,723 tons a year earlier.
BLOOMBERRY Resorts Corp. launched a new online gaming platform called FUNaloMAX on July 3 as it moves away from third-party white-label vendors toward technology it built and owns, the company said.
The platform went live under a license from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. on July 3, 2026. Bloomberry said the launch marks a strategic shift toward a fully owned, Asia-based digital infrastructure and an end-to-end proprietary ecosystem.
FUNaloMAX targets mainstream premium players and complements Solaire Online, which continues to serve VIP players seeking an extension of the on-floor experience at Solaire Resort, it said.
The company said it designed FUNaloMAX to combine familiar Filipino gaming traditions with high-production digital entertainment aimed at a player base it describes as wanting interactive rather than passive gameplay
Bloomberry said it built the platform specifically for Southeast Asian mobile networks rather than the Western broadband environments most online gaming platforms are engineered for. The company said the app targets a mobile-first generation and was designed around local swipe and play habits.
“Two brands, two experiences, one company — Solaire — positioned across the full market,” Bloomberry Resorts Corp. president and chief operating officer Gregory Francis Hawkins said.
“To do this, Bloomberry has made a deliberate investment in building and controlling its own technology — developed in-house, by our own people. We are no longer dependent on third-party platforms to execute our vision,” said Hawkins.
The company said its use of regional servers has cut latency and that the localized backend delivers faster load times, more stable live streams and integrated domestic payment processing.
FOOD FACTORY.
Big E Food Corp., maker of the Lemon Square brand of cakes, pastries and snacks, has opened its largest manufacturing plant at LIMA Estate in Batangas, marking the company’s second production base and a major expansion of its manufacturing footprint. The nearly 12-hectare facility will boost capacity for the company’s existing product lines, support development of new offerings and position Big E to expand distribution across the Visayas and Mindanao.
MERALCO ALERT. Manila Electric Company (Meralco) assures customers that its personnel are ready to respond to power outages that may result from heavy rains and strong winds brought about by Super Typhoon Inday
and propound questions during the course of the expository presentation.
Moreover, all persons who have an interest in the subject matter of the instant case may become a party by filing with the Commission via e-mail at docket@erc.ph, and copy furnishing the Legal Service through legal@erc.ph, a verified Petition to Intervene at least five (5) calendar days prior to the date of the initial virtual hearing. The verified Petition to Intervene must follow the requirements under Rule Date and Time Platform Activity 31 July 2026 (Friday) at two oÕclock in the afternoon (2:00
1) The petitionerÕs name, mailing address, and e-mail
of the ERC Revised Rules of Practice and Procedure. No particular form of Opposition or Comment is required, but the document, letter, or writing should contain the following:
1) The name, mailing address, and e-mail address of the person;
2) A concise statement of the Opposition or Comment;
By Michael Wong Ho
ABUSINESS
delegation from the Chongqing General Chamber of Commerce visited the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) in Binondo, Manila on June 15, 2026 to discuss expanding trade and investment cooperation between the Philippines and the Chinese municipality.
FFCCCII president Victor Lim and other chamber leaders welcomed the delegation, led by Chongqing General Chamber of Commerce delegation leader Luo Yu. Yu said the visit aimed to strengthen communication and mutual understanding and to explore cooperation opportunities.
Delegation members represented companies across sectors including human resources, auto parts and accessories, oil, financial consultancy, international trade, cultural tourism, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, transportation, investment, new energy and technological innovation.
Chongqing group visits Binondo to explore trade ties
Luo said she hoped more Chongqing companies would establish operations in the Philippines and pursue highquality partnerships with FFCCCII’s support.
During the meeting, Lim highlighted Chongqing’s strategic importance as one of China’s four centrally administered municipalities, describing it as a vast, populous “super city” that serves as a pivot for development in western China.
He noted Chongqing’s role as a core hub for the modern economy, international transportation, culture and tourism.
Chinoy actors mark second anniversary, unveil new initiatives
Chinoy Actors of the Philippines
its second anniversary on July 1, 2026, at the Federation Building in Binondo, Manila, in partnership with the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII).
CAP president Diane Pascual and CAP founder Derrick Yu hosted the event, which reviewed the organization’s accomplishments over the past two years and outlined its future plans.
Abang Lingkod Party-list Rep. Manuel Frederik Ko, FFCCCII President Victor Lim, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) director Lilian Salonga and Chinatown TV president Lolita Ching attended, along with entertainment
industry personalities, media representatives and members of the Filipino-Chinese community.
