Manila Standard - 2026 July 15 - Wednesday

OVP’s Lopez out as witness

Prosecutors set for next phase; Lotoc: Sara betrayed public trust

By Ram Superable, Joel E. Zurbano, Maricel V. Cruz and Katrina Manubay

HOUSE prosecutors on Tuesday dropped lawyer Zuleika Lopez, chief of staff of the Office of the Vice President, and Capt. Belinda Bello as witnesses in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, saying their would-be testimonies had become “totally unnecessary and redundant” after four trial days.

VP Sara may still face criminal, civil raps for kill rant vs. ex-Speaker

By Pot Chavez

VICE President Sara Duterte may still face criminal and civil liability over her alleged threats against former Speaker Martin Romualdez despite the ongoing impeachment trial, as the proceedings are separate and do not prevent the Department of Justice (DOJ) from acting on pending complaints, a lawyer said Tuesday.

In an interview with dzRH, Romualdez’s lawyer Adi Fajardo said the Senate impeachment trial, which is hearing the article accusing Duterte of making grave threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos and Romualdez during an online press conference in November 2024, is distinct from any criminal or civil case.

Prioritize shovel-ready projects, scrutinize 2027 budget—PBBM

By Charles Dantes

THE Marcos administration is intensifying its review of the proposed 2027 national budget, with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directing government agencies to prioritize programs that deliver immediate public benefits and projects that can be implemented without delays.

Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said the Cabinet continues to scrutinize the proposed spending plan following a full Cabinet review on July 10 to ensure the budget aligns with the President’s directive to fund only programs that directly benefit Filipinos.

Marcos launches Phase I of P200-b solar project in N. Ecija

By Charles Dantes and Alena Mae S. Flores

PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Tuesday inaugurated the first phase of the MTerra Solar Project in Nueva Ecija, describing it as a major step toward expanding the Philippines’ renewable energy capacity and reducing its dependence on coal-fired power.

‘Bea Alonzo marries Vincent Co in intimate city hall wedding’

Meralco PowerGen Corp., the power arm of Manila Electric Co., together with its partners, cited the completion of the first phase of what is set to become the world’s largest integrated solar photovoltaic and battery energy storage system.

MGen chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan, who celebrated his birthday during the event, shared his vision for a future where clean, reliable energy is within reach of every Filipino.

Speaking at the inauguration of MTerra

lar Phase I, Mr. Marcos said the

scored the administration’s

more resilient and sustainable

demand continues to

“Today, as we gather once again for the inauguration of Phase I, we demonstrate our

and our determination to ensure that our

US strikes Iran, eyes blockade; DOE bracing for higher oil prices

By Alena Mae Flores

TEHRAN—The United States launched on Tuesday a fresh wave of strikes on Iran and President Donald Trump vowed to reimpose a naval blockade, prompting Tehran to respond with attacks on countries in the region.

Global oil prices jumped again as the fresh strikes marked an escalation in hostilities, fueling fears over their already fragile truce and the chances of another spike in inflation.

Energy chief Sharon Garin said the government is preparing for higher pump prices next week amid renewed volatility

in world oil prices and plans to mandate prescribed increases once again.

She said the department has been imposing a range for adjustments over the past week but will likely revert to a mandated single increase for oil firms.

“We always, always expect the worst so we prepare for the worst,” Garin said.

She said the government is also moving forward with a strategic petroleum reserve following the signing of an agreement between the Philippine National Oil Co. and the Maharlika Investment Corp.

PBBM popularity rating recovers SWS

By Katrina Manubay

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s

net satisfaction rating improved from a record low in March, returning to the neutral range after more Filipinos expressed satisfaction and fewer claimed dissatisfaction with his performance, according to the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey.

The SWS poll showed 38 percent (up from 33 percent) were satisfied with Marcos’s performance, while 17 percent (down from 18 percent) were undecided, and dissatisfaction decreased from 49 to 45 percent.

Across major areas, the President’s net satisfaction rating was highest in Balance Luzon at a moderate +11, fol-

CLEAN ENERGY. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos join Meralco Chairman and CEO Manny V. Pangilinan in unveiling the marker for MTerra

By Nickie Wang

Alonzo and Puregold Price Club president Vincent Co have quietly tied the knot,

DOJ forms maritime law unit

By Pot Chavez and Rex Espiritu

THE Department of Justice has created a dedicated maritime law unit to sustain the country’s arbitral victory on the West Philippine Sea and strengthen the government’s legal expertise on maritime issues.

“To maintain and sustain the gains from the arbitral award, the DOJ has dedicated a unit within our legal services to serve as a source of expertise on this matter. We now have a dedicated maritime unit, similar to a maritime law center, within the Department of Justice so that we have a single repository of

into fruition,” the President said. He noted that coal accounted for 57 percent of the country’s electricity generation last year, while renewable energy contributed about 25 percent, making the Philippines vulnerable to swings in global fuel prices.

The MTerra Solar Project, which broke ground less than two years ago, has reached 91 percent completion in its first phase and is expected to begin full commercial operations by August, he said. Construction of Phase II began earlier this year and is scheduled for completion in 2027.

Once both phases are operational, the facility is expected to generate up to 3,500 megawatts-peak of solar power supported by 4,500 megawatt-hours of battery energy storage.

According to President Marcos, the project will provide electricity to more than 2.4 million households while cutting carbon emissions by an estimated 4.3 million metric tons annually.

Beyond electricity generation, the President said the project was projected to generate nearly 23 billion pesos in economic benefits over the next decade through tax revenues, financial assistance for host communities and local employment.

expertise on this matter,” Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida told justice reporters on Monday.

Vida said the group will focus on WPS issues and serve as the department’s legal repository on the disputed territory.

While the Philippines prevailed in the

landmark arbitration case, Vida said the country must continue asserting its rights because the ruling is not self-executing.

He added the DOJ joins the commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the arbitral award, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rule of law.

The National Maritime Council earlier said the arbitral award remains the country’s strongest legal foundation for defending its sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea.

Meanwhile, Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, retired Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, warned Tuesday the continued silence of the Chinese

press briefing and her reiteration of the statements during a Nov. 26 interview.

of the House of Representatives Legislative Security Bureau, as their last two witnesses under Article IV (grave threat and inciting to sedition) of the impeachment complaints against Duterte to hasten the trial.

Senator-judges had heard the testimonies of two officers of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Agent Mark Calilung and Regional Director Jeremy Lotoc, against Duterte for allegedly contracting someone to kill President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and former Speaker Martin Romualdez during an online press conference.

Kapunan said Lopez would have testified that she was present when Duterte made the statements at the center of the grave threats case, while Lopez and members of the media could have established the authenticity of the Nov. 23, 2024 video.

However, Kapunan said the defense itself had already acknowledged the press conference and used the same video during the proceedings.

Interviewed on TV later, Duterte defense spokesperson lawyer Michael Poa said they were surprised by the prosecution’s move to not present Lopez and Bello but were okay with it.

The Senate court’s subpoena of Lopez was only effective until yesterday (Tuesday).

Garin said the DOE is likewise unlikely to import additional fuel supplies despite renewed tensions in the Middle East.

As this developed, Trump said a deal with the Islamic republic was still possible even as fighting surged to a scale unseen since an April ceasefire, with Iran striking two ships in the strategic waterway and killing one crew member, according to the United Arab Emirates.

UK maritime security agency UKMTO on Tuesday reported yet another tanker struck by a missile while transiting Hormuz near Oman’s coast. The US military earlier said its five-hour mission hit targets across Iran including coastal Bushehr and Bandar Abbas to “degrade Iran’s ability to attack commercial shipping.”

Renewed US attacks since last week have killed at least 28 people in Iran, according to an Agence France Presse tally based on Iranian media and official announcements.

After the strikes, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards announced they had in turn fired missiles and drones on Bahrain, targeting a residential building for US forces and other facilities. With AFP

With the prosecution resting its case on Article IV, the impeachment court scheduled oral arguments Wednesday on requests to subpoena the bank records, Anti-Money Laundering Council records, and Bureau of Internal Revenue records of Duterte and her husband, lawyer Manases Carpio.

No witnesses are scheduled to testify during the next hearing. Before that, the senators will meet in a caucus in the morning to discuss other matters, impeachment court presiding officer Senator Francis Escudero said.

Lotoc: Duterte betrayed public trust

Before the prosecution rested, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Regional Director Jeremy Lotoc, the former chief of the bureau’s Cybercrime Division, completed his testimony on allegations that Duterte committed grave threats and inciting to sedition through statements she made during a Nov. 23, 2024 online press briefing.

During redirect examination, private prosecutor Amando Virgil Ligutan asked Lotoc whether Duterte had betrayed the public trust.

“Yes, Your Honor,” Lotoc replied.

Asked what evidence supported the NBI’s finding that Duterte had contracted someone to kill the First Couple and the former Speaker, Lotoc said investigators relied on Duterte’s Nov. 23

plaints filed by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) against Duterte remain under investigation.

Asked whether the impeachment proceedings are covered by the sub judice rule, Fajardo said: “No. These are separate proceedings. A single act or omission may give rise to three kinds of liability— criminal, civil, or administrative.”

“Impeachment is essentially administrative in nature, although it also has a political dimension because its consequence is removal from office. These proceedings can run simultaneously, so the sub judice rule does not apply in that sense,” he added.

The DOJ also said Tuesday the grave threats and inciting to sedition com-

“The Department will act on and resolve the complaint at the appropriate time, in accordance with due process,” DOJ spokesperson Polo Martinez said.

Martinez declined to provide further details on the preliminary investigation, citing the ongoing impeachment proceedings.

“Out of respect for, and in deference to, the impeachment court, the Department will refrain from commenting on matters raised in or relating to those proceedings,” he said.

Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida said Monday that the complaints filed by the NBI in February against Duterte

Embassy over Chinese scholars’ claim that Batanes belongs to Beijing could eventually elevate the narrative into an official position of the Chinese Communist Party.

“In an autocratic state, nothing happens in isolation,” Trinidad said, explaining that if Chinese authorities do not repudiate the scholars’ assertions, the narrative could gradually evolve into a semi-official and eventually an official government position.

“It is very important that statements like this should be answered not only by the embassy but by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs if they truly have no involvement in it,” he said.

He acknowledged, however, that the NBI Cybercrime Division had no evidence that she actually hired an assassin.

Senator-judge Tito Sotto asked Lotoc to clarify that the case before the Senate is not a criminal prosecution for grave threats or inciting to sedition but an impeachment case for betrayal of public trust and other impeachable offenses.

Lotoc replied that the criminal complaints remain under preliminary investigation before the Department of Justice.

Much of Tuesday’s proceedings focused on the defense’s effort to challenge the NBI investigation.

Defense counsel Mark Vinluan questioned Lotoc about typographical errors and documentation discrepancies in the bureau’s records, asking whether they violated due process.

“The existence of these typographical errors does not alter the fact... that the NBI has findings. And those findings are that the Vice President committed the crime of grave threats and inciting to sedition,” Lotoc replied.

Vinluan also questioned why the NBI concluded that the First Couple and Romualdez were victims without personally interviewing them.

“The evidence is clear, sir,” Lotoc answered.

After Vinluan responded, “According to you,” private prosecutor Ligutan objected, prompting Escudero to strike the remark from the record.

“Kindly avoid side remarks,” Escudero said. “Whatever question you pose and afterwards withdraw will likewise be stricken off the records as to avoid any attempts of showmanship... will not be tolerated by this impeachment court.”

Probe into ‘Operation Romanov’ questioned

Several senator-judges also questioned the investigation into the alleged “Operation Romanov,” which the defense cited as context for Duterte’s statements.

Lotoc testified that the NBI initially classified the alleged plot as “unvalidated information” after finding no reliable evidence that it existed.

“We searched through open sources. There, we saw that the first person to utter that word was Mayor (Sebastian) Baste (Duterte of Davao City) ... the situation seems to be reversed. If ‘Romanov’ started with Mayor Baste, why is (vlogger) Princess Maui asking the Vice President about it? It doesn’t quite make sense,” Lotoc said.

He testified that investigators traced the first public use of the term to Mayor Duterte during a January 2024 Maisug rally and concluded that the information was “not reliable as far as the cybercrime division is concerned.”

Lotoc further testified that the “Romanov” reference originally appeared as a warning directed at President Marcos’ family, not Vice President Duterte’s.

remain pending before the DOJ’s panel of prosecutors, with a resolution still pending. Under DOJ rules, a division of prosecutors submits its final recommendation to the Office of the Prosecutor General.

Fajardo said Romualdez, the representative of Leyte’s first district, deliberately chose not to file a criminal complaint against Duterte.

