By Randy M. Caluag
WHEN Alexandra “Alex” Eala left her Quezon City home at 13 to train at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Manacor, Spain, she carried little more than a racquet bag, a relentless work ethic and a dream that once seemed distant for a Filipino tennis player.
By Joyce Pañares, Jeremiah Sevilla, Maricel Cruz, Ram Superable and Joel Zurbano
THE Washington Times called her “Alexandra the Great.” The WTA in a social media post said: “All aboard the Eala express.”
For millions of her Filipino fans – including young girls “with ruffled socks, lightup shoes and chubby cheeks” – she has inspired devotion from a nation that has long been focused on basketball or boxing.
Watch parties have been organized, fans have stayed awake to witness her every game, and online quote cards bearing the phrase embroidered on her visor –“Kapag lumago, hindi na hihinto” – have flooded social media accounts of Pinoys here and abroad.
‘Where in the world is Mary Grace Piattos?’
THE House prosecution panel on Tuesday said it plans to request a subpoena for the infamous “Mary Grace Piattos” to compel her attendance at the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
In an ambush interview, House private prosecutor lawyer Lorna clarified however, that the prosecution has yet to find Mary Grace Piattos---one of the supposed recipients of confidential fund payouts from the Office of the Vice President (OVP).
“I will subpoena Mary Grace Piattos,” Kapunan told reporters.
next. It’s a big thing to take in, and I’m so super proud of what I was able to accomplish, but it definitely fuels me more,”
Eight years later, that dream has beEala capped a remarkable run at the Mubadala DC Open in Washington by rallying past top seed and world No. 3 Jessica Pegula, 4-6, 6-4, 6-0, to capture her first WTA 500 singles title. The victory lifted the 21-yearold to a career-high world No. 20, making her the first Filipino in the Open Era to crack the WTA Top 20 and win a main-tour WTA singles title.
“I’m taking it step by step and just focusing on what I need to do
By Maricel V. Cruz
THE Sandiganbayan Third Division on Tuesday stood by its decision granting bail to former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. as the prosecution continued presenting evidence in his malversation
trial over the alleged ghost P92.8-million flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan.
The anti-graft court also set Aug. 12 for the testimony of former public works secretary Manuel Bonoan, one of the prosecution’s remaining witnesses. Bonoan is expected to testify fol-
lowing the court’s earlier denial of the prosecution’s bid to drop him as an accused in a separate graft case involving Sen. Jinggoy Estrada.
Prosecutors had sought to discharge Bonoan as an accused so he could
By Vince Lopez and Rex Espiritu
THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday confirmed China’s recent military drills near Bajo de
FORMER Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan and the so-called “maleta boys” have no more credibility as state witnesses in the flood control scam, according to a public interest and human rights lawyer.
In an interview with radio dzBB, lawyer Antonio Zoleta Bucoy said that based on the testimony of ex-DP-
WH undersecretary Roberto Bernardo whom the Ombudsman has recruited as a state witness, Bonoan allegedly received 15-percent kickbacks from flood control projects.
He estimated that the former DPWH chief must have received up to P3 billion.
“According to Usec. Bernardo, Secretary Bonoan got 15 percent in kickbacks,
A TALENT manager arrested in a separate entrapment operation apologized for his alleged involvement in a “honeytrap” plot targeting Executive Secretary Ralph Recto.
In an interview with ABS-CBN, the suspect claimed he was in contact with former congressman Jacinto “Jing” Paras. He said he knew Paras a long time ago because he used to fund films Paras produced or when he was a talent manager. Earlier, the National Bureau of Investigation subpoenaed Leviste and Paras as part of its probe into the alleged scheme. For his part, former congressman Jing Paras’ legal counsel, Mark Tolentino, asked the NBI for copies of records related to allegations that he and Leviste were involved in a “honey trap” for Recto. In a social media post, Tolentino shared a letter written to NBI Director Melvin Matibag, requesting copies of records such as affidavits and sworn statements regarding the allegations. He also asked the NBI to postpone Thursday’s subpoena schedule to a later date after providing the requested records, noting this would give them enough time to review the records and “properly prepare for the proceedings.”
“It was a character assassination. Kailangan lang natin magdala ng taong marunong umarte sa gagawin nating plano. Rehearals. Meron naman kaming ipapabasa… More or less sasabihin namin ‘yung personality ni Ralph Recto,” the talent manager added. Katrina Manubay
By Rio N. Araja
TRANSPORT group Manibela on Tuesday threatened to stage a three-day transport strike from Aug. 10 to 12 if the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) fail to grant its request for a provisional P2 fare increase.
Speaking on GMA-7’s Unang Balita, Manibela chairperson Mar Valbuena said the planned strike would depend on the outcome of the group’s petition for a provisional fare adjustment.