Pascual said members of the House of Representatives, with the support of FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-list Rep. Brian Poe Llamanzares, filed House Bill No. 9210 to establish a clearer, more transparent and more efficient work permit system while safeguarding the rights of local creative professionals.
She also announced that CAP will launch its Independent Production Initiative this month to generate more opportunities for members and to continue discovering and mentoring emerging Chinoy talent. The initiative aims to inspire the next generation of Filipino-Chinese artists to
China, ASEAN vow deeper cooperation at Dunhuang forum
CHINA and Southeast Asian nations pledged to deepen cooperation in protecting cultural heritage sites, as roughly 150 delegates gathered in Dunhuang, China for a four-day dialogue marking the fifth anniversary of the China-ASEAN comprehensive strategic partnership.
The China-ASEAN Cultural Heritage Dialogue, held from July 2 to 5 under the theme “Enduring Heritage, Shared Beauty for All,” drew professionals in heritage protection, archaeology, digital technology, cultural industry, think tanks, youth representatives and media from Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia and the Philippines.
China International Communica-
tions Group vice president Yu Yingfu said cultural heritage forms an important link between history and the future and increasingly serves as a foundation for strengthening mutual understanding between China and ASEAN. He urged both sides to build consensus on cooperation, establish a common basis for heritage protection, stimulate innovation and expand opportunities for industrial integration, while encouraging young people to drive cultural exchange.
Publicity Department of the CCP Gansu Provincial Committee deputy director-general Xue Ning called the event “a vivid practice of the Global Civilization Initiative” and said it offers an important platform for China
Chinoy Actors of the Philippines celebrates its 2nd anniversary in Binondo, Manila, announcing House Bill No. 9210 on work permits and a new Independent Production Initiative.
pursue their dreams with confidence.
CAP was established in 2024 as a legally registered non-stock, non-profit organization with a mission to unite Chinoy actors, help members hone their craft and serve as a bridge between Filipino-Chinese talent and casting professionals, Pascual said.
She emphasized the organization’s serviceoriented approach.
“CAP has never charged membership fees, nor have we ever collected commissions or referral fees from jobs or opportunities secured for our members. CAP has always been, and will continue to be, a service-oriented organization,” she said. Michael Wong Ho
China and ASEAN nations pledge deeper cooperation on cultural heritage protection at a four-day dialogue in Dunhuang, marking the fifth anniversary of their strategic partnership. and ASEAN to deepen practical cooperation in cultural and people-to-people exchanges.
Southeast Asian Cultural Heritage Alliance chairperson and National Commission for Culture and the Arts commissioner Ivan Anthony Henares said cultural heritage is shaped when different peoples, beliefs and traditions meet across time
and space. He noted that China and Southeast Asian nations accumulated shared cultural heritage through maritime trade in earlier centuries and said ASEAN members can learn from China’s experience in scientific protection, digital innovation and the interpretation of heritage sites such as Dunhuang. Michael Wong Ho
Taiwan-PH Foundation launches Mandarin program in Marikina
THE Taiwan-Philippines Educational Development Foundation (TPEDF) launched its Mandarin Language Program on Saturday, unveiling program signage at a ceremony that drew diplomatic, education, business and religious leaders in Marikina City.
The event aims to prepare Filipino scholars with Mandarin proficiency for academic and training opportunities in Taiwan. Following a Taiwanese inauguration tradition, TPEDF held a signage unveiling instead of a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) Representative Wallace Chow, Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC) deputy director Florian Chien, TPEDF chairman Simon Su, TPEDF chief executive Allan Lin, TPEDF advisor Andy Cheng, TPEDF supervisor Wu Yuan Hsiang, TPEDF director Jiang Fu
Long and TPEDF corporate secretary Chia Hsiang Lu unveiled the signage. Su said in his welcome message that the foundation’s mission is to widen educational access and equip students for an interconnected world. He said language education goes beyond communication, serving as a bridge that fosters mutual understanding, cultural appreciation and stronger international partnerships. Chow urged the scholars to seize the opportunity to master Mandarin. He said language proficiency will support their success on scholarships in Taiwan and enrich their lives long after graduation. Julie Ann Lope
Lim also pointed to growing trade links between the two sides, noting that the Philippines exports tropical fruits, maritime products and minerals to Chongqing. He said cooperation continues to expand, driven by the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the New Western Land and Maritime Channels.
Attendees from both sides agreed that the continued development of the Belt and Road Initiative offers promising prospects for expanded economic, trade, investment and industrial cooperation between the Philippines and China.
