Manila Standard - 2026 August 1 - Saturday

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Sandigan finds evidence weak, grants Revilla bail THE Sandiganbayan Third Division on Friday granted the bail petition of former Sen. Ramon ‘Bong’ Revilla, Jr. for his malversation case over the alleged ghost flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan.

The anti-graft court ordered Revilla

LTFRB extends fuel subsidies for PUVs, UV units VOL. XL • NO. 168 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 • SATURDAY, AUGUST 1, 2026 •

DOLE to challenge wage hike suspension Next page

Labor chief: Workers not required to return additional pay

THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) extended the PHP10 per liter fuel subsidy for passenger jeepneys and UV Express units for another month, while it studies whether to expand the program to cover buses or grant them a fare hike instead.

In a radio interview on Friday, LTFRB Chair Vigor Mendoza II said the fuel discount set to expire on July 31 will continue through August.

"Ipagpapatuloy po ang fuel subsidy, yung PHP10 bawat litro sa mga jeepney at saka UV Express for another month (The fuel subsidy of PHP10 per liter for jeepneys and UV Express will continue for another month)," Mendoza said.

He said the extension was decided while the LTFRB works toward a final resolution on pending fare hike petitions.

Mendoza said buses currently do not benefit from the fuel discount, leaving two options for the sector: a Next page

By Vito Barcelo, Othel Campos and Pot Chavez

T

HE labor department said it will challenge a Pasig court order temporarily halting the implementation of the P85 daily minimum wage increase in Metro Manila, while assuring workers they do not have to return wage adjustments already received.

The first tranche at P60 of the wage hike – the largest increase in Metro Manila to date that benefits more than 1.1 million minimum wage workers – took effect on July 25. The additional P25 increase is scheduled to take effect on Jan. 20, 2027.

The department, through the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) and the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board–National Capital Region (RTWPB-NCR), is coordinating with the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) which will serve as legal counsel for the agencies in court proceedings, Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino said.

The DOLE chief added that workers who have already received their wage adjustments are not required to return the additional amount.

"Workers have already acquired a vested right to those amounts. They should not be required to return them

A FIRST FOR PINOY P-POP. P-pop powerhouse SB19 made history as the first Filipino act to perform at Lollapalooza, taking the stage yesterday at the annual music festival in Chicago.

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OMB files raps vs. Legardas, Gardiola

P-pop powerhouse SB19 makes history as first Pinoy act to perform at Lollapalooza

By Angelica Villanueva P-POP powerhouse SB19 made history as the first Filipino act to perform at Lollapalooza, taking the stage at the annual music festival in Chicago.

On Friday, July 31, the five-member group took the Allianz Stage and was greeted by loud cheers from the crowd as it kicked off its set with the hit track “DAM.” The opening was followed by an equally electrifying performance of “GENTO.”

Sen. Loren Legarda

Rep. Leandro Leviste

Rep. Edwin Gardiola

By Rex Espiritu and Joel Zurbano

Leviste.

Ombudsman investigators allegedly found that Legarda, Leviste and former Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi conspired to secure exclusive government rights over the country’s solar energy resources through legislative and regulatory actions.

Charges filed include alleged vio-

lations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (Republic Act 3019), the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (Republic Act 6713) and the Plunder Law (Republic Act 7080).

Investigators also found that numerous exclusive solar energy service

THE Office of the Ombudsman on Friday said it filed criminal charges arising from its investigation into alleged solar energy network abuse

by Sen. Loren Legarda and her son Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro

Why rely on discredited witnesses, ex-Speaker asks Ombudsman

By Maricel V. Cruz FORMER Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez yesterday questioned the Office of the Ombudsman’s continued reliance on witnesses whom, he said, had already been publicly discredited and are now facing cyberlibel and perjury charges.

In a statement, Romualdez said he was asking only for equal treatment

under the law as the preliminary investigation into the flood control controversy continues.

“Pantay na hustisya lamang ang hinihingi ko,” Romualdez said.

(I am asking only for equal justice) He criticized the Ombudsman’s use of witnesses whom “he himself and now the Department of Justice (DOJ) have already publicly discredited.”

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The group then introduced themselves before launching into a set that featured their latest single, “Lawless,” performed live for the first time.

SB19 also treated festivalgoers to performances of “Emoji,” “MAPA,” “Wakas,” “VISA,” and “Dungka.”

The quintet also gave a glimpse of “Mga Kababayan,” its rendition of the Francis M. classic recorded for DreamWorks Animation’s upcoming film “Forgotten Island.”

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NBI eyes Paras, Leviste in plot to frame ES Recto THE National Bureau of Investigation Director Melvin Matibag said the agency is investigating a plot to frame Executive Secretary Ralph Recto involving drugs and sexual activities.

The NBI earlier reported that its National Capital Region office arrested a suspected talent manager during Next page

SAKURA BLOOMS IN BENGUET. The Benguet Sakura Park and Botanical Gardens in Atok, Benguet is an emerging tourist destination. Dave Leprozo

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Gov’t shifts health focus to prevention Acting Health Secretary Jose Pujalte Jr. said Friday the government's Universal Health Care (UHC) pro-

gram is expanding free diagnostic tests, medicines and hospital services while encouraging Filipinos to adopt

healthier lifestyles to reduce the burden on the healthcare system.

Speaking during the televised program “Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon,” Pujalte said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s health agenda combines broader public healthcare benefits with stronger preventive care.

"The Universal Health Care program cannot move forward if we cannot cover our patients' medical bills," Pujalte said.

He said the government has strengthened its Zero Balance Billing policy to ensure patients admitted to

DOLE...

that the wage order is valid because we complied with the prescribed process," Mirasol said.

In a social media post, Akbayan Rep. Chel Diokno noted that courts are prohibited from halting the implementation of wage orders under Article 126 of the Labor Code.

Health workers from UST Hospital staged a flash mob and noise barrage along Lacson Ave. in Sampaloc, Manila yesterday to protest the suspension of the minimum wage increase.

“The Pasig RTC erred in issuing a temporary restraining order against the implementation of the PHP85 wage hike here in the NCR. Aside from violating the Labor Code, the move is also baseless,” Renato Magtubo of Partido Manggagawa said in a

separate statement.

The BPO Industry Employees Network (BIEN) also hit the suspension: “This legal maneuver is nothing more than another attempt by big business to deny workers even the smallest relief from the worsening cost of living…Prices of food, transportation, housing, electricity, fuel, and other basic necessities continue to rise while wages remain trapped at poverty levels. Yet instead of recognizing the sacrifices of workers who create their profits every day, these employers want to take away even this measly increase.”

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, for its part, said efforts to tame inflation and reduce the cost of essential goods should take

priority over wage increases.

PCCI president Perry Ferrer said employers are struggling with rising operating costs even as they understand the financial pressures facing workers as inflation continues to erode their purchasing power.

"Business owners certainly are feeling the continuous cost being added to operating their establishments. On the other hand, the owners also feel the challenges of employees when their wages continue to buy less products and services due to rising costs," Ferrer said.

"The answer is really how to bring down and lower the price of essential goods and services so all Filipinos throughout the country will benefit," he added.

corruption scandal.

In response to this development, the Office of the Ombudsman said it will exhaust all available legal remedies following the anti-graft court’s decision authorizing Revilla’s temporary freedom.

Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said they respect the orders and decisions of the Sandiganbayan but will stand by its own investigation and work.

"The Office of the Ombudsman, while it respects the orders and decisions of the Sandiganbayan, must stand by its own investigation and work,” Clavano said in a statement.

"We will exhaust all remedies to highlight the basis for which we can say that evidence of guilt is indeed strong against former Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla,” he added.

Malacañang, meanwhile, said it will not interfere in judicial proceedings and will respect whatever decision is rendered by the courts following the Sandiganbayan's order granting Revilla bail in one of the remaining cases linked to the multibillion-peso scam.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said the executive branch would not comment on the merits of the antigraft court's ruling, emphasizing that the judiciary has the sole authority to decide such matters.

"Nasa sa kamay ng Sandiganbayan ang pagpapasya sa mga ganyang usapin (The decision on matters like that rests with the Sandiganbayan)," Castro said in a video statement.

Castro emphasized that the Marcos administration respects the independence of the judiciary and its decisions. She added that the next legal steps, if any, would be up to the Office of the Special Prosecutor, which represents the government before the anti-graft court.

"It is also up to the prosecutors to determine the proper action or legal remedy regarding the Sandiganbayan's order or resolution,” she said.

Castro said prosecutors are in the best position to determine whether to seek reconsideration or pursue other remedies allowed under the Rules of Court. “The law and due process should always prevail,” she added.

The Palace declined to comment

further on the merits of the Sandiganbayan's order, maintaining that judicial proceedings should be allowed to run their course without interference from the executive branch.

Revilla's bail petition stemmed from a malversation through falsification of public documents case involving an alleged P92.8-million ghost flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan.

The anti-graft court stressed, however, that its ruling was limited to the issue of bail and did not determine Revilla's guilt or innocence, with the criminal case set to proceed to trial.

Revilla has been in detention for six months at the Quezon City Jail Male Dormitory since January with his co-accused.

The prosecution said Revilla and his co-respondents allegedly connived to divert at least P76 million for the construction of the project in Purok V, Barangay Bunsuran in Pandi, Bulacan, which turned out to be a ghost project.

The trial for Revilla’s malversation case is set on August 4. Maricel V. Cruz, Rex Espiritu, and Charles Dantes

(I will not back down from this fight. I will not be moved. Let's do the right thing) The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Wednesday said criminal complaints for perjury and cyber libel against the 18 former bodyguards of fugitive former lawmaker Zaldy Co and their lawyer have been filed in four Regional Trial Courts (RTCs) in Metro Manila.

DOJ spokesperson Polo Martinez said all Informations were filed on Tuesday before the RTCs of the cities of Caloocan, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, and San Juan.

The cases arose from several complaints involving the execution and dissemination of a joint sworn statement, related press conferences and interviews, social media posts and other online publications.

The so-called 18 “maleta boys” were charged in 10 separate Informations for six counts of cyber libel under Section 4(c)(4) of Republic Act (RA) 10175, otherwise known as the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, and four counts of perjury.

Lawyer Levito Baligod is charged as a co-accused with the socalled “18 maleta boys” in certain Informations.

P-pop...

The appearance came after the group’s U.S. promotional activities, including a performance at the Grammy Museum and Josh Cullen’s ceremonial first pitch before the Chicago White Sox-New York Yankees game.

Following the performance, #SB19PALOOZA became one of the top trending topics on X, formerly Twitter.

an entrapment operation at a five-star hotel in Manila after the suspect allegedly accepted ₱500,000 in marked money.

It added that the suspect allegedly told investigators that former Negros congressman Jacinto “Jing” Paras had contacted the suspect to carry out the purported scheme.

In a chance interview, Matibag told reporters that the suspect named former Congressman Jacinto "Jing" Paras and Rep. Leandro Leviste in the alleged scheme.

“Siguro maiuugnay na namin ‘to sa destabilization. We will investigate this. Ipapatawag natin si dating congressman Jing Paras at Congressman Leandro Leviste dahil ayon sa mga

statement na ‘to ang mag popondo dahil malaking amount ‘yung ibibigay ay si Congressman Leviste,” he said.

(We can likely link this to destabilization. We will investigate this. We will summon former Congressman Jing Paras and Congressman Leandro Leviste, because according to these statements, Congressman Leviste is the one who will provide the funding—a substantial amount.)

“Base sa kwento nung inimbestigahan, sasabihin daw na si Executive Secretary kumukuha doon sa bugaw na ‘to. At pipilitin silang mag drugs, tapos pipilitin din sila mag sexual activies,” he added.

(Based on the account of the person investigated, the Executive Secretary allegedly sourced individuals from this pimp. They were forced to use drugs and compelled to engage in sexual activities.)

contracts they secured.

The terminated contracts resulted in more than P10.44 billion in unpaid financial obligations to the government, with the failure to develop the contracted renewable energy projects depriving the country of additional power generation capacity and contributing to higher electricity costs ultimately borne by Filipino consumers.

“The case underscores the Ombudsman’s commitment to investigating alleged abuse of public office, conflict of interest, and schemes that result in significant losses to the government and the Filipino people,”

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin "Boying" Remulla said.

Baseless and totally undeserved Senator Legarda, however, called the charges "baseless" and "totally undeserved".

She said they have yet to receive any communication from the Office of the Ombudsman regarding the reported preliminary investigation.

"I can categorically state that the reported accusations are utterly false and baseless. No public funds were involved. We are prepared to bring out the truth," Legarda said.

"We urge the public to be discern-

ing, especially in light of the timing and nature of these allegations. We remain confident that once the facts are laid bare, we will be vindicated and our names cleared," she added.

Gardiola faces graft and malversation raps Meanwhile, the Office of the Ombudsman's special panel of investigators recommended filing graft and nonbailable malversation charges against Construction Workers Solidarity party-list Rep. Tirso Edwin Gardiola and several others regarding allegedly anomalous flood control projects in Bulacan.

By Charles Dantes and Katrina Manubay

T

HE Marcos administration is shifting gears from treating illness to preventing disease, with expanded government healthcare benefits complemented by a new fiveyear Philippines-United States health partnership worth up to P42 billion to strengthen the country's fight against infectious diseases.

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because, at the time the increases were paid and received, there was no order suspending the wage adjustment,” he said.

DOLE-NCR Regional Director Sarah Buena Mirasol, who also chairs the RTWPB-NCR, noted the wage board followed the procedures under the Wage Rationalization Act, with representatives from labor, employers and government given the opportunity to present their positions before the board reached its decision.

"We are coordinating with the Office of the Solicitor General to argue

Sandigan...

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to be released from detention after posting a cash bond worth P1 million for “failure of the prosecution to establish that the evidence of his guilt is strong.”

Acting on this order, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) said it has released the former senator from prison at 6:14 p.m. on July 31, 2026, according to reports.

Meanwhile, the court denied the bail petitions of Revilla’s co-accused—former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Bulacan First District Engineers Brice Hernandez, Jaypee Mendoza, Emelita Juat, Arjay Domasig—accountant Juanito Mendoza and cashier Christina Pineda “on account of the strong evidence of their guilt as to the charge of malversation.”

Revilla has been in detention for six months at the Quezon City Jail Male Dormitory since January with his co-accused after they were arrested at the height of the flood control

Why...

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Romualdez also pointed out that the same individuals are now facing cyberlibel and perjury complaints.

“But the Ombudsman is using witnesses he himself and now the DOJ have already publicly discredited – and who are now facing cyberlibel and perjury charges,” he said.

Questioning the fairness of the investigation, Romualdez asked: “Ito ba ang patas na imbestigasyon?”

(Is this a fair investigation?)

He added that the witnesses had already been rejected and later charged, yet were still being used against him.

“Mga testigong ibinasura na, kinasuhan pa ng cyberlibel at perjury — gagamitin pa rin para lang ituro ako at ako lamang,” he said.

(Witnesses who have been dismissed, even charged with cyberlibel and perjury — will still be used to point to me and me alone) Despite his objections, Romualdez said he would continue to face the proceedings.

“Hindi ako uurong sa laban na ito.

Hindi ako matitinag. Gawin natin ang tama,” he said.

OMB...

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contracts were awarded to corporations within the alleged network, but many of the projects were never developed as promised. In effect, Leviste created a virtual monopoly of solar energy projects.

The investigation also found that some service contracts were transferred to affiliated corporations that allegedly existed only on paper and had not commenced operations, indicating they had no intention to fulfill

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SB19 closed its Lollapalooza debut with “Crimzone,” drawing cheers from the crowd as the performance capped another milestone in the group’s international career.

NBI...

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ward accommodations in Department of Health (DOH) hospitals and participating local government hospitals no longer pay hospital bills, helping reduce out-of-pocket health expenses.

Pujalte also cited the expansion of PhilHealth's preventive healthcare programs, particularly the YAKAP package and the Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment (GAMOT) program.

Under GAMOT, qualified members may receive up to P20,000 worth of medicines annually, while the list of covered drugs has been expanded

to 75 essential medicines for illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension and bacterial infections.

Beginning next year, PhilHealth will add laboratory examinations under the YAKAP package, including tests for kidney, liver and thyroid diseases, as well as Hepatitis B. The outpatient package already covers free consultations, laboratory tests, X-rays and mammography.

"Many diseases affecting Filipinos can be treated earlier if they are identified through laboratory testing," Pujalte said.

Dutertes bow to court ruling, will resort to legal remedies

By Katrina Manubay LAWYER Manases "Mans" Carpio on Friday said legal issues surrounding the release of his and Vice President Sara Duterte's income tax records should be resolved through the proper judicial process, even as they continue to comply with orders of the Senate impeachment court.

In a statement, Carpio said he and Duterte respect the authority of the Senate impeachment court and will continue to comply with lawful processes.

But he maintained that important constitutional and legal questions remain regarding the authorization for the release of their tax records.

According to Carpio, the authorization should be evaluated under the constitutional and statutory framework governing taxpayer information and the exercise of executive authority.

His legal team argued that there is no indication the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has issued any tax assessment or determination of tax deficiency against either him or Duterte.

Carpio also questioned whether the procedural requirements and recommendations required under the applicable legal framework were satisfied before the authorization to release the records was issued.

He said these issues should be resolved through the proper constitutional and judicial processes rather than through public debate.

"The submission of documents to the Senate Impeachment Court is a procedural step. The legal significance, admissibility, and evidentiary value of those documents are matters for the Court to determine in accordance with the Constitution, applicable law, and the Rules of the Senate Impeachment Court," Carpio said.

LTFRB...

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fare hike or expanded fuel discount coverage.

"Naiintindihan naman natin yung sitwasyon ng mga bus, kasi hindi naman sila kasama sa fuel discount for now. So, there are really two options there — iakyat ang pamasahe sa mga bus or pangalawa, yung fuel discount na karapat-dapat sa bus (We understand the situation of buses, because they are not included in the fuel discount for now. So there are really two options — raise the fare for buses or give them the fuel discount they deserve)," he said.

He noted, however, that extending the fuel discount to buses would have significant budgetary implications given the sector's size.

"Kung isasama ang bus sa fuel discount, malaking kabawasan sa funds ng ating gobyerno. Makakatipid din tayo, so we might as well bite the bullet now (If buses are included in the fuel discount, it would be a large reduction in government funds. We can also save, so we might as well bite the bullet now)," Mendoza said.

He said the LTFRB is scheduled to meet with Executive Secretary Ralph Recto and Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez to discuss a final decision on the bus sector's concerns.

No decision has been made yet on proposals to increase the fuel discount to PHP15 or PHP20 per liter; Mendoza said the status quo will be maintained until a final decision is reached.

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PH, US allot P42b for anti-TB, HIV drive IN BRIEF Myanmar ruler sued for war crimes in PH WAR-crime survivors from northwestern Chin State in Myanmar filed on Friday their second “motion to resolve” before the Department of Justice (DOJ) as part of a global initiative to hold dictators accountable.

Lawyer Gilbert Andres, one of the counsels for the Chin complainants, explained that the Philippines exercises universal jurisdiction over international crimes, citing R.A. No. 9851.

“We filed it in the Philippines because the Philippines has a law, it is called the IHL Act which actually has universal jurisdiction so the Philippines has universal jurisdiction over any international crimes such as war crimes,” Andres said.

“It is the same Section 17 of the IHL Act that was invoked when Mr. [Rodrigo] Duterte to the ICC, the same Section 17 of the IHL Act that was invoked by the DOJ and other law enforcement agencies to implement the ICC arrest warrant against Senator Bato [Dela Rosa],” he added. Pot Chavez

By Katrina Manubay

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HE United States and the Philippines have signed a five-year Health Strategic Objective Agreement providing up to P42 billion ($685 million) in joint funding to strengthen the country’s fight against HIV and tuberculosis while boosting its capacity to respond to emerging public health threats.

In a statement released Friday, the US Embassy in Manila said the agreement, signed on July 22, marks a new phase of bilateral health cooperation, with the Philippine government committing more

than P30 billion ($492 million) to its health system over the next five years.

“For over 60 years, the United States has provided health assistance in the Philippines, which has saved lives and

improved the Filipino health system,” the embassy said.

The agreement aims to strengthen the country’s ability to detect, treat and prevent HIV and tuberculosis while improving global health security through coordinated investments by both governments.

According to the embassy, the program will enhance disease surveillance, detection and outbreak response, integrate health service delivery across disease programs, and strengthen the country’s capacity to finance and manage its health sector.

“The Agreement recognizes the significant co-investment from the Government of the Philippines, which has committed to investing more than P30 billion ($492 million) in their health systems

over the next five years,” the embassy said.

The embassy added that the initiative is expected to save lives in both the Philippines and the United States by improving the resilience of the Philippine health system and promoting innovations to slow the spread of infectious diseases.

The agreement was signed during the visit of new US Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Lipton and coincided with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s trip to Manila for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meetings.

The embassy said the agreement also marks a milestone under the Trump administration’s America First Global Health Strategy, which seeks to strengthen bilateral partnerships through foreign assistance and global health cooperation.

Groups sue PNP at CHR for violent, illegal arrests HUMAN rights and people’s organizations on Friday the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to conduct an independent investigation into the Philippine National Police’s attacks on peaceful protests, particularly on the violent and illegal arrests during the People’s SONA on July 27.

Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) secretary general Raymond Palatino said they submitted a letter to the CHR, documenting a pattern of police violence, arbitrary arrests, harassment and intimidation of protesters and journalists during the July 6 and July 22 protests in Pasay City as well as the anti-corruption protests since September 2025.

“The Philippine National Police’s escalating attacks on peaceful assemblies, including the violent and illegal arrests during the People’s SONA on July 27, warrant an independent investigation by the CHR,” Palatino said. Rio N. Araja

DepEd, UNICEF vet skills of 313 students MORE than 300 students in Misamis Oriental under the Alternative Learning System (ALS) have received micro-certifications from the Department of Education and UNICEF Philippines for demonstrating key life skills under DepEd’s pilot ALS Micro-Certification initiative on July 31.

As part of the ALS Micro-Certification for Life Skills initiative, the 313 ALS learners underwent a 360-degree assessment that includes self-evaluations alongside input from teachers and community members, measuring life skills they exhibit in real-world contexts.

The program is aligned with Republic Act No. 11510 or the ALS Act and the Philippine Qualifications Framework which aims to formally support efforts beyond literacy and numeracy. Gabriel Oliva

TOAST TO THE AWARDEES. Ambassador Endo Kazuya (extreme left) offers a toast during a ceremony at his residence to honor the recipients of the Ambassador’s Commendation Award consisting of six individuals and an organization for their invaluable contributions to strengthening Japan-Philippines relations. The awardees are (from left) Nobuo Fujii, director and advisor of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Philippines, Inc.; Dra. Nora Torres, president of the Philippines-Japan Ladies Association; and Bendette McFarland and Thelma Cleto-Salumbides, Filipino language teachers for MOFA Diplomats; and Anne Dionisio, president of The Philippine Bonsai Society Inc.

Lacson doubles down on graft charges against Sen. Cayetano

By Joel E. Zurbano SENATOR Panfilo Lacson said the evidence he has gathered on flood control projects in Taguig City indicates former Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano exercises near-total control over the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) activities in his hometown.

Lacson said district engineers cannot operate or maintain their positions without Cayetano’s approval, as he is fully aware of all operations within the DPWH in Taguig.

“DPWH operations in Taguig are virtually controlled by one person. No one can move without Cayetano’s knowledge. That’s the way it works,” the senator said in a radio interview.

Lacson said some of the contractors involved in Taguig’s projects include those owned by the Discayas; Topnotch Catalyst Builders owned by Eumir Villanueva; Core Check; Tuchar and Dahl, among others.

The senator said he and his team’s investigation uncovered an “ecosystem” in Taguig where projects are prearranged for favored contractors, with district en-

gineers expected to follow the dictates of Cayetano’s trusted men.

He said with the help of informants, they have pieced together the money trail, identified the flow of infrastructure project kickbacks, and have started turning over the evidence to the Ombudsman.

“Many district engineers were replaced when they did not follow Cayetano’s orders. One was reportedly told he has no say in the projects in Taguig. If he does not follow, he would be removed. One district engineer was told that his predecessor was removed because he did not

know how to follow orders,” Lacson said.

“Cayetano claims there is no flood control anomaly or ghost project in Taguig. It’s up to him. That’s what he says, but records and documents say otherwise,” he added.

He said the evidence gathered by his team shows a possible 33-percent kickback structure in Taguig infrastructure projects, including: 10% for the “principal,” 2% for the “boys,” and 6% for the Bids and Awards Committee, including 3% for BAC members and 3% for contractors who join the bidding.

Chiz: Ban gambling ads, endorsements nationwide

By Ram Superable SENATOR Francis Escudero on Friday introduced a measure seeking a nationwide ban on gambling advertisements and sponsorships to address excessive gaming behavior and shield vulnerable groups.

Senate Bill 2347 targets marketing campaigns across all forms of media, including endorsements by celebrities and social media influencers.

According to Escudero, his bill mirrors restrictions placed on the tobacco industry under the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003, which banned promotional materials across broadcast, print, online, and outdoor platforms.

“It’s about time that we regulate the

gambling industry the same way we regulated tobacco two decades ago. My bill shall institutionalize this effort by placing the restrictions under a national legal framework, ensuring uniform enforcement and preventing gaps in regulation,” he said.

While acknowledging that the gambling sector generates substantial government revenue, employment, and tourism, Escudero warned that increasingly aggressive promotions pose major public health and socioeconomic risks.

To minimize economic disruption, the bill incorporates a one-year transition window following its passage to allow operators and advertisers time to dismantle existing promotional materials.

LEADERSHIP AWARD. Malabon Mayor Jeannie Sandoval receives an Eternal Fire of Governance Award from the RP Mission and Development Foundation Inc., in recognition of her outstanding leadership and commitment to responsive, transparent, and people-centered administration. RPMD is represented by DJ Villaluna, Ivan Vargas, and Phyns Patalinghug during the awarding ceremony. Andrew Rabulan

Health chief denies gambling accusations

By Ram Superable HEALTH Secretary Jose Pujalte Jr. on Friday strongly denied allegations in an anonymous complaint sent to the Presidential Complaint Center claiming that he frequents casinos and engages in illegal gambling under false aliases.

Addressing the accusations, Pujalte dismissed the complaint as a fabrication intended to derail his work at the agency.

The complaint alleges that the health chief used the aliases “Louis Santos” and “Louiss Santos” at different hotels to hide his identity while gambling.

Pujalte clarified his presence at one of the hotels on July 20 was solely for an official meeting with local officials from Masbate and Sorsogon to discuss department assistance for overcrowded public hospitals in the region.

According to the complaint, Pujalte’s alleged casino visits violate Presidential Decree No. 1869, which prohibits government officials and employees from gambling or staying inside casinos.

