Manila Standard - 2026 July 17 - Friday

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PBBM expands UPLIFT funding for 7.5m families as oil prices rise By Charles Dantes

efforts to help Filipinos cope with inflation linked to the continuing tensions in the Middle East. PRESIDENT Ferdinand US, Iran battle Meanwhile, the Marcos Jr. has expandfor Hormuz control Department of Transed the government’s portation (DOTr) is UPLIFT Assistance WORLD / A6 studying the possible Program to reach 7.5 Next page million households nationwide as part of

VOL. XL • NO. 153 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 • FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2026

‘VP trial may bleed into 2027’ Too many witnesses could derail 90-day timeline—Tongol

By Ram Superable, Joel Zurbano, Pot Chavez and Maricel Cruz

INVESTING MORE.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. meets with Singtel Group CEO Yuen Kuan Moon, Globe Telecom President and CEO Carl Cruz, and Ayala Corporation Vice Chairman Fernando Zobel de Ayala during his working visit to Singapore to discuss initiatives that will expand investments in the Philippines’ digital infrastructure and accelerate the country’s digital transformation. PCO

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HE impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte may run until the first quarter of 2027, impeachment court spokesman Reginald Tongol said, even as House lead prosecutor Gerville Luistro said she was personally aiming for the proceedings to conclude before Christmas.

• Luistro aims to end In an interview with trial before Xmas BNC, Tongol while a • Ping hits ‘irrelevant’ said 90-day estimanifestations mate has been set based on the pre-trial order agreed upon by both the defense and prosecution panels, the timeline could be extended as the court resolves various issues, including the issuance of subpoenas. “That 90 days is more of a preference and expectation, but the trial can go beyond that,” he said. “The calendar of the impeachment court may bleed into the 2027 first quarter if both parties don’t help to cut down on the number of witnesses. And the impeachment court cannot dictate upon them,” he added. Next page

Singapore’s Wong lauds Marcos for PH elevation to UMIC status By Charles Dantes SINGAPORE Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has congratulated President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on the Philippines’ elevation to upper-middle income country, describing it as a “respectable growth” milestone amid

challenges brought about by global uncertainties. Marcos met with Wong at the Istana in Singapore on Wednesday as part of his working visit to deepen cooperation with one of the Philippines’ key partners in Southeast Asia. In a press briefing Thursday, Palace Press Of-

ficer Claire Castro said Wong recognized the Philippines’ economic gains and expressed confidence in the country’s continued development. “The Prime Minister said the Philippines’ attainment of upper-middle income country status may be Next page

Palace says no politics in NBI SEA Games probe By Charles Dantes, Vito Barcelo, Pot Chavez and Rex Espiritu MALACAÑANG on Thursday defended the National Bureau of Investigation’s planned inquiry into alleged irregularities surrounding the 2019 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, stressing that the move was not politically motivated.

Cayetano submits answer to obstruction of justice rap NEWS / A3

IN QUESTION. File photo shows visitors taking photos next to the

controversial P50-m cauldron in front of the athletics stadium in New Clark City in Capas town, Tarlac on Dec. 2, 2019 during the Southeast Asian Games. The cauldron is part of the several infrastructure built which were later on the subject of an investigation due to alleged anomalies and that is now being revived by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). AFP

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said the NBI was merely performing its mandate to investigate reports of possible anomalies. Castro’s remarks came after Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Pia Cayetano criticized the planned investigation, saying it was intended to pressure senator-judges and divert attention from the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte. Next page

FINAL PORT CALL. The Japan Coast Guard (JCG) training vessel Itsukushima makes its final port call at Pier 15, Eva Macapagal Port, Manila, on July 16, 2026 following its 89-day Global Ocean Voyage Training before returning home. The Itsukushima is the Japan Coast Guard’s largest and most advanced training vessel. It serves as a floating ambassador for maritime security and international cooperation with 58 graduating cadets. Norman Cruz

Top US, Russia, China foreign officials expected in next week’s ASEAN meet By Ma. Katrina Mikaela Manubay

DEPARTMENT of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesperson for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Dax Imperial on Thursday said the department has received information that United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Russian Foreign Minister

Sergey Lavrov, and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi are among the top diplomats expected to attend next week’s ASEAN meetings. At a press briefing, Imperial said it remains unclear which specific meetings the officials will attend, as the ASEAN meetings will run for an entire week. Next page

Police arrest 3 of 4 suspects in murder of US marine scientist By Vince Lopez THE Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday reported the arrest of three of the four suspects in the fatal shooting of American marine scientist Dr. Kent Carpenter in Sibulan, Negros Oriental. PNP spokesperson Col. Allen Rae Co identified the suspects only by their aliases

“M.O.,” 26; “J.F.”; and “C.D.,” 21. They were arrested in Barangay Ajong, Sibulan, Negros Oriental, on Wednesday night. As this developed, PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. commended police units for the swift arrest of three suspects in the killing of American marine biologist Kent CarNext page

Russia Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio

China Foreign Minister Wang Yi

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‘VP... From A1 According to impeachment court presiding officer Senator Francis Escudero, the prosecution would first present evidence on all articles of impeachment before the defense presents its case, after which the court would deliberate and decide the case on an article-by-article basis following the parties’ formal offers of evidence and closing arguments. For Article 4 (grave threat and inciting to sedition), the prosecution only presented two witnesses, both officials of the National Bureau of Investigation, during the past two weeks of the impeachment trial. According to Tongol, the withdrawal of around six prosecution witnesses could cut as many as 12 hearing days from Article 4. He said the initial schedule assumed that each witness could occupy about

two trial days. However, he said the shorter witness list does not automatically mean the full impeachment trial will conclude earlier, as the prosecution could use the saved time for other articles, reserve witnesses or additional evidence. In a separate radio interview, Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian said his own count placed the possible length of the trial at around 102 hearing days, with only six days completed so far. “We are only on the sixth day, so there is still a long way to go,” Gatchalian said. Luistro, for her part, said she is hoping that the trial will conclude before Christmas. “I am personally aiming for the trial to finish before Christmas so we can all have a happy Christmas,” she said. She said the prosecution is reviewing its witness lists for the three remaining articles, adding that developments during the trial could still warrant the withdrawal of some witnesses or the

presentation of additional ones. As this developed, Senator Panfilo Lacson expressed frustration over certain manifestations deemed “obviously irrelevant” during the impeachment trial. Lacson said these distractions were testing the patience of observers, suggesting that even attendees in the gallery would likely support a motion to adjourn the trial when such irrelevant discussions continue for extended periods. “Day 6: A fellow senator-judge has jokingly asked me if he can move for the division of the house every time he feels annoyed by manifestations obviously irrelevant to the impeachment trial. I told him, a motion to adjourn will elicit more applause from the equally annoyed gallery,” Lacson said in a post on X. Over the weekend, the senator proposed measures to minimize delays in the impeachment trial, including having witnesses expected to testify during the week remain readily available within the Senate premises.

He said speeding up the trial does not mean compromising the presentation of evidence, but maximizing the limited time available to the impeachment court. Lacson added the Vice President is entitled to a speedy trial just like any respondent in an ordinary court proceeding. As this developed, National Bureau of Investigation Director Melvin Matibag said he will not be attending the anti-scam summit in Bangkok, Thailand in order to attend the impeachment trial next week. He said he is ready to answer tough questions, dismissing claims the NBI’s investigation into alleged irregularities in the 2019 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games is connected to his appearance before the impeachment trial. “Whatever question they want to ask, that’s part of the process – as long as it will not compromise my right and we are not going to be treated rudely. The questioning has to be respectful,” Matibag said. Matibag is scheduled to appear on Tuesday, July 21.

say may be used against them,” he said. According to Co, M.O. allegedly shot Carpenter, J.F. sexually assaulted the victim’s live-in partner, and C.D. served as a lookout. Co said J.F. had previously been hired by Carpenter and his live-in partner to do repair work at their home in Sibulan. “As to who ordered them, there appears to be none. It seems they came up with the plan to rob them. We do not yet know why they had to shoot him since we saw that the victim was just sitting on the couch,” he said. All three suspects now face robbery with homicide charges. The suspects allegedly entered Carpenter’s home while he was with his Filipina live-in partner over the weekend and shot him in the head. Carpenter’s live-in partner said she was sexually assaulted by one of the suspects and that several personal belongings were stolen during the incident. Nartatez praised the operating units that led to the arrest or surrender of the

suspects identified only as “M.O.,” the alleged gunman; “J.F.,” who allegedly sexually assaulted Carpenter’s live-in partner; and “C.D.,” who served as a lookout and later surrendered. “The swift arrest of three suspects reflects the dedication and professionalism of our investigators. Our work is far from over. Our priority is to complete the case by arresting the remaining suspect, ensuring all evidence is properly documented, and building a strong case that will secure the conviction of everyone responsible,” Nartatez said. One of the suspects had previously worked at the victims’ residence and allegedly used the opportunity to observe the property before the crime. Police are also investigating whether the suspects were involved in previous robbery incidents in the area. Authorities said there is no indication at this stage that the crime was connected to Carpenter’s work as a marine biologist or to his reported role in the Philippines’ 2016 South China Sea arbitral victory.

memorative activity marking the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC). Imperial said a joint communiqué is expected to be issued covering ASEAN’s political-security, economic, and socio-cultural engagements, as well as regional and international issues. Discussions are also ongoing on a document highlighting the treaty’s 50th anniversary and outlining ways for the treaty’s High Contracting Parties to deepen their engagement with ASEAN. “So please expect a document on how the High Contracting Parties can engage more with ASEAN. That’s also something we look forward to,” he said. The DFA official said six or seven new High Contracting Parties are ex-

pected to accede to the treaty, while 59 foreign ministers are expected to attend the high-level conference. The TAC, signed in 1976, is a legally binding agreement governing interstate relations in the region and beyond. Its membership has expanded from the five original signatories to 58 High Contracting Parties. The anniversary marks 50 years of the TAC as ASEAN’s code of conduct for interstate relations, emphasizing peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, non-interference, peaceful dispute resolution, and cooperation. On July 24, ASEAN will hold a signing ceremony for new treaty parties, followed by the first-ever high-level conference of the High Contracting Parties.

subsidies and fare hikes as fuel prices spike anew amid renewed conflict between the United States and Iran. In a video statement on Thursday, Mr. Marcos said the expanded assistance initiative will cover about 7.5 million households, equivalent to roughly 37.5 million Filipinos, and will be distributed through digital platforms to speed up the release of financial aid. “We have expanded the coverage of the UPLIFT Assistance to reach 7.5 million households, or approximately 37.5 million Filipinos nationwide. To ensure faster, more efficient, and more convenient delivery of assistance, it will be implemented through digital means,” the President said. “Amid rising oil prices and cost of basic goods, we will continue to act to ease the burden on every Filipino family),” he added. In a Palace briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said the broadened aid program was the government’s response to the economic effects of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has contributed to higher global oil prices. Under the expanded UPLIFT program, 3.5 million beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and the Walang Gutom Program will receive an additional P2,000 in financial assistance. Another 2.5 million poor and nearpoor households identified through the 2024 Community-Based Monitoring System will also receive aid. About 1.5 million low-income workers and their families listed in the Social Security System database will receive P2,000 per month from July through December. The Department of Social Welfare and Development will lead the implementation of the program in coordination with other government agencies. Castro said the government will use digital disbursement systems to ensure the assistance is delivered efficiently, quickly and conveniently to beneficiaries. She said the Marcos administration would continue implementing measures to shield vulnerable households from the impact of rising fuel costs and inflation, adding that the government remains committed to supporting low-income Filipino families amid global economic uncertainties. Prices of petroleum products such as diesel shot up and are seen to continue rising until next week. Castro said Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez has been tasked to look at the situation with a view to balancing the interests of the transport sector on one hand and of commuters and consumer on the other hand. “When transportation costs go up, so will the prices of products,” Castro said. “What the president wants is for nobody to be left behind. Everyone needs to work together correctly and in a balanced manner. So that is already being studied,” according to Lopez. Among those being considered is a petition by transport groups Pasang Masda to implement the P1-fare hike the President suspended at the start of the oil crisis. Castro cited Lopez as saying that this will be studied so the government can provide appropriate assistance to the transport sector. “But our assistance to the consumers will continue,” she said.

billion in allegedly unliquidated funds, the absence of competitive bidding in some projects, and the controversial P50-million cauldron. Castro said Matibag decided to pursue the matter after concerns about alleged corruption during the 2019 SEA Games were raised while discussing plans for the construction of an NBI Academy in New Clark City. “A person who has nothing to fear should never feel intimidated,” Castro said. Castro also addressed Cayetano’s suggestion that current Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon, who previously chaired the Bases Conversion and Development Authority, could be implicated in the SEA Games issues. She said Dizon had already been investigated by the Office of the Om-

budsman over the matter in the past and was cleared of any wrongdoing. Dizon on Thursday denied allegations linking him to the alleged anomalies, saying the issues involve the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC) and not the BCDA. Dizon said the unliquidated expenses cited in the controversy are under PHISGOC, a non-government organization responsible for organizing the games, and have no connection to the BCDA-built sports complex in New Clark City. The Office of the Ombudsman also on Thursday confirmed that the complaints filed against Dizon and three others over the construction of facilities for the 2019 SEA Games were dismissed nearly five years ago due to insufficient evidence.

Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said records showed the case involving Dizon had already been resolved through a joint resolution issued in December 2021. “Upon checking the records of this case, it appears that the case filed against Sec. Vince Dizon, etc. regarding the construction of the sports facilities for the 2019 SEA Games has been dismissed for insufficiency of evidence. This is contained in a joint resolution issued back in December 2021.”Clavano said. The complaint accused Dizon and at least three others of malversation of public funds and graft, alleging that the construction of SEA Games sports facilities bypassed public bidding. The Ombudsman, however, dismissed the complaints after finding insufficient evidence to support the allegations.

Singapore’s... From A1 considered a respectable growth milestone or steady development despite challenges brought about by the conflict in the Middle East,” Castro said. Wong also congratulated the Philippines on tennis sensation Alex Eala for her historic Wimbledon achievement, expressing hope that the athlete will become the first Southeast Asian player to win a Grand Slam title at the prestigious tournament. Both leaders recognized Eala’s accomplishment as a source of pride for the Philippines and the Southeast Asia. During the meeting, Marcos and Wong discussed expanding trade, promoting investments, advancing artificial intelligence cooperation and strengthening collaboration in health and social development. They also reaffirmed their commitment to pursuing new bilateral agreements and sustaining peace, stability, and prosperity in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Singapore will host the ASEAN Summit next year after the Philippines’ hosting. Meanwhile, Singapore telecommunications giant Singtel pledged to expand investments in the Philippines’ digital infrastructure, data centers and technology services following a meeting with President Marcos Jr. in Singapore. The meeting, held as Mr. Marcos wrapped up his July 14-16 visit, focused on strengthening the Philippines’ digital economy through continued investments in telecommunications, cloud computing, artificial intelligence and data center development. Singtel Group chief executive Yuen Kuan Moon, Globe Telecom president and CEO Carl Cruz, and Ayala Corp. vice chairman Fernando Zobel de Ayala briefed the President on the company’s expanding operations in the country, including the establishment of NCS Philippines, a joint venture between Singtel’s technology services arm NCS and Globe’s digital solutions company Yondu. According to the company, the partnership has expanded NCS’ Philippine workforce from about 150 employees to 1,200 professionals, boosting its capabilities in digital transformation, cloud computing and artificial intelligence services while creating high-value jobs. The executives also highlighted the expansion of ST Telemedia Global Data Centres (STT GDC) in the Philippines, including the operational STT Fairview facility in Quezon City and the ongoing STT Cavite 2 development. The projects are expected to strengthen the country’s digital infrastructure and support its bid to become a regional hub for data center and technology investments. Singtel also committed to further expanding its investments and operations in the Philippines through NCS, saying the additional investments would help enhance the country’s digital capabilities. Company officials said their continued expansion reflects Singapore’s sustained confidence in the Philippine economy and supports the government’s push to accelerate digital transformation, generate high-value employment and develop long-term technology infrastructure. The executives also reaffirmed their support for Globe Telecom as it continues to expand its network infrastructure to meet the growing demand for digital connectivity across the country.