By Julie Ann Lope
OFFICERS from the Philippine National Police Anti-Kidnapping Group (PNP-AKG) completed a Basic Chinese Speaking Skills Training Program, organizers said at a closing ceremony held on June 23, 2026, on the eighth floor of the Federation Center Building in Binondo, Manila.
The Chinese Embassy initiated the program, and the Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) and the Manila Overseas Chinese Assistance Center jointly sponsored it. Instructors from Chiang Kai Shek College (CKSC) Language Center conducted the classes, which began in March at PNP-AKG headquarters and ran every Tuesday and Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m., totaling 30 hours of instruction.
Organizers said the program aims to help law enforcement officers overcome language barriers, improve cross-language communication and boost operational efficiency in maintaining social order and public safety.
Fifteen students who attended the ceremony received certificates of completion. The Chinese Embassy also donated five translation machines to the anti-kidnapping team.
FFCCCII president Victor Lim said the program will help PNP-AKG personnel communicate more effectively with kidnapping victims and their families. He urged the students to keep improving their Chinese proficiency and practical skills through regular practice and by using various applications and online resources.
Chinese Embassy Consul General Wang Wei praised PNP-AKG members for completing their training and for their efforts in protecting both Filipino and Chinese citizens. She also thanked FFCCCII and CKSC for their support. Speaking on behalf of the students, police executive master sergeant Randy Gawang thanked the teachers, saying they learned many Chinese words and basic skills that will greatly help them in resolving cases.
PNP-AKG director PBGen, Edwin Balles thanked the Chinese Embassy, FFCCCII and CKSC for giving PNP-AKG members the opportunity to learn basic Mandarin.
CKSC president Dr. Jude Yap said the program’s importance goes beyond language learning, strengthening law enforcement officers’ professional abilities to protect public
A Chongqing business delegation led by Luo Yu visits FFCCCII in Manila to explore trade and investment cooperation, as Philippine and Chinese leaders cite growing ties under RCEP and the Belt and Road Initiative.
FFCCCII president Victor Lim and Chongqing General Chamber of Commerce delegation leader Luo Yu.
THE
(CAP) marked
TPEDF launches its Mandarin Language Program in Marikina City with a signage unveiling ceremony to prepare Filipino scholars for academic and training opportunities in Taiwan.
Argentina National Day
Argentina at 210: Spirit of Independence
By Katrina Manubay
EVERY year on July 9, Argentina celebrates its Independence Day with a vibrant display of national identity. This celebration marks the 210th anniversary of Argentina’s journey to independence, transcending the notion of a public holiday; it serves as a day for cultural reflection, shared memories, and an opportunity to connect with the country’s rich heritage and traditions.
The occasion is observed throughout the country with flag-raising ceremonies, military parades, concerts, and cultural performances showcasing traditional music and folk dances, such as the chacarera and the zamba. Families and communities gather to enjoy iconic Argentine dishes, including locro, empanadas, and asado. Schools and public institutions also hold activities that commemorate the country’s struggle for freedom and reinforce national pride.
In 1816, the Congress of Tucumán declared Argentina’s formal independence from Spanish rule, concluding a revolutionary process that had begun six years earlier. This declaration symbolized the birth of a new nation in South America, reflecting the growing desire of the Argentine people to shape their own future and identity.
HONORING THE PAST, SHAPING THE FUTURE
Today, agriculture remains one of Argentina’s economic pillars. According to a report from the Argentine Ministry of Economy, following years of drought, the 2025–2026 harvest rebounded significantly, achieving record wheat and barley production and stronger maize yields. Argentina’s expertise in agriculture, farm mechanization, biotechnology, and digital farming can benefit the Philippines, which is also seeking to modernize its agricultural sector to improve food security and increase farmers’ productivity.
In 2024, Philippine Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. and Argentine Ambassador to the Philippines Ricardo Luis Bocalandro discussed potential cooperation in agricultural biotechnology, crop pest management, farm mechanization, digitalization, sustainable rice production, and fisheries.
On the innovation front, Argentina is positioning itself as a regional technology hub for software, artificial intelligence, and agricultural biotechnology, mirroring the Philippines’ efforts to strengthen its digital economy and innovation ecosystem.
During the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and his Argentine counterpart, Santiago Cafiero, highlighted opportunities for collaboration in several sectors, including science and technology, renewable energy, and innovation.
Additionally, Argentina is expanding
its investments in solar, wind, and other clean energy sources as part of its economic transformation. The two countries also have a longstanding bilateral technical cooperation agreement, with renewable energy identified as a priority area for collaboration.
More than two centuries after declaring its independence in Tucumán, Argentina continues to honor the ideals of self-determination through annual celebrations while pursuing innovation, sustainability, and economic progress.