“The former Speaker is also a lawyer, so he understands the elements of a crime, such as grave threats,” Fajardo said.

“However, he did not file a criminal complaint. As we know, Congressman Romualdez is a very patient person. He understood the elements of the offense, but he chose not to pursue a case.”

Fajardo said Romualdez made that

Recto said President Marcos also instructed agencies to prioritize projects that are ready for implementation and unlikely to face delays or other obstacles.

“Therefore, only projects aligned with the government’s programs, consistent with the national development plan, and offering high public benefit should be included in the proposed budget,” Recto said.

The directive comes as the administration finalizes the 2027 National Expenditure Program (NEP), which Department of Budget and Management Secretary Kim de Leon presented during a Cabinet meeting before submitting it to the President last week.

According to Recto, President Marcos expects the proposed budget to undergo a thorough review to ensure that spending priorities support the administration’s development agenda and can be carried out efficiently.

Senator-judge Raffy Tulfo questioned why the term later surfaced during Duterte’s Nov. 23 press conference as an alleged threat against the Duterte family, while Senator-judge Panfilo Lacson said he had initially understood the alleged operation to be directed against the Vice President.

Probe on threats vs. Sara not pursued

Senator-judge Joel Villanueva asked why the NBI continued investigating alleged threats against President Marcos but did not pursue the supposed threats against Duterte.

Lotoc said the two cases were different because Duterte publicly made the statements against the President, while investigators found no validated evidence of threats against the Vice President and her camp failed to provide actionable information.

Senator-judge Alan Peter Cayetano argued that Duterte’s statement was conditional because it would take effect only if she were killed first, asking whether the alleged targets could reasonably have felt threatened.

Lotoc replied that investigators considered it an event-based condition with national security implications because her death could trigger violence against government leaders.

Questioned by Senator-judge Robinhood Padilla about complaints reportedly filed against him, Lotoc said: “That’s the price we pay. We avoid the noise. We just finish the job.”

Duterte in touch with legal team regularly

Separately, Duterte’s defense spokesperson Poa said the Vice President remains in regular contact with her legal team despite not attending the hearings.

“We talk almost every day and night. She doesn’t really offer much comment because she knows we are doing our work, and she trusts that we do our jobs well,” Poa said.

Poa also maintained that the defense disputes the prosecution’s characterization of Duterte’s remarks.

“Even the characterization of her statement as a threat is one of the issues we have with the case, because we believe it does not actually constitute a threat,” he said.

According to Vinluan, Duterte’s remarks during the media briefing could not be considered “threats” but merely responses.

“It is our position that the statements made by the Vice President were not threats in the first place. That’s why we were categorizing it as a mere response to a question and answer,” he said.

“It was never aimed directly at the President, First Lady, and the former Speaker. In other words, had they not watched the video, they wouldn’t have known about it. In other words, your Honor, there were no threats to begin with and even the discussion on the elements is not applicable insofar as determining the innocence or guilt of the Vice President,” Vinluan added.

decision because “at the time, the Vice President’s statement was highly explosive. Perhaps he did not want to further inflame the situation.”

He also rejected suggestions that Romualdez’s decision not to sue weakened the impeachment case.

“No, because impeachment is a different kind of proceeding. Filing a criminal complaint is a personal decision made by the offended party,” Fajardo said.

“In an impeachment case, however, the issue is whether the alleged threat constituted such a serious violation of the Constitution that the official is no longer fit to remain in office. The perspective in an impeachment case is entirely different.”

During the House Committee on Jus-

The proposed 2027 budget will undergo further review before it is submitted to Congress for deliberation.

The Cabinet approved the proposed fiscal measure last week, Presidential Communications Office Secretary Dave Gomez said. He declined to disclose the total amount and other details, saying the Palace does not want to preempt the President’s official budget submission to lawmakers.

lowed by the Visayas at a neutral -3, Metro Manila at a poor -24, and Mindanao at a bad -35. Compared to March 2026, net satisfaction increased in all areas: by nine points from neutral +2 in Balance Luzon, by 12 points from poor -15 in the Visayas, by seven points from bad -31 in Metro Manila, and by five points from bad -40 in Mindanao. In rural and urban areas, the President’s net satisfaction rating increased by seven points from neutral -9 to neutral -2 in rural areas, and by eight points from poor -20 to poor -12 in urban areas.

Meanwhile, compared to March 2026, net satisfaction improved from poor to neutral among women, up by eight points from -15 to -7, and among men, up by nine points from -16 to -7. Among age groups, his net satisfaction also increased 19 points from bad -40 to poor -21 among 25 to 34-yearolds, and by 19 points from poor -22 to neutral -3 among 35 to 44-year-olds.

A source close to the couple told Manila Standard the ceremony was deliberately kept under wraps, with only six guests in attendance. Even close relatives from both the bride and groom’s families were reportedly absent.

“Love prevailed over everything else,” the source said, adding that the couple chose to focus on their relationship despite the controversy surrounding their wedding plans.

According to the source, the couple’s original May 16 wedding in Spain was never canceled but merely postponed before rumors took on a life of their own.

“Initially, the wedding was just postponed, then someone suddenly claimed it was canceled. After that came numerous demolition jobs against the groom, which was simply not right. In the end, love prevailed, and they decided to have a quiet civil wedding without relatives from either side present,” the source said.

tice’s hearings on the determination of probable cause for impeachment, the NBI submitted an affidavit on its investigation into Duterte’s alleged death threats against the President, the First Lady and Romualdez.

NBI lawyer Yentl Malicad told lawmakers the bureau found the elements of inciting to sedition had been established, saying Duterte was not a direct participant in any act of sedition, but made seditious statements through speech.

Asked by Akbayan Party-list Rep. Percival Cendaña whether the investigation also found grounds for grave threats, Malicad answered in the affirmative.

Malicad said threatening to harm or kill another person is a crime and that the Vice President is expected to know this.

Palace respects US on ICC, says

PH follows laws

By Charles Dantes

MALACAÑANG on Tuesday said it respects the United States’ policy following remarks by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio that Washington would encourage countries to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), but stressed that the Philippines will continue to act based on its own laws.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said the Philippine government would not comment further on the US initiative, describing it as a matter of American policy.

“Well, this is the policy of the United States, and we respect its position. For now, we have nothing further to say because we are simply responding based on what our own laws provide,” Castro said during a televised interview on Balitanghali.

The response came after the administration of US President Donald Trump announced a government-wide effort to counter the ICC, saying it would seek to persuade other countries to withdraw from the court while limiting its ability to investigate or prosecute US citizens.

Rubio described the tribunal as a threat to US sovereignty, arguing that the court was using international legal mechanisms to target the United States.

The US on Monday announced a sweeping campaign against the ICC that could include further sanctions and other measures, accusing the tribunal of posing “an intolerable threat to US sovereignty.”

FOR JOB SECURITY. Government workers, public school teachers, health workers, and contractual employees led by COURAGE, ACT, KALAKON, AHW, and Filipino Nurses United stage a lunchtime protest outside the Department of Budget and Management in Quiapo, Manila on Tuesday, demanding higher salaries, increased and more inclusive personnel economic relief allowance (PERA), and stronger job security, particularly for contractual and contract-of-service workers. Norman Cruz

PBBM begins Singapore visit, eyes investments

By Charles Dantes

PRESIDENT

Ferdinand Marcos Jr. arrived in Singapore on Tuesday evening for a threeday working visit aimed at strengthening economic ties, attracting investments, and coordinating regional priorities ahead of Singapore’s assumption of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) chairmanship next year.

According to Malacañang, Mr. Marcos departed Manila on Tuesday afternoon.

Malacañang said the July 14-16 visit reflects the Philippines’ efforts to deepen relations with one of its key Southeast Asian partners and expand cooperation on economic and regional issues.

In an earlier briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said the trip comes at a crucial time as Singapore prepares to lead ASEAN in 2027.

“This is part of the government’s efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between the Philippines and Singapore, which will serve as the next chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations next year,” Castro said. Mr. Marcos is scheduled to hold

talks with Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, where the two leaders are expected to discuss expanding cooperation in trade and investment, environmental initiatives, healthcare, and regional and global development.

The discussions are also expected to reaffirm both countries’ commitment to ASEAN centrality and regional stability amid evolving geopolitical and economic challenges in the region.

Castro said the meeting aims to create more opportunities for Filipinos while strengthening collaboration on regional and international concerns.

“The two leaders will continue advancing stronger Philippines-Singapore relations to create more opportunities for our people and enhance cooperation on regional and global issues,” she said.

WEDNESDAY,

Marcoleta back to PNP hospital after med tests

By Vince Lopez

SENATOR Rodante Marcoleta returned to the Philippine National Police-General Hospital (PNPGH) on Tuesday afternoon following an independent medical examination at the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) in Manila.

Earlier, the senator was transported to the UP-PGH for a medical checkup following a Sandiganbayan order, the PNP said.

Marcoleta was seen wearing handcuffs and a detainee shirt while in a wheelchair as he boarded a PNPGH vehicle escorted by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) on its way to the UP-PGH.

The vehicle carrying Marcoleta left the PNPGH at around 11:15 a.m. and returned at about 1:33 p.m. Earlier in the day, PNP spokesperson Col. Allen Rae Co said Marcoleta would undergo a medical evaluation at the UP-PGH as ordered by the Sandiganbayan before being returned to the PNPGH.

“It was not stated in the order of the Sandiganbayan, but we presume it is to determine if he will be fit to undergo trial,” Co told reporters during a press briefing at the PNPGH. He said the Sandiganbayan’s decision to transfer Marcoleta from the PNPGH to the UP-PGH for medical evaluation was intended to remove any doubts about the legislator’s medical condition.

American biologist murdered at home

IN BRIEF

Mountain Province irons out boundary disputes

BONTOC, Mountain Province — The Provincial Peace and Order Council here held an emergency meeting to identify measures to address the long-standing boundary conflict between barangays Betwagan in Sadanga, and Barangay Butbut in Tinglayan, Kalinga.

The meeting, held at Bayle Hometel and Food Services in Bontoc, was presided over by Gov. Bonifacio Lacwasan Jr., together with provincial administrator John Likigan.

“We seek the province and the council’s help to discuss measures to address the long-standing tribal conflict and identified priority interventions to prevent further escalation,” Sadanga Mayor Robert Wanawan said.

Among the measures presented was the adoption, implementation, and enforcement of Regional Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee–Cordillera Administrative Region Resolution No. 05, Series of 2021, as presented by Public Schools District Supervisor Jacinto Yassan and Betwagan barangay chief Benedict Sid-ay. Dexter A. See

PNP-AFP tie-up eyed on BARMM gun ban

PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., plans to work closely with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and tighten security measures relative to the implementation of the gun ban during the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) elections.

The firearms prohibition will take effect on July 16 as part of the security preparations for the region’s first parliamentary elections in September. Authorities have identified several areas in the region as election hotspots. Security officials have also warned that remnants of the Abu Sayyaf Group and splinter factions of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters could be used to intimidate voters and influence the electoral process. Vince Lopez

BOC foils P10-m bid to smuggle marijuana

THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) has intercepted in Clark, Pampanga four shipments containing suspected marijuana resin and high-grade marijuana, or “kush,” worth ₱10.15 million after the parcels were declared as wedding photo items, notebooks, and used clothes.

The contrabands were intercepted in coordination with the Clark Inter-Agency Task Force Against Illegal Drugs (CRKIATFAID) following intelligence information provided by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), which prompted Customs authorities to subject the parcels to heightened inspection. Two shipments from California, United States, arrived on July 1 and were bound for Caloocan City and Valenzuela City. Declared as “Custom Printed Wedding

and “Letter

Group urges PH to optimize gains of UMIC status

CONSUMER advocacy group CitizenWatch Philippines urges closer coordination among government, telephone companies, and schools, saying the country’s digital infrastructure gains needed a vigorous push in the classroom for the country to make the most of its new upper-middle-income status.

The Philippines was formally reclassified as an upper-middle-income country (UMIC) by the World Bank on July 1, after its gross national income (GNI) per capita rose to $4,850 in 2025, clearing the $4,636 threshold. The Bank attributed the shift to broad-based expansion, with GDP growing at an average of 5.8 percent annually over five years across major industries.

CitizenWatch Philippines co-convenor lawyer Kit Belmonte said the classification is an encouraging marker of how the country has struggled with decades of stunted growth, and an urgency to bring education to keep pace with the momentum of a digital economy.