Alex Eala’s historic triumph in the 2026 Mubadala DC Open has sparked a new tennis fever among Filipinos, with loyal supporters flocking to the venue in Washington, D.C.
For a week, the FitzGerald Tennis Center felt like a home court for Eala as a sea of Filipino fans filled the stands, waving their Philippine flags in all sizes, cheering after every point she won, and chanting “Let’s go, Alex!” whenever she’s down.
Feeling the ‘Eala mania’
Mubadala DC Open owner Mark Ein and world No. 3 Jessica Pegula were amazed by the “Eala mania” that took over.
“A few weeks before the event, our ticketing team called me and said, virtually all of the requests about players, and we had an incredible draw this year, were about Alex Eala. And boy, was it so great to have you and your following here at our tournament this year,” Ein said during Monday’s (Tuesday Manila time) awarding ceremony.
“Honestly, we had no idea what to expect and you guys blew us away by how you showed up today. Talking to people who have spent their life on the tennis tour said that this might be the greatest crowd for a Monday final anyone’s ever seen,” he added.
serve as a state witness in several flood control-related cases, including the case involving former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Bonoan controlled lump-sum allocations
Meanwhile, former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) undersecretary Roberto Bernardo resumed his testimony Tuesday.
Bernardo told the court that Bonoan controlled lump-sum allocations in the DPWH budget, which he described as discretionary funds used to accommodate legislators requesting projects.
He said lawmakers who did not request projects received no allocations, while those who did were given funding from the budget.
Bernardo also reiterated that Revilla approached him regarding projects and allegedly told him he expected a 25-percent share.
Although he denied earning from the Pandi, Bulacan transaction, Bernardo admitted he profited from dealings involving other lawmakers.
He said in his judicial affidavit that he had “served” senators, including Jinggoy Estrada, Francis Escudero and former senator and now Makati Mayor Nancy Binay. The lawmakers have denied the allegations.
Pegula added: “I can definitely confirm for a Monday final, this is the best Monday final crowd. I’ve seen.
I’m sure some people took off work…
All the Filipino fans that came out and have supported, you guys are helping grow tennis around the world. I appreciate that being a female athlete in tennis. We love to see that grow.”
Pegula described Eala as “a great ball striker, great player, (and a) great competitor.”
“I think this year it seems like maybe she’s finding some more consistency with her results. She’s beaten quite a few top players this year, including myself, and she’s tricky to play against. She’s a lefty, she hits the ball well, she kind of baits you with her lefty serve,” Pegula said.
Before reaching the DC Open final round, Eala first defeated reigning Olympic gold medalist Zheng Qinwen, defending champion Leylah Fernandez, World #10 Elina Svitolina, and former World #1 Naomi Osaka.
Fernandez acknowledged that Eala is a “tough player” who has been playing “with a lot of confidence.”
“She’s trusting herself, trusting her shots, her patterns, and a lot of her balls are going in. So, that’s the big difference. I feel like she’s progressing well. Whatever she’s doing with her team is working,” Fernandez said.
another at the 2021 French Open.
Games. Her grandfather, Roberto Maniego, introduced her to tennis at age four. By 12, Eala had emerged as one of the country’s top junior players, showcasing a powerful left-handed forehand, tactical maturity, and poise beyond her years.
Her international breakthrough came in 2018 when she won the prestigious Les Petits As tournament in Tarbes, France, a junior event whose past champions include Rafael Nadal and Martina Hingis.
The victory paved the way for her admission to the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca, where she developed into one of the sport’s brightest young prospects.
Road to Washington
Eala captured her first junior Grand Slam doubles title at the 2020 Australian Open, alongside Indonesian partner Priska Madelyn Nugroho, and added
Her biggest junior achievement came at the 2022 US Open, where she won the girls’ singles title without dropping a set, becoming the first Filipino to claim a junior Grand Slam singles championship.
She announced herself on the professional stage at the 2025 Miami Open, where she entered as a wildcard and stunned Grand Slam champions Jeļena Ostapenko, Madison Keys, and former world No. 1 Iga Świątek in straight sets to reach the semifinals.
The breakthrough made her the first Filipina to break into the WTA Top 100, and she ended the season inside the Top 50.
“I’m still not where I want to be, and that, most of all, is what keeps me grounded—the motivation to improve and the motivation to achieve my bigger goals,” Eala said in a television interview.
“This is the goal—to do well on the WTA Tour, to win Slams. In the end, the goal is to win Slams, to get the rankings. I think this is a good step to-
wards where I want to be.”
“This will push through, depending on the outcome of the provisional fare increase we are seeking,” Valbuena said. He was referring to the suspension of a previously approved P1 fare increase.