For the Philippines, Argentina’s Independence Day serves not only as a commemoration of a historic milestone but also as an opportunity to recognize
a partner with whom it shares growing cooperation across various fields.
In this light, the celebrations on July 9 look beyond Argentina’s past. They celebrate a nation that continues to shape its future while building partnerships that span continents.
Just as Independence Day honors the resilience and aspirations that led to the founding of the Argentine nation in 1816, it also emphasizes a forward-looking vision—one in which progress and cooperation remain central to Argentina’s identity and its relationships with countries around the world.
Argentine Ambassador to the Philippines Ricardo Luis Bocalandro
THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2026 lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com
NICKIE WANG, Editor
ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer
JASPER VALDEZ, Writer
ABS-CBN has released the official trailer for its upcoming primetime drama series Someone, Someday , starring Kathryn Bernardo, James Reid, and Maja Salvador
The series premieres on July 27 and will air weeknights at 8:45 p.m. on ALLTV2, TV5, A2Z, Kapamilya Channel, and Kapamilya Online Live on Facebook and YouTube. It will debut on Netflix on July 24, followed by iWant on July 25. The series will also be available on TFC.
In the series, Bernardo plays Billy, the CEO of Love List, a dating app that empowers women to find meaningful relationships. While balancing the demands of running the company, Billy devotes herself to supporting her family, particularly her younger brother Oliver, portrayed by Migs Casimiro, whom she raised on her own.
Billy’s close friendship with Jordan, played by Reid, is tested when Abby, portrayed by Salvador, enters her life with what appears to be a hidden agenda. As personal and professional challenges mount, Billy is forced to confront long-buried emotional wounds while searching for a chance at happiness and love.
Directed by Chad V. Vidanes and Dolly Dulu, the series also stars Dimples Romana, Rowell Santiago, Rita Avila, McCoy De Leon, and Daniela Stranner
ABS-CBN previously unveiled the series’ concept photos, generating anticipation ahead of the release of its first full trailer.
By Nickie Wang
ASHOWBIZ
Sidequest mode suits Caprice Cayetano just f ine
She
“I
T 17, Caprice Cayetano has no interest in being defined by a single passion.
Fresh from her reality show victory, the young actress is leaning into what Gen Z calls its “sidequest era,” filling her free time with hobbies that have little to do with acting but plenty to do with discovering herself.
“Whenever I have free time after work, I explore different sidequests,” she said. “I make bracelets, play mobile games, and hopefully soon, I’ll start baking pastries.”
Bracelet-making has become one of her favorite creative outlets, inspired by her mother, who once made and sold handmade accessories.
“That’s where I realized how patient I can be,” she said. “You string the beads one by one, and when you finish, there’s a different kind of fulfillment.”
Her next goal is learning to bake, a passion she traces to her father.
“I’m really excited to try baking pastries. If Daddy is known for his main dishes, maybe someday I’ll be known for pastries,” she said with a laugh.
because they help us discover new things about ourselves and even the paths we may want to pursue,” she said.
That curiosity also made her a natural fit as the newest ambassador for Smart Prepaid’s Power All offers.
“I’m really happy to be part of the Smart family because I’ve actually been a Smart subscriber since I got my first phone eight years ago,” she said. “Now I get to enjoy it even more as one of the Smart ambassadors.”
Whether she’s posting on social media or connecting with fans online, music remains part of the experience.
“I love choosing the songs for my posts because they help tell the story and match the vibe of every photo,” she said. The teen star has no plans to slow down. Beyond acting, she hopes to try vlogging, singing, baking, and whatever new “sidequest” catches her attention. Her advice to fellow Gen Zs is simple: “Keep exploring. Choose sidequests that genuinely make you happy because those experiences help you become the best version of yourself.”
Smart prepaid subscribers may register to the new Power All offers via the Smart Online Store, the Smart App, their preferred mobile wallet app, by dialing *123# or by visiting the nearest Smart Store or authorized retailers nationwide.
By Nickie Wang
THE Metro Manila Film Festival is expanding beyond the capital for its 52nd edition, naming three host cities and unveiling the first four official entries for this year’s Christmas film showcase. San Juan and Mandaluyong in Metro Manila, along with Bacolod City in Negros Occidental, will serve as host cities for MMFF 2026, marking the first time the festival will have three official hosts.