“Government and industry have moved with real intent on infrastructure – fiber, 5G, data centers, AI-ready networks. That progress deserves recognition. The opportunity now is to bring education reform into that same rhythm, so the investment in connectivity and the investment in learning are advancing together rather than on separate timelines,” he said.

Belmonte noted the President’s recent commendation for Globe Telecom’s launch of Starlink direct-to-cell service and continued network investments, which DICT Secretary Aguda said are helping bring the country closer to near-universal internet access — a key foundation for a more inclusive digital economy.

“The government’s own policy framework already points in this direction,” Belmonte said.

By Gabriel Oliva and Vince Lopez

APROMINENT American marine biologist was killed inside his home in Barangay Ajong, Sibulan, Negros Oriental on Monday, July 13.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) regional office in the Negros Island created a special task group to investigate the murder of the American scientist who was shot dead right inside his residence at Sitio Purok 3, Barangay Ajong, Sibulan.

The victim was identified as Dr. Kent Carpenter, 77, a professor of biological sciences at Old Dominion University, in Norfolk, Virginia in the United States and at Silliman University in Dumaguete City.

According to authorities, Carpenter was watching TV with his Filipina partner in their living room when three men broke in and shot the scientist in the head at around 11:30 a.m.

He was declared dead on the spot by the responding authorities.

Carpenter was a renowned figure in the international marine biology field with two fish species named after him: Carpenter’s flasher wrasse, and the Carpenter’s Yellowtop Jewelfish.

He also dubbed the Verde Island Passage as the “Center of Marine Shore Fish Biodiversity” in one of his studies, introducing the 10-kilometer stretch to the global marine biology community.

There was an outpouring of praises from netizens on the deceased scientist.

“Today is a painful day for the Philippine marine science community,” said one post.

“He’s been vocal about reef destruction in the West Philippine Sea,” another post

stated.

Initial investigation report stated that one of the assailants shot the victim in the head, American in the head, killing him instantaneously. His partner was also injured during the attack and is currently undergoing medical and forensic examinations.

Police are reviewing CCTV footage and interviewing possible witnesses in their case buildup efforts.

Coordination with other law enforcement units and partner agencies has likewise been strengthened to facilitate the immediate identification and arrest of the suspects.

Negros regional police chief director Brig. Gen. Romano Cardiño gave assurance that they are committed to delivering justice and bringing those responsible before the courts.

“We strongly condemn this senseless act of violence. I have directed our investigators to exhaust all legal means to identify and apprehend those responsible at the soonest possible time,” he said.

“We assure the victim’s family, the community, and our foreign visitors that this case is being treated with utmost urgency, and no effort will be spared until justice is served,” Cardiño added. He also encouraged anyone with information that may assist in the investigation to immediately coordinate with the nearest police station or contact the Sibulan Municipal Police Station.

PNP ramps up anti-crime campaign in schools

By Vince Lopez

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) aims to strengthen its school-based safety and crime prevention awareness campaign across the country to help protect students from crime, online exploitation, misinformation, and radicalization.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the initiative builds on recent awareness activities conducted by the Police Community Affairs and Development Group (PCADG) and local police units which sought to educate students on personal safety, and encourage them to become responsible members of the community.

“The PNP believes that crime prevention begins with awareness. By engaging students at an early age, we equip them with the knowledge to recognize threats, make responsible decisions, and

become active partners in keeping their schools and communities safe,” Nartatez said. The latest campaign was held on July 9 at San Juan City Science High School during the observance of Police Community Relations Month.

PCADG partnered with the San Juan City Police Station and the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency–National Capital Region (NICA-NCR) to conduct discussions on fake news, antiillegal drugs, anti-terrorism, the Safe Spaces Act, anti-bullying, active shooting survival tips, crime prevention, and the government’s peace and security programs.

“We have directed our police units to strengthen collaboration with schools and local stakeholders to sustain these preventive education programs,” Nartatez said.

The PNP chief also ordered the expansion of youth information campaigns covering cyber safety, anti-bullying, anti-illegal drugs, anti-online scams, and responsible social media use.

“Early education is one of our strongest tools in preventing young people from becoming victims of crime, online exploitation, misinformation, or radicalization,” he noted.

The police chief said informed students are more capable of identifying risks and reporting suspicious activities before these escalate into bigger security concerns.

“When students are informed, they are better prepared to identify risks, reject harmful influences, and report suspicious activities. Our goal is to build a culture of safety, responsibility, and resilience among the youth,” Nartatez said.

‘People with proof of corruption must file case with OMB or

By Charles Dantes

MALACAÑANG on Tuesday urged individuals with evidence of alleged corruption in flood control projects to file complaints directly with the Office of

before filing cases.

“They no longer need to wait for any investigation by the Senate or the House,” Castro said. The statement came after questions were raised about the status of the government’s probe into alleged anomalies in flood control projects ahead of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fourth State of the Nation Address on July 27. Critics have claimed the investigation has resulted in selective prosecutions. Castro also noted that congressional investigations were conducted primarily in aid of legislation, while determining criminal liability falls under investigative and prosecutorial agencies.

DRESS REHEARSAL. Crowd control operatives of the Manila’s finest, called the Manila Police District-Civil Disturbance Management unit, conduct a drill on security measures relative to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address on July 27, anchored on a policy of “maximum tolerance” to ensure no untoward incident takes place during the event. Norman Cruz

FISHING EXPEDITION’S END. Laguna de Bay fishermen park their bancas close to the C-6 Road in Taguig City prior to the next phase of their daily routine, selling their catch at the market. Manny Palmero

RESTLESS. Tribesfolk of Kasibu and Dupax del Norte in Nueva Vizcaya province, joined by environmentalists, are up in arms against gold and copper exploration activities in their communities, marked by a protest rally in front of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources main offices in Quezon City. Manny Palmero

OPINION

The 1987 Constitution cannot be interpreted in a vacuum

WHAT does the 1987 Constitution provide on the question of impeachment?

Here: “No person shall be convicted without the concurrence of two-thirds of all the Members of the Senate.”

Supporters of impeached Vice President Sara Duterte keep on citing this provision to say that 16 out of the 24 members of the Senate can convict.

But the current composition of the Senate—21 because Ronald “Bato” de la Rosa is a fugitive from justice, Jinggoy Estrada and Rodante Marcoleta are in jail for plunder— means that the two-thirds rule based on 24 members should not be applied and the correct number should be 14 out of 21 and not 16 out of 24.

In other words, the phrase “all the Members of the Senate” cannot be read in isolation. It must be understood within the reality of how the Senate functions as an impeachment court and the constitutional principles that govern deliberative bodies.

Legislative bodies operate on the premise that official acts are taken by members who are legally qualified to participate. The concepts of quorum, majority, and supermajority are meaningful only if they refer to members who are capable of exercising their official functions.

We must emphasize that the Senate, when convened as an impeachment court, is not merely a legislative chamber. It becomes a Constitutional tribunal entrusted with determining whether a high-ranking public official should remain in office.

Every senator who sits as a judge assumes the duty to hear the evidence and render a verdict. If some senators are legally unable to discharge that duty, it is highly debatable whether they should still be included in computing the two-thirds requirement.

Applying the Constitutional threshold to the actual membership of the impeachment court is also consistent with how courts and deliberative bodies generally function.

Decisions are ordinarily based on those who are legally present and authorized to decide the case. Vacancies, disqualifications or other legal impediments affect the composition of the tribunal.

The law says that unavailable members cannot continue to exercise powers they no longer possess.

Those insisting on a fixed requirement of 16 votes—disturbingly, including Sen. Chiz Escudero who now sits as Presiding Judge of the Impeachment Court—contend that the Constitution expressly states “all the Members of the Senate,” meaning all 24 seats created by the Constitution. That interpretation deserves serious consideration because the actual text must always be given great weight.

However, textual interpretation also requires context. The Constitution does not

expressly address situations in which senators are legally unable to participate in an impeachment trial.

That eerie silence leaves room for Constitutional construction guided by principles of fairness and coherence.

This debate has a practical dimension. If unavailable senators continue to count in the equation while unable to vote, the threshold for conviction becomes artificially higher.

In effect, the inability of a senator to participate benefits one side of the case without any consideration of the evidence. Constitutional safeguards protect due process, not to create procedural conflicts.

The inability of a senator to participate benefits one side of the case without any consideration of the evidence

But none of this should be interpreted as favoring either conviction or acquittal.

Whether the Vice President should be removed from office is a question that should be answered only after the presentation of evidence and the application of the law.

We believe that the Senate sitting as an impeachment court must resolve this Constitutional question before proceeding to judgment.

It should do so through a reasoned ruling grounded in constitutional text, established parliamentary practice, and the principles underlying impeachment. Whatever interpretation it adopts should be fully explained, because the decision will almost certainly serve as precedent for future impeachment trials.

Constitutional democracies must uphold the integrity of the processes they follow.

Whether the required vote is 16 out of 24, 14 out of 21—or even less, if more senators have to answer criminal allegations— should not be determined by political preference or partisan advantage.

It should be determined by the Constitution’s intent, the rule of law, and the principle that only those legally empowered to sit in judgment should determine the fate of an impeached high public official.

We must point out that the legitimacy of the impeachment process will depend not only on the final vote but also on whether the rules governing that vote are fully accepted by the public and uphold the letter and spirit of the 1987 Constitution. (Email: ernhil@ yahoo.com)

A messy faith

MORE than 13 years ago, a much younger me found his way to the Philippine International Convention Center on a Sunday. I walked into a regular gathering of prayer, worship, and preaching led by lay Catholic preacher Bo Sanchez. I was broken then. I was tired. I was carrying burdens that I barely knew how to name. Somehow, the message reached me. Grace found its way into my heart. That was how I found The Feast. Or perhaps, that was how God found me.

More than a decade later, The Feast has become a home. I found friends who became companions, mentors, and quiet sources of strength. I found a community that reminded me that God’s love always comes first, long before we learn how to love Him back. I discovered that faith begins by receiving His love, and it grows every time we allow that love to flow into the lives of others.

I remain far from perfect. I carry my own weaknesses, my own unfinished corners, my own daily need for mercy. Yet being part of this community has taught me one enduring truth: every person is a work in progress. God welcomes us as we are and patiently forms us into who we can become. Bro. Bo Sanchez has a beautiful way of describing The Feast: a messy church for messy people. It sounds paradoxical, yet it captures the Gospel so well. We gather with our wounds, our failures, our questions, and our hopes.

We pray while we continue to grow. We worship while we continue to heal. We serve while we continue to be transformed. In the midst of that beautiful mess, God quietly continues His work in us.

I am reminded of this because recent events have once again placed faith in close conversation with politics.

Many people believe that people of faith should draw clear boundaries with public life. Indeed, politics and religion each have their own sphere, each with its own role and responsibility. Yet they meet in the human person. They meet in our conscience. They meet wherever dignity, justice, truth, compassion, and the common good are at stake.

For more than a year now, I have shared daily Gospel reflections on my Facebook page. From time to time, I receive criticism. Some call it hypocrisy. Some say it is selfserving.

God meets messy people, calls them by name, and sends them into the world to love and serve

Others question whether faith is being used to gain political favor. Others wonder how a politician can speak about faith. I understand those questions. Let me be clear. I make no claim of being a good Catholic. I am simply a sinner who continues to seek God every day. I am a public servant trying to follow my conscience. I am a Christian who returns, again and again, to God’s mercy because I know how much I need it.

At the same time, I choose to live my faith

Robinhood’s regalia

AN ACTOR-TURNED-POLITICIAN has criticized the “educated elite” for remarking on his performance at the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte at the Senate.

On his social media page, Senator Robinhood Padilla wrote in Filipino:

“The arguments of the arrogant are their credentials and high educational attainment. But where has your arrogance taken the Philippines? For all your education, the country has been mired in poverty, flood, debt, and dirty politics. It is you, as well as your oligarch masters, who have amassed riches. Intelligent monkeys! You will have your day with Tarzan.”

Padilla appeared to be reacting to the flak he had received when he questioned an impeachment court witness last week. Who took the original video of the Vice President’s press conference? he asked. Has the video taker executed an affidavit?

But no one “shot” the original video. The press conference was held online, via a teleconferencing app.

Perhaps realizing the folly of his question and assuming a defensive stance for it, Padilla later on attempted an explanation of how Zoom recordings worked and how people should guard against manipulated recordings. He emphasized his long experience in mass media.

“You should be teaching the Filipino people of facts [sic] not misguiding our

people. You call yourselves experts. When were you born in the media industry?” he said in another Facebook post.

Padilla has long been contributing to the diatribe against a certain group of people, driving an unnecessary wedge between the educated and those who have not had the opportunity to study.