The filing further accuses Pujalte of violating Republic Act No. 6713, Civil Service Commission Memorandum Circular No. 06, series of 2016, the Anti-

Alias Law, Article 178 of the Revised Penal Code, and Know-Your-Customer rules under the Anti-Money Laundering Act. The anonymous complainants urged Malacañang to initiate an immediate investigation through oversight agencies and subpoena CCTV footage, registration logs, and facial recognition records from PAGCOR and the involved hotels.

They also requested the preventive suspension and eventual removal of Pujalte from his post as health secretary to protect the integrity of the department.

GRIM TRAFFIC WARNING SIGN HAS TO GO. Workers bring down the controversial coffin traffic warning set up in Ambuklao, Bokod, Benguet on orders of the local government unit upon the behest of the Department of Public Works and Highways which recommended as replacement traditional warning signage, guard rails, and concrete barriers in accident-prone areas. Brgy. Ambuklao LGU

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3 NPAs killed in encounters in Or. Mindoro

CEBU’S DIVING GEM.

Known for its sardine run and resident sea turtle population, Moalboal attracts thousands of divers and snorkelers each year.

DENR-7 said preserving these marine resources is essential to sustaining the town’s tourism industry and coastal livelihoods.

DENR-7

By Rex Espiritu

DENR, divers guard Moalboal spots

By Minerva Newman

M

OALBOAL, Cebu—The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)Region 7 is strengthening partnerships with dive operators in Moalboal to help protect the town’s worldrenowned marine ecosystem as tourism continues to grow.

Known for its sardine run and resident sea turtle population, Moalboal attracts thousands of divers and snorkelers each year. DENR-7 said preserving these marine resources is essential to

sustaining the town’s tourism industry and coastal livelihoods.

Through its Coastal and Marine Management Unit under the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office

IN BRIEF DENR secures three endangered crocodiles THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has secured three critically endangered saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) during a coordinated wildlife extraction operation in San Felipe, Zambales.

The operation involved the San Felipe local government, El Samba Resort, the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Olongapo City, and wildlife specialists from Zoobic Safari to ensure the safe extraction, handling, and transfer of the animals.

CENRO Olongapo City chief Edward Sernadilla said the crocodiles were safely turned over to Zoobic Safari after the operation.

“Following the extraction, the crocodiles were turned over to Zoobic Safari, where they will undergo comprehensive veterinary assessment, receive specialized medical care, and be placed under long-term management in a secure facility designed for large reptiles,” Sernadilla said.

DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo emphasized the importance of cooperation in protecting threatened wildlife while ensuring compliance with environmental laws. Butch Gunio

PCG, PDEA seize P510m shabu in Batangas THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) seized 75 kilograms of suspected shabu worth an estimated P510 million during a joint operation at Batangas Port in Batangas City on July 30.

PCG spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said authorities intercepted and searched a white van, recovering 75 foil packs containing a white crystalline substance believed to be shabu. The seized drugs are subject to laboratory examination.

The operation led to the arrest of two men and one woman, all residents of Barangay Talon-Talon, Zamboanga City.

The suspects are facing charges for alleged violation of Section 5, Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Vince Lopez

(CENRO) Argao, DENR-7 conducted a Green Fins implementation, reorientation, and feedback session on July 27 and 28 at Panagsa Beach in Barangay Basdiot.

The activity focused on accredited dive operators MB Ocean Blue and Lion Dive Resort, two major stakeholders in Moalboal’s dive tourism sector.

Led by DENR-7 Green Fins assessors Carlo Babiera and Eduardo Fidel, the sessions covered marine biodiversity conservation, waste management, and measures to reduce the impact of diving activities on coral reefs and other sensitive marine habitats.

Dive operators, guides, and assessors also discussed challenges encountered in the field and explored practical ways to comply with international Green Fins environmental standards.

DENR-7 said responsible diving practices are vital not only to protecting coral reefs and marine wildlife but also to sustaining the tourism industry that supports the local economy.

The program also strengthened cooperation among the DENR, the Moalboal local government, and private dive operators under the municipality’s Green Fins pilot program.

NEW FLEET LEADER.

Commodore Raul Regis (second from right) receives the flags of command as the new commander of the Philippine Navy’s Philippine Fleet, while outgoing commander Rear Admiral Joe Orbe (right) stands in attention in their change of command ceremony Thursday at the Bonifacio Naval Station in Taguig City. Philippine Navy

Project Aruga helps families raising kids with disabilities

By Maricel V. Cruz A DEPARTMENT of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) official on Friday highlighted the importance of providing responsive social protection for families raising children with disabilities through the agency’s Project Aruga.

“As parents, it’s very difficult for them to raise children, isn’t it? I’m sure it’s doubly difficult to raise children with disabilities because they do have special needs,” said Undersecretary Adonis Sulit of the DSWD’s Policy and Plans Group.

To help address these challenges, the DSWD’s Social Technology Bureau developed Project Aruga, a community-based intervention model that

provides disability-inclusive social protection for children with disabilities and their families.

“The technical term used by the DSWD is that before implementing a program for a vulnerable sector, it must first develop a model of intervention. In this case, it is called Project Aruga—a community-based intervention that provides disability-inclusive social protection to children with disabilities and their families,” Sulit said.

Project Aruga delivers comprehensive social and health services that are family-focused, client-centered, and community-oriented to address the unmet needs of children with disabilities and their caregivers.

Sulit said the program includes a disability

support allowance for parents or recognized caregivers to help offset the cost of caring for children with disabilities.

The project also seeks to improve families’ access to health care, education, skills development, livelihood, employment, and social insurance by strengthening partnerships with government agencies and the private sector.

As of July 2026, the DSWD has enrolled 1,140 families across nine pilot sites: Caloocan City; Laoag City, Ilocos Norte; Ilagan City, Isabela; Lubao, Pampanga; Biñan City, Laguna; Puerto Princesa, Palawan; Sorsogon City, Sorsogon; San Jose de Buenavista, Antique; and Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur.

Bill vs. abusive online lending platforms filed

Taft Ave. drainage system to be replaced—DPWH THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will replace the aging drainage system along a section of Taft Avenue in Malate, Manila to permanently address chronic flooding that has long disrupted traffic and stranded students and commuters during heavy rains.

Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon said funding for the continuation of the drainage improvement project in front of De La Salle University (DLSU) has been allocated for 2027.

He said the project is part of the government’s broader flood mitigation program aimed at speeding up the recession of floodwaters, improving traffic flow, and reducing disruptions during the rainy season.

The rehabilitation project will replace old drainage lines with larger-capacity pipes and include other flood control improvements. Vito Barcelo

GOVERNMENT troops killed three alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in a series of armed encounters in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro, on Wednesday, the Philippine Army said.

The Army’s 203rd Infantry (Bantay Kapayapaan) Brigade said troops launched a combat operation after receiving information from residents of Barangay Del Pilar about the presence of armed men in the area.

The operation resulted in two consecutive firefights that, according to the Army, led to the deaths of three suspected NPA members.

Troops recovered a Bushmaster rifle, an M4 rifle, an M16 rifle, three bandoliers, 11 magazines, an ICOM radio, a commercial radio, improvised explosive device components, four backpacks containing personal belongings, and what the Army described as subversive documents abandoned by fleeing rebels.

“Pursuit operations are still ongoing against the fleeing members of the armed group,” the Army said.

Brig. Gen. Melencio Ragudo, commander of the 203rd Infantry Brigade, said the operation underscored the importance of cooperation among the military, local government units, and communities.

“This operation shows the importance of the Army’s strong partnership with local government units and the communities we serve,” he said.

“What happened here in Naujan demonstrates that when the local government, security forces, and residents work together, armed groups are given less space to move, intimidate communities, and disrupt the peace,” Ragudo said.

ILAGAN’S OWN COLLEGE. The City of Ilagan College opens its doors on August 12, as Mayor Josemarie ‘Jay’ Diaz (center) and Vice Mayor Jayve Diaz join Commission on Higher Education officials and city department heads during the turnover of permits for four degree programs at the college. Jessica Bacud

A BILL has been filed in the House of Representatives seeking to strengthen protections for borrowers against abusive practices by online lending platforms.

Akbayan Party-list Reps. Chel Diokno, Perci Cendaña, and Dadah Ismula, together with Dinagat Islands Rep. Kaka Bagao, filed House Bill No. 10366 to curb harassment, excessive charges, and other predatory practices by online lenders.

The proposed measure seeks to prohibit harassment, public shaming, unauthorized use of personal information, hidden charges, excessive interest rates, and deceptive debt collection practices.

Diokno said the bill was prompted by the growing number of complaints from borrowers who have been subjected to abusive practices by online lending applications.

“Even before I became a lawmaker and until now, complaints against abusive online lending apps keep on coming at an alarming pace. These apps exploit borrowers through harassment, public humiliation, and other abusive collection practices,” Diokno said. Maricel V. Cruz

OPINION

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 1, 2026

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

EDITORIAL

Filipino scholars confront anti-China bias in academic engagement

By Rommel C. Banlaoi RECENT controversies such as allegations that a university involved in Chinese language teacher training made claims about Batanes belonging to China have reignited anti‑China narratives in Philippine public discourse.

Reports, commentaries and social media posts increasingly portray Filipino scholars and institutions engaged in dialogue with China as “traitors” and mere instruments of foreign propaganda and influence operations.

Such portrayals are malicious.

They delegitimize independent academic inquiry and revive Cold War–style paranoia, breeding suspicion and division within the scholarly community.

Worse, they undermine the credibility of Philippine academic institutions in the global arena, weakening their ability to contribute to balanced policy discourse.

Filipino scholars and research institutions engaged in China Studies and Chinese language instructions are not “borrowed mouths” of external powers. They are pro‑Filipino voices dedicated to advancing national interests, safeguarding sovereignty, and contributing to regional stability.

To stigmatize them as agents of foreign influence is to suppress legitimate debate and erode the academic freedom that underpins Philippine democracy.

Although no comprehensive registry exists, available data suggest that the number of Filipino students and scholars in China continues to rise despite persistent China‑bashing.

Historically, the Philippines has sent fewer students to China compared to other Southeast Asian countries. Today, however, hundreds pursue studies and research there through exchange initiatives and scholarship programs. To reduce these engagements to “influence operations” oversimplifies their academic and cultural dimensions.

Suspicion toward institutions engaged in China Studies and Chinese language education illustrates how quickly academic initiatives can be politicized. Yet similar programs with other countries do not attract the same hostility. This double standard reveals that the issue is not academic engagement itself, but the politicization of China‑related initiatives.

China’s growing influence in the Indo‑Pacific, its actions in the South China Sea, and its economic statecraft deserve rigorous and fair scholarly investigation. Demonizing those who study China is not analysis but paralysis. Genuine dialogue fosters mutual understanding, while objective scholarship should inform policy choices with evidence and balance.

The Philippines faces the enormous challenge of navigating between Washington and Beijing. National interest lies in constructive relations with both powers while maintaining strategic independence. Filipino scholars contribute to this balancing act by offering varied perspectives—some critical of China, others advocating engagement, still others emphasizing the enduring value of the U.S. alliance.

All are part of a healthy intellectual ecosystem that strengthens democracy and promotes academic excellence.

—“—

The way forward lies not in malicious accusations but in reasoned debate, balanced dialogue, and candid conversations.

What is most troubling in anti‑China narratives is their effort to institutionalize suspicion toward scholars. By casting academic engagement as subversion, they erode trust, constrict avenues for public diplomacy, and risk locking the Philippines into confrontational frameworks that weaken its capacity for independent action.

The way forward lies not in malicious accusations but in reasoned debate, balanced dialogue, and candid conversations grounded in respect and intellectual humility.

Filipino scholars stand ready to contribute as independent voices committed to advancing Philippine national interest amidst great power competition. Their participation ensures that policy choices are informed by evidence rather than allegation, guided by the scientific mind rather than prejudice.

Both the United States and China remain indispensable partners.

Filipinos must never be reduced to pawns in a great power rivalry.

Truth demands dialogue, not disruption; only disciplined exchange can overcome prejudice and build genuine understanding.

Respectful debate rejects anti‑China narratives rooted in fear and fosters balanced engagement.

The Philippines must view China not merely as a threat, for economic ties and regional stability depend on friendship and mutual understanding guided by reason, academic freedom, and the pursuit of objective scholarship.

(The writer, holder of a PhD, is Director of the Philippines‑China Studies Center at Diliman College, Chairman of the Board of Advisers of the China Studies Center at New Era University, and former Presi‑ dent of the Philippine Association for Chinese Studies.)

The gathering shadow

I

N RECENT weeks, the Philippines saw some rivers overflowing their banks and floodwater rising south of the capital. Some see this as a chapter of the powerful El Nino phenomenon which has tightened its grip in the Pacific, the ripple effects extending far beyond traditional temperate wildfire zones.

Tropical archipelagoes and humid ecosystems -- which historically did not co-evolve with fire -- now face severe vulnerability.

In the Philippines, forecasts from the state weather bureau indicate a high probability of below normal rainfall, prolonged dry spells, and intense localized droughts.

When prolonged agricultural drought hits the Philippines, the danger is twofold: One, driedout undergrowth and stressed agricultural lands elevate the risk of sudden brush and forest fires in regions unaccustomed

By Dr. Jose Antonio Goitia PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address was as much about our collective direction as it was about our

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ONLINE

Nine female elephants and their calves, along with an adult male, had shown similar symptoms, including partial paralysis that left them unable to stand.

The remaining five carcasses were too decomposed or had been scavenged, so investigators were

unable to determine the cause of death.

Wildlife officials are now checking whether other farmers in the area use the same chemicals.

The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) charity called the loss “a major setback for one of Africa’s key elephant populations and highlights the devastating impact toxic substances can have on wildlife, livestock, people and ecosystems”.

“Those responsible must be held fully accountable under the law,” said IFAW Kenya director Ben Wandago.

“This tragedy also underscores the urgent need for the strict control and responsible handling of highly toxic substances to prevent them from entering the natural environment.”

Amboseli is world-renowned for its herds of elephants and its savannah landscapes, with Mount Kilimanjaro visible across the border in Tanzania. AFP

defending Philippine sovereignty on the world stage.

To my mind, leadership is never measured by lofty promises; it is measured purely by performance.

In his address, President Marcos presented concrete gains in governance, public services, and accountability. The tangible strides in infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, education, and foreign investment—paired with tax relief for our workers and small businesses, lower electricity costs, and a renewed campaign against corruption—are not just figures on a page. They are the essential foundations of a stronger, more resilient Republic.

ful, and uncompromising means.

Paying tribute to the brave men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine Coast Guard, and the courageous Filipino fishermen who safeguard our waters every single day, the President delivered what I believe is the most defining rallying cry of his presidency: “We are not greedy. We are not racists. We are not liars. We are Filipinos, and we do not yield.”

These words struck a deep chord within me. They reflect a foreign policy that remains firm in defending our territorial integrity while staying deeply anchored in international law. The 2016 Arbitral Award remains one of our nation’s greatest victories on the global stage. No amount of foreign propaganda or intimidation can erase what international law has already affirmed.

President Marcos has clearly demonstrated that sovereignty is defended not by empty bluster, but through principled diplomacy, capable institutions, and an unshakable resolve to stand firm for every single Filipino.

As this administration enters its final years, I see a shift in our national imperative. The primary challenge is no longer merely launching reforms, but ensuring that those reforms endure. Econom-

ic growth creates opportunity, and good governance earns public trust.

A nation that governs well at home inherently stands stronger when it must stand its ground abroad.

This fifth SONA made one fundamental truth unmistakable to me: national development and sovereign defense go hand in hand. Building a stronger economy, enforcing accountable governance, and defending our lawful rights are all interconnected parts of a single national mission.

The President’s closing words were far more than a memorable finish. They distilled the very spirit of his address and reminded us of the immense responsibility that comes with true nation-building. Every gain we make is worth protecting, and every Filipino holds a personal stake in defending our dignity, our rights, and our sovereignty.

We are Filipinos, and we do not yield.

(Jose Antonio Goitia, Juris Doc‑ tor, PhD, is Chairman Emeritus of Alyansa ng Bantay sa Kapa‑ yapaan at Demokrasya (ABKD), People’s Alliance for Democracy and Reforms (PADER), Liga In‑ dependencia Pilipinas (LIPI), and the Filipinos Do Not Yield Move‑ ment (FDNY). He holds advanced degrees including an MNSA, MPA, and MBA, among others.)

Yet, for me, the speech found its true defining moment when the President turned his attention to the West Philippine Sea. He firmly reaffirmed our rights under the 2016 Arbitral Award and pledged to defend them through peaceful, law-

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Pesticides from farms were tagged as possible culprits.

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Emil P. Jurado+ Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

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The convergence of dry spells, diminished reservoir levels, and higher temperatures turns lush landscapes into vul-

attracted to unripe plants growing on nearby farms, he added.

The investigation was still under way and it was not yet clear whether the poisoning was accidental or deliberate.

At least one elephant died on the farm where the tomatoes were growing. Others staggered towards a water source before dying days later, despite treatment by vets.

Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno

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Climate change is acting as a force multiplier.

FIFTEEN elephants found dead over the past month in one of Kenya’s best-known wildlife parks were likely poisoned by cyanide, possibly from pesticides used on nearby farms, wildlife officials said this week.

The deaths occurred in Amboseli National Park near the Tanzanian border, home to some of Africa’s most famous elephant herds.

A preliminary investigation found the animals had ingested cyanide, “a toxic substance... which is very lethal, very poisonous,” Kenya Wildlife Service spokesman Duncan Juma Wanyama told AFP. “And whenever the elephant consumed it, it affects their lung and the liver,” he added.

Investigators suspect the elephants ate tomatoes contaminated with “very strong pesticides”, Wanyama said.

Tomatoes were found in the stomachs of several elephants from the same herd, which may have been

President Marcos presented concrete gains in governance, public services, and accountability

shared accomplishments. Beyond the policy updates and legislative programs, it reflected an administration steadfastly intent on sustaining economic growth, strengthening public institutions, and

—“—

Cyanide poisoning likely killed 15 elephants in Kenya

—“—

A nation moving forward, a nation that does not yield

to management burns.

Two, crop yields for staple goods like rice and corn face devastating declines, threatening food security for millions of farming families.

nerable fuel.

Beyond doubt, wildfires have become a global crisis, driven by extreme heat, severe droughts, and developing El Nino patterns.

They have threatened ecosystems, economies and vulnerable nations like the Philippines.

Indeed, the planet is facing an unprecedented transformation in how wildland fires behave.

Climate change is acting as a force multiplier.

Rising atmospheric dryness, prolonged heatwaves and evaporating soil moisture transfoirm carbon-rich canopies into ticking time bombs.

This is no longer an isolated regional problem for North America, or Mediterranean Europe, or even Southeast Asia including the Philippines.

It has become a synchronized global emergency.

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Hamas agrees to disarm under Trump plan IN BRIEF G Malaysian pilot risks death penalty for drug smuggling JAKARTA – A Malaysian pilot who tested positive for meth, MDMA, and cocaine after flying a passenger plane to Indonesia risks the death penalty for allegedly smuggling more than 70,000 ecstasy tablets in his suitcase, officials said Friday.

The 39-year-old pilot, identified only by his initials, MSO, was arrested Wednesday at Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta international airport shortly after arriving from Kuala Lumpur.

The airport customs office did not say which carrier the pilot worked for, but the flight number indicated it was a Malaysia Airlines plane.

“The results of his urine test came back positive for meth, MDMA, and cocaine.

So, at the time of the flight, he was under the influence,” Hengky Tomuan Parlindungan Aritonang, an official at the airport customs office, told reporters in the Indonesian capital. AFP

AZA CITY – Hamas said Friday it had agreed to a deal announced by US President Donald Trump to end the war with Israel, that includes handing over its weapons to a Palestinian governing committee and the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

Israel did not immediately comment on the announcement, but shortly beforehand an Israeli political source had told AFP the proposed agreement did not “satisfactorily” address Israeli demands for the full demilitarization of the Gaza Strip.

The source also said that “the issue of Gaza did not come up at all” in this week’s meeting between Israeli Prime

Minister Netanyahu and Trump in Washington.

The Palestinian Islamist group’s weapons have been one of the key sticking points in implementing a ceasefire deal in place since October, but Trump announced late Thursday an agreement for Hamas’s “complete disarmament,” calling it a critical step toward a new Palestinian government in Gaza.

Hamas officials told AFP that a committee established by Trump’s Board of Peace to govern Gaza would oversee the process of storing the Islamist movement’s weapons.

The group said it expected mediators and the Board of Peace to ensure Israel complied with the deal’s terms, which include Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza.

Ghazi Hamad, a member of the group’s negotiating team, said the movement was making “concessions for the sake of our people in the Gaza Strip, to save them from killing and displacement.”

“Israel will not intervene in the issue of disarmament. The National Committee is the body that will undertake this task,” he said, referring to the National Committee for Administration of Gaza (NCAG).

Despite the October ceasefire, violence has continued in Gaza, with Israeli strikes killing at least four people, including two children, on Thursday, according to health officials.

The Board of Peace confirmed in a post on X that Hamas had “agreed to a detailed Roadmap for implementing the next phases of the Gaza ceasefire”.

“Our focus now turns to implementation,” the organization wrote, adding the NCAG will “soon begin a phased transition toward full authority.”

Trump, in an earlier social media post, said that once Hamas is disarmed “Israeli forces will withdraw, and the International Stabilization Force will work with a new Palestinian police force to take responsibility for Gaza being safe for its residents and its neighbors.” AFP

‘Trump not sure about Ukraine building Patriot’ WASHINGTON – US President Donald Trump said he was “not sure” whether Washington will allow Ukraine to build Patriot surface-to-air interceptor missiles, the Financial Times reported on Thursday.

The issue, considered a top priority for Kyiv, was discussed when Trump met Ukraine’s leader Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House this week.

Trump told FT in a phone interview that he was “not sure” about the issue, adding that “we’re looking into it.”

“It’s a very extraordinary weapon, and…we have to be a little bit careful of who we license it to. We don’t really license equipment,” the Republican president was quoted as saying.

Russia has stepped up its ballistic missile strikes on Ukraine, and only the American Patriot systems are capable of shooting them down. AFP

Taiwan monitors ‘drifting’ China coast guard ships TAIPEI – Taiwan said Friday it has deployed vessels to monitor two China Coast Guard ships east of the island, as Beijing asserts authority over an area of the Western Pacific.

China claims Taiwan is part of its territory and also insists that waters around the island democracy come under its jurisdiction, which Taipei rejects.

Chinese ships began last month to patrol an area of the Western Pacific near Taiwan’s east coast, which Taipei branded as “provocative” and “expansionism in disguise.”

On Friday, Chinese state media reported that the China Coast Guard (CCG) had carried out a “routine law enforcement patrol in the waters east of China’s Taiwan Island.”

“The CCG will continue to strengthen law enforcement patrols in waters under China’s jurisdiction and resolutely safeguard national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests,” CCG spokesperson Jiang Lue was quoted as saying. AFP

IN SOLIDARITY. Flowers and a sign bearing the message ‘Don’t let them divide us’ have been placed in tribute to the victims at the Tiergarten park in Berlin days after a car ramming attack that killed one person and injured 29 near the Christopher Street Day (CSD) parade. AFP

Cables and cooling bring AI windfall to Indian suppliers

Renowned Nepali climber among 10 missing in avalanche SKARDU, Pakistan – Renowned Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja is among 10 people missing after an avalanche in northern Pakistan where he was leading a climbing expedition, the country’s alpine club said.

“The Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP) has received deeply concerning reports of an avalanche that struck a team of climbers on Broad Peak (8,047m) in the Karakoram mountain range,” the club said late Thursday.

It said the expedition comprises 10 people – including five Nepalese, a Pakistani, an Omani, an American, a climber from China, and one other foreigner.

“The entire team has reportedly been out of communication since the avalanche,” the club said.

Purja, 43, who served with Britain’s Brigade of Gurkhas before joining the Special Boat Squadron of the Royal Marines, has broken multiple climbing records since becoming a full-time mountaineer and tour guide.

He climbed all 14 “eight-thousanders” (peaks above 8,000 meters, or 26,000 feet) in six months and six days between April and October 2019 – then a record.

In 2021, Purja completed the first winter ascent of K2 along with a team of nine other Nepalese climbers.

China’s foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said they were “urgently working to verify and understand the situation” and said Beijing was willing to provide assistance to Pakistan. AFP

Infographic chart showing the latest quarterly operating profits of six essential AI chip companies: NVIDIA, Samsung, SK Hynix, TSMC, Broadcom and ASML.

MUMBAI – At a bustling factory in western India, technicians work around the clock to turn glass into hair-thin fiber-optic strands destined for data centers powering the global artificial intelligence boom.

Indian manufacturers are cashing in on the AI infrastructure buildout by supplying cables, power systems and cooling equipment – even as investors worry the country is falling behind in the race to develop the technology.

Analysts at Nomura describe it as a classic “picks and shovels” trade, a riff on how selling tools during a gold rush can earn people more than searching for the precious metal.

For Ankit Agarwal, managing director of Sterlite Technologies, serving the world’s biggest tech companies is a dramatic shift for his firm, once known mainly as a supplier to telecoms networks.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity,” Agarwal told AFP in Mumbai. “This is a kind of entire new network.”

India has enthusiastically adopted AI but has yet to produce globally competitive models and remains dependent on imported advanced semiconductors.

Investors also fear that generative AI could disrupt the country’s $315-billion IT services industry by automating tasks long outsourced to India, such as customer service and app maintenance.

These worries have weighed on markets, with the benchmark Nifty 50 down around seven percent this year and foreign investors pulling over $27 billion from Indian equities.

The data center boom is generating windfall gains for companies largely overlooked by investors, offering a bright spot in a market rattled by concerns over AI’s impact on India’s export-oriented tech sector.

“India doesn’t need to make the chip or train the model to benefit,” Prateek Nigudkar, a fund manager at Shriram AMC, told AFP. “Every data center needs switchgear, transformers, cables, cooling systems and grid connectivity, and Indian manufacturers are already in that supply chain.”

Fiber-optic cable producers have been among the biggest beneficiaries.

Strong demand for networks linking data centers has helped manufacturers secure contracts once considered out of reach.

Sterlite earlier this year announced a $1.1-billion multi-year order from a US hyperscaler – a term meaning a largescale cloud service provider – helping drive its shares up 400 percent this year.

Telecom equipment maker HFCL reported its strongest-ever April-June quarter, with revenue more than doubling on AI demand. AFP

New intelligence body meets in ‘spy paradise’ country Japan TOKYO – Japan’s National Intelligence Bureau held its first meeting Friday, a body aimed at centralizing information-gathering and addressing accusations that the country is a “spy paradise.”

Under a bill enacted in May, Japan has upgraded an existing intelligence body to serve as the central command for collecting and analyzing information related to security and public safety.

