Manila Standard - 2026 July 27 - Monday

Second-to-last SONA: Pinoys want solutions

By Jimbo Gulle and Katrina Manubay

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) today, his second-to-last before the end of his six-year term, with Filipinos expecting him to present concrete plans to address rising living costs, strengthen the economy, improve public services and sustain governance reforms during the remainder of his presidency.

The annual address comes after a year of heightened tensions in the West Philippine Sea, destructive typhoons and flooding, the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, and an expanded anti-corruption campaign.

The President is expected to report on his administration's accomplishments while outlining priorities for the final two years of his term.

Last year's SONA laid out an ambitious agenda centered on lowering food prices, expanding infrastructure, strengthening healthcare and educa

tion, accelerating digitalization, improving disaster resilience and maintaining fiscal discipline.

By Vince Lopez

by preventing provocateurs from disrupting peaceful

By Katrina Manubay

PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., on Sunday gave assurance on the police's readiness for the fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. At the same time, Nartatez called on rally organizers to protect their own ranks

FERDINAND MARCOS JR.’S

Second-to-last...

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This year's address also comes weeks after the World Bank reclassified the Philippines as an Upper Middle-Income Country, a milestone the administration says reflects sustained economic recovery and structural reforms.

Despite that achievement, inflation, rising food prices and global economic uncertainty continue to affect many households, raising expectations that the President will explain how economic gains will translate into tangible improvements in the daily lives of Filipinos.

Surveys: Filipinos looking for solutions

Opinion surveys suggest that Filipinos are looking for solutions rather than another accounting of government accomplishments.

A nationwide survey by EON The Stakeholder Relations Group and Tangere found that 67 percent of respondents want the President to prioritize the economy and inflation, followed by jobs and wages (56 percent), education (53 percent), agriculture and food security (47 percent), and healthcare (45 percent).

Nearly half, or 48 percent, said they wanted concrete solutions to national problems, while 36 percent expected anti-corruption measures and government reforms.

Another 35 percent wanted updates on commitments made in previous SONAs, while only 22 percent said they wanted another report on the administration's accomplishments.

The findings show that Filipinos are looking for practical measures that directly address the cost of living, create jobs, raise wages and strengthen food

PNP,...

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Nartatez said the PNP has entered the final phase of its security preparations, noting that all concerned personnel and resources are ready for deployment.

“All security protocols have been completed and we are already in the process of phased deployment in areas that require police presence. We’ve done this before, we prepared for this important event—and we are ready,” Nartatez said..

As part of the final security preparations, the PNP conducted inspections at the Batasang Pambansa and its surrounding areas. Security assessments were also carried out at locations where protest actions are expected to take place.

More than 20,000 police personnel

PNP...

From A1 of Southeast Asian Nations Chiefs of Police (ASEANAPOL) conference in Pasay City, marking the first time the body addressed school shootings alongside other crimes targeting children, such as online exploitation and trafficking.

“Upon coordination, upon talks, meetings with our neighboring countries as well as our dialogue partners, mayroon silang ibang batas and we'll try to consider [it] (They have a different law, and we'll try to consider [it]),” Nartatez said in a press briefing.

“If other nations are looking after the law in Australia, pwede naman natin gayahin din (we can also copy it) or will improve.” Australia, an official dialogue partner of ASEANAPOL, enacted a law last year banning social media for users aged 16 and under.

PNP director for investigation and detective management Brig. Gen. Matthew Baccay said the police force is eyeing a recommendation for Congress to restrict minors from social media, a proposal that stems from discussions at the ASEANAPOL Conference regarding Australia's enacted ban on underage users.

“It was agreed that perhaps we can borrow certain legislation to prevent the issue of social media and other

Medical,...

security. Respondents also identified healthcare, education and public safety as among their priorities.

Corruption likewise emerged as a major concern, with many respondents expecting Mr. Marcos to outline specific measures to strengthen transparency and hold erring officials accountable amid continuing public scrutiny of government spending and infrastructure projects.

Survey respondents also said they want the President to go beyond broad policy pronouncements by providing clear timelines, measurable targets and updates on commitments made in previous SONAs.

Despite dominating political headlines in recent months, the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte ranked low among the issues respondents wanted discussed in the

SONA.

Instead, the surveys indicate that Filipinos remain focused on breadand-butter concerns, with the President's speech likely to be judged on whether it presents credible plans to address inflation, employment, corruption and the delivery of basic government services.

The EON survey also underscored public skepticism. Forty-nine percent of respondents said they do not trust the government's ability to solve the country's problems, while 55 percent believe it does not listen to ordinary Filipinos and 54 percent said it does not understand the realities they face.

Conducted from July 7 to 10 among 1,200 Filipino adults, the poll has a margin of error of ±2.96 percentage points at the 95-percent confidence level. Announce reforms, biz groups urge

will be deployed across Metro Manila to secure the President's address. The PNP will also assist in traffic management along Commonwealth Avenue and in the vicinity of the Batasang Pambansa.

Nartatez reminded police commanders and personnel to strictly observe maximum tolerance while carrying out their duties. He also urged rally participants to cooperate with authorities and respect existing regulations to help ensure a peaceful event.

“Our personnel are also ready to secure protest actions across the country. We likewise ask for the cooperation of everyone who will participate in the rallies. Let us respect the rights of everyone and maintain order on this day,” he said.

Nartatez also said they have not monitored any serious security threat related to the SONA.

He assured the public that the

platforms that are accessible to our children,” Baccay said in the same briefing.

Nartatez also ordered all PNP units to implement relevant ASEANAPOL resolutions, particularly on intelligence sharing, cybercrime investigations and anti-scam operations, in light of the deadly Tacloban City school shooting in June.

The Tacloban school shooting, which left three students dead and 20 others injured, was blamed by the PNP on the two minor suspects' extensive exposure to online violence via social media and the violent sandbox game GoreBox.

Hosted by the Philippines under the theme "United in Vision: Securing People and Strengthening Collaboration," the conference brought together police chiefs and heads of delegation from ASEANAPOL member countries, 12 dialogue partners, and 11 observer organizations.

Delegates approved measures to strengthen cooperation against cybercrime, online scams, illegal drugs, terrorism, trafficking in persons, firearms smuggling, and financial, wildlife and maritime crimes.

They also endorsed the continued modernization of the Electronic ASEANAPOL Database System (e-ADS), expanded forensic cooperation, police training, personnel exchanges, and the ASEAN Police Combat Operational Task Force 2026-2028.

From A1 without sufficient resources to deliver the expanded benefits that have been promised. Filipinos will continue to shoulder large hospital bills, while contributing members in particular will continue to feel that the benefits they receive are not commensurate with the premiums they pay," the statement read.

The group raised alarm over a continuous four-year trend of recommended budgets for the state health insurer falling below statutory requirements and actuarial estimates.

In response to recommendations by Executive Secretary Ralph Recto to limit expanded coverage strictly to direct contributors, the coalition stressed that basic care enhancements must extend equitably to ev-

Business groups and economists echoed many of those concerns, urging the President to use the SONA to announce reforms that would improve competitiveness, attract investments and accelerate economic growth. The Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (PHILEXPORT) said it hopes exports will remain a central pillar of the administration's economic strategy.

"We hope the President's SONA will lay down a clear roadmap for reducing the cost of doing business, modernizing our logistics and quality infrastructure, strengthening micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and expanding market access through trade agreements," PHILEXPORT said.

The exporters' group renewed its call for amendments to the Magna Carta for MSMEs, the proposed International Maritime Trade Competitiveness Act and the National Quality Infrastructure Act to strengthen export competitiveness.

The Joint Foreign Chambers (JFC) likewise urged the administration to sustain its economic reform agenda through amendments to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act and the passage of measures such as the Cybersecurity Act, Digital Economy Act, National Single Window System Act, Artificial Intelligence Act, National Land Use Act, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines Charter, the Philippine Ports Authority Charter and the Freedom of Access to Information Act. It also called for full implementation of the CREATE MORE Act, the Ease of Doing Business Act and the Ease of Paying Taxes Act.

The Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) said it hopes this year's SONA will mark "a pivot from politics to economic execution."

"But beyond these reforms, what we want to hear is a clear economic agenda that creates jobs, attracts investments,

police remain vigilant and prepared to respond to any developing situation.

“The PNP has not monitored any serious security threat related to the SONA. However, we remain vigilant against any attempt to disrupt peace and order during the event," he said.

AFP Spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said the troops are on standby as part of established contingency and security plans, ready to respond to any eventuality, if necessary.

Padilla also emphasized that these are standard precautionary measures aimed at ensuring operational readiness and supporting public safety during the SONA.

"The AFP remains committed to performing its constitutional mandate while upholding the rights of all Filipinos, including the right to peaceful

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He was referring to a Facebook post by Senator-Judge Pia Cayetano featuring an edited video of the proceedings with the caption: “Just taking a chance? Making accusations without any evidence!”

He said the greater concern was not the edited video itself but the caption, which he said suggested that the prosecution was making accusations without evidence.

“A senator-judge must first listen to the entire case. She or he should weigh all the evidence before reaching a conclusion,” he added.

Cayetano's post came after oral arguments on the House prosecution's request to subpoena the financial and tax records of Duterte, her husband, Atty. Manases Carpio, and their business interests.

During the hearing, the prosecution argued that the request was supported by Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) reports and other evidence already in its possession.

The Senate impeachment court later granted the subpoena request.

“While the trial is ongoing, it is important to avoid making statements that could create the impression that the prosecution is merely making accusations without evi-

ery citizen rather than creating tiered protection.

"Chronic underfunding should not become a reason to divide members into different levels of protection. The real solution... is for the national government to fully meet its funding obligations to PhilHealth. With adequate financing, PhilHealth can increase benefits for all Filipinos, rather than just for a few," they asserted.

Approval of the requested amount

improves food security, lowers the cost of doing business and restores confidence," MAP said, adding that economic resilience is becoming increasingly important amid geopolitical tensions and climate-related risks. 'Focus on implementation' Economists also urged the administration to focus on implementation.

Michael Ricafort, chief economist at Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., said economic growth had slowed because of government underspending following the crackdown on anomalous flood-control projects that began in late 2025.

He called for faster public spending alongside governance reforms, including the anti-political dynasty bill, party-list reform bill, the Citizen Access and Disclosure of Expenditures for National Accountability (CADENA) bill, and measures to further improve the ease of doing business.

Jonathan Ravelas, senior adviser at Reyes Tacandong & Co., said the government must prove that anti-corruption efforts do not have to come at the expense of economic growth.

"The lesson from past administrations is that we should not confuse stopping corruption with stopping spending. What is needed is a system that quickly identifies and removes questionable projects while accelerating those that are transparent, economically sound, and ready for implementation," he said.

UnionBank chief economist Ruben Carlo Asuncion said success should be measured by outcomes rather than the number of new programs.

"Ultimately, success should be measured not by the number of programs announced, but by the tangible improvements in people's quality of life," Asuncion said, citing food security, quality job creation, energy security, infrastructure delivery and human capital development as key priorities.

assembly." Padilla said. Rex Espiritu Nartatez Jr. said no rally organizers in their right mind would plan to make their demonstrations violent and compromise the safety of their members, adding that they all have the obligation to ensure that lawful assemblies remain peaceful from start to finish.

“We call on all rally organizers to protect their own ranks and remain vigilant against outside provocateurs who might take advantage of the demonstrations to instigate violence,” Nartatez said.

The appeal came after the Quezon City government approved permits for three groups to stage rallies along Commonwealth Avenue on July 27 during the President's SONA.

The approved groups are Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, Sanlakas, and Better Brighter. Meanwhile, applications from other groups are still being processed.

dence. All pieces of evidence must be heard and weighed in court,” Adiong said.

He said he personally witnessed the proceedings and rejected the suggestion that the prosecution was acting without evidence.

“I was there. I personally witnessed the entire proceedings. The prosecution was in the process of presenting, authenticating, and explaining the evidence,” he added.

The caption also raised concerns under the Senate impeachment court's sub judice rule, which bars statements touching on the merits of a pending case.

“If you say the prosecution is merely accusing without evidence, it will be difficult not to affect the merits of the case being heard in the impeachment court,” Adiong said.

He said the issue is not about preventing senator-judges from expressing themselves but about preserving the appearance of fairness throughout the trial.

“A senator-judge is not a lawyer for any party. Her or his duty is to remain fair, keep an open mind, and decide only after hearing all the evidence,” he stressed.

He said public confidence in the impeachment process depends on every senator-judge remaining, and appearing to remain, impartial until all the evidence has been presented.

would make Marcos the first President to fulfill the financial mandates set by the Universal Health Care Act, HPAAC added. "No Filipino should have to choose between protecting the worker who pays premiums and protecting the patient who cannot afford to do so. Our duty as healthcare professionals is to care for both. We ask your administration to do the same," they said.

File...

From A1 in the flood control anomalies to follow Senator Panfilo Lacson's example by filing complaints directly with the DOJ or the Office of the Ombudsman rather than making statements through the media.

“Who is the 'big fish' they want to put behind bars? Does the person pushing for this have firsthand knowledge? Do they possess actual evidence? Because if the evidence is complete, then by all means, go ahead. As we've said, they should take the matter directly to the Ombudsman,” she told DZMM. Castro cited Lacson's position, saying that if the evidence is already complete, it can be brought directly to the Office of the Ombudsman instead of waiting for a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee investigation.

Earlier, Lacson said he is dedicating his weekend to advancing the case against former Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano, whom he has accused of involvement in the alleged ghost projects in Taguig City. He said he and his team would continue investigating the alleged irregular slope protection and drainage projects, aiming to conclude the probe and hold those responsible accountable.

Castro emphasized that the President would not stop anyone from filing cases against those allegedly involved in the flood control irregularities, provided they have sufficient evidence.

“As far as the President is concerned, whoever you intend to charge, as long as you have substantial evidence, you will not be stopped. Go ahead,” she added.

“Many have already returned the money. Many have returned what they allegedly embezzled. Numerous assets have been frozen, and hearings are ongoing. Some cases are before the Sandiganbayan, while others are pending in the regular courts,” Castro said.

Earlier this month during his visit to Canada, President Marcos dismissed allegations that his administration's anti-corruption efforts are a form of "selective justice," asserting that investigations into alleged irregularities, including those involving flood control projects, are based solely on evidence.

In September 2025, Mr. Marcos issued Executive Order 94, establishing the now-defunct Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) tasked with investigating questionable flood control projects.

The ICI previously submitted its accomplishments report to Marcos, detailing its activities and achievements from Sept. 15, 2025, to Jan. 18, 2026. The commission made nine referrals to the Office of the Ombudsman, coordinated the transfer of 66 individuals to the DOJ, and contributed to the freezing of 6,692 bank accounts totaling approximately P24.7 billion.

HEIGHTENED SECURITY. Security has been intensified around the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City, a day before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA). Police and other security forces have tightened measures in and around the complex as preparations continue for the annual address. Edd Castro

Palace dismisses Baste remarks

By Katrina Manubay

MALACAÑANG on

Sunday rejected Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte’s remarks linking the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte to the 2028 presidential elections, asserting that impeachment is a constitutional process initiated by Congress, not by the Marcos administration.

In a video statement, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro dismissed Duterte’s claims, emphasizing that the trial is being conducted by the Senate as part of the constitutional process.

“If they truly want her to become President after President Marcos Jr.’s term, it would be best for her to clear her name and reputation. After all, some accusations regarding confidential funds and unexplained wealth have yet to be refuted,” she said.

This statement was made in response to Mayor Duterte’s claim that the administration’s priority is to remove the Vice President through impeachment because she would pose a strong challenge in the 2028 presidential election.