—“—

Only the lazy would delight in these

oversimplifications

First, “educated” and “elite” are not synonymous. Many educated individuals came from humble beginnings, and many who are critical of the government today worked hard precisely because they themselves came from nothing. Conversely, not all who are economically able take advantage of their means. It is true, too, that some of the learned misuse their knowledge to turn a blind eye to, or commit or support wrongdoing. There are no neat labels on these, and only the lazy

By Rommel Banlaoi

REPORTS of alleged “United Front operations” in the Philippines have raised concerns that cultural associations, business networks, and educational initiatives may be channels of Beijing’s influence.

While there is no doubt that vigilance is essential to safeguarding sovereignty, framing the issue through such a flawed narrative risks oversimplifying complex realities and undermining opportunities for constructive engagement between Filipino and Chinese communities.

Limits of the ‘United Front’ Lens

Treating Chinese-Filipino groups and associations merely as extensions of Beijing undermines their independence and disregards the meaningful contributions they make to the Philippines. Many of these organizations prioritize local concerns such as community welfare, education, and cultural preservation.

To view them solely through the lens of “United Front” operations is to deny their organizational and individual autonomy, while diminishing the genuine social capital they provide to Philippine society.

Chinese diaspora communities in the Philippines are far from monolithic. They are richly diverse, dynamically adaptive, and deeply rooted in the local contexts in which they live.

Economic Pragmatism Over Paranoia

The Philippines is actually benefiting significantly from the Chinese through investment, tourism, and trade.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority indicate that the People’s Republic of China (PRC) was the country’s largest supplier of imported goods valued at USD 3.92 billion or 29.7 % of the country’s total imports in April 2026.

Though exports to the United States comprised the highest export value amounting to USD 1.30 billion or a share of 18.0 percent to the country’s total exports in April 2026, China ranked second valued at $926.66 million representing 12.9 percent.

Tourism contributed 8.1 percent of GDP in 2025, amounting to ₱2.27 trillion, while inbound tourism expenditure totaled ₱698.46 billion, with China still among the top sources of foreign visitors. Chinese investment contin-

openly. It has sustained me through many difficult seasons, including the challenges of public life.

It has shaped my moral compass. It has reminded me that every position entrusted to us is temporary, every authority is held in stewardship, and every act of service is ultimately accountable before God.

People often say that faith makes life easier. In politics, I have experienced something different. Faith has made politics more demanding.

It continually calls me toward the harder path. It invites me to choose principle when convenience offers itself. It asks for restraint when emotions run high. It nurtures humility when recognition comes. It asks for courage whenever conviction carries a cost.

So here I am—an imperfect Christian who entrusts everything to the mercy of God.

Along the way, I have learned three lessons about living as a person of faith in politics.

would delight in these oversimplifications.

Second, is it Mr. Padilla’s intention to romanticize ignorance among Filipinos, as though educating oneself were an excess or a vice? It is one thing to be born without the wherewithal to put oneself through school. It is quite another to deliberately choose to remain uneducated despite the existence of opportunities to improve oneself.

Padilla is not the first actor who became a politician. They used to be seen as being out of their depth for the simple reason that their skills are a mismatch to the requirements of the job they are applying for. But they could choose to study as they go along. They could be humble enough to admit that they need to do better so they could be worthy of the people’s trust and of taxpayers’ money that pays their wages. Indeed, many have done this in varying degrees of success.

But to engage in smart-shaming is a suspect move from someone who should instead be advocating for better and more inclusive educational systems. To demonize those who demand accountability by asking difficult questions is a populist move to take advantage of the people’s sympathies and, yes, insecurities.

Padilla’s statements betray his lack of faith that Filipinos could do better, demand more from their leaders, and think critically and independently. The senator is insulting the role he had auditioned for.

‘United Front Operations’ and Chinese diaspora in PH

ues to rank among the top five sources of approved Foreign Direct Investment, supporting manufacturing, energy, and infrastructure. These figures highlight the vital contribution of Chinese communities to Philippine economic growth.

However, casting suspicion on Chinese diaspora business networks risks disrupting legitimate flows of trade, tourism, and investment that benefit the country.

To maximize these opportunities, the Philippine government should adopt a coherent policy that harnesses the economic potential of these networks while maintaining clear regulatory safeguards against undue political or security influence. Constructive engagement rather than alienation must inform public policy.

Chinese diaspora communities in the Philippines are far from monolithic

The Chinese-Filipino business community has long been a pillar of Philippine commerce, contributing jobs, taxes, and philanthropy.

To cast suspicion on them under the guise of “foreign influence” undermines their legitimate contributions and weakens a vital pillar of Philippine economy.

Cultural Exchange as Soft Power, Not Subversion Reports warn that cultural programs and language initiatives may serve as tools of indoctrination. Yet cultural diplomacy is not unique to China. Every country, including the Philippines, promotes its language and heritage abroad.

Filipinos who study Mandarin or participate in cultural exchanges are not surrendering sovereignty. On the contrary, they are acquiring necessary skills that can strengthen their competitiveness in a globalized economy where China is one of the major players.

Security Concerns Require Due Diligence Indeed, foreign influence operations exist.

First, conscience. Public service constantly challenges one’s moral center, where every choice carries weight and consequence. Faith shapes this inner compass, guiding decisions beyond mere legality toward what is truly just. It calls for discernment that considers the impact on others, especially those who are often unseen or unheard, and reminds us that integrity is measured not only by actions but by the intentions behind them. Second, compassion. Public life can easily become impersonal, turning individuals into numbers or categories. Faith brings back the human dimension behind every concern. Those in poverty are more than statistics—they are individuals with stories. Those who are poor, sick, or marginalized are not merely cases—they are surrounded by families who care for them. Young people carry dreams, older generations hold wisdom, and those at the margins deserve recognition. Compassion ensures that service remains grounded in genuine care for others.

But securitizing Chinese diaspora communities wholesale endorses stigmatization and perpetuates xenophobia.

The Philippines must, therefore, distinguish between imminent national security threats and normal transnational community activity. Blanket suspicion erodes trust and undermines integration. Due diligence, therefore, is essential. It requires intelligence-driven monitoring of specific risks, rather than broad-brush suspicion directed at entire communities.

National security should be advanced and strengthened without sacrificing social cohesion.

Conclusion Rather than viewing diaspora engagement through a zero-sum lens, the Philippines should pursue public policies strengthening regulations to ensure transparency in funding and political activity. Policies should also encourage inclusive dialogue between diaspora groups and local communities.

The Philippine government should strategically leverage economic partnerships with the Chinese to advance national development while ensuring the preservation of sovereignty.

At the same time, fostering cultural literacy must be treated as a core policy objective, as it equips citizens with the resilience needed to counter deliberate manipulation and external influence.

Chinese diaspora engagement should not be hastily dismissed as a sinister plot. It is actually a natural consequence of globalization. Carelessly framing it as a conspiracy is reductionism, indolently collapsing complex transnational ties into dangerous paranoia.

The Philippines can gain nothing from indulging in reflexive anti-Chinese suspicion. Instead, the nation can benefit more from cultivating balanced, transparent, and mutually respectful relations with Chinese communities both at home and abroad.

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

Third, courage. Faith strengthens the spirit and empowers one to stand firm in what is right, even when it comes at a personal cost. It encourages looking beyond short-term rewards or public approval, focusing instead on what truly matters. It reminds us that authentic leadership is rooted in authenticity and conviction, and that while people may judge outward actions, God understands the deeper intentions of the heart. Faith and politics inevitably draw me inward, reminding me of my own limitations and frailties, for human as we are, we are but works in progress. I know I am. Yet I also know that God continues to work through imperfect hearts willing to be formed by His grace. I found The Feast when I was at rock bottom. Years later, I still return to the same truth: God meets messy people, calls them by name, and sends them into the world to love and serve. That remains the journey I choose every single day.

US immigration agents linked to new fatal shooting

BIDDEFORD – A US immigration officer on Monday (Tuesday, Manila time) fatally shot a man identified by rights groups as a 26-year-old Colombian, an incident likely to fuel criticism of President Donald Trump’s deportation drive.

The shooting happened in Biddeford, a town of 22,000 people in the northern state of Maine, and comes a week after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent shot dead a Mexican

man in Texas. Maine’s attorney general’s office said initial reports suggested an ICE officer was “conducting an enforcement operation related to a final order of removal when the subject attempted to flee in a vehicle in the direction of the officer and was fatally shot.”

It said the agent would be placed on leave in line with protocol after policeinvolved shootings. The FBI earlier said it was also investigating.

Daniel Boucher, 71, told AFP he heard a “lot of pop, pop, pops” before seeing ICE agents pull a person from a white car with a bloodied head and face.

“At that point I clearly heard the victim say ‘I tried to stop,’ something to that effect,” he said.

“Then he was on the ground. I could only see the legs and the stomach, and at one point, I could see that his stomach stopped going, and I knew that he had expired.” AFP

Lebanon, Israel hold talks amid renewed ME clash

BEIRUT – Lebanon and Israel are holding new negotiations under US auspices in Rome on Tuesday, against the backdrop of a regional escalation between Washington and Tehran.

The two countries, officially at war for decades, reached a framework agreement on June 26, after five rounds of negotiations in Washington, aimed at ending the war between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah and paving the way for peace.

But Hezbollah rejects the agreement, which calls for the group’s disarmament and whose implementation is set to begin with Israeli withdrawal from two “pilot zones” in southern Lebanon.

The Lebanese presidency announced on Monday that its delegation to Rome had been instructed “to demand the immediate start of Israeli forces’ withdrawal from the two pilot zones before any further discussion”.

According to a Lebanese diplomatic source familiar with the content of the talks, “the Lebanese army is ready to gradually take control of the localities from which the Israeli army would withdraw”.

“Israel is willing to withdraw gradually,” analyst Orna Mizrahi of the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv told AFP’s Jerusalem bureau, but on the condition “that there will be no presence of Hezbollah in the areas that Israel is withdrawing from.” She added that Israel also seeks to ensure “that the Lebanese army will have the ability... to keep it as a neutralised zone and a neutralised place that Hezbollah cannot come in again.”

A US military delegation began discussions with the Lebanese army in Beirut on Saturday on the process for Israeli withdrawal from one of these “pilot zones.”

The framework agreement was concluded after a fragile ceasefire came into effect in the war between Hezbollah and Israel. AFP

Wrong place, wrong time: Turk cadet faces life in jail

ANKARA – On July 15, 2016, officer cadet Alper Kalin was about to leave his base in Ankara for a friend’s wedding when he was told to stay behind for an anti-terrorism exercise.

A few hours later, the efforts of a rogue military faction to overthrow the government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan would fail, and 34-year-old Kalin would find himself facing life behind bars. Ten years on, inside a flat in Ankara, his parents look through an album of photos of their last holiday together with their son, who is now 34. For Kalin, a trainee air force pilot who had been selected for F-16 training at Akinci base near Ankara,

sent to Akinci after basic training -- the only ones of the 60 to be snarled up in the chaos of the coup. AFP

TRAGIC FOOTNOTE. Police intervene as supporters of US President Donald Trump and of ICE gather at a vigil honoring a 26-year-old Colombian man who was fatally shot during an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation in Biddeford, Maine, on Tuesday, Manila time. A US immigration officer shot a man identified by rights groups as a 26-year-old Colombian, an incident likely to fuel criticism of President Donald Trump’s deportation drive. AFP

DEVASTATING WILDFIRE. Canadair CL-415 aircrafts of the French civil security perform watter-scooping maneuvers by skimming across the Seine river in Chartrettes, in the Paris’ Ile-deFrance region on Monday, following the forest fire in Fontainebleau Forest. The fire that broke out Sunday swept through 800 hectares of the Fontainebleau forest, southeast of Paris, ‘could’ have been ‘deliberately started,’ officials said. AFP

Leviste clinches 2 berths in ‘26 Asian Games

OLYMPIAN and Asian Games

medalist Marie Antoinette

“Toni” Leviste has qualified both of her horses, Lacoste 126 and Fanto, for the dressage competition at the 20th Asian Games AichiNagoya 2026, to be held in Japan from September 19 to October 4, 2026.

The equestrian events will take place at JRA Equestrian Park in Tokyo. Leviste achieved the required Minimum Eligibility Requirements (MERs) through FEI-recognized international competitions in Europe, highlighted by CDI Brno in the Czech Republic on June 5, 2026, and CDI Kronberg in Germany on June 20, 2026. Under Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) rules, each horse-and-rider combination must independently achieve the minimum qualifying score of 62 percent under international judging panels at FEI-recognized CDI competitions.