The announcement was made Tuesday at Greenhills Mall in San Juan, where Mandaluyong Mayor Carmelita “Menchie” Abalos, San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora, and Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya joined MMDA Chairman and MMFF executive committee overall chairman Romando “Don” Artes. The three mayors later drew cheers after dancing together onstage at the urging of hosts KaladKaren and Michael Sager
From 24 submitted scripts, the MMFF Executive Committee selected four films based on technical and creative merit (40 percent), commercial value (40 percent), global appeal (10 percent), and the infusion of Filipino values (10 percent), according to committee member Boots Anson Roa-Rodrigo
“It’s good to note that some of the films are exhibited abroad for global audience,” Roa-Rodrigo said.
Leading the lineup of the first batch of the 52nd MMFF official entries is 2nd Miracle in Cell No. 7, Viva Films’ prequel to the 2019 adaptation that became the top-grossing film of the 45th MMFF. The family drama reunites Aga Muhlach with director Nuel Naval and writer Mel Mendoza-del Rosario
Joining the list is Amir, a fantasy drama from GMA Pictures starring Dennis Trillo, Argus Aspiras, Glaiza de Castro and Will Ashley. Directed by Zig Dulay from a screenplay by Ricky Lee and Anj Atienza, the film is expected to blend live action
with animation and follows a family confronting a mysterious darkness.
Regal Entertainment returns to the festival with Haunted Carnival, a horror thriller headlined by Julia Barretto, James Reid, John Arcilla, Maricel Soriano, Fyang Smith, RK Bagatsing, Ronnie Alonte, and Charlie Fleming Joey de Guzman directs from a script by Alan Tijamo and John Paul E. Abellera. Completing the first batch is The Greatest Showdown, the much-anticipated comedy pairing Vic Sotto and Vice Ganda for the first time. Produced by ABS-CBN Film Productions, The IdeaFirst Company, APT Entertainment and M-Zet Productions, the film will be directed by Jun Robles Lana from a screenplay by Jumbo Albano.
Beyond the film lineup, Artes announced that regular cinema tickets for MMFF 2026 will be capped at P299 under an agreement with the Cinema Exhibitors Association of the Philippines. Ticket prices may be lower in some areas, while specialty cinemas such as Director’s Club theaters are excluded from the price ceiling.
The MMFF also announced the return of its student short film competition in partnership with the Film Development Council of the Philippines and the Film Academy of the Philippines. Open to high school and college students, the contest will award P100,000 to the best five-minute short film.
Artes said bringing the festival to Bacolod was part of a broader effort to expand the MMFF’s reach nationwide, an initiative proposed by League of Cities president and San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora. He added that future editions could include a host city in Mindanao.
The Parade of Stars is tentatively scheduled for Dec. 11 in Bacolod and Dec. 19 in Mandaluyong and San Juan, ending at Pinaglabanan Shrine. Organizers have yet to announce the venue for the festival’s awards night.
Kathryn Bernardo plays Billy in ‘Someone, Someday,’ a dating app CEO whose search for love is made complicated by family duties and hidden wounds
Dennis Trillo (left) leads ‘Amir,’ a fantasy drama directed by Zig Dulay from a screenplay by Ricky Lee and Anj Atienza
Vice Ganda (right) and Vic Sotto team up for the first time in ‘The Greatest Showdown,’ a comedy directed by Jun Robles Lana Aga Muhlach
officials unveil the first batch of entries for the 52nd edition of the MMFF
Caprice Cayetano says mobile gaming has become one
By Nickie Wang
BEAUTY queens are expected to turn heads, but this year’s Binibining Pilipinas candidates also showed they could hold a conversation.
At one of the pageant’s pre-coronation events, candidates faced members of the media in an interactive presentation that went beyond the traditional runway walk. Each contestant took the stage to introduce herself with poise before answering a wide range of questions that offered a glimpse of her personality, values, and presence under pressure.
The questions covered everything from beauty routines and confidence-building to what makes them proud to be Filipino, their inspirations, celebrity crushes, and the social issues they believe deserve greater attention. The format gave candidates an opportunity to demonstrate wit, composure, and authenticity, qualities that judges and pageant fans increasingly value alongside physical beauty.
The event, organized by My Daily Collagen, the pageant’s beauty and wellness partner, reinforced the idea that today’s beauty queens are expected to be articulate advocates capable of making an impact beyond the stage.
The partnership between Global Wellness and Binibining Pilipinas began in 2024 and continues
Beauty from within
Binibining Pilipinas bets put wit, grace and beauty on display
The case for aging well, not looking younger
By Nickie Wang
PIA Guanio-Mago has heard the compliment countless times:
“You don’t look your age.” While many would gladly accept it, the television personality admitted she has mixed feelings about the remark.