The new entity will collate information gathered by different bodies like the police and the defense ministry and report to the National Intelligence Council, also newly

created and headed by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

“This is much-needed streamlining to make Japan’s hitherto disjointed intelligence apparatus more fit for purpose,” Yee Kuang Heng, a professor at the Graduate School of Public Policy at the University of Tokyo, told AFP. Japanese officials have long argued that the nation needs to improve its intelligence capacity to deter foreign spies, prevent terrorism, safeguard sensitive technologies and improve national security. AFP

OUTPOURING GRIEF. Local residents react outside a residential building partially destroyed as a result of Russian missile strikes in the western city of Lviv amid the Russian invasion in Ukraine. AFP

SPORTS T

UBOD, Lanao del Norte—In the heart of Mindanao, a province once synonymous with conflict is now carving out a new identity, one built on competition, camaraderie, and the transformative power of sports.

As Lanao del Norte prepares to host the first-ever Mindanao Youth Games from March 17–21, 2027 with the Philippine Sports Commission, the stage is set for a bold reimagining of its future from an overlooked province to a premier sports destination.

At the heart of this ambition lies the Mindanao Civic Center Sports Complex, a sprawling 66-hectare facility in Tubod.

It boasts a FIFA-certified football pitch, a World Athletics-standard track and field oval, an Olympic-size swimming pool, a 5,000-seater gymnasium, and venues for archery, tennis, combat sports, and weightlifting.

Soon, a baseball/softball diamond will rise with support from the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Amateur Baseball Association.

“I think you have the best sports facilities in the country. Maybe you don’t realize it, but it is really world-class,’’ said PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio, highlighting the potential of the province.

This complex is no stranger to history. In 2003, it hosted the Palarong Pambansa, cementing its reputation as a venue capable of staging national events. Now, with upgraded facilities, it is poised to welcome competitions of even greater scale, including the Batang Pinoy in 2028 and, potentially, another Palarong Pambansa. ``People will realize that we don’t only host events in Manila. We go outside of Metro Manila, we go to the Visayas, we go to Mindanao. The focus also is to develop regional training centers. When you upgrade facilities in the provinces, it’s an opportunity to host as well,” said Gregorio.

The Mindanao Youth Games will bring together the best young athletes aged 18 and younger from the six regions of Mindanao to compete in at least 12 sports disciplines.

Quezon thwarts San Juan, 71-78 THE Quezon Huskers slowed down the San Juan Knights’ high-octane offense and prevailed, 78-71, on Thursday to keep the top spot in the SportsPlus MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) 2025 Season South division at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

Quezon’s Christian Pagaran and Mon Abundo sandwiched a drive by San Juan’s Gerry Abadiano for the game’s biggest lead, 71-61, with 4 minutes and 4 seconds left that paved the way for the Huskers’ sixth straight victory and a 13-2 slate in the round-robin elimination phase of the two-division, 26-team tournament.

The Knights narrowed the gap following a triple by Orlan Wamar and two charities by Mon Abundo, but Cyrus Tabi countered with two free throws and Christian Pagaran split his two charities to send the pro-San Juan crowd to the exits, 76-68, with 44.3 seconds left.

Quezon’s Cedrick Manzano, a member of the gold-medal clinching Gilas Pilipinas to the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, posted 14 points and 12 rebounds to clinch the SportsPlus best player honors over Michael Canete, who had 10 points and 10 rebounds.

“We did not give up and gave our best,” said Manzano. “We followed the game plan and we were able to do it well.”

They were supported by Judel Fuentes with 9 points and 3 rebounds, and Tabi with 6 points, 11 assists and 2 rebounds, and Pagaran with 8 points plus 4 rebounds.

Cedrick Manzano of Quezon

A7

SATURDAY, AUGUST 1, 2026

FIFA vows to go ahead with private investor plan

FROM CONFLICT TO COMPETITION

Lanao del Norte as sports tourism hub

PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio with young Mindanao athletes

“This hosting is a dream that will become a reality for our province,” said Lanao Del Norte First District Congresswoman Imelda ``Angging’’ Quibranza-Dimaporo. “I hope our countrymen will consider and put our province in their bucket list. This is the land of beauty and bounty where you will find peace, and where the people are warm and hospitable.”

The Games are envisioned not only as a showcase of talent but also as a catalyst for economic growth, sports

tourism, and youth development. For Lanao del Norte, it is the beginning of a big dream to become the center of sports tourism in Mindanao.

For Governor Muhammad Khalid Dimaporo and Congresswoman Dimaporo, investing in sports is more than infrastructure. It is a strategy for peace and development. By turning conflict into competition, they are reshaping the province’s narrative and opening doors to tourism and international recognition.

The transformation is already un-

derway. The PSC has identified the Mindanao Civic Center as a future regional training hub for football and baseball, ensuring sustained activity beyond the Games.

Meanwhile, the Lanao del Norte Sports and Youth Summit held last July 28-29 brought together experts in coaching, psychology, marketing, and media promotion, a sign that the province is not only building facilities but also cultivating knowledge and best practices.

PARIS—World football’s governing body FIFA vowed on Friday to press ahead with an “open and democratic” consultation on a proposed private investment plan despite widespread opposition to the proposal.

That opposition included a pledge

by Europe’s governing body UEFA to boycott the World Cup if FIFA went ahead with its private investor plan.

FIFA said in a statement all of its member associations should have a chance to consider the plan.

“Nobody is selling football,” it said.

“This is not something FIFA would ever entertain.”

It also said it had heard feedback from UEFA and CONCACAF, the governing body for football in North and Central America, which said all 41 of its member associations had rejected FIFA’s proposal to sell a stake in the business operations of the World Cup. The world body also said its planned consultation process had been “disrupted by incorrect media reports”.

“We respect the feedback and concern aired in public and reaffirm our commitment to an open and democratic consultation,” FIFA’s statement said.

“We will proceed with this consultation process to ensure that each (member association) has the ability to express its vote based on facts,” it said.

FIFA has said the plan it announced on Tuesday could raise up to $4.2 billion based on a valuation of $20 billion for the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), the commercial subsidiary it proposed to run events such as the World Cup and Club World Cup. If approved, the project could provide each of FIFA’s 211 member associations with a one-off payment of $20 million in early 2027 and increase their funding allocation for the 20272030 cycle from $8.0 million to $20 million.

Private investors would be allowed under the proposal to acquire stakes in the company but would remain minority shareholders. AFP

Road to Visayas supremacy begins as V-League Panay-Negros opens A NEW era of volleyball in the Visayas begins on Saturday, August 1, with the launch of the V-League Visayas: Panay-Negros.

Six schools will compete in the men’s division, while four teams will battle in the women’s tournament.

The University of St. La Salle, University of San Agustin, University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos, and Central Philippine University will field teams in both divisions.

Passi City College and Aklan Catholic College will also compete in the men’s tournament.

“We are excited to launch the VLeague Visayas 2026 in Panay and Negros. Through the years, this region has been a powerhouse, producing many of our best athletes for the commercial, professional, and national team levels,” said V-League Visayas commissioner Ken Ucang.

“It is our pride and an inspiration that

Shown here are (from left) Passi PIO officer Mae Buenaflor, budget officer Cyril Maloco, Mayor Stephen Palmares, V-League Visayas commissioner Ken Ucang, Gametime Sports owner Rodolfo Villaruz.

we can finally give them the spotlight they deserve.”

All games will be held at the Passi City Arena. The opening day will be-

gin with the men’s match between Passi City College and Central Philippine University at 9 a.m., followed by the University of St. La Salle taking on

the University of San Agustin. In the women’s division, Central Philippine University will face University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos.

An opening ceremony will be held at 3 p.m., after which the afternoon session will feature University of St. La Salle against University of San Agustin in the men’s division. The nightcap will see Aklan Catholic College take on University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos.

The preliminary round will follow a single-round robin format, with the top four teams advancing to the knockout semifinals. Both the championship and bronze medal matches will be winnertake-all contests.

The men’s champion from the PanayNegros leg will face the Cebu champion, University of Cebu, while the women’s champion will take on Cebu titlist University of San Jose-Recoletos to determine the overall V-League Visayas champions.

Pippen Jr. embraces father’s legacy as motivation, not pressure

By Jeremiah Sevilla GROWING up as a son of an NBA legend could have come with immense pressure, but Scotty Pippen Jr. sees it the other way around.

The Memphis Grizzlies point guard said he has never viewed his father Scottie Pippen’s legendary career as a source of pressure. Rather, he uses it as a motivation to make his own path in the NBA. “I don’t really see it as pressure. I use my dad as a resource,” the 25-year-old Pippen Jr. said during a media event at the NBA Store in SM Megamall in Mandaluyong on Thursday.

“I think people look at it as pressure. I just kind of use that as an advantage, and just knowing that I have someone that can help me get to where I need to be and push me,” added the second-generation cager, who visited the country as part of NBA’s effort to engage with Filipino fans.

The son of the NBA Hall of Famer and six-time champion carved his own route to the league.

Undrafted in 2022, Pippen Jr. spent one season with the Los Angeles Lakers before playing two years with the South Bay Lakers in the NBA G League. He eventually found his spot with the Memphis Grizzlies in 2024.

Now in the regular Memphis rotation, the 6-foot-2 guard continues to lean on the biggest lesson his father taught him.

“I think my dad’s biggest motivation in me was

just talking about my work ethic, you know, just keep working,” Pippen Jr. said. “A lot of guys have these big contracts and stuff like that. He just tells me to just put my head down and just keep working.”

“Even when I was a kid and I was getting overlooked, he always told me, ‘Just keep working. Your time will come.’ So I think that’s the main advice he’s given me,” he added.

That time for Pippen Jr. has begun to arrive, as star guard Ja Morant was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray last month.

“It was definitely tough to see him (Morant) leave, but I think it gives more opportunities for the rest of us there, especially for myself,” he said.

“I think of it as stepping into a bigger role, and this summer I’m getting prepared for that so I’ll be ready to get the season started.”

Despite skepticism surrounding Memphis heading into the upcoming NBA season, Pippen Jr. remains confident that the Grizzlies can exceed expectations.

“I think we’re going to surprise a lot of people. We have a lot of young players, a lot of players that have worked on their games,” he said.

“I know we’ve lost most of our team since last season and the year before, but we have a lot of young guys with potential. I think we’re a super hungry team that’s going to shock a lot of people.”

Memphis Grizzlies’ point guard Scotty Pippen Jr. talks with the media during an event at the NBA Store in SM Megamall in Mandaluyong on Thursday.

Jerermiah Sevilla

SPORTS

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 1, 2026

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

De Minaur clips teen Hewitt in all-Australian Washington duel WASHINGTON—Defending champion Alex de Minaur powered into the Washington Open quarter-finals with a clinical 6-2, 6-3 victory over fellow Australian Cruz Hewitt.

Men’s second seed Ben Shelton also advanced, as did women’s top seed Jessica Pegula and No. 2 Elina Svitolina.

Top-seeded De Minaur was always likely to prove too much for 17-year-old qualifier Hewitt -- son of Aussie great Lleyton Hewitt -- who had only captured his first ATP victory in Tuesday’s first round.

The first set threatened to become a demolition as De Minaur raced to a 5-0 lead.

But Hewitt found his feet, breaking back in the sixth game and holding serve before succumbing 6-2.

Cheered on by a crowd that included his famous father, Hewitt started the second set brightly.

But he was broken again on his second service game and could not reel in De Minaur, who warmly embraced the youngster at the net after taking the match.

It was the first head-to-head ATP Tour match between the two, who have known each other for years.

“It was definitely weird,” said De Minaur.

“I knew I was going to play him on the tour someday, but I didn’t actually expect it to be this week.

“It was an amazing feeling. Even all the lead up, seeing all the incredible pictures that we have together and how we’ve both grown up.

“I’m glad I managed to get through, but I’m sure we’re going to have many battles in the years to come.”

De Minaur next faces American Brandon Nakashima, who upset Czech seventh seed Jakub Mensik 7-6 (7/5), 3-6, 6-4.

US home hope Shelton advanced with a gritty 6-7 (3/7), 6-3, 6-4, victory over France’s Ugo Humbert. After handing Humbert the first set with a double fault on set point, Shelton dominated the second.

But the third set was a tense affair and after seizing a break for a 5-4 lead Shelton had to fend off a break point before polishing off the match with a sharply angled serve that Humbert smacked into the net.

“For me, it was all about heart tonight,” Shelton said after lining up a meeting with Chile’s Alejandro Tabile, a 6-3, 7-6 (8/6) winner over France’s Terence Atmane. AFP

Alex de Minaur of Australia serves during a men’s singles match at William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center in Washington, DC. The defending champion powered into the quarterfinals with a clinical 6-2, 6-3 victory over fellow Australian Cruz Hewitt. AFP

Eala tries to show Berlin Open victory over Svitolina no fluke F

ILIPINA tennis star Alexandra “Alex” Eala seeks to hack out another stunner over Elina Svitolina of Ukraine when they clash in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Mubadala DC Open at the FitzGerald Tennis Center in Washington, D.C., United States on Saturday morning (Philippine time).

Colliding for the second time on the tour, the world No. 28 Eala and No. 10 Svitolina tangle at 6:30 a.m. for a semifinal spot in the WTA 500 hard-court tournament.

While the 31-year-old Svitolina is seeded second in the tourney, the 21-year-old Eala is poised to emerge victorious anew after winning their first encounter convincingly, 6-3, 6-4, in the last eight of the Berlin Tennis Open grass tilt over a month ago.

Eala is also riding the momentum of a 6-2, 7-6(1) victory against defending champion Leylah Fernandez of Canada in the second round where she made a furious comeback from 1-5 down in the second set.

Another sensational triumph will give Eala a chance to arrange an Asian showdown with No. 13 Naomi Osaka of Japan for the first time. Osaka battles No. 71 Elisabetta Cocciaretto of Italy in the quarters.

The Pinay lefty ace, who enters the rematch versus her Ukrainian rival with a full day of rest, knows well that she can’t let her guard down in the Washington Open.

“Every single player here is a fighter. All of us here are fighters.

Whether it’s my opponent today, yesterday, tomorrow, you can never count anybody out,” Eala said in an interview with Tennis Channel.

After receiving a first-round bye,

Alexandra Eala AFP

Svitolina swept No. 108 Polina Kudermetova of Uzbekistan, 7-6(4), 6-4, on Friday morning to earn a shot at exacting revenge against Eala.

“It was not an easy battle for me,” the four-time Grand Slam semifinalist and former No. 3 Svitolina re-

called of her defeat to Eala on grass.

“Tomorrow is a new surface, a new country, a new city, so it’s a new challenge, and hopefully I’m going to draw some confidence from today’s match and carry it into tomorrow,” she added.

Ebueza captures bronze in US Open surfing Chameleons carry Jomari Ebueza

By Randy M. Caluag LA Union native Jomarie Ebueza bagged a bronze medal in the 2026 Lexus US Open of Surfing held south of the Huntington Beach Pier in California, USA. The 24-year-old surfer secured the podium spot in the men’s longboard event—the opening stop of the World Surf League (WSL) International Longboard Tour—after bowing to event wildcard and eventual champion Tommy Coleman of the United States in the semifinals.

Ebueza posted a two-wave combination score of 7.26 points in the semifinals, falling short against Coleman’s 10.60.

Coleman went on to claim the title over Australia’s Declan Wyton.

Prior to his semifinal exit, the San Juan local turned heads in the quarterfinals by dominating American competitor Kevin Skvarna with a commanding 13.40 to 10.33 victory to lock up his podium spot.

“I’ve worked so hard and prayed for this moment over the years,” Ebueza shared on social media following his campaign.

Along with his first international podium finish of the season, Ebueza pocketed $2,000 (approx. ₱117,000) in prize money and collected 6,085 vital WSL ranking points.

Fellow La Union local

Rogelio “Jay-R” Esquivel Jr., the Philippines’ top-ranked longboarder, also delivered a strong showing in Southern California by finishing ninth overall, giving the country two surfers in the tournament’s top 10.

Esquivel expressed gratitude for the experience, stating that the high-level competition offered valuable lessons that will make him stronger in future tour stops.

The Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles commended the pair’s double top-10 performance, highlighting the feat as a major milestone for Philippine surfing on the world circuit.

Hernandez, Sarines show no let-up, make final round their victory march JET Hernandez will successfully defend his men’s title in the NGAP’s National Strokeplay Championship after shooting an eagle-aided 69 to take an incredible 18shot lead into the final round on Saturday, when young Lisa Sarines announces her coming as a force by taking her victory march in ladies’ play.

The duo sustained the trend it established in the first two rounds--breaking away--as both have been untouched this week with the 14-year-old Sarines also shooting a 69 to lead Tashanah Balangauan by an astounding 15 shots for the chance to polish off the biggest title in her young career on Saturday.

With a 199 aggregate, Hernandez is within another good round of establishing the most lopsided victory in this tournament, win it for the second time in the last three years and put himself in position towards a double when the Match Play Championship gets going at Luisita next week.

“I’m not hiding the fact that I really am looking to win both,” the 21-year-old Hernandez said when asked about next week. “But I still have to take care of business (in the final round). I still have to go out there and play well.”

Rolando Bregente’s struggles again cropped up in the third round and the 24-year-old PH Team main-

stay turned in a 75 for the second time this week for 217, with Jacob Rolida shooting a 69 to catch Jed Dy, who matched par, at 219 and make the battle for second place super interesting.

Chris Remata is four shots out of second spot after a 74.

“I didn’t think that anyone would be at 17-under after three rounds in this course,” Hernandez said as the Pinatubo layout of Pradera Verde showed its teeth with only two sub-par cards in the third round and just three other players submitting even 72s.

“This is the toughest round I played (this week), as most of my pars were grind out pars,” the incoming psychology senior at University of Denver said. “The putter saved me again.”

Sarines gunned down seven birdies in her best round of the week that left the ladies field gasping, as she takes a 211 aggregate into the final 18 holes.

Balangauan and Precious Zaragosa both shot 77s, with Balangauan signing for two double bogeys and the 15-year-old Zaragosa a double and four double bogeys that further highlighted her struggles to pick up shots.

Zaragosa, one of the favorites heading into the event, has just three birdies for the week--one for each round that came on the par-5 ninth--while Balangauan was slowed down by a back nine 40.

Lisa Sarines

momentum into South Cotabato clash vs. Highrisers Games Saturday (Polomolok, South Cotabato) 4 p.m. – Nxled vs Galeries Tower 6:30 p.m. – Akari vs Choco Mucho

RIDING the momentum of an emphatic bounceback victory, Nxled heads into its next PVL On Tour assignment with renewed confidence as it takes on Galeries Tower on Saturday (Aug. 1) in Polomolok, South Cotabato.

After stops in Isabela, Batangas and Ilocos Sur, the league’s pre-season tour shifts to the country’s most populous municipality outside Luzon, where volleyball continues to enjoy a passionate following.

Fresh off a commanding 25-17, 25-23, 2518 sweep of the undermanned Capital1 Solar Spikers in Vigan, the Chameleons appear to have quickly rediscovered their rhythm after opening the exhibition tournament with a fourset loss to the Creamline Cool Smashers in Ilagan City last July 8.

For head coach Ettore Guidetti, however, the biggest takeaway from the victory was not just the result but the way his team played.

“I honestly think we really enjoyed playing,” said Guidetti. “Despite a few interruptions because of the format, we reacted very well every time. I was happy that everybody got the chance to play because all of my players are capable.

What pleased me the most was our defense.

It was outstanding, and I think the crowd also appreciated how hard we fought for every ball.”

The convincing victory further fueled expectations for a talent-laden Nxled squad eager to make a deeper impression heading into the regular season in October.

Although the On Tour, organized by Sports Vision. serves as a pre-season buildup, Guidetti stressed that his team refuses to approach the competition as a series of exhibition matches.

“We don’t feel it’s an exhibition,” stressed the Italian mentor. “The players put pressure on themselves, and we’re trying to win every single game. That’s the truth. For us, the exhibition is about playing at our highest level.”

BUSINESS

B1

SATURDAY, AUGUST 1, 2026

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

WHAT’S INSIDE?

BUGATTI PROCEEDS. Finance Secretary Frederick Go, together with the Bureau of Customs (BOC), turns over the proceeds from the sale of two confiscated Bugatti Chiron units to the National Treasury on July 29, 2026. The sale transformed previously idle assets into revenues that will help fund priority government programs. Go also directed the Department of Finance (DOF) and the BOC to fast-track the disposal of other confiscated assets, reinforcing the government’s commitment to fiscal discipline, efficient asset management and ensuring that recovered resources are put to work for the benefit of millions of Filipinos.

5.6% to 6.6% BSP’s inflation forecast for July

6.4% Actual inflation in June

6.4% Inflation forecast for 2026

BSP sees inflation easing to as low as 5.6% in July P

By Thony Rose Lesaca

HILIPPINE inflation likely settled between 5.6 percent and 6.6 percent in July as lower food prices helped offset upward price pressures, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said Friday.

Elevated domestic petroleum pump prices, higher electricity rates, increased fish prices and peso depreciation could push consumer prices upward, the central bank said.

Lower prices of key food commodities such as rice, meat, vegetables and fruits are expected to offset these pressures, it said.

Headline inflation eased to 6.4 percent in June from 6.8 percent in May on slower increases in transport

and food costs.

The BSP said it will remain vigilant and guided by incoming data as it continues to monitor developments in the Middle East, particularly their impact on inflation and economic activity.

The Philippine Statistics Authority is scheduled to release July inflation data on Aug. 5.

The central bank in June raised its inflation forecasts for the next

two years, signaling readiness for further monetary tightening. The BSP adjusted its average inflation forecast for 2026 to 6.4 percent from 6.3 percent and for 2027 to 4.5 percent from 4.3 percent.

Both projections sit above the bank’s target band of 2 percent to 4 percent. The bank projects inflation will cool to 3.1 percent by 2028, pulling price growth back within the official tolerance range.

The BSP on June 18 raised its key benchmark rate by 25 basis points to 4.75 percent, its second straight hike to anchor inflation expectations and mitigate second-round effects. The policy action also brought interest rates on the overnight deposit and lending facilities to 4.25 percent and 5.25 percent, respectively.

PAL prices $50m in new senior notes to fund fleet expansion

B2

DA sets up export office

B3

Metrobank earned P24.9b in first half

B4 Visayas grid on yellow alert as reserves thin

By Alena Mae S. Flores

By Darwin G. Amojelar PHILIPPINE Airlines Inc., through its wholly owned subsidiary Primero Agila Limited, priced an additional $50 million of 7.75 percent senior notes due 2031 on July 31, raising fresh capital to finance its fleet modernization program and international network expansion.

The Lucio Tan-led carrier’s tap issuance will be consolidated with and form a single series with the $300 million in 7.75 percent senior notes due 2031 originally issued on July 16, bringing the total outstanding size of the notes to $350 million.

The additional notes were priced at 99.000, plus accrued interest from July 16, excluding the issue date, resulting in a reopening yield of 7.997 percent. The notes carry a fixed annual coupon of 7.750 percent. Settlement is scheduled for August 6 on a T+4 basis.

Philippine Airlines Inc. and Air Philippines Corp. will unconditionally and irrevocably guarantee the notes, providing additional credit support for investors. The consolidated notes will be listed on the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Ltd. The tap issuance follows PAL’s initial $300 million offering completed earlier in July and is expected to strengthen the airline’s funding position further while broadening investor participation in its outstanding debt securities.

PAL earlier announced it will order 15 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners, with options for five additional aircraft, and nine more Airbus A350-1000s, also with options for five more. Deliveries are scheduled from 2031 to 2036, ensuring steady renewal and expansion of PAL’s long-haul fleet.

DoubleDragon to set up P14.3-b Singapore REIT

TALENT DEVELOPMENT. Investments Promotion Service executive director Evariste Cagatan and Board of Investments managing head Ceferino Rodolfo (center) lead a meeting to explore opportunities to position the Philippines as a regional hub for electric vehicle (EV) talent development and technical training following discussions with Beifang Automotive Education Group, China’s largest automotive vocational education institution.

P60-b EV incentive program to boost PH investments

By Othel V. Campos THE Department of Trade and Industry said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Executive Order No. 121 which establishes the P60-billion Electric Vehicle Incentive Strategy (EVIS) Program will position the Philippines as a more competitive destination for electric vehicle manufacturing investments.

The program provides time-bound, performance-based fiscal incentives for manufacturers of electric vehicles and EV parts and components, and is intended to accelerate the development of a domestic EV supply chain, the DTI said.

The department said the program

fulfills the mandate of the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA) to create an incentive framework that will accelerate the country’s shift to electric mobility while strengthening local manufacturing capabilities.

“The EVIS Program is designed not only to support the growth of the EV market, but more importantly, to create a strong local manufacturing ecosystem that generates quality jobs, attracts technology and investments, and deepens the participation of Philippine industry in regional and global value chains,” the department said.

The agency said the executive order sends a strong signal to global

and domestic investors that the Philippines is ready to compete for high-value manufacturing projects in the rapidly expanding electric vehicle industry.

Under the program, qualified manufacturers will receive incentives based on actual investments and production performance, a mechanism intended to ensure government support results in greater local production, technology transfer, supply chain development and employment generation.

The DTI said it will work with the Board of Investments and other implementing agencies to finalize the program’s guidelines and ensure its timely rollout.

NATIONAL Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) placed the Visayas grid on yellow alert from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, citing continued thin power reserves in the region, the grid operator said.

NGCP said available capacity reached 2,564 megawatts against peak demand of 2,321 megawatts.

Five power plants have been on forced outage since July 2026, three since June, seven since May, one since March, three since 2025, two since 2024, two since 2023 and one since 2021, while 14 plants are running at derated capacities, NGCP said. The outages and derating left a total of 969 megawatts unavailable to the grid.

NGCP said the factors that contributed to the yellow alert include the unavailability of Visayas’ large coal plants TVI 1&2 and CEDC 1 and the emergency shutdown of KSPC 1 on July 30 due to a boiler tube leak.

A yellow alert is issued when the operating margin is insufficient to meet the transmission grid’s contingency requirement.

Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said in June that the Visayas power supply situation will take two to three years to stabilize because of a shortage of mid-merit and baseload capacity that has caused a string of red and yellow

Bank lending growth eased to 9.8% in June PHILIPPINE bank lending growth slowed to 9.8 percent in June from 12.1 percent in May, as businesses turned more cautious in their borrowing and consumer demand softened, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said Friday.

Outstanding bank loans reached P14.88 trillion at the end of June, the BSP said.

Business loans grew 9.2 percent to P12.54 trillion as of end-June, slowing from an 11.7-percent expansion in May. The BSP said the increase in business lending was supported by continued credit to key sectors, including real estate activities; electricity, gas, steam and air-conditioning supply; wholesale and retail trade and repair

of motor vehicles and motorcycles; manufacturing; transportation and storage; and agriculture, forestry and fishing.