NABBED. Mugshots of suspects in the murder of American marine scientist Dr. Kent Carpenter in Sibulan, Negros Oriental. PNP

Police... From A1 penter while ordering an intensified manhunt for the remaining suspect. “First was alias M.O., the gunman, 26, also a resident of Sibulan. Second is alias J.F., who allegedly raped and sexually assaulted the live-in partner. Third is alias C.D., who voluntarily surrendered and acted as the lookout. That’s why it became four. At first, we knew only three actually entered, but we are still looking for one with the alias ‘Eden,’” Co told reporters during a press briefing at Camp Crame. Co said the fourth suspect, identified only as “Eden,” remains at large. “We seek the public’s help in locating alias ‘Eden.’ Anyone with information is urged to report it to the nearest police station so we can immediately arrest this person. They were apprised of their rights under the Miranda doctrine, including their right to counsel, and were informed that anything they

Top US,... From A1 “We have information that Secretary Rubio will attend. Also, Foreign Minister Lavrov will attend. But as regards which meeting, we’re looking at a week-long meeting, and these foreign ministers are quite busy,” he said. Imperial also said foreign ministers from Australia, New Zealand, and India are expected to attend, while the DFA is still confirming the participation of other countries. The 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, Post-Ministerial Conferences (AMM-PMC), and Related Meetings will be held from July 20 to 23. The events will conclude with a com-

Palace... From A1 Alan Cayetano on Thursday dared the NBI to continue its investigation, with the Senate minority bloc to resume its probe into allegedly anomalous flood control projects in response. “This is our proposal to the NBI, Malacañang, and DOJ – investigate the Southeast Asian Games of 2019. Give it your all. We will support you totally,” he said in a Facebook live. “As for me and my colleagues in the minority, we will investigate the flood control anomalies. Deal?” Alan Cayetano said. NBI Director Melvin Matibag earlier said the bureau was looking into alleged irregularities in the hosting of the 2019 SEA Games, including about P10

PBBM... From A1

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ERC: Suspend disconnections until October By Alena Mae S. Flores THE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has extended its directive ordering distribution utilities to suspend customer disconnections for another 3 months, until October 2026, citing high electricity rates. The ERC issued the advisory implementing consumer protection measures under Executive Order No. 110. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued the order on March 24, 2026, declaring a state of national energy emergency due to the conflict in the Middle East involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. “All distribution utilities in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao shall suspend electricity service disconnections of residential and non-residential consumers in their captive markets for non-payment of electricity bills covering the period August 2026 to October 2026,” the ERC said. The regulator also directed utilities to implement staggered or deferred payment schemes to ease the financial burden on consumers. Households consuming 200 kilowatt-hours or less per month may defer payment of their bills and settle them on a staggered basis over at least three months. The ERC urged consumers who are capable of paying their bills to continue doing so. It also directed generation companies, PSALM, the National Power Corp., the National Transmission Corp., the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines, independent power producers, independent power producer administrators, and the market operator to extend the same deferred payment terms to distribution utilities.

PH Embassy warns Filipinos on heatstroke By Katrina Manubay THE Philippine Embassy in Japan on Thursday urged Filipinos to take precautions against extreme heat after Japanese authorities issued heatstroke alerts across 25 prefectures. In an advisory, the embassy said the alerts cover areas from Tohoku to Kyushu, including the entire Kanto region centered on Tokyo, which is under its first full-area heatstroke alert of the year. “The Embassy encourages all Filipinos in Japan to monitor the latest weather updates and heed the advisories of local authorities. Please stay safe and take the necessary precautions,” it said. The embassy advised Filipinos to watch for symptoms of heatstroke, including dizziness, headache, nausea, muscle cramps, confusion, and loss of consciousness, and to seek medical attention if these develop. It also urged the public to check on children, senior citizens, pregnant women, and people with underlying health conditions, noting that they are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. The embassy emphasized the importance of staying indoors whenever possible, keeping hydrated, and, when going outside, wearing light, breathable clothing and bringing water, wet wipes, or towels to stay cool.

LAVA CURRENTS. Sped-up footage and snapshots captured by the PHIVOLCS Quick Response Team and the Mayon Volcano Observatory show lava collapse-fed pyroclastic density currents on July 16 as Mayon’s effusive eruption continues for its 192nd day. Alert Level 3 remains in effect, and entry into the 6-km Permanent Danger Zone is prohibited.

Ombudsman receives Cayetano’s counter plea By Pot Chavez and Rex Espiritu

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HE Office of the Ombudsman has received the counteraffidavit of former Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano in connection with the preliminary investigation into an obstruction of justice complaint filed against him by members of civil society.

In a statement, the Ombudsman said Cayetano’s legal counsel sub-

mitted the counter-affidavit on July 15. The document forms part of the senator’s response to the complaint, which is currently under preliminary investigation. The Ombudsman said it is still awaiting the counter-affidavits of Cayetano’s co-respondents—Sen. Robinhood Padilla and dismissed acting Senate Sergeant-at-Arms PMGen. Mao Apalsca—before proceeding to the next stage of the investigation. “This counter-affidavit is in response to the ongoing preliminary investigation into the obstruction of justice complaint filed by members of civil society,” the Ombudsman said. Meanwhile, the Department of

Justice (DOJ) is still evaluating the complaint filed by the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) against Senator Robin Padilla for obstruction of justice. Justice spokesperson Mico Clavano said Thursday the matter “remains under evaluation and case build-up.” The case is related to the alleged flight of Senator Ronald dela Rosa, who is facing an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC). In May, the DOJ confirmed the filing of the complaint against Padilla and several others. Dela Rosa, whose whereabouts remain unknown, has yet to appear as a senator-judge in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

IN BRIEF DepEd enhances mental health plans via lifeline THE Department of Education (DepEd) is improving its framework for addressing students’ mental health concerns through its nationwide National Learners TeleSafe Contact Center Helpline (LTCCH). DepEd said Thursday the initiative goes beyond physical security measures such as attack drills, noting that these alone do not address the broader issue of school violence. “It is not enough to train students through drills for their physical safety. We must also ensure their mental and emotional wellbeing and make sure they have access to helplines and guidance in every school without fear,” Education Secretary Sonny Angara said. The #33733 helpline was launched on May 11 in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen students’ mental health and well-being nationwide. It is linked to the National Center for Mental Health Crisis Hotline, where learners can report bullying, abuse, violence, and other concerns affecting their welfare. Gabriel Oliva

Archdiocese of Manila to hold exorcism confab

MMDA ‘DISIPLINA’ CAMPAIGN. MMDA chair Don Artes, joined by Pasay City Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano, launches the ‘Yes to Ayos Disiplina’ campaign at Timoteo Paez Elementary School in Pasay City on July 16 to promote proper waste disposal and community discipline. Norman Cruz

Higher penalty for socmed ‘violence’ By Pot Chavez

SEA TURTLE RESCUE. Personnel from the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office-Manukan rescue, tag, and release a female green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) after it becomes entangled in a fishing net in Barangay Siparok, Jose Dalman, Zamboanga del Norte.

THE Supreme Court (SC) on Thursday announced a ruling imposing a higher penalty for psychological violence committed through social media. In a resolution, the SC’s First Division ruled that a statement in the criminal information alleging that psychological violence was inflicted through Facebook constitutes a sufficient allegation of the use of information and communications technology (ICT) as a qualifying circumstance. Citing the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, the High Court said such an allegation, if proven during trial, warrants the imposition of a penalty one degree higher. The Court explained that Section 6 of the law mandates a higher penalty for crimes and offenses committed using ICT because it enables offenders to evade liability, reach more victims, or inflict greater harm. The High Tribunal emphasized that for the higher penalty to apply, the use of ICT must be properly alleged in the criminal information and proven during trial. However, it clarified that qualifying circumstances, such as the use of ICT, need only be stated in ordinary and concise language and not necessarily in the exact wording of the law.

THE Archdiocese of Manila will hold a conference on exorcism next month to help Catholics better understand spiritual warfare through Church teaching and pastoral ministry. The conference, titled “Spiritual Warfare: How to Heal and Prevent Demonic Attacks,” is scheduled on Aug. 8 from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Mary, Mother of Hope Chapel on the fifth floor of Landmark Makati. The event will feature U.S.based priest Father Carlos Martins, an exorcist who has served in the ministry for nearly two decades. Organizers said Martins has faithfully served the Church through the ministry of exorcism, helping people encounter the healing and liberating power of Jesus Christ. Vito Barcelo

More than 2k new BJMP jail officers take oath THE Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) on Thursday held the simultaneous oathtaking of 2,226 new Jail Officer 1 personnel across all regional offices nationwide. The new officers were selected from 22,296 applicants who underwent the bureau’s recruitment and screening process. They were deployed across all regions, with the largest contingents assigned to the National Capital Region, CALABARZON, and Central Visayas. The newly inducted batch is composed of 1,794 males and 432 females. They will remain under the supervision of their respective regional offices before undergoing formal training at the National Jail Management and Penology Training Institute and its Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao campuses. BJMP said the intensified hiring program aims to strengthen jail management services for persons deprived of liberty by addressing the bureau’s manpower shortage. Vince Lopez

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Marcos taps AFP, PNP to help secure BARMM elections By Charles Dantes

TRIBAL REVELRY. Baguio City bursts into tribal celebration marked by traditional dance ensemble featuring bountiful harvest of heirloom rice varieties propagated by the highland folk of Mountain Province, in conjunction with the observance of Cordillera Day. Dave Leprozo

Speaker pushes comprehensive measure on nutrition program IN BRIEF House panel okays bill banning online spams THE House Committee on Information and Communications Technology (ICT) has approved a substitute measure on the proposed “No Call and No Text Registration System Act,” which aims to protect mobile or cellular phone (celfone) users and electronic mail (e-mail) subscribers from unsolicited digital communications. Committee chair Camarines Sur Rep. Miguel Luis Villafuerte said that before the sine die adjournment of the 20th Congress last June, the panel approved a still unnumbered substitute bill, while a Technical Working Group (TWG) had drawn up from four similar bills on safeguarding celfone and e-mail users against unwanted spam texts or calls. “The House ICT committee had passed a consolidated bill aimed at protecting consumers from unsolicited voice calls and text messages, giving them the freedom to choose their transactions, and guarantee their right to be left alone,” Villafuerte said. Maricel V. Cruz

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By Maricel V. Cruz

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S THE nation observes National Nutrition Month, House Speaker Faustino Dy III stressed the importance of investing in child nutrition, highlighting the House-approved National Nutrition Program and calling for its swift enactment as part of the country’s broader fight against child hunger and malnutrition.

The Speaker’s call comes as the latest survey by the Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) showed that child stunting in the country rose to 25.3 percent in 2025, underscoring the urgency of strengthening government nutrition interventions. Dy, one of the principal authors of House Bill 9466, said the proposed National Nutrition Program is among the priority measures identified under the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) and by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for urgent legislative action after it was approved by

the House of Representatives before the close of the First Regular Session. The measure expands Republic Act 11037, or the Masustansyang Pagkain Para sa Batang Pilipino Act, into a comprehensive National Nutrition Program that broadens school-based feeding and nutrition interventions to reach more Filipino children and other nutritionally vulnerable sectors. It covers all learners from Kindergarten to Grade 3, undernourished learners from Grades 4 to 12, nutritionally at-risk pregnant learners, children with disabilities, Indigenous learners, and other vulnerable groups. It also strengthens

maternal nutrition interventions, micronutrient supplementation, milk feeding, sanitation and hygiene programs, nutrition education, and support for local farmers and fisherfolk. In his National Nutrition Month message, Dy said every Filipino child deserves the opportunity to grow up healthy and realize his or her full potential. “As parents, grandparents, teachers, or simply fellow citizens, we have the same dream—that no Filipino child will go hungry and that everyone will have the opportunity to study, dream, and have a better future,” Dy said. The Speaker said the House has made it a priority to ensure that every Filipino child has the opportunity to grow up healthy, learn well, and pursue his or her dreams because nutrition is about more than health—it is about giving children the opportunity to succeed. “In the House of Representatives, it is our duty to ensure that every Filipino child has the opportunity to grow up healthy, learn well, and achieve his dreams. Because proper nutrition is not just a matter of health—it is a matter of opportunity, dignity, and hope for the future,” he said.

Manila bags int’l disaster management award THE city government of Manila has received an international award for innovative use of geospatial technology in disaster management. Mayor Francisco Moreno Domagoso personally received on Thursday morning the Special Achievement in GIS (SAG) Award conferred by Esri in San Diego, California. “We did not win this award by accident. This is the result of hard work, innovation, and dedication by our disaster risk reduction and GIS teams. I am proud of every single one of them,” he said. “This award belongs to the men and women of the Manila City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department, led by Director Arnel Eustacio Angeles, and to every member of the team who put in the work to make this possible,” Domagoso added. Pat Chavez

Solon seeks dismissal of erring MMDA exec DEPUTY Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio on Thursday called for the immediate dismissal of the head of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Special Operations Group – Task Force for Road Clearing. Tinio of ACT Teachers Party-list made the call following a viral video showing Gabriel Go apprehending a male teacher and subsequently posting the encounter on his personal social media page, despite standing orders from the MMDA leadership prohibiting such actions. “Go should be fired due to his repeated violations of his own agency’s directives. Suspension is not enough for an official who turns the abuse of our citizens—especially our teachers who serve the country faithfully—into ‘content’ for his personal social media page while on official time,” Tinio stressed. Tinio pointed out that Go’s behavior highlighted a deeper culture of arrogance and impunity within certain enforcement units. He noted that Go ignored the teacher’s plea not to post the video, showing a blatant disregard for the individual’s right to privacy and dignity in exchange for social media engagement. Maricel V. Cruz

DAWNING OF CONNECTIVITY ERA. The Department of Information and Communications Technology launches GovNet Ilagan, bringing free public internet access to the residents of Northern Luzon. DICT Secretary Henry Aguda leads the rollout at the Capital Arena, joined by Mayor Josemarie Diaz, Vice Mayor Jayve Diaz, and city councilors. Jessica M. Bacud

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has approved the deputation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, and other government agencies to assist the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in securing the first regular parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) on Sept. 14, 2026. Under Memorandum Order No. 48, signed on July 1, the President concurred with the Comelec’s request to deputize law enforcement agencies and other government instrumentalities to help ensure the peaceful and orderly conduct of the regional polls. The memorandum authorizes the AFP, the PNP, and other concerned government agencies to assist the poll body in performing election-related duties, in accordance with existing laws, rules and regulations. Mr. Marcos also directed the concerned agencies to coordinate and cooperate closely with the Comelec in carrying out their responsibilities before, during, and after the elections. The Comelec sought the President’s concurrence to bolster security and support to ensure “free, orderly, honest, peaceful and credible” elections. The BARMM parliamentary elections, scheduled for Sept. 14, 2026, will be the first regular election for the Bangsamoro Government since the autonomous region was established in 2019 under the Bangsamoro Organic Law. The polls will elect members of the Bangsamoro Parliament, which will in turn choose the region’s chief minister. The election was previously postponed to allow the completion of the region’s political transition and the inclusion of newly created special geographic areas into BARMM.

PH eagle recovers from gun pellets wound, says PEF MALAYBALAY City—A wounded Philippine eagle rescued near a river in Barangay Dalwangan here, is showing “clinical improvement” after treatment for severe maggot infestation and injuries consistent with gunshot wounds, the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) said in updated medical and rescue reports. The bird, named Sawaga Dalwangan after the river and village where it was found on July 3, was initially treated at the Provincial Zoo in Malaybalay before being transferred to Doc Bayani’s Animal Wellness Clinic in Davao City for comprehensive diagnostics and care. Veterinarians described its condition as “lethargic and weak” with down feathers matted by mud and debris and a “severe maggot infestation involving the base of the tail, resulting in extensive necrotic tissue around the tail base.” Radiographs taken at the clinic revealed two metallic radiopaque foreign bodies consistent with gun pellets, one lodged in the soft tissues of the right wing and another in the left pelvic limb. The veterinary team said those findings are consistent with a gunshot injury and will be monitored throughout rehabilitation. The rescue report recounted how local residents discovered the eagle being mobbed by macaques near the river and intervened to recover the bird. Responders noted that the eagle’s wounds, heavy soiling and dehydration suggested it had been grounded and unable to move for an extended period before discovery. The rescue update recorded that “the bird was weak, dehydrated, and heavily soiled.” Emergency treatment included wound cleansing, repeated debridement and maggot removal, subcutaneous fluid therapy, analgesics and nutritional support delivered initially by tube feeding. The bird received antibiotics and pain relief as part of a broader stabilization plan.