Securing the MERs gives the Equestrian Association of the Philippines (EAP) two eligible horse-and-rider combinations—Lacoste 126

Toni Leviste and the 11-year-old German Warmblood gelding Fanto compete at CDI Kronberg in Germany recently. Fanto was rescued from Ukraine after the stable where he had been kept was destroyed in a bombing in 2024. The pair secured qualification for the dressage event at the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026, with the equestrian events to be held at JRA Equestrian Park in Tokyo.

Marcos pushes schools’ athletic boost after visit to National Academy of Sports

By Charles Dantes

PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. directed the Department of Education (DepEd) to strengthen sports development in schools and help more young athletes access elite training, following his visit Tuesday to the National Academy of Sports (NAS) in New Clark City.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said Mr. Marcos wants more Filipinos to know that the government has a dedicated training facility where promising athletes from across the country can develop their skills while pursuing their education.

“Sabihin niya sa publiko na meron tayong pasilidad na gani-

and Fanto—from which to make its final selection on July 15. Leviste first represented the Philippines at the Asian Games in 1998 in Bangkok, with the equestrian events held in Saraburi, Thailand, and was a member of the Philippine team that won the silver medal in show jumping at the 2002 Busan Asian Games. She previously represented the Philippines at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, multiple FEI World Championships, and the FEI World Cup Jumping Finals before transitioning to dressage in 2023.

“Representing the Philippines has always been one of the greatest privileges of my life. Qualifying both Lacoste, my partner at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, and Fanto, a horse rescued from the war in Ukraine, for the Asian Games makes this achievement especially meaningful. I am deeply grateful to everyone who has been part

to. Kung meron sa ating mga kanya-kanyang lalawigan, kung meron tayong magagaling na atleta, pwede silang dito para talagang mahasa,” Angara said. (He wants the public to know that we have a facility like this. If provinces have talented athletes, they can come here to further develop their skills.)

Angara said the president emphasized that young athletes with potential should receive the same opportunities for quality coaching and support that helped propel Filipina tennis star Alex Eala to international success.

“Tulad na nahasa si Alex Eala, di ba? Dahil nabigyan siya ng tamang coaching, tamang suporta. Ganun din ang mensahe ni Presidente na yung mga potential natin, huwag natin sayangin, gamitin po natin,” he said.

(Just like Alex Eala, who developed because she received the right coaching and support. That is also the President’s message, that we should not waste our young talents but instead nurture them.)

He noted that the president welcomed the availability of a dedicated training venue for athletes, noting that many previously had to share facilities with the general public.

of this journey, and I now look forward to continuing our preparations and proudly representing our country once again,” Leviste said. The 2026 Asian Games will mark Leviste’s fifth appearance at Asia’s premier multi-sport event and her first in dressage.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Education Sec. Sonny Angara watch an exhibition of NAS students. Revoli Cortez

WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, 2026

SEA V Cup gets going Candon City

ELITE volleyball returns to the City of Candon as the top six volleyball nations in region battle for honors in Week One of the Southeast Asian Volleyball Cup (SEA V Cup) starting on Wednesday.

The core of the Alas Pilipinas squad who made waves at the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship in 2025 are back to lead the country’s campaign in the tournament at the state-of-the-art Candon City Arena.

The Philippines battles Cambodia at 5:30 p.m. at the start of Group B play of the event that carries FIVB world ranking points.

Thailand, champion in the first leg last year also in the City of Candon, plays in the curtain-raiser at 2 p.m. against Vietnam.

Myanmar makes its debut against Thailand on Thursday in the regional competition hosted by Candon City Mayor Eric Singson and supported by the Philippine Sports Commission and Philippine Olympic Committee.

PBA BEST PLAYER. Heroes were aplenty when Blackwater stunned Rain or Shine to open its campaign in the PBA Governors’ Cup. One of them was RK Ilagan (left), whose performance in the Bossing’s 131-108 triumph over the Elasto Painters at the Ynares Center in Montalban, Rizal netted him the PBA Press Corps Player of the Week for the season-ending conference. Ilagan had 22 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals.

Eala gunning for gold in Aichi-Nagoya Asiad

By Jeremiah Sevilla

DESPITE her hectic professional career, Alexandra Eala said playing for flag and country has always been in her mind. And it’s no different for the coming Asian Games.

The Filipina tennis star said she is eyeing to represent the Philippines in the 2026 Asian Games slated from September 19 to October 4 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

“Yes, Asian Games is in my plans,” Eala confirmed during a press conference on Tuesday hosted by one of her primary sponsors, BPI, as part of her homecoming-related events following her historic run in the Wimbledon Championships 2026.

Eala, who recently rose to a careerhigh No. 28 in the latest Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) rankings after a third-round finish in Wimbledon, said that donning the national tricolors gives her a sense of fulfillment that differs from the pro ranks.

“Well, it’s always an honor. I think it’s different when you play in the Southeast Asian Games, Asian Games, or Olympics. It brings a different vibe than when I compete in the WTA Tour,” the 21-yearold netter said.

“It’s always a joy when I have Pinoy teammates,” she added.

The 5-foot-9 lefty ace last suited up for the national team in the 2025 Southeast Asian Games, where she captured a historic gold medal that ended a 26-year title drought for the Philippines in the women’s singles event.

“SEA Games last year was an incredible experience for me. I had so much fun. So I’m really excited. I’m super motivat-

Alexandra Eala

ed. I’m gonna give it my best,” Eala said. Should her plans of joining the 20th edition of the Asiad push through, Eala emphasized that she is going for no less than the gold medal this time.

Eala came through with a resounding debut in the 2023 Asian Games in Hanghzou, China where she bagged two bronze medals in the singles and mixed doubles with Francis Casey Alcantara. Her singles’ bronze snapped a 57-year medal drought for Philippine tennis in the continental meet.

SJI keeps perfect record, One La Salle wins

CAERA Celis and Edz Escultura served as St. John’s Institute-Bacolod’s one-two punch in downing guest team Perfect Set Dream Makers, 25-16, 25-15, for a third straight win in the 2026 Shakey’s Juniors National Invitationals on Tuesday at the Playtime FilOil Arena in San Juan.

The Falcons remained unbeaten in three games and moved closer to claiming a spot in the Final Four of the tournament backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner, and R and B Milk Tea.

Celis finished with 11 points on seven kills and four aces to lead SJI-Bacolod’s offense while Escultura provided ample support with nine markers on five attacks and four service winners.

“It feels good to play against other teams from other countries. Siyempre taga-ibang bansaa sila kaya naga-adjust kami kasi iba ang sistema nila,” Escultura said after the Falcons’ swift 52-minute domination of the California-based Dream Makers.

“We’re grateful na nakalaban namin sila,” Escultura added.

SJI-Bacolod exploited Perfect Set’s spotty service receive by raining down 13 aces while outgunning the Dream Makers in attacks, 23-14. Perfect Set absorbed a third straight loss in as many starts in the weeklong competition supported by Jetour, Baic, Eurotel, Victory Liner Rent & Go, F2 Logistics, Summit Natural Drinking Water, PusoP. com and Smart Sports.

Victoria Anderson paced the Dream Makers with six points, all from spikes, while Nizmund Manalad added three.

Meanwhile, One La Salle collected a third straight win after sweeping Pusong Azul, 25-22, 25-19, to improve to a 3-1 win-loss record. Kylie Celada torched Pusong Azul with

16 points built on 14 attacks and two aces to power One La Salle within a couple of wins of booking a semifinal berth.

Antonella Jayobo got five markers and Aislinn Alemana added five for One La Salle, who pounded 30 attack points and received 15 free points off Pusong Azul’s errors.

Pusong Azul dropped its fourth straight game with two more matches left in the elimination round.

Jhenica Sadia was the lone bright spot for winless Pusong Azul with 10 points.

Juliana Peregrino scored six in a losing effort.

Action continues Wednesday starting at 1 p.m. All games in the competition, backed by technical partners Philippine Sports Commission, Commission on Higher Education, Mikasa, Asics, Rigour Technology and Team Rebel Sports, are available live and on-demand via PusoP.com livestream and Solar Sports.

St. John players celebrate. Roman Prospero

Clark Aerodistrict rises as world-class

airport city—LIPAD

By Darwin G. Amojelar

LUZON International Premiere Airport Development (LIPAD) Corp. on Tuesday unveiled the Philippines’ first world-class airport city, expanding its aviation operations into a fully integrated economic and business hub.

LIPAD president and chief executive Noel Manankil said in a news briefing that the company is developing the Clark AeroDistrict to position Clark as a leading hub for aviation, logistics, business and investment while driving economic growth for the country.

Anchored by Clark International Airport, the 759-hectare masterplanned development is designed to position Clark as the country’s future-ready center for aviation, logistics, business and investment.

The project aims to transform the airport into the heart of a connected ecosystem where aviation, commerce, logistics and everyday life converge, reinforcing Clark’s role as one of the Philippines’ key economic gateways.

Global infrastructure consulting firm AECOM masterplanned the development, which is located within the Clark Freeport Zone.

The project sits on governmentowned land with no right-of-way constraints and benefits from investment-friendly policies, streamlined business processes and one-stop investment services, making it an attractive destination for local and international investors.

The masterplan is divided into four development zones that will support aviation-related industries, cargo and logistics operations, commercial and mixed-use developments and future airport expansion. Planned facilities include dedicated areas for Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul services, General Aviation, cargo and freight operations, and future passenger terminal developments.

17 projects

Green lane approvals in first half Green lane projects approved

P351.02 billion

39,368 jobs

Employment expected

First-half green lane projects hit P351b

THE Board of Investments (BOI) certified 17 projects worth P351.02 billion under its Green Lane initiative in the first half of 2026 to fast-track approvals for strategic investments, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said Tuesday.

The certified projects are expected to generate 39,368 jobs, the DTI said.

Established under Executive Order No. 18, the Green Lane for Strategic Investments streamlines the approval process by providing investors with a single entry point through the One-Stop Action Center for Strategic Investments (OSAC-SI). This strengthens interagency coordination and expedites the processing of strategic investment projects across government. Renewable energy accounted for 14

of the 17 certified projects, or P349.38 billion, representing 99.53 percent of total project costs. The food security sector recorded two certified projects worth P980 million, expected to generate 102 jobs while strengthening the country’s agricultural productivity and food value chains.

Department of Trade and Industry

Secretary and BOI chair Cristina Roque said the Green Lane continues to reinforce the Philippines’ position as an attractive destination for strategic and

sustainable investments.

“The strong pipeline of Green Laneapproved projects reflects growing investor confidence in the Philippines and the government’s commitment to improving the ease of doing business. With more than Php351 billion in investments approved in the first half of 2026 and nearly 40,000 jobs expected to be generated, the Green Lane is proving to be a vital mechanism for advancing strategic investments that support economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development,” Roque said.

Data showed that from May to June 2026, the BOI certified three additional Green Lane projects.

Aragorn Power and Energy Corp.’s 50-megawatt Southwest Kalinga Geothermal Power Project, valued at P5.52 billion, and Cauayan Philippines Renew-

able Corp.’s Wind Energy Project in Negros Occidental, worth P4.76 billion, are both expected to contribute additional clean energy capacity once operational. The BOI also certified Una Grande Tierra Development Corporation’s P670-million industrial zone project in Pampanga, which is expected to strengthen the province’s investment ecosystem and support local and regional value chains.

Since the Green Lane’s implementation in February 2023, the BOI has certified 239 strategic investment projects with a combined project cost of P6.32 trillion, expected to generate about 421,000 jobs across renewable energy, digital infrastructure, publicprivate partnerships, infrastructure and water, food security, manufacturing and pharmaceuticals.

RC NOTICE OF VIRTUAL HEARING PAGE 2 OF 4

The Commission has set the instant Application for hearing, pursuant to the pertinent rules of the Commission, as follows:

Date and Time Platform Activity

12 August 2026 (Wednesday) at nine oÕclock in the morning (9:00 A.M.) Microsoft Teams

19 August 2026 ( Wednesday) at nine oÕclock in the morning (9:00 A.M.)

Determination of compliance with jurisdictional requirements and Expository Presentation

Pre-Trial Conference and Presentation of Evidence

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

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

1) The petitionerÕs name, mailing address, and e-mail address;

2) The nature of petitionerÕs interest in the subject matter of the proceeding and the way and manner in which such interest is affected by the issues involved in the proceeding; and

3) A statement of the relief desired.