“I’m a little torn when people tell me, ‘You don’t look your age,’” Guanio-Mago told Manila Standard Life. “I want to look healthy, but I don’t necessarily want to look 25 or 26 forever. That can be a little creepy.”
At 51, Pia has no desire to look frozen in time, believing that aging should be embraced instead of feared.
“It’s okay to show a few wrinkles or signs of aging because we all have to evolve. I don’t think anyone has to look frozen in time,” she continued.
Her philosophy is simple.
“My mantra is that beauty is a side effect of being healthy and fit.”
Despite working in an image-conscious industry, Pia stressed that she has never felt pressured to appear younger.
“I don’t feel pressured. I just make it a point to look as good as I can and, at the very least, be presentable. Looking presentable is a sign of respect for the people you serve, the people you talk to, and the people you meet,” she explained.
“As for looking youthful, I simply do what I can to maintain what I have. It’s not a problem or a pressure that keeps me up at night.”
Pia shared her thoughts during the launch of The SB Clinic’s newest celebrity ambassadors at Luxent Hotel in Quezon City. Joining her were
social media personalities Sachzna Laparan and Maricel Tulfo
On the same day, sister company OWEN Regenerative & Longevity introduced its own ambassadors: actors Tony Labrusca, Paul Salas, Andrew Muhlach, and Jayson Gainza, athlete John Vic de Guzman, host Sam YG, and entrepreneur Gerry “Mr. Freeze” Santos
Hosted by Sam Coloso, the event brought together members of the media, healthcare advocates, business partners, and invited guests for the official introduction of the ambassadors.
The ceremonies were led by Dr. John Paul C. Pareja, founder of OWEN Regenerative & Longevity and medical director and CEO of The SB Clinic, together with operations manager Angelica Pareja who formally welcomed the ambassadors into both organizations.
Pareja described the partnerships as more than celebrity endorsements, with the goal of encouraging Filipinos to prioritize preventive healthcare, regenerative medicine, wellness, and aesthetic care.
“This collaboration represents more than a partnership. It is a shared commitment to encouraging healthier lifestyles and empowering more people to invest in their long-term wellbeing. Live Longer, Live Better,” Pareja remarked on behalf of OWEN.
By Raine Keisha Mendoza
YOU lace up your running shoes expecting nothing more than a good workout. Your focus is on beating your personal best, clearing your head, and getting through a few kilometers before the city fully wakes up. But somewhere between the finish line and post-run coffee, a casual conversation turns into an exchange of names, then numbers, and before you know it, you’re planning your first date. Yes, breaking a sweat is the new “swiping.” As Strava gains popularity among Filipinos, the fitness app is becoming
through 2026 with a shared focus on wellness, empowerment, and personal growth. This year’s pageant carries the theme “Elevating Beauty; Radiating Confidence,” underscoring the belief that confidence and character are as important as appearance. Global Wellness said the collaboration serves as a platform to empower women to become leaders, advocates, and role models while promoting a holistic approach to beauty through its My Daily Collagen Japan-Made Collagen and My Saiko Skin Japan-Made Skincare Line. The products are available at major retailers and pharmacies nationwide, including Mercury Drug, Watsons, Landers Superstore, and Mitsukoshi BGC. Together, Global Wellness and Binibining Pilipinas continue to promote self-care, confidence, and personal growth as essential parts of modern beauty.
Speaking for The SB Clinic, he added: “This collaboration represents more than a partnership. It is a shared commitment to help people look their best, feel their best, and live healthier lives. At The SB Clinic, we believe that confidence begins with quality care. Let’s Make Things Happen as we continue to transform lives and redefine excellence in aesthetic and wellness care.”
OWEN Regenerative & Longevity aims to make regenerative medicine and longevity-focused healthcare more accessible through evidence-based, personalized treatments that combine advanced medical technologies with preventive healthcare strategies. Located on Mother Ignacia Avenue in Quezon City, the center focuses on helping patients optimize their health and longevity.
The SB Clinic, meanwhile, continues to provide science-backed aesthetic, regenerative, and wellness treatments while expanding public awareness through education, innovation, and trusted patient care. The clinic, located on Tomas Morato Avenue in Quezon City, offers personalized treatments under the leadership of Dr. Pareja.
an alternative to traditional dating apps, connecting people through running communities where shared workouts can lead to organic encounters, meaningful relationships, and healthier lifestyles. With more than 180 million users across more than 185 countries, Strava has evolved beyond a fitness tracker into a platform for building community. According to its 2025 Year in Sport Report, 39 percent more Gen Z users than Gen X users turn to fitness to meet people who share their interests, while 46 percent of respondents said they would
consider a workout as a first date. Instead of relying on carefully written dating profiles, users connect through workout logs, running routes, and features like Muscle Maps, offering a more authentic glimpse into a person’s lifestyle. Even a simple “Kudos” on someone’s run can spark a conversation.