AFP open to dialogue to resolve concerns of Crow Valley people By Rex Espiritu THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday said it is open to dialogue to address the concerns of residents affected by restrictions around the Col. Ernesto Ravina Air Base, also known as Crow Valley, in Capas, Tarlac. AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said they are willing to resolve the issue through peaceful discussions, responding to Capas Mayor Roseller Rodriguez’s appeal for the military and the Department of National Defense to hear the concerns of residents whose livelihoods have been adversely. “We are not ignoring this, particularly when there are complaints that needed to be addressed,” Brawner told reporters. He said the AFP listens to the concerns of the communities it serves and remains committed to finding a peaceful solution.

“We will listen to the grievances and hopefully, we can resolve this concern together,” he added. The issue stemmed from protests by indigenous people and residents living near the military reservation after the Philippine Air Force (PAF) tightened access to the area. PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Christina Basco earlier said the restrictions were imposed to ensure public safety, noting that the Crow Valley reservation regularly serves as a live-fire training area during military exercises, including the annual Balikatan drills. “Live fire exercises are being conducted in that area, making it basically unsafe for the villagers there. That is why we ask them to leave whenever there is a live fire exercise going on. It has become some sort of a challenge, but we continue to plead for them to leave the area for their own safety,” Basco explained.

EAGLE RECOVERS FROM GUNSHOT WOUNDS. A Philippine eagle named Sawaga

Dalwangan after the river and the village where it was rescued, is reportedly recovering from gunshot wounds at a veterinary clinic in Davao City. When found, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources said the bird was lethargic and weak, with down feathers caked by mud and with severe maggot infestation at the base of the tail. DENR photo

OPINION

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FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2026

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EDITORIAL

Duterte-era bloody anti-drugs campaign still ongoing? DO extra-judicial killings or EJKs persist under the Marcos Jr. administration? That’s the contention of institutional watchdogs and leaders a decade after then President Rodrigo Duterte launched his bloody drug in in 2016 under the banner of “Oplan Tokhang,” a name created from the Visayan words for “knock” (toktok) and “plead” (hangyo) to describe the operations launched at the start of his term. Iglesia Filipina Independiente Bishop Felixberto Calang recently lamented the continuing climate of impunity and fear in communities which he claimed is a direct reflection of the government’s failure to hold the perpetrators of the drug war accountable. “When former President Rodrigo Duterte was hauled off to The Hague, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. should have put an end immediately to the extrajudicial killings under the pretext of the war on drugs,” he asserted. Meanwhile, Kusog Mindanaw. a multisectoral movement of Mindanao leaders, civil society groups, and peace advocates, has declared that they “continue to believe that lasting peace comes from protecting life, addressing the roots of violence, and strengthening communities through compassion, accountability, and dialogue.” Their concerns coincide with a new report from Human Rights Watch (HRW) released exactly a decade after Duterte launched his deadly drug campaign. According to the international rights watchdog, police and their agents continue to carry out EJKs with impunity under the current administration. Despite promising a “more humane” approach focused on rehabilitation, the administration has never officially repudiated the drug war policy or rescinded Duterte’s original orders, it noted. Community monitors cited by HRW claim that while the massive, loud raids of the Duterte era have faded, the tactics have simply evolved. “Tokhang never left. It’s just done in a different way now,” one monitor told HRW. “Since Duterte opened his bloody ‘drug war’ a (decade) ago, Filipinos are still being killed despite President Marcos’ promise,” said Lian Buan, HRW Southeast Asia researcher. “Marcos should declare an end to the ‘war on drugs’ and order investigations into drug-related killings by police and others,” she added. An independent monitoring by the Dahas Project showed that there have been 1,273 killings in the anti-drug campaign since Marcos took office in June 2022. Project Dahas is a running count of the reported drug-related killings in the Philippines by the Third World Studies Center of the University of the Philippines Diliman. For licensed criminologist Dr. Manuel Jaudian, the persistent violence is intrinsic to the nature of the campaign itself, comparing the Philippine experience to the historically bloody drug wars of Latin

America and Mexico. “Drug wars don’t have structured rules of engagement. The enforcers [have] only two choices: you die or the drug lords,” he explained. He also noted that the “humane” rehabilitation approach touted by the current administration requires significant logistical resources from local government units. In fact, domestic accountability remains paralyzed. Since 2016, only five drug war killings have resulted in the conviction of nine police officers, according to human rights monitors. Police now frequently operate in plainclothes and conduct operations in secret, leading to illegal arrests, planted evidence, and enforced disappearances, they noted.

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Without decisive action, the Philippines risks perpetuating a decade-old tragedy that the nation cannot forget A 2025 study by the Philippine Human Rights Information Center (PhilRights) corroborated these changing tactics, noting that while extrajudicial killings during police operations have dipped, illegal and arbitrary arrests have increased. Lawyers from the Initiatives for Dialogue and Empowerment through Alternative Legal Services (IDEALS) also reported handling recent cases of warrantless arrests where police refused to present mandatory body camera footage. The claim that EJKs persist under the current administration despite promises of a “more humane” anti-drug campaign underscores the enduring shadow of Rodrigo Duterte’s bloody war on drugs from 2016 to 2022. A decade after “Oplan Tokhang” was launched, the evidence presented by watchdogs, community leaders, and academic monitors suggests that the campaign has not truly ended but merely adapted its methods. This continuation raises serious questions about accountability, governance, and the state of human rights in the Philippines. What all this tells us is that the drug war is not merely a policy but a paradigm that prioritizes coercion over compassion, impunity over accountability, and fear over justice. Ending the cycle requires more than rhetoric; it demands structural reforms, genuine accountability, and investment in rehabilitation and community resilience. As civil society leaders remind us, security must never come at the cost of shared humanity. Without decisive action, the Philippines risks perpetuating a decade-old tragedy that the nation cannot forget. (Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)

Atty. Inday, a people’s lawyer A GOVERNMENT official can also be a people’s lawyer. I know one — Atty. Leovigilda “Leovy” V. Guioguio — who served indigenous peoples quietly all her professional life. Leovy passed to eternal life last June 22. But we in the community of practice of advocacy for indigenous peoples rights will not forget her. Leovy, also called Inday by her family and close friends. spent her life defending the country’s Indigenous Peoples. The nation’s voiceless have lost a faithful friend. She studied mass communication at the University of the Philippines. She earned her law degree at Ateneo de Manila. Her 1991 thesis examined children’s rights under Philippine law. That early scholarship revealed her lifelong conviction. The law must protect those standing at the margins. Otherwise it fails in its moral purpose. She carried this belief into decades of government service. She served as Attorney IV of the National Commission of Indigenous Peoples (NCIP). The NCIP protects Indigenous Cultural Communities and Indigenous Peoples. Its Legal Affairs Office defends their ancestral domains. Atty. Inday worked at the center of that mission.

Her most enduring case began with a single tree. In 2005, three Iraya-Mangyan men cut a dita tree. They needed lumber for a communal village toilet. The State charged them under the Revised Forestry Code. Diosdado Sama and his companions faced years in prison. Two courts convicted them despite their explanations. Atty. Inday signed their motion to quash in 2007. The NCIP defended them for over a decade. The case eventually reached the Supreme Court en banc.

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Rest well, Inday, friend of Indigenous Peoples In January 2021, the Court reversed everything below. Its ruling opened with two simple words. “We acquit.” The decision became a landmark victory for Indigenous Peoples. The Court affirmed the men’s identity as Iraya-Mangyan IPs. It honored their ancestral domain claim in Oriental Mindoro. Missing paper titles, it held, could not erase ownership.

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HE recent launch of the expanded School Based Feeding Program by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Education Secretary Sonny Angara at Pulilan Central School in Bulacan is a decisive step toward addressing one of the most urgent public health crises facing the Philippines: child stunting.

At a time when malnutrition continues to rob thousands of Filipino children of their potential, this initiative signals a government finally willing to confront the problem head on. The numbers tell a compelling story. The program will immediately benefit 775 learners, including all 294 Kindergarten pupils and 369 Grade 1 students, as well as acutely malnourished children from Grades 2 to 6. These are not abstract figures; they represent real children whose daily struggles with hunger and undernutrition compromise their ability to learn, grow, and thrive. By ensuring that the youngest learners receive nutritious meals at school, the national government is laying the foundation for healthier bodies and sharper minds. What makes this development particularly commendable is its focus on early intervention. Research consistently shows that the first 1,000 days of a child’s life are critical for physical and cognitive development. By targeting Kindergarten and Grade 1 students, the program recognizes that

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In fulfilling that promise, we take one step closer to a Philippines where no child’s potential is stunted by hunger Equally important is the program’s inclusivity. By extending meals to acutely malnourished learners in higher grades, the initiative acknowledges that the fight against stunting does not end at age six. It is a recognition that malnutrition is a persistent challenge requiring sustained

KHAN YUNIS, Palestinian Territories – Armed with paintbrushes and wearing surgical gloves, volunteers inside a large tent in Gaza delicately brushed dust from a stone mosaic before placing it into storage, part of an effort to preserve cultural heritage hit by war. More than 160 historic and cultural sites across the Palestinian territory have been damaged during the conflict between Israel and Hamas, according to the United Nations. Many of these artifacts date back thousands of years. “Several mosaic artworks have been lost or destroyed, either completely or partially,” said Mohammed Abu Lahia, a Palestinian visual artist taking part in the preservation efforts in the south Gaza city of Khan Yunis. “It is important that we work to revive this art, remind our children and our community, and send a message to the world that we are committed to our heritage and our Palestinian cause.” Beyond archaeological treasures, more recent cultural artifacts are also at risk of being damaged or buried beneath rubble from shelling and airstrikes. More than 90 percent of Gaza’s buildings have been damaged or destroyed during the conflict, according to the UN. Over the centuries, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans all left their mark on Gaza, creating a rich historical landscape of churches, mosques, ports and artefacts, many of which have suffered damage during the conflict. “This stone is a piece called a mortar, and it was used for grinding grains and herbs. It is approximately 5,000 years old,”

said Muhannad Abu Lahia, a cultural heritage guide with the Mayasem Association for Culture and Arts, the NGO leading the preservation efforts. Behind him, artefacts already catalogued for safekeeping were stacked on wooden shelves inside weatherproof plastic containers. Preserving the past With Israel maintaining tight controls over goods entering the Gaza Strip -- restrictions that have at times contributed to severe shortages of food and other supplies -- volunteers have had to work without professional conservation equipment.

Instead, they gently removed dust from mosaics using ordinary paintbrushes and built a makeshift scanning station by mounting a camera above a box lined with black craft paper. The improvised scanner allowed volunteers to digitize old photographs and paper documents, which were then uploaded to a computer for preservation. Not everything entering storage is ancient.

Many items date from the 20th century, including the late Ottoman period, the British Mandate and the Egyptian administration. Their owners sought to save them from destruction or loss after being displaced. “This is a paper archive containing maps of Khan Yunis and structural maps of the Khan Yunis area from the time of the British Mandate,” said 29-year-old volunteer Taghreed Hajjari. At one table, three women painstakingly rearranged hundreds of fragments to recreate a contemporary mosaic, using a printed copy of the original artwork as a guide and trimming excess stone with carpenter’s pincers. Many artifacts, however, remain beyond the so-called “Yellow Line”, which separates territory under Hamas control from areas held by the Israeli forces. Israel says it now controls more than 60 percent of the Gaza Strip, up from about half when the ceasefire took effect in October last year. Volunteers say retrieving artifacts from Israeli-controlled areas remains extremely difficult. Meanwhile, Hajjari said efforts continue to preserve everything still within reach, including documents that chronicle centuries of Gaza’s history. “We also have newspapers and documents here from the British Mandate and the Egyptian era until the arrival of the Palestinian Authority,” she said. “They were collected through visits and conversations with elderly residents. “We documented their oral histories so they can serve as a reference for future generations.” AFP

The State had issued them an ancestral domain certificate. The Court ruled this recognition already carried substantial rights. These included occupying, cultivating, and using the land. They could also benefit from its natural resources. Ownership had vested through possession since time immemorial. I teach Sama vs People as one of the most important human rights cases in recent memory. In this decision, the Court confronted legal history with rare honesty. It admitted Philippine law once demeaned Indigenous communities. Old statutes had dismissed them as uncivilized national minorities. For Atty. Inday, this vindication in Sama crowned years of quiet labor. Her name appears only in small procedural lines. Behind those modest lines stood a life of consequence. She appeared in other significant Supreme Court cases too. She represented Iraya-Mangyan respondents in Heirs of Binay v. Banaag. She stood for Tagbanua

communities in Lim v. Gamosa. That case tested NCIP jurisdiction under the IPRA. Sandiganbayan records show her testifying in People v. Astami. Everywhere, her work joined land, rights, and dignity. She defended Constitutional promises many Filipinos never see fulfilled. These cases rarely made headlines or brought wealth. They quietly shaped jurisprudence for generations to come. Her communication training gave her a rare professional gift. She translated cold legal language into plain, human words. Elders, farmers, and children felt their stories truly mattered. Her retainer fees were often baskets of camote. She returned from missions carrying native produce and joy. Her family teased her, but her happiness was unmistakable. She measured wealth in people served, not pesos earned. Faith anchored everything she did. She was a lifelong Legion of Mary member. Her devotion began in childhood in Pasay City. Family asked for her prayers

in anxious times. A colleague recalled she “served without announcing herself.” Cardinal Sin noticed her charity work in Manila. When Mother Teresa visited in 1995, Inday assisted her. She escorted the future saint around Manila. Law and prayer were never separate worlds for Atty. Inday. Both met in the same place: compassion. Justice, she showed, does not arrive in thunder. It comes through patient lawyers who refuse to leave. She was also a good daughter to Remedios and Lorenzo, who waited for her in heaven And a good sister to Reynaldo, Leonisa (✝️), Lorenzo Jr “Boyet”, Lourdes (✝️), Miguel, Lorenzo III “Gigi”, Leonora, Ramon, and Roberto. Her niece Kara happens to be my daughter in law, married to my son Rico. Saint Paul’s words fit her life perfectly. She fought the good fight and finished the race. She kept the faith until the very end. A crown of righteousness now awaits her. Rest well, Inday, friend of Indigenous Peoples.

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More than 160 historic and cultural sites across the Palestinian territory have been damaged during the conflict between Israel and Hamas

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malnutrition is not just a health issue but an educational one. A hungry child cannot concentrate, cannot absorb lessons, and cannot perform to their fullest potential. Feeding programs, therefore, are not charity but investments in human capital.

support. This holistic approach ensures that no child is left behind simply because they are older or already struggling with the consequences of poor nutrition. The symbolism of launching the program in Bulacan is also worth noting. Pulilan Central School will become a model of what can be achieved when national leadership prioritizes the welfare of children. It sends a message to communities across the country that the government is serious about tackling malnutrition, not through piecemeal projects but through systemic, school based interventions that can be scaled nationwide. Critics may argue that feeding programs are temporary solutions, but they miss the larger point. While long term strategies such as poverty reduction, agricultural reform, and maternal health are essential, immediate action is equally necessary. Children cannot wait for structural reforms to take effect; their growth is happening now, their brains are developing now, and their futures are being shaped now. Providing meals today buys time for broader reforms tomorrow. By nourishing children, the government is nourishing the nation’s future. Every plate of food served in Pulilan is a promise that Filipino children deserve not just survival, but the chance to flourish. And in fulfilling that promise, we take one step closer to a Philippines where no child’s potential is stunted by hunger.

Saving Gaza’s past, one artifact at a time

Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno

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WORLD

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FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2026

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US, Iran exchange blows in rekindled Mideast war

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EHRAN – The United States struck Iran and Tehran hit back at US allies in the Gulf on Thursday, as the foes battled over the vital Strait of Hormuz in the renewed Middle East war. The key oil and gas artery, which Iran insists it controls, is central to the rekindled fighting that has entered its sixth day despite the foes’ preliminary deal in June aiming to end the war. US forces hit Iranian military targets in multiple locations including coastal Bandar Abbas to “degrade Iran’s ability to threaten innocent mariners” in the Strait of Hormuz, Central Command (CENTCOM) said. Earlier strikes had targeted coastal defense and cruise missile sites on Greater Tunb Island in the Gulf, CENTCOM added. Iran’s official IRNA news agency reported explosions in several areas of the country on Thursday, including Lorestan in the west and Senman in the north, while air defences were triggered in parts of Tehran.

Soon after, US allies in the Gulf began reporting attacks, with Kuwait saying it intercepted Iranian drones and Bahrain sounding air raid sirens. At the heart of the renewed fighting is the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway crucial to global oil and gas flows. Iran blockaded Hormuz after the war erupted with USIsraeli strikes on February 28, using the waterway for leverage against its foes for months. The strait was briefly reopened after the US-Iran deal last month, before Tehran vowed last week it would be closed again “until the US ends its aggression”. Iran’s military said it targeted US military facilities in Jordan with drones, “in response to the enemy aggression”, state television IRIB said. Earlier, the US military said one of its aircraft fired on and disabled an empty oil tanker that was trying to break the naval blockade of Iran’s ports. In Iraq, Kurdish forces said the US-led coalition downed eight explosive-laden drones over Erbil, the capital of the northern Kurdistan region, where AFP journalists heard explosions and saw smoke near the US consulate. Hours later, Iraqi Prime Minister condemned the “drone attack” without identifying their origin. But despite renewed hostilities, mediated talks between the two sides have not formally ended. AFP

NIGHT STRIKES. This US Navy handout photo released on Wednesday and taken on June 30 by US Central Command Public Affairs shows the Carrier Air Wing 7 flying in formation over the USS George H.W. Bush in the Arabian Sea. The US launched strikes against Iran after it reimposed a naval blockade in a return to war between the two foes. Nearly a month after they signed a memorandum of understanding towards ending the Middle East war, the two sides resumed fighting with strikes on targets across the region. AFP

Over 500 feared dead in shipwrecks off Myanmar GENEVA – The United Nations warned Thursday that more than 500 people were feared dead following reports of two large shipwrecks off Myanmar since late June. The UN’s International Organization for Migration and its refugee agency UNHCR voiced alarm in a joint statement at reports “that two boats carrying more than 500 people may have capsized off the coast of Myanmar in recent days”. Preliminary information indicated that the two vessels in question departed from war-torn Myanmar’s Rakhine State in late June, with mainly members of the country’s mostly Muslim Rohingya minority onboard, the statement said. Some had reportedly traveled from the huge camps in Bangladesh’s Cox’s Bazar, where more than million Rohingya refugees who have fled from Rakhine live in

squalid conditions. The statement said that one boat, believed to have been carrying around 250 people, lost contact shortly after departure. A second boat, reportedly carrying some 280 people, is meanwhile believed to have sunk off Myanmar’s Ayeyarwady coast on July 8. “While the incidents and casualty figures have yet to be officially confirmed, UNHCR and IOM are gravely concerned by the potentially devastating loss of life,” the statement said. The UN agencies highlighted that the journeys “took place outside the regular sailing season, when maritime conditions are typically more hazardous”. “Recent torrential rain and flooding across the region have further increased the risks associated with such sea movements.” AFP

US wants to globalize fight against far-left terrorism WASHINGTON, DC – The United States is hosting an international ministerial meeting Thursday aimed at globalizing the fight against left-wing terrorism, which the Trump administration claims is on the rise. More than 60 delegations from Europe to Asia are expected to attend the event, titled “Resurgence of Political Terrorism” and chaired by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. “Far-left political terrorism is a real and transnational threat that has existed for decades but is now experiencing a resurgence,” Rubio was to say in opening remarks Thursday, according to a senior State Department official. Rubio sought to characterize left-wing terrorism as a result of “a unique evil rooted in a deep resentment towards civilization” that

“metastasizes into different ideological formulations,” according to his prepared remarks. “It is a revolt against civilization and those building or sustaining it.” However, data from a comprehensive 2025 report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) shows that while there has been a slight uptick in attacks from the left in the United States, there have been far more terrorist attacks by the right going back to 1994. “In recent years, the United States has seen an increase in the number of left-wing terrorism attacks and plots, although such violence has risen from very low levels and remains much lower than historical levels of violence carried out by right-wing and jihadist attackers,” it said. AFP

IN BRIEF Protests erupt across Ukraine KYIV – Large protests erupted in several Ukrainian cities on Thursday morning against the removal of popular Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. AFP reporters in Kyiv saw more than a thousand people gathered on a central square, singing the Ukrainian national anthem, waving Ukrainian and EU flags and chanting “shame” and “bring Fedorov back. Only appointed six months ago, Fedorov carved a reputation as a moderniser who tried to reform the Ukrainian military, worn down by more than four years of the Russian invasion. His removal risks throwing uncertainty into the army at a time when Ukraine in one of its best positions in the war for months, having halted the pace of the Russian advance and pounding Russian oil and military sites with long-range drones. Fedorov announced late Wednesday he was stepping down, saying it was a “great honour to serve the Ukrainian people,” amid a sweeping government reshuffle ordered by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. AFP

Israel to keep troops in ‘security zones’ JERUSALEM – Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz told his US counterpart Pete Hegseth early Thursday that Israel is determined to keep its forces in “security zones” it has carved out inside Lebanon, Syria and the Gaza Strip. In a statement, Katz’s office said the two men spoke overnight and the minister “emphasised Israel’s determination to remain in the security zones in Syria, Gaza, and Lebanon in order to protect Israel’s borders and the communities near the border from the threats posed by jihadist forces.” “We have never asked the United States to act in our place along our borders,” Katz said. His comments come days after US President Donald Trump asked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to pull Israeli forces out of Syria and Lebanon, according to US news outlet Axios. Citing a US official, Axios reported that Trump told Netanyahu the Israeli deployment was fuelling tensions in Syria. AFP

SPORTS

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FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2026

Messi not done yet after inspiring Argentina to final

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TLANTA—Lionel Messi has already won the World Cup, but the Argentina captain added another chapter to his astonishing career on Wednesday, inspiring his team to victory in their semi-final against England.

Lionel Messi

The defending champions were up against it, trailing to Anthony Gordon’s goal until the 85th minute in Atlanta before Messi worked his magic. This time the tournament’s all-time leading marksman did not score. But he teed up Enzo Fernandez for the equaliser and delivered the cross for Lautaro Martinez to head in the winner, sealing a 2-1 victory. “These are special feelings. I think the squad could feel it and this was a game the Argentine people really wanted to win, and so did we,” Messi, 39, said after facing England for the first time in his career. “This is still a special fixture.” He was not quite able

LFG, Alex! IT was in 2019, when I first met in person a tall 14-year-old kid with a ready smile, polite and very intelligent beyond her years. I was working at a telecommunications company at the time and was tasked with writing something about an upcoming tennis player who had already won a grand slam (French Open, girls’ doubles title). The interview was a breeze, with interesting answers to questions that I can no longer remember except for one. I asked her: What was the impact of her parents’ presence on every step of her young but promising career? She simply said she won’t be anywhere without them. Which is simply true. You see, in a country where sponsors are hard to come by, especially those who are struggling and yet to accomplish anything, it is really hard to make both ends meet. Just ask Hidilyn, Caloy and even Manny Pacquiao himself. Who was with them during the early days? Who supported them when they were struggling nobodies and had to make the most of what they had? Except probably those people who really believed them, who more often than not are their loved ones and families. In a rare but perfect alignment of the stars and perhaps the whole cosmos itself, our precocious 14-year-old was gifted with talent, passion, determination and the fortitude to fulfill her dreams even if it would mean being away from her family and loved ones for long spells. The upside, though, was meeting and learning from one, if not the best, tennis player of all time. In his prime, no one could beat him on clay. But the most important of them all, she was blessed with parents who, aside from their unconditional love, also had the means to support her with almost everything she needed. And loyal sponsors too, when it was not convenient and practical to do so. Again, unlike in other countries, our athletes only gain attention and support when they start to win and win big. So after seven years, I get to meet her again. The same companies that have been with her organized two events to welcome her back to the country. Unlike in our first meeting when we were just a few people then (Boss Ernest, Ma’am Rizza, Sir Mike, Ma’am Yoly, Jocel and two or three more people whose forgiveness I seek in advance for another senior moment), the meeting last Wednesday night was attended and watched by thousands inside a popular mall. The place was literally buzzing with positive vibes. The event was a success. Not only has our champion returned with several “firsts” and achievements under her belt, but she is also still the sweet, polite and ever-smiling kid I remember several seasons past. But taller, wiser and deadset on her goals. There were some random topics and other subjects discussed during the program, but this is the one I remember. “Maraming salamat sa suporta. Maraming salamat sa pagpupuyat, maraming salamat sa pagdadasal. I’m doing my best to make you guys proud and I hope, sana subaybayan niyo ako in my next matches and in my journey to come,” she said. No champ, we should be the ones thanking you. In a time when our country has been ranked one of the most corrupt, you have been our tower block, you made us proud when our politicians and leaders failed us miserably. Your triumphs, struggles and horizontal return have inspired the ordinary people to aspire for more, to dream big and to rise every morning to answer everyday challenges from traffic, lack of transportation, flooding, corruption, the cluster_uck of a _hitshow that is also known as the impeachment process and more. And it is not confined to the Philippines alone. You have given our overseas-based Filipinos something to rally behind in foreign and distant lands where most often than not, they were looked down upon by some because of our reputation and preconceived negative notions or worse, being regarded as nobodies. You make them proud to carry the sun and three stars, which in a million years has not happened before. From the grass courts of Wimbledon, the clay courts of Roland Garros and soon the hard courts of Arthur Ashe Stadium, you have rallied and made them proud to be Filipinos. Kami dapat ang magpasalamat. The meeting lasted only a few seconds, 15 to 30 seconds perhaps. Even if I wanted to say more, I just wished you good luck on your upcoming US Open campaign and you responded very kindly with sincerity that I saw in your eyes. Yes, it was brief, but it was enough to complete the circle that began on the uppermost floor of an iconic building located at 32nd St. cor 7th Avenue. Let’s freaking go, Alex! Stay safe. Stay happy peeps! For comments or questions, you can reach The Designated Kit Man at erel_cabatbat@yahoo.com or follow his account on Twitter: @erelcabatbat

to emulate Diego Maradona, who scored two iconic goals in Argentina’s 1986 World Cup quarter-final win over England. But he will settle for the two assists, and he has already emulated his legendary predecessor by winning the trophy four years ago in Qatar. Now, after Argentina maintained their incredible record of never having lost a World Cup semi-final, Messi will appear in a second straight final, and a third overall. The South Americans are aiming to become the first team to retain the World Cup since Brazil in 1962, and Messi, the sole survivor from the side that lost to Germany in 2014, will become just the second player after Brazilian great Cafu to appear in three finals. “It is crazy to be playing in back-to-back finals,” he said. Argentina had already staged a stunning late comeback to beat Egypt 3-2 in the same Atlanta stadium in the last 16, and they smelled blood as England sat deeper and deeper after going ahead. “Once again we managed to do the job when things were looking bad. We never stopped believing,” said Messi, who has now played a record 33 World Cup games across six different tournaments. For long spells on Wednesday his influence was limited, but that has often been the way with Messi and he was still able to drag his

team to victory. “I felt like for large parts of the game, we dealt with him really well. But as always with the most dangerous players in the world, when they have the ball in the final third, they can create something,” said England captain Harry Kane. “He’s done that again today. He’s obviously one of the best players ever for a reason.” Spanish reunion Messi is arguably the greatest of all, and there may no longer be an argument if Argentina successfully defend their title in Sunday’s final against Spain. Pele and Maradona only played in two World Cup finals while Maradona won the trophy just once. AFP

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FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2026

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

PH para paddlers bag silver, bronze in world tourney

Members of the Gilas Pilipinas U21 squad bite their gold medals as they display their championship banner. (FIBA)

By Randy M. Caluag THE Philippine para table tennis team collected one silver and one bronze medal at the ITTF World Para Future 2026 in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, providing a timely boost to its campaign for the 2026 Asian Para Games later this year.

Marie Manginsay

Jhona Peña led the country’s medal haul after winning the silver medal in the Women’s Class 7 Singles event, while Lhey Marie Manginsay added a bronze in the Women’s Class 9 Singles competition at the four-day tournament, which concluded on Thursday.

Gilas Pilipinas U21 squad wins FIBA 3x3 Youth Nations League T By Jeremiah Sevilla

Jhona Peña

The tournament, part of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) World Para Circuit, attracted para athletes from across Asia and beyond seeking valuable world ranking points and international competition ahead of major continental and world championships. Peña’s runner-up finish highlighted the Philippines’ campaign as she battled through the Women’s Class 7 field before settling for the silver medal. Manginsay likewise turned in a strong performance to secure a podium finish in the Women’s Class 9 Singles, reinforcing the country’s depth in the standing classes.

Senate lauds ENCORE’s Thailand win By Ram Superable A SENATE resolution was officially filed on Thursday by Senator Bam Aquino honoring the members of Team ENCORE for securing a historic victory as the first-ever champions of the Ragnarok Origin Classic Tyr Cup Grand Finals in Bangkok, Thailand. Under Senate Resolution No. 518, the senator extended his formal congratulations to the Filipino squad after their dominant 4-0 sweep against Team Poek in the championship series to claim the inaugural title. “Team ENCORE’s victory demonstrated the growing excellence and competitiveness of Filipino esports athletes on the international stage, showcasing the skill, discipline, teamwork, and perseverance necessary to succeed at the highest levels of competitive gaming,” said Aquino, chairperson of Senate Committee on Science and Technology. The triumph earned the Philippine team the grand prize of $500,000, along with custom Champion’s Medals and the official designation as Tyr Cup Honor Representatives. The championship roster consists of Julius “BanoobsDR” Mariano, Johnmar “SUN33V” Villaluna, Awie Angelo “AfyGDPS” Reyes, Edward Joseph “Yamato” Raymundo, and Angelo “DocxBR” Docosin. The competitive lineup is completed by teammates Joshua Dayne “WeeJOSHBR” Abrera, James Michael “Nasmi” Doron, Stephen Martin “WeeGetziiBR” Doron, Kyle Bernard “WeeYomiBR” Ante, and Michael Angelo “WeeFrzttBR” Luy. The lawmaker recently expressed similar support for Aurora Gaming PH following their championship run at the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang M7 World Championship in Jakarta, Indonesia.

HE Gilas Pilipinas U21 boys’ team took down Japan, 19-14, to rule the third stop of the FIBA 3x3 Youth Nations League Asia 2 and boost its bid to qualify for the U23 World Cup on Wednesday night at the Hextar World Empire City in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.

FEU star Cabs Cabonilas and UST standout Koji Buenaflor spearheaded the charge as the Philippines dropped an 8-0 bomb to seize a 17-8 lead with over two minutes left and virtually seal the win over Japan in the final. With the sweet Stop 3 victory, the Gi-

las Boys earned 100 points to increase their total to 240 and join Belarus at the top of the conference standings. New Zealand landed in third with 230 points, followed by Japan with 220, Singapore with 145, and host Malaysia with 140.

The top team at the end of the sixstop Youth Nations League is set to claim an outright spot in the FIBA 3x3 Under-23 World Cup slated for September in Wuhan, China. Cabonilas paced the Philippines in the final with seven points while Koji Buenaflor fired six markers, Adamson’s Earl Medina chipped in five and San Beda’s Jhuniel dela Rama added one. The national youth squad, which also features FEU’s Jedric Daa, turned back New Zealand, 21-16, and Singapore, 22-14, in the pool stage. Prior to Stop 3, Gilas Boys finished runner-up to Belarus for 80 points in Stop 1 then wound up fourth for 60

points in Stop 2. Meanwhile, the Gilas U21 girls’ team, bannering Cal State San Marcos’ Kristan Yumul, FEU’s Elaine Patio, Ateneo’s Alyssa Rodriguez, NU’s Marga Villanueva, and Adamson’s Nadine Muñoz, stayed at No. 5 in the standings with 170 points. The Gilas Girls ended up fourth in Stop 3 with a bounce-back 15-11 victory at the expense of Singapore following a 7-21 loss to Japan. The fourth stop of the FIBA 3x3 Youth Nations League takes place on Friday. The Gilas Boys battle New Zealand and Malaysia while the Gilas Girls clash with Japan and Malaysia in the pool phase.

Thailand rips Myanmar, cruises to SEA V Cup semis CITY OF CANDON—Thailand breezed into the semifinals of the SEA V Cup, dominating Myanmar, 25-15, 25-16, 25-19, on Thursday at the Candon City Arena. Nadapet Bhinijdee and Chaiwat Thungkham sustained their fine play as Thailand notched its second win in as many matches in Pool B play. After a shaky four-setter against Vietnam, the Thais came up with a strong performance against the rank outsiders, the Burmese, sealing the win in a little over an hour. Bhinijdee scored 17 on 13 attacks, two blocks and two aces, while Thungkham had 10 points on nine attacks and an ace as Thailand gets a day off ahead of the semifinals of the tournament presented by the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee and

the City of Candon headed by Mayor Eric D. Singson. Vietnam and Myanmar clash on Friday. Thungkham is pleased Thailand is finding its groove as it seeks to repeat its title romp here last year in the SEA V League. “We got three points today; we hit our goal,” Thungkham said through an interpreter. “We are very happy with these two games; this boosts our confidence for the next round.” Asian Volleyball Confederation Men’s Cup champion Indonesia plays against Alas Pilipinas and Cambodia in Pool A of Week One of the zonal meet. “We look at it game by game; we focus on just that. One game, one game, and then the next, until the final,” Thungkham said.

Thailand’s Thungkham Chaiwat scores against Myanmar’s Soe Kaung Kin and Htoo Saw Vitsatar.

Junior Tigresses sweep elims, claim no. 1 semis seeding UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas completed an elimination round sweep and locked the No. 1 seed in the semifinals after defeating erstwhile unbeaten St. John’s Institute-Bacolod, 25-17, 25-23, in the 2026 Shakey’s Juniors National Invitationals on Thursday at the Playtime FilOil Arena in San Juan.

Anelli Manzanillo played clutch in the closing stretch of the second set, scoring four of her team’s 5-2 finishing blow as the Junior Tigresses emerged unscathed after six starts in the elims of the tournament backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner, and R and B Milk Tea.

UST’s AndreaJ Tan Chun Bing keeps the ball alive. Roman Prospero

UST, which ruled the Shakey’s Girls Volleyball Invitational League (SGVIL) Rising Stars Cup Division 1 a couple of months ago, will take on the fourth-seeded squad in the knockout Final Four on Friday at the same venue starting at 4 p.m. Nicole Pelaez scored all her 10 points on attacks while Manzanillo finished with eight markers on four kills and four kill blocks to lead the Junior Tigresses, who have yet to drop a set in the weeklong competition supported by Jetour, Baic, Eurotel, Victory Liner Rent & Go, F2 Logistics, Summit Natural Drinking Water, PusoP.com and Smart Sports. “Natutunan po namin sa preliminaries na ito kung paano po talaga ibigay yung best effort namin para makuha yung isang puntos,” Manzanillo said. “Alam namin nag-training din yung ibang team so dapat maibigay din namin yung tamang galaw and best talaga na maibibigay namin na laro,” she added. UST encountered tough opposition from the Falcons in the second set and trailed SJI-Bacolod, 20-21, after a Kristel Mirasol hit. Manzanillo took matters into her

own hands and scored back-to-back kills before Pelaez smashed an attack for a 23-21 UST advantage. Eliz Menchavez committed an attack error that gave the Falcons a breather but Manzanillo answered with a kill block to put UST at match point, 24-22. SJI-Bacolod saved a match point on an error by the Junior Tigresses before Manzanillo capped the onehour, five-minute victory with a kill block against Caera Celis. The semis-bound Falcons saw their four-game winning streak snapped heading into their final elims match against Guam-based guest team Pacific Volleyball Academy, Inc. later in the day. Celis was limited to just seven points while Edz Escultura and Eileen Yanson logged in five markers each for SJI-Bacolod, which shot itself in the foot with 18 errors. 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.

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FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2026 extrastory2000@gmail.com RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor

Gov’t completes P1-b sale of Atrium of Makati units P1 billion

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Gov’t raises palay buying price

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Globe gets P10-b LandBank loan

HE Department of Finance (DOF) said Thursday its Privatization and Management Office (PMO) has completed the sale of government-owned units at the Atrium of Makati for P1 billion, adding to state efforts to convert idle assets into revenue for national development. The transaction covers 24 condominium units and 21 parking slots along Makati Ave. It lifted the PMO’s total collections to P1.87 billion in the first half of 2026, matching its full-year total for 2025 and exceeding its full-year 2026 collection target by nearly 150 percent. Finance Undersecretary and PMO chief privatization officer Michael Peter Alejandro and Sanpiro Realty Development Corp. president Jame Roy Villareal the agreement. Finance Secretary and Privatization Council chair Frederick Go said

the sale reflects the government’s commitment to generating revenue from underused assets. “This sale demonstrates our commitment to turn idle government assets into revenues that strengthen our capacity to fund priority programs and support long-term national development,” Go said. “This is really a great opportunity for us. Sanpiro, as the master developer, holds several units already and a certain percentage of the building. So naturally, since the asset is now up for sale by the government,

it is an opportunity for us and part of our long-term strategy to consolidate the ownership,” Villareal said. Finance Undersecretary and PMO chief privatization officer Michael Peter Alejandro said the office would continue pursuing similar transactions. “The successful sale of our Atrium of Makati units reflects the PMO’s continued efforts to bring idle government assets to the market through well-planned and competitive transactions. We will build on this momentum as we pursue other properties for disposition in the pipeline,” he said. The Privatization Council has also approved updated privatization guidelines to broaden the modes of asset disposition available, including the acceptance of unsolicited offers, giving the government more flexibility in managing state assets. The government also plans to privatize the Mile Long Complex, Food Terminal Inc. (FTI) and its shares in the South Luzon Expressway Corp.

Condo units sold

24 Parking slots sold Department of Finance Undersecretary and chief privatization officer Michael Peter Alejandro and Sanpiro Realty Development Corp. president Jame Roy Villareal sign an agreement for the sale of governmentowned units at the Atrium of Makati for P1 billion.

B4 ICTSI’s market cap hits record P2.02t, says PSE By Jenniffer B. Austria INTERNATIONAL Container Terminal Services Inc.’s (ICTSI) market capitalization climbed to a record P2.02 trillion on Wednesday, extending a rally that made it the first domestic company to breach the P2-trillion mark on the Philippine Stock Exchange. ICTSI shares closed at an alltime high of P999 on Wednesday, up from Tuesday’s record close of P2.01 trillion in market value. The stock also touched a record intraday high of P1,020 during the session. It settled at P990 on Thursday. Philippine Stock Exchange president and chief executive Ramon Monzon said the rally reflected strong investor confidence in the company’s leadership and growth strategy. “Doubling its market cap less than 10 months after breaching the P1 trillion market capitalization is nothing short of extraordinary. This performance speaks of confidence in the leadership of ICT chairman and president, Mr. Enrique Razon Jr., and in the strategic direction of the company as it continues to expand its global port and logistics operations,” Monzon said. ICT had previously hit the P2trillion market cap intraday on two occasions before this week’s close above that level, with shares reaching intraday highs of P995 on June 16 and P1,000 on July 13. The company first surpassed P1trillion in market capitalization on Sept. 17, 2025.

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Value of transaction

SM Prime invests P4.1b to open 325-room hotel in Xiamen, China XIAMEN, China—SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SMPH) has invested RMB450 million (about P4.1 billion) in its first hotel in China, expanding its presence in Xiamen as the company bets on the city’s growing tourism market. The property, voco Xiamen SM City, opened in June with 325 rooms and a direct connection to SM City Xiamen, the company’s first mall in the

country. The hotel sits beside Wushipu Station on Metro Line 1 and is about 15 minutes from Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport and Xiamen Railway Station, making it accessible to business travelers and tourists. SM Prime Holdings president Jeffrey Lim said the hotel marks a milestone in the company’s China operations. “voco Xiamen SM City is our first

hotel in China and it connects directly to SM City Xiamen, the first property we opened in the country 25 years ago,” Lim said. “With this investment, we are turning the complex into a complete lifestyle destination for tourists,” he said. The hotel’s opening comes as China steps up efforts to revive and expand its tourism industry, supported by rising

inbound travel, changing consumer preferences and government policy. China’s State Council this month approved a five-year tourism development plan through 2030 that aims to improve tourism services, expand tourism products, boost consumer spending and strengthen international cooperation. Jennifer B. Austria

BPI’s first-half profit slipped 0.4% to P32.8b By Thony Rose Lesaca

Cebu Pacific signs a wet lease deal with Vietnam Airlines, deploying an A320neo aircraft and crew to support the Vietnamese carrier’s domestic network through peak season, from July 15 to September 7, 2026.

Cebu Pacific wet-leases A320neo to Vietnam Airlines for peak season By Darwin G. Amojelar

COSMETICS EXPORTS. Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Roque meets with the Chamber of Cosmetics Industry of the Philippines (CCIP) officials to discuss strategies for strengthening the country’s cosmetics exports, improving global competitiveness and addressing industry priorities on innovation, standards compliance and market access. This reflects the government’s commitment to helping Philippine beauty and personal care products reach more international markets while creating greater value for local manufacturers and exporters.

CEBU Pacific said Thursday it signed a wet lease agreement with Vietnam Airlines, the flag carrier of Vietnam, providing an Airbus A320neo aircraft and operating crew to help the carrier meet increased travel demand during the peak travel season. The agreement covers the deployment of one Airbus A320neo aircraft powered by Pratt & Whitney engines from July 15 to Sept. 7, 2026. The aircraft will be based in Ho Chi Minh City and operated by Cebu Pacific pilots and cabin crew. Under the arrangement, the aircraft will serve Vietnam Airlines’ domestic network, operating flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Cam Ranh, Phu Quoc, Vinh and Da Nang.

“Vietnam and the broader Southeast Asian market continue to see strong growth in air travel, creating opportunities for airlines to collaborate more closely in meeting demand. As Cebu Pacific’s fleet continues to expand, we are well positioned to deploy our capacity where it is needed most, including through strategic wet lease partnerships during periods of lower demand in the Philippines,” Cebu Pacific chief financial officer Mark Cezar said. “This collaboration with Vietnam Airlines enables Cebu Pacific to broaden its role beyond passenger operations by providing operational support to airlines across the region. It also creates new opportunities to diversify our revenue streams while expanding our presence in one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets,” he said.

BANK of the Philippine Islands (BPI) said Thursday it posted a net income of P32.8 billion in the first half of 2026, down 0.4 percent from P33.0 billion a year ago, as higher operating expenses and provisions offset strong revenue growth. Revenues rose 12.4 percent yearon-year to P104.0 billion in the six-month period on the back of a 12.5-percent increase in net interest income. Non-interest income climbed 12.1 percent to P24.0 billion on strong fee income growth. Operating expenses reached P48.6 billion, up 13.8 percent, on higher manpower, technology and business volume-related costs. Provisions surged 84 percent to P13.3 billion amid a rise in expected credit losses tied to deteriorating macroeconomic conditions and outlook. Total assets climbed 9.6 percent to P3.7 trillion, while loans grew 12.4 percent to P2.7 trillion. BPI said the loan growth reflected sustained lending momentum across all segments. Institutional loans rose 8.7 percent while non-institutional loans expanded 21.2 percent. Total equity stood at P482.6 billion, which strengthened the bank’s indicative Common Equity Tier 1 Ratio to 14.0 percent. Its Capital Adequacy Ratio remained stable at 14.8 percent. BPI posted a return on equity of 13.8 percent and a return on assets of 1.8 percent.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Manila

Standard

TODAY

The Annexes of DAO 2026-34 can be accessed through this link and QR : https://tinyurl.com/DAO2026-34Annexes https://tinyurl.com/DAO2026-34Ann exes CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

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Gov’t raises palay buying price to P21/kilo T By Othel V. Campos

HE Department of Agriculture raised the National Food Authority’s minimum buying price for wet palay to P21 per kilogram from P17 per kilogram and ordered a temporary suspension of rice import unloading in Iloilo during the harvest season to strengthen farmgate prices. The higher procurement price will take effect with the September harvest,Manila while imported rice will not be Standard allowed to unload at Iloilo ports from TODAY mid-September until the end of No-

vember to prevent imported supplies from weighing on local palay prices during the peak harvest. “I’ve ordered the NFA to set the minimum buying price for wet palay

at P21 per kilo to help address the higher cost of fertilizer and other inputs. That is what I can do to ensure that you would earn a decent return from your hard work,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr. told farmers during the inauguration of a P355-million modern rice processing center in Dumangas, Iloilo. The twin measures are expected to reinforce the NFA’s role in supporting farmgate prices by expanding government procurement while easing competition from imported rice during the harvest season. Iloilo, considered the rice bowl of

the Visayas, produces about half of ities in Iloilo are expected to begin opWestern Visayas’ rice output and aceration before the October harvest, Tiu counts for more than 5 percent of naLaurel said, while a smaller processing tional rice production. center in Dumangas will eventually be The Dumangas rice processing centurned over to a farmers’ cooperative. ter can handle up to 4,800 50-kilogram The Iloilo facility is part of the NFA’s bags of palay a day and is equipped nationwide modernization program, with mechanical dryers that enable the which involves the construction of 36 NFA to buy freshly harvested wet palay modern rice processing centers to reduce directly from farmers. post-harvest losses, improve farmers’ inIts expanded storage capacity will comes and strengthen food security. allow the grains agency to absorb up Half of the infrastructure is expectCYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK to 12 percent of Iloilo’s projected hared to be operational during the curvest, strengthening its ability to stabirent wet season, with the remainder lize local palay prices. scheduled for completion before next Two more large rice processing facilyear’s dry-season harvest.

MARKETING TRIUMPH. Attlee Lau (left), commercial manager of URC Hong Kong, receives the Outstanding Marketing Award for the Jack ‘n Jill brand at the PARKnSHOP Super Brands Awards in Hong Kong. The accolade recognizes Universal Robina Corp.’s brand performance, retail partnership, and creative market execution in the region.

PSEi extends gains to 6,325 as Fed policy worries ease THE Philippine Stock Exchange index extended its climb Thursday, closing at 6,325.15, up 22.65 points, or 0.36 percent, as concerns over the Federal Reserve’s policy outlook continue to ease. The broader all shares index also rose 15.26 points, or 0.45 percent, to 3,413.71. “The local bourse stayed in positive territory as investors maintained a cautiously optimistic stance ahead of the corporate earnings season, already pricing in some second-quarter financial results,” said Luis Limlingan, head of sales at Regina Capital Development Corp. Limlingan added that buying interest in select blue-chip stocks helped keep the benchmark index afloat despite lingering external uncertainties. “Market participants also continued to monitor global developments and economic data for fresh cues on the market’s direction,” he said. According to Philstocks Financial Inc., the market’s upward trajectory came as the U.S. producer price index for June declined by 0.3 percent. “Trading was still tepid, however, with net value turnover at P4.71 billion, below the year-to-date average of P6.30 billion, as many investors remain on the sidelines,” Philstocks said. Foreign investors were net buyers, with net inflows totaling P195.39 million. Among the sectors, mining led the gains, adding 2.9 percent, while the services sector lagged, falling 0.23 percent. PLDT Inc. was the day’s top index gainer, climbing 3.86 percent to P1,238. Semirara Mining and Power Corp. was the main index laggard, falling 3.83 percent to P20.10. The peso also strengthened against the U.S. dollar Thursday, closing at 61.62 from 61.686 on Wednesday.

3-MW Camarines Sur solar project to power 1,900 homes By Alena Mae S. Flores

The Annexes of DAO 2026-32 can be accessed through this link and QR: https://tinyurl.com/DAO-2026-32Annexes

THE Department of Energy, together with Trademaster Renewable One Inc., the Camarines Sur IV Electric Cooperative, and local government partners, has energized a 3-megawatt-peak solar power project in Tigaon. The CASURECO IV Solar Power Project reinforces the government’s commitment to expanding renewable energy deployment while delivering more reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity across the province. Developed under Solar Energy Operating Contract No. 2023-07-674, awarded on July 20, 2023, the 2.42-hectare ground-mounted solar facility is expected to generate enough

clean electricity to power approximately 1,900 households annually. The project will strengthen the local power supply, enhance grid reliability, and contribute to the long-term energy security of consumers served by CASURECO IV. The facility, which is embedded directly into the local distribution network, is designed to improve service stability while reducing dependence on conventional generation and lessening exposure to volatile international fuel prices and external supply disruptions. The project will help deliver more reliable electricity to households, schools, health centers, government facilities, and local businesses throughout the cooperative’s franchise area.

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FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2026 extrastory2000@gmail.com RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor

Globe gets P4-b LandBank loan G By Darwin G. Amojelar

LOBE Telecom Inc. said Thursday it secured a P10billion term loan facility from Land Bank of the Philippines to support its capital spending program, refinance debt and meet general corporate funding requirements.

The Ayala-led telecom company said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange that it will use the

loan proceeds to partially finance capital expenditures, debt refinancing and other corporate requirements as it continues to invest in its network while maintaining financial discipline. Globe also secured a P5-billion term loan facility from BDO Unibank Inc. last month to partially fund its capex and debt refinancing. The company reaffirmed its fullyear 2026 cash capex guidance of below $1 billion, underscoring its commitment to balancing infrastructure investments with healthy cash flow generation. Globe spent P12.7 billion on capital expenditures in the first quarter of 2026, up 51 percent from the same

period last year. Capex accounted for 30 percent of service revenues during the quarter, reflecting continued investments to strengthen network capacity and support rising demand for digital services. Data-related projects accounted for about 91 percent of Globe’s firstquarter capex, highlighting the company’s focus on expanding digital infrastructure and improving customer experience nationwide. Globe said its capital investment strategy remains focused on building resilient and future-ready digital infrastructure to support the country’s growing digital adoption. The company said that continued investments in

network quality are aimed at delivering more reliable connectivity and enhanced digital solutions for Filipino households and businesses. Globe reported a net income of P5.6 billion in the January-March period, down 20 percent from P7 billion in the same period last year. Core net income, however, grew 9 percent year-on-year to P4.9 billion, although it declined 9 percent quarteron-quarter. The company logged P42 billion in consolidated gross service revenues in the first three months of 2026, up 5 percent year-on-year, with a sequential decline compared with the seasonally stronger fourth quarter, which was also an all-time high.

LWUA loans to water districts reached P31.74b as of April 2026 By Othel V. Campos THE Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) has released P31.74 billion in loans as of April 2026 to help local water districts expand access to safe water, upgrade aging infrastructure and improve service reliability nationwide. Cumulative loan releases have increased by more than P2.6 billion since 2024, LWUA said, reflecting efforts to help water districts develop new water sources, expand distribution networks, rehabilitate facilities and meet rising demand. “Every local water district has the potential to do more for the communities it serves. Our role at LWUA is to provide the financing and support that help turn those opportunities into reality,” LWUA administrator Jose Moises Salonga said. The financing has supported 114 completed infrastructure projects nationwide, including source development and network expansion projects that have improved water access for households, businesses and public institutions while strengthening long-term water security, the agency said. Local water districts under LWUA’s supervision now serve about 24.8 million Filipinos through roughly 6.06 million service connections, LWUA said. The agency also cited operational gains, particularly in reducing nonrevenue water (NRW), or treated water lost through leaks, theft and other inefficiencies. It said that as of December 2025, 61 of 117 water districts in Mindanao had improved their NRW performance, with 29 bringing losses below the 20 percent benchmark. Nationwide, 149 water districts have maintained NRW levels of 20 percent or lower.

Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) administrator Jose Moises Salonga (seated, third from right) meets with Metro Siquijor Water District officials to finalize a financial package rehabilitating the latter’s water system. In 2025, LWUA helped ensure the operations of water pumps in Siquijor, which has been suffering from extended power blackouts, by providing much-needed power generators. The LWUA says it has released nearly P32 billion in cumulative loans, helping local water districts across the nation improve and expand water access in far more communities than before.

Singtel invests P1.87b in unit NCS Philippines By Othel V. Campos SINGTEL Group is investing P1.87 billion ($30 million) to expand NCS Philippines, its joint venture with Globe Telecom’s digital solutions arm Yondu, as the Singapore-based telecom group deepens its technology footprint in the country. The joint venture has grown its local workforce from 150 to more than 1,200 professionals, strengthening the Philippines’ capabilities in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data analytics and software engineering. The expansion positions the Philippines as a key delivery hub for global technology services. Singtel announced the investment during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s working visit to Singapore, where he met with Singtel Group chief executive Yuen Kuan Moon, Globe Telecom president and chief executive Carl Cruz and Ayala Corp. vice chairman Fernando Zobel de Ayala. During the meeting, Singtel reaffirmed its support for Globe Telecom’s investments in digital infrastructure to help drive the country’s expanding digital economy. Singtel said NCS Philippines is focused on developing Filipino technology professionals in high-demand fields such as AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, data analytics and software engineering, supporting the government’s push to build a globally competitive digital workforce. Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Roque welcomed the expansion, saying Singtel’s continued investment reflects strong confidence among Singaporean investors in the Philippine economy. “We highly value Singtel’s continued trust and investment in the Philippines. The growth of NCS Philippines from a boutique team to a 1,200-strong tech workforce is a prime example of how international partnerships can create high-value, quality jobs for our IT professionals. The DTI remains fully committed to supporting Singtel and its partners as they drive digital transformation and technological innovation in the country,” she said.

PH lifts ban on livestock imports from Hungary after FMD-free status restored THE Department of Agriculture said Thursday it lifted a temporary ban on the imports of foot-and-mouth diseasesusceptible animals and related products from Hungary, reopening a potential source of livestock and meat supplies after international animal health authorities restored the European country’s diseasefree status. The World Organisation for Animal Health reinstated the FMD-free status of Hungary’s containment zone after determining it complies with international animal health standards where vaccination is not practiced. The Department of Agriculture had imposed the import suspension under Memorandum Order No. 16, Series of 2025, as a precautionary measure following an FMD outbreak in Hungary. Under new Department Circular No. 34, imports of FMD-susceptible animals, meat and animal by-products from Hungary may resume, subject to existing Department of Agriculture sanitary and veterinary regulations.

APECO seeks PPP Center funding

THE Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) is seeking support from the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center’s Project Development and Monitoring Facility (PDMF) to finance feasibility studies for four priority infrastructure projects while moving ahead with the procurement of its airport’s air traffic control tower and terminal building. “We will apply to the PPP Center because the PPP Center has a budget for the feasibility [study],” APECO president and chief executive Gil Taway IV said in a media briefing Thursday. Japanese firm Yushin Company has expressed interest in one of the projects but wants a new feasibility study before making a larger financial commitment, Taway said. An earlier study funded by the Export-Import Bank of Korea did not proceed because the project failed to move beyond the planning stage. Sharing the cost of the feasibility study among the PPP Center, government agencies and private proponents would reduce investors’ financial exposure and help accelerate discussions, Taway said. APECO has identified four projects for possible PDMF support following training the PPP Center conducted in May on preparing project concepts, a prerequisite for seeking project development assistance. These include the APECO seaport, APECO airport, EastWest Railway and East-West Road Network. Othel V. Campos

ATRAM launches first global PERA feeder funds

ATRAM Trust Corp. has launched the ATRAM PERA Global Feeder Funds, the first globally invested solutions offered under the Philippines’ Personal Equity and Retirement Account (PERA) program, the company said. The launch gives Filipino investors access to globally diversified investment opportunities within a retirement-focused framework, broadening the choices available to those seeking to grow their retirement wealth beyond domestic markets, ATRAM said. “Retirement planning should be accessible to every Filipino,” ATRAM Trust president Deanno Basas said.

The order takes effect 15 days after its publication on the department’s official website and registration with the Office of the National Administrative Register. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the decision reflects the government’s science-based approach to safeguarding animal health while ensuring stable food supplies. “We remain uncompromising in protecting the country’s livestock industry from transboundary animal diseases, but we also recognize the importance of keeping reliable supply channels open once international standards confirm that risks have been effectively managed,” Tiu Laurel said. “This balanced approach strengthens food security and helps stabilize prices for Filipino consumers,” he said. The reopening of Hungarian imports supports the Department of Agriculture’s broader strategy of diversifying the country’s sources of agricultural imports to reduce supply risks and improve market resilience, the agency said.

IN BRIEF “Through the ATRAM PERA Global Feeder Funds, we are expanding the investment options available under PERA and helping more Filipinos build long-term financial security through globally diversified solutions,” he said. Government pension systems and employer-sponsored retirement plans provide an essential foundation, but many Filipinos recognize the need to take a more active role in building longterm financial security as life expectancy increases and financial needs evolve, the company said. The ATRAM PERA Global Feeder Funds combine the benefits of PERA, the Philippines’ voluntary retirement savings program, with professionally managed global investment solutions, giving investors access to a broader universe of opportunities across international markets while benefiting from the discipline and longterm perspective of retirement investing.

PH positions as stable nickel supplier

The Philippine Nickel Industry Association (PNIA) said Wednesday that Indonesia’s pending decision on its 2026 nickel mining quota, known as the Rencana Kerja dan Anggaran Biaya (RKAB), underscores the need for a diversified and resilient regional critical minerals supply chain, positioning the Philippines as a reliable long-term alternative. PNIA said the Philippines remains one of the world’s leading nickel producers, accounting for about 10 percent of global nickel output and holding the world’s sixth-largest nickel reserves, according to the U.S. Geological Survey’s 2025 Mineral Commodity Summary. The country produced 67 million wet metric tons of nickel ore in 2025, more than 70 percent of which came from PNIA member companies. PNIA president Dante Bravo said Indonesia’s annual quota decisions highlight a broader vulnerability in the region’s supply chain.

FINANCIAL EDUCATION. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), the City Government of Tagbilaran and BDO Foundation strengthen their partnership to help Bohol families build financial capability and resilience through a memorandum of agreement (MOA) signed on July 7, 2026. Attending the ceremony are (from left) BSP Deputy Governor Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Censoria Yap and BDO Foundation president Mario Deriquito.

TransCo, IEMOP sign deal to strengthen renewable energy fund administration By Alena Mae S. Flores STATE-RUN National Transmission Corp. (TransCo) and the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines Inc. (IEMOP) signed a memorandum of agreement on July 15, 2026 to strengthen their partnership in administering two renewable energy funds. The agreement establishes a comprehensive operational framework for administering the Feed-in Tariff Allowance (FIT-All) Fund and the Green Energy Auction Allowance (GEA-All) Fund, particularly in collecting and remitting Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) proceeds. The deal reinforces TransCo’s mandate as the FIT-All Fund administrator under Energy Regulatory Commission Resolution No. 24, Series of 2013, and as the GEAAll Fund administrator under ERC Resolution No. 25, Series of 2026. It also defines the roles and respon-

sibilities of both organizations in implementing the renewable energy support mechanisms. The agreement aligns with Renewable Energy Market Rules, which require TransCo, as fund administrator, to provide data necessary for feed-in tariff allocation and to support the issuance and verification of renewable energy certificates. It also strengthens coordination and information sharing between TransCo and IEMOP to ensure transparency and compliance in the country’s renewable energy programs. IEMOP operates the WESM, the trading floor for the country’s electricity. TransCo president and chief executive Joseph Omar Castillo and IEMOP president and chief executive Robinson Descanzo signed the agreement. TransCo vice-president for the transmission management group Dinna Dizon and IEMOP vice-president for finance Mary Anne Santiago witnessed the signing.

TRANSPORT

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FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2026

extrastory2000@gmail.com Darwin G. Amojelar, Issue Editor

Upgraded Camiguin port to boost tourism, create jobs

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., along with officials from the Department of Transportation (DOTr), inspects the newly constructed Port Operations Building (POB) at the Port of Benoni in Mahinog, Camiguin.

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HE Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) expects passenger volume at the Port of Benoni to continue rising in the coming years after the inauguration of new port facilities designed to accommodate growing demand and improve travel efficiency in Camiguin. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recently led the inauguration of the port’s first-ever Light Craft Landing Station (LCLS) and inspected the newly completed Port Operations Building (POB), marking another milestone in the government’s push to modernize port infrastructure and strengthen interisland connectivity. The Port of Benoni, Camiguin’s primary maritime gateway linking the island to the ports of Balingoan in Misamis Oriental and Jagna in Bohol along the Central Nautical Highway, has recorded steady growth in passenger and vehicle traffic over the past four years. PPA data showed passenger volume increased by nearly 74 percent, from 455,602 in 2022 to 792,803 in 2025, while vehicle traffic rose from 76,341 to 129,066 during the same period. The sustained growth has been driven by increasing tourism arrivals and expanding economic activity on the island. With Camiguin province’s projected economic and population growth, passenger traffic is expected to reach 893,071 and vehicle traffic to reach 174,921 by 2030. With the new facilities now in place, the PPA projects passenger numbers

to continue climbing as the upgraded port enhances capacity, improves operational efficiency, and provides a more convenient travel experience for residents and tourists. Transportation Secretary Banoy Lopez stressed that the Benoni Port Lightcraft Landing Station will ensure that tourists and passengers will be welcomed with first class Filipino hospitality through modern infrastructure and facilities. In February 2026, Lopez inspected the construction progress of the new

passenger terminal building (PTB) and the lightcraft landing which will accommodate yachts carrying tourist passengers. PPA general-manager Jay Santiago said that the projects demonstrate the agency’s commitment to building infrastructure that delivers lasting benefits for communities. “Our mission goes beyond constructing ports. We are building gateways that connect islands, strengthen industries, expand tourism, and create opportunities for generations

PPP Center welcomes ED Council’s approval of LRT-1 variation PPP Center Executive Director Rizza Blanco-Latorre said the approval reinforces the government’s commitment to building transport infrastructure through well-structured publicprivate partnerships. “Efficient transport infrastructure is essential to inclusive economic growth. The operations of the Common Station will help create a more seamless rail network that reduces travel time, improves accessibility, and enhances the daily commuting experience of thousands of residents and workers in Metro Manila and its nearby provinces. The PPP Center is proud to support infrastructure initiatives that generate long-term economic and social benefits through wellstructured public-private partnerships,” Blanco-Latorre said. She added that “the Common Station exemplifies the value of coordinated planning and strong collaboration between the government and the LRT-1 Cavite Extension Project (Courtesy: Light Rail Manila Corporation) private sector.

THE Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center has welcomed the Economy and Development (ED) Council’s approval of the variation for the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) South Extension Project, describing the move as a major milestone toward completing the Unified Grand Central Station, or Common Station, one of the country’s most significant transport infrastructure projects. The approval, granted during the ED Council’s 10th meeting on July 7, 2026, will enable the interim operations of the Common Station, a key transport hub that will connect LRT-1, MRT-3, and MRT-7, with the Metro Manila Subway set to be integrated in the future.

CAAP remits P1.2 billion to national government THE Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has remitted P1.2 billion to the national government, underscoring its commitment to sound fiscal management while contributing to programs and services that benefit the Filipino people. CAAP Director General Retired Lt. Gen. Raul Del Rosario received the recognition from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during the celebration of Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCC) Day at Malacañang Palace on Wednesday, July 8.

The remittance earned CAAP a place in the government’s “Billionaires’ Club,” a distinction given to GOCCs that have remitted at least P1 billion to the National Treasury. “While we continue to modernize the country’s aviation sector and uphold the highest standards of safety and efficiency, we are equally committed to ensuring that our financial performance contributes to national development and ultimately benefits every Filipino,” Lt. Gen. Del Rosario said.

of Filipinos. Every modern port we develop reflects our commitment to nation-building through infrastructure that drives inclusive growth and brings lasting progress to our communities,” Santiago said. The newly-constructed Port Operations Building serves as a onestop facility that centralizes frontline services, offers larger passenger waiting areas, and provides improved amenities and enhanced safety features. It also houses the Terminal Management Office and partner government agencies to strengthen operational coordination and public service delivery. Complementing the facility is the Port of Benoni’s first dedicated Light Craft Landing Station, which includes a new berthing facility, trestle, and a two-storey terminal for light vessels. By separating light craft operations from the main port, the project is expected to reduce congestion, improve vessel movement, and enhance navigational safety. The PPA said the complementary

infrastructure projects significantly increase the port’s capability to accommodate rising passenger traffic, vessel movements, and tourism-driven economic activity while ensuring more reliable maritime services. Beyond passenger transport, the upgraded port is expected to facilitate the faster movement of agricultural products, fisheries, construction materials, fuel, and other essential goods between Camiguin and mainland Mindanao, improving supply chains and lowering logistics costs for local businesses. The agency also expects the modernized port to further boost Camiguin’s tourism industry by improving accessibility and supporting higher visitor arrivals, benefiting hotels, resorts, restaurants, transport operators, tour providers, and other tourism-related enterprises. Regular port user Albert Mendez welcomed the improvements, saying the upgraded facilities would encourage more travelers to visit the island. Darwin G. Amojelar

DPWH accelerates dredging of Pinacanauan-Cagayan River to curb flooding in Tuguegarao DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon (File photo)

THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has intensified dredging and river-widening operations along the Pinacanauan-Cagayan River in Tuguegarao City as part of the government’s expanded flood control program aimed at reducing severe flooding in vulnerable communities. The project is focused on Barangay Centro 9, where residents have repeatedly experienced floodwaters rising above human height during the rainy season. The dredging operations form part of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to expand the government’s

“Oplan Kontra Baha” (OKB) initiative nationwide. The program seeks to improve the flow of rainwater by clearing major waterways, including rivers, creeks, and drainage systems, to allow floodwaters to recede more quickly during heavy rains. Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon said the agency is carrying out the President’s directive by accelerating the removal of silt and other obstructions from waterways across the country. “The President’s directive is for us to quickly dredge and clear waterways. Even if flooding isn’t completely eliminated, it will at least subside faster. We will not stop; we are pressing on,” Dizon said. According to the DPWH, widening the Pinacanauan-Cagayan River and removing accumulated sediment are expected to increase the river’s carrying capacity, improve water flow, and

reduce the risk of prolonged flooding in low-lying communities. Meanwhile, Presiden Marcos has ordered the replacement of hazardous school buildings at Liwan West Elementary School in Rizal, Kalinga, after it was discovered that condemned structures built in the 1980s were still being used for classes. Dizon personally witnessed the deplorable condition of the classrooms— featuring cracked floors and dilapidated ceilings—as well as the makeshift restrooms that students and teachers have to endure during the school year. “That was the President’s explicit instruction: for us to go around, assess the situation, and fix it—to find a solution. We must ensure that our students have a proper learning environment. Let us accord these children some dignity,” Dizon said.

Korean Air showcases AI, drone technologies KOREAN Air is showcasing its latest artificial intelligence (AI) and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technologies at the Korea Drone & Urban Air Mobility (UAM) Expo 2026, highlighting innovations aimed at accelerating the digital transformation of South Korea’s aerospace industry. The three-day exhibition, held from July 15 to 17 at Songdo Convensia in Incheon, is jointly organized by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) and the Incheon Metropolitan City government. The event brings together industry leaders to present the latest developments in drone technology and urban air mobility. At its exhibition booth, Korean Air is featuring a range of next-generation technologies spanning AI, UAV platforms, digital aircraft maintenance, and integrated UAM operations. The company has also set up an interactive display that includes an LED air traffic control tower simulating real-time traffic management alongside robotic systems. Among the highlights is ACROSS (Air Control and Routing Orchestrated Skyway System), Korean Air’s proprietary mobility operations and traffic management platform. The system monitors urban air mobility aircraft in real time and optimizes flight routes to help prevent collisions and improve operational efficiency.

According to Korean Air, ACROSS has already demonstrated its safety and traffic management capabilities after successfully completing the first two phases of the K-UAM Grand Challenge, a government-led demonstration program under MOLIT. The technology is also being featured at a joint exhibition by the K-UAM consortium, which includes Korean Air, Incheon International Airport Corporation, KT, and Hyundai Engineering & Construction. The airline is also presenting its “AI Pilot” concept, an artificial intelligence-powered autonomous flight system designed for future combat aircraft, alongside its growing portfolio of unmanned aerial vehicles. The display includes stealth UAV technologies and a test flight airframe developed in partnership with U.S.-based defense technology company Anduril Industries.

SHOWBIZ

C2 FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2026

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

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ALENT manager and entrepreneur Mannix Carancho is working to help more of his digital creators transition into mainstream entertainment, with the goal of giving them opportunities outside social media.

Angel Locsin calls out Robin Padilla over past red-tagging, political views Bringing together a pool of digital creators, Mannix Carancho works to open more paths from online fame to traditional show business Mannix Carancho treats talent management as long-term guidance while helping online personalities build careers beyond social media

Mannix wants social media stars

to find success in mainstream entertainment Very Wang

Angel Locsin returns online after a long hiatus, calling out Robin Padilla over red-tagging, political ties, and his views on key national issues

By Angelica Villanueva ACTRESS Angel Locsin broke her social media hiatus to publicly question Senator Robin Padilla over his past silence when she was red-tagged. On Thursday, July 16, Locsin called out Padilla on social media to question his political position. The actress has not made a regular social media post since August 2022, except for expressing support for ABS-CBN in April this year and sharing occasional Instagram Stories supporting her stepson’s stint in Pinoy Big Brother. Locsion recalled conversations she shared with Padilla when he spoke about joining the armed struggle in his youth and being visited by a former partner while in the mountains. “At least, honest ka ngayon, Kuya,” she wrote. The actress then asked why Padilla did not defend her when she was accused of links to communist groups. “Nasaan ka nung panahong nirered-tag ako kahit alam mong hindi totoo? Actually, kasama mo pa nga at kachikahan yung mga nangre-red-tag. Naghugas-kamay at pumikit sa katotohanan,” she continued. The actress also questioned Padilla’s support for detained religious leader Apollo Quiboloy and expressed disappointment over what she described as his stance on China. Locsin said she once viewed Padilla as one of the country’s most patriotic figures, comparing him to revolutionary hero Andres Bonifacio. “Tama na, Kuya. Gising na. Hindi pa huli ang lahat,” she wrote. As of this writing, Padilla has yet to respond to Locsin’s remarks.

Nickie Wang

Mannix, who discovered and comanages actress Fyang Smith before her rise through Pinoy Big Brother, said he wants his talents to experience how traditional media builds careers and brands. “They’re already very comfortable with TikTok and Facebook,” Mannix told Manila Standard Entertainment. “I also want them to experience how marketing works in mainstream media and how a brand or a belief is built there. It’s about giving them the opportunity to transition from social media to mainstream.” He said he hopes to replicate Fyang’s success with other talents under his management. “Just like what happened to Fyang, we’re trying to replicate that and give my other talents the chance and experience. If we’re lucky, they’ll get to experience what Fyang is experiencing right now,” he went on. Many know Mannix as the CEO of Prestige International and founder of Mannix Management, but he said he prefers to be recognized as a talent manager who discovers and develops aspiring artists. “I met Fyang a long time ago,” he recalled. “Even back then, I could

already see her potential. I may have helped guide her, but there’s no denying that she has natural charisma and genuine talent.”

Fyang Smith’s (right) rise from digital creator to mainstream actress becomes part of Mannix Carancho’s push to develop more talents for show business

Smith has since become one of the country’s fastest-rising young stars,

backed by millions of followers and a growing fan base. “Fyang is a kind-hearted girl,” Mannix said. “She’s playful and cheerful, but behind that, she’s very dedicated to her work. Performing and making people happy is truly her passion. As for me, I’m simply here to guide her.” Mannix mentioned that talent management goes beyond securing projects, requiring long-term commitment from both manager and artist. “Being a manager is difficult. It’s no joke,” he admitted. “You have to genuinely love what you do, especially in the beginning when both you and your artist are trying to find your place in show business.” He added that Fyang remained loyal even after signing with Star Magic. “What I appreciate about Fyang is that even after she became successful, she never let go. Even after signing a contract with Star Magic, she made sure I would continue to co-manage her.” Apart from managing artists, Mannix has built a following as a digital creator and expanded into entrepreneurship through several skincare ventures. Even so, many fans continue to associate him with one role: the manager who recognized Fyang’s potential even before she became a mainstream star.

Shakira’s ‘Dai Dai’ tops Spotify Global chart, sets streaming milestones POP star Shakira has reached another career milestone as “Dai Dai,” her FIFA World Cup 2026 anthem featuring Burna Boy, climbed to No. 1 on the Spotify Global chart, making it the platform’s most-streamed song worldwide. The track has also topped charts in 12 countries, including Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Spain, Norway, the Netherlands, Slovakia, the United Arab Emirates, South Korea, Sweden and Belgium. Fueled by the success of “Dai Dai,” Shakira rose to No. 6 among Spotify’s most-streamed artists globally. She also became the first artist in Spotify history to reach No. 1 with songs in both English and Spanish, according to the release. The song continues to gain momentum in other markets, ranking in the Top 5 of midweek charts in Portugal, Canada, China, Italy, and the United Kingdom. Its official music video has also remained at No. 1 on YouTube’s global music charts, amassing nearly 500 million views. The latest achievements add to a string of recent successes for the Colombian singer, whose stadium tours across North and South America drew record crowds. Shakira is set to continue her live run with 12 stadium shows scheduled for September and October at Shakira Stadium. The concerts are expected to be among the year’s biggest live music events. Shakira extends her global chart run as her World Cup anthem gains traction across streaming platforms and music charts

Will Ashley (center left) and Rico Blanco are named co-winners for Best Supporting Actor at the 9th EDDYS

PlayTime Entertainment honors top winners at 9th EDDYS PLAYTIME Entertainment presented the top awards at the 9th Entertainment Editors’ Choice Awards (The EDDYS), held on July 5 at the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Newport World Resorts, Pasay City. As the official presenter of the awards organized by the Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors (SPEEd), PlayTime Entertainment recognized outstanding achievements in Philippine cinema by awarding cash prizes and trophies to winners in the major categories. PlayTime Entertainment spokesperson Adela Mae Marshall and Miss PlayTime Universe 2026 Alexandra Krishna Oriño presented the awards for Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Actor, Best Director, and Best Picture. Among the major winners were Will Ashley and Rico Blanco for Best Supporting Actor, Rochelle Pangilinan for Best

Supporting Actress, Jericho Rosales for Best Actor, Jerrold Tarog for Best Director, and Quezon for Best Picture. “As the official presenter of this year’s EDDYS, PlayTime Entertainment is proud to celebrate the brilliant minds and exceptional talents of the Philippine film industry,” Marshall said. “We are honored to present awards and cash prizes to the winners in the major categories. PlayTime Entertainment recognizes the dedication and artistry that make Philippine cinema truly world-class.” SPEEd president Tessa Mauricio-Arriola welcomed the partnership, saying PlayTime Entertainment shares the organization’s commitment to recognizing excellence in Filipino filmmaking. The annual EDDYS honors outstanding achievements in Philippine cinema as selected by members of the Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors.

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FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2026

PEOPLE

Wilbert Ross’ scent of success By Angelica Villanueva

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ILBERT Ross may be in one of the busiest periods of his career, but the actorsinger is not yet ready to describe himself as successful. Asked whether his growing list of projects, endorsements, and sold-out shows already meant he had made it, Wilbert said his definition of success has less to do with recognition and more to do with freedom. “For me, my definition of success is being free. And I think I’m not free enough yet at this point,” Wilbert told Manila Standard Entertainment. For him, success means reaching a point where he can decide how to spend his time without worrying that turning down an opportunity might prove costly. “When you reach the feeling that you’re doing something because you want to do it, or you’re going out because you want to go out. You truly have a choice and the freedom to do the things you want to do,” Wilbert explained in the vernacular. Despite reaching his 10th year in the industry with a string of major projects, the actor shared that he still measures success by the freedom he has yet to attain. He stars with Bea Binene in the Viva One series Love U Lots, which premieres July 24. A day later, he will begin his two-night sold-out concert, WRTen by, at the New Frontier Theater on July 25 and 26. Wilbert and Bea are also set to appear in the Philippine adaptation of the Thai comedy film Pee Mak. The actor said his career did not rise through one sudden breakthrough. He described it as a gradual climb that allowed him to experience every step without being overwhelmed by the attention. “It wasn’t a spike. It really happened gradually. You can feel the step-by-step rise of what is happening in my career,” he continued.

The author (second from left) exploring Bajo de Masinloc in the early 2000s

Wilbert identified the period after Golden Scenery of Tomorrow as the point when he began to feel a more noticeable change in his career. The series also strengthened his on-screen partnership with Bea. Still, he believes audiences have only seen part of what he can do. “This is just a chance for people to know me and find out what I am capable of doing. I’m just waiting for that role that is truly heavy, truly very, very difficult,” he added. Wilbert also recalled the years when acting and performance opportunities were limited. Rather than remain idle, he used those periods to develop his skills. “Every time there was no work, I worked on myself. That was a chance to improve myself so that when I got work, there would be something better in me,” he shared. His growing career has also opened opportunities outside entertainment. Wilbert recently introduced STRATO, his first fragrance line under Viva Beauty, featuring the scents Cirrus, Cumulus, and Nimbus. He said he personally selected the fragrances and took part in approving the packaging because he wanted to release something he would genuinely use. Wilbert also chose the name STRATO to reflect the light quality of the body sprays and his outlook on his career. “The sky is the limit. There are no limits. You just have to work hard,” he stated.

Wilbert Ross balances acting, concerts, and entrepreneurship as he marks his 10th year in entertainment with a growing slate of projects

Who will take home the crown in 62nd Binibining Pilipinas pageant night?

Is Scarborough fair?

Edwin Estrada frames Bajo de Masinloc as a continuing test of maritime rights, national security, and the rule of law

Bajo de Masinloc continues to be a litmus test for the rule of law

By Edwin S. Estrada RECENT news of a Chinese research vessel towing, according to Philippine authorities, a movable platform out of and back into Scarborough Shoal (Bajo de Masinloc) should be a cause for alarm among Filipinos. The scenario brings back memories of the Mischief Reef incident more than three decades ago, when China surprised the Philippines with what analysts view as a creeping occupation of Mischief Reef (Panganiban Reef), one of the natural features lying within the Philippine-claimed Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) in the Spratlys. The Chinese initially built tentative structures on stilts, supposedly as temporary shelters for their fishermen during the monsoon season in the South China Sea. It eventually became clear that the Chinese had decided to stay in Mischief for good. Permanent structures later fortified the reef, which has now been heavily militarized. What makes the Bajo de Masinloc case different from Panganiban Reef and altogether worrying is its proximity to the Philippine island of Luzon. Since China now controls the area, this presents a strategic nightmare for the Marcos administration. Should China fully fortify Bajo de Masinloc, it would gain a military advantage over the Philippines; in the event of a military conflict between the two neighbors (God forbid!), it would severely compromise the country’s territorial defense. Scarborough Shoal has been a traditional fishing ground for Filipino fishermen due to its abundant living marine resources. Unfortunately, the food security and livelihood of these fishermen have been gravely affected by Chinese-imposed restrictions in the area. With China still occupying Bajo de Masinloc, the Philippines would do well to go back to the drawing board and rethink past strategies in defending its claims in the South China Sea. While a modernized military could significantly enhance the efficiency of the Philippines’ surveillance mechanisms to minimize, if not prevent, further intrusions by foreigners into the country’s maritime territory, modernization takes time and requires substantial financial resources. With the country lacking credible military capabilities, the Philippines has resorted to various non-military approaches, including

promoting its legal victory in the Arbitral Tribunal case it filed against China and utilizing a multilateral approach involving the establishment of a Code of Conduct through ASEAN. The Philippines seems determined to win by promoting the rule of law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The question is, is it working? If supporters say yes, we will benefit from it, then how? And when? Ten years have passed since the Philippines won its case against China before the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA). However, it seems the country of more than seven thousand islands still longs to enjoy the fruits of its labor: Filipinos are still barred from freely fishing in the area, and law enforcement authorities, media, and marine researchers traveling to Bajo de Masinloc still experience intimidation, even violence. The Philippines may have won the legal battle over the highly contested shoal, but it may eventually lose the war for territory. One view of international law presupposes that its value lies in its application through concrete actions; otherwise, it becomes a trivial discourse on human aspirations for world order. It remains to be seen whether promoting the rule of law would lead to a peaceful resolution of the disputes between China and the Philippines and pave the way for a lasting solution to the Scarborough Shoal quandary. This is the litmus test of the rule of law in the South China Sea. Pacta sunt servanda. Arguably, this is the oldest principle in international law. Treaties must be entered into in good faith. All selfrespecting nations must abide by it. Ultimately, the true measure of Pacta sunt servanda is not found in the hallowed halls of tribunals but in whether Filipino fishermen could freely return to Bajo de Masinloc and exercise their maritime rights without fear or intimidation. About the author Assistant Professor Edwin S. Estrada is a national security analyst who teaches international relations courses at the School of Diplomacy and Governance of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde. A University of the Philippines alum, he earned a Master in National Security Administration from the National Defense College of the Philippines, where he received a Gold Medal in Academic Excellence. He also holds a Diploma in Oceans Law and Policy from the Rhodes Academy of Oceans Law and Policy. He visited Bajo de Masinloc in the early 2000s as part of a factfinding team. On the side, Ed loves to sing.

ST A N D A R D ’S C H O I C E

By Eton Concepcion THE highly anticipated Grand Coronation Night of Bb. Pilipinas 2026, with 35 candidates vying to succeed reigning Bb. Pilipinas International 2025 Katrina Anne Johnson and Bb. Pilipinas Globe 2025 Annabelle McDonnell, is set for tomorrow (Saturday) at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. The event will be hosted by Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 1999 Miriam Quiambao, Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 2014 Mary Jean Lastimosa, and Bb. Pilipinas Grand International 2016 Nicole Cordoves. Gracing the event are reigning Miss International 2025 Catalina Duque and The Miss Globe 2025 Chayathanus Saradatta, with special performances by P-pop group Alamat, Jericho Rosales, and Kyle Echarri. Who will win? Manila Standard chose these Binibinis who stood out during the preliminaries on the strength of their remarkable beauty, intelligence, and advocacies: l Julianne Raine Antonio (Dumaguete), 24, a Marketing Management student at Enderun Colleges, advocates for animal welfare and accessible, affordable healthcare. Her polished stage presence, eloquence, and consistent performance throughout the competition make her a strong contender for the crown. l Gwendoline Meliz Soriano (Baguio), 27, a Miss Universe Philippines (MUPh) 2025 Top 12 finalist and a Mass Communication graduate

Gwendoline Meliz Soriano of Baguio brings pageant experience, confidence, and a performing arts advocacy to this year’s competition

Julianne Raine Antonio of Dumaguete stands out in the pageant race with her polished stage presence and strong communication skills

Anjali Pradeep Kumar of La Union enters coronation night as one of Manila Standard’s picks to take the crown

of Saint Louis University and Trinity University of Asia, advocates for the cultivation of cultural identity and creativity through the performing arts. Her pageant experience, confidence under pressure, and excellent communication skills give her a competitive edge. l Sasha-Juli Belle Lacuna (Tarlac), 22, an Information Technology student and MUPh 2025 Top 24 finalist, advocates for self-acceptance and confidence. Her youthful energy, natural charisma, and strong runway performance have made her one of the competition’s standout candidates. l Anne Klein Castro (Pampanga), 21, a Tourism Management student, Mutya ng Pilipinas World Top Model 2024, and current JCI Mabalacat Malasa co-project chair, advocates for heritage conservation and community development. Her modeling background, commanding stage

presence, and leadership experience make her a well-rounded contender. l Anjali Pradeep Kumar (La Union), 24, a public relations officer and director of Pinay Power and Gender Equality, completed her undergraduate degree at the University of the Philippines Baguio and studied at the Philippine Institute of Culinary Arts Inc. She advocates for community resilience with a focus on health, leadership, and voice. Her intelligence, advocacy-driven platform, and articulate delivery position her as one of the strongest speakers in the competition. l Jarina Kumari Sandhu (Cauayan, Isabela), 22, a Filipino-Indian, MUPh 2025 Top 24 finalist, and magna cum laude graduate in Tourism Management from Isabela State University, advocates for tourism promotion. Her academic excellence, striking beauty, and confidence on

stage make her a serious title contender. l Pauline Thea Ann Ibuyan (Aklan), 26, winner of Bb. Tourism 2026 (Best Tourism Video), graduated with degrees in Psychology and Communications from Ateneo de Manila University, and advocates for women’s participation in sports. Her maturity, articulate responses, and ability to connect with audiences could work in her favor on coronation night. l Ain Niqyla Abad (San Jose, Occidental Mindoro), 21, a MUPh 2025 Top 24 finalist, licensed medical technologist, and Doctor of Law (JD) student with a background in English Language and Literature/Letters, advocates for cultural preservation with a focus on indigenous communities. Her impressive academic credentials, poise, and substance make her one of the most compelling candidates for an international title.

LIFE

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FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2026

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

P-beauty on the rise: Filipino brands capture the world’s eyes

G

ROWING up, there was a phrase I heard far too often: “Mukhang [resembling] espasol.” It wasn’t exactly a compliment.

Espasol, the beloved Filipino rice delicacy, is coated in toasted rice flour, giving it its signature powdery white exterior. The reference was often used for women whose face powder was much lighter than their natural complexion, making their faces look noticeably paler than their necks and arms. Looking back, it wasn’t solely their fault. They simply didn’t have many choices. For years, finding makeup that matched the Filipina morena skin, the naturally tan or brown skin tone shared by many Filipinos, was difficult. One local legacy brand dominated the shelves, while most alternatives came from more expensive imported labels with shade ranges developed for other markets. Many women settled for lighter shades because those were the only ones available, and some were sadly trying to adjust their skin tones to look lighter. The local beauty industry showed us a larger reality. Colonial mentality influenced our standards of beauty, where fair skin was often seen as more beautiful. My heart aches at the thought of how many girls hated their skin back in the day. Even today, beauty counters are still filled with products promising to “lighten” or “whiten” skin in just days. Philippine entertainment reinforced that ideal for decades, with mestiza actresses dominating television, magazines, and billboards. Thankfully, that narrative has slowly changed. More morena actresses, beauty queens, and content creators have proudly embraced their natural complexion, inspiring other Filipinas to do the same. As consumers learned to celebrate their own skin, local brands responded by expanding shade ranges and creating products designed for Filipino skin

tones and our tropical climate. That shift came to mind recently while I was searching for the perfect blush and looking for reviews. Before long, my social media algorithm was flooded with beauty reviews and makeup recommendations. Somewhere in that rabbit hole, I stumbled upon a nowviral Instagram reel by Aditi Randev, co-founder and creative director of Niamh Ventures, whose work focuses on branding, design, and marketing. Her previous work at Meta and Sony Entertainment also strengthened her expertise in business marketing and product management. Her opening line immediately grabbed my attention: “Do you know who’s the next big beauty threat to L’Oréal? It’s not Shiseido, it is not Estée Lauder, and it is none of the K-beauty brands.” Her answer? The Philippines. “After K-beauty,” she said, “the next wave of beauty has, in fact, moved to P-beauty… P-beauty is exploding globally.” Weeks later, she expanded on those ideas in her column for The Delhi Times. Around the same time her reel went viral,

‘AI Wanna Taste It’ campaign emphasizes that while AI can analyze human behavior, only people can truly experience and appreciate moments

Celebrating what makes people human in the age of AI MCDONALD’S Philippines is using artificial intelligence as a lens to celebrate the moments that make people human through its latest campaign, “AI Wanna Taste It.” The campaign draws inspiration from the growing role of AI in everyday life, exploring how technology can analyze behaviors, recognize patterns, and learn from human experiences but cannot truly experience those moments. For decades, McDonald’s World Famous Fries have been part of shared memories among friends, families, and loved ones, from after-school snacks and road trips to movie nights and late-night food runs. At the center of “AI Wanna Taste It” is a music video that imagines what artificial intelligence might discover after studying countless cravings and memories connected to McDonald’s Fries. The campaign shows that people’s love for fries goes beyond taste, focusing on the experiences and emotions attached to every bite. “AI is one of the defining conversations of our time, but we didn’t want to tell another story about what AI can do,” explained Ada Lazaro, chief marketing officer of McDonald’s Philippines. “Instead,

Kate Adajar

Niamh Ventures co-founder and creative director Aditi Randev talks about P-beauty as the next big thing

conversations surrounding P-beauty also gained momentum after The Business of Fashion (BoF) highlighted it as an emerging category. BoF is the leading global media and intelligence company covering the fashion, beauty, and luxury industries. It is one of the world’s most influential trade publications, relied upon by designers, executives, investors, and global brands for news, market analysis, and industry insights. Being featured in its pages is a milestone for any brand or industry. Going back to Randev’s reel, she pointed to homegrown names such as Happy Skin, Sunnies Face, and BLK, saying they are “giving stiff competition to Maybelline and L’Oréal in sales.” But why is this happening? “In the Philippines, beauty pageants are a national pastime,” she explained. “Beauty is not just a hobby. It’s, in

Laguna farmers, fisherfolk, small business owners trained as digital entrepreneurs

UK-based Korean skincare expert and beauty influencer Dr. Christine Hall features P-beauty products and gives rave reviews

By Nickie Wang

Random Talk

achieved, not because foreign brands are no longer good, but because Filipino brands have become just as impressive and are often better suited to us. The recognition isn’t coming from Randev alone. International beauty influencers, dermatologists, and content creators have also begun reviewing Filipino brands, introducing them to audiences abroad. Randev believes this is only the beginning. “As P-beauty is now seen as a strong competitor P-beauty is globally to established international brands, with its getting exposure authenticity and cultural relevance resonating with through pageants, consumers worldwide (AI-generated image) through TikTok, and ingredients from the Philippines, such as fact, a cultural identity.” ube, it is about time that P-beauty She also observed that Filipino will catch the next wave, just like consumers are constantly K-beauty did.” discovering products through Her closing advice is powerful. TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, Randev said, “Don’t just follow while local brands understand a logo or Western trends blindly their market by designing products because ultimately, it is all about for the country’s climate, skin authenticity.” That’s what makes tones, and preferences. this moment so meaningful. In her newspaper column, We’ve spent decades trying to meet Randev summed it up perfectly: beauty standards that weren’t made “Global companies often make for us. Today, the world is beginning the mistake of assuming beauty is to recognize brands proudly created universal. Put the same product in by Filipinos, for Filipinos. a different language and off you We’ve celebrated the rise of go… but consumers disagree.” P-pop on the global stage. Now, That observation resonated with it’s time to celebrate another me. homegrown success story. Not long ago, putting together P-beauty is finally on the rise. a makeup routine almost always For your random thoughts, e-mail meant relying on imported brands. the author at randomrepublika@ Now, a competitive beauty gmail.com. look using local makeup can be

we wanted to celebrate something beautifully human. AI can recognize why millions of people love our World Famous Fries, but appreciation and experience are two different things.” Developed with Leo Manila, the campaign positions AI as a tool that helps emphasize the value of real human experiences. “Technology is at its best when it helps us better understand people,” shared Raoul Panes, chief creative officer of Leo Manila. “AI itself can never be truly human. It simply follows the data wherever it leads.” The campaign follows McDonald’s Philippines’ record-breaking World Famous Fries sales during National Fries Day. The brand continues the celebration through McDo Fryday, a weekly Friday promo running until the end of August, where customers can enjoy the BFF Fries + 2 McFloat bundle for P199. “AI Wanna Taste It” combines live action and AI production, directed by Joel Limchoc of Film Pabrika, with music composed by Loudbox Studios. McDonald’s Philippines noted that the campaign serves as a reminder that while technology can continue analyzing human moments, only people can truly experience them. Watch the campaign here: https://youtu.be/ f7XInbeaGg0?si=Q4vR1DAJoPmZL5W7

MORE than 100 farmers, fisherfolk, and small business owners across Laguna are gaining digital skills through a training program aimed at helping them participate in the digital economy. The workshops were conducted by the International Trade Centre (ITC) under Digital-PINAS, or the Joint Programme on Inclusive, Competitive, and Responsible Digital Philippines, with support from sole telecommunications partner PLDT and Smart through the group’s #KonektedforLivelihoods initiative. The sessions were held in Santa Cruz, Pila, Victoria, and Los Baños, where participants learned smartphone photography and cybersecurity awareness to improve their online presence, promote their products, and protect themselves from digital scams. PLDT and Smart also provided Smart Prepaid pocket WiFi units and load cards to support the training. “True digital transformation in the countryside isn’t about giving small business owners complicated software they don’t need. It is about taking the fear out of technology and showing a farmer or a local food vendor that a smartphone can be a powerful tool to protect their daily harvest, reach new buyers, and secure their family’s income,” Lorna Bondoc, lead ITC digital expert for Digital-PINAS, said. Bondoc added that internet connectivity remains essential in bringing digital opportunities to underserved communities. Stephanie V. Orlino, assistant vice president and head of stakeholder engagement at PLDT and Smart, described the partnership as part of the PLDT Group’s commitment to inclusive growth. “Our participation in Digital-PINAS reflects the PLDT Group’s broader commitment to inclusive growth, particularly for communities that have long faced barriers to entry in the digital economy,” Orlino said. “These sessions are meant to give the participants both the skills and the confidence to compete as digital entrepreneurs.”

The program aims to help participants improve their online presence and protect themselves from digital scams

Stephanie V. Orlino of PLDT and Smart discusses digital entrepreneurship and online safety during one of the Digital-PINAS workshops in Laguna

In Santa Cruz, members of the Coalition Alliance of Farmers in Santa

Over 100 farmers, fisherfolk, and small business owners in Laguna are gaining digital skills through a training program

Cruz, Laguna learned logo creation and smartphone photography to help establish their online presence. “From being ‘just farmers,’ our members can now become farmerentrepreneurs,” said Queen Anino, secretary of CAFSCL. In Pila, 40 farmer-MSMEs and local business owners, including members of the Pila Laguna Agriculture Cooperative, applied smartphone photography techniques to showcase their products. Women entrepreneurs Jennifer Soria of Momshie Jen’s Bites and Filominas Espiritu of Pinky’s Pasalubong in Victoria also learned ways to improve their product presentation on social media. In Los Baños, cooperative leaders from the Municipal Cooperative Development Council and partner organizations underwent product photography training. “This is excellent training for entrepreneurs like us,” said Rafael J. Jumawid, vice chairman of the council. Through #KonektedforLivelihoods, the PLDT Group continues to partner with organizations such as ITC to promote digital entrepreneurship among micro, small, and medium enterprises. Digital-PINAS is funded by the UN Sustainable Development Goals Fund with contributions from the European Union and implemented by ITC, the International Labour Organization, and the UN Development Programme, alongside government agencies led by the Department of Information and Communications Technology.