ERC CASE NO. 2026-097 RC NOTICE OF VIRTUAL HEARING

Likewise, all other persons who may want their views known to the Commission with respect to the subject matter of the case may file

PAGE 3 OF 4 through e-mail at docket@erc.ph copy furnish the Legal Service through legal@erc.ph, their Opposition or Comment thereon at least five (5) calendar days prior to the initial virtual hearing and subject to the requirements under Rule 9 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; and

3) The grounds relied upon.

All interested parties

ERC CASE NO. 2026-097 RC NOTICE OF VIRTUAL HEARING PAGE 4 OF 4

Commission.

Finally, all interested persons may be allowed to join the scheduled virtual hearings by providing the Commission, through legal.virtualhearings@erc.ph,

(This space is intentionally left blank.)

ABOITIZ SCHOLARS. Mary Rose Esguerra, one of the beneficiaries of the Aboitiz Future Leaders scholarship program, pursues agribusiness at the University of the Philippines Los Baños, with the goal of helping Filipino farmers through sustainable agriculture. Since 2000, the Aboitiz Future Leaders scholarship program has supported over 1,200 scholars across the country and currently supports 273 scholars pursuing their college education. More than financial assistance, the program combines leadership development, mentorship, internships, and volunteer opportunities that prepare scholars not only for their careers, but also for lives of service.

San Miguel prices P30-b perpetual preferred share offer

By Jennifer B. Austria

DIVERSIFIED conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC) has pegged the initial dividend rates for its planned follow-on offering of up to P30 billion worth of Series 2 perpetual preferred shares, according to the company’s disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange Tuesday.

SMC set the initial dividend rates at 8.0401 percent per annum for the three-year Series 2V preferred shares, 8.3570 percent for the five-year Series 2W preferred shares and 8.6483 percent for the seven-year Series 2X preferred shares.

The company will sell up to 266.67 million preferred shares at P75 each under the offer, with an oversubscription option for another

133.33 million shares. SMC expects to raise gross proceeds of up to P30 billion if it fully exercises the oversubscription option.

The offer period will run from July 15 to 23, based on the latest timetable submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the preferred shares are scheduled to list on the main board of the Philippine Stock Exchange on July 31.

SMC said it would use the net proceeds primarily to refinance short-term loans that funded the redemption of its Series 2-I preferred shares in March, repay Series C and Series J bonds maturing in March 2027 and fund investments in airport and other infrastructure projects.

The company plans to allocate up to P6.31 billion to refinance short-term

PICKLE YARD. Mayda Maliwat, owner of Maliwat Pickle Yard, a modern pickleball facility featuring six pickleball courts for both beginners and experienced players, leads its inauguration on July 11, 2026 in Sta. Cruz, Laguna. She says the facility’s mission is to promote wellness, an active lifestyle and stronger community ties through sports. ‘Our advocacy extends from wellness to sports. When we keep our bodies fit, we become healthier. Pickleball is not just a game—it is a way to build unity, friendship, and stronger relationships within the community, says Maliwat. Roy Tomandao

Peso nears record low, stocks drop as ME tensions push oil prices higher

THE Philippine peso weakened to near a record low and the stock market slid Tuesday as renewed tensions in the Middle East pushed fuel prices higher and dampened investor sentiment.

The local currency closed at 61.71 against the US dollar, down from 61.60 on Monday, as trading volume reached more than $995 million.

The peso’s current level remains within the government’s revised foreign exchange assumption of P60 to P62 per dollar for 2026 to 2030, which reflects external developments and domestic headwinds.

The 30-company Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) also declined Tuesday amid lackluster trading, slipping 9.70 points, or 0.16 percent, to close at 6,256.02. The broader all-shares Index fell 3.29 points, or 0.10 percent, to 3,379.94.

Analysts said investors grew cautious after US President Donald Trump announced the reinstatement of a naval blockade on Iran, a move that raised oil prices and fueled speculation of higher inflation and interest rates.

“The local bourse ended slightly lower as investors remained cautious amid the ongoing US-Iran conflict and renewed gains in oil prices, which weighed on market sentiment,” Regina Capital Development Corp. head of sales Luis Limlingan said.

The holding firms index posted the biggest decline among sectors, falling 0.84 percent, followed by the property index, which dropped 0.35 percent. The financials index lost 0.16 percent.

The mining and oil index led sectoral gainers, rising 1.30 percent. The services index advanced 0.29 percent while the industrial index edged up 0.07 percent. Trading activity remained weak, with value turnover reaching P4.05 billion. Market breadth was negative as decliners outnumbered gainers 109 to 82 while 49 stocks were unchanged.

Foreign investors, however, were net buyers, with inflows totaling P230.3 million.

Analysts expect investors to remain on the sidelines while awaiting further geopolitical developments. Jennifer B. Austria

loans from BDO Unibank Inc, P6.02 billion to repay Series C bonds due in 2027 and as much as P17.44 billion to settle Series J bonds maturing the same year.

SMC said it may also earmark up to P5 billion for investments in airport and airport-related infrastructure projects, including developments linked to the New Manila International Airport project in Bulacan.

Bank of Commerce, BDO Capital & Investment Corp. and China Bank Capital Corp. will serve as joint issue managers for the transaction.

BPI Capital Corp., Land Bank of the Philippines, Philippine Commercial Capital Inc., PNB Capital and Investment Corp., RCBC Capital Corp. and Security Bank Capital Investment Corp. will act as joint lead underwriters and bookrunners.

THE National Development Company (NDC) said Tuesday it released an additional equity investment of P140 million to Manila Exposition Complex Inc. (MECI) to fund the expansion of the World Trade Center Metro Manila (WTCMM).

The state investment firm said its board approved the investment on June 3, 2026, and the funds were fully disbursed to MECI on June 29, 2026.

The expansion project carries a total investment of P3 billion, divided into two components: P2.60 billion for a hall expansion and P400 million for a high-capacity parking building. Commercial operations at the expanded facility are projected to begin in May 2028.

The project is expected to reinforce WTCMM’s position as the leading business and exhibition hub in the Philippines. The venue sits at the center of Metro Manila, the country’s main commercial and economic district, and provides access to government institutions, corporate headquarters and international transit hubs. The company said this location gives it a competitive advantage even as provincial exhibition venues emerge.

MECI, established in 1996, is the original owner, developer and operator of WTCMM and introduced world-class exhibition spaces to the Philippines.

The company holds a dominant share of the Philippine exhibitions market, with 70 percent of its revenue coming from repeat institutional clients.

WTCMM is the only exhibition venue in the Philippines accredited as a member of the Union des Foires Internationales, the global association of the exhibition industry. It also holds Premier Accreditation as a flagship center within the Asian region as part of an international network of more than 300 World Trade Centers.

NDC is a government’s investment arm and invests across industries to support inclusive growth. Under its Revised Charter (Presidential Decree 1648), NDC may undertake or join privatesector ventures on projects that carry high risk or that the private sector is unwilling or unable to pursue due to lack of funding or resources.

NDC operates as an attached agency of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Roque leads the agency’s investment mandate, in coordination with other government agencies.

BUSINESS

AirAsia PH ranks world’s fourth most punctual airline

By Darwin G. Amojelar

AIRASIA Philippines said it is now focusing on stabilizing operations to rebuild travel confidence after ranking as the world’s fourth most punctual airline, posting an on-time performance (OTP) of 92.96 percent in June 2026, according to global aviation data provider OAG Aviation.

The budget carrier’s June OTP marked a sharp improvement from 87 percent in May and represented its strongest monthly performance of the year.

AirAsia Philippines president and

general-manager Anna Victoria Lu said reliability remains central to the airline’s identity.

“Beyond offering affordable and accessible fares, reliability has always been at the core of AirAsia’s DNA. Despite the challenges faced by the aviation industry in the first half of the year, we’re proud of the operational progress we’ve made while continuing to provide safe, efficient, and customerfocused service,” Lu said.

“Our next priority is to stabilize operations so our guests and stakeholders can count on our continued commit-

GT Capital gets ‘A-‘ rating from JCR of Japan on strong business foundation

By Jennifer B. Austria

GT CAPITAL Holdings Inc., led by businessman Alfred Ty, has re-

ceived an “A-” foreign currency long-term issuer rating with a stable outlook from Japan Credit Rating Agency Ltd. (JCR), the company said on Tuesday.

The rating affirms the group’s strong credit profile, supported by the solid fundamentals of its diversified and robust business portfolio, GT Capital said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange.

JCR cited the company’s strong business foundation, stable cash flow generated by a well-balanced portfolio and a solid financial base, according to its report.

The agency also noted the market positions of GT Capital’s core businesses, including Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co., Toyota Motor Philippines Corp., GT Capital Auto and Mobility Holdings Inc. and Toyota Financial Services Philippines Corp.

GT Capital chief financial officer and treasurer George Uy-Tioco, Jr. said the rating could expand the company’s funding options and access to Japan’s financial markets.

“We are very pleased with the

results of the JCR rating as it is reflective of the Group’s resilience, sound fiscal position, and strong balance sheet,” Uy-Tioco said.

“As a conglomerate with longstanding global partnerships, GT Capital has cultivated enduring relationships with leading Japanese companies such as Toyota Motor Corporation, Nomura Real Estate, ORIX Metro and Mitsui & Co., among others. This rating further diversifies our funding sources and enhances our access to the Japanese financial markets,” he said.

GT Capital is one of seven Philippine institutions, including the national government, to receive a credit rating from JCR in 2026, the company said.

An “A-” issuer rating from JCR is an investment-grade assessment indicating a strong capacity to meet financial obligations.

JCR is one of Japan’s leading credit rating agencies, providing independent credit risk assessments for more than 60 percent of the country’s publicly rated issuers, including about 70 percent of the financial industry, and maintains recognized expertise across global financial markets.

ment to rebuilding travel confidence and bringing more people back to the skies, safely and on time,” she said.

The airline attributed its performance to strategic operational planning and coordination across several areas, including aircraft availability, proactive maintenance, efficient flight dispatch and turnaround processes, crew scheduling, coordination with airport and air traffic control authorities, weather monitoring and real-time decision-making. These measures allowed teams to respond quickly to operational challenges while maintaining safety and reliability, the airline said.

ERC welcomes probe on billing dispute policies

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) on Tuesday welcomed a legislative inquiry into its billing dispute policies but denied reports that it requires consumers to pay disputed bills in full before seeking relief from the commission.

The ERC said the inquiry forms part of the democratic process and falls within the legislature’s mandate to investigate matters of public interest.

“However, the ERC respectfully urges legislators and the public to examine the complete factual and legal record before drawing conclusions based on a misquoted, out-of-context statement,” the commission said.

An investigation premised on a mischaracterization of ERC policy rather than on actual evidence of wrongdoing would not serve consumers’ interests and risks diverting legislative resources from pressing energy sector issues, the ERC said.

The commission said it is fully prepared to appear before any congressional inquiry and present its full record on billing dispute resolution, adding that it has remained a steadfast guardian of consumer rights under the Magna Carta for Residential Electricity Consumers.

The ERC said it does not, as a matter of policy, require all consumers with disputed bills to pay in full before seeking relief from the commission.

“On the contrary, the MCREC, which the ERC is mandated to enforce, establishes a differentiated, consumer-protective framework that shields consumers from arbitrary disconnection while their complaints are being resolved,” the commission said.

The MCREC recognizes that not all billing disputes are alike and prescribes specific, tailored remedies based on the nature and cause of each billing complaint, the ERC said. It also encouraged electricity consumers with billing concerns to avail themselves of their rights under the MCREC without hesitation.

“The mere act of filing a complaint with the ERC automatically suspends any disconnection of electric service — without requiring the consumer to pay the disputed amount first. This is among the strongest consumer protections in the MCREC, and the ERC has consistently enforced it,” the commission said.

DigiPlus joins Brazilian responsible

By Jennifer B. Austria

DIGIPLUS Interactive Corp.

said Tuesday it has joined the Brazilian Institute for Responsible Gaming (IBJR), an industry group representing licensed betting operators in Brazil.

The IBJR confirmed in a statement that DigiPlus, which operates the BingoPlus, ArenaPlus and GameZone brands, is its newest member.

The organization said the addition supports its work in promoting

Regulator

responsible gaming and addressing illegal betting operations.

DigiPlus Brazil managing director Graham Tidey said joining the group aligns with the company’s expansion in Brazil, where it operates the BingoPlus brand.

“Bringing over 25 years of experience in the entertainment industry, we pioneered digital entertainment in the Philippines and are committed to replicating this success in the Brazilian market in a responsible manner and in full compliance with regulatory

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) said it is pursuing reforms to accelerate the adoption of demand-side programs such as net-metering and distributed energy resources, introducing faster approvals, lower costs and expanded access for electricity consumers.