Castro also reiterated that the administration’s anti-corruption efforts are not a form of “selective justice,” asserting that investigations into alleged irregularities are based solely on evidence.

“Their allies—or anyone else, for that matter— will not face charges unless there is an accusation of a crime, wrongdoing, or violation of the law. For the President, action is based solely on the evidence. Evidence is not fabricated,” she added.

Additionally, the Palace official responded to the Davao mayor’s assertion that the President “moves like a syndicate,” saying the accusation echoed previ-

Poll: More Pinoy voters consider socmed more reliable news source

More registered Filipino voters con-

sider social media a more reliable and trustworthy source of national news than traditional mainstream media, although a larger share said they either trust both equally or assess credibility based on the specific news source, according to the latest survey by PUBLiCUS Asia Inc.

The Pahayag survey found that 28 percent of respondents consider social media more reliable, with 16 percent saying it is “much more reliable” and 14 percent describing it as “somewhat more reliable.”

By comparison, 22 percent said they trust mainstream media more, including 11 percent who rated it as “much more reliable” and another 11 percent who said it is “somewhat more reliable.”

Meanwhile, 16 percent said social media and mainstream media are equally reliable and trustworthy, while

14 percent said credibility depends on the specific source or issue. Seven percent said neither platform is reliable, and 11 percent were undecided.

The survey also found that browsing the internet has become the leading source of political news and current affairs for Filipinos, cited by 58 percent of respondents.

Facebook followed at 54 percent, while television remained a major source at 50 percent.

Word-of-mouth sources also continued to play a significant role, with 26 percent relying on friends, acquaintances, co-workers, or neighbors, and 25 percent citing relatives as regular sources of political information.

Traditional media platforms ranked lower, with AM radio and newspapers or tabloids each cited by 16 percent of respondents, while X, formerly Twitter, was cited by 13 percent. Katrina Manubay

ous remarks made against the Duterte administration. She cited former police official Jovie Espenido’s past statement alleging that the Philippine National Police had become “the biggest organized crime group” during former President Rodrigo Duterte’s term.

“It would be better for Mayor Baste Duterte not to turn a blind eye. Or, if he is fully aware of what his father and his father’s group did, he should not pin the blame on President Marcos Jr.,” Castro said.

“As for former President Duterte being brought before the International Criminal Court, it would not have become an issue if there had been no alleged victims—or if his father had not admitted to the killings,” she added.

ICC prosecutors have accused Duterte of three counts of murder as crimes against humanity, alleging his involvement in at least 76 murders between 2013 and 2018 as part of his “war on drugs.”

The 81-year-old will be the first Asian former head of state to stand trial before the ICC, which prosecutes individuals for the world’s most serious crimes, including war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Sustaining educ reforms

key to better learning, says Acidre

By Vito C. Galvez

TINGOG Party-list Rep. Jude A. Acidre on Sunday expressed hope that education would remain among the administration’s top priorities, saying the reforms already underway now require sustained implementation to deliver lasting improvements for Filipino learners.

Ahead of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), Acidre, chairperson of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education, said the country has moved beyond simply identifying the problems confronting the education sector and is now focused on carrying reforms through.

“As President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. delivers his State of the Nation Address on Monday, I hope that education reform will remain among the highest priorities of his administration,” Acidre said.

He said the work of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), together with Congress, government agencies, educators, and other stakeholders, has provided a clearer picture of the country’s education challenges and the reforms needed to address them.

“The challenge now is sustained reform,” he said.

“Education reform cannot be accomplished in one year, one Congress, or one administration. We are addressing problems that have accumulated over decades. We therefore need consistency in policy, sustained investment, strong implementation, and the political commitment to stay the course until these reforms produce measurable improvements in the lives of Filipino learners.”

RIVER COMMUTE. Residents of Barangay Bagong Silangan,

Quezon City continue using boats to cross the Marikina River en route to San Mateo, Rizal on Sunday as intermittent rains slightly raise the river’s water level. Edd Castro

Libanan seeks P1b extra fund for medical facilities in SUCs

IN BRIEF

HOUSE Minority Leader and 4Ps Party-list

By Rio N. Araja

debts, enabling them to reinvest their income in their farms, support their families, and improve their overall quality of life.

“You no longer have to pay agrarian amortization for the next 30 years. Keep the income you earn from your land and use it to make your farms more productive, support your families, send your children to school and secure their future,” she said.

“Secretary Conrado Estrella III has only one request: take good care of the land entrusted to you, make it productive, and rest assured that DAR’s support will continue” she added.

item under the annual budget of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED)— has received P250 million in 2022, P250 million in 2023, P275 million in 2024, P150 million in 2025, and P440 million in the 2026 General Appropriations Act.

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) on Sunday reported the arrest seven suspects and the seizure of ₱5.2 million worth of smuggled cigarettes, equipment used in the manufacture and distribution of unlabeled cooking oil, and vehicles during separate anti-smuggling operations conducted Friday in Sarangani Province, Batangas, and Davao City.

In Barangay Cupang, Bauan, Batangas, a joint operation by the PNP, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Municipal Health Office resulted in the arrest of a woman believed involved in the manufacture and trading of unlabeled cooking oil products.

The raiders confiscated assorted oil storage tanks, a refilling machine, a weighing scale, a truck, and buy-bust money, totaling ₱2.5 million. Vince Lopez

PNP raids yield P5-m cooking oil, cigarettes QC boosts initiatives to empower QCitizens

QUEZON City Mayor Joy Belmonte has issued an executive order strengthening the local government’s commitment to education, media and information literacy, lifelong learning, and culture.

Executive Order No. 22 creates multisectoral committee tasked to coordinate the city’s initiatives as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Creative City of Film, a UNESCO Media and Information Literacy Pilot City, and a member of the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities. Belmonte said the UNESCO recognitions carry the responsibility of translating global commitments into meaningful local action.

“These recognitions are more than international distinctions. They represent our commitment to empowering every QCitizen through education, culture, and access to reliable information. By bringing together our departments and partners under one coordinating body, we can better deliver programs that help our communities become more informed, engaged, and resilient,” she said. Rio N. Araja

Service caravan rolls out in Tanza, Cavite

THE provincial government of Cavite presses its commitment to bring accessible and responsive public services closer to communities as the Cavite Service Caravan successfully rolled out its fifth leg on July 23, 2026 in the town of Tanza. Led by Gov. Gabriel Remulla, the service caravan featured the turnover of 20 ambulances and 10 tricycles called Bokyo to the municipality of Tanza.

The additional emergency response vehicles are expected to

Rep. Marcelino Libanan is urging Congress to provide at least an additional P1 billion to accelerate the development of medical schools in state universities and colleges (SUCs), saying the investment would enable the country to produce more doctors and help ease the persistent shortage of physicians, particularly in underserved communities.

“We are pushing for an allocation of at least another P1 billion for the Seed Fund for the Development of Medical Schools in SUCs in the proposed 2027 national budget,” Libanan said in a statement.

“We want to fast-track the development of medical schools in SUCs so that the country can produce more physicians in the years ahead and improve public access to healthcare, especially in communities

where doctors remain in very short supply,” he added.

Libanan stressed that “easier access to doctors is essential to strengthening public health.”

Congress created the Seed Fund for the Development of Medical Schools in SUCs through the 2021 national budget with an initial allocation of P150 million. Since then, the fund—provided as a line

The seed fund supports medical schools in SUCs by helping them boost instructional capacity, acquire teaching resources, upgrade libraries, and establish advanced laboratory facilities. According to Libanan, the number of SUCs operating medical schools has increased from 25 to 30.

Last month, CHED authorized five additional SUCs to offer the first and secondyear levels of their Doctor of Medicine programs beginning in academic year 2026-2027. These are Eastern Samar State University, Visayas State University, University of Eastern Philippines, Benguet State University, and Cotabato State University.

By Ram Superable

TOP diplomatic envoys from Oman and the Philippines have announced plans to transform shared maritime ties into direct economic corridors between Southeast Asia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) during bilateral discussions on Sunday.

During the Third Oman-Philippines Forum: “Strategic Majlis,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro urged private sector leaders to treat both nations as commercial launchpads into the larger ASEAN and Gulf regional economies.

She cited the five-fold expansion in total trade between Manila and Muscat over the past year and called for targeted joint ventures in deep-sea fishing technology, sustainable aquaculture, digital IT services, and halal-certified agroindustrial processing.

“To sustain this upward trajectory, our governments are strengthening our bilateral regulatory framework. We must build on this solid foundation by

maximizing our positions as regional gateways and strengthening our commercial ties,” said Lazaro.

Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi, during his keynote, emphasized that the evolving bilateral relationship relies heavily on public-private action, personal trust, and the significant contributions of the local Filipino diaspora in Oman.

“We want to grow our businesses, investors, entrepreneurs, and innovators from both countries, turning these opportunities into lasting connections. By creating stronger connections between our private sectors, we can expand economic cooperation and indeed open new horizons for mutual benefits,” he said.

Omani Ambassador to the Philippines Nasser bin Said bin Abdullah Almanwari, for his part, revealed that two-way trade has reached approximately $250 million following expanded high-level political exchanges and newly executed bilateral treaties.

By Vito Barcelo

MANILA Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula has urged Catholics to evangelize through friendship and patience rather than pressure.

Speaking at the opening of the 12th Philippine Conference on New Evangelization (PCNE) at the University of Santo Tomas, the prelate said Christians should imitate the Blessed Virgin Mary’s example of leading others to Christ through gentleness and love.

“Mary reminds us that, in true friendship, love never forces but simply accompanies,” Advincula said. “True friends know how to wait because waiting is also love.”

The cardinal said Catholics should encourage others in their faith without coercion, saying authentic evangelization is rooted in friendship and respect for each person’s spiritual journey, he said.

Reflecting on the conference theme, “Sangkay” (Friendship), Advincula said evangelization should embody the Marian virtues of hinay-hinay (gentleness), kanunay (faithful perseverance), and buligay (cooperation). He also enjoined believers to renew their commitment to Christ “when enthusiasm for the faith weakens.”

“When the joy diminishes or the enthusiasm fades, our first response should not be to give up or walk away, but to turn to Jesus,” he said.

Advincula also called for greater collaboration within the Church, saying evangelization is a shared mission grounded in friendship with Christ rather than obligation.

“Christian friendship is never a oneway relationship but a shared journey in which we become instruments of God’s grace for one another,” he said.

CREEK CLEANUP.

Sentro Dalisay Theater and Dance Company,

student performing arts group from Navotas City, stages

Kuwento

Cruz

OPINION

Pax et bellum

SUPPOSEDLY to enhance our military preparedness, we have, through the administrations of Benigno Aquino III and Ferdinand Marcos Jr., allowed our “beloved” ally the use of some nine sites across the length and breadth of our archipelago, under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).

Aquino III gave the Americans joint use with our military of bases in Puerto Princesa, Floridablanca in Pampanga, Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, Lumbia in Cagayan de Oro, and Mactan where the air base straddles the international airport. Not to be outdone, Marcos Jr. added Balabac in Palawan, Gamu in Isabela, Lal-lo and Sta. Ana in Cagayan. The last three are very close to Taiwan which China has vowed to retake.

Lal-lo was built for civilian air traffic but was never used as such, though it is just 30 minutes away by air and Sta. Ana’s naval base is 13 hours by boat from Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s second largest city. Kaohsiung is an industrial powerhouse. Aquino III elevated our dispute over territorial waters, some of which China claims under its nine-dash line which UNCLOS does not recognize. Based on that 2016 ruling, we have been asserting our rights while China has become more belligerent.

Marcos pushed the envelope further, by agreeing to four additional bases, three of which will be future supply bases in the event China uses force to retake Taiwan. Whether we like it or not, we have become a target if and when a war starts.

If it is “si vis pacem, para bellum,” we have voluntarily become part of American war preparations. Though America cloaks its commitment to Taiwan under “strategic ambiguity,” it profits immensely from selling arms to it for “self-defense” purposes. America is getting whatever it wants with the Marcos government, assuring us of “ironclad” commitments to our “mutual” defense under a treaty forged in 1951 under Elpidio Quirino that now serves as the legal foundation for the Visiting Forces Agreement signed by Joseph Estrada and the EDCA by Aquino III.

Visiting US State Secretary Marco Rubio profusely assured Marcos Jr. that Trump loves him. But as soon as he got back to DC, Trump slapped us with an additional 12.5% tariff for our miniscule exports. Meanwhile, our “beloved” ally has enticed the Marcos Junior government to give 1,619 hectares, probably more. The additional land will be used for dedicated solar energy requirements because such an undertaking requires some 3 gigawatts of power -- something our current Luzon generation capacity cannot supply.

Per the Bases Conversion Development Authority, about 30 companies have

expressed interest in investing under the US-led Pax Silica project, claiming a potential 75 billion pesos in annual tax revenues and as many as 190,000 new jobs. Our government hopes to be able to sign an agreement by November this year. It is expected that this will be one of the promises our president will unveil in his SONA today.

Pax Silica is described as an industrial and innovation project that would integrate semiconductor packaging, electronics, AI computing, research development and processing of our minerals, such as nickel, copper and chromite aiming to reduce dependence on China for technology supply chains.

We have become America’s pawn in the region.

It certainly sounds good on paper. But watch out for the fine print on a project which Marcos Junior hopes to be the crowning glory of his six-year stay in Malacanang, and will be billed as among the benefits of our deliberate choice of the US of A as partner against China.

Yet various questions need to be addressed, as the project, if it materializes, will require 3 gigawatts of electricity and some 4.8 million gallons of water per day, both of which are in short supply in Luzon.

If mineral processing is a benefit, why locate these far away from Mindanao where most of our minerals are?

Ah, but that is Duterte country while Luzon, hopefully, will be anti-Duterte come 2028.

As it is, our power and water crises will worsen with the project requirements. Failure to assure the locators within the timelines required will turn many foreign investors off.

Besides, who will foot the bill for the necessary infrastructure? Likely, it will be the Philippine government, through BCDA or its subsidiary Clark Development Authority. Will NBI’s Matibag investigate?

There will be potentially considerable adverse impact on a country notorious for its inability to protect its environment.

Though BCDA assures us that it will take care of the indigenous community which considers the land as ancestral domain, one wonders if these are true.

Premises considered, it would be best for us to hold our horses and examine the promise of supposed multi-billion dollar investments, which given the panic of the current leadership to produce some concrete legacy, may not benefit our people in the long run. In war and in peace, we have become America’s pawn in the region.

The scorecard that matters

EVERY State of the Nation Address is an exercise in listening. Its true meaning is determined long after the applause has faded.

Inside the session hall, lawmakers, business leaders, and political observers listen for priorities, policy directions, and signals of what lies ahead. Outside it, Filipinos listen for something far simpler: a reason to believe that tomorrow will be a little easier than yesterday. The mother buying vegetables in the market is not thinking about fiscal policy. She is wondering whether the week’s budget will still be enough. The employee receiving a paycheck is less concerned with growth projections than with whether that paycheck can still cover the family’s needs. The small entrepreneur opening shop each morning is not asking for special favors, only a fair chance to earn an honest living. These are modest hopes. Yet they remain among the hardest promises any government is asked to fulfill. For citizens, this is the scorecard that matters. Governance is not an abstract concept. It is reflected in the prices they pay, the jobs they keep, the services they receive, and the confidence that public institutions are working in their interest. The latest Pulse Asia survey, conducted from June 28 to July 3, 2026, af-

firms these everyday realities. The findings are striking. Fifty-seven percent of Filipinos identified controlling inflation as the country’s most urgent concern. Thirty-six percent called for higher workers’ pay, while 26 percent cited poverty reduction. Just as significant, 43 percent said government must do more to fight graft and corruption, and hold erring public officials accountable.