Once-in-a-generation moment
Back in the Philippines, fans endured sleepless nights just to follow Eala’s run. Homes, cafes, sports bars, and online watch parties became gathering places for Pinoys who refused to miss what many deemed as a once-in-a-generation moment in Philippine tennis history.
And all that overwhelming support was not lost on Eala after lifting the Washington Open trophy, becoming the first Filipino to win a WTA Tour title, and reaching a new career-high No. 20 in the world rankings.
“To all my supporters, thank you guys. Especially the Filipino community here in DC and back home, wherever you are in the world. I really feel all the love,” Eala said.
“Standing here in the middle of all this love—my first chance at a title, knowing it won’t be my last—already having achieved this feat and this milestone for my career, I knew that whatever would’ve happened after this match, it would’ve already been a win for me.”
Eala’s historic championship drew reactions from some of the biggest names in sports and public service, with no less than President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. leading the nation in congratulating Eala.
“The Philippines now has its first WTA 500 champion. Congratulations on yet another historic achievement. You continue to redefine what is possible for Philippine tennis and inspire countless young Filipinos to dream without limits,” the President wrote on social media.
Spanish tennis icon Rafael Nadal, the 22-time Grand Slam champion whose academy in Mallorca helped shape Eala’s development as a player, tipped his hat off to the Filipina star via a post on X.
“Congratulations, Alex! What an incredible week in Washington! A well-deserved trophy for all the hard work,” said Nadal, who mentored Eala a few times during her stay at the academy.
Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao praised Eala’s fighting spirit after she recovered from a set down in the title match that was postponed by inclement weather.
“Down in the first round pero bumangon. ‘Yan ang puso ng Pilipino!
Congrats Alex Eala, our new champion!” Pacquiao posted on Facebook.
Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz also sent her felicitations through an Instagram story, while the Philippine Sports Commission expressed confidence that more titles would come for the young tennis star.
“Keep the fire burning, we are all proud of you, Alex. To more WTA titles!” the PSC wrote on its Facebook page.
‘Important to dream big’
Her 2026 season proved that her Miami breakthrough was no fluke. Eala reached the fourth round of Wimbledon after defeating Świątek again – producing the signature shot of the tournament, her almostto-the-floor forehand save - then carried that momentum into Washington, where she played the best tennis of her life so far to secure the biggest title of her professional career.
Now ranked among the world’s top 20, Eala has redefined what Filipino athletes can achieve in international tennis.
“Long term, I want to be number one in the world, but that’s a long way away,” Eala said in an earlier interview.
“It’s important to dream big.”
That philosophy has guided her from the courts of Quezon City to the world stage.
At just 21, her Washington triumph is not the finish line—it is another milestone in her pursuit of even greater achievements.
Valbuena said the group is seeking a provisional P2 fare hike while the LTFRB continues deliberating on its main fare petition.
He said the proposed adjustment would translate to about P200 in additional daily earnings for jeepney drivers. Valbuena rejected claims that a fare increase would fuel inflation, arguing that rising consumer prices are primarily driven by high fuel costs. He also said the latest oil price rollback, which took effect on Aug. 4 as announced by the Department of Energy, was insufficient to ease the burden
Congress honors Filipina tennis sensation
At least eleven senators have filed resolutions honoring Eala.
Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian said: “Alex has given us inspiration that if we unite and persevere, there is no challenge we cannot overcome. So, congratulations, Alex! And thank you very much for inspiring us.”
“We are grateful for her representation of the Philippine flag on the international stage. Thanks to Alex, the Philippines is gradually gaining recognition in the world of tennis. However, more importantly, this victory reflects the necessity for the government to focus on sports in the country by strengthening grassroots support, developing modern facilities, and providing assistance to Filipino athletes like Alex,” Senator Francis Pangilinan said.
The House of Representatives yesterday adopted Resolution 1286, introduced by House Speaker Faustino Dy III, Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander Marcos, and Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan, recognizing her landmark victory at the 2026 WTA Mubadala DC.
The resolution noted that Eala “displayed exceptional skill, unwavering determination, and remarkable composure,” demonstrating “that Filipino athletes can compete with and triumph over the world’s finest through discipline, perseverance, and excellence.”
Eala, however, will have little time to celebrate her recent victory as she will immediately head to Toronto for the Canadian Open to continue her US Open buildup in the National Bank Open, a WTA 1000 competition that already kicked off with its first round (Round of 128) on Monday.
Entering the tournament as the 25th seed, the Filipina sensation is expected to have her hands full as she faces a tougher field this time featuring Pegula’s fellow Top 10 players Aryna Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina, Coco Gauff, Mirra Andreeva, Linda Noskova, and Iga Swiatek.