The ERC’s draft framework aims to streamline administrative processes, remove technical and cost barriers and broaden consumer participation as the regulator scales up renewable energy adoption.

It said that as of June 30, the Philippines had 23,684 net-metering consumers with a combined capacity of 232 megawatt-peak and 181 distributed energy resource participants with 226 megawatt-peak, according to ERC data. The commission aims to significantly increase these figures under the proposed rules.

Net-metering enables electricity consumers to install eligible renewable energy systems and export surplus electricity to the grid, earning credits that offset future consumption. It provides consumer savings, strengthens distributed generation, enhances grid resilience and reduces dependence on imported fuels.

requirements,” Tidey said. DigiPlus started operations in Brazil last year but halted them to enhance its digital entertainment offering. The company plans to resume operations in Brazil within this year.

Aside from Brazil, DigiPlus is also looking to expand operations in South Africa.

The IBJR, founded in 2023, advocates for a regulated online betting market in Brazil and focuses on responsible gaming and efforts to curb illegal gambling operations.

“We are removing the barriers that have long prevented consumers from participating in the energy transition,” ERC chairperson Francis Saturnino Juan said.

“These reforms make it faster, more affordable, and more accessible for Filipinos to generate their own power, while ensuring that the system remains fair, reliable, and responsive to the needs of the public,” he said. Under the proposed rules, interconnection timelines for net-metering applicants will be cut to 10 working days from 20. The rules also enforce automatic or “deemed” approvals if distribution utilities fail to install bidirectional meters on time.

The framework allows digital submissions and e-signatures with full legal validity, eliminating notarization requirements to reduce processing delays and costs. To address affordability, the ERC said it will revisit the additional costs imposed for residential bidirectional meters. It will also recognize Certificate of Final Electrical Inspection receipts as proof of compliance if processing exceeds seven working days, in line

TAX CENTRIC. Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Charlito Martin Mendoza showcases the bureau’s taxpayercentric approach to developing the 2026 BIR Interactive Digital Tax Calendar and shares the lessons behind its development during the GovMedia Conference & Awards 2026 on July 9, 2026 at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Singapore. The conference brings together government leaders, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to exchange best practices and showcase innovative public sector initiatives.

By Darren P. Barrientos

WHAT began as a simple yoga class in Tagaytay has grown into a space where people reconnect—not only with nature, but also with themselves and each other.

For Nessa Redubla, 45, founder of the Tagaytay Mindfulness Yoga Club, creating a space for healing was never just about teaching yoga. It was about building a community where people can slow down, reconnect with themselves, and find support in one another amid the pressures of everyday life.

At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when uncertainty and isolation became part of everyday life, one yoga teacher found herself searching for the same thing many others were longing for: healing, community, and a sense of belonging. After moving from the crowded streets of Quezon City to the quiet surroundings of Tagaytay in 2020, she discovered that the city’s peaceful environment offered exactly what she had been looking for.

“I came from Quezon City where there are millions of people, and then I moved to Tagaytay where there’s so much nature,” she recalled. “Even inside the clubhouse where we held classes, you could feel the clouds, hear the breeze, and see the trees. It was exactly the kind of atmosphere that I wanted for a yoga class.”

The retreat’s beginnings were far from meticulously planned. An invitation to teach yoga at a now-closed vegan restaurant eventually led her to organize her own classes in a nearby clubhouse.

Mindfulness brings people together in Tagaytay

As pandemic restrictions eased in 2022, more people began looking for opportunities to step away from the city and reconnect with themselves.

“It just happened,” she said. “You kind of feel through it. You can sense what’s needed, and I tried to do what I can.”

Her journey, however, was deeply personal long before it became a community initiative.

Having struggled with mental health since childhood, she turned to yoga, neurolinguistic programming,

and Reiki as tools for self-healing.

Through years of practice, she learned that wellness is not about eliminating struggles altogether but becoming more aware of one’s own needs.

“I can’t say I’m 100 percent cured, but I can say that I understand now. I’m more aware when I’m not grounded, when my body needs movement, or when I need rest. It’s a continuous progress.”

Rather than keeping those lessons to herself, she decided to create a safe

Peace Corps welcomes 65 years of service, new volunteers

ON July 6, the U.S. Peace Corps in the Philippines welcomed 49 Volunteers and five Response Volunteers to Manila as the agency celebrates 65 years of service to Filipino communities, dating back to John F. Kennedy’s presidency. The Peace Corps’ 65th anniversary coincides with other major milestones in 2026, including the 80th anniversary of U.S.-Philippine diplomatic relations and the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence.

“For 65 years, Peace Corps Volunteers have lived and worked hand in hand with Filipinos, contributing to shared goals in education, environmental protection, and youth empowerment,” said Peace Corps Philippines Country Director Marguerite Roy. “This new batch will now become part of that story. We are excited to see how this newest group will learn from their host

communities while contributing their own skills and experiences.”

Representing the 283rd batch of Peace Corps Volunteers in the country, the 49 new Volunteers will serve for two years alongside partners in communities across the Philippines. They will co-teach English in public elementary and secondary schools, facilitate youth development programs with youth centers managed by the Philippine Department of Social Welfare and Development, and support coastal resource management initiatives with local government units. Throughout their service, they will integrate into their host communities, learn local languages, and implement projects that respond to locally identified needs.

Meanwhile, the Response Volunteers, representing the 56th batch, are highly

skilled professionals serving for 6 to 12 months. They will take on specialized, high-impact assignments in disaster risk reduction, emergency response, and environmental programs that strengthen the capacity of local governments and higher education institutions to address urgent development challenges.

The Philippines is the second oldest U.S. Peace Corps program in the world. Since 1961, more than 9,700 Americans have set an example of American excellence by serving alongside Filipino communities in support of Philippine government and community development priorities. This year, the Peace Corps is celebrating its 65th anniversary globally and in the Philippines, marking more than six decades of changing lives and transforming global communities through service.

AS industries adopt advanced

space where others could begin their own healing journeys.

Unlike many yoga programs that emphasize physical fitness, her retreats center on mindfulness and emotional well-being.

“When I decided to become a yoga teacher, I wanted to make sure the word ‘mindfulness’ was there because I wanted to be reminded that I’m doing it for mental health—not for fitness,” she explained. “We are not just a body. We are not just a mind. They work together hand in hand.”

For participants, healing often comes in unexpected ways.

Many arrive expecting relief through yoga, meditation, sound healing, or energy work. Instead, they discover that some of the deepest healing comes simply from listening to the stories of others.

“They thought they would get healing from yoga. They thought they would get healing from energy healing or the sound bath,” she said. “They didn’t expect that they would get healing from the stories of the other people who came.”

Through conversations shared in a circle, participants often realize that their struggles are not theirs alone.

“We’re all connected,” she reflected. “What we actually need is real people around us—people just like us.”

Beyond the retreat itself, she hopes participants leave with something more lasting than relaxation.

“The first thing I hope they remember is that they already have everything they need to get through life,” she said.

“You’re not gaining something. You’re remembering who you are.”

She believes many people unknowingly surrender their sense of control to circumstances beyond themselves, forgetting that meaningful change often begins within.

“If you turn toward yourself, everything goes back to you,” she said. “Once you begin understanding yourself, it affects all your other relationships.”

For those hesitant to join a retreat because of time, money, or responsibilities, she encourages them to trust their intuition rather than their excuses.

“You think it’s just a getaway, but it’s not actually an escape,” she explained. “It’s deep work. Once you take care of yourself, you become a better mother, a better worker, a better partner you become a better human being.”

Looking ahead, her dream extends beyond yoga classes or wellness retreats. She envisions building a genuine community where compassion, empathy, and mutual support become everyday experiences.

World Population Day highlights youth aspirations

AS the global observance of World Population Day on July 11 commenced, the Commission on Population and Development (CPD), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in the Philippines, and the Center for Health, Solutions and Innovations Philippines (CHSI) convened the Youth Aspirations Forum at Rizal Technological University recently.

The event brought together youth leaders, government officials, and advocates to address how the nation can better champion its youngest citizens.

Anchored on this year’s global theme, “Realizing the hopes and aspirations of young people for their futures,” the forum underscored the critical need to invest in the rights, well-being, and opportunities of young Filipinos as they navigate an increasingly complex world.

United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Philippines Arnaud Peral underscored the vital role of young people in shaping the

country’s future. “Young people are already leading the way. Their innovative ideas, leadership, and participation are helping shape a more inclusive and sustainable future. Our collective responsibility is not only to invest in young people, but to listen to them and work alongside them.” Peral said.

UNFPA Philippines Country Representative Neus Bernabeu emphasized the importance of creating conditions that allow young people to realize their aspirations.

“UNFPA’s latest Demographic Futures Survey, which gathered the perspective of more than 100,000 young people across 73 countries, tells us that young people know what they want for their futures, but many do not see their circumstances allowing them to achieve those aspirations. The challenge really is not choosing between a career and a family, but having genuinine opportunity to pursue both.”

U.S. Peace Corps Philippines welcomes the 283rd batch of two-year Volunteers and the 56th batch of Response Volunteers in Manila on July 6.

World Population Day 2026 Youth Aspirations Forum.

Photo by Kisha Beringuela A calming healing yoga session focused on balance, mindfulness, and self-care.

Nessa Redubla, founder of Tagaytay Mindfulness Yoga, sharing her passion for mindfulness and holistic wellness

SHOWBIZ

Cinemalaya charts new voyage for Filipino indie films

By Angelica Villanueva

THE Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival returns for its 22nd edition this August with a longer run, a new schedule, and a lineup of films that festival organizers said reflects the realities, dreams, and tensions shaping Filipino life.

Cinemalaya 22 will run from Aug. 6 to 18 under the theme “Real Reflections,” with screenings at Shangri-La Plaza’s Red Carpet Cinemas, Ayala Malls Cinemas, and Gateway Cineplex. The awards ceremony is set for Aug. 17.

Festival director Chris Millado said this year’s schedule was adjusted to allow more viewers to catch the films on weekends. Unlike previous editions that opened on a Friday and closed on a Sunday, this year’s festival will open on a Thursday and close on a Tuesday.

Cultural Center of the Philippines president Kaye Tinga said the theme celebrates cinema “as both an artistic medium and a mirror of society,” while continuing Cinemalaya’s long-running mission to support independent filmmakers and new perspectives.

Film Development Council of the Philippines artistic director Jose Javier Reyes made a sharper case for the festival’s relevance, saying Cinemalaya remains important because it gives young filmmakers a platform at a difficult time for Philippine cinema.

“We are at that very critical point in Philippine

cinema, but also it is not only a matter of persistence but a matter of existence and survival,” Reyes said.

He added that independent filmmakers continue to push local cinema forward by defying convention and thinking beyond familiar formulas.

The festival will feature competing full-length and short films, along with Philippine premieres, Gawad Alternatibo, talkbacks, book launches, and other activities.

Among the short films introduced were Gabriela Serrano’s Elenita, Elan, Elan , a nearfuture tropical sci-fi film about a Philippines where people can no longer dream; JT Trinidad ’s Honey, My Love, So Sweet , about a genderqueer child coming of age in a decaying Manila cinema; Mae Chan Li ’s Paraparaan , which follows a wheelchair user navigating barriers in a society where accessibility is not prioritized; and Lysa Catolico and Jazmine Gin Patena ’s animated short Runo , about a rescue aspin searching for her owner in a postapocalyptic Quezon City.

JAY-Z has exploded back onto the stage after years away from performing for three spectacular concerts in front of an adoring crowd of hometown New Yorkers, the last of which was blighted by delays.

Yankee Stadium in the Bronx was full to bursting as the three nights saw a galaxy of stars join the rapper on stage, including his wife Beyoncé, Rihanna, Eminem, Pharrell Williams, Alicia Keys, Usher, Nas, and Pusha T. The third concert on Sunday was marred by hours-long delays after organizers said hundreds of ticketless fans attempted to enter the venue, forcing security to temporarily close the gates. Ticket holders waited for hours, with some claiming they were never admitted.

Atasha Muhlach conquers stage fright for ‘Annie Batungbakal’ musical

ATASHA Muhlach admitted she nearly let her nerves get the better of her while auditioning for the title role in the upcoming stage production Bongga Ka ‘Day! The Annie Batungbakal Musical

The TV host and actress said the audition demanded weeks of preparation, including a dance routine and two Manila Sound songs.

“My nervousness was huge during the audition process,” Atasha said. “I was very nervous but eventually got excited when Direk Chris Millado asked, ‘Are you free tomorrow for callbacks?’ Everything kind of sank in. It felt like, ‘Hey, we made it!’”