This was offset by weaker loan growth in construction, education and other service activities.

Consumer loan growth also eased to 17.8 percent in June from 19.0 percent in May as credit card and motor vehicle loan expansion softened, bringing outstanding consumer loans to P2.05 trillion.

Domestic liquidity, or the amount of money circulating in the economy, climbed 10.6 percent to P20.51 trillion in June, weaker than the 12.8-percent expansion in May due to slower credit growth. Thony Rose Lesaca

COMMAND CONFERENCE. The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) holds its midyear command conference 2026, bringing together regional directors, revenue district officers and key officials from across the country to assess first-semester performance, align priorities and reinforce strategic directions for the remainder of the year.

BUSINESS

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 1, 2026 extrastory2000@gmail.com

DoubleDragon to set up PH stocks fall on record gov’t debt, geopolitical risks P14.3-b Singapore REIT firm D

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Career Career Opportunity Opportunity in in Amazon Amazon Operation Operation Services Services Philippines Philippines Inc Inc (AOSPI) (AOSPI)

By Jenniffer B. Austria

OUBLEDRAGON Corp. is setting up a S$300 million (P14.3 billion) real estate investment trust firm in Singapore to hold Hotel101 assets, a move that will generate fresh capital to support the global expansion of its hospitality business.

DoubleDragon said Friday in a disclosure to the stock exchange that its board approved the creation of DD Hotel101 Worldwide One, a Singapore special purpose vehicle that will sponsor the proposed REIT on the Singapore Exchange.

The Singapore REIT firm’s initial portfolio will consist of a diversified basket of Hotel101 units carved out from selected projects in various countries. It will have an initial asset size of S$300 million to qualify for an exemption from the requirement of three prior years of operational history.

DoubleDragon said the structure would provide a permanent mechanism for recycling capital while complementing the sale of individual Hotel101 units worldwide.

The company added that other Hotel101 assets from projects across different markets could be infused into the REIT over time, allowing it to expand its recurring income-generating portfolio.

DoubleDragon intends to allocate about 20 percent to 30 percent of selected Hotel101 projects globally for eventual in-

IGNITE SUMMIT.

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Career CareerOpportunity OpportunityininAmazon AmazonOperation OperationServices ServicesPhilippines PhilippinesInc Inc(AOSPI) (AOSPI) Position Position title: title: Investigation Investigation Specialist Specialist I I

Position Positiontitle: title:Financial FinancialAnalyst AnalystI I Vacancy Vacancy (1)(1)

Vacancy Vacancy(1) (1)

Job Job Description: Description: ➢ ➢ Provides Provides prompt prompt and and efficient efficient service service to to Amazon Amazon Sellers, Sellers, including including the the appropriate appropriate escalation escalation of of Sellers’ Sellers’ issues issues in in a contact a contactcenter center environment. environment. ➢ ➢ Maintains Maintains a positive a positive and and professional professional demeanor, demeanor, always alwaysportraying portraying thethe company company in in a positive a positive light light while while effectively effectivelymanaging managing sensitive sensitive issues. issues. ➢ ➢ Demonstrates Demonstratesexcellent excellent time-management time-management skills skillsand and thethe ability ability to to work work independently independentlywhile while using using departmental departmental resources, resources, policies policies , and , and procedures. procedures.

Job JobDescription: Description:

fusion into listed Hotel101 REITs across major stock exchanges.

DoubleDragon is positioning Hotel101 for wider global growth through a licensing model, with the long-term goal of developing 1 million standardized hotel rooms in more than 100 countries.

In March, it opened the 680-room Hotel101-Madrid. Before the end of the year, it will also open the 482-room Hotel101Niseko in Japan.

It also signed several agreements to build hotels in Australia, Saudi Arabia, Cambodia, and Los Angeles.

The company said the proposed REIT forms part of its broader capital management strategy aimed at strengthening the group’s balance sheet while supporting its long-term expansion plans under its Vision 2035.

➢ ➢recommendations Maintains Maintains acceptable acceptable performance performance metrics metrics such such asin as quality, productivity, productivity, first first contact contact resolution, and and attendance attendance . . ➢➢ Present Presentfindings findingsand and recommendations totostakeholders stakeholders in aquality, aclear, clear, concise concise format format . resolution, . ➢ ➢ Actively Actively seeks seeks solutions solutions through through logical logical reasoning reasoning and and data data interpretation interpretation skills skills , and , and identifies identifies trends trends to to thethe appropriate appropriate channel, channel, including including improvement improvement ➢➢ Participate Participateinincalibration calibration sessions sessions totoensure ensure audit audit consistency consistency and and contribute contribute to to the the development development of of quality quality frameworks frameworks and and t raining t rainingstandards. standards. suggestions suggestions ➢➢ Support Supportthe theexploration explorationofofAI-assisted AI-assistedauditing auditingtools toolstotoscale scalequality qualitycoverage coverageacross acrossmultiple multiplelanguages languages ..

Qualification Qualification (Education, (Education, Experience, Experience, Professional Professional License, License, Skills Skills Certification, Certification, Specialized Specialized Training): Training): ➢➢ Demonstrate Demonstrateagile agilesupport supportthrough throughcross-functional cross-functionalcollaboration collaborationand andquick quickresponse responsetotoemerging emergingquality qualityand andtraining trainingneeds needsacross acrossteams teams. . ➢➢ Provide Providehands-on hands-onoperational operational support support during during peak peak periods periods or orcritical critical business business needs, needs, including including direct direct case case processing processing when whenrequired required. . ➢ ➢ Interpersonal Interpersonal skills, skills, with with the the ability ability to to communicate communicate complex complex transactional transactional issues issues correctly correctly and and clearly clearly to to both both internal internal and and external external customers. customers. ➢ ➢ Clear, Clear, crisp, crisp, and and proactive proactive documentation documentation ofof operational operational procedures procedures required required to to tackle tackle known knownrisk-related risk-related patterns. patterns. ➢ ➢ Problem-solving Problem-solving skills, skills, having having demonstrated demonstrated ability ability to to recognize recognize non-obvious non-obvious patterns patterns and and analyze analyze problems problems logically. logically.

Qualification Qualification(Education, (Education,Experience, Professional Professional License, License, Skills Skills Certification, Certification, Specialized Specialized Training): Training): ➢Experience, ➢ Self-disciplined, Self-disciplined, diligent, diligent, proactive, proactive, and and detail-oriented, detail-oriented, impacting impacting time time management management and and organizational organizational skills. skills.

➢ ➢ Proven Proven ability ability to to work work in in fast-paced, fast-paced, dynamic dynamic environments environments where where decisions decisions are are made made without without compromising compromising onon customer customer experience experience and and financial financial losses. losses.

➢➢ Completed Completeda abachelor’s bachelor’sdegree. degree.

Applications Applications may may bebe sent sent to:to:

Name ofof Company Company HR: HR: Ivanka Ivanka Patricia Patricia Quinial Quinial ➢➢ Background BackgroundininAccounts AccountsReceivable Receivableand/or and/orAccounts AccountsName Payable Payable isisrequired. required.

Email Email address: address: https://www.amazon.jobs/en/search https://www.amazon.jobs/en/search

➢➢ 2+ 2+years yearsofofexperience experienceinincommunication communicationprogramming programmingand andprojects. projects.

Company/ Company/ Employer Employer

Name Name ofof foreign foreign national national intending intending toto apply apply for for the the position position

➢➢ Excellent Excellentwritten writtenand andverbal verbalcommunication communicationskills. skills.

Company Company Name: Name:

Name: Name: Yulong Yulong Wei Wei

Amazon Amazon Operation Operation Services Services Philippines Philippines Inc Inc (AOSPI) (AOSPI)

Address: Address: Makati Makati City City

Complete Complete address: address:

Nationality: Nationality: Chinese Chinese

➢➢ 3+ 3+years yearsofofexperience experienceinina aTraining Trainingand andQuality Qualityrole. role.

Unit Unit No. No. 2C, 2C, Flr. Flr. no. no.

4th, 4th, One One E-Com E-Com Bldg., Bldg., Ocean Ocean Drive, Drive, Mall Mall ofof Asia Asia Intended Intended period period ofof employment: employment: two two (2)(2) years years Applications Applications may maybe besent sentto: to: Complex ComplexSt., St., Zone Zone 10, 10, Barangay Barangay 076, 076, District District 1,1, Pasay Pasay City, City, Metro Metro Manila, Manila, _________________________________________ _________________________________________ Name NameofofCompany CompanyHR: HR:Ivanka Ivanka Patricia PatriciaQuinial Quinial NCR, NCR, 1300 1300

Email Emailaddress: address: https://www.amazon.jobs/en/search https://www.amazon.jobs/en/search Nature Natureofofbusiness: business:AOSPI AOSPIis isa acorporation corporation organized organizedunder under Philippine Philippine Name: Name: Grady Grady Luemba Luemba Bosamba Bosamba laws. laws.It Itis isregistered registeredwith withthe theSecurities Securitiesand andExchange ExchangeCommission Commission(SEC) (SEC) Address: Address: Cabuyao Cabuyao City City under underSEC SECCertificate CertificateofofRegistration RegistrationNo. No.CS201722700.

CS201722700.It Itis isauthorized authorizedtoto

Maynilad nears completion of P5.8-b pipeline project

provide support support services, services, including including but but not not limited limited toto remote remote technical technical support supportName Nationality: Nationality: Congolese Congolese Company/ ofof foreign Company/Employer Employer provide Name foreignnational nationalintending intendingtotoapply applyfor forthe theposition position services, services,ITITdevelopment, development,customer customersupport, support,customer customercare careservices, services, Intended period period ofof employment: employment: two two (2)(2) years years business businessprocess processoutsourcing, outsourcing,back-office back-officesupport support(including (includingbut butnot notlimited limited Intended totosystems, systems,hardware, hardware,software, software,financial financialoperations, operations,vendor vendormanagement, management,

Company CompanyName: Name:

Name:BiBiYouzan YouzanMoise MoiseYouzan Youzan and andhuman humanresources resourcesrelating relatingtotothe theback-office), back-office),and andother otheractivities activitiesName: necessary necessary ororuseful usefulthereto, thereto, as aswell wellasasmarketing marketingsupport supportactivities, activities,without without Amazon Philippines Inc AmazonOperation OperationServices Services Philippines Inc(AOSPI) (AOSPI) Address: Address:Pasay PasayCity City Complete Completeaddress: address:

engaging engagingininretail retailtrade, trade,the thepractice practiceofofa aprofession, profession,ororacting actingasasananInternet Internet Service Service Provider.

Provider.

Nationality: Nationality:Ivorian Ivorian

Amazon Amazon Operation Operation Services Services Philippines Philippines Inc Inc (AOSPI).

(AOSPI). hereby hereby declares declares that that the the above-named above-named foreign foreign national national is is able, able, willing, willing, and and qualified qualified toto perform perform the the

Intended period ofofemployment: Two (2) 9th E-Com Center, Blk. No. 22, Harbor Drive, Mall ofintention 9thtoto14th 14thFloor, Floor,Four Four E-Com Center, Blk. No. 22, Harbor Drive, Mall ofAsia Asia Intended period employment: Two (2)Years Years services services and and job job description description for for this this position. position.

The The company company has has the the intention toto employ employ the the said said foreign foreign national national and and apply apply forfor anan Alien Alien Employment Employment Permit Permit with with the the Bureau Bureau of076, of Local Local Employment, Employment, 6F 6F First First Intramuros Intramuros BF BF Condominium, Condominium, Solana Solana St.St. cor. cor.

A.A. Soriano Soriano Ave., Ave., Intramuros, Intramuros, Manila Manila Complex Barangay 076, Pasay City, Manila, 1300 ComplexSt., St.,District District1,1, Barangay Pasay City,Metro Metro Manila, 1300

By Othel V. Campos

Any AnyFilipino Filipino jobseeker who whois iscompetent, competent,able able and andwilling willing toto perform performthe the services servicesforfor which which the theforeign foreign national nationalis isintended intended totobebe hired hired may mayfilefile ananobjection objection Nature AOSPI isjobseeker aacorporation organized under Philippine Natureofofbusiness: business:at AOSPI isLocal corporation organized under Philippine atBureau BureauofofLocal Employment, Employment,6F6FFirst FirstIntramuros IntramurosBF BFCondominium, Condominium,Solana SolanaSt.St.cor. cor.A.A.Soriano SorianoAve., Ave.,Intramuros, Intramuros,Manila, Manila,after afterthis thispublication. publication. laws. the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) laws.ItItisisregistered registeredwith with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Please Please inform inform the the Department Department ofof Labor Labor and and Employment Employment –– NCR, NCR, if you if you have have any any information information onon criminal criminal offenses offenses committed committed byby the the foreign foreign national national under underSEC SECCertificate CertificateofofRegistration RegistrationNo. No.CS201722700.

CS201722700.ItItisisauthorized authorizedtoto provide providesupport supportservices, services,including includingbut butnot notlimited limitedtotoremote remotetechnical technicalsupport support services, services, ITIT development, development, customer customer support, support, customer customer care care services, services, business businessprocess processoutsourcing, outsourcing,back-office back-officesupport support(including (includingbut butnot notlimited limited totosystems, systems,hardware, hardware,software, software,financial financialoperations, operations,vendor vendormanagement, management, and and human human resources resources relating relating toto the the back-office), back-office), and and other other activities activities necessary necessaryororuseful usefulthereto, thereto,as aswell wellas asmarketing marketingsupport supportactivities, activities,without without engaging engagingininretail retailtrade, trade,the thepractice practiceofofaaprofession, profession,ororacting actingas asan anInternet Internet Service ServiceProvider.

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WEST Zone concess ona re Mayn ad Wa er Serv ces Inc s nearng comp e on of a P5 8 b on p pe ne pro ec o s reng hen waer d s r bu on across sou hern Me ro Man a enhance supp y re ab y and mprove res ence aga ns he an c pa ed effec s of E N ño

Amazon AmazonOperation OperationServices ServicesPhilippines PhilippinesInc Inc(AOSPI).

(AOSPI).hereby herebydeclares declaresthat thatthe theabove-named above-namedforeign foreignnational nationalisisable, able,willing, willing,and andqualified qualifiedtotoperform performthe the services servicesand andjob jobdescription descriptionfor forthis thisposition. position.The Thecompany companyhas hasthe theintention intentiontotoemploy employthe thesaid saidforeign foreignnational nationaland andapply applyfor foran anAlien AlienEmployment EmploymentPermit Permit with withthe theBureau BureauofofLocal LocalEmployment, Employment,6F 6FFirst FirstIntramuros IntramurosBF BFCondominium, Condominium,Solana SolanaSt. St.cor. cor.A.A.Soriano SorianoAve., Ave.,Intramuros, Intramuros,Manila Manila Any AnyFilipino Filipinojobseeker jobseekerwho whoisiscompetent, competent,able, able,and andwilling willingtotoperform performthe theservices servicesfor forwhich whichthe theforeign foreignnational nationalisisintended intendedtotobe behired, hired,may mayfile filean an objection afterthis this objectionatatthe theBureau BureauofofLocal LocalEmployment, Employment,6F 6FFirst FirstIntramuros IntramurosBF BFCondominium, Condominium,Solana SolanaSt. St.cor. cor.A.A.Soriano SorianoAve., Ave.,Intramuros, Intramuros,Manila, Manila,after publication. publication.Please Pleaseinform informthe theDepartment DepartmentofofLabor Laborand andEmployment Employment––NCR NCRif ifyou youhave haveany anyinformation informationon oncriminal criminaloffenses offensescommitted committedby bythe theforeign foreign national. national.

565430658-v1\AP_DMS 565430658-v1\AP_DMS

11

Career CareerOpportunity OpportunityininAmazon AmazonOperation OperationServices ServicesPhilippines PhilippinesInc Inc(AOSPI) (AOSPI)

Career CareerOpportunity OpportunityininAmazon AmazonOperation OperationServices ServicesPhilippines PhilippinesInc Inc(AOSPI) (AOSPI)

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Ê Ê

ÊÊ ÊÊ

Career Opportunity in Amazon Operation Services Philippines Inc (AOSPI)

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Career Opportunity in Amazon m Operation Services Philippines Inc (AOSPI)

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Position title: Seller Support Associate Sr.

Position title: Investigation Specialist I

Position Positiontitle: title:Investigation InvestigationSpecialist SpecialistI I

Position Positiontitle: title:Investigation InvestigationSpecialist SpecialistI I

Vacancy Vacancy(1) (1)

Vacancy Vacancy(1) (1) 564573550-v1\AP_DMS 564573550-v1\AP_DMS Job JobDescription: Description:

11

➢➢ Maintains Maintainsa apositive positiveand andprofessional professionaldemeanor, demeanor,always alwaysportraying portrayingthe thecompany companyinina apositive positivelight lightwhile whileeffectively effectivelymanaging managingsensitive sensitiveissues. issues. ➢➢ Demonstrates Demonstrates excellent excellent time-management skills skillsand and the theability ability totowork work independently independently while while using using departmental departmental resources, resources, policies policies , and , andprocedures. procedures. ➢ ➢ Provides Providesprompt prompt and andtime-management efficient efficientservice servicetotoAmazon Amazon Sellers, Sellers, including including the theappropriate appropriate escalation escalation ofof Sellers’ Sellers’ issues issuesinina acontact contact center center environment. environment. ➢➢ Maintains Maintains acceptable acceptable performance performance metrics metrics such suchas as quality, quality, productivity, productivity, first firstcontact contact resolution, resolution, and andattendance attendance . . ➢ ➢ Maintains Maintains a apositive positive and andprofessional professional demeanor, demeanor, always always portraying portraying the thecompany company inina apositive positive light lightwhile while effectively effectivelymanaging managing sensitive sensitiveissues. issues. ➢➢ Actively Actively seeks seekssolutions solutions through through logical logicalreasoning reasoning and and data data interpretation interpretation skills skills , and , and identifies identifies trends trends totothe theresources, appropriate appropriate channel, channel, including including improvement improvement ➢ ➢ Demonstrates Demonstrates excellent excellent time-management time-management skills skillsand and the the ability ability totowork workindependently independently while while using using departmental departmental resources, policies policies , and , and procedures. procedures. suggestions suggestions

Job Description:

Job Description: ➢ Provides prompt and efficient service to Amazon Sellers, including the appropriate escalation of Sellers’ issues in a contact center environment.

➢ Maintains a positive and professional alwayshandling, portraying thecoaching, company in aand positive light while effectively managing sensitive issues.

Manage about 60 seller accounts, including dailydemeanor, escalations engagement enhancement. ➢ Demonstrates excellent time-management skills and the ability to work independently while using departmental resources, policies , and procedures.

Provide proactive and reactive support by managing a catalog of sellers in constant growth. Support is provided by connecting to sellers through ➢ Maintains acceptable performance metrics such as quality, productivity, first contact resolution, and attendance .

Paragon. ➢ Actively seeks solutions through logical reasoning and data interpretation skills , and identifies trends to the appropriate channel, including improvement suggestions Work W with other departments such as the PQ team, the TRMS team, or the Account Management team to resolve Sellers’ issues and questions, to provide prompt and Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training): efficient service to Paid Sellers Work W with Sellers to improvement ofability defects that maycomplex impact their account health the to good standing of thecustomers. account. ➢ drive Interpersonal skills, with the to communicate transactional issues correctly andorclearly both internal and external ➢ Clear, crisp, and proactive of operational proceduresoutreach required to tackle known risk-related Develop a relationship network with eachdocumentation seller account and manage campaigns, such patterns. as Account Issue, Inactive Listin gs, Marketplace ➢ Problem-solving skills, having demonstrated ability to recognize non-obvious patterns and analyze problems logically.

Abuse, etc.

•

➢➢ Maintains Maintainsacceptable acceptableperformance performancemetrics metricssuch suchasasquality, quality,productivity, productivity,first firstcontact contactresolution, resolution,and andattendance attendance. . ➢➢ Actively Actively seeks seekssolutions solutions through through logical logicalreasoning reasoning and anddata data interpretation interpretation skills skills , and , Specialized and identifies identifiestrends trends totothe theappropriate appropriatechannel, channel,including includingimprovement improvement Qualification Qualification (Education, (Education, Experience, Experience, Professional Professional License, License, Skills Skills Certification, Certification, Specialized Training): Training): suggestions suggestions

• •

➢ Self-disciplined, diligent, proactive, and detail-oriented, impacting time management and organizational skills. ➢ Proven ability to work in fast-paced, dynamic environments where decisions are made without compromising on customer experience and financial

➢➢ Interpersonal Interpersonalskills, skills,with withthe theability abilitytotocommunicate communicatecomplex complextransactional transactionalissues issuescorrectly correctlyand andclearly clearlytotoboth bothinternal internaland andexternal externalcustomers. customers.

Qualification Qualification (Education, (Education, Experience, Experience, Professional Professional License, License, Skills SkillsCertification, Certification, Specialized Specialized Training): Training): ➢ ➢ Clear, Clear,crisp, crisp, and andproactive proactive documentation documentation ofofoperational operational procedures procedures required required to totackle tackleknown known risk-related risk-relatedpatterns. patterns. ➢➢ Problem-solving Problem-solvingskills, skills,having havingdemonstrated demonstratedability abilitytotorecognize recognizenon-obvious non-obviouspatterns patternsand andanalyze analyzeproblems problemslogically. logically. ➢ ➢ Interpersonal Interpersonal skills, skills,with with the theability ability to tocommunicate communicate complex complex transactional transactional issues issuescorrectly correctly and and clearly clearlytotoboth both internal internaland andexternal externalcustomers. customers. ➢➢ Self-disciplined, Self-disciplined, diligent, diligent, proactive, proactive, and and detail-oriented, detail-oriented, impacting impacting time timemanagement management and and organizational organizational skills. skills. ➢➢ Proven Proven ability ability totoand work work ininfast-paced, fast-paced, dynamic dynamic environments environments where wheredecisions decisions are made made without without compromising compromising on oncustomer customerexperience experienceand andfinancial financial ➢ ➢ Clear, Clear, crisp, crisp, and proactive proactive documentation documentation ofof operational operationalprocedures procedures required requiredtoare totackle tackle known known risk-related risk-related patterns. patterns. ➢losses. ➢losses.

Problem-solving Problem-solvingskills, skills,having havingdemonstrated demonstratedability abilitytotorecognize recognizenon-obvious non-obviouspatterns patternsand andanalyze analyzeproblems problemslogically. logically.

Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training): losses.

sentoverseas to: Bilingual (English/VN) skills and is proficient in written EnglishApplications to liaise may withbeour VN sellers Name of Company HR: Ivanka Patricia Quinial Minimum 1 year of Amazon seller support experience; strong knowledge and skills, especially M@, @FBA, Feeds, IIDP, and Brand is an added Email address: https://www.amazon.jobs/en/search advantage.

Demonstrated Company/ excellentEmployer communication skills (verbal and written) with external leadership and internal operations teams throu gh multiple channels Name of foreign national intending to apply for the position (email, phone, ticketing systems, and conference calls).

Proven skills using data to drive analysis for the purpose of making bus iness decisions using Excel or other analytical tools.

Company Name: Name: Yulong Wei Proven track record takingServices ownership andInc delivering Amazonof Operation Philippines (AOSPI) results while liaising between clients and internal teams.

• • •

➢➢ Self-disciplined, Self-disciplined,diligent, diligent,proactive, proactive,and anddetail-oriented, detail-oriented,impacting impacting time time management management and andorganizational organizationalskills. skills.

Applications Applications may may be besent sentto: to: Name Name ofofCompany Company HR: HR:Ivanka Ivanka Patricia Patricia Quinial Quinial ➢➢ Proven Provenability abilitytotowork workininfast-paced, fast-paced,dynamic dynamic environments environments where wheredecisions decisions are aremade made without without compromising compromisingononcustomer customerexperience experienceand andfinancial financial Email Emailaddress: address:https://www.amazon.jobs/en/search https://www.amazon.jobs/en/search losses. losses.

CompanyName: Name: Company

Vacancy (1)

• •

Job Description: ➢Job ➢ Description: Provides Providesprompt promptand andefficient efficientservice servicetotoAmazon AmazonSellers, Sellers,including includingthe theappropriate appropriateescalation escalationofofSellers’ Sellers’issues issuesinina acontact contactcenter centerenvironment. environment.

Company/ Company/Employer Employer

Vacancy (1)

• •

Address: Makati City

Applications Applicationsmay maybe be sent sentto: to: Name Name of offoreign foreignnational nationalintending intendingtotoapply applyfor forthe theposition position Name NameofofCompany CompanyHR: HR:Ivanka IvankaPatricia PatriciaQuinial Quinial Email Emailaddress: address:https://www.amazon.jobs/en/search https://www.amazon.jobs/en/search

Complete address:

AmazonOperation OperationServices ServicesPhilippines PhilippinesInc Inc(AOSPI) (AOSPI) Amazon

Address:Pasay PasayCity City Address:

Company/ Company/ Employer Employer Complete address: Complete address:

Name Nameofofforeign foreignnational nationalintending intendingtotoapply applyfor forthe theposition position

UnitNo. No.2C, 2C,Flr. Flr.no. no.4th, 4th,One OneE-Com E-ComBldg., Bldg.,Ocean OceanDrive, Drive,Mall MallofofAsia Asia Unit Company Company Name: Name: ComplexSt., St.,Zone Zone10, 10,Barangay Barangay076, 076,District District1,1,Pasay PasayCity, City,Metro MetroManila, Manila, Complex NCR, 1300 Operation NCR, 1300 Amazon Amazon OperationServices ServicesPhilippines PhilippinesInc Inc(AOSPI) (AOSPI)

Name: Name: Thi ThiThu ThuTrang TrangTran Tran _________________________________________ _________________________________________

Applications may m Nationality: be sent Chinese to:

Unit No. 2C, Flr. no. 4th, One E-Com Bldg., Ocean Mallm of Asia HR: Ivanka Intended period ofQuinial employment: two (2) years Name m Drive, of Company Patricia Complex St., Zone 10, Barangay 076, District 1, Pasay City, Metro Manila, _________________________________________ Email m address: https://www.amazon.jobs/en/search m NCR, 1300

Name:Thi ThiThu ThuTrang TrangTran Tran Name:

Nature of business: AOSPI is a corporation organized under Philippine Name: Grady Luemba Bosamba laws. It is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Address: Cabuyao City under SEC Certificate of Registration No. CS201722700. It is authorized to Name of foreign national intending to apply for the position provide support services, including but not limited to remote technical support Nationality: Congolese services, IT development, customer support, customer care services,Ê Intended period of employment: two (2) years business process outsourcing, back-office support (including but not limited Name: m TranÊThiÊLanÊHuong to systems, hardware, software, financial operations, vendor management, Amazon m Operation Services Philippines (AOSPI) and human resourcesInc relating to the back-office), and other activities Address: MakatiÊCity M necessary or useful thereto, as well as marketing support activities, without engaging in retail trade, the practice of a profession, or acting as an Internet Nationality: Vietnamese Complete m address: m Service Provider.