Eala, who received a first-round bye, is set to take on No. 71 Alycia Parks of the USA in the Round of 64, with a potential third career meeting with current Wimbledon champion Noskova on the line.
“Winning a 500 (tier tournament) is insane. It’s an incredible milestone for me,” said Eala, who added the Washington Open title to her two WTA 125 (Challenger-level) silverwares.
“At the beginning of the week there’s no way I would have thought that I would be holding this trophy, even at the beginning of the year. These things kind of creep up on you. I hold these moments really close to me,” she added.
on public utility jeepney drivers. Valbuena criticized officials of the Department of Energy, the Department of Finance, and the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DepDev), saying they failed to address the transport sector’s concerns during Monday’s LTFRB hearing. Malacañang on Tuesday said the P10-per-liter fuel subsidy has been extended until the end of the month, adding that discussions are continuing on possible additional assistance for the transport sector while fare hike petitions are under review.
equivalent to P750 million a year, or P3 billion for the entire four years he served as DPWH chief,” Bucoy said.
“So how can he qualify as a state witness? He has no more credibility,” he added.
Bucoy alleged that Bonoan was the “architect” of his agency’s budget, supervised the implementation of flood control projects, the awarding of projects to contractors, and the release of funds.
As for the “maleta boys” - a reference to former aides of ex-Ako Bicol
of fighter aircraft.
“It coincided with the celebration of the 99th anniversary of the People’s Liberation Army on Aug. 1. Whether this will become a sustained
In the same forum, Kapunan described the alleged misuse of the Vice President’s confidential funds a “scam against the people,” citing audit findings that questioned whether public money was spent for its declared purposes and adequately supported by documents.
The issue involved P500 million in confidential funds released to the OVP and P112.5 million received by the Department of Education (DepEd) while Duterte was concurrently serving as Education secretary.
Kapunan, counsel for the House prosecution panel, made the statement during a break in state auditor Roderick Wamil’s testimony at the Senate Impeachment Court. No evidence supporting confidential payments — Wamil Wamil testified that the OVP and the DepEd failed to submit documentary evidence supporting several confidential fund payments for the first two quarters of 2023.
He also identified medical and food aid, incentives and travel-related expenses that he said were outside the authorized uses of confidential funds under Joint Circular No. 2015-01.
The circular sets the rules for the allocation, use and audit of confidential and intelligence funds.
Wamil said reward payments were not supported by documents showing that information supplied by informants resulted in successful information-gathering or surveillance activities.
For DepEd, he testified that no documents were submitted identifying the schools, learners, communities, alleged threats or operations covered by programs broadly described as counterinsurgency, abuse prevention, anti-illegal activities and anti-extremism or terrorism efforts.
“The victims of the scam are ordinary people. The scam is worth P612 million,” Kapunan asserted. She compared the alleged misuse to asking a parent for money to buy books, but spending it on makeup or a date.
“When you asked your mother for P5,000 to buy a book. but you use it to buy makeup or go on a date, what is that called? You scammed your mom,” Kapunan explained.
“If that happens over and over again, and you don’t use the money for the purpose you claimed you would, then that is called a scam,” she added.
Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co - their testimonies have been questioned and junked as not credible by the Office of the Ombudsman itself, Bucoy said. He said the Co aides manipulated the truth and the timeline of their allegations. He added that the “maleta boys” came up with a photograph of the luggage supposedly containing funds intended for lawmakers, which picture was taken during the time of then Speaker Lord Allan Velasco. He said the purported witnesses’ statements have been repudiated not only by the Ombudsman but by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee and the National Bureau of Investigation.
activity remains questionable,” Trinidad told reporters.
The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command said it conducted a joint naval and air exercise in the territorial waters and airspace of Bajo de Masinloc, which China refers to as Huangyan Dao, and its surrounding areas on Saturday.
By Pot Chavez
THE Department of Justice (DOJ) on Tuesday confirmed receiving criminal complaints filed by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in connection with two flood control projects in Cebu.
During a press briefing, DOJ spokesperson Atty. Polo Martinez said the NBI filed two separate complaints against 20 officials and employees of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Cebu 3rd District Engineering Office.
“Today, the National Prosecution Service of the DOJ confirms that it has received two separate criminal complaints filed by the NBI Cebu District Office against 20 individuals, including officials and employees of the DPWH Cebu 3rd District Engineering Office. These involve two flood control projects within the district’s jurisdiction,” Martinez said. He said the respondents include engineers and other district personnel, as well as private individuals allegedly involved in the bidding and implementation of the projects.
The complaints allege technical malversation, malversation of public funds, violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, perjury, falsification by private individuals, use of falsified documents, falsification of documents by public officers, and violations of the Government Procurement Reform Act.