The callbacks, however, proved even more daunting.

“It felt like the ring of fire because there were so many great, talented artists in the audition room. You could really feel the pressure and the nerves,” she recalled.

Despite the fierce competition, Atasha said the other aspirants remained warm and supportive throughout the process.

“Everyone was so, so sweet and so kind,” she said.

Now preparing for her legitimate stage debut, Atasha said she has found a second home with the production.

“I’m entering a new family, my Bongga Ka ‘Day! family, and everyone has been nothing but the best,” she said. “Meeting the

The full-length slate includes Gaston Celestino’s A.ni.mál; Ma-an AsuncionDagñalan and Abet Pagdagdagan Raz’s 2 Valid IDs; JL Burgos’ Ganggang; Mark Duane Angos’ football film Hand of God; Giancarlo Abrahan and Guelan Luarca’s Mag-iina; Alpha Habon’s Kaka sa Yawan; Vahn Leinard Pascual’s Status: Rejected; and David Corpuz’s Tayo Lang Ang Nakakaalam Cinemalaya Foundation president Laurice Guillen said the festival remains a journey shared by filmmakers, audiences, and the press. Reyes, addressing this year’s filmmakers, left them with a direct challenge.

“Be brave. Break rules.

Think Filipino,” he said.

Jay-Z took the stage shortly after midnight, apologized for the delay, and then delivered a hitfilled set that ended with his New York anthem, “Empire State of Mind.”

“Only a select few hip-hop artists could create enough demand to sell out a venue as large and iconic as Yankee Stadium,” Timothy Welbeck an African-American studies scholar at Temple University, told AFP

Although Jay-Z’s latest album, 4:44, was released in 2017, much of the tour celebrates classics such as Reasonable Doubt and The Blueprint, albums that helped define hip-hop.

Away from music, Jay-Z has built a business empire spanning sports, spirits, media, and fashion, becoming the first billionaire rapper, according to Forbes. Alongside wife Beyoncé, he remains one of entertainment’s most influential figures.

Back at Yankee Stadium, he kept the focus on the music, commanding the stage with little more than a microphone as thousands rapped every word with him.

After drawing about 140,000 fans across three sold-out shows, Jay-Z heads to France, London, and Los Angeles. Welbeck said the tour has also fueled speculation that the rapper could release a new album later this year. AFP

Shticks

Joseph Peter Gonzales

whole cast and production team has been a pure joy.” She also promised to give her all in portraying the iconic Annie Batungbakal.

“Everyone can expect that I’ll give my 100 percent,” she said.

Joining Atasha in the musical are Sparkle artists Anthony Rosaldo and Jeff Moses, whom she described as performers capable of delivering “A-1 performances.”

* * * AND speaking of theater, Kapuso star Barbie Forteza is also one who dreams of performing on the legitimate stage in the coming days.

“I have dreams to be in theater. I just need to gather more courage and confidence maybe,” she avers.

At this point, she’s just waiting for the right vehicle before plunging into it.

“I’m just wishing and hoping for a very good material that will be worth my time and energy. I’m aware that it takes a lot of rehearsals and all that.”

Does she have a specific dream role for this endeavor?

“Nothing comes to mind yet. But again, if something good falls into my lap, I will definitely do it.”

Barbie knows how meticulous theater production is.

“We only see the finished product, but the process of doing it is just finicky. I think that’s the area where I need to be prepared if ever,” she states.

Atasha Muhlach takes on the titular role in ‘Bongga Ka ’Day! The Annie Batungbakal Musical’ after an audition process she describes as nerveracking but fulfilling

Mark Duane Angos’ ‘Hand of God,’a football-centered entry joining the festival’s movie lineup for its August run

The team behind ‘Status: Rejected’ is part of Cinemalaya 22’s competition slate as the festival opens space for stories on rejection, resilience, and Filipino

Cinemalaya 22 presents its full-length finalists as festival organizers push for bolder work from independent filmmakers amid a difficult period for Philippine cinema

Cinemalaya 22 introduces its short film finalists as the festival returns in August with stories shaped by young voices, social realities, and new forms of Filipino storytelling

‘2 Valid IDs’ by Ma-an Asuncion-Dagñalan is part of this year’s lineup of full-length films for Cinemalaya 22

Jay-Z marks three decades of music with sold-out Yankee Stadium shows that draw major guest stars and thousands of New York fans

WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, 2026

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

Why ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ feels like a childhood dream come alive

IHAVE always had a weakness for anything and everything sweet, especially chocolate. As a child, every chocolate bar felt like it held the promise of fun adventures, and perhaps that was what drew me to Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

In my young mind, I couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like to be surrounded by chocolate: to walk beside a flowing chocolate river, taste candy straight from the source, and step inside a factory where imagination knew no limits. The 1971 film starred the late actor Gene Wilder, whose Willy Wonka was unlike any character I had ever seen: playful, mysterious, and impossible to figure out. But if I’m being honest, the

stars of the film for me were the OompaLoompas. Every time they appeared, singing their witty cautionary songs after another child’s misadventure, I was completely captivated. Their colorful costumes, synchronized choreography, and unforgettable melodies made them one of the highlights of my Willy Wonka movie-watching experience. Years later, director Tim Burton introduced me to a very different Willy

Iloilo Business Park

ILOILO Business Park is celebrating the first anniversary of its designation as Iloilo City’s Center of Arts and Culture with a month-long festival showcasing Ilonggo creativity through art, music, literature, architecture, dance, film, and food.

Dubbed Experience Iloilo City, the monthlong celebration features exhibitions, performances, workshops, film screenings, and community activities across the Megaworld township.

A centerpiece of the celebration is the unveiling and ceremonial lighting of Pagsinapol, a public sculpture by AR Sculptura, on July 17 at the Festive Walk Road Roundabout. The artwork symbolizes the convergence of people, stories, ideas, and aspirations, becoming a new cultural landmark in the township. The same evening, stars Gerald Anderson, Ejay Falcon, Kolette Madelo, and River Joseph of ABSCBN Studios’ Blood vs. Duty will appear at the Festive Walk Road Roundabout, joined by Ilonggo buskers and local musicians.

Visual arts take center stage throughout the month with exhibitions at Festive Walk Iloilo, including Diseño Iloilo with Tata Blas Pinuela, which showcases the designer’s pageant creations, and the Mundane: A Father

and Son Conversation photo exhibit by the Gilopez Kabayao Foundation.

Artist talks, a graffiti showcase, and the MEGA-Ani: The Great Harvest of Culture facade projection will also be staged.

Architecture and design will be highlighted through the Pinta Ciudad Arts Competition on July 23 in partnership with the United Architects of the Philippines Hamili Chapter.

The township is also hosting three large-scale art installations inspired by Iloilo’s heritage and natural beauty: Flourish: The Threads of Iloilo City’s Floral Diversity, Sailing Stories, and Bloom of Light: Illuminating Iloilo’s Floral Heritage, created by local artists and designers.

Music continues with Spill: The Music Festival on July 18, while literature events include a komiks workshop and the Iloilo Children’s Book Fair from July 29 to 31.

The program also features Haraya: An Ilonggo Cultural Show on July 27, presented with West Visayas State University’s TeatroTayo, and concludes with a July 31 screening of filmmaker Kevin Piamonte’s With Love, Bridgit at ILOMOCA

Complementing the cultural events is Taste of Iloilo, a three-day food festival from July 17 to 19 featuring local cuisine and regional specialties.

Wonka through his adaptation, featuring actor Johnny Depp. Gone was the quietly enigmatic chocolatier I had grown up with. Depp’s Wonka was more eccentric, socially awkward, and emotionally layered. His portrayal, with its quirky mannerisms, hinted at a lonely childhood and complicated family relationships. While it was a departure from Wilder’s interpretation, it offered a fresh perspective on the beloved chocolatier and showed how one timeless story could be reimagined for a new generation without losing its sense of wonder. I enjoyed both films for different reasons, but they have always represented two distinct versions of the same magical world.

Watching Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on stage for the first time felt less like revisiting either film and more

like rediscovering the story altogether.

Making its Philippine premiere at The Theatre at Solaire, the Broadway musical doesn’t try to imitate its cinematic predecessors. Instead, it embraces what live theater does best: turning imagination into something tangible before your eyes.

The familiar story remains intact.

Charlie Bucket, a kind-hearted boy from a struggling family, wins one of the five coveted Golden Tickets, earning him the chance to tour the world’s most mysterious chocolate factory.

What impressed me most was not simply the scale of the production, although there is certainly plenty to admire. The visual effects are cleverly integrated into the storytelling rather than existing solely for spectacle. Illusions appear effortlessly, the transitions are fluid, and the factory continually transforms, making it feel as though the audience is discovering its secrets alongside Charlie.

The production also understands the

importance of nostalgia. Hearing the songs “Pure Imagination,” “The Candy Man,” and “I’ve Got a Golden Ticket” instantly transported me back to childhood. For Filipino audiences, one of the evening’s highlights is actress-singer Karylle’s portrayal of Mrs. Bucket. She brought warmth and quiet strength to the role, reminding us that Charlie’s optimism is rooted in a family whose greatest wealth is their unwavering love for one another. Amid all the theatrical wizardry, those intimate moments provide the show’s emotional center. What makes this Manila production even more endearing are the subtle Filipino touches woven into the performance. Charlie’s respectful mano to his mother immediately resonates with local audiences, while one of the biggest laughs comes when Willy Wonka unexpectedly breaks into a karaoke favorite after Mrs. Teavee reveals her “poison” of choice. These small additions give the production a distinctly local heartbeat.

The ensemble deserves equal praise for sustaining the musical’s infectious energy throughout. Every performer adds another layer to Wonka’s whimsical world, creating a production as rich and satisfying as a wellcrafted box of chocolates.

Michael Dalke delivers a charismatic and delightfully enigmatic Willy Wonka, but the production’s sweetest surprise is young actor Oliver Wong as Charlie Bucket. With warmth, sincerity, and emotional honesty, Wong anchors the spectacle with a performance that never feels forced. Like the simplest piece of chocolate that becomes the most memorable, his Charlie reminds us that the story’s greatest magic lies not in the factory’s endless sweets, but in kindness and hope. Charlie’s sweetness beautifully balances Wonka’s bittersweet complexity, creating a partnership that lingers long after the curtain falls. Beneath the dazzling sets, elaborate costumes, and technical wizardry is a timeless story about believing that good things can happen. As the final curtain fell, I found myself thinking not about the spectacle, but about the child who first fell in love with this magical world. Some stories never lose their magic. They simply find new ways to make us believe.

Erikson Arcilla’s exhibit explores resilience, time, and beauty through limestone, moss, and orchids

ART Underground Manila presents The Longest Wait Makes The Prettiest Flowers exhibition by Quezon Citybased artist Erikson Arcilla that transforms weathered limestone, moss, and orchids into powerful meditations on time, survival, and beauty.

Opening July 21, the exhibit features oil paintings that capture an unlikely partnership between the harshness of stone and the fragility of flowers.

Arcilla’s works zoom in on the rough cracks of limestone, the soft layers of moss, and the delicate translucence of orchid petals, revealing a quiet battle between endurance and vulnerability.

The paintings tell the story of life taking root in places where it seems impossible to grow. The stone carries the memory of seasons endured, the moss slowly softens its surface, and the orchid emerges after years of waiting to bloom.

Throughout the series, Arcilla explores the idea that beauty is not born of ease but of persistence. The orchid is presented not as a decoration, but as a force of its own, shaped by its

environment while still maintaining its identity. The exhibit’s title captures its central message: that waiting is not wasted time but a process of becoming.

Arcilla, born in 1992, is known for using oil paintings to explore human emotions and translate feelings into visual form. He has mounted several solo exhibitions with Art Underground Manila, participated in Art Fair Philippines, and joined group exhibitions in Tokyo and Fukuoka. His works have also been included in the Lunar Codex, a digital art archive sent to the moon. Represented by Art Underground Manila, Arcilla’s latest exhibition runs from July 21 to Aug. 10 at the gallery’s space at 2/F Mabini180, 180 A. Mabini St., Addition Hills, San Juan. more information, follow @ artundergroundmanila on Facebook and

The festival features exhibitions, performances, workshops, and community activities, including the unveiling of the Pagsinapol sculpture

Artist

Erikson Arcilla’s ‘Quiet Violets’

‘At the End of the Long Wait’ by Erikson Arcilla

Glaiza Lee

Michael Dalke brings Willy Wonka to life in the Philippine premiere of ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ at The Theatre at Solaire

‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ combines nostalgia, local touches, and a timeless story of kindness and hope