Nationality: Nationality:Vietnamese Vietnamese

Company/ Employer

Intended Intendedperiod periodofofemployment: employment:two two(2) (2)years years

Company m Name: m

Address: Address:Pasay PasayCity City

Natureofofbusiness: business:AOSPI AOSPIisisaacorporation corporationorganized organizedunder underPhilippine Philippine Name: Nature Name:Bui BuiMinh MinhTri Tri Complete address: address: Nationality:Vietnamese Vietnamese laws.

Itisisregistered registered withthe theSecurities Securitiesand andExchange ExchangeCommission Commission(SEC) (SEC)Nationality: laws.

ItComplete with Address: Address:Paranaque ParanaqueCity City underSEC SECCertificate CertificateofofRegistration RegistrationNo. No.CS201722700.

CS201722700.ItItisisauthorized authorizedtoto under Unit Unit No. No.2C, 2C,Flr. Flr.no. no.4th, 4th, One OneE-Com E-Com Bldg., Bldg., Ocean OceanDrive, Drive, Mall Mall ofofAsia Asia supportIntended Intendedperiod periodofofemployment: employment:two two(2) (2)years years providesupport supportservices, services,including includingbut butnot notlimited limitedtotoremote remotetechnical technicalsupport provide Nationality:Vietnamese Vietnamese Nationality: Complex Complex St., Zone Zone10, 10,Barangay Barangay 076, 076,District District 1,1,Pasay Pasay City, City,Metro Metro Manila, Manila, services, development, customer support, customer care services, services, ITITSt., development, customer support, customer care services, _________________________________________ _________________________________________ Intendedperiod periodofofemployment: employment:two two(2) (2)years years NCR, NCR, 1300 1300 outsourcing, business process outsourcing,back-office back-officesupport support(including (includingbut butnot notlimited limited Intended business process

Unit No. 2C, Flr. no. 4th, One E-CommBldg., Ocean Drive, Mall M of Asia Intendedforeign period of isemployment: m willing,m two (2) years Amazon Operation Services Philippines Inc (AOSPI). hereby declares that the above-named national able, and qualified to perform the Complex m St., Zone 10,services Barangay District 1,position.

PasayThe City, Metro M has Manila, Mintention to employ the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit and job076, description for this company the with the Bureau of Local Employment, 6F First Intramuros BF Condominium, Solana St. cor. A. Soriano Ave., Intramuros, Manila NCR, 1300

systems,hardware, hardware,software, software,financial financialoperations, operations,vendor vendormanagement, management, _________________________________________ totosystems, _________________________________________ Nature Natureof of business: business: AOSPI AOSPIis athe corporation corporation organized organized under under Philippine Philippine Name:Bui BuiMinh MinhTri Tri and human human resources relating toathe back-office), and other activitiesName: and resources relating tois back-office), and other activities laws. laws.ItorItor isuseful isuseful registered registered with withas the the Securities Securities and andExchange Exchange Commission Commission (SEC) (SEC) Name: necessary thereto, as well asmarketing marketing support activities,without without necessary thereto, well as support activities, Lu Name:Paranaque LuXu Xu Address: Address: Paranaque City City under under SEC SEC Certificate Certificate ofof Registration Registration No. CS201722700.

CS201722700.

It Itisis authorized authorized toto engaging retail trade,the the practice aprofession, profession, acting as anInternet Internet engaging inin retail trade, practice ofofaNo. ororacting as an Address: Taguig Address: TaguigCity City Service Provider.

Service Provider. provide provide support supportservices, services,including includingbut butnot notlimited limitedtotoremote remotetechnical technicalsupport support Nationality: Nationality:Vietnamese Vietnamese Nationality:Chinese Chinese services, services, ITIT development, development, customer customer support, support, customer customer care care services, services, Nationality:

Any Filipino jobseeker who is competent, able and willing to perform the services for which the foreign national is intended to be hired may file an objection

Nature of business:atAOSPI is a corporation organized under Philippine Bureau of Local Employment, 6F First Intramuros BF Condominium, Solana St. cor. A. Soriano Ave., Intramuros, Manila, after this publication. laws. It is registered with Securities and Exchange Commission mm (SEC) Pleasethe inform the Department of Labor and Employment – NCR, if you have any information on criminal offenses committed by the foreign national under SEC Certificate of Registration No. CS201722700. It is authorized to provide support services, including but not limited m to remote m technical support services, IT development, m customer m support, customer m care services, business process outsourcing, back-office support (including but not limited m to systems, m hardware, software, financial operations, vendor management, m m and human m resources relating to the back-office), and other activities necessary or useful thereto, as well as marketing m support activities, without engaging in retail trade, the practice of a profession, or acting as an Internet

Intendedperiod periodofofemployment: employment:two two(2) (2)years years business businessprocess processoutsourcing, outsourcing,back-office back-officesupport support(including (includingbut butnot notlimited limited Intended Intended Intendedperiod periodofofemployment: employment:two two(2) (2)years years totosystems, systems,hardware, hardware,software, software,financial financialoperations, operations,vendor vendormanagement, management, _________________________________________ _________________________________________ ___________________ and and human human resources resources relating relating toto the the back-office), back-office), and and other other activities activities _________________________________________ necessary necessaryororuseful usefulthereto, thereto,asaswell wellasasmarketing marketingsupport supportactivities, activities,without without Name: Name: LuLu Xu Xu Name: Natchanok Chaysan m engaging engagingininretail retailtrade, trade,the thepractice practiceofofa aprofession, profession,ororacting actingasasananInternet Internet Address: Address: Taguig Taguig City Address: Makati City M City Service ServiceProvider.

Provider.

Nationality: Thai Nationality: Nationality: Chinese Chinese

Service Provider.

Intended period employment: (2) years m mtwo Intended Intendedperiod period ofofof employment: employment: twotwo (2) (2)years years

Amazon m Operation Services Philippines Inc (AOSPI). hereby declares that the above-named m foreign national is able, willing, and qualified to performmthe services and job description for this position. The company m has the intention to employ m the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment m m Permit m with the Bureau of Local Employment, m m 6F First Intramuros m BF Condominium, m mSolana St. cor. A. Soriano Ave., Intramuros, m Manila M

Amazon m Operation Services Philippines Inc (AOSPI). hereby declares that the above-named m foreign national is able, willing, and qualified to performmthe _________________________________________ _________________________________________ services and job description for this position. The company m has the intention to employ m the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment m m Permit m with the Bureau of Local Employment, m m 6F First Intramuros m BF Condominium, m mSolana St. cor. A. Soriano Ave., Intramuros, m Manila M

Name: Name:Natchanok NatchanokChaysan Chaysan

m m file an objection Any Filipino jobseeker who is competent, able and willing to performmthe services for which theCity foreign national is intended to be hired may Address: Address: Makati Makati City m m m m m Solana St. cor. A. Soriano Ave., Intramuros, m M at Bureau of Local Employment, 6F First Intramuros BF Condominium, Manila, after this publication.

Please informmthe Department m of Labor and Employment m m – NCR, if you have anyNationality: information m Thai on criminal m offenses committed mm by the foreign national Nationality: Thai

Intended Intendedperiod periodofofemployment: employment:two two(2) (2)years years

Ê

Amazon AmazonOperation OperationServices ServicesPhilippines PhilippinesInc Inc(AOSPI).

(AOSPI).hereby herebydeclares declaresthat thatthe theabove-named above-namedforeign foreignnational nationalisisable, able,willing, willing,and andqualified qualifiedtotoperform performthe the services servicesand andjob jobdescription descriptionfor forthis thisposition. position.The Thecompany companyhas hasthe theintention intentiontotoemploy employthe thesaid saidforeign foreignnational nationaland andapply applyfor forananAlien AlienEmployment EmploymentPermit Permit

Any Filipino jobseeker who is competent, m able and willing to performmthe services for which the foreign national is intended to be hired for, may m file an objection at Bureau of Local Employment, m m 6F First Intramuros m BF Condominium, m mSolana St. cor. A. Soriano Ave., Intramuros, m Manila, M after this publication. Please informmDepartment m of Labor and Employment m m – NCR, if you have any information m on criminal m offenses committed mm by the foreign national.

565430658-v1\AP_DMS

1

with withthe theBureau BureauofofLocal LocalEmployment, Employment,6F 6FFirst FirstIntramuros IntramurosBF BFCondominium, Condominium,Solana SolanaSt. St.cor. cor.A.A.Soriano SorianoAve., Ave.,Intramuros, Intramuros,Manila Manila Career Career Opportunity Opportunity ininALTASPARK ALTASPARK INTERNATIONAL INTERNATIONAL SOLUTIONS SOLUTIONS INC. INC.

Any AnyFilipino Filipinojobseeker jobseekerwho whoisiscompetent, competent,able ableand andwilling willingtotoperform performthe theservices servicesfor forwhich whichthe theforeign foreignnational nationalisisintended intendedtotobe behired hiredmay mayfile fileananobjection objection atatBureau BureauofofLocal LocalEmployment, Employment,6F 6FFirst FirstIntramuros IntramurosBF BFCondominium, Condominium,Solana SolanaSt. St.cor. cor.A.A.Soriano SorianoAve., Ave.,Intramuros, Intramuros,Manila, Manila,after afterthis thispublication. publication.

Please Pleaseinform informthe theDepartment DepartmentofofLabor Laborand andEmployment Employment– –NCR, NCR,if ifyou youhave haveany anyinformation informationononcriminal criminaloffenses offensescommitted committedbybythe theforeign foreignnational national

MULTI-LINGUAL MULTI-LINGUALADMINISTRATIVE ADMINISTRATIVEOFFICER OFFICER (1(1Vacancy) Vacancy)

565430658-v1\AP_DMS 565430658-v1\AP_DMS

11

Position title: Investigation Specialist I

Vacancy (2) (1) Vacancy

- -Provides Providesadministrative administrativesupport supportwhile whilefacilitating facilitatingcommunication communicationacross acrossmultiple multiplelanguages languagestotoensure ensuresmooth smooth operations operationsininaadiverse diverseworkplace. workplace.

- -Provide Provide administrative administrativeand andclerical clericalsupport supporttotoensure ensureefficient efficientoffice officeoperations, operations,including includingmanaging managing 11 565430658-v1\AP_DMS 565430658-v1\AP_DMS schedules,appointments, schedules,appointments,and andcorrespondence. correspondence.

- -Interpret Interpretand andtranslate translateoral oraland andwritten writtencommunications communicationsbetween betweenEnglish Englishand andother otherlanguages languagestotosupport support staff staffand andclients. clients.

Qualification Qualification(Education, (Education,Experience, Experience,Professional ProfessionalLicense, License,Skills SkillsCertification, Certification,Specialized SpecializedTraining): Training): - -AtAtleast least33years yearsofofexperience experienceininthe thesame samefield fieldofofwork. work.

- -Can Canwork workwith withminimal minimalsupervision. supervision.

- -Knowledge Knowledgeabout aboutatatleast leastany any33languages: languages:English, English,Mandarin, Mandarin,Japanese, Japanese,Tagalog, Tagalog,Cantonese.

Cantonese.

Applications Applicationsmay maybe besent sentto: to: 2nd 2ndFloor, Floor,Block Block1,1,Bonifacio BonifacioHigh HighStreet, Street,East EastBonifacio BonifacioGlobal GlobalCity, City,Fort FortBonifacio, Bonifacio,Taguig TaguigCity City Email EmailAddress: Address:personnel@bhgglobal.net personnel@bhgglobal.net

ALTASPARK ALTASPARKINTERNATIONAL INTERNATIONALSOLUTIONS SOLUTIONSINC. INC.

Complete CompleteAddress: Address:2nd 2ndFloor, Floor,Block Block1,1, Bonifacio BonifacioHigh HighStreet, Street,East EastBonifacio Bonifacio Global GlobalCity, City,Fort FortBonifacio, Bonifacio,Taguig TaguigCity City Nature Natureofofbusiness: business:Management Management Consultancy ConsultancyActivities Activities

Ê Ê

Position title: Prod Compliance m Associate Sr.

Job JobDescription: Description:

Company/ Company/Employer Employer

CareerCareer Opportunity in Amazon Services Philippines Opportunity inmAmazon m Operation Operation Services Philippines Inc Inc (AOSPI) (AOSPI)

Name Nameofofforeign foreignnational nationalintending intendingtotoapply applyfor forthe theposition position Name: Name:XIE, XIE,NAN NAN Address: Address:Unit UnitE10, E10,Woodsville WoodsvilleResidence, Residence,West WestService ServiceRoad, Road,Parañaque Parañaque City, City,Metro MetroManila Manila Nationality: Nationality:Chinese Chinese Intended Intendedperiod periodofofemployment: employment:Two Two(2) (2)years years

Altaspark AltasparkInternational InternationalSolutions SolutionsInc. Inc.hereby herebydeclares declaresthat thatthe theabove-named above-namedforeign foreignnational nationalisisable, able,willing, willing, and andqualified qualifiedtotoperform performthe theservices servicesand andjob jobdescription descriptionfor forthis thisposition. position.The Thecompany companyhas hasthe theintention intentiontoto employ employthe thesaid saidforeign foreignnational nationaland andapply applyfor foran anAlien AlienEmployment EmploymentPermit Permitwith withthe theDepartment DepartmentofofLabor Laborand and Employment Employment- -National NationalCapital CapitalRegion Regionlocated locatedatat967 967Maligaya MaligayaStreet, Street,Malate, Malate,Manila.

Manila.

Job Description: Job Description: • • • •

ProvidesCompliance prompt and efficient service Amazon including the appropriate escalationdocumentation of Sellers’ issuestoinensure a contact center environment.

As➢a Senior Associate, you towill reviewSellers, product information against regulatory compliance f or Amazon listings. ➢ Maintains positive demeanor, portraying the company in ain positive light while effectively managing sensitive Using Amazonatools, youand willprofessional classify products andalways address deviations from SOPs collaboration with your manager and expertissues. s. ➢ will Demonstrates excellent time-management andproductivity, the ability to work independently while using departmental resources, policies , and procedures.

You prioritize tasks using reports to meetskills quality, and service targets. ➢ Maintains acceptable performance metrics such as quality, productivity, first contact resolution, and attendance .

You may identify improvement opportunities, like automating reports with Excel, and contribute to SOP refinement. You will sh are expertise in ➢ Actively seeks solutions through logical reasoning and data interpretation skills , and identifies trends to the appropriate channel, including improvement knowledge-sharing sessions and mentor peers. suggestions

Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training):

Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training): • • • •

➢ Interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate complex transactional issues correctly and clearly to both internal and external customers.

Bachelor's holder ➢ Clear, degree crisp, and proactive documentation of operational procedures required to tackle known risk-related patterns. ➢ Problem-solving skills, having demonstrated to recognize non-obvious patterns and analyze problems logically.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and relatedability applications ➢ B1+ Self-disciplined, diligent, proactive,inand detail-oriented, time management and organizational skills.

Thai (or equivalent) proficiency verbal and writtenimpacting communication ➢ Proven to work in fast-paced, decisions are made without compromising on customer experience and financial English B2+ ability (or equivalent) proficiencydynamic in verbalenvironments and written where communication losses.

Applications may m be sent to: Applications may be sent to: Name m of Company m HR: Ivanka Patricia Quinial Name of Company HR: Ivanka Patricia Quinial Email m address: https://www.amazon.jobs/en/search m Email address: https://www.amazon.jobs/en/search Company/ mCompany/ m Employer mEmployer m

Name foreign national intending to apply for the position Name mm ofof foreign national intending to apply for the position

mName: m Company mCompany mName:

Name: Thu TrangInjaeng Tran Name: mThiChutharat

Operation Services Philippines (AOSPI) Amazon m Amazon Operation Services Philippines IncInc (AOSPI) maddress: address: Complete mComplete Unit No. 2C, Flr. no. 4th, One E-Com Bldg., Ocean Drive, Mall of Asia Unit No. 2C, Flr. no. 4th, One E-CommBldg., Ocean Drive, Mall M of Asia Complex St., Zone 10, Barangay 076, District 1, Pasay City, Metro Manila, Complex mNCR, St., Zone 10, Barangay 076, District 1, Pasay City, Metro M Manila, M 1300 NCR, 1300

Address: Pasay City Address: Pasig City Nationality: Vietnamese Nationality: Thai

Intended period of employment: m m two (2) years

Intended period of employment: m m two (2) years

_________________________________________

Nature of business: AOSPI is a corporation organized under Philippine Name: Bui Minh Tri Naturelaws. of Itbusiness: AOSPI is Securities a corporation organizedCommission under Philippine is registered with the and Exchange (SEC) Address: Paranaque City laws. under It is registered with the Securities No. andCS201722700.

Exchange Commission (SEC) SEC Certificate of Registration It mm is authorized to under provide SEC Certificate of Registration No.notCS201722700. is authorized support services, including but limited to remoteIt technical supportto Nationality: Vietnamese services, development, customer support, care services, provide support IT services, including but not limited m to customer remote m technical support m m two (2) years business process outsourcing, back-office support (including but not limited Intended period of employment:

services, IT development, m customer m support, customer m care services, to systems, software, financialsupport operations, vendorbut management, _________________________________________ business processhardware, outsourcing, back-office (including not limited m andmhuman resources relating to theoperations, back-office),vendor and other to systems, hardware, software, financial management, m activities m necessary or useful thereto, as well as marketing support activities, without Name: Lu Xu and human m resources relating to the back-office), and other activities engaging in retail trade, the practice of a profession, or acting as an Internet necessary or useful thereto, as well as marketing m support activities, without Address: Taguig City Service Provider. engaging in retail trade, the practice of a profession, or acting as an Internet Nationality: Chinese Service Provider.

Intended period of employment: m m two (2) years

Amazon m Operation Services Philippines Inc (AOSPI). hereby declares that the above-named m foreign national is able, willing, and qualified to performmthe _________________________________________ services and job description for this position. The company m has the intention to employ m the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment m m Permit m with the Bureau of Local Employment, m m 6F First Intramuros m BF Condominium, m mSolana St. cor. A. Soriano Ave., Intramuros, m Manila M Name: Natchanok Chaysan

Address: Makati City Any Filipino jobseeker who is competent, m able, and willing to performmthe services for which the foreign national is intended to be hired may m file an objection at Bureau of Local Employment, m m 6F First Intramuros m BF Condominium, m m Solana St. cor. A. Soriano Ave., Intramuros, m Manila M after this publication.

Nationality: Thai Please informmthe Department m of Labor and Employment m m – NCR if you have any information m on criminal m offenses committed mm by the foreign national.

Intended period of employment: m m two (2) years

Amazon Operation Services Philippines Inc (AOSPI). hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is able, willing, and qualified to perform the services and job description for this position. The company has the intention to employ the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Bureau of Local Employment, m m 6F First Intramuros m BF Condominium, m mSolana St. cor. A. Soriano Ave., Intramuros, m Manila Any Filipino jobseeker who is competent, able and willing to perform the services for which the foreign national is intended to be hired may file an objection at Bureau of Local Employment, m m 6F First Intramuros m BF Condominium, m mSolana St. cor. A. Soriano Ave., Intramuros, m Manila, after this publication.

Please inform the Department of Labor and Employment – NCR, if you have any information on criminal offenses committed by the foreign national

The pro ec covers he cons ruc on of 9 12 k ome ers (5 6 m es) of pr mary d s r bu on p pe nes nk ng he Pob ac on Waer Trea men P an n Mun n upa C y more ex ens ve y o Mayn ad’s ne work Once opera ona he new p pe nes w enab e he company o de ver grea er vo umes of rea ed wa er from s sou hern producon fac es o cus omers n Mun n upa Las P ñas and o her areas w h grow ng demand The nfras ruc ure w a so mprove pressure managemen and prov de opera ona flex b y by a ow ng Mayn ad o red rec wa er across s ne work he p ng ensure more s ab e serv ce dur ng per ods of cons ra ned raw wa er ava ab y The pro ec forms par of Mayn ad’s ong- erm wa er secur y s ra egy as he coun ry braces for he poss b e re urn of E N ño The Ph pp ne A mospher c Geophys ca and As ronom ca Serv ces Adm n s ra on or PAGASA has warned ha E N ño cond ons n he rop ca Pac fic are expec ed o n ens fy n he com ng mon hs ncreas ng he ke hood of be ow-norma ra nfa dry spe s and drough n severa par s of he coun ry “Inves men s such as h s are par of our con nu ng effor o bu d a more res en wa er sys em for he Wes Zone As c ma e cond ons become more cha eng ng we need nfras ruc ure ha a ows us o max m ze ava ab e supp y manage cons ra n s more effec ve y and be er suppor our cus omers dur ng per ods of gh er raw wa er ava ab y ” sa d Mayn ad ch ef opera ng officer Chr s opher Ja me L chauco The p pe ne pro ec comp emen s Mayn ad’s broader nfras rucure program a med a d vers fy ng wa er sources and s reng henng ne work res ence The n a ve nc udes app ng Laguna de Bay as a supp emen a raw wa er source cons ruc ng modu ar rea men p an s and poab e wa er reuse fac es expand ng s orage capac y reduc ng nonrevenue wa er and upgrad ng ne work and pressure managemen sys ems

BUSINESS

B3 SATURDAY, AUGUST 1, 2026 extrastory2000@gmail.com

BOI, Chinese vocational group eye partnership for EV training hub in PH

HAIR CLINIC. Hair stylist and entrepreneur Ricky Reyes (left) joins franchise owner Joanne Uy during the

blessing and inauguration of the 10th Ricky Reyes Hair Clinic branch at Robinsons Antipolo in Antipolo City.

It is the country’s first hair salon to incorporate artificial intelligence technology to help clients visualize and achieve their desired look. Also attending the event were Ivy Balamaceda, officers of the PhilHair Association, Cheska Vega, Cedrick Eliponga, Trisha Marquez, Jay Juaton, Dennis de Mesa, Maurine Yabut, Ador Blaza, Miss Earth Fire Patricia Bangug, Miss Earth Eco-Tourism Roveelaine Castillo, and other guests. Norman Cruz

DA sets up export office to trim $11-b trade deficit creating the High-Value Export Crops and Agri-Fishery Export Development and Promotion Program Management Office under Undersecretary Philip Young.

HE Department of Agriculture The office leads efforts to expand market access, imis stepping up efforts to narrow prove product competitiveness, and coordinate government support for export-oriented agricultural industries. the country’s more than $11 Priority commodities include traditional export billion agricultural trade deficit by earners such as bananas, coconuts, pineapples, and tobacco, alongside products with strong growth poteninstitutionalizing a dedicated export tial, including mangoes, seafood, seaweeds, and salt. office tasked with expanding overseas The DA is also promoting emerging export products market access, strengthening export such as cacao, coffee, calamansi, okra, ube, dragon fruit, durian, moringa, and natural fibers to diversify industries, and developing more the country’s agricultural export base. globally competitive Philippine farm The department said the strategy is producing early products. gains, with Philippine exporters shipping mangoes, saba bananas, durian, pineapples, and avocados to nonAgriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said traditional overseas markets, broadening the country’s the creation of a specialized export office marks a straexport footprint. tegic shift in the department’s approach, placing ag“Every container of Philippine produce that reaches ricultural exports at the center of efforts to generate an overseas market helps narrow that gap. Expanding higher farm incomes, attract investments, and reduce exports while improving local production is how we Manila Manila reliance on imported agricultural products. Standard build a stronger agriculture sector and a stronger econStandard TODAY “Our agricultural trade deficit has exceeded $11 bil-TODAY omy,” Tiu Laurel said. lion every year since 2022. That’s roughly three times The export office is working to remove structural the annual budget of the DA. Instead of creating jobs constraints that have limited export growth as the DA and incomes for Filipino farmers, that money is enrichstrengthens disease management programs for bananas ing producers in other countries,” Tiu Laurel said. and mangoes through investments in processing faciliThe initiative began with the establishment of the ties, quality standards, certification systems, demonExport Development Office in January 2024 and was stration farms, and industry organizations for high-valformalized in April through Department Order No. 12, ue crops such as cacao, ube, pomelo, and dragon fruit.

By Othel V. Campos

T

The Bistro Group launches free-delivery app across 20 brands THE Bistro Group (TBG) will launch its own food delivery app, Bistro Delivers, on Aug. 1, offering free delivery and exclusive in-app deals across more than 20 of its restaurant brands, the company said Friday.

The app allows customers to order directly from TBG-owned restaurants without paying delivery fees or additional charges, a shift from third-party delivery platforms that typically charge such fees.

Customers can access deals not available on other platforms by ordering through the app, the company said.

Bistro Delivers offers several menu formats, including Solo Meals for individual orders, Group Party Platters for larger gatherings, Group Bundles for sharing and Bis-Ê Ê tro +1 promotional deals. The app is free to download from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store and is compatible with major mobile devices.

Brands available on the app include TGI Fridays, Italianni’s, Texas Roadhouse, Denny’s, Modern Shang, Siklab, El Pollo Loco and Watami, among others, spanning cuisines from steaks and burgers to sushi, pasta, paella and all-day breakfast.

New users can save P500 on their first in-app order with a minimum spend of P1,500 by using the voucher code “ITSAPPTOYOU,” the company said, adding that additional promotions will follow.

TBG’s loyalty program, BFF, will also be integrated into the new platform, with cardholders gaining access to perks available exclusively through the Bistro Delivers app.

The Bistro Group, founded in 1994, is one of the Philippines’ restaurant chains, having launched TGI Fridays in the country that year. The company has since expanded its portfolio to include homegrown concepts such as Siklab, which serves Filipino cuisine, and Krazy Garlik, an AsianFilipino concept.

Career Opportunity in MDTK Corporation Career Opportunity in MDTK Corporation Position title:title: Methods Engineer (Trainee) Position Methods Engineer (Trainee) Vacancy (1) (1) Vacancy JobJob Description: Description:   Support the the Methods Manager in development on structural/excavation method; Precast beam/slab execution; support operations teamteam as as Support Methods Manager in development on structural/excavation method; Precast beam/slab execution; support operations expeditor on materials delivery at site to maintain schedule; performs other related tasks thatthat maymay assigned fromfrom timetime to time expeditor on materials delivery at site to maintain schedule; performs other related tasks assigned to time Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training): Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training):   Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.field.