The trend is also gaining popularity in the Philippines. In Metro Manila, running communities such as 5AM Gang and EZ Run Club are drawing young professionals who gather for early morning runs around BGC and Ayala Triangle before heading out for coffee.
Sam YG (center) is also introduced as one of the new ambassador of the medical clinic
The SB Clinic formally welcome content creator Sachzna Laparan (center) at a launch centered on wellness and preventive healthcare
Television host Pia Guanio-Mago (center aims to champion healthy aging over chasing youth
OWEN Regenerative and Longevity taps actors Tony Labrusca (leftmost) and John Vic de Guzman (leftmost) to promote evidence-based, personalized treatments in optimizing health and longevity
Pia GuanioMago embraces aging and believes beauty is
healthy
THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2026
lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com
NICKIE WANG, Editor
ANGELICA VILLANUEVA,
Writer
Writer
JASPER VALDEZ,
By Jasper Valdez
APATIENT can walk into Ysera Aesthetics Center’s Quezon City clinic with a photo saved on their phone, a procedure already in mind, and the money to pay for it. However, that does not guarantee a yes from the clinic.
Inside Ysera, the first step is not always the treatment itself but a conversation about what should and should not be done. According to business unit head Noel Agbayani the clinic draws the line between giving clients what they ask for and guiding them toward what is actually right for them.
In an interview with Manila Standard Life Agbayani said the clinic’s doctors are allowed, and even expected, to turn down a request if a patient does not need the treatment or is not a good candidate for it.
“I have learned to accept the fact that what I would want in a patient is someone who trusts my doctors,” Agbayani said.
Ysera Aesthetics Center business unit head Noel Agbayani notes that ethical care sometimes means turning down a patient’s request
The aesthetic clinic doctors make sure to evaluate whether a treatment is truly appropriate before recommending any procedure
clinic.
But Ysera’s approach, according to Agbayani, is not to give patients everything they ask for. New patients are first asked about their top three concerns, allowing doctors to create a treatment plan instead of simply performing the requested procedure.
That question helps doctors look beyond the treatment a patient may have seen online or asked for at the front desk. It also gives them room to explain which concerns can be addressed first, which ones can wait, and which requests may not be necessary at all.
“We want you to feel that you are being taken care of,”
The beauty of saying no
Six years later, the clinic has grown from a small team of about seven people to nearly 30.
Its services now cover both surgical and nonsurgical procedures, with in-house doctors including Dr. Patrick David Tan, Dr. Michelle Marie Supapo, and Dr. Celestine
Capada-Azurin
Agbayani said having doctors present is part of the clinic’s standard, not just something scheduled when needed. For him, that presence matters because patients feel
Ysera opened in January 2020, just before the pandemic forced many face-to-face businesses to slow down. Agbayani admitted that running an aesthetics center at the time was uncertain, especially since beauty treatments were considered non-essential.
“As a business head, I wondered how I could keep this going if no clients were coming in,” he said.
Agbayani said. “From your first concern up to the end, we want you to trust us.”
The clinic has also refunded patients who had already paid for surgery after doctors found during a face-to-face consultation that they did not need the procedure.
“It is still the ethical thing to do,” Agbayani said. “We cannot just say, ‘You already paid, so let us just proceed.’” He said this is especially important in aesthetics because most patients do not come in sick. They come in looking fine but wanting to look better.
“The worst thing you can do is for them to come in looking good and make it worse,” he said.
The
of following beauty trends
more confident when someone can answer questions and respond if complications arise.
Dr. Patrick specializes in facial surgeries, particularly rhinoplasty, while Dr. Michelle is known for injectables, including lip fillers and biostimulators such as Juvelook and Lenisna. These, Agbayani said, are among the procedures currently drawing patients to the
Recovery habits athletes never skip after workout
MOST athletes pay close attention to what they eat before competition, but recovery after training is just as important. According to Dr. Krissy Ladner, director of sports performance and nutrition education at Herbalife, the first hour after exercise is critical for repairing muscles, restoring energy, and preparing the body for the next session.
Here are the five recovery habits she recommends:
1. Replenish your energy Hard training depletes the body’s glycogen stores, making carbohydrates essential after exercise. Dr. Ladner recommends consuming 30 to 60 grams of carbohydrates within the first hour. A bowl of rice with lean protein, a whole grain sandwich, or a smoothie made with fruit and oats are good options.