“The Department wishes to stress that these are complaints for purposes of preliminary investigation. No conclusive finding has been made at this stage. Every respondent will be given the opportunity to submit a counter-affidavit and contest the evidence before the Department of Justice resolves the complaints,” Martinez said.
By Ram Superable
A BILL seeking to prohibit electric distribution utilities from passing system loss charges on to consumers was recently filed by Sen. Francis Escudero to help lower electricity costs for Filipino households.
Following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address, Escudero filed Senate Bill No. 2345 seeking to amend Republic Act No. 9136, or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001.
Under the current legal framework, power distributors are allowed to recover a portion of their operational losses directly from end-users. These system losses stem from technical factors inherent in electricity transmission and aging infrastructure, as well as nontechnical factors such as power theft and illegal line connections.
“The continued imposition of system loss charges on consumers has become increasingly difficult to justify, considering that such losses are, by their very nature, associated with the operation, maintenance, and efficiency of the distribution network,” Escudero said.
‘SULO
Fr. Danny Pilario, CM, Fr. Jose “Paring Bert” Alejo, SJ, Dr. Melba Maggay, and Fr. Robert Reyes, launch the Sulo ng Pananagutan during a theological forum and press conference at the Obispado de Cubao on Tuesday, reaffirming their commitment to uphold the sanctity of life, justice, and accountability, and to resist impunity despite what they describe as an atmosphere of threats and intimidation. Manny Palmero
By Ma. Katrina Mikaela Manubay
MALACAÑANG on Tuesday urged the public to report any irregularities in the distribution of government rice assistance and the implementation of the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF), saying the administration would act promptly against abuses to ensure aid reaches the intended beneficiaries.
In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro emphasized that the LGSF is equitable and nonpartisan, ensuring that all barangays will benefit from the fund.
“This was also pointed out by Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo, who personally witnessed and can attest that the LGSF is universal in scope. It does not discriminate based on political affiliation, municipality, or location. All barangays and all local government units will benefit from the LGSF,” Castro said.
She also urged the public to ask
their local leaders about the rice that should have been distributed through the LGSF.
“Ask your leaders where the rice that should have been distributed through the LGSF is. Those in positions of authority should never take advantage of their constituents,” she said.
Prior to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address, Robredo highlighted systemic improvements in the program, citing increased accessibility and greater financial transparency among local government units compared to
previous years.
Earlier this year, President Marcos announced that the LGSF allocation for 2026 had been increased by more than P34 billion, bringing the total fund to nearly P58 billion, the highest allocation in the program’s history.
Castro also reminded Filipinos not to pay anyone claiming to collect fees in exchange for government assistance, stressing that all government aid is free.
“If you have doubts or suspect any form of fraud, report it to us immediately so we can address the matter without delay,” Castro said.
Under the program, qualified beneficiaries from vulnerable sectors, including low-income earners, senior citizens, and solo parents, receive 10 kilograms of rice every two months.
President Marcos said that 1,276 of the country’s nearly 2,000 local government units have already received assistance through the LGSF.
240 kilos of spoiled chicken seized in Baguio BAGUIO CITY — Personnel of the City Veterinary and Agriculture Office’s Abattoir and Animal Products Quality Assurance Services Division confiscated 240 kilograms of spoiled chilled chicken from a stall at the Baguio Public Market following a complaint from a consumer who reported buying spoiled chicken from the establishment. The operation was conducted with the assistance of the Mayor’s Office Public Order and Safety Division and the Baguio City Police Office. The spoiled chicken was immediately removed from the market to prevent its sale and protect consumers from possible foodborne illnesses.
The stall owner was issued a notice of violation for alleged breaches of the Food Safety Act of 2013, the Consumer Act of the Philippines, the Meat Inspection Code of the Philippines, and local ordinances governing food safety and the proper handling and sale of meat products. Dexter A. See Malay police recover vlogger’s lost phone
Farmers in Atok, Benguet race to harvest carrots during heavy rains brought by Tropical Storm Luis to prevent crop losses from waterlogging, as wholesale prices at the Benguet Agri-Pinoy Trading Center remain low at P20 to P30 per kilo, adding to their financial woes.
Dave Leprozo
By Joel E. Zurbano
SENATOR Panfilo Lacson on Tuesday said former Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano may end up “drowning in the truth” after he and his team uncovered what he described as a “cauldron of worms” involving alleged ghost slope protection projects and the illegal reclamation of portions of Laguna Lake. Lacson said his team’s findings were validated after a meeting Monday evening with officials of the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA), including allegations of harassment tactics allegedly employed by Cayetano. The senator also called for the forfeiture of the illegally reclaimed land
in favor of the government.