MustMust possess strong analytical andand problem-solving skills, basic Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related possess strong analytical problem-solving skills, basic knowledge of process improvement andand production operations, andand proficiency in Microsoft Office applications. knowledge of process improvement production operations, proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

Applications maymay be sent to: to: Applications be sent Name of Company HR:HR: JohnJohn Paulo B. Curay Name of Company Paulo B. Curay Email address: careers@mdc.com.ph Email address: careers@mdc.com.ph Company/ Employer Company/ Employer

Name of foreign national intending to apply for the position Name of foreign national intending to apply for the position

Company Name: Company Name:

Name: Kazuki Tsuda Name: Kazuki Tsuda

MDTK Corporation MDTK Corporation

Address: Makati CityCity Address: Makati

Complete address: Complete address:

Nationality: Japanese Nationality: Japanese 11th11th Floor, MDC Corporate Center, Radian Street, ArcaArca South Estate, period of employment: oneone (1) year/s Floor, MDC Corporate Center, Radian Street, South Estate,Intended Intended period of employment: (1) year/s Western Bicutan, Taguig City, Philippines, 1630 Western Bicutan, Taguig City, Philippines, 1630 Nature of business: a corporation primarily engage in the business to to Nature of business: a corporation primarily engage in the business carry on and conduct a general contracting business withwith anyany party, carry on and conduct a general contracting business party, including the the constructing, repairing, remodeling, operation, including constructing, repairing, remodeling, operation, maintenance, financing of, or to engage in, any workwork upon maintenance, financing of,otherwise or otherwise to engage in, any upon anyany andand every kindkind andand description of public works, buildings, every description of public works, buildings, structures, earth construction andand installations; to enter intointo andand structures, earth construction installations; to enter executive contracts or toormake or receive assignments of contracts executive contracts to make or receive assignments of contracts therefor or relating thereto; andand to manufacture and/or furnish therefor or relating thereto; to manufacture and/or furnish construction andand building materials, equipment andand supplies construction building materials, equipment supplies connected therewith connected therewith MDTK Corporation hereby declares thatthat the the above-named foreign national is able, willing, andand qualified to perform the the services andand job description for this MDTK Corporation hereby declares above-named foreign national is able, willing, qualified to perform services job description for this position.

TheThe company hashas the the intention to employ the the saidsaid foreign national andand apply for an Employment Permit withwith the the Department of Labor andand position. company intention to employ foreign national apply for Alien an Alien Employment Permit Department of Labor Employment Bureau of Local Employment located at 6F Intramuros BF Condominium Solana St. cor.

A. Soriano Ave.Ave. Intramuros, Manila Employment Bureau of Local Employment located at First 6F First Intramuros BF Condominium Solana St. cor.

A. Soriano Intramuros, Manila 1002.

1002.

AnyAny Filipino jobseeker whowho is competent, ableable andand willing to perform the the services for which the the foreign national is intended to be for, for, maymay file file an an Filipino jobseeker is competent, willing to perform services for which foreign national is intended to hired be hired objection at Department of Labor andand Employment Bureau of Local Employment located at 6F Intramuros BF Condominium Solana St. cor. objection at Department of Labor Employment Bureau of Local Employment located at First 6F First Intramuros BF Condominium Solana St. cor.

A. Soriano Ave.Ave. Intramuros, Manila 1002 afterafter this this publication A. Soriano Intramuros, Manila 1002 publication Please inform Department of Labor andand Employment Bureau of Local Employment, if you havehave anyany information on criminal offenses committed by the Please inform Department of Labor Employment Bureau of Local Employment, if you information on criminal offenses committed by the foreign national. foreign national.

Career Opportunity in Telephilippines Incorporated Career Opportunity in Telephilippines Incorporated Position title: Senior Director Position title: Senior Director Vacancy (1) (1) Vacancy JobJob Description: Description: • • Provides post-sale technical andand non-technical customer support via via phone, email, chat, andand on-site services Provides post-sale technical non-technical customer support phone, email, chat, on-site services • • Handles customer inquiries, performs issue analysis, andand ensures timely resolution Handles customer inquiries, performs issue analysis, ensures timely resolution • • Supports service and distribution operations, including returns, repairs, and walk-in assistance Supports service and distribution operations, including returns, repairs, and walk-in assistance Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training): Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training): • • Senior-level expertise in customer service or related fieldfield Senior-level expertise in customer service or related • • Strong technical andand non-technical problem-solving skills Strong technical non-technical problem-solving skills • • Experience in customer support operations (remote andand on-site) Experience in customer support operations (remote on-site) Applications maymay be sent to: to: Applications be sent Name of Company HR:HR: Rachel Majito-Cacabelos Name of Company Rachel Majito-Cacabelos Email address: mobility@teleperformance.com Email address: mobility@teleperformance.com Company/ Employer Company/ Employer

Name of foreign national intending to apply for for Name of foreign national intending to apply thethe position position

Company Name: Company Name:

Name: Sharon Alwyn John Sequeira Name: Sharon Alwyn John Sequeira Address: Taguig CityCity Address: Taguig Nationality: Indian Nationality: Indian

Telephilippines Incorporated Telephilippines Incorporated Complete address: Complete address: 1st 1st to 5th floors, FiveFive West Campus, Le Grand Avenue Mckinley to 5th floors, West Campus, Le Grand Avenue Mckinley West, Barangay FortFort Bonifacio, Taguig CityCity West, Barangay Bonifacio, Taguig

1 1

Intended period of employment: twotwo (2) (2) years Intended period of employment: years

Nature of business: a domestic corporation primarily engaged in in Nature of business: a domestic corporation primarily engaged contact center management, contact center management, Telephilippines Incorporated hereby declares thatthat thethe above-named foreign national is able, willing, andand qualified to perform Telephilippines Incorporated hereby declares above-named foreign national is able, willing, qualified to perform the the services andand job job description for for thisthis position.

TheThe company hashas thethe intention to employ the the saidsaid foreign national andand apply services description position. company intention to employ foreign national apply for for an an Alien Employment Permit withwith the the Bureau of Local Employment located at 6F First Intramuros BF BF Condominium, Alien Employment Permit Bureau of Local Employment located at 6F First Intramuros Condominium, Solana St. St. cor.cor.

A. Soriano Ave., Intramuros, Manila.

Solana A. Soriano Ave., Intramuros, Manila.

If there areare anyany objections or inquiries, please contact the the concerned Bureau of Local Employment If there objections or inquiries, please contact concerned Bureau of Local Employment AnyAny Filipino jobseeker whowho is competent, ableable andand willing to perform the the services for for which the the foreign national is intended to be Filipino jobseeker is competent, willing to perform services which foreign national is intended to be hired for,for, maymay file file an an objection at Bureau of Local Employment located at 6F First Intramuros BF BF Condominium, Solana hired objection at Bureau of Local Employment located at 6F First Intramuros Condominium, Solana St. St. cor.cor.

A. Soriano Ave., Intramuros, Manila after thisthis publication.

Please inform Bureau of Local Employment, if you have A. Soriano Ave., Intramuros, Manila after publication.

Please inform Bureau of Local Employment, if you have anyany information on criminal offenses committed by the foreign national information on criminal offenses committed by the foreign national

THE Board of Investments is exploring a partnership with China’s largest automotive vocational education institution to develop electric vehicle skills and position the Philippines as a regional hub for EV talent development as the government moves to strengthen the country’s workforce for the growing new energy vehicle industry.

Trade Undersecretary and BOI managing head Ceferino Rodolfo, along with BOI Investment Promotion executive director Evariste Cagatan, met with executives of Beifang Automotive Education Group, automotive industry associations, and industry stakeholders to discuss potential collaboration on technical training, certification programs, and the establishment of EV training facilities in the Philippines.

The discussions focused on addressing the country’s shortage of skilled EV technicians and engineers, a critical requirement for attracting more investments in automotive manufacturing and supporting the industry’s transition to new energy vehicles.

Rodolfo said Beifang’s expertise in automotive education could complement the Philippines’ expanding EV ecosystem

by helping build a highly skilled workforce. He also raised the possibility of positioning the country as a Southeast Asian hub for new energy vehicle training through the establishment of a flagship automotive training center.

The meeting explored school-industry partnerships and workforce development programs designed to equip Filipino workers with skills required across the automotive manufacturing value chain, enhancing the country’s competitiveness as an investment destination.

Zhang Zhihao, general manager of Beifang’s international department, and Cui Yumeng, project manager, represented the Chinese company. Officials from the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines, Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc., Truck Manufacturers Association, and Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturers Association of the Philippines also joined the discussions.

Both sides identified opportunities for further cooperation in automotive education, technical skills development, and workforce certification.

Othel V. Campos

Manila Manila

Standard Standard TODAY

TODAY

SCN FORM NO. 11 SCN FORM NO. (R.A. NO. 9139) (R.A. NO. 9139)

 Certified truetrue copy of of ACR or or 1-Card Certificate/s of of petitioner’s child/ Certified copy ACR 1-Card Certificate/s petitioner’s child/ children (issued by by BI);BI); children (issued  Certified truetrue copy of NBCR/s of petitioner’s child/children (issued alsoalso by by BT);BT); Certified copy of NBCR/s of petitioner’s child/children (issued

 Duty notarized Affidavit of Financial Capacity of the petitioner, or Affidavit of of Duty notarized Affidavit of Financial Capacity of the petitioner, or Affidavit Support from thethe person financially supporting petitioner, if petitioner is either Support from person financially supporting petitioner, if petitioner is either a student, a new graduate, spouse or war cities without income or aorcandidate a student, a new graduate, spouse or war cities without income a candidate for for a government licensure exam, whowho hashas no no ownown income.

In addition, submit: a government licensure exam, income.

In addition, submit: (1)*(1)* Bank Certifications (two areare required: [1] [1] saidsaid bank certifications must Bank Certifications (two required: bank certifications must indicate the present balance and [2] average daily balance for the past sixsix IN IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION OF indicate the present balance and [2] average daily balance for the past THE MATTER OF THE PETITION OF months); (2)*(2)* Certificate of Employment if employed or Proof of Registration SIDDARTH PARWANI months); Certificate of Employment if employed or Proof of Registration SIDDARTH PARWANI of Company if doing business (if doing business, please submit alsoalso thethe latest to to bebe naturalized as as Filipino citizen of Company if doing business (if doing business, please submit latest naturalized Filipino citizen GISGIS (General Information Sheet) which waswas submitted to the Securities andand (General Information Sheet) which submitted to the Securities pursuant to to Republic ActAct No.No. 9139. pursuant Republic 9139.

Exchange Commission (SEC) and the financial statements of the company, Exchange Commission (SEC) and the financial statements of the company, SCN CASE NO.NO. 000968 which waswas submitted to the BIR/appropriate government agency]; (3)*Proof SCN CASE 000968 which submitted to the BIR/appropriate government agency]; (3)*Proof x - x- - - - - - - - - - - - ---- ------ ---- - - - - -x- x of Ownership of Real Property/ies such as as condominium, etc.; andand if owner of Ownership of Real Property/ies such condominium, etc.; if owner of motor vehicle, proof of ownership of the same (4)(4) Proof of Ownership of of of motor vehicle, proof of ownership of the same Proof of Ownership PETITION PETITION other property/ies, such as as shares of stock, insurance, etc.etc. other property/ies, such shares of stock, insurance, Note: If petitioner is relying on support from another person, the said person Note: If petitioner is relying on support from another person, the said person Pursuant to the provisions of Republic ActAct No.No. 9139, petitioner hereby submits Pursuant to the provisions of Republic 9139, petitioner hereby submits must alsoalso submit thethe above-mentioned documents. must submit above-mentioned documents. a petition for for naturalization to become a citizen of the Republic of the Philippines a petition naturalization to become a citizen of the Republic of the Philippines Note: If petitioner is already a graduate butbut unemployed, submit a notarized Note: If petitioner is already a graduate unemployed, submit a notarized andand respectfully declares: respectfully declares: affidavit of what petitioner is currently preoccupied with. affidavit of what petitioner is currently preoccupied with.

1. 1.MyMy fullfull name is SIDDARTH PARWANI I have alsoalso been known name is SIDDARTH PARWANI, but , but I have been known  Latest Income TaxTax Returns (ITR) andand TaxTax Documents (must show thethe Latest Income Returns (ITR) Documents (must show since childhood as asSIDSID or Iorhave been judicially authorized to use thethe alias since childhood I have been judicially authorized to use alias receiving stamp of the BIRBIR (Bureau of Internal Revenue)] for for thethe past three receiving stamp of the (Bureau of Internal Revenue)] past three name(s) name(s) N/AN/A . .

(3)(3) years of the petitioner or of person supporting him/her, withwith Proof of of years of the petitioner or the of the person supporting him/her, Proof Payment of said taxes (such as as official receipts, alphalist, etc.)

Payment of said taxes (such official receipts, alphalist, etc.)

2. 2.

MyMy present place of residence is 2isHOMONHON ST.,ST., MAGALLANES VILLAGE present place of residence 2 HOMONHON MAGALLANES VILLAGE Note: If petitioner is employed in a family-owned company, the company’s ITR Note: If petitioner is employed in a family-owned company, the company’s ITR Municipality of of MAKATI Province of ofMETRO MANILA all my former places of of Municipality MAKATI Province METRO MANILA andand all my former places andand thethe company’s Proof of Payment of Taxes must alsoalso be be submitted, aside company’s Proof of Payment of Taxes must submitted, aside residence areare (please indicate periods of residence) residence (please indicate periods of residence) from the submission of petitioner’s own ITR and tax documents and Proof of from the submission of petitioner’s own ITR and tax documents and Proof of Payment of of Taxes.

Note: TheThe company’s latest GISGIS (General Information Payment Taxes.

Note: company’s latest (General Information 15 ST. MARTIN STREET, MAGALLANES VILLAGE, MAKATI CITYCITY 15 ST. MARTIN STREET, MAGALLANES VILLAGE, MAKATI Sheet), which waswas submitted to to thethe Securities andand Exchange Commission Sheet), which submitted Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) andand thethe financial statements of the company, which waswas submitted to the (SEC) financial statements of the company, which submitted to the BIR/appropriate government agency, must alsoalso be be submitted.

BIR/appropriate government agency, must submitted.

3. 3.

I was born on on OCTOBER 8, 2003, in MAKATI CITY Philippines.

I have been I was born OCTOBER 8, 2003, in MAKATI CITY Philippines.

I have been  Duly notarized Affidavits of at least two (2) credible and disinterested  Duly notarized Affidavits of at least two (2) credible and disinterested a resident of the Philippines since birth.

At present, I amI am a citizen or subject of of INDIA a resident of the Philippines since birth.

At present, a citizen or subject INDIA witnesses whowho must be be Filipino citizens (preferably natural-born citizens witnesses must Filipino citizens (preferably natural-born citizens of the Philippines), of good repute in their community, andand have no no criminal of the Philippines), of good repute in their community, have criminal 4. 4.

MyMy father's name is RAMESH PARWANI andand he he waswas born on on SEPTEMBER father's name is RAMESH PARWANI born SEPTEMBER record (Note: submit National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) clearance of of record (Note: submit National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) clearance 23,23, 1974 in LUKNOW, INDIA. HeHe is aiscitizen or subject of INDIA. MyMy mother's name 1974 in LUKNOW, INDIA. a citizen or subject of INDIA. mother's name character witnesses; alsoalso submit a copy of the ID ID which thethe character witness character witnesses; submit a copy of the which character witness is MANJU PARWANI sheshe waswas born on on SEPTEMBER 2, 1978, is MANJU PARWANIandand born SEPTEMBER 2, 1978,in CASTRIES, in CASTRIES, used in the notarization of the affidavit) [Note: character witness must attest used in the notarization of the affidavit) [Note: character witness must attest SAINT LUCIA. SheShe is aiscitizen or subject of SAINT LUCIA. SAINT LUCIA. a citizen or subject of SAINT LUCIA. in the affidavit: (a) (a) thatthat he/she hashas known petitioner for for at least 10 10 years or or in the affidavit: he/she known petitioner at least years more (must alsoalso indicate howhow he/she gotgot acquainted withwith thethe petitioner); more (must indicate he/she acquainted petitioner); 5. 5.MyMy trade, business, profession or or lawful occupation is STUDENT trade, business, profession lawful occupation is STUDENTandand (b) the good moral character of the petitioner (and how he/she mingles with (b) the good moral character of the petitioner (and how he/she mingles with from which I derive an an average annual income of ofN/A, inclusive of bonuses, from which I derive average annual income N/A, inclusive of bonuses, Filipinos andand thethe society); (c) (c) thatthat in his/her ownown opinion, petitioner hashas all all thethe Filipinos society); in his/her opinion, petitioner commissions andand allowances.

MyMy wife's/husband's trade, business, profession commissions allowances. wife's/husband's trade, business, profession qualifications necessary to become a citizen of the Philippines and none of the qualifications necessary to become a citizen of the Philippines and none of the or or lawful occupation is isN/AN/A andand from which sheshe derives an an average annual lawful occupation from which derives average annual disqualifications provided for for by by law); disqualifications provided law); income of N/A. income of N/A.

REPUBLIC OFOF THE PHILIPPINES REPUBLIC THE PHILIPPINES SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON NATURALIZATION SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON NATURALIZATION

CYAN CYANMM

Certificate from a government hospital stating thatthat petitioner Medical Certificate from a government hospital stating petitioner (Where thethe above does notnot apply): I am exempt from thethe requirement of of  Medical (Where above does apply): I am exempt from requirement is not suffering from mental alienation, or or a user of of prohibited drugs or or is not suffering from mental alienation, a user prohibited drugs lucrative trade or occupation andand from submitting income taxtax returns for for thethe past lucrative trade or occupation from submitting income returns past otherwise a drug dependent, andand thatthat he/she is not afflicted withwith acquired otherwise a drug dependent, he/she is not afflicted acquired three (3) years because I am a college degree holder [please state (1) degree three (3) years because I am a college degree holder [please state (1) degree immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) or any incurable contagious disease immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) or any incurable contagious disease obtained: BACHELOR OFOF SCIENCE IN IN PSYCHOLOGY (2)(2) name of school: DEDE obtained: BACHELOR SCIENCE PSYCHOLOGY name of school: [please [pleaseattach attachthethefollowing followingto tothethecertificate: certificate:(1)(1)Neuro-Psychiatric Neuro-Psychiatric LALA SALLE UNIVERSITY-MANILA andand (3)(3) years graduated: N/AN/A ] who cannot SALLE UNIVERSITY-MANILA years graduated: ] who cannot Evaluation Report (from a duly licensed psychiatrist (who is is a medical Evaluation Report (from a duly licensed psychiatrist (who a medical practice mymy profession (the(the practice of which requires a government licensure practice profession practice of which requires a government licensure doctor), not a psychologist); (2) Laboratory Test Results for Drugs TestTest andand doctor), not a psychologist); (2) Laboratory Test Results for Drugs examination) by by reason of my citizenship. examination) reason of my citizenship.

HIVHIV Teat, and, (3)(3) other laboratory test’s (Note: all all laboratory tests must alsoalso Teat, and, other laboratory test’s (Note: laboratory tests must conducted from a government hospital)]; conducted from a government hospital)]; 6. 6.

MyMy civilcivil status is Single, I was married on on N/AN/A in inN/A. MyMy wife's/husband's status is Single, I was married N/A. wife's/husband's Note: Note:Petitioners Petitionersfor fornaturalization naturalizationarearerequired requiredto tohave havetheir theirmedical medical name is N/A andand she/he waswas born on on in N/A in N/A She/he is aiscitizen or subject name is N/A she/he born in N/A in N/A She/he a citizen or subject examination/diagnostic examination/diagnosticprocedures proceduresconducted conductedin ina agovernment governmenthospital hospital of N/A andand presently resides N/A.N/A. of N/A presently resides or or facility, andand notnot merely hospitals or or facilities which areare accredited by by thethe facility, merely hospitals facilities which accredited government.

The mere fact that the government hospital or facility is not near government. The mere fact that the government hospital or facility is not near 7. 7.I am legally separated from mymy spouse; mymy marriage waswas annulled, perper I am legally separated from spouse; marriage annulled, thethe residence or place of work of petitioner is not a valid reason for for petitioner residence or place of work of petitioner is not a valid reason petitioner decree of legal separation/annulment dated N/A granted by N/A. (please indicate decree of legal separation/annulment dated N/A granted by N/A. (please indicate notnot to have saidsaid medical examination or diagnostic procedure conducted in ain a to have medical examination or diagnostic procedure conducted thethe particular court which granted thethe same).

I am a widower/widow andand mymy particular court which granted same).

I am a widower/widow government hospital or facility.

Note: It must be be clear in the medical certificate government hospital or facility.

Note: It must clear in the medical certificate spouse died on on N/AN/A in N/A. spouse died in N/A. andand thethe diagnostic/laboratory testtest results thatthat thethe subject of of saidsaid medical diagnostic/laboratory results subject medical examination or diagnostic/laboratory test is the petitioner. examination or diagnostic/laboratory test is the petitioner.

8. I8.have whose names, dates andand places of birth andand I haveN/AN/Achild/children, child/children, whose names, dates places of birth residences areare as as follows: residences follows:  Certified truetrue copy withwith school sealseal of the Diploma andand Transcript of Records of of Certified copy school of the Diploma Transcript of Records Name Date of Birth of Birth thethe petitioner fromfrom thethe school’s he he or she attended to and/or graduated fromfrom in the Name Date of Birth Place Place of Birth Residence Residence petitioner school’s or she attended to and/or graduated in the Philippines (Elementary, High School and College) N/AN/A N/AN/A N/AN/A N/AN/A Philippines (Elementary, High School and College) Note: If petitioner is still a student, please submit a Certification fromfrom thethe school Note: If petitioner is still a student, please submit a Certification school where he/she is currently attending, stating his/her yearyear level, thatthat he/she is currently where he/she is currently attending, stating his/her level, he/she is currently 9. I9.received my primary and secondary education from the following public I received my primary and secondary education from the following public enrolled therein, andand please attach proof of petitioner’s enrollment therein andand submit a a enrolled therein, please attach proof of petitioner’s enrollment therein submit schools or private educational institutions dulyduly recognized by by thethe Department of of schools or private educational institutions recognized Department certification as to amount of tuition feefee andand other required school feesfees paidpaid (such as as certification asthe to the amount of tuition other required school (such Education, Culture andand Sports (DECS), where Philippine history, government Education, Culture Sports (DECS), where Philippine history, government official receipt/s, certificate of matriculation, etc.)etc.) official receipt/s, certificate of matriculation, andand civics areare taught andand prescribed as as partpart of the school curriculum andand where civics taught prescribed of the school curriculum where Note: if petitioner hashas no no ownown income andand is relying on on another person for for support, Note: if petitioner income is relying another person support, enrollment is not limited to any race or nationality: enrollment is not limited to any race or nationality: thethe person financially supporting petitioner must submit certifications as as to the person financially supporting petitioner must submit certifications to the amount of of tuition andand other required school feesfees paidpaid by by saidsaid person for for thethe amount tuition other required school person NameName of School Place of School Dates of Study Highest Grade Completed of School Place of School Dates of Study Highest Grade Completed education of his/her other dependents (example: thethe tuition andand other required education of his/her other dependents (example: tuition other required CHILDCHILD LEARNING CENTER INC. INC. MAKATI CITYCITY 2007-2009 KINDER 1 1 school feesfees of the children of the person financially supporting petitioner).

LEARNING CENTER MAKATI 2007-2009 KINDER school of the children of the person financially supporting petitioner).

COLEGIO SAN SAN AGUSTIN MAKATI CITYCITY 2009-2019 GRADE 10 10 COLEGIO AGUSTIN MAKATI 2009-2019 GRADE  Certified truetrue copy withwith school sealseal of the Diploma, Transcript of of Records, or or Certified copy school of the Diploma, Transcript Records, DE LADESALLE UNIVERSITY MANILA 2019-2025 BACHELOR DEGREE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY MANILA 2019-2025 BACHELOR DEGREE Certification (if applicable) from thethe school’s attended by, by, currently enrolled in, in, Certification (if applicable) from school’s attended currently enrolled and/or graduated from by petitioner’s child children [the school’s must either be and/or graduated from by petitioner’s child children [the school’s must either be UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS MANILA 2025-PRESENT UNDERGOING DOCTORATE UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS MANILA 2025-PRESENT UNDERGOING DOCTORATE public schools or private educational institutions dulyduly recognized by by thethe DEPED public schools or private educational institutions recognized DEPED (Department of Education), where Philippine history, government andand civics areare 10.10.

I am able to to read, write andand speak Filipino and/or anyany of of thethe following (Department of Education), where Philippine history, government civics I am able read, write speak Filipino and/or following taught andand prescribed as as partpart of the school curriculum andand where enrollment is not dialects of the Philippines: TAGALOG AND ENGLISH. taught prescribed of the school curriculum where enrollment is not dialects of the Philippines: TAGALOG AND ENGLISH. limited to any racerace or nationality); limited to any or nationality); (Note: please submit a Certification from thethe school where saidsaid child/children is/ is/ 11.11.

I have enrolled mymy minor children of of school ageage in the following public (Note: please submit a Certification from school where child/children I have enrolled minor children school in the following public areare currently attending, stating his/her year level, thatthat he/she is currently enrolled schools or or private educational institutions dulyduly recognized by by thethe Department currently attending, stating his/her year level, he/she is currently enrolled schools private educational institutions recognized Department therein, andand please attach proof of said child/children’s enrollment therein andand of Education, Culture andand Sports (DECS), where Philipine History, government therein, please attach proof of said child/children’s enrollment therein of Education, Culture Sports (DECS), where Philipine History, government submit a certification as as to the amount of tuition feefee andand other required school andand civics areare taught andand prescribed as as partpart of the school curriculum andand where submit a certification to the amount of tuition other required school civics taught prescribed of the school curriculum where feesfees paidpaid (such as as official receipt’s, certificate of matriculation, etc.) for for saidsaid child enrollment is not limited to any race or nationality: (such official receipt’s, certificate of matriculation, etc.) child enrollment is not limited to any race or nationality: children’s enrollment in said school. children’s enrollment in said school.

Name of Child andand Place of School of Enrollment Name of Child Name Name Place of School Date Date of Enrollment  Clearances NBINBI Clearance; Barangay Clearance of the barangay where N/AN/A N/AN/A N/AN/A Clearances Clearance; Barangay Clearance of the barangay where petitioner is currently residing (It (It should be be a barangay clearance, notnot a a petitioner is currently residing should a barangay clearance, residence certification); Police Clearance from thethe Police Station Police 12.12.

I shall never be be a public charge.

I am of good moral character.

I believe in in residence certification); Police Clearance from Police Station Police I shall never a public charge.

I am of good moral character.

I believe Office having jurisdiction of the place where petitioner is currently residing: thethe principles underlying the Philippine Constitution.