The Department of Science and Technology’s Food and Nutrition Research Institute reported in 2023 that rice provides 58 percent of Filipinos’ daily calorie intake, making it a practical recovery food.
2. Repair your muscles
Protein helps rebuild muscle tissue damaged during exercise. Aim for 15 to 30 grams of highquality protein from sources such as chicken, fish, eggs, dairy, or a protein shake.
Many elite athletes also follow a 3:1 carbohydrate-to-protein ratio after intense training, combining carbohydrates and protein in meals or recovery shakes.
3. Reinforce your recovery
Recovery is not only about calories. Dr. Ladner recommends eating colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, fish, and olive oil to support the immune system and reduce inflammation.
She added that tart cherry juice may help ease muscle soreness and improve sleep, while curcumin from turmeric may reduce inflammation. These foods work best as part of an overall healthy diet rather than as quick fixes.
4. Rehydrate properly
Replacing fluids means more than drinking water. Athletes who sweat heavily also need electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium to restore fluid balance.
A simple way to check hydration is urine color. Pale yellow usually indicates adequate hydration, while darker urine may signal dehydration.
5. Make time for rest
Dr. Ladner calls sleep the “fifth R” because it allows muscles to recover and growth hormones to support repair. Despite its importance, more than half of Filipinos get less than the recommended seven hours of sleep each night, according to cited data.
She said recovery is part of training, helping reduce injury risk and improve long-term performance. Whether you’re a professional athlete or a weekend fitness enthusiast, Dr. Ladner said the same recovery principles apply after any demanding workout: replenish, repair, reinforce, rehydrate, and rest.
Agbayani has also noticed a shift in what Filipino patients want. Instead of obvious changes, many now ask for results that look natural.
“They know something changed. They feel like they look better, and other people notice it too, but they do not know exactly what was done,” he said. For Ysera, that also means working with Filipino and Asian features instead of simply copying foreign beauty pegs.
“You cannot simply apply to Asian patients what is done for Caucasians,” Agbayani said. Agbayani said the same approach applies even when a patient is given a longer treatment plan. The clinic may lay out the options, but he said patients are not expected to do everything in one sitting.
“This is our treatment plan, pero huwag kang malula,” he said. “We will do this when you are comfortable.”
In the end, he said, the clinic’s job is not to bend to every request but to guide patients toward what suits them.
“We will not bend to what you want,” he said. “But we will suggest what is best for you.”
BLOOMS may brighten a room, but some can also trigger allergies or pose health risks, MakatiMed says.
Whether you receive one flower or a dozen, blooms can instantly lift the mood with their colors, fragrance, and symbolism. But while they add beauty to any space, some flowers can also pose health risks.
Toxins and fungus
“Certain flowers contain toxic substances to protect themselves from insects, planteating animals, and environmental stress,” said Fatima Johanna T. Santos-Ocampo, MD, pediatric allergology and immunology specialist at Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed).
She said angel’s trumpet and azalea are highly poisonous and may cause serious illness or death if eaten. Poinsettia and daffodil can trigger mild stomach problems, while poison ivy causes itchy rashes on contact.
Plants can also develop fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, black spot, and gray mold. While these usually do not infect humans, Dr. Santos-Ocampo advised immunocompromised individuals to avoid diseased plants. She noted that sporotrichosis, a fungus found on dead rose thorns, can enter the body through cuts, while some fungi produce aflatoxins linked to vomiting, convulsions, cancer, and even death.
Pollen
Pollen, which helps plants reproduce, is also a common allergen. When inhaled, it can trigger the release of histamine, causing sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, wheezing, or
shortness of breath
Flowers commonly associated with pollen allergies include baby’s breath, dahlia, daisy, chamomile, chrysanthemum, and sunflower. Treatment and prevention Dr. Santos-Ocampo recommends avoiding toxic or allergy-triggering plants and removing infected leaves before disease spreads. Good air circulation, garden oils, and fungicides can also help protect plants. For allergy sufferers, she suggests choosing low-pollen flowers such as roses, orchids, tulips, hydrangeas, peonies, carnations, irises, begonias, snapdragons, and cactus flowers. Fresh flowers and mildly scented varieties are also less likely to trigger allergic reactions than older blooms or heavily fragrant ones. Over-the-counter antihistamines, decongestants, and eye drops may help relieve pollen allergy symptoms, but persistent or
Ysera Aesthetics Center emphasizes personalized care, guiding patients toward treatments that suit them rather than simply fulfilling requests
clinic builds treatment plans around each patient’s needs instead