“He will drown in the truth. Our Taguig City case study has opened a ‘cauldron of worms’ after my meeting with Philippine Reclamation Authority officials last night—from ghost slope protection projects to illegally reclaimed tracts of land covering Laguna Lake,” Lacson said in a post on X.
“Aside from the PRA and the Ombudsman, we will closely coordinate with the DPWH central office, the LLDA, and other concerned agencies not only to jail those behind these grossly anomalous and patently illegal activities but also to forfeit the already reclaimed lakeshore areas in favor of the national government. There is no turning back!” he added.
MALAY, Aklan—The Malay Municipal Police Station recovered the lost mobile phone of educational content creator and veterinary medicine student Louise Anne Nagal, popularly known as “Lans.” Police chief Lt. Col. Orlando Carag Jr. commended his personnel for assisting in the successful recovery and return of the phone. He also thanked Fiore Gado, who found the device and voluntarily turned it over to authorities.
Carag praised Gado’s honesty and said simple acts of kindness and cooperation help make the community safer and more welcoming for residents and visitors alike.
The police chief also acknowledged Nagal’s appreciation after her phone, which she uses to create educational content and videos, was returned. Vince Lopez Mamba remains in office amid work suspension
TUGUEGARAO CITY — Vice Governor Manuel “Manny” Mamba remains in office and continues to serve as Cagayan’s second highest official despite reports of a 90-day preventive suspension allegedly issued by the Regional Trial Court in Batac, Ilocos Norte.
As of Aug. 3, the Office of the Vice Governor had not received an official copy of the court order. It said Mamba may still file an appeal once the decision is formally served.
The case stemmed from a complaint filed by JLL Pulsar Construction, owned by the family of Third District Rep. Jojo Lara, over a policy implemented when Mamba was governor requiring contractors with substandard projects to personally claim their checks at the Capitol.
The provincial government said the policy was intended to safeguard public funds and ensure quality standards for government projects. It added that while other contractors complied, JLL Pulsar pursued legal action before the Ombudsman and later the RTC. Jessica M. Bacud
Congress’ support needed to execute ARAL Law—DepEd
By Gabriel Oliva
THE Department of Education(DepEd)
seeks the support of Congress to push its agenda of providing separate compensation for basic education teachers who serve under the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program.
In a statement, DepEd said Education Secretary Sonny Angara has sent letters to concerned congressional leaders who recognize the roles of teachers in the implementation of the ARAL program.
The ARAL Program was established in 2024 through Republic Act No. 12028, or the ARAL Program Act of 2024 to provide learners with a free and effective learning intervention.
The initiative aims to help students from Grades 1 to Grade 10 who struggle in reading, mathematics, and science to enable them to attain the competencies set by the DepEd. According to DepEd, teachers who serve as tutors under ARAL can only be compensated in accordance with existing legal and budgetary provisions.
“At present, the ARAL Law authorizes compensation for DepEd teachers in the form of overload pay after they have rendered the prescribed six hours of actual classroom teaching,” it said. DepEd also said its 2026 budget did not include a dedicated allocation for compensating ARAL tutors, regardless of their teaching load, aside from existing funds for overload pay and the hiring of external tutors.
Manilans told to avoid breakout of diseases
MANILA Mayor Francisco Moreno Domagoso urged his constituents to stay vigilant amid the rising cases of water-borne illnesses, influenza-like infections, leptospirosis, and dengue (WILD) in the city.
He called on the public to observe proper hygiene and take preventive measures to curb the spread of these diseases.
“This morning, during our regular directional meeting, it was reported there was an uptick of influenza-like illness. There were also confirmed COVID-19 cases although manageable. but it could spread if we become careless,” the mayor said.
Domagoso disclosed that according to the data presented by the Manila Health Department (MHD), there is a growing infection in the community. Pot Chavez
Visiting Korean jurists call on SC chief justice
SUPREME Court (SC) Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo welcomed a delegation from Korea’s Judicial Research and Training Institute (JRTI) aiming to boost collaboration between the Philippine and Korean judiciaries. During a courtesy call last week, the Korean jurists conducted a study visit to gain insights into the country’s judicial system and ongoing court modernization initiatives.
The SC chief underscored the importance of advancing digital transformation and strengthening the use of technology in court operations.