I have conducted myself in Office having jurisdiction of the place where petitioner is currently residing: principles underlying the Philippine Constitution. I have conducted myself in RTC Clearance (Regional Trial Court), from thethe RTC which hashas jurisdiction a proper andand irreproachable manner during thethe entire period of my residence in in RTC Clearance (Regional Trial Court), from RTC which jurisdiction a proper irreproachable manner during entire period of my residence over thethe place where petitioner is currently residing; MeTC/MTCC/MTC/ thethe Philippines in my relations withwith thethe constituted government as as wellwell as as withwith thethe over place where petitioner is currently residing; MeTC/MTCC/MTC/ Philippines in my relations constituted government MCTC Clearance (Metropolitan Trial Court/Municipal Trial Court in Cities/ community in which I am living.

I mingled socially withwith Filipinos andand have evinced MCTC Clearance (Metropolitan Trial Court/Municipal Trial Court in Cities/ community in which I am living.

I mingled socially Filipinos have evinced Municipal Trial Court/Municipal Circuit Trial Court, as as thethe case may be)be) from a sincere desire to learn andand embrace thethe customs, traditions andand ideals of the Municipal Trial Court/Municipal Circuit Trial Court, case may from a sincere desire to learn embrace customs, traditions ideals of the thethe MeTC/MTCC/MTC/MCTC which hashas jurisdiction over thethe place where Filipino people.

I have all the qualifications andand none of the disqualifications under MeTC/MTCC/MTC/MCTC which jurisdiction over place where Filipino people.

I have all the qualifications none of the disqualifications under petitioner is currently residing); andand Office of the Prosecutor Clearance, from Republic ActAct No.No. 9139. petitioner is currently residing); Office of the Prosecutor Clearance, from Republic 9139. thethe Office of the Prosecutor of the place where petitioner is currently residing.

Office of the Prosecutor of the place where petitioner is currently residing.

Note: All All clearances must be be current andand must notnot be be expired.

I am notnot opposed to organized government or affiliated withwith anyany association Note: clearances must current must expired.

I am opposed to organized government or affiliated association or or group of of persons whowho uphold andand teach doctrines opposing all all organized group persons uphold teach doctrines opposing organized Other documents submitted by by thethe petitioner in support of his/her petition: governments.

I am notnot defending or or teaching thethe necessity or or propriety of of 16.16.

Other documents submitted petitioner in support of his/her petition: governments.

I am defending teaching necessity propriety N/A_____________________________________________________________ violence, personal assault or assassination for the success and predominance N/A_____________________________________________________________ violence, personal assault or assassination for the success and predominance of one's ideas.

I am notnot a polygamist nornor a believer in the practice of polygamy.

I I __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ of one's ideas.

I am a polygamist a believer in the practice of polygamy. have notnot been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude.

I am notnot suffering have been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude.

I am suffering PRAYER from mental alienation or from anyany incurable contagious disease.

TheThe country PRAYER from mental alienation or from incurable contagious disease. country of which I am a citizen or subject is not at war withwith thethe Philippines andand grants to to of which I am a citizen or subject is not at war Philippines grants WHEREFORE, it isitrespectfully prayed thatthat petitioner be be conferred Philippine Filipinos thethe right to be naturalized citizens or subjects thereof.

WHEREFORE, is respectfully prayed petitioner conferred Philippine Filipinos right to be naturalized citizens or subjects thereof. citizenship pursuant to the provisions of Republic ActAct No,No, 9139. citizenship pursuant to the provisions of Republic 9139.

13.13.

It isIt my truetrue andand honest intention to become a citizen of the Philippines is my honest intention to become a citizen of the Philippines of ofMarch, 2026.

Dated at Parañaque City, Metro Manila, thisthis30th30thdayday andand to renounce absolutely andand forever all all allegiance andand fidelity to any foreign March, 2026.

Dated at Parañaque City, Metro Manila, to renounce absolutely forever allegiance fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state or or sovereignty, and, particularly, to toINDIA of which at at prince, potentate, state sovereignty, and, particularly, INDIA of which thisthis time I am a citizen or or subject.

I will reside continuously in the Philippines time I am a citizen subject.

I will reside continuously in the Philippines from thethe date of of thethe filing of of thisthis petition up up to to thethe time of of mymy admission to to SIDDARTH PARWANI from date filing petition time admission SIDDARTH PARWANI Philippine citizenship.

Name andand Signature of Petitioner Philippine citizenship.

Name Signature of Petitioner Telephone Number: 09054675635 Telephone Number: 09054675635 14.14.

MyMy character witnesses areare CYNTHIA FRANCESCA ESTANIEL andand HAYEN Email Address: sid.parwani@gmail.com character witnesses CYNTHIA FRANCESCA ESTANIEL HAYEN Email Address: sid.parwani@gmail.com RODA GRACE MARCELINO Filipino citizens, of legal age, andand residing at at RODA GRACE MARCELINOboth both Filipino citizens, of legal age, residing UNIT MUNTINLUPA CITY andand PASAY CITY respectively, whowho have executed sworn UNIT MUNTINLUPA CITY PASAY CITY respectively, have executed sworn statements attached hereto in support of my instant petition, together with: (a) (a) briefbrief statements attached hereto in support of my instant petition, together with: biographical datadata about themselves; (b) (b) detailed statements on the dates theythey firstfirst came biographical about themselves; detailed statements on the dates came to know me,me, thethe circumstances of our initial acquaintance andand thethe reasons andand extent to know circumstances of our initial acquaintance reasons extent of our continuing familiarity; and (c) the number of times they have acted as character of our continuing familiarity; and (c) the number of times they have acted as character witnesses in other petitions for for naturalization.

REPUBLIC OFOF THE PHILIPPINES) witnesses in other petitions naturalization.

REPUBLIC THE PHILIPPINES) CITY/MUNICIPALITY OFOF CITY OFOF MAKATI S.S.S.S. CITY/MUNICIPALITY CITY MAKATI 15.15.Attached hereto as as annexes andand made partpart of of thisthis petition areare thethe Attached hereto annexes made petition duplicate originals or or certified photocopies of of thethe following documents I, SIDDARTH PARWANI ageage andand a resident of of2 HOMONHON duplicate originals certified photocopies following documents I, SIDDARTH PARWANIof legal of legal a resident 2 HOMONHON (please check thethe appropriate box): ST.,ST., MAGALLANES VILLAGE, MAKATI CITY after being duly sworn, depose andand (please check appropriate box): MAGALLANES VILLAGE, MAKATI CITY after being duly sworn, depose saysay thatthat I am thethe petitioner herein, thatthat I have read thethe foregoing petition andand I am petitioner herein, I have read foregoing petition  Authenticated copy of Birth Certificate of petitioner [issued by by PSA (Philippine the foregoing petition and known the contents thereof, and that the same Authenticated copy of Birth Certificate of petitioner [issued PSA (Philippine know know the foregoing petition and known the contents thereof, and that the same Statistics Authority)] is true of my ownown knowledge.

Statistics Authority)] is true of my knowledge.  Certified truetrue copy of petitioner’s Alien Certificate of of Registration (ACR) Certified copy of petitioner’s Alien Certificate Registration (ACR) or or I-Card Certificate [issued by by BI BI (Bureau of Immigration)]; I-Card Certificate [issued (Bureau of Immigration)];  Certified truetrue copy of of petitioner’s Native-Born Certificate of of Residence Certified copy petitioner’s Native-Born Certificate Residence (NBCR), if available (issued also by by BI);BI); (NBCR), if available (issued also  Authenticated copy of petitioner’s Marriage Certificate, if petitioner is married Authenticated copy of petitioner’s Marriage Certificate, if petitioner is married (issued by by PSA); (issued PSA);  Authenticated copy of of Death Certificate of of his/her spouse if petitioner is is Authenticated copy Death Certificate his/her spouse if petitioner widowed, or or of his/her parent’s if petitioner is ais student or or candidate for for a a widowed, of his/her parent’s if petitioner a student candidate government licensure exam; government licensure exam;  Certified truetrue copy of of Court Decree Judgment annulling/nullifying of of Certified copy Court Decree Judgment annulling/nullifying petitioner’s marriage or granting legal separation, if such waswas thethe fact; petitioner’s marriage or granting legal separation, if such fact;  Authenticated Birth Certificate/s of petitioner’s child/children (issued by by PSA); Authenticated Birth Certificate/s of petitioner’s child/children (issued PSA);

SIDDARTH PARWANI SIDDARTH PARWANI Name andand Signature of Petitioner Name Signature of Petitioner rd SUBCRIBED AND SWORN to before meme at CITY OFOF MAKATI thisthis 03rd03day day SUBCRIBED AND SWORN to before at CITY MAKATI of NOVEMBER 2025. of NOVEMBER 2025.

BUSINESS

B4

SATURDAY, AUGUST 1, 2026 extrastory2000@gmail.com RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor

Metrobank earned P24.9b in 1st half

By Jenniffer B. Austria

M

ETROPOLITAN Bank & Trust Co. (Metrobank) reported a net income of P24.9 billion in the first half of 2026, as steady earnings from its core businesses offset a difficult operating environment for the banking industry, the bank said.

RCBC president and chief executive Reginaldo Cariaso

RCBC’s profit fell 22.4% to P4.11b in six months

The bank declared profit of P24.8 billion in the first half of 2025.

Continued loan growth, stable margins and modest fee income supported the bank’s performance despite challenging conditions, Metrobank said.

“The operating environment remained challenging in the first half, requiring us to stay disciplined and focused. Our results reflect the strength

of Metrobank’s core businesses, the continued trust of our clients, and our prudent approach to balancing growth and risk. We will continue to support our clients while pursuing sustainable growth in an uncertain environment,” Metrobank president Fabian Dee said.

Net interest income rose 12.8 percent to P67.7 billion, while net interest margin held stable at 3.7 percent.

Gross loans grew 12.4 percent yearon-year.

Corporate and commercial loans increased 12.8 percent year-on-year, led by higher investment spending and working capital needs among customers. Consumer loans climbed 11.1 percent, supported by growth in credit cards and mortgage loans.

Total deposits increased 10.4 percent to P2.6 trillion. Low-cost current and savings accounts (CASA) rose 6.4 percent year-on-year and accounted for 60.5 percent of total deposits.

The loan-to-deposit ratio edged up to 81.1 percent, leaving the bank sufficient capacity to continue expanding lending activities.

Fee and trust income grew 9.3 percent to P10.0 billion, partly offsetting the impact of volatile financial mar-

By Thony Rose Lesaca RIZAL Commercial Banking Corp.

(RCBC) reported a 22.45-percent drop in net income to P4.11 billion in the first half of 2026 from P5.3 billion a year ago as higher credit impairment provisions weighed on the bank’s overall profit.

RCBC president and chief executive Reginaldo Cariaso said the bank was navigating a difficult operating environment while reinforcing its financial position.

“We are navigating a complex and shifting macroeconomic landscape.

However, we have been building up our defenses, strengthening our balance sheet, and pursuing measured portfolio growth to protect, scale, and elevate the strong franchise that is RCBC,” Cariaso said.

Gross income climbed 11.6 percent to P33.91 billion as of endJune, led by an 18.2-percent rise in net interest income as strategic loan expansion and improved funding efficiency pushed the net interest margin to 5.1 percent.

Total customer loans grew 9.0 percent to P806.0 billion, while total assets reached P1.41 trillion.

The bank said its total capital stood at P150.84 billion in the first six months of the year, translating to a capital adequacy ratio of 13.4 percent. Total bank deposits reached P1.06 trillion during the period.

RCBC said it continues to maintain prudent capital and liquidity levels amid market volatility.

WATER VENTURE.

Tubig Pilipinas Group Inc. president Ryan Wesley Yapkianwee (second from right) and Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan administrator and chief executive Hussein Pangandaman (center) sign a 25year partnership to strengthen the water and sewerage infrastructure of the Freeport Area of Bataan. Tubig Pilipinas, part of a consortium with FB Infrastructure Corp., signed a joint venture agreement to improve, operate, maintain, rehabilitate, expand and manage the water supply and sewage systems of the freeport.

ACEN eyes renewable power deals with Pax Silica data center locators

By Alena Mae S. Flores ACEN Corp. is exploring opportunities to develop renewable energy projects to supply power to locators at the proposed Pax Silica initiative, a planned data center hub in New Clark City in Tarlac province, company president Eric Francia said.

Francia said the company is keen on talking with Pax Silica locators about their power supply needs once their projects reach a more advanced stage.

“We’ve had preliminary discus-

IN BRIEF Business sentiment turned neutral in June PHILIPPINE business sentiment improved in June 2026 as firms anticipated lower oil and energy prices and stronger consumer spending driven by the reopening of classes, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said Friday.

The confidence index rose to zero percent in June from -25.2 percent in May, returning to neutral territory. The BSP said this suggests optimists and pessimists were nearly equal in number during the month.

Companies also grew more optimistic for the next three months, with the confidence index rising to 18.8 percent from 0.6 percent in the previous month amid expectations of higher household consumption and moderating inflation pressures.

Respondents likewise turned more optimistic for the next 12 months, with the confidence index climbing to 42.4 percent from 27.8 percent in May. The improvement reflected expectations of stronger consumer demand for goods and services, the possible resolution of the Middle East conflict and improved domestic and international economic conditions.

The three-month-ahead employment outlook fell sharply to 1.8 percent from 11.9 percent, while the twelve-month-ahead index slipped slightly to 20.2 percent from 20.4 percent. Despite the near-term decline, companies still intend to hire more workers over the next 12 months.

Thony Rose Lesaca

Globe saved over P510m in energy costs in 2025 GLOBE Telecom Inc. said it generated more than P510 million in energy savings in 2025 through investments in energy-efficient network infrastructure and artificial intelligence-powered technologies.

The savings came as Globe accelerated the rollout of its Green Network program, deploying 20,800 new energy-efficient technologies across its network and facilities last year to reduce electricity consumption.

Globe said the energy-saving initiatives support both its operational efficiency goals and its broader sustainability agenda as demand for digital services continues to grow.

kets on trading income.

Operating costs increased 10.1 percent to P42.4 billion, driven mainly by transaction volume-related taxes and technology expenses as the bank continued investing in digital capabilities. The cost-to-income ratio stood at 52.4 percent.

Metrobank’s portfolio quality remained solid, with a non-performing loan (NPL) ratio of 1.8 percent, below the industry average of 3.4 percent. The bank raised provisions 26.8 percent to keep its NPL coverage high at 133.3 percent, providing a buffer against potential asset-quality pressures from weaker macroeconomic conditions. Restructured loans remained minimal at 0.3 percent of total loans, compared with 2.0 percent for the industry.

“By adopting Green Network and AIdriven energy efficiency technologies, Globe is proving that resource efficiency and environmental sustainability go hand in hand,” Globe Telecom vice-president for risk and property management Raymond Aguilar said.

“Our commitment to sustainability-related innovations isn’t just about upgrading networks; it’s about empowering cities and enterprises to build cleaner and more liveable cities,” he said.

Artificial intelligence has become a key driver of Globe’s energy efficiency efforts. The company uses AI to automatically adjust the power consumption of cell sites based on network traffic, while AI-enabled cooling systems optimize electricity use in office buildings and network facilities.

Darwin G. Amojelar

EastWest earned P3.4b in first half EAST West Banking Corp. (EastWest) said Friday it posted a 17-percent decline in net income to P3.4 billion in the first half of 2026 from P4.1 billion a year ago, as higher provisions for probable losses offset strong growth in lending and revenues.

The Gotianun-led lender said it set aside P10.1 billion in provisions during the January-to-June period as it adopted a more prudent approach to managing credit risk.

Despite the higher provisioning, net revenues climbed 19 percent to P28.4 billion from P23.8 billion a year earlier.

Net interest income rose 21 percent to P23.1 billion, while non-interest income increased 14 percent to P5.3 billion. Operating expenses grew 11 percent to P14 billion.

As revenues outpaced expenses, pre-provision operating profit jumped 30 percent to P14.4 billion, translating into a cost-toincome ratio of 49.3 percent.

“Our core businesses continued to deliver strong growth, as reflected in the increase in net revenues and pre-provision operating profit,” EastWest chief executive Jerry Ngo said.

“At the same time, we maintained a disciplined approach to credit risk while preserving our capacity to support customers and pursue sound growth opportunities,” he said. Jenniffer B. Austria

sions before, but nothing too advanced. But locators, once they get to a certain stage, we’ll talk to various energy players,” Francia said.

Francia said infrastructure, including a transmission connection, needs to be in place for the Pax Silica initiative to succeed.

“We just have to make sure the grid connects to the AI data center hub because there is limited [capacity] going into Clark. That needs to be planned out well so that the locators there will be able to draw power from it,” he said.

He said developers are looking for

cheaper land for their projects before connecting to a transmission line.

Francia said it could be challenging to locate solar, wind and battery projects to support a massive facility.

He said that in other countries such as Australia and Singapore, developers can only build a data center if they demonstrate that they are enabling a new power plant, presumably a renewable energy facility.

“I don’t know if there is a policy that the government will adopt, because then the risk there is simply connecting to the grid without en-

abling new capacity could lead to shortages or price increases,” he said.

“So it’s a very delicate balance. You want to enable that in the sector, but also want to ensure that energy security and affordability do not get compromised,” he said.

ACEN is developing nearly 1 gigawatt of solar and battery storage projects in Zambales, transforming the area into one of the Philippines’ largest renewable energy hubs. The projects aim to strengthen national energy security while creating economic opportunities for local communities.

GSIS first-half income climbed 28% to P94.75b

STRATEGIC INVESTMENT. Temus, a Singapore-based AI and digital

transformation company established by Temasek, announces a strategic investment in Thinking Machines Data Science, a Filipina-founded AI and data company headquartered in the Philippines and OpenAI’s first official services partner in Asia Pacific. Sealing the deal are (from left) Sng Ren Yeong, chief executive of Temus and Stephanie Sy, founder of Thinking Machines.

DOTr, OSG file over 100 expropriation cases for North-South railway project

By Darwin G. Amojelar THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) have filed 105 expropriation cases for the NorthSouth Commuter Railway (NSCR), the highest number of expropriation cases ever initiated for a single infrastructure project by the agency.

DOTr Secretary Banoy Lopez said the milestone reflects the agency’s strong commitment to delivering the project on time.

“Our President has ordered the expedited completion of important projects such as the North South Commuter Railway. So we will ensure that the timeline is followed when it is used by passengers because it will certainly be a great benefit for our commuters. We’re very thankful to the Office of the Solicitor General

for this partnership,” Lopez said.

The cases were addressed and taken up during a 3-day “Write Workshop on Expropriation Cases” held in Clark, Pampanga, where both agencies jointly reviewed the status of each case, addressed legal bottlenecks and mapped out the necessary steps to expedite their resolution.

Through close coordination, the DOTr and OSG were able to expedite the endorsement and raffling process, ensuring expropriation cases proceed without delay and affected infrastructure projects remain on schedule.

DOTr assistant secretary for rightof-way and site acquisition (ROWSA) IC Calaguas, who spearheaded the workshop, cited the importance of resolving expropriation cases swiftly to keep infrastructure projects on track.

THE Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) said Friday it posted net income of P94.75 billion in the first half of 2026, up 27.78 percent from P74.2 billion in the same period last year.

Gross income stood at P195.38 billion, up 15.03 percent increase from P169.9 billion in the first half of 2025.

Total assets reached P2.05 trillion as of June 30, 2026, up P74.81 billion from P1.98 trillion at the end of 2025.

Administrative costs, including personnel services and operating expenses, totaled P5.53 billion. Administrative loading stood at 2.55 percent, well below the 12 percent statutory ceiling and consistent with the GSIS record of single-digit administrative loading over the past several years.

Of every peso the GSIS spent in the first half of the year, 94 centavos went directly to claims and benefits for members, pensioners and their dependents.

“What is the use of higher net income if we have not improved the lives of government workers and retirees?” said GSIS president and general-manager Jose Arnulfo Veloso.

“Numbers on the income statement mean nothing until they become pensions paid on time, claims released without delay, or financial assistance a family can actually use. That is the social dividend. That is the only reason these numbers matter,” he said.

The GSIS delivers the social dividend partly through its Ginhawa Loan programs, including measures introduced in response to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s declaration of a national energy emergency under Executive Order No. 110.

TECH

C1 SATURDAY, AUGUST 1, 2026 rumallari@thestandard.com.ph rieramallari@yahoo.com

Alibaba Cloud: Enterprises accelerate AI initiative in Asia A SURVEY report entitled “The AI Business Application Readiness and Accessibility Survey” commissioned by Alibaba Cloud, a leading global provider of AI infrastructure and the intelligence backbone of Alibaba Group, reveals near‑universal enthusiasm for AI among Asian enterprises. Among respondents, 90% describe their organization as optimistic about adopting AI. Philippine enterprises are among the region’s AI optimists: 91% hold a positive attitude toward AI adoption, including 57% who are “very positive,” actively exploring or implementing AI. This ambition rests on a solid cloud foundation, with 74% having migrated all or most of their IT infrastructure to the cloud. Reflecting a growth-first mentality, local businesses treat AI as a growth engine rather than a cost-cutting tool: driving innovation and new business opportunities (68%) leads their strategic objectives — ahead of cost savings and efficiency (54%), customer experience improvement (51%), competitive advantage (50%) and revenue growth potential (39%). Data privacy and security is the top local barrier to broader adoption (51%), ahead of high implementation costs (41%).

Dr. Feifei Li, Chief Technology Officer and President of International Business, Alibaba Cloud Intelligence Group, said: “The research findings reinforce Alibaba Cloud’s belief that AI, delivered on top of scalable, secure cloud infrastructure and models, will be the defining technology platform for the next decade. As we enter the agentic AI era, our focus is shifting from producing efficient tokens to enabling actionable outcomes. By building a comprehensive agentic cloud, we provide the critical infrastructure — such as runtime sandboxes and orchestration — that empowers enterprises to build the agentnative products of tomorrow seamlessly.”

This sentiment is translating into concrete spending plans: 95% of surveyed companies intend to increase investment in AI products, with more than half planning to raise budgets by over 20% across infrastructure (IaaS), platform tools (PaaS) and model services (MaaS). As AI continues to be the focus of conversations within and beyond boardrooms, 58% have indicated plans for more than 20% growth in

MaaS spending, a relatively new concept compared to the highest planned investment in foundational infrastructure, such as compute, storage and networking, with 69% indicating more than 20% growth in IaaS spending, followed by 61% planning similar growth in PaaS spending.

Top Five Strategic Objectives of AI Adoption AI is already moving from the pilot stage to production for a significant share of respondents. Around 75% Asian companies say AI has become indispensable to their business operations. Across the stack, approximately 90% of companies report they have started adopting AI development tools (PaaS) and models (MaaS). Notably, only 1% of all respondents say AI is not a priority.

Moving beyond simply achieving cost savings and efficiency (63%), the top strategic objectives reported for AI adoption include driving innovation and new business opportunities (64%), followed by unlocking revenue growth potential (48%). Gaining competitive advantage (45%) and improving customer experience (43%) are also among the top five objectives.

Functionally, enterprises are prioritizing data analysis and decision‑making (66%), customer service tools such as chatbots (64%), marketing and content creation (58%), product development including coding (55%), and HR operations (38%).

The Need for A Full-Stack Agentic Cloud The study underscores strong demand for integrated AI and Cloud solutions delivered via a single, coherent stack. When selecting AI solution providers, 45% of respondents prefer fully integrated AI + Cloud offerings, compared with 34% who favor hybrid flexibility with models deployable across multiple clouds, and only 16% who

GoTyme Bank makes account opening easier, faster with PhilSys GOTYME Bank has announced a partnership with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), becoming one of the first banks in the Philippines to integrate directly with the National ID Authentication Services (NIDAS) at a system-level. This development fundamentally changes how Filipinos access banking services by allowing customers to open an account without the traditional requirement of scanning or uploading physical identity documents. It marks another step in GoTyme Bank’s mission to simplify and democratize banking by removing unnecessary barriers and making financial services easier to access for every Filipino.

While various financial institutions across the country accept the PhilSys card as a valid form of identification, GoTyme Bank is among the first to achieve direct, system-level integration.

This integration completely removes the dependency on document capture during the digital account opening process.

Instead, individuals can verify their identity using three flexible options: the QR code on their physical, digital, or paper PhilSys ID, their PhilSys Card Number (PCN), or a simple name and date of birth entry. By giving customers more ways to verify their identity, GoTyme Bank helps them complete account opening in as little as five minutes, with even fewer verification steps for those using PhilSys. Breaking down barriers to financial inclusion According to data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), approximately half of Filipino adults remain unbanked or underbanked, with the lack of a verifiable ID cited as a primary barrier to formal bank account owner-

Direct integration with PhiilSys enables Filipinos to open a GoTyme Bank account in as little as five minutes.

ship. While over 94 million Filipinos have registered with PhilSys, digital account opening friction—specifically the document capture step—often causes potential users to abandon the process out of uncertainty regarding document validity.

By removing this friction at its source, GoTyme Bank’s account opening process provides immediate utility to the millions who hold a PhilSys record, particularly benefiting unbanked individuals, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), and residents in areas with limited access to physical bank branches— all while helping customers continue opening an account in as little as five minutes through a simpler verification experience.

Philippine enterprises bet on AI for growth, with 91% optimistic and 74% cloud-ready for IT infrastructure; 99% of respondents claim AI is a priority and investment in AI products is increasing.

prefer standalone AI models without bundled cloud infrastructure.

Integrated AI + Cloud architectures often appeal because they centralize management and security for data and models, simplify deployment, and give enterprises clearer control over cost via pay‑as‑you‑go models. Respondents highlight that integrated stacks help them standardize data pipelines, apply consistent governance and security policies, and accelerate time‑to‑value

for AI initiatives.

Barriers: Privacy, Cost and Skills Gaps Despite strong enthusiasm and investment, organizations face material barriers to scaling AI. Respondents rate data privacy and security concerns as the top challenge, cited by 48% as a leading obstacle to broader adoption.

High implementation costs followed (42%), while 37% point to a lack of internal expertise as a major constraint.

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor

Anthropic AI models go rogue in security test SAN FRANCISCO—Anthropic’s artificial intelligence (AI) models “gained unauthorized access” to three outside organizations during testing that was supposed to keep them away from “real-world” systems, the company said on Thursday.

The announcement comes just days after rival OpenAI first revealed that its models improperly accessed the internet and went rogue during security testing.

Anthropic evaluated more than 141,000 “evaluation runs” and found that three different versions of its model, known as Claude, improperly accessed the systems of three unnamed organizations.

Unlike the incident involving OpenAI’s technology, Anthropic’s models had access to the internet “due to a misunderstanding between us and our evaluation partner,” called Irregular, Anthropic said in a blog post.

Nonetheless, Claude used “basic techniques, such as exploiting weak passwords and unauthenticated endpoints,” the blog continued.

The models involved included one of its most powerful ones known as Mythos 5, which has only been released to a limited number of approved partners.

Anthropic is working with Irregular to assess the situation, it said, and the company has contacted or attempted to contact all three impacted organizations.