Filipinos need a reason to believe that tomorrow will be a little easier than yesterday.

These concerns are interconnected. Together, they describe the daily experience of many Filipino families. Inflation remains the most immediate burden because it touches every household. Rising prices quietly reshape family decisions: postponing a medical check-up, buying less at the grocery, delaying repairs at home, or setting aside less for a child’s education. Inflation is often measured in percentages. Filipino families measure it in what they can no

A position of sincerity

TODAY’S State-of-the-Nation Address will be President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s secondto-the-last opportunity to talk to his national constituency and tell us where we are and to where he hopes to steer us.

He is expected to say many things given the multi-faceted challenges that our nation is saying. At the very least, the people want to hear him talk about how he intends to translate what appear to be nominal gains in the economy: specifically the Philippines’ achievement of Upper Middle Income status, according to the World Bank, just this month. Such a category is determined by national income per capita. In simple terms, every Filipino is enjoying a gross income of $4,850 a year. And yet we know this is not an accurate portrayal of reality. The real picture is that there are a handful of insanely affluent families while the greater bulk of the population subsists on wages barely enough to live with dignity. Even those from the so-called middle class are just one hospitalization emergency away from poverty.

It is thus no surprise that surveys reveal Filipinos’ most pressing concerns: economics. Not the macro, theoretical sense, but a personal, intimate experience of being

able to afford basic goods, send children to school, find and keep good jobs. These are what matter, even more than one-time financial assistance that are so easily confused with political posturing.

—“—

There is never an absolute success story.

It was during the previous year’s SONA that the President first sounded the alarm on anomalous flood control projects. What has happened since then, and after the hearings best remembered for their shock value? While some people have been sent to jail, many more remain at large, and we would hazard a guess that the transactions of a great majority have not even been noticed. As we prepare to face more typhoons in the coming weeks and months, we are sure the outrage will be felt again – but how

By Ratziel San Juan

TWENTY-FIVE years after the Japanese cult classic film “Pulse” began terrorizing audiences in fear of their personal computers, there may be a new reason to look over our shoulders once more. The screens have since shrunk several times over. We bring our devices, lightweight and portable, with us everywhere we go. Unplugging has now become virtually impossible with our increasing reliance on technology for our social and even professional needs.

In the event of a full-scale ghost invasion through our gadgets as depicted in Pulse, we are very much cooked. The scarier part is that ghosts don’t even need to exist in real life to replicate the film’s premise of trapping people in loneliness rather than simply killing them.

Whereas director Kiyoshi Kurosawa, known for his psychological storytelling, used technology as a conduit and plot device for Pulse’s horror themes, its real-life threat has already evolved to become a threatening presence in itself.

Particularly, ChatGPT and other platforms that allow users to hold entire conversations for hours and hours with AI models are as dystopian as they get. Talking to a ghost

I say this in the midst of a growing anti-AI sentiment in the Philippines due to its perceived negative impact on the environment, education, labor, and culture, among others — especially in light of the Pax Silica controversy.

longer afford.

Bringing prices under control is therefore more than achieving an economic target. It is one of the clearest ways government can ease the burden carried by millions of households.

Filipinos are also asking for opportunities that provide economic security. The call for better pay reflects a deeper desire for work that allows families not only to get by, but to plan for the future with confidence. Economic growth matters only when it creates quality jobs, raises incomes, and expands opportunities people can genuinely feel in their daily lives.

Public trust also depends on how responsibly government manages the resources entrusted to it. Corruption is more than a political issue. It is a public service issue. Every peso lost to graft is a peso that cannot build classrooms, improve hospitals, strengthen disaster response, or support livelihood programs. Accountability means ensuring that public resources reach the people they

far will the anger take us?

All this is happening as the impeachment trial of the Vice President is unfolding at the Senate. It is impossible to separate the factfinding exercise from politics, especially since VP Sara Duterte has remained popular despite the charges and the mounting evidence against her. We hope something would come out of the long and exhausting trial days, that people realize how much transparency in government affects the lives of ordinary citizens. In the end, nobody will believe a glowing report. The President has to come from a position of sincerity and a desire nonetheless to do what it could given the remaining two years he has in office. This means equal application of the law, equal zeal to combat corruption no matter the accused’s political and other affinities, equal condemnation of human rights abuses no matter when and by whom these were committed. And an overarching desire to deliver the kind of public service that Filipinos have long deserved.

Today, the people will find comfort in listening to a leader who is forthright, humble, hopeful and, more importantly, committed to doing better.

ChatGPT: A spiritual successor to a techno-horror cult classic

I would also ‘fess up that I myself am one of the many Filipinos who have confided in ChatGPT for a range of personal and emotional concerns, going so far as admitting that the platform knows more of my innermost secrets than my inner circle of friends and family. In my newfound responsibility to limit my own access and exposure to AI, I need not worry about the fear of missing out on social media trends. There still is, of course, the matter of going cold turkey when it comes to talking with ChatGPT as if it were a real person. To wit, the platform’s merit as a lifeline is that one who feels alone might not reach out to their closest contacts, even their significant other or their parents, if it proves to be too “burdensome.” At least, that was my logic whenever I consulted ChatGPT during periods of loneliness and vulnerability.

What can be said about a society that needs AI to bridge our social gaps?

According to DataReportal’s Digital 2026 Global Overview Report, 42.4 percent of Filipino internet users aged 16 and above used ChatGPT in the past month to place the Philippines as the sixth leading user worldwide, with using AI as a com-

are meant to serve. Perhaps the most sobering finding from the same Pulse Asia survey is not simply what Filipinos consider urgent, but where many believe government has fallen short. At least seven in ten respondents expressed dissatisfaction with efforts to control inflation, address the sale and use of illegal drugs, and combat graft and corruption. The message is difficult to ignore. Trust is not built by what government promises. It is built by what people experience.

That is the challenge after today’s SONA. The speech may outline priorities and report accomplishments, but governance will ultimately be judged in homes where parents stretch the household budget, in workplaces where wages should keep pace with the cost of living, and in communities that expect efficient, honest, and responsive public service. The conversation should not end with today’s address. On Friday, Democracy Watch Philippines will convene its Post-

panion for therapy-like conversations being the most common purpose in the country and even globally.

‘Help me’ In retrospect, I was only isolating myself further by conversing with an app rather than voicing out my littlest curiosities, dumbest questions, and darkest desires to someone in real life.

This effectively mirrors the signature quote uttered by Pulse’s characters who fell victim to the tech-induced loneliness: “Help me.” By turning to AI for topics that would normally require human discernment, we are abandoning all trust in humanity to fix our problems on our own and with each other’s help.

After all, what can be said about a society that needs AI to bridge our social gaps? They say no man is an island, but it feels like technology is only distancing us all further from one another. My firsthand warning to everyone still under ChatGPT’s trance: it is only a tool, which is the most credit I’ll give due to the aforementioned concerns, on top of its productive limitations like AI hallucinations. Do not let the tool replace the human — whether that human is you or someone else.

Otherwise, this horror movie will have a bad ending.

(Ratziel San Juan is a Filipino journalist interested in covering culture and public affairs. He is drawn to stories that examine institutions, power, and the forces shaping people’s everyday lives.)

SONA Forum 2026, bringing together leaders from government, academia, civil society, and public opinion research to discuss how transparency, accountability, information integrity, and inclusive governance can strengthen public trust and ensure that democratic institutions remain responsive to citizens’ everyday concerns. By tonight, the speech will have been delivered. Analysts will debate the announcements, the accomplishments, and of course, the politics. Tomorrow morning, however, millions of Filipinos will return to work, to the market, to classrooms, hospitals, farms, and government offices. There, they will continue to measure governance in the only way that truly matters: whether life is becoming more affordable, opportunities more meaningful, public service more reliable, and government more worthy of their trust. That, more than the applause inside the plenary hall, is the scorecard that matters.

MONDAY, JULY 27, 2026

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

23 missing as Vietnamese ship capsizes in South China Sea

BEIJING — Rescuers were searching Sunday for 23 people missing after a Vietnamese cargo ship carrying 62 crew members sank in the South China Sea, Chinese state media reported.

The cargo vessel Khoi Nguyen 18 encountered trouble near Yongshu Reef, also known as Fiery Cross Reef, according to state broadcaster CCTV. Thirtynine crew members were rescued.

Chinese state news agency Xinhua reported that a Chinese rescue vessel detected what was believed to be the ship’s distress signal shortly before 6:30 p.m. Saturday (1030 GMT).

Search-and-rescue operations involved six Chinese vessels, a rescue helicopter, and one Viet-

namese vessel, Xinhua said.

Authorities in China’s island province of Hainan said the Khoi Nguyen 18 is a Vietnamese-registered cargo ship measuring just under 70 meters in length.

Vietnam’s foreign ministry did not immediately respond to AFP’s request for comment.

China claims nearly the entire South China Sea despite a 2016 international arbitral ruling that found its sweeping claims have no legal basis.

Vietnam, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, and Taiwan also claim parts of the strategic waterway, including the Spratly Islands, which are believed to hold significant oil and gas reserves. AFP

Dwindling arms stockpiles stall Iran war

IN BRIEF

‘Noul’ lashes China with strong winds, fierce rain

BEIJING — Typhoon Noul made landfall in China early Sunday morning, state media reported, lashing a stretch of the southern coast and prompting emergency relief in the fiercest storm to hit the country this year.

Before gaining intensity on Saturday over the South China Sea, Noul had already left a path of damage, clipping the extreme northern islands of the Philippines.

Severe weather forecasts for Noul had spurred authorities to evacuate more than 340,000 people and suspend work and rail services, with major flight disruptions continuing throughout Sunday morning.

The centre of the typhoon crossed over land at around 3:50 am (1950 GMT) near the town of Pinghai, Guangdong Province -- about 80 kilometres northeast of financial hub Hong Kong -- state broadcaster CCTV reported.

Maximum sustained winds near the eye of the storm at the time of landfall were 162 kilometres (101 miles) an hour, the report said. AFP

Zelensky: Russia eyes 30k extra North Korean troops

KYIV — Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that Russia has sought an extra 30,000 troops and missile launchers from North Korea to fight his country.

Preparations for the extra troops are being made in Russia’s Voronezh region near the frontier with Ukraine, Zelensky said in a social media post late Saturday. North Korea sent thousands of troops to help Russia fight off a Ukrainian counteroffensive in the Kursk region in 2024. It has also provided arms to help Russia’s invasion since 2022. According to South Korea, some 2,000 North Korean troops have been killed in the war.

“Russia wants to receive another 30,000 troops from North Korea. Since June, preparations have been underway in Russia’s Voronezh region to receive them,” Zelensky said on X.

“North Korea is also preparing to transfer additional launchers for ballistic missiles to Russia. This is a threat not only to Ukraine. Russia is helping North Korea learn how to wage war, improve its weapons, and gain real combat experience in using them,” he added. AFP

Uganda’s Olara Otunnu candidate 7 for UN chief

UNITED NATIONS — The race to become the next leader of the United Nations on Saturday added a seventh candidate: Uganda’s Olara Otunnu, a former opposition presidential candidate and onetime high-ranking UN official.

The world body informed member states of the candidacy of the 75-yearold Otunnu, which was presented by his home nation.

Otunnu served as UN under-secretary general and special representative for children and armed conflict from 1997 to 2005 under then UN chief Kofi Annan. He also served as Uganda’s UN envoy, and as his country’s foreign minister for a brief period.

Otunnu stood as the presidential candidate for the opposition Uganda People’s Congress in the 2011 election, losing to longtime leader Yoweri Museveni, in office since 1986. AFP

TEHRAN — Iran passed another night without US airstrikes as Washington paused its military campaign Sunday, raising hopes for renewed diplomacy even as Tehran warned the conflict would widen if attacks resume and negotiations continued over the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

The pause came after nearly two weeks of consecutive nightly US bombardments, as media reports said the lull reflected both renewed diplomatic efforts and concerns over dwindling stockpiles of Patriot interceptors and other defensive munitions.

CNN, citing an unidentified Pentagon source, reported that US operations against Iran were “on a hold,” despite President Donald Trump’s warning Friday that Tehran could face strikes at a “much higher level.”

The New York Times, citing two people

briefed on the matter, reported that plans to escalate the campaign had been shelved partly because of shrinking weapons supplies. The newspaper also said Trump faces the risk of a broader Middle East war, strained relations with Gulf allies, and further shocks to the global economy.

CNN reported that Vice President JD Vance and top US general Dan Caine raised concerns about further escalation during a White House meeting Friday.

According to the network, Caine told Trump the military could carry out avail-

able options but warned of their possible consequences.

Trump said Friday that he had not decided whether to resume a full-scale operation.

“We’re talking to them right now. I think they’re getting more and more serious,” he told reporters.

Trump said Iran faced a choice between reaching an agreement or facing strikes at a “much higher level.”

Axios reported that the Pentagon had presented Trump with a plan for a 14th consecutive night of strikes, but he declined to authorize it in favor of renewed negotiations.

Diplomatic efforts seem to gain ground Diplomatic efforts also appeared to gain momentum as Iran announced progress in talks with Oman on managing the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic waterway through which a significant portion of the world’s oil and gas shipments passes.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said Iranian and Omani deputy foreign ministers held several rounds of talks in Tehran on Friday and Saturday focusing on “common principles and operational mechanisms” to ensure safe shipping while respecting both countries’ sovereign rights. He described the discussions as “useful” and said progress had been made, adding that “technical and political consultations between the two sides were continuing.” Axios reported that Trump ordered the pause in airstrikes after an Omani delegation arrived in Tehran “for talks on a new arrangement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.” Baqaei said there had been “no change” in shipping through the strait, although Iranian state television reported Sunday that Iranian armed forces had stopped six vessels attempting to transit the waterway after issuing warnings over the previous 24 hours. AFP

Car plows into Berlin Gay Pride parade, killing 1, hurting 16

Wildfires in France, Spain force over 300k citizens, tourists to flee

BORDEAUX, France — Thousands of people crowded into emergency shelters Sunday after wildfires forced more than 300,000 residents and tourists to flee their homes and holiday accommodations in France and Spain.

The fires have destroyed homes, displaced hundreds of thousands, and triggered one of France’s largest peacetime civilian evacuation operations. Major blazes continued to burn in both countries.

One person was killed in eastern Spain, while authorities ordered fresh evacuations near Bordeaux and southwest of Madrid, warning that dangerous conditions were expected to persist.

Families spent the night on camp beds in exhibition halls and gymnasiums after fleeing fast-moving flames and thick smoke that swept through forests and tourist areas.

“We were told: ‘You have to evacuate,’” said 70-year-old Frederic Tavitian,

who spent the night at Bordeaux’s exhibition center, now serving as a temporary shelter.

“We saw columns of smoke, like a volcano about to erupt.” Between 5,000 and 6,000 evacuees stayed overnight at the center.

The Gironde fire service said the blaze generated a rare **pyrocumulonimbus** cloud that created its own winds and whirlwinds, making the fire “erratic and unmanageable,” firefighter Capt. Nicolas Braz told AFP.

Spanish authorities also ordered new evacuations near Toledo, southwest of Madrid.

“Today we are rather more pessimistic than we were yesterday,” Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska said Saturday, citing worsening weather conditions.

Firefighters working around the clock have struggled to contain the blazes, which killed two French firefighters near Bordeaux earlier this week. AFP

Police told AFP the suspect’s vehicle was found abandoned near the park. A large-scale search involving helicopters and officers from several German states was underway across the capital.

Authorities

Police spokesman Florian Nath said the suspect was believed to have links to “Islamist circles.”

The attack occurred shortly before 10 p.m. (2000 GMT) Saturday. Police said a vehicle, believed to be a minivan or SUV, entered Tiergarten park and struck several people. Germany in shock

One person was killed and 16 others were injured, including three in critical condition, Berlin fire department spokesman Dominik Pretz said.

About 30 more people were treated for shock at the scene.

Police described the suspect as slender, about 1.90 meters (6 feet 3 inches) tall, with black hair, wearing a black hoodie and white trousers.

Investigators said several victims were believed to have suffered stab wounds, and witnesses reported seeing one or more people flee the vehicle after the crash.

A witness near the main Pride stage at the Brandenburg Gate told AFP the festivities ended abruptly when police ordered the crowd to disperse. “Go home, please,” officers told attendees as emergency crews treated the injured. AFP

LOW ON MUNITIONS. This screengrab from undated handout video footage released by the US Central Command on July 25 shows what it says are operations enforcing its naval blockade against Iran. Washington paused a war with

Iran nearing its fifth month as reports emerged that concerns over dwindling munitions were restraining plans for further escalation. AFP

CAR AT FAULT. View taken on July 26 shows the front of the car that alledgedly was driven into people, killing one person and injuring 16 before crashing on a tree in the Tiergarten park on the outskirts of the Christopher Street Day parade in Berlin held the day before. AFP

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia—Two-time heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua survived two early knockdowns on the way to a second-round knockout of Kristian Prenga on Sunday, his triumphant ring return paving the way for a blockbuster all-British bout with Tyson Fury.

The fight at the Jeddah Superdome was Joshua’s first since he was involved in a car crash in Nigeria in December that killed two of his close friends, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele.

The 36-year-old choked up when asked in the ring about his friends and the emotions of the past seven months, but said his second-round revival was down to more than pure punching power.

“That was spirit, that was Latz, that was Sina. That was family,” he said.

The devastating accident occurred little more than a week after Joshua demolished YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in a controversial Netflixbacked bout in December.

Joshua’s last prior competitive appearance in the ring was his fifthround knockout loss to IBF world champion Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in September 2024.

He improved to 30-4, with 27 wins by knockout, but not without drama.

Albania’s Prenga, a knockout artist who had 20 wins inside the distance in 21 prior fights, sent Joshua to the canvas with a right uppercut just 20 seconds into the bout.

He had Joshua on the ropes again, his legs shaky, before sending him down a second time late in the first round.

But Joshua steadied in the second, backing Prenga into the corner behind his jab, shrugging off more heavy blows from the Albanian before inflicting damage of his own with his left hand. A brutal combination capped by a

Joshua survives 2 early knockdowns, KOs rival

big right finally sent Prenga crashing through the ropes to end it at 2:43 of the second round.

Joshua and Fury now appear set for their “Battle of Britain” in November, at a venue still to be announced.

Fury, like Joshua a former two-time heavyweight world champion, did his part to make the long-anticipated fight happen, stopping Mariusz Wach in a lowkey bout in Pattaya, Thailand, on Friday. Fury, 37, outclassed Wach in front in the Thai resort city, chipping away relentlessly at the 46-year-old until he was pulled out by his corner in the seventh round.

It was Fury’s second win in as many contests this year in his return

from a 16-month layoff.

‘We’re here now’

Fury wasn’t ringside in Jeddah as many had anticipated, but Joshua had a message for him even so.

“I’m gonna rip his heart out! I’m the meanest, most vicious champion that has ever been. Nobody can stop me,” he said.

“All jokes aside, there’s two sides of this thing,” Joshua added. “One is fire. You have to have that vim, that (roar). But also, there’s respect.

“I respect everything he has done and everything that he has achieved.

“But as a fighting person and someone who has been calling for this fight for a long time, we’re here now.”

Promoter Eddie Hearn, also speaking inside the ring in the wake of the bout streamed on DAZN, said the contract to fight Fury was signed.

“Everything’s done,” Hearn said. “But to be honest with you, tonight is all about the strength that (Joshua) showed to even be here tonight, and the strength that he had to show in that fight.”

Hearn said that as the first round unfolded, he feared Joshua had come back too soon after the traumatic loss of his friends.

But a beaming Joshua was bullish on the future.

“I can’t be stopped,” he said. “I’m not going to be stopped. I’m not going to be denied.” AFP

PFF, PSC launch historic AFC Pro Diploma Coaching Course

THE Philippine Football Federation (PFF), with support from the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), has reached another milestone in the professionalization of football coaching with the launch of the country’s first-ever AFC Pro Diploma Coaching Course, marking a new era in the development of elite coaches for Philippine football, with 18 coaches -- 13 Filipinos and five foreign nationals -- enrolled.

The inaugural module of the year-long program opened on July 22 and runs until July 26 at the PSC Media Room inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila.

The course is spread across multiple residential modules over nearly a year and represents the highest coaching qualification offered by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

Under the mentorship of veteran instructor and former national team head coach Stewart Hall, it prepares coaches for professional clubs and national teams through advanced education in leadership, tactical analysis, high-performance management, sports science integration, and modern club management.

PFF president John Anthony Gutierrez and PSC Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio joined the participants during the third day of the opening module on July 24, underscoring the importance of the landmark program to Philippine football.

“For more than a century since the Philippine Football Federation was established in 1907, we have never hosted an AFC Pro Diploma Coaching Course,” Gutierrez said. “We have only produced two Filipino pro licensed coaches, and they both had to earn their qualifications abroad. Today, we finally change that.”

Gutierrez described the course as one of the Federation’s most significant investments in coaching

education, emphasizing that raising the standard of coaches is fundamental to improving every level of Philippine football.

“In line with the PSC’s initiative to professionalize coaching across all sports, the PFF is proud to finally bring the AFC Pro Diploma to the Philippines. We hope this is only the first of many,” Gutierrez said, thanking PSC for supporting this historic program.

The AFC Pro Diploma is reserved for experienced coaches who already possess an AFC ‘ A’ Diploma and are actively coaching at the professional or elite level.

Participants undergo rigorous theoretical and practical assessments, club management projects, and international exposure designed to prepare them for the demands of coaching at the highest

levels of Asian football. Gregorio reaffirmed the PSC’s commitment to supporting football’s continued growth, stressing that investment in coaching is essential to producing better players and stronger national teams.

“I believe Filipinos can excel in football,” Gregorio said. “But we have to invest. We have to become more serious and continue building partnerships with FIFA and the PFF. Once we have football fields all over the country, we also need good coaches, good referees and technical officials. Everything starts with the coach.”

Drawing from his experience in strengthening Philippine archery through world-class coaching this year, Gregorio highlighted the transformative role coaches play in athlete development.

Philippine Inter-School Sport Association represented at ISF

By Graham C. Lim

pines participated in the International School Sport Federation (ISF) General Assembly at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Belgrade, with the author, Philippine Inter-School Sport Association (PISSA) Chief Executive Officer Graham C. Lim representing the country. Lim presented PISSA’s development

Buhain: Boracay’s fame to lure more entries, tourists to Open Water tilt

BORACAY’S fame as the country’s premier island beach resort will lure more entries and visitors to witness the 4th Southeast Asian Open Water Championships presented by the Philippine Sports Commission from Aug. 21 to 23 off the Boracay Newcoast in Malay, Aklan.

“Indonesia had its Bali, Thailand had its Pattaya, and now the Philippines has Boracay to be proud of so we fan anticipate even more swimmers and tourists to watch the open water swimming meet,” stressed Philippine Aquatics Inc. secretary general Eric Buhain at the recent Philippine Sportswriters Association forum. PAI executive director Anthony Reyes, who was present at the program, disclosed that at least eight of the 11 member countries from the Southeast Asian Swimming Federation, which is sanctioning the three-day championships, will be fielding teams.

“They are Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Timor Leste, Vietnam and of course, host Philippines,” said Reyes of the country’s inaugural hosting of the open water swimming showcase overlooking the beautiful 150-hectare tourism estate being developed by real estate giant Megaworld.

“This sporting event not only advances the growth of open water swimming in Southeast Asia, but also shines a spotlight on Boracay island as a true gem of the region, while reflecting the warmth and hospitality of the Filipino people,” PAI president Michael Vargas noted in a statement.

Buhain said that they expect to have around 200 swimmers in the the regular medal distances of 5 and 10 kilometers in the men’s and women’s division that will be held over a 1.66-kilometer square course held very early in the morning inside the island’s cove.

Scheffler surges at 3M Open with blistering back 9

LOS ANGELES—World number one

Scottie Scheffler surged with an eagle and five birdies on the back nine at the PGA Tour 3M Open on Saturday but faces an uphill battle to catch rookie leader Jackson Koivun. Four-time major winner Scheffler had been seven shots behind overnight leader Michael Kim at the turn on day three of the event at TPC Twin Cities in Blaine, Minnesota. Scheffler admitted he had given himself a talking-to that featured language “I shouldn’t repeat if it’s being recorded,” after his bogey on nine. Figuring he “needed to make as many birdies as I could coming in,” Scheffler suddenly hit a hot streak and carded a sevenunder par 64 to finish on 14-under, tied for the clubhouse lead among early finishers.

Britain’s boxer Anthony Joshua celebrates winning against Albania’s boxer Kristian Prenga in their heavyweight boxing fight at the Jeddah Superdome in Jeddah. AFP

PFF president John Anthony Gutierrez, PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio, lead instructor Stewart Hall and assistant

Steve Oonan with AFC Pro Diploma Coaching Course participants.

Letran weathers Southern Storm, captures bronze

LETRAN weathered a furious fourth-set

uprising by Australian guest team Southern Storm Melbourne to essay a 25-21, 18-25, 25-17, 25-23, victory for a bronze medal finish in the 2026 Shakey’s Collegiate National Invitationals on Sunday at the Playtime FilOil Arena in San Juan.

The Lady Knights showed nerves of steel when the Australians mounted a desperate fightback to save two match points before Judiel Nitura smashed the game-winning crosscourt kill to seal the deal for the reigning NCAA champions. Nitura led the way with 19 points – all coming from kills - and added two digs for the Lady Knights’ second straight third-place finish in the tournament backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner, and R and B Milk Tea.

Reeza Abayon got 12 markers on 11 kills and an ace while Carly Nathalie Tizon scored seven for the Intramurosbased squad, which hammered down 50 attack points.

Setter Hizki Flores tallied 11 excellent sets as Letran walked away with the win despite throwing away 31 points off its errors.

“It wasn’t an easy game for us, of course. But we knew the opponent was a tough one for us because they have tall players and they’re motivated to go home with a bronze medal,” Lady Knights head coach Aleksi Lahteenmaki said.

“But I think this game is our best game in the whole tournament. We showed who we are,” added the Finnish mentor, who steered a Letran side missing the services of injured veterans Gia Maquillang (knee) and Vanessa Sarie (shoulder).

Letran shattered an 18-18 deadlock in the fourth set with four unanswered points. The Aussies countered with a 3-0 rally to close in, 22-21.

A costly service error by Isabella Smith followed by Cleo Anastasias’ attack miscue sent the Lady Knights to match point, 24-21. Southern Storm won a video challenge on Abayon’s serve that was initially called in before Rebekah Pocock followed it up with a hit.

Nitura took matters into her own hands for the closing hit for Letran’s podium finish in the competition, supported by Jetour, Baic, Eurotel, Victory Liner Rent & Go, F2 Logistics, Summit Natural Drinking Water, PusoP.com and Smart Sports

Cebu 5 whips Pasig in MPBL

THE Cebu Gems rebounded while the Bataan Risers gained ground on Saturday in the SportsPlus MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) 2026 Season at the Orion Sports Complex in Bataan. Powered by Alvin Baetiong in the second half, Cebu battered Pasig City, 108-86, in the opener to regain traction after back-to-back losses at home last week.

Bataan trounced Negros, 114-82, in the nightcap to tally its second straight victory and improve to 8-11, still within sight of a playoff spot in the North division.

Miggy Corteza paced Bataan with 16 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists, followed by Jeff Santos with 14 points, 6 rebounds and 2 steals, Yves Sazon with 13 points, Rhaffy Octobre with 11 points and 2 rebounds, and Hubert Cani with 10 points and 3 assists. Negros stumbled to 1-16, the worst in the two-division, 27-team tournament, despite the 22-point, 6-rebound, 2-assist effort of Reymar Caduyac, and the 20-point, 9-rebound output of Michael Alvarez. The burly Baetiong, a 6-foot-5 banger from San Sebastian College-Recoletos, scored nine in the third

Eala seeks revenge vs. Olympic champ Zheng in Mubadala tilt

By Jeremiah Sevilla

FILIPINA ace Alexandra “Alex” Eala finally gets a shot at redemption against defending Olympic and Asian Games champion Zheng Qinwen of China when they battle in the opening round of the 2026 Mubadala DC Open at the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center in Washington, D.C., USA.

Following the official tournament draw early Sunday (Philippine time), Eala and Zheng are set to lock horns in the Round of 32 of the WTA 500 tournament that will fire off on Monday.

Eala will be eager to settle the score with Zheng in their first WTA Tour matchup, almost three years after their tight encounter in the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games semifinals where the Chinese beat the Pinay in three sets, 6-1, 6(5)-7, 6-3.

The then 18-year-old Eala went on to nab the bronze medal that snapped a 57-year drought for Philippine tennis in the continental joust while adding another bronze in the mixed doubles with Francis Casey Alcantara.

Zheng, on the other hand, took the Asiad gold and also emerged victorious in the Paris Olympics the following year, becoming the first Asian to seize an Olympic gold medal in singles.

Eala, 21, has immensely grown since their first duel,

THE Gardner College Knights capped a dominant campaign by sweeping all five of their games to capture the Under-25 championship of the Cheng Hoo Cup International Basketball Tournament held July 5 to 11 in Cirebon, Indonesia.

The Diliman-based squad, backed by Quezon City First District Rep. Juan Carlos “Arjo” Atayde as part of his continuing support for youth sports, rolled past teams from the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia, winning by an average margin of 19.2 points to bring home the international crown.

Atayde hailed the Knights’ championship run, saying the team brought pride not only to Gardner College, but to the Philippines.

“Congratulations to the Gardner Knights for this remarkable achievement. Winning an international

reaching a career-high rank of No. 28 after her historic 2026 Wimbledon campaign where she became the first Filipino to reach the fourth round of the grass season’s Grand Slam.

The Rafa Nadal Academy graduate, currently No. 29, is coming in fresh from a three-week break that in cluded an eventful week-long homecoming in Manila before kicking off her North American hard-court swing in the Washington Open.

For her part, the 23-year-old Zheng had a career-best rank of No. 4 last year before plunging to No. 123 mainly due to her right elbow injury, causing her to miss the 2025 US Open and 2026 Australian Open.

While Zheng has struggled with her injury, she remains dangerous with her wealth of experience, having won four WTA Tour titles and finishing as runner-up to Aryna Sabalenka in the 2024 Australian Open and Coco Gauff in the WTA Finals of the same year.

championship is never easy, and they proved that Filipino talent can compete—and win—on the international stage,” Atayde said.

“It is always a privilege to support young athletes who pursue ex-

cellence through sports. I hope this championship inspires more Filipino youth to dream big, work hard, and proudly represent our country wherever they compete.” Bannered by head coach Mico San-

tos, assistant coach Biboy Santiago and physical therapist Aaron Villegas, the Knights opened their campaign with a convincing 77-53 victory over UCSI Malaysia behind Best Player of the Game Khen Palaroan. Gardner survived its toughest assignment in the next game, edging UKSW Salatiga, 56-55, as Chanzey Garcia delivered the winning effort to earn Best Player honors.

The Knights then outlasted hometown team GMC Cirebon, 96-94, with Palaroan once again emerging as the game’s top performer before routing Pelatda DKI Jakarta, 92-59, behind Janzehn Agustin to book a place in the championship game.

Gardner completed its perfect run with a 79-73 victory over Spartan Renon Bali, powered by Best Player Michael Romero.

Members of Gardner College celebrate after

Ron Dennison delivers for the Cebu Greats.

$11.68 billion

Export exemption from 12.5% tariff

66% 34%

Exempted exports from higher tariff

PH exports subject to higher tariff

Crystal Bridges commits P6.7b for Primewater rehabilitation

CRYSTAL Bridges Holdings Corp.,

a holding firm owned by the family of retailer Lucio Co, said Sunday it earmarked more than P6.7 billion for the first phase of its rehabilitation and expansion program for Primewater Infrastructure Corp. The company completed its acquisition of the water utility in May.

The investment will fund infrastructure upgrades and service improvements across Primewater’s network as the new owner rolls out its turnaround strategy.

“Crystal Bridges is dedicating significant resources toward the revitalization of our water systems. Access to clean water remains one of the country’s most fundamental needs. Under our management, we aim to strengthen our capacity to provide reliable water services to communities across the Philippines,” said Jose Paulino Santamarina, director of Crystal Bridges in a statement.

The initial outlay will finance projects spanning the entire water supply chain, from developing new water sources to rehabilitating and modernizing existing distribution systems.

Planned projects include constructing and rehabilitating water treatment plants, pumping stations and septage treatment facilities, plus installing and replacing transmission and distribution pipelines.

Crystal Bridges said it will also build new reservoirs and booster pumping systems to improve water pressure, expand network coverage and enhance service reliability. The company will implement the projects across its water districts nationwide.

Crystal Bridges said the program will benefit millions of customers by improving water availability, service reliability and system capacity.

“We understand the urgency of providing communities with access to clean and reliable water,” Santamarina said.

“We are working at full capacity to address existing issues as quickly and efficiently as possible,” he said.

DTI: Most PH exports escape 12.5% US tariff

By Jenniffer B. Austria

MORE than $11.98 billion worth of Philippine exports to the United States, or 66 percent of total shipments, will be exempt from Washington’s higher 12.5-prcent tariff, the Department of Trade and Industry said.

DTI Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo told reporters Friday that only $6.25 billion, or 34 percent of Philippine exports based on 2025 data, will face the higher tariff.

Exempted products include semiconductors and other electronics, auto parts, aircraft components, coconut and pineapple products, bananas, mangoes, cassava, taro, peas, biscuits and minerals such as copper, nickel and cobalt ores and

concentrates, the DTI said.

“These exemptions cover the bulk of Philippine exports to the US, allowing many of our key industries to remain competitive despite the additional tariff,” Rodolfo said.

The Philippines fares better than its Southeast Asian neighbors. The higher tariff covers 83 percent of Indonesia’s exports to the US and 40 percent of Malaysia’s shipments.

The 12.5-percent tariff took effect

after a temporary 10-percent rate expired July 24. Washington imposes the tariff on top of its Most Favored Nation rate for countries covered by a Section 301 investigation into forced labor.

Rodolfo said the government will keep engaging the Office of the US Trade Representative to secure better market access after the Philippines adopted measures banning imports made through forced labor. DTI, the Department of Labor and Employment and the Department of Finance signed a Joint Administrative Order last week to investigate and ban such imports.

The DTI noted that the US excluded the Philippines from a separate Section 301 investigation into excess industrial capacity, unlike several neighboring economies.

Gov’t agencies move to prevent forced-labor imports

By Othel V. Campos

THE Department of Finance joined the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Labor and Employment July 23 in signing a joint administrative order that bans imports made with forced labor.

The order sets up a coordinated system to investigate and block goods linked to forced labor from entering the Philippine market. Trade Secretary Cristina Roque, Finance Secretary Frederick Go and Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino signed the measure.

It was issued despite the Department of Foreign Affairs’ statement that Philippine goods, including exports to the United States, aren’t produced with forced labor. It followed a US. announcement of tariffs on 60 economies — including a 12.5 percent on the Philippines — for allegedly failing to enforce a ban on forced-labor imports.

Go said the joint administrative order gives agencies a clear framework to investigate and stop shipments tied to human exploitation. He said it also reaffirms the country’s commitment to responsible business conduct and ethical sourcing.

The order creates an inter-agency committee chaired by the DTI, with DOLE as vice chair. The DOF, Bureau of Customs, Board of Investments and Philippine Economic Zone Authority round out the membership. The Bureau of Customs will enforce import bans based on the committee’s findings.

Trade Undersecretary and BOI managing head Ceferino Rodolfo said multilateral institutions and bilateral partners have offered technical assistance and grants to help implement the order.

He said the response shows confidence in the Philippines’ commitment to decent work and responsible trade, even though the country isn’t a major source or importer of forced-labor goods.

By Darwin G. Amojelar

InfraCapital

Corp. (ABAC) has awarded

a contract to

and maintain

at

A-1

hol-Panglao International Airport (BPIA). Petron, the country’s largest oil company, won the exclusive rights to develop and manage the on-airport fuel depot after topping a competitive request for proposals. The P340-million project will build a fuel storage facility with three 477-kiloliter tanks. ABAC targets completion in the third quarter of 2027. The facility will meet the latest Joint Inspection Group (JIG) standards, the global benchmark for avia-

Steel group urges DTI to fast-track seismic rebar rule

THE Philippine Iron and Steel Institute (PISI) has urged the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to shorten the transition period for mandatory seismic-grade deformed steel bars, warning that further delays would endanger lives in an earthquake-prone country.

PISI, in a July 23 letter to Trade Secretary Maria Cristina Roque, recommended the agency cut the public comment period on the proposed Department Administrative Order 18-08 amendments to no more than seven days after consultations close.

The group also asked the DTI to scrap the proposed April 30, 2027 compliance deadline and require full implementation immediately or within three months at most.

The current proposal allows public comments until Sept. 21 and sets a transition period through April 30, 2027. PISI said that timeline would unnecessarily delay enforcement of a standard designed to improve buildings’ structural safety during earthquakes.

“This standard was written in response to real loss of life. Delaying its transition to 2027 does not reflect the urgency the moment demands. We stand ready to support an immediate transition, and we urge the department to act with the same sense of urgency the Filipino public expects,” PISI president Joel Ronquillo said.

PISI cited earthquakes over the past 90 days that killed 121 people, injured 1,316 and affected about 1.65 million others, saying the toll underscores the need for immediate enforcement of the updated standard.

The group rejected claims that steelmakers need until 2027 to comply, saying local manufacturers already have enough capacity to replace regular-grade rebar with seismic-grade products. PISI also urged the DTI to ban production of regular-grade rebar altogether.

tion fuel handling and safety.

“This milestone agreement underscores our commitment to modernizing the Bohol-Panglao International Airport,” said Aldwin Uy, ABAC general manager.

“By partnering with an industry leader like Petron, we are securing a resilient, world-class fuel infrastructure that will ensure operational efficiency and safely accommodate the growing aviation demands of Bohol,” he said. ABAC will regulate all facility rates under the partnership agreement to future-proof airport operations and protect airline partners. The move creates an open-access environment and prevents supplier discrimination if additional fuel suppliers enter the BPIA market.

PISI thanked the DTI and the Bureau of Philippine Standards for holding public consultations on the proposed rules and reaffirmed its support for measures that would strengthen the safety of the country’s built environment.

Former DTI Undersecretary Ernesto Ordonez, who chairs the Federation of Philippine Industries’ standards committee, backed PISI’s call for immediate implementation. He said that other countries have long required seismic-grade rebar.

“If it is safer, then we must protect our consumers. Therefore, if something is wrong, you do not wait for nine months before you start implementing—you implement it immediately,” he said.

Othel V. Campos

Trade Secretary Cristina Roque, Finance Secretary Frederick Go and Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino issue a joint administrative order banning imports made with forced labor, drawing support from the International Labour Organization and the Office of the US Trade Representative.

FOREST SANCTUARY. A mother monkey carries her infant as they roam freely looking for food at the Hotel Kamana Sanctuary Resort in Subic Bay Freeport Zone on July 26, 2026. The resort management discourages guests from feeding the monkeys. Joseph Muego

Aboitiz InfraCapital Bohol Airport Corp. general manager Aldwin Uy signs a strategic partnership with Petron Corp.

PH stocks seen trading with downward bias

By Jenniffer B. Austria

PHILIPPINE shares are expected to trade with a downward bias this week as rising oil prices, a weaker peso and higher Treasury yields heighten concerns over inflation and economic growth.

Brokerage firm Philstocks Financial Inc. said the worsening conflict between the United States and Iran, joined by the Houthis in Yemen, has pushed global oil prices higher, with Brent crude reaching $100 per barrel.

A sustained rise in crude oil prices could fan inflation, weighing on both economic growth and stock market performance, Philstocks said.

The Philippine peso also fell to a record low of 61.85 per U.S. dollar, driven by a stronger dollar, expectations of a higher import bill and new tariff threats from the United States. A further decline in the currency could add to domestic inflationary pressures, the brokerage warned.

“With all the headwinds at play, the local market could move with a downward bias in next week’s trading,” Philstocks said. “Hence, investors are advised to be cautious.” Investors are also anticipating the U.S. Federal Reserve’s upcoming policy decision. While US inflation showed signs of easing in June, average inflation for the first half of the year stood at 3.3 percent, above the Fed’s 2 percent target. Philstocks noted that a rate hike or hawkish monetary signals could further depress local equities.

Domestically, market participants will monitor President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address for policies aimed at addressing cooling economic growth and persistent inflation.

Philstocks set the market’s support level at 6,150 and resistance at 6,400.

Last week, the benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index fell 1.92 percent to close at 6,281.01, while the broader all shares index slipped 0.63 percent to 3,422.48.

The main international oil contract Brent North Sea fell back under $100 Friday after surging past the key milestone the previous day on escalating Middle East strikes, helping US and European stock markets stabilize.

Brent dropped about four percent to under $97 a barrel, having soared seven percent Thursday. The key US contract, West Texas Intermediate, declined more than three percent after having gained more than six percent on Thursday.

The sizeable jumps had come after Yemen’s Houthi rebels struck oil tankers in the Red Sea, potentially opening a new front in the Middle East war.

Despite the United States launching fresh strikes Friday on Iran, there was relief on markets that some ships were still able to pass through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a crucial passage into the Red Sea.

“Ships with Saudi crude are still crossing...so for now, it is not a full blockade, reducing a bit the risk of an even tighter oil market,” Giovanni Staunovo, a commodities analyst at Swiss bank UBS, told AFP. A Houthi spokesman said Friday that the rebels were not blocking traffic through the strategic strait.

The lessons we never announce

ON THE day of my students’ final presentations for our course, I arrived five minutes early, which is something expected of me. What was not expected was what I found upon stepping inside the classroom.

To my surprise, my students had already loaded their files onto the PC, everything ready for our agenda that day. I did not ask them to do this. There was neither a reminder nor an announcement prior to it. They just did it.

It was a small gesture, but one I fully appreciated, so I decided not to let the moment pass unacknowledged. I told them it was a nice gesture and made sure to say thank you. I wanted to model the behavior of gratitude – that even small acts like this deserve to be acknowledged, not quietly filed away.

I would like to believe that this small act did not come out of nowhere. For the past ten weeks that my students and I have been together, they have come to know certain things about me, things I emphasized since day one. That I start on time and I am never late for class. I am mindful of time in presentations, in class discussions, and in submissions. In fact, when a presenter goes over the time limit, I no longer need to say anything because the class already knows. Somewhere around week three, they started using their own timers themselves.

But here is the part I hope they remember just as clearly. I have always told them that if they need an extension, they can ask for one and I will say yes. That I understand that “life happens”. Some of us can have a bad day, family emergencies come up, and group mates disappear into thin air. I am never one to deduct points for late submissions because I am not interested in punishing people for simply being human. What I am not flexible about, however, is the quality of the work. They can have more time, but they cannot hand me something done haphazardly.

Every educator has her own teaching philosophy and I respect that. So for some, they might see these two things as contradictory. Strict about time yet generous with extensions, requiring about quality yet understanding

Being on time, then, is not merely a personality trait. It is a form of respect.

about circumstances. I have never seen them as opposites.

Two things can be true at the same time.

I’d like to believe that discipline without compassion simply produces fear. Students learn to comply but only while someone is watching. Compassion without discipline, on the other hand, produces comfort, sometimes even complacency, but not growth. Students feel safe but leave our classrooms unprepared for a world that might not always be gentle with them. The balance between the two is where formation actually happens, and formation, I would argue, is the real work of management education.

This matters even more because these are project management students. Of all people, they should understand that time is not just a number on a Gantt chart. Time is a promise. When a project manager commits to a Friday deliverable, an entire chain of people organizes their work around that commitment. Being on time, then, is not merely a personality trait. It is a form of respect.

So when my students loaded their presentations before I even walked in, what I saw was not just efficiency. I saw future project managers internalizing something that no textbook chapter on critical path analysis could teach them — that readiness is a way of honoring other people’s time.

This is why I believe so strongly that we, as management educators, must model the behavior we want our students to carry into leadership. We cannot lecture about accountability and then show up 15 minutes late to our own class. We cannot preach stakeholder empathy and then humiliate a student who asks for help. Students are excellent observers. They may forget our lectures, but they will remember how we treated time, their work, and themselves as humans. Management education is not just teaching tools. It is helping our students to become leaders who remain human – leaders who hold a team to a deadline and still ask how everyone is doing, who can insist on excellence without making people feel small, and who understand that being firm and being kind are not competing values but complementary ones.

If my students leave my class technically brilliant but unable to extend grace, for me, I have failed them. If they leave warm and well-liked but unable to deliver, I have failed them just the same. The goal should always be both.

I do not know if my students realize what they taught me that morning. To them, it was probably just a practical decision to save a few minutes. But to me, it was evidence that culture is built in small, repeated, and unglamorous ways. Ten weeks of starting on time. Ten weeks of showing, not just telling.

No one applauds these things, and there is certainly no certificate for consistently starting class at the exact minute. But perhaps that is precisely the point. The most important lessons we teach are the ones we never announce.

Dr. Jessica Jaye Ranieses is an Associate Professor in the Department of Decision Sciences and Innovation at De La Salle University, the President of the Philippine Academy of Management, and Co-Chair of the PRME Working Group on Global Women and Leadership. She can be contacted at jessica.ranieses@ dlsu.edu.ph. The perspectives shared in this piece are solely the author’s and do not necessarily represent the official views of De La Salle University, its faculty, or its administration.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

SUPPLY AGREEMENT. Roderick Fernandez (left), vice president for project development of FDC Utilities

Inc., and Michael Angelo Lasam, assistant vice president and head of commercial operations and strategy of

COREnergy, sign a 20-megawatt power supply agreement between Filinvest Group’s FDC Misamis Power Corp. and COREnergy, the retail electricity arm of Vivant Energy, to support contestable customers nationwide.

SEC issues Sukuk rules to boost Islamic finance

By Jenniffer B. Austria

THE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is expanding the country’s Islamic finance market by allowing companies to issue Sukuk under a new regulatory framework.

The SEC and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) introduced the framework at a forum on July 15. The Guidelines on the Issuance and Disclosure of Sukuk aim to raise awareness of Sukuk and give companies a clear set of rules for issuing the investment products.

Sukuk are certificates that represent an investor’s ownership or interest in underlying assets, services or projects that comply with Shari’ah principles. Unlike conventional bonds, Sukuk should comply with Islamic finance rules.

The guidelines allow issuers to use Shari’ah-compliant structures and other structures the SEC approves. They also allow companies to create special purpose entities for Sukuk offerings.

“Our vision is simple: a Philippine capital market that is deeper, broader and more inclusive — a market where every legitimate source of capital can

find a place, and every investor can participate with confidence. Islamic finance is part of that vision,” SEC chairman Francis Lim said.

The new rules come as the Philippines seeks to expand its Islamic finance market and attract investors who weigh religious and ethical principles in their investment decisions.

“For many investors, financial decisions are shaped not only by economic returns, but also by faith, values and ethical principles. Our markets must be ready to serve them as well,” Lim said.

The Philippines already has an Islamic finance market, with 58 Shari’ah-compliant securities listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange. The national government issued $1 billion in Philippine Sukuk in 2023.

The SEC said the new framework will give companies another financing option and expand investment opportunities in the local capital market.

DOE sets 2,140-MW renewable auction for Mindanao

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Department of Energy (DOE) said it will auction 2,140 megawatts (MW) of solar and run-of-river hydro power for the Mindanao grid.

The DOE’s Green Energy Auction Committee issued draft terms of reference for the seventh round of the Green Energy Auction (GEA-7), which remains subject to consultations.

The auction covers feed-in tariffeligible technologies in Mindanao: ground-mounted solar, roof-mounted solar and run-of-river hydro.

The DOE set a 2,000-MW target for ground-mounted solar paired

with battery energy storage systems (BESS), to be installed from 2027 to 2030 at 500 MW a year.

The agency also set a 20-MW target for roof-mounted solar, phased in at 5 MW a year over the same period, and a 120-MW target for run-of-river hydro from 2028 to 2030. The supply delivery period spans 20 years.

Under the draft terms, an electronic bidding platform will rank bids from lowest to highest price and accept offers in that order until reaching each technology’s installation target.

To qualify, a facility should meet Renewable Portfolio Standards eligibility and GEAP guidelines.

NFA raises palay buying price to P21 as procurement hits record highs

By Othel V. Campos

THE National Food Authority (NFA) is stepping up its intervention in the domestic rice market.

The agency is raising palay procurement, increasing farmgate buying prices and expanding storage capacity as the Marcos administration works to strengthen food security and improve farmers’ incomes.

The NFA plans to raise its minimum buying price for fresh or wet palay to P21 per kilogram from P17 this wet season. The increase aims to help farmers cope with rising production costs, encourage planting ahead of an expected El Niño and secure domestic rice supplies.

The adjustment follows the NFA’s Price Range Scheme, under which the agency has purchased clean and dry palay at P23 to P30 per kilogram and wet palay at a base price of P23 per kilogram since April 2024. The scheme retains a floor price of P17 per kilogram for fresh palay.

The pricing strategy has driven record procurement volumes. The NFA bought 443,620 metric tons of palay from 60,612 farmers in 2024, its highest annual procurement in years. It sustained that momentum in 2025, purchasing another 420,013 metric tons from 72,776 farmers and bringing two-year procurement to about 863,633 metric tons.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., who chairs the NFA Council, said stronger government procurement is stabilizing the market and improving returns for farmers.

“When we buy more palay at fair and competitive prices, we improve farmers’ incomes while securing rice supplies for Filipino families,” Tiu Laurel said.

“Supporting our rice farmers is the foundation of long-term food security,” he said.

Higher government buying prices have also prompted private traders to raise their own procurement prices, giving farmers more leverage during harvest season and lifting overall farmgate prices.

IN BRIEF

DOE weighs local supply mandate in coal bidding

By Thony Rose Lesaca

THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) reported that government infrastructure spending and capital outlays fell 35.3 percent to P80.1 billion in May 2026 from P123.8 billion a year ago as agencies strengthened review and validation processes. It attributed the decline to stricter review, audit and validation procedures for infrastructure payment claims and contractor documentary requirements. These procedures delayed infrastructure disbursements, particularly for Department of Public Works and Highways projects. Higher disbursements for the revised Armed Forces of the Philippines mod-

ernization program, major Department of Transportation railway projects and the Department of Education’s school building program partly offset the decline.

Infrastructure spending and other capital outlays reached P269.4 billion from January to May 2026, down 42.9 percent from P471.5 billion in the same period last year.

Overall government disbursements climbed 4.8 percent to P2.596 trillion from P2.477 trillion in the first five months of the year. Higher allotment and capital transfers to local government units, interest payments, subsidies, personnel services expenditures and maintenance and operating expenses drove the increase.

THE Department of Energy (DOE) may require coal auction bidders—including those eyeing Semirara coal blocks—to prioritize domestic buyers over foreign sales, Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said.

The DOE is reviewing terms of reference for a competitive bid round covering coal development and production areas under the Philippine Conventional Energy Contracting Program, including 10 blocks on Semirara Island.

Garin cited Indonesia’s recent export policy changes as a key factor. “Now we have to rethink about these changes in Indonesia. Semirara exports more than majority of their coal. So, maybe we need to fix the terms of reference in the bidding to oblige them to prioritize the local market,” she said.

“There are some more enhancements that we’re trying to fix in the terms of reference for the department circular. I think we still need a few weeks to finalize that. But we’ll finish. We want this finished as soon as possible,” said Garin.

Garin acknowledged that technical limitations prevent some power plants from using Semirara coal, but said a blending facility could solve the problem.

Alena Mae S. Flores

MPBW breaks ground on Bulacan Water project

METRO Pacific Water (MPW), through Metro Pacific Bulacan Water (MPBW), broke ground on the P70-million Phase 1 Tanawin Reservoir-to-Igay Reservoir Transmission project. The project will add 15 million liters per day (MLD) of treated water and improve service for about 15,000 households in San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan. The project supports MPBW’s rehabilitation program for the city’s water system, which has struggled with aging infrastructure from the previous operator, high water losses and the prolonged effects of the El Niño-driven decline in Angat Dam’s water level.

“MPBW only began interim operations in June, but we are already implementing emergency measures and long-term investments to build a more reliable and resilient water system for San Jose del Monte,” said MPW president and chief executive Andrew Pangilinan. Pangilinan said the project will improve service for about 15,000 households that have long experienced low water pressure and intermittent supply. Crews will build a 3.4-kilometer, 400-millimeter transmission pipeline to carry treated water from Bulacan Bulk Water to Igay Reservoir. The project will serve the barangays of Kaypian, Sto. Cristo, Caybanban, San Roque, Paradise III, San Isidro, Yakal, Guijo, Poblacion, Poblacion I and Mulawin. Othel V. Campos

Banks’ bad loan ratio fell to 3.29% in June

PHILIPPINE banks’ bad loan ratio fell to 3.29 percent in June from 3.44 percent in May and 3.34 percent a year ago, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said over the weekend. Total non-performing loans dropped 2.74 percent month-on-month to P584.94 billion from P601.41 billion in May. The figure exceeded the P530.29 billion recorded in June 2025. Jonathan Ravelas, senior adviser at Reyes Tacandong & Co., attributed the decline to a resilient economy and easing inflation. He said bad loans should stay manageable, but banks should keep monitoring risks from global uncertainties and weather disruptions.

“Overall, the banking sector remains fundamentally sound and well-positioned to manage credit risks,” Ravelas said. Past due loans fell 1.11 percent to P753.4 billion from P761.87 billion in May but re

Roof-mounted solar projects must have a capacity of 1 MW to 10 MW alternating current (MWAC). Ground-mounted solar projects must have at least 10 MWAC and include a BESS, qualifying them as Integrated Renewable Energy and Energy Storage System (IRESS) solar projects. An IRESS project pairs a solar plant with a storage unit charged solely by that plant.

Only facilities not yet in commercial operation at registration qualify as IRESS solar projects. The DOE will also allow commercially operating solar facilities to register if grid curtailment currently limits their output.

FTI pushes five mega food hubs, 16 terminals

STATE-RUN Food Terminal Inc.

(FTI) is speeding up construction of a nationwide network of mega food hubs and regional food terminals to improve the movement of agricultural products, cut post-harvest losses and lower food prices.

The Department of Agricultureattached corporation said the logistics network forms a key part of the government’s food security program. It aims to modernize the country’s fragmented food distribution system and expand market access for farmers and fisherfolk.

“We are building the backbone of a modern food distribution system. By connecting production areas directly to markets through integrated food hubs and cold chain facilities, we can reduce logistics costs, minimize postharvest losses and deliver fresher, more affordable food to Filipino families,” FTI president Joseph Lo said.

FTI is developing five mega food hubs in Clark, Pampanga; Tiaong, Quezon; Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon; Camarines Sur; and Cebu, along with 16 regional food terminals nationwide. The network will also fold in the Commonwealth Market, creating a unified system of cold storage, trading facilities and modern distribution centers.

Lo said the projects will cost about P20 billion and take several years to complete, but several facilities will start operating before the Marcos administration ends.

The Mega KADIWA Food Hub in Taguig is nearing completion and will open by October 2026. Regional hubs in Cebu and Lingayen are also being readied to support the government’s P20-per-kilo rice program by improving storage and distribution. Preparatory work is underway at the Clark Mega Food Hub, where crews will conduct soil testing and unexploded-ordnance inspections before construction begins.

The infrastructure push complements FTI’s KADIWA ng Pangulo Benteng Bigas, Meron Na! program, which now operates in 807 sites nationwide and has sold more than 120,992 metric tons of agricultural products. The program gives farmers, fisherfolk and food producers additional market outlets while offering consumers cheaper food options.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the food hubs would improve supply chain efficiency and raise producers’ incomes.

Othel V. Campos

MSME COMPETITIVENESS. The Department of Finance (DOF), together with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), leads the ceremonial exchange of the grant facility letter agreement between the World Bank and the Government of Germany, marking a key milestone in the development of the SME COMPETE+ Project. Shown are Finance Secretary Frederick Go and World Bank country director for the Philippines Zafer Mustafaoğlu.

LONG-TERM FIXES. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. (second from left) says the government is shifting its focus from responding to crises toward strengthening the foundations of the Philippine agriculture sector through investments in productivity, disease prevention, technology and infrastructure. With Tiu Laurel during the Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines’ (EJAP) Food Security Forum on July 23 in Makati City are Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food Inc. president Danilo Fausto, EJAP president Ted Cordero and Philippine Chamber of Food Manufacturers Inc.

REAL ESTATE

LONG before the SM name became synonymous with malls, property developments and other businesses across the Philippines, the Sy family’s story was rooted in a quiet village in Jinjiang, China.

There, the De Cheng Building stands as a reminder of the family’s beginnings—a two-story ancestral home built more than seven decades ago for the parents of SM founder Henry Sy Sr. Built in 1952 and completed the following year, the house predates the opening of the first Shoemart store in Carriedo St. Manila in 1958, the beginning of what would grow into one of the Philippines’ largest business groups.

The De Cheng Building, the ancestral home of Henry Sy Sr., was built for his parents, Sy Siu Tek and Tan O Sia, after they returned to China.

Located at No. 37 Sanxing Road in Longhu Town, the two-story residence occupies about 450 square meters. Built from brick, timber and stone, it follows the traditional Minnan Fan Zai Lou style, a form of Western-influenced architecture commonly associated with overseas Chinese families.

The house carries both the family’s Fujian roots and the influences brought home by Chinese migrants. Its structure is based on traditional Minnan residences, while Western touches can be seen in its porches, balconies, corridors and decorative window grilles. Its design is both practical and ornate. East-west corridors and side gates allow natural light and air to pass through the two floors. At the back of the second-floor main hall, two doors open onto an outdoor balcony overlooking the property.

The craftsmanship is particularly visible on the façade. Finely carved

Honoring the roots of SM founder Henry Sy Sr.

white stone lines the lower walls, while red brick defines the upper sections. Stone pillars frame the recessed entrance porch, whose lintel is decorated with floral clay sculptures and inscribed plaques.

The gables, side gates and window

Havitas Properties taps growing wellness real estate market

HAVITAS Properties Inc. is expanding into the growing wellness real estate market, rolling out larger resort-style villas overlooking Taal Lake while preparing a new seaside leisure community in La Union.

The developer recently unveiled the second phase of Aya Hills, its resort-style villa development in Talisay, Batangas, and introduced Havitas Wellness Living, a collection of leisure communities designed around wellness.

The move comes as wellness real estate continues to gain ground globally. The Global Wellness Institute estimates that the sector reached $876 billion in 2025 and could approach $1.8 trillion by 2030, making it the fastest-growing segment of the global wellness economy.

Havitas Properties said its projects are designed around eight dimensions of wellness: physical, emotional, spiritual, social, occupational, financial, environmental and community.

“Wellness is no longer an amenity. It is the organizing principle of how we design, build, and operate,” said Alejandro Mañalac, co-founder and chairman of Havitas Properties.

The second phase of Aya Hills will add 31 villas with an estimated sales value of about P527 million. Typical units are priced at around P17 million.

GREENFIELD Development Corp.

(GDC) is enhancing the connectivity of Greenfield City Biñan with the construction of the Biñan Spine Road, a key infrastructure project designed to link the township’s various developments.

The kilometer-long road is designed to connect various developments within the township while improving access to neighboring cities and strengthening links between Cavite, Laguna and Metro Manila. Greenfield City Biñan will be accessible through the South Luzon

The expansion includes the Zurich Garden Villas, a collection of larger leisure homes with views of Taal Lake, private pools, decks and gardens.

The development will also offer the Geneva Family villas, an expanded version of the community’s Geneva Suites, with larger floor areas and a private pool for every unit.

The property developer said wellness would be integrated into the master plan of Hinabi Reserve, which is being designed by H1 Architecture.

As part of the development, Havi tas Properties has opened a locator search for The Weave, a commercial gateway enclave within Hinabi Re serve. The company is looking for cafe and restaurant concepts to join the community.

“Hinabi means woven. We are weaving wellness, hospitality, and community into a single address by the sea, and we are now inviting the country’s most exciting cafe and restaurant concepts to be part of Hinabi Reserve from day one,” said Jonathan F. Laro, co-founder, president and chief executive of Havitas Properties.

Havitas Properties was founded by veteran real estate industry executives and builds on the experience of Havitas Developments Corp., a real estate consultancy and development management firm established in 2016.

frames feature Qianci, a traditional technique that uses fragments of porcelain to create intricate images of flowers and birds. A boundary wall surrounds a spacious front courtyard paved with granite slabs.

While the house is no longer

occupied by the Sy family, it remains an important link to the village where the family’s story began.

In 2010, Henry Sy Sr. returned to Hongxi Village and initiated protective renovations for the property. The restoration was completed in 2011,

and the village committee installed a stone marker documenting the history of the De Cheng Building in

In June 2019, more than 30 members of the Sy family returned to Hongxi Village to retrace their roots and pay homage at the ancestral home. The family has continued to oversee the property’s upkeep. Waterproofing works were completed in 2019, followed by the restoration of the retaining wall and plaza and termite-control treatment in 2025. Today, the De Cheng Building remains well preserved, offering a glimpse into the family’s life before the Sy name became associated with malls, residences, banks and other major businesses. More than a historic residence, the house remains a connection between generations. It links the family’s life in the Philippines to its beginnings in Fujian, preserving a sense of home that the Sy family continues to honor. Jenniffer B. Austria

Robinsons Land launches sports unit to fuel active communities

ROBINSONS Land Corp. (RLC) is creating more ways for Filipinos to stay active, spend time together and pursue healthier lifestyles through Robinsons Sports and Leisure (RSL), its newest business unit focused on active recreation, leisure and entertainment.

The new unit builds on RLC’s experience in developing destinations where people live, work, shop, stay and gather, with plans to create more spaces that bring sports and leisure activities into everyday community life.

Through RSL, the property developer aims to give Filipinos more opportunities to move, recharge and connect while building healthier habits through sports and recreation.

“Robinsons Sports and Leisure reflects how we see the next evolution of community-building,” said Mybelle V. Aragon-GoBio, president and chief executive of RLC. “Filipinos need spaces where they can move, recharge, spend time with others, and build healthier routines. With RSL, we want to support experiences that fit into real life while encouraging discipline, confidence, and connection.”

The business unit’s approach combines the development of

Representing a shared commitment to youth development through sports, LAOS FC vice president and head of youth programs lawyer Yayie Doque IV and Robinsons sports and leisure general manager Ramon Rivero mark the partnership that will help support the club’s journey to Norway Cup 2026. physical spaces with programs that support Filipino talent and local communities.

One such initiative is RLC’s continuing support for the Leyte Association of Organized Sports Football Club, or LAOS FC, a grassroots and youth development football program that provides young athletes with structured training, competition and opportunities for international exposure.

Expressway’s Greenfield-Unilab (Mamplasan) Exit and the southern terminus of the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX), putting the township near major transport routes serving South Luzon. The new road is envisioned as more than a transport link. It will form part of an integrated network of roads, parks and green spaces designed to support a more walkable and connected community.

Greenfield president Atty. Duane

A.X. Santos said the Biñan Spine Road would serve as an important

connection between people and places within the township and beyond.

“Every great city has a defining boulevard. This gateway road would make everyone slow down and appreciate their surroundings,” Santos said. “It’s not all about the destination, it’s really about the whole journey.”

The new road will connect six interconnected public parks within Greenfield City Biñan. It will also link to a secondary loop road featuring a community rest stop with cafes, pocket parks and retail spaces.

Hinabi reserve pool area view

Voss VIlla entrance 360 capture

Voss VIlla bedroom

Geneva suites roofdeck view

Greenfield Development enhances connectivity of Greenfield City Biñan

MONDAY, JULY 27, 2026

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

Stars to showcase competitive side in Viva friendly games

By Jasper Valdez

VIVA artists usually meet audiences through films, streaming shows, concerts, and music releases. This time, a group of actors and singers will trade scripts and microphones for basketball jerseys as they compete in the Viva All Star Games 2026.

Team Viva One and Team Viva Records will face each other on Aug. 16 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, giving fans a closer look at how the artists interact outside their regular work.

The Viva One lineup includes Gab Lagman, Joseph Marco, Rabin Angeles, Lance Carr, Marco Gallo, and Jairus Aquino, while Viva Records is represented by Adie, Amiel Sol, Rob Deniel, and Migo Valid, among others.

During the event’s press conference, the players said the game would reveal a side of them that does not often come out in front of cameras or during performances.

“I think everybody’s going to be at 100 percent when it comes to the competitive level because it’s really a huge privilege to play at the Big Dome,” Joseph said.

He added that the actors wanted to show what they could do on the court apart from acting, although he stressed that the game remained a friendly competition.

“We’re all competitive, but at the end of the day, it’s all love. We’re here to put on a good show and have fun,” he said.

Jairus agreed that their desire to win could bring out stronger reactions during the game.

“If there’s anything that may not look good to others, it’s just us trying to win and being competitive in the sport we love and grew up playing,” he said.

Lance joked that playing basketball could bring out different sides of their personalities on the court, particularly once they feel the pressure and energy inside the arena.

“I feel like we develop split personalities when we play,” he said. “It’s the game we all love, and our passion for basketball is different. The atmosphere at the Big Dome is intimidating, but it’s also really fun, especially when you hear the crowd.”

For the musicians, the event also offers a change from their usual routine of writing, recording, and performing songs.

Amiel said audiences often see the members of Viva Records dressed for gigs, making their appearance in basketball uniforms an unfamiliar sight.

“This time, we’re not here to write songs or perform. We’re here to play. It’s something outside our usual setting,” he said.

The singer also shared that basketball was one of his earliest ambitions.

“Before I dreamed of pursuing music, I first dreamed of becoming a PBA player,” Amiel said. “That dream may not have come true, but we’ll still get to play in this kind of atmosphere in a different way.”

Adie said Team Viva Records initially viewed the game as a chance to have fun, but their approach changed as they began training under former PBA player and coach Ronnie Magsanoc

Jarren Garcia bares heart in debut record

“Coach Ronnie gave us a winning mentality and a competitive spirit,” he said.

Vice Ganda apologizes after ‘racist’ joke about Baby Dolls member

By Angelica Villanueva

VICE Ganda apologized on air after netizens criticized his joke directed at Baby Dolls member Johaira ’s complexion.

ment in It’s Showtime, Vice spat water on Johaira’s face before saying, “Anong nangyari sa ’yo? Bakit nagputik ka?”

The clip circulated on social media, where some viewers interpreted the punchline as a reference to Johai ra’s complexion. Meanwhile, others defended it as part of the program’s usual style of comedy.

Before the episode ended, Vice acknowledged the criticism and apologized to viewers who found the joke offensive.

Nakarating po sa aming kaalaman na may mga madlang people po na hindi nagustuhan o na-offend sa ilan sa aming jokes o biruan dito sa Showtime,” he said. Vice said the program intended to entertain its audience rather than cause offense.

Ina-acknowledge po namin ang inyong sentimyento at hu

mihingi po kami ng paumanhin sa inyo,” the comedian added.

He also assured viewers that the show would be more careful with its material moving forward.

“We will try to do better,” Vice

The actors, meanwhile, are being coached by former PBA player Jerry Codiñera, whose weekly sessions have pushed them to improve their stamina and learn how to work as a unit.

“Coach told us that the better-conditioned team will win, so he wants us to keep running,” Gab said. “But it’s not only about conditioning. It’s also about the chemistry of the team and the brotherhood we’re building.”

While both groups are taking the competition seriously, the players said the event would also show their friendships and how they behave away from filming sets, studios, and concert stages.

“Fans will see how we bond and how we play,” Amiel said. “They’ll get a glimpse of who we are outside music and acting.”

JARREN Garcia showcases a more personal side through his newly released extended play (EP) LUVBOMB, alongside the music video for its lead single “Runaway” Taglish version. The seven-track EP centers on love, effort, and vulnerability, with Jarren describing the project as a reflection of his own experiences and artistry. “It’s about pouring all your love and effort into that one person. I’ve poured my heart and soul into making this EP. I can confidently say this music is more me, it’s more Jarren,” he shared. The EP is led by “Runaway,” which was released in both Taglish and English versions. The Taglish version comes with an official music video, while the English version is paired with a lyric visualizer released on ABS-CBN Star Music’s YouTube channel. Jarren said the track was created to combine an international R&B sound with emotions and storytelling that Filipino listeners can relate to. “I also want to connect with the Filipino listeners, that’s why most of the songs are mainly Tagalog. We chose ‘Runaway’ as the key song because it has that international sound, and making it Tagalog also helps stick to the OPM side of it,” he explained. Before “Runaway,” Jarren released the singles “GOTCHU” and “Pinaka Pretty,” which showcased his groovy R&B style. Other songs featured in his first EP include “Tatapatin,” “APK (Ang Pahinga Ko),” and “Pinili Kita, Pero.” Meanwhile, Jarren’s fan club celebrated its second anniversary by launching a free ride program across Metro Manila on July 23 in support of the singer’s new release. Four modern jeepneys offered free rides to commuters while playing Jarren’s latest music. LUVBOMB is now available on digital streaming platforms, while the “Runaway” music video is streaming on ABSCBN Star Music’s YouTube channel.

GMA Public Affairs and GMA Pictures’ award-winning animated documentary film 58th will have its Philippine premiere at the 2026 Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival on Aug. 13 at 8:30 p.m. at Shangri-La Plaza Red Carpet Premiere Theater & Cinema 1.

Directed by Carl Joseph Papa, the film revisits the Maguindanao Massacre through the story of Reynaldo “Bebot” Momay, whose body was never found and who continues to seek recognition as the massacre’s 58th victim.

Blending animation and archival footage, 58th explores press freedom, election violence, impunity, and the pursuit of justice. The film features the final performance of the late Ricky Davao, alongside Glaiza de Castro, Mikoy Morales, Marco Masa, Zyren Dela Cruz, and Biboy Ramirez The Cinemalaya screening follows the film’s international run, including its world premiere at the 2026 International Film Festival Rotterdam, selection at the 2026 Annecy International Animation Film Festival, and its recent win at New Zealand’s 2026 Doc Edge Festival.

Jarren Garcia introduces a more personal side of his artistry with the release of his debut EP ‘LUVBOMB’

Produced by GMA Public Affairs and GMA Pictures, 58th is creatively produced by Johnson Tam and Ian Simbulan

‘58th’, directed by Carl Joseph Papa, revisits the Maguindanao Massacre through the story of Reynaldo ‘Bebot’ Momay

Dolls member Johaira becomes

Vice Ganda acknowledges

Team Viva Records’ (from left) Amiel Sol, Rob Deniel, Adie, and Migo Valid prepare to bring their competitive spirit from the music scene to the basketball court

Team Viva One players (from left) Rabin Angeles, Gab Lagman, Joseph Marco, Lance Carr, and Jairus Aquino gear up for a friendly matchup against fellow Viva artists at the Big Dome

Viva artists will showcase their basketball skills and camaraderie in a friendly competition

LIFE & SHOWBIZ

Revisiting the city of beautiful people

ORMOC City will always have a special place in my heart because it is my mother’s hometown, and every visit I make to this city evokes beautiful memories.

During

all unless one paid for a higher-priced small cabin, which, more often than not, had faulty air-conditioning. Since there was no window in it, one had to open the door, yielding one’s privacy just the same. Thank goodness, there are now “super” ferries that cover the distance between Cebu and Ormoc in just three

hours. Pretty soon, Ormoc’s Domestic Airport will be open to air traffic, making it even easier for holidaymakers to reach the city faster. In time for the city’s Fiesta Celebration, which is also the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, Ormoc’s patron saints, I received an invitation from my friends, Congressman Richard Gomez and Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez, to spend the weekend in the city. Of course, I grabbed the opportunity to visit my mother’s hometown once again and have the chance to fondly recall those beautiful moments of my childhood summers.

Many pre-Fiesta events had been lined up by the city government, but first on our agenda was the very popular and most anticipated culinary event, the Lechon Kumbira (Cebuano for “feast”). This is an annual roast pig competition open to the city’s “lechoneros” (those who sell lechon in quantities) and takes place at the Ormoc City Grand Staircase.

This event is actually just a part of the bigger Piña Festival, which honors the city’s popular fruit product, the Queen Pineapple, and the city’s ever-growing agri-livestock industries. Thanks to the wisdom and hard work of its leaders, Ormoc City is now known as a leading culinary and tourism destination in Eastern Visayas.

A panel of judges is formed for the Le -

chon Kumbira, and they, together with the public, evaluate the lechon based on skin crispness, tenderness of the meat, and the flavor resulting from whatever herbs and spices the lechoneros use to give their entries the distinct quality that will make them stand out from among the rest. The best part about this competition is that the public may taste each of the competing lechons for free, which is the reason why it is the most anticipated

DoubleDragon Corp. has completed the structural work for its 702-room Hotel101-Libis after holding a topping-off ceremony on July 17 at the Robinsons Bridgetowne Estate in Quezon City. Once completed, Hotel101-Libis is expected to become the largest hotel in Quezon City by room count. The property is located within Robinsons Bridgetowne, just a short walk from Robinsons Opus Mall.

The project forms part of Hotel101 Global’s expansion strategy, which targets 50,000 standardized Hotel101 rooms in the Philippines and one million rooms across 100 countries through its assetlight hospitality model.

Hotel101-Libis is among several properties scheduled to open as the company accelerates its global expansion. DoubleDragon said 2026 will mark its biggest year for hotel openings, with 2,229 additional rooms expected to

the 482-room Hotel101-Niseko in Hokkaido, Japan.

The company said Hotel101-Madrid, its first international property, has posted strong occupancy since opening in March, including full occupancy on one day that generated more than €100,000 in revenue. Hotel101 Global began recognizing recurring revenues from the Madrid property earlier this year and expects to add revenue from its Japan operations when Hotel101Niseko opens in December.

DoubleDragon said its recurring revenue base is expected to grow further as it expands its portfolio of community malls, industrial warehouses, office buildings, and hospitality assets in the Philippines and overseas. Hotel101 made history in 2025 when its parent company became the first Filipino firm with a subsidiary listed on the U.S. Nasdaq. Earlier this year, it also became the first Filipino hotel chain to operate overseas. DoubleDragon reported total assets of ₱225.3 billion.

pre-Fiesta event in the city. This year, there were a dozen competing entries, and declared “The Best” was the lechon of Proning/Alice Romos, which won the grand prize of P100,000 in cash. Aslanan Ni Songahid was awarded the second prize of P75,000, and Poldang’s Lechon got the third prize of P50,000. The next big event was the launching of the 306-page coffee table book, Homemade: A Taste of Ormoc, a tribute to the city’s rich food culture. Mayor Lucy had the splendid idea of letting everybody know about the city’s abundant culinary gems. Edited by my friend, Bum Tenorio Jr., the book contains heirloom recipes presented through 77 curated stories. It took three years, from conceptualization to completion, to produce the book, as time was needed to gather personal narratives from well-known Ormocanons who shared their culinary expertise, and even more time was needed to taste their favorite recipes. The book offers a fascinating peek into the traditions and history of prominent families who helped craft the city’s signature food culture.

Homemade: A Taste of Ormoc was launched at the city’s Badminton Center, and a sumptuous dinner was served to 500 government officials and prominent personalities, who were treated to some of the culinary specialties featured in the newly launched coffee table book.

Appetizers included fresh lumpia, ensaladang puso ng saging, and pako salad. The main course featured Callos, Humba, Fried Chicken in a Basket, Sal’s Pancit, and Lechon. Dessert was Dukot Ice Cream, a unique local dessert that has “dukot” (Cebuano for “tutong,” or burnt rice) as its main flavor.

Cong. Richard and Mayor Lucy, being the ever-perfect hosts that they are, also treated the Manila visitors to a leisurely lunch while sailing on a bamboo raft amid the stress-relieving ambience of Lake Danao. This 148-hectare, guitar-shaped lake is 650 meters above sea level, which is why it offers a cool, relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is only a 40-minute drive from downtown Ormoc and is a perfect antidote to stress. What better way to spend an afternoon than in such a breezy environment with nothing but the chirping of birds reminding me that I’m right in the middle of one of nature’s gifts to mankind.

Thanks to Cong. Richard and Mayor Lucy, this trip was a perfect communion with the beautiful memories of my childhood while savoring the wonderful moments that present-day Ormoc now offers its visitors. More power to both of you, my friends.

For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@gmail.com

STAR Trek legend George Takei on Saturday headlined a 60th anniversary celebration of the groundbreaking scifi series at Comic-Con, featuring stars from across the Starship Enterprise’s expanded universe of films and shows.

The 89-year-old Takei, who played helmsman Hikaru Sulu in the original series and multiple movies, earned a standing ovation from fans in a packed Hall H at the four-day pop culture extravaganza in San Diego, California.

The actor joked about how young he felt while marking such a milestone in television history before turning more serious to discuss what he called an “extraordinary phenomenon,” from its initial low ratings to its near-mythical status. He said the franchise’s longevity was due to “all the people like you and your parents and your grandparents, because of their intelligence and their sensitivity and their vision” in supporting Gene Roddenberry’s concept.

“We have lived long and endured for 60 years and going,” he said, evoking the famous motto of Leonard Nimoy’s Mr. Spock. The first episode of Star Trek aired in

September 1966. It depicted the voyages of the Enterprise, captained by James T. Kirk ( William Shatner) and his multiracial crew, tackling major moral and social issues against the backdrop of outer space. Shatner and Nichelle Nichols, the Black actress who played Lieutenant Uhura, made history in 1968 with one of the first interracial kisses ever seen on U.S. television. Since then, the original series and its more than a dozen spin-offs have generated nearly 1,000 episodes. It has a major presence at Comic-Con, with panels devoted to the series and fans roaming the halls dressed as their favorite characters. The panel also featured Michael Dorn (Star Trek: The Next Generation), Jerry O’Connell (the animated Star Trek: Lower Decks), Robert Picardo (Star Trek: Voyager), and Karim Diane, who plays the franchise’s

Ormoc’s

left)

Richard Gomez and Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez, shown here with their daughter Juliana at the book launch

JASPER

By Jasper Valdez

CORON is often experienced by moving from one stop to another. Boats leave early, itineraries fill up quickly, and most days are spent crossing the water from one destination to the next.

And that’s to be expected. After all, much of its appeal comes from that constant sense of discovery, where every stop seems to reveal another hidden side of the landscape.

There is, however, another way to experience this part of Palawan. From Coron’s town proper, Sunlight Ecotourism Island Resort, or SETIR, offers a reason to stay in one place.

A short ride out of town

From the port beside Sunlight Hotel Coron, the boat ride to SETIR took about 30 minutes. In that time, Coron town slipped out of view, the water opened up, and SETIR appeared ahead, set apart on its own stretch of sea.

Once on the island, it was easy to move around without planning the day too tightly. Most of the time, I got around on foot, following paths that led toward the water or opened up to different parts of the shoreline. There were bikes available through Kanaten Souvenir Shop, but even without one, exploring the island still felt manageable.

By the water

Underwater, the island showed another side of itself. While snorkeling, I saw just how full of life Coron really was: schools of fish moving around the reef, giant clams settled below, and groups of clownfish moving in and out of their homes.

Beyond snorkeling, the resort also offers kayaking, diving, glass-bottom

An island within the islands

boat rides, and faster-paced activities such as jet skiing. The island also has three beach areas and an infinity pool with a kid-friendly section, giving guests places to cool off between meals, walks, and time on the shore.

Where the villas open to the sea Back on land, my duplex villa in the Habagat section offered another way to take in the island. The balcony opened to the water, making the room feel less separate from the island outside. That same closeness to the water carried into the more private villas we saw during the resort tour. Sirakan stood out

THE Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has launched its newest global campaign, “Only in Hong Kong,” aimed at showcasing the city through its culture, flavors, landscapes, and everyday experiences.

The campaign positions Hong Kong as more than a destination to visit, highlighting moments shaped by the city’s sights, sounds, and local character. It presents Hong Kong as a place where visitors can create lasting memories through its mix of urban energy, natural escapes, heritage, and modern attractions.

The campaign was recently introduced to Philippine tourism industry stakeholders by Liew Chian Jia, HKTB regional director for Southeast Asia, during a trade luncheon in Manila on July 8.

Liew highlighted the continued growth of the Philippine market, with Filipino visitor arrivals reaching 1.34 million in 2025. From January to May this year, arrivals grew 1 percent compared with the same period last year. Globally, Hong Kong welcomed nearly 50 million visitors in 2025, with arrivals increasing 14 percent so far this year.

“The Philippines continues to be one of the top Southeast Asian markets, and

for its outdoor jacuzzi and glass floor panels that revealed the water below. Salepan takes the idea further, with two bedrooms, a plunge pool, direct access to the water, and a roof deck overlooking the surrounding sea.

At the table

Meals had their own place in the stay, especially because no two dining settings felt quite the same. SETIR has 11 dining concepts in all, with options ranging from modern Filipino dishes at Mangrove to Chinese dining at Xiang Hotpot & KBBQ. Among them, the Japanese dining at Hikari stood out.

At Hikari, the teppanyaki dinner with Chef Edward became the meal I remembered most. The food was cooked in front of us, with the sound of the grill and the movement behind the counter becoming part of the experience. It gave us something to watch, talk about, and enjoy as the evening went on.

Cerveza Reál, SETIR’s own brewery, also made its way to the table that night. Of the beers I tried, the lager and stout were the ones I enjoyed most. For now, they are part of the island experience, though the resort plans to make its craft beers commer-

cially available.

On our last night, dinner was served by the beach, one of the private setups guests can arrange at SETIR. Beyond the small pool of light around the table, the shoreline faded into the dark, while the sound of the waves carried through the meal, a fitting way to end our time on the island. By the time we left, SETIR had already made its point. It did not need to compete with the usual crossings of Coron. It offered its own version of the destination, one that unfolded through the water, the rooms, the food, and the slow discovery of a single island.

Capturing the heartbeat of Hong Kong

Chef

5th SONA to report gains in past year

By Charles Dantes, Maricel Cruz, Katrina Manubay and Ram Superable

WHEN President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. addresses a joint session of Congress for his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), he will stand before lawmakers after a year marked by sweeping reforms, major infrastructure projects, geopolitical tensions, political upheaval and one of the largest

anti-corruption campaigns of his administration.

His 2025 SONA outlined an ambitious agenda centered on lowering food prices, expanding infrastructure, strengthening healthcare and education, accelerating digitalization, improving disaster resilience and maintaining fiscal discipline.

Over the past 12 months, the administration has claimed progress on many of those commitments while facing mounting challenges, including intensifying confrontations in the West Philippine Sea, devastating typhoons and flooding, an impeachment trial involving Vice President Sara Duterte, and persistent questions over government spending and accountability.

The President’s fifth SONA is expected to serve not only as a report on his administration’s accomplishments but also as a blueprint for the final two years of his six-year term.

Rice and food security remain top priority

Food affordability has remained the Marcos administration’s signature

domestic policy and the benchmark against which many of its economic initiatives have been measured.

In his 2025 SONA, the President declared that the government’s P20per-kilo rice program was no longer merely a campaign promise but an achievable national policy. Since then, the administration has expanded the subsidized “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!” initiative through KADIWA outlets, National Food Authority (NFA) warehouses, local government units and other accredited distribution centers.

Initially focused on vulnerable sectors, including senior citizens, persons with disabilities, solo parents, beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), farmers and fisherfolk, the program has gradually expanded its coverage, with the government targeting 15 million households by the end of 2026.

The government also broadened complementary food security initiatives, including the expansion of the Walang Gutom Program and the rollout of Walang Gutom Kitchens,

while continuing investments in irrigation systems, farm mechanization, fertilizer assistance, post-harvest facilities and support for local rice production.

Amid renewed inflationary pressures brought about by the Middle East conflict and rising transport costs, Mr. Marcos introduced another major intervention by signing Executive Order No. 118 in May 2026, imposing a temporary nationwide price ceiling of P50 per kilogram on imported rice.

The 30-day cap, recommended by the National Price Coordinating Council, was intended to curb unjustified price increases, prevent profiteering and market manipulation, and ensure that affordable rice remained available while global supply chains faced disruption.

Infrastructure remains central to growth Infrastructure spending continued to anchor the administration’s economic strategy.

The Build Better More program advanced dozens of flagship projects involving railways, expressways, airports, seaports, bridges, irrigation facilities and flood control systems.

The government also pursued modernization of public transportation, expanded airport development through public-private partnerships, and accelerated housing and water supply projects.

The administration has maintained

that infrastructure investments remain essential to job creation, regional development and long-term economic competitiveness.

Economy reaches upper middleincome milestone

The administration also recorded a significant economic milestone after the World Bank reclassified the Philippines as an Upper Middle-Income Country, a designation Malacañang described as recognition of the country’s sustained economic recovery and structural reforms.

Investment promotion remained a key focus through high-level engagements with foreign governments and

international investors. Marcos conducted working visits to Singapore and Canada while hosting visiting leaders and investors in Manila to secure commitments in infrastructure, renewable energy, digital services, manufacturing and logistics.

The administration also continued implementing tax reforms, easing business regulations and promoting the Luzon Economic Corridor in partnership with the United States and Japan. Despite those gains, inflation, global trade uncertainties and rising food prices remained among the government’s continuing economic challenges. Turn to D3

President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr.

Biz groups, economists bare 5th SONA wish list

By Alena Mae Flores, Darwin G. Amojelar, Thony Rose Lesaca and Othel V. Campos

1Philippine exporters want

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to outline a clear policy agenda aimed at strengthening the country’s export competitiveness through key legislative measures and executive reforms. The Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT) said it hopes exports will remain a central pillar of the administration’s economic strategy. “We hope the President’s SONA will lay down a clear roadmap for reducing the cost of doing business, modernizing our logistics and quality infrastructure, strengthening micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and expanding market access through trade agreements,” PHILEXPORT said. These include amendments to the Magna Carta for MSMEs to strengthen support for exportoriented enterprises; the proposed International Maritime Trade Competitiveness Act to regulate excessive shipping and logistics charges and promote greater transparency and competition; and

the National Quality Infrastructure Act, which seeks to establish a globally competitive quality ecosystem to help exporters meet international standards. 2

Stronger governance, smarter and cleaner public spending, and a sharper focus on execution and outcomes top economists’ wish list for Monday’s

SONA. Michael Ricafort, chief economist at Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., said the country’s economic growth remained relatively slow largely because of government underspending following the crackdown on anomalous flood control projects that began in the latter part of 2025. He reinforced the need to catch up on spending and to pass more legislative, fiscal and business reforms that would help improve public governance, government services and the business environment. These include the anti-political dynasty bill, partylist reform bill, the Citizen Access and Disclosure of Expenditures for National Accountability (CADENA) bill, as well as initiatives to promote more disciplined government spending and further improve the ease of doing business.

3

Jonathan Ravelas, senior adviser at Reyes Tacandong & Co., said the challenge for the government lies in proving that fighting corruption does not have to come at the expense of economic growth. “The lesson from past administrations is that we should not confuse stopping corruption with stopping spending. What is needed is a system that quickly identifies and removes questionable projects while accelerating those that are transparent, economically sound, and ready for implementation,” he said.

4

Ruben Carlo Asuncion, chief economist at Union Bank of the Philippines, called for a stronger focus on execution and outcomes, with clear priorities on food security, quality job creation, energy security, infrastructure delivery, and human capital development. “Ultimately, success should be measured not by the number of programs announced, but by the tangible improvements in people’s quality of life,” Asuncion said.

5

The Joint Foreign Chambers (JFC) urged the President to keep the country’s economic reform agenda moving forward, saying that additional legislative and regulatory action remains essential to sharpen the Philippines’ competitive edge and draw in fresh investment. Among the measures the business groups flagged are amendments to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act, along with the proposed Cybersecurity Act, Digital Economy Act, National Single Window System Act, Artificial Intelligence Act, National Land Use Act, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines Charter, Philippine Ports Authority Charter and Freedom of Access to Information Act. The JFC also pressed for full implementation of reforms already signed into law, including the CREATE MORE Act, Ease of Doing Business Act and Ease of Paying Taxes Act.

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The Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) said it hopes this year’s SONA will mark a pivot from politics to economic execution, even as the group maintained its backing for the government’s priority governance

reforms. “But beyond these reforms, what we want to hear is a clear economic agenda that creates jobs, attracts investments, improves food security, lowers the cost of doing business and restores confidence,” MAP said. The group said building economic resilience is critical to the country’s human security amid mounting geopolitical challenges and approaching climate change risks.

The energy sector called on the President to sustain his administration’s renewable energy push as the country continues to grapple with the impact of the Middle East crisis. The Department of Energy aims to increase the share of renewable energy in the power generation mix to 35 percent by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040. “Our wish is for the government to deepen its commitment to renewable energy in order to achieve energy security. The ongoing Middle East crisis confirms the danger of fossil fuel price volatility and its impact on everyone’s way of living and survival,” Philippine Solar and Storage Energy Alliance (PSSEA) founder Tetchi Capellan said. Eric Francia, president of ACEN Corp., the renewable energy arm of the Ayala Group and one of the country’s top energy players, hopes the President’s SONA “reinforces the Philippines’ commitment to affordable, reliable, and secure clean energy by accelerating renewable energy deployment, expanding transmission, and maintaining a stable policy environment that attracts long-term investments.”

‘Ensure safety, respect rights of citizens’

By Joel E. Zurbano and Vince Lopez

MALACAÑANG

has directed law enforcement and concerned government agencies to ensure the peaceful, safe and orderly conduct of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) today while respecting the constitutional rights of citizens.

Executive Secretary Ralph Recto issued the directive during a meeting with the government’s security cluster as the government ramps up preparations for the President’s penultimate address before a joint session of Congress.

Recto instructed the Philippine National Police and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority to further strengthen coordination on security, traffic management and crowd control, with particular focus on ensuring rapid response to incidents that could disrupt commuters and the public.

“Let us ensure that the SONA will be peaceful and orderly for everyone. We must be prepared, work in coordination, and respond swiftly to any situation,” Recto said.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Presidential Security Command assured the Palace that security measures for the event are in place.

Recto emphasized that maintaining peace and order must go hand in hand with protecting civil liberties.

“Respect dissent, but remain firm against violence, disorder, and any threat to public safety,” he added.

The MMDA said it anticipates significant traffic congestion on Commonwealth Avenue, IBP Road, and other major routes in proximity to the House of Representatives.

The agency has recommended alternate routes for motorists during the expected heavy traffic.

Northbound (Quezon Memorial Circle to Fairview): Motorists are

advised to take North Avenue from Elliptical Road (QMC), turning right onto Mindanao Avenue, and then right again on Sauyo Road, or alternatively, take Quirino Highway to reach their destination.

Southbound (Fairview to Quezon Memorial Circle): Those traveling from Commonwealth Avenue should turn onto Sauyo Road or Quirino Highway, then take a left onto Mindanao Avenue, continuing left to North Avenue towards their destination.

Trucks coming from C-5 Road or Katipunan Avenue should utilize

the Luzon flyover, then turn right onto Congressional Avenue heading towards their destination.

Light vehicles from C-5 Road should turn left onto Magiting, then make a right onto Maginhawa, a left onto Mayaman, and proceed to Kalayaan to continue their journey.

The MMDA will deploy 1,481 personnel from various traffic enforcement districts to manage the traffic situation effectively in the area.

The agency will enforce a strict no day-off, no absent policy for its field traffic personnel.

5th SONA...

Legislative priorities Speaker Faustino Dy III, for his part, expressed confidence that the House of Representatives can pass more of the administration’s priority legislation before the end of the year, noting that many of the remaining measures are already in the advanced stages of the legislative process. Dy said several priority bills are already moving through Congress, including the proposed Cybersecurity Act, which is scheduled for second reading, while eight other measures are awaiting action by the Committee on Appropriations or the Committee on Ways and Means.

The Speaker said the House will continue prioritizing legislation that directly addresses the needs of ordinary Filipinos.

“Our goal is to pass laws that offer genuine benefits and are felt by every Filipino,” he said.

The Senate has also systematically turned those executive mandates into concrete legislative reform.

One of the most significant measures was Republic Act No. 12316, or the Petroleum Excise Tax Suspension Act to address sustained spikes in global oil prices.

Another major reform came through Republic Act No. 12254, or the E-Governance Act that mandates the digital transformation of services across the executive, legislative, judicial, and local government branches by establishing interoperable government systems, promoting data sharing, and expanding the Information and Communications Technology Academy.