Among the matters discussed was a proposal to deploy a Korean judge with expertise in e-litigation and judicial digitalization to support the country’s judicial information digitalization project. Pot Chavez
Detainee served arrest order on another case
A MODERN day Romeo working as a call center agent who uses the online dating app to prey on hapless women was served an arrest warrant on Monday over a two-year-old theft complaint while he was already in detention at the Barbosa Police Station in Quiapo, Manila
The suspect—previously featured in a news program for a dating app theft incident—was confirmed to be the same suspect facing the arrest warrant issued by a Makati City court in December 2024 for alleged theft of an i-phone filed by his date following their meet-up in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. Investigators are currently digging deeper into the records in a bid to unravel if the suspect was involved in more criminal cases, particularly those involving young women. Vince Lopez
By Vince Lopez
THE Makati City police on Tuesday uncovered key leads, including the possible motive, the getaway vehicle, and other evidence, in its investigation of a recent shooting incident on Hiwaga Street, Barangay Olympia, Makati. The victims, identified as alias “Christian”, and alias “Khen” but sustained a single gunshot wound in their right arms and are currently recovering at the Makati Medical Center.
Investigators identified the two suspects as alias “Rudy”, a resident of Pasay City, and alias “Teejay”, a resident of Barangay Tejeros, Makati City.
Operatives have recovered the suspects’ getaway vehicle, a blue and black Honda Click motorcycle, along with some clothes and personal items believed to have been used during the shooting.
Initial findings indicated that the shooting stemmed from an alleged dispute over the division of loot from drug pushing.
By Minerva Newman
LAPU-LAPU City—The Cebu provincial government on Friday hosted DisabilityInclusive Disaster Risk Reduction summit at the Hoops Dome here to bridge the critical difficulties that the most vulnerable face the highest risks in times of crises. Cebu
persons with disabilities (PWDs) frequently encounter disproportionate challenges during natural disasters, she added. Traditional sirens or voice announcements often fail to reach those with hearing impairments, while visual alerts may not aid those with visual disabilities. Standard transport vehicles and evacuation routes rarely accommodate wheelchairs or specialized mobility equipment.
Further background verification disclosed that both the victims and the suspects were involved in a series of robbery and hold up incidents across Metro Manila.
Additionally, police recovered a black motorcycle, a tactical vest bearing the marking “SWAT,” spray paint cans, and blood-stained clothing at the crime scene.
A 9mm pistol and a caliber .45 pistol were also recovered along the escape route, believed to have been thrown away by the suspects while escaping.
By Katrina Manubay
THE Philippine Embassy in Canberra, Australia on Tuesday warned the public against individuals using the names of embassy officials to perpetrate scam operations such as fake jobs and other dubious transactions.
In an advisory, the embassy urged the local Filipino community not to send money or share personal information with unauthorized recruiters or intermediaries.
“The Embassy informs the public that it does not authorize private individuals or intermediaries to recruit personnel, offer employment, collect fees, or transact on behalf of Embassy officials or the Embassy,” the statement read.
The embassy also advised Filipinos to exercise caution and avoid sending money or providing identification documents, banking information, or other personal details to persons making suspicious claims.
“Persons who may have received similar communications should report the matter to appropriate law enforcement authorities,” the advisory stated.
Additionally, it reminded the public that announcements and employment opportunities involving the Embassy are issued only through its official website and verified social media accounts.
Filipinos are encouraged to verify suspicious messages directly with the embassy before making any remittances or sharing personal information.
Earlier this year, embassies in Rome, Bahrain, the Netherlands, Singapore, Canada, and Washington issued similar warnings about scams involving fake emails and illegal transactions, including bogus legal services by persons pretending to be embassy staffers.
P24 billion fine. Zero megawatts. Who pays for broken promises?
BUSINESSES fail. Projects get delayed. Markets change. That is the reality of entrepreneurship. Not every investment succeeds, and not every business plan becomes profitable. But when the government entrusts a private company with a significant part of the country’s renewable energy future—and that company allegedly fails to deliver—the consequences extend far beyond the boardroom. They become a matter of public interest. That is why the Department of Energy’s (DOE) action against Solar Philippines Power Project Holdings Inc., founded by Rep. Leandro Leviste, deserves close public attention. According to the DOE, the company faces roughly ₱24 billion in penalties and contractual obligations following the termination of dozens of renewable energy service contracts. Those cancelled agreements represented more than 11,400 megawatts of potential generating capacity—about 64 percent of all renewable energy contracts terminated or relinquished by the government during the period. These numbers are more than statistics. They represent power plants that were expected to strengthen the country’s energy supply. According to the DOE, however, they were never completed as required. They also represent electricity that could have powered homes, supported industries, attracted investments, and eased the burden of high power costs on Filipino consumers. The cost of these failed projects cannot be measured by financial penalties alone. Every megawatt that never came online represents lost economic opportunities. It means factories that never opened, businesses that delayed expansion because of energy uncertainty, jobs that were never created, and communities that continued to struggle with unreliable or expensive electricity. These losses, while they rarely appear on government balance sheets, are ultimately borne by the Filipino people.
The DOE’s action is significant because it shifts the discussion from politics to regulatory accountability. For years, criticism of these renewable energy projects was often dismissed as political. Now it is the agency responsible for regulating the energy sector that has concluded numerous contractual commitments were not fulfilled and has imposed one of the largest financial sanctions associated with renewable energy service contracts in the Philippines.
The issue has since expanded beyond regulatory enforcement. The Office of the Ombudsman has begun a preliminary investigation into allegations involving Sen. Loren Legarda, Rep. Leviste, and former Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi. In describing the complaints, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla used a phrase that immediately captured public attention: “ghost electricity.” The allegation is that electricity promised through these projects never reached the Filipino people despite the government privileges granted to the developers.
The Ombudsman further observed that while the contracts involved billions of pesos, the country’s broader economic losses could reach hundreds of billions because the expected investments, power generation,
and economic activity never materialized. If supported by evidence, the issue would extend far beyond a contractual dispute and become one of the country’s most significant governance concerns in the renewable energy sector.
At its core, this controversy is not simply about unsuccessful business ventures. Renewable energy service contracts are public grants intended to advance the national interest by ensuring critical infrastructure is built and operated for the public’s benefit. Every contract awarded by the government carries the expectation that the recipient has both the capability and commitment to fulfill its obligations.
Every contract awarded carries the expectation that the recipient has both the capability and commitment to fulfill its obligations.
Rep. Leviste has rejected claims that these were “ghost projects” and maintains that no government funds were released to his companies. Those defenses deserve fair consideration. A preliminary investigation is not a finding of guilt, and every allegation must be tested against evidence.
Still, the DOE’s own regulatory findings raise legitimate questions. Were the projects completed within the agreed timelines?
Did they produce the electricity they were expected to generate? If not, why were so many contracts concentrated in a single corporate group? Could other qualified developers have delivered the projects had those opportunities been available to them?
These questions are about public accountability, not politics. The Philippines cannot achieve energy security through ambitious announcements or projects that never become operational. It needs functioning power plants, dependable electricity generation, and developers capable of delivering on the commitments they voluntarily accepted.
The Ombudsman’s investigation will determine whether the alleged failures also warrant criminal liability. That responsibility belongs to the country’s institutions and, if charges are filed, to the courts. But regardless of how the legal proceedings conclude, the DOE’s regulatory action has already delivered an important lesson: winning a government contract is only the beginning. Its true measure is whether it ultimately provides the public service for which it was granted.
In the end, Filipinos cannot power their homes with promises. Businesses cannot expand on unrealized commitments. And a nation seeking energy security cannot afford what the Ombudsman aptly described as “ghost electricity.” ernhil@yahoo.com
TWO weeks ago, 54 members of the House of Representatives gathered for the Congressional Forum on Philippine Education Reform: The Road Ahead. We came from different parties, regions, committees, and political traditions. For one afternoon, those differences gave way to a shared purpose: giving every Filipino learner a better chance at life through education. That gathering also launched the Congressional Alliance for Philippine Education, or CAPE. Its purpose is straightforward. Education reform requires a strong and lasting support in Congress—legislators who will carry the work through laws, budgets, oversight, and sustained engagement with our schools and communities.
EDCOM II has helped us see our education system with greater clarity. We now understand the depth of the learning crisis, the scale of our classroom shortage, the pressures carried by our teachers, and the gaps between education and employment. Evidence has given us a clearer picture. The next chapter calls for action. For CAPE, that work rests on three things: commitment, continuity, and convergence. First, commitment. Reform begins when we decide that education deserves sustained political attention.
For legislators, commitment becomes visible through the measures we champion, the resources we secure, and the questions we ask. Passing a law begins the work. Funding gives it strength. Oversight keeps implementation focused. Listening keeps policy connected to the people it serves.
When we invest in it, we invest in what the Filipino can become.
Every national policy eventually arrives somewhere very real: a crowded classroom, a teacher preparing lessons late into the evening, a student trying to finish college, a parent stretching the family budget, or a young worker hoping that training will lead to a decent job.
Our responsibility is to keep that human reality at the center of every decision. Second, continuity. Education works across generations. A child entering kindergarten today will spend years moving through basic education, higher education or technical training, and
WENTY-ONE-YEAR-OLD Alexandra Eala makes us proud, again and again. On Monday, she did so anew, winning against the American Jessica Pegula in the Mubadala DC Open, finishing a game that had been earlier postponed due to the rain.
“At the beginning of the week, there’s no way I would have thought that I would be holding this trophy...It’s an incredible milestone for me,” Eala told reporters after her win, in a match well attended by a significant number of Filipino spectators.
Eala’s star has risen phenomenally in recent months. Millions of followers tune into her games, amazed at her grit, tenacity, and grace. On the court she is formidable. Off it, she speaks well and confidently, but also humbly. No wonder her homecoming was a hit, from fans that showed up