Rogue agents OpenAI and Anthropic have both released their most powerful models this year, known as Sol and Mythos, respectively, boosting concerns across the industry about safety and security.

Those concerns also revolve around so-called AI agents, which are software products that are designed to perform tasks autonomously. AFP

The phone that keeps up: Why the OPPO A6s 5G fits every passion FOR many Filipinos, a smartphone does it all. It’s the classroom, the office, the creative studio, and the gaming hub all rolled into one. From juggling online classes and growing side hustles to creating content and winding down with your favorite games, every day demands a phone that can keep pace.

That’s exactly what the OPPO A6s 5G is built for. Engineered for an always-on lifestyle, it delivers lasting performance with AI-powered productivity, reliable 5G connectivity, and durable hardware that stays smooth and dependable no matter what’s next.

Built to stay smooth through years of everyday use A great smartphone shouldn’t slow down after a few months of use.

That’s why the OPPO A6s 5G is designed with 60 Months Fluency, helping it stay responsive with smooth app launches, seamless multitasking, and reliable day-to-day performance over the long haul. Backed by ColorOS 16 optimizations, it has also passed OPPO’s 60-month touch smoothness assessment, giving users added confidence that it can keep up with changing routines long after day one.

For added reliability, the OPPO A6s 5G promotes smarter everyday productivity thanks to Google Gemini. Built into the experience, it can help summarize lecture notes, brainstorm ideas for a side hustle, organize your schedule, or draft content without the need to constantly switch between apps.

Capture content that’s ready to share Creating content shouldn’t mean spending more time editing than enjoying the moment. The OPPO A6s 5G’s AI Camera combines intelligent photography features that help produce cleaner, sharper, and more polished photos straight from the camera, making it easier to share memories with confidence.

Intelligent tools quietly work together to fix common photography

Engineered for an always-on lifestyle, the OPPO A6s 5G delivers lasting performance with AI-powered productivity, reliable 5G connectivity, and durable hardware.

frustrations like blurry images, distracting reflections, awkward framing, and unwanted objects. The result is less time fine-tuning photos and more time creating your next post.

Stay competitive even during long gaming sessions A good gaming phone should deliver stable connections and consistent performance wherever you play. The OPPO A6s 5G does exactly that with AI LinkBoost 3.0, which intelligently optimizes network selection, strengthens signal stability, and prioritizes gaming traffic to reduce latency even in crowded areas or places with weaker reception.

Long matches can also push a phone to its limits, which is why the device features the SuperCool VC System. Its large vapor chamber and expanded cooling structure efficiently dissipate heat to help maintain smoother gameplay while keeping the phone more comfortable to hold during extended gaming sessions.

Ready to keep going from morning until night Your phone should spend more

time helping you get things done than sitting beside an outlet. Equipped with a 7000mAh Large Battery, the OPPO A6s 5G is built for long hours of streaming, studying, gaming, and scrolling without constantly reaching for a charger. OPPO’s testing shows up to 29.73 hours of YouTube playback, 10.57 hours of WhatsApp video calls, and 24.36 hours of voice calls on a full charge.

The OPPO A6s 5G is built to go the distance, starting with its battery.

Even after 1,800 charging cycles, it still keeps most of its battery life so you won’t have to worry about it wearing down too quickly over the years.

Built to handle life’s unexpected moments Life doesn’t always go according to plan, and neither should your phone.

With IP69 Water and Dust Resistance, the OPPO A6s 5G is built to handle everything from unexpected downpours and accidental spills to outdoor adventures with added peace of mind.

TECH

C2

SATURDAY, AUGUST 1, 2026

Apple tops estimates in CEO Cook’s final quarter SAN FRANCISCO—Apple beat market expectations in its latest results on Thursday, capping Tim Cook’s final earnings report as CEO with a strong showing, although the outlook for the current quarter disappointed investors.

The Cupertino-based tech giant’s results were powered by robust iPhone demand, a sharp rebound in China and double-digit growth in every region where it operates.

Sales rose 16 percent to $109.4 billion in the April-through-June period, while profit climbed 27 percent to $29.8 billion.

The company’s performance was boosted by refunds of tariffs imposed last year by Donald Trump and overturned by the US Supreme Court in February.

Its iPhone sales jumped 22 percent to $54.3 billion as customers kept upgrading to the latest models, while Mac revenue climbed 29 percent, with higher prices doing little to dampen demand.

Apple’s services business -which spans the App Store, iCloud, Apple Music and advertising -grew 12 percent to $30.7 billion, slightly below analyst expectations.

Souring the picture, Apple forecast revenue growth of between nine and 11 percent in the current quarter, below estimates, citing supply constraints.

Cook told analysts the constraints stemmed from unexpectedly strong demand for the iPhone and Mac. The guidance sent Apple shares down by as much as eight percent in after-hours trading.

“Today, Apple is proud to report our strongest June quarter ever, with double-digit revenue growth across iPhone, Mac and Services, and in every geographic segment,” Cook said in a statement.

The earnings announcement was expected to be the last for Cook as chief executive.

CEO change John Ternus, who attended the post earnings analysts call with Cook, will take over as Apple chief executive on September 1, with Cook becoming executive chairman of the iPhone maker’s board.

Cook has led the company since 2011, taking over shortly before the death of co-founder Steve Jobs.

Long criticized for falling behind in the AI race, Apple is now being rewarded by Wall Street for resisting the vast investments its big tech rivals have poured into chips and data centers.

Apple touched a $5 trillion market value this week, while some rivals have seen their shares punished as investors question the profitability of their huge AI bets.

Meta’s shares sank about nine percent Thursday after this week’s results stoked alarm over its spending.

Microsoft, by contrast, rose sharply after signaling its AI bets were starting to pay off. AFP

Singapore group will develop most promising Ebola vaccine P ARIS —A Singapore-based organization announced Thursday it will develop an Ebola vaccine dubbed the “most promising” to fight back against a deadly outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Nearly 1,500 people have died in the conflict-wracked African country from the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which there are no vaccines or treatments.

But there are several different efforts racing to develop a vaccine for the previously rare strain in the hope of stemming the escalating outbreak.

World Health Organization experts have said a single-dose shot based on the rVSV platform is the “most promising” candidate.

This is because it uses the same platform as the only officially licenced Ebola vaccine Ervebo, which targets a different strain called Zaire.

The Singapore-based Hilleman Laboratories announced on Thursday it would advance the rVSV Bundibugyo jab so it can be tested on humans during clinical trials.

The organisation is a joint venture between the US pharma giant MSD -- known as Merck in North America -- and the British charity Wellcome Trust.

“We’re racing to develop a Bundibugyo vaccine and make doses for clinical trials,” Hilleman Laboratories CEO

Infographic showing how the Ebola virus can be transmitted between humans. AFP

Raman Rao said in a statement.

MSD developed and manufactured Ervebo and “will serve as a technical

adviser” providing “expertise on the rVSV platform”, the statement added.

It was a joint statement with the

Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), which has pledged funds to the rVSV shot and other Ebola vaccine efforts.

If early trials are successful and the vaccine is authorised, CEPI and Hilleman said they hoped to “ensure rapid, affordable supply of doses in outbreak-affected countries and lowand middle-income settings”.

The Ervebo vaccine needs to be stored at ultra-low temperatures, however the new Bundibugyo jab is hoped to last for months in normal refrigerators, making it cheaper and easier to deploy to remote areas.

In May, WHO experts cautioned it would likely take seven to nine months before the rVSV vaccine is ready to be assessed in a clinical trial.

The vaccine uses a modified version of the vesicular stomatitis virus, an animal virus, as a vector to deliver a protein from the Bundibugyo ebolavirus to the human immune system, triggering an immune response.

The announcement comes a week after the first dose of a different Bundibugyo vaccine being developed by Oxford University was injected into a volunteer during a rapidly launched clinical trial.

The epidemic in DR Congo is now the third-largest Ebola outbreak on record.

There have been 3,360 confirmed cases, including 1,487 deaths since May, with the outbreak heavily centred on the northeastern Ituri province.

Uganda, which borders Ituri, has seen 20 confirmed cases, including two confirmed deaths.

A viral haemorrhagic fever, Ebola spreads through close contact and infected bodily fluids.

1st Power Mac Center in Antique officially opens POWER Mac Center (PMC) formally opened its Robinsons Antique branch, the first store in the province, and the only Apple Authorized presence serving customers in the capital, San Jose de Buenavista, and neighboring towns.

The store, which is located at Level 2 at the Expansion Mall of Robinsons Antique, features hands-on displays and consultation spaces, allowing customers to get expert recommendations to match their device and accessories needs.

“Customers today expect more than shelves of products, they want trusted advice, seamless service, and aftersales support that’s easily accessible when they need it most. By opening in emerging urban centers, Power Mac Center broadens access to experiencing Apple technology firsthand and gives customers the confidence to build with it,” said PMC Director for Marketing and Product Management Joey Alvarez.

Antique-based workers who telecommute, families keeping in touch, students on a hybrid learning model, and creators needing actual product testing have a new tech playground to commune in. Branches like this one in Robinsons Antique are dedicated channels

Power Mac Center officially opens its branch at Robinsons Antique, the only Apple Authorized Reseller in the province yet.

that have beginner-friendly services such as device setup assistance, trade-in support, and warranty guidance.

Loyalty program for Apple purchases 1 Infinite is PMC’s premium loyalty program that rewards customers for purchasing PMC products. They can redeem said points for Apple devices, accessories, select services and training courses, and other fees at a regular conversion of 1 point = P1, or P2 on special promotion days.

To become a member and start earning, simply download the 1 Infinite app in the App Store <http://bit. ly/4hljdr2> or Google Play <https://bit. ly/42ovsyK> and sign up or log in using your registered email address.

Customers earn both from in-store purchases or online checkouts in the Web Store <powermaccenter.com>.

Connected/Lunar/Stellar tier members earn one (1) point for every P200 spent, while upper tier members (Astra/Cosmos) earn faster at one (1) point for

every P100 spent.

Apart from redeemable rewards, 1 Infinite members are entitled to up to 50% discount on Apple training courses and other exclusive perks from Basecamp and Mobile Care, PMC’s official training and service arms. Full mechanics may be found here <https://powermaccenter. com/pages/1-infinite>.

Where to buy Apple devices PMC Robinsons Antique is open from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Mondays to Sundays.

Within the Panay region, Power Mac Center can also be found in Aklan (Station X, Gaisano Grand Mall Kalibo), Capiz (SM City Roxas), and Iloilo (SM City Iloilo, Festive Walk Iloilo, Robinsons Iloilo).

There is also a Mobile Care Service Center at Festive Walk Iloilo.

Established in 1994, Power Mac Center has been the Philippines’ reliable provider of Apple technology and services. It runs an omnichannel experience that combines brick-and-mortar with e-commerce presence, extending services such as click-and-collect, appointment-based consultations, and a wide range of payment options. This is on top of attached essential pillars: Service and Training, for the complete Apple experience.

Powering Pinoy creativity: Canva Code 2.0 is now in PH AS AI unlocks new ways to build apps, websites, games, and interactive experiences, many existing coding tools still feel too technical for everyday creators. With the rollout of Canva Code 2.0 in the Philippines, Canva is making AI-powered coding more accessible, empowering Filipinos to turn their ideas into interactive experiences with ease.

A decade ago, Canva transformed design with its intuitive drag-and-drop editor, making creativity accessible to everyone. Today, Canva is doing the same for coding. One of AI’s most exciting capabilities is vibe coding— the practice of turning plain-language prompts into working apps or websites. As AI tools become more accessible, vibe coding has quickly evolved from a specialized developer tool into a creative medium for everyone.

Since its introduction last year, Canva Code has enabled users around the world to build everything from classroom hubs and interactive lessons to real estate listings

and learning games. The tool is now faster than ever: average code generation time has been reduced by 75% to just 45 seconds, while the median time to publish a site has decreased by 30%. With active users jumping 25% since its recent update, the momentum signals growing demand for AI coding tools that go beyond generating code to helping people build polished, personalized interactive experiences.

Today, Canva Code 2.0 is available to over a quarter of a billion people designing with Canva every month— including millions of creative users in the Philippines. Whether starting from a simple prompt, one of more than 50 ready-made templates, or existing HTML from another AI tool, users can now build directly within Canva projects such as presentations, whiteboards, and other designs, without starting from scratch.

Make Interactive Designs Yours, Effortlessly Interactive experiences transform

passive viewers into active participants, creating more engaging and memorable digital experiences. As more people embrace AI coding tools, the challenge is no longer generating code, it’s creating experiences that truly reflect their vision.

Most vibe coding tools stop at functionality, producing outputs that often look and feel the same. While users can generate a working prototype, making it look uniquely their own often requires separate design software, developer support, or repeated prompting.

Canva Code bridges that gap by bringing AI-powered coding directly into Canva’s familiar editor.

Once an experience is generated, users can edit it just like any Canva design—updating text, fonts, colors, and layouts, swapping in images from Canva’s extensive media library or their own uploads, or refining specific elements using conversational AI. Users can also import HTML from other AI assis-

Canva brings unprecedented visual control to AI’s most powerful capabilities, introducing on-canvas editing, drag-and-drop asset swapping, and HTML import, all within Canva’s collaborative and interactive editor.

tants and continue editing where they left off instead of rebuilding from scratch. The result is an interactive experience that doesn’t just work—it looks and feels like it came from you.

Built to be automatically responsive across devices, Canva Code

enables teams to build, review, and refine together in real time before publishing to a custom domain, sharing securely through Single Sign-On (SSO), or connecting with tools like Canva Sheets to collect and manage data—all within a single collaborative workflow.

C3

SHOWBIZ

SATURDAY, AUGUST 1, 2026

Alecca Adarna

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

feels at home in first daring project

By Angelica Vilanueva

A

L E C C A Adarna spent years building businesses before finally listening to people who kept telling her she belonged in front of the camera.

BOLD STEP. Sexy actress Alecca Adarna transitions from business to acting after years of encouragement as she begins a new chapter in her career

The Cebuana newcomer, who studied business management, said she had long been encouraged to enter show business but initially chose a different path.

“Everyone in my life has been telling me, ‘Why don’t you become an actress?’

So now, I finally decided to focus on that because I’ve already built my businesses,” Alecca said during a recent media conference.

She previously ventured into the food industry and later moved into wellness and fitness, where she is preparing to open a new business in September.

Acting is only one of the creative pursuits she is exploring. Alecca described herself as someone who prefers keeping several interests in motion.

“I have a lot of things on my plate. I enjoy life to the maximum,” she said.

However, her transition into acting was not immediate. She shared that it took about one to two years of conversations and encouragement before she agreed to take on a more daring screen image.

“I hesitated for about a year, or maybe two years. They’d been telling me already. So, I only took a bite of the apple now. And so far, so good,” Alecca explained.

The sexy actress previously worked on projects under Viva One, but she said her latest project, Todo Kayod 2, offered a different experience. What she expected to be difficult instead became a setting where she felt comfortable and supported.

The tour follows yung kai’s successful North American run and sold-out Asia shows in 2025

“At first, I thought it would be difficult, but it really wasn’t. It was a piece of cake. I had a great time, great energy with everyone.

I’m totally being honest,” Alecca shared.

She credited director Roman Perez Jr. and the production team for helping her adjust, particularly when she felt unsure about performing.

“They kept telling me, ‘Be confident. You know, gravitate toward your character. Be confident.’

Sometimes, you really just need that push,” she continued.

The filmmaker, who has directed several projects for the platform, described Alecca as intelligent, passionate, and distinct from other newcomers he has handled. He also believes she has room to work beyond one genre.

“Maybe she’s a future star. Hindi lang sa VMX,” he said.

Alecca said she is open to continuing acting after finding the work less restrictive than she had expected.

“It was carefree, a feeling of freedom and passion, and everyone was just so

Indie-pop sensation yung kai makes Asia comeback with Manila stop

Alecca (left) credits director Roman Perez Jr. and the production team for their guidance in her new project ‘Adarna Todo Kayod 2’

accommodating and made me feel so safe and pampered. I just feel like I could do more or be more of who I am,” she stated.

Alecca is joined by Sahara Bernales in VMX’s newest special feature, Todo Kayod 2, which is now available for streaming.

GMA News tops TV, online viewership for SONA 2026 coverage GMA News drew the largest television and online audience for its special coverage of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 27, outperforming rival networks across multiple platforms, according to Nielsen TV Audience Measurement data and YouTube view counts.

Anchored by Pia Arcangel, SONA 2026: A GMA News Special Coverage aired on GMA and was simulcast on GTV, delivering live reports, analysis, and updates throughout the day.

Based on Nielsen overnight data, the combined GMA and GTV broadcast posted a 5.6 percent people rating, equivalent to an estimated 2.45 million viewers in National Urban Philippines. GMA recorded a 4.7 percent people rating, or about 2.1 million viewers, while GTV added 0.9 percent, or about 381,000 viewers.

The coverage aired on GMA and GTV and was streamed on YouTube and Facebook

The combined audience surpassed TV5, RPTV, and One PH’s FIFTH SONA: State of the Nation Address, which registered a 1.2 percent people rating, and the ABS-CBN News special coverage aired on ALLTV, A2Z, and Kapamilya Channel, which posted a 0.7 percent people rating.

Online, the GMA News livestream on YouTube reached 1.19 million views as of 8:30 a.m. on July 29, ahead of ANC’s 1.18 million views and ABS-CBN News’ 762,601 views.

The network’s coverage aired live on GMA and GTV and streamed simultaneously on GMA News’ YouTube channel and Facebook page. Reporting also ran across GMA News Online, radio stations led by Super Radyo DZBB, regional newscasts, and international channels GMA Pinoy TV and GMA News TV.

Maki, James Reid place their ‘luck’ on new musical collab OPM hitmaker Maki has teamed up with singer-actor James Reid for the first time in the new single “luck,” a track that explores the uncertainty and risks of falling in love.

Mixing alternative and indiepop influences, “luck” compares romance to placing a bet, where there are no guarantees but the possibility that taking the chance could be worth it.

Maki co-wrote the song with international songwriters and producers Gaby Ramirez, Pontus Kalm, Greg Shilling, and

Shintaro Yasuda, whose previous collaborations include global artists such as Ariana Grande, BTS, LE SSERAFIM, aespa, and BINI. Released under Tarsier Records, “luck” continues Maki’s “pink era,” which began with his previous single “habangbuhay pansamantala.” The era expands the emotional and colorful universe he has been building through his music.

The release follows Maki’s recent KOLORCOASTER tour stops in Indonesia and Singapore, where he performed fan favorites

including “Dilaw,” “Namumula” and “kahel na langit.” During his Indonesia visit, he also appeared on the comedy program “Lapor Pak!” James Reid, meanwhile, continues to explore his alternative pop and R&B influences while shaping his evolving sound as an artist. He recently released the single “Richest Man Alive” and currently stars in the ABSCBN primetime series “Someone, Someday.” “luck” is now available on digital streaming platforms.

ALTERNATIVE indie-pop artist yung kai will return to Asia this fall with his stay with the ocean, i’ll find you: Asia 2026 tour following a successful North American run.

The nine-date tour will kick off on Oct. 30 in his hometown of Shanghai and conclude on Nov. 19 in Tokyo. It will include stops in Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Taipei, Hong Kong, Seoul, and Tokyo. yung kai will perform in Manila on Nov. 9 at the New Frontier Theater, where fans can expect live performances of his popular tracks, including “blue” and “teach me how to dance.”

“Asia don’t you worry... yung kai is back!!!!!” the artist said as he announced his return to the region.

The tour follows his sold-out Asia shows in 2025, further expanding his growing fan base across the continent.

The Manila leg will open artist presale on Aug. 6 from 12:00 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. through the official yung kai Discord channel.

Mastercard cardholders may access presale tickets from Aug. 7 at 10:00 a.m. local time until Aug. 8 at 10:00 a.m. through Mastercard’s music platform.

Live Nation Philippines members may purchase tickets during the exclusive presale on Aug. 8 from 12:00 p.m. to 11:59 p.m., while public ticket sales begin on Aug. 9 at 12:00 p.m. through TicketNet. yung kai, a Canadian alternative indie-pop artist, gained international recognition with his viral 2024 hit “blue,” which has earned more than 2 billion streams and received gold certification in the United States and Canada.

Known for his dreamy and emotional sound influenced by artists such as keshi and Wave to Earth, yung kai draws from his Chinese and Canadian background, blending Eastern and Western influences in his music.

He released his debut album, stay with the ocean, i’ll find you, last year during his first headlining tour, which sold out. Earlier this year, he received a nomination for Breakthrough Artist of the Year at the JUNO Awards.

OPM artists Maki and James Reid’s new single ‘luck’ explores the uncertainty of love

LIFE

C4

SATURDAY, AUGUST 1, 2026

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

The upcoming Niseko property is designed around Mount Yotei views, natural textures, and year-round travel in one of Japan’s best-known mountain destinations

A 165-key resort is set to bring a full-service luxury stay to Niseko as the Hokkaido destination grows beyond its ski-season appeal

F

OR decades, Niseko has whispered a siren song to the world’s most discerning travelers. Its legendary champagne powder, dry, light, and seemingly endless, has turned this Hokkaido enclave into a pilgrimage site for skiers and snowboarders.

Fairmont arrives

in Japan’s powder paradise

Dee-tails

Ardee de los Angeles

But until now, the region’s luxury landscape has been a mosaic of boutique chalets and stylish lodges, missing the grand, full-service anchor that a world-class destination deserves. That changes in early 2028.

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, the iconic brand behind The Plaza in New York and The Savoy in London, has officially announced its second Japanese property: Fairmont Niseko. In partnership with J-Will Partners Co., Ltd., this 165-key resort isn’t just another hotel opening. It is a declaration that Niseko has evolved from a seasonal ski town into a year-round sanctuary for global luxury.

The setting is nothing short of cinematic. Nestled within nine acres of pristine forest, the resort sits in the quiet embrace of Mount Yotei and Mount Annupuri. Think of it as a front-row seat to Hokkaido’s most photographed volcano.

Every room will frame unobstructed, panoramic views

The Hokkaido resort plans to offer spa, onsen, dining, ski, golf, and summer trail access as Niseko expands its luxury travel market

of Yotei’s iconic cone, a backdrop that shifts from snow-capped majesty in winter to lush greenery in summer. Imagined by architect Daiken Sekkei, Inc., with interiors by the acclaimed Steve Leung Design Group, the design philosophy is rooted in harmony. It promises a seamless blend of modern sophistication and the region’s profound natural tranquility,

where timber, stone, and vast glass walls invite the outdoors in.

But Fairmont Niseko is about more than aesthetics. It’s about access. The resort’s location offers unparalleled proximity to both Niseko Village and Hirafu, giving guests direct access to world-class ski runs, championship golf courses, and a burgeoning culinary scene that has

quietly become a draw in its own right.

After a day carving through powder or hiking summer trails, you’ll return to a sanctuary-like spa, an authentic onsen experience that honors Japan’s centuries-old bathing culture, and two exquisite restaurants that will likely become destinations unto themselves.

For Omer Acar, CEO of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, this is a pivotal moment. “Niseko’s international renown for its exceptional powder snow makes it one of the world’s premier luxury ski destinations,” he noted.

“Fairmont Niseko will be an exciting new landmark, marking our second property in Japan following Fairmont Tokyo last year,” he added.

It is a testament to Accor’s growing presence in Asia, but also to Fairmont’s deep heritage of operating premium ski and golf resorts, from the Canadian Rockies to Lake Tahoe. Niseko now joins that elite club.

The timing is strategic. By 2038, the Hokkaido Shinkansen extension will connect Kutchan Station to Sapporo in just 25 minutes, while international flight capacity at New Chitose Airport continues to surge. This isn’t just a resort. It’s a future-proof investment in a region poised for global prominence.

For the discerning traveler who seeks powder, peace, and perfection, Fairmont Niseko isn’t just another option. It is the option.

And come 2028, the mountain will have a new address for unforgettable moments. I just hope my passport is ready when I am.

Clark airport hosts travel rehearsal for neurodiverse children EMIRATES has expanded its Travel Rehearsal program to Clark International Airport, giving neurodiverse children and their families the chance to experience the airport journey before taking an actual flight.

The event marked the airline’s second Travel Rehearsal in the Philippines after its first in Cebu in June, part of Emirates’ efforts to make air travel more accessible.

The three-hour program brought together 22 students, their parents or guardians, and eight teachers from Hand Prints School of Progressive Education and Beyond Play Learning Center.

Participants were guided through key stages of the airport experience, including check-in, immigration, security screening, the departure concourse, and a simulated boarding process.

Emirates personnel and airport partners explained each step, answered questions from families, and introduced participants to airport teams they would typically encounter while traveling.

For many neurodiverse children, unfamiliar airport environments and routines can be overwhelming.

The rehearsal aims to help children become more comfortable with the process while giving parents and caregivers a better understanding of what to expect.

The program was conducted in partnership with Clark International Airport, customer service teams, border control, the Office for Transportation Security, and Emirates’ ground handling partner.

Families and educators take part in a Clark airport walkthrough covering check-in, security, immigration, departure, and simulated boarding

“Making travel more inclusive starts long before a customer boards a flight,” said Khalid Al Zarooni, Emirates’ country manager for the Philippines. “We’re pleased to bring the Travel Rehearsal program to Clark and hope it encourages more families to see travel as something they can enjoy together.”

Emirates became the world’s first Autism-Certified Airline in 2025 after more than 35,000 cabin crew and ground staff completed specialized autism awareness training.

Since April 2025, the airline has conducted more than 40 Travel Rehearsals at airports across Europe, Africa, Asia, Australasia, the Americas, and Dubai, with Clark joining a growing list of participating destinations.

A new program at Clark International Airport helps neurodiverse children and their families become more familiar with the travel process before an actual flight

Palawan draws stronger global interest as travelers look to its limestone cliffs, clear waters, and marine ecosystems for outdoor escapes

Palawan named world’s best island for natural wonders by travel platform

By Earla Joy Nicol PALAWAN has been named the world’s “Best Island for Natural Wonders” in the 2026 Island Hot List of online travel company Expedia, following a surge in global traveler interest.

The Philippine island ranked sixth overall among 10 destinations featured in the annual list, which highlights emerging island destinations based on traveler demand and flight search trends. Palawan was one of only two Asian islands included in the ranking.

According to Expedia, global flight searches for Palawan rose 40 percent year over year, based on data collected from Sept. 22, 2025, to March 22, 2026, for trips planned throughout 2026, compared with the same period a year earlier.

The travel platform cited Palawan’s limestone cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and rich marine ecosystems, describing it as an ideal destination for travelers seeking natural scenery and outdoor adventure.

The recognition adds to the Philippines’ recent international tourism accolades.

Earlier this year, Travel and Tour World included the country among the world’s top 10 beach travel destinations for 2026, citing its marine biodiversity, improving tourism infrastructure, and popular coastal attractions, including several destinations in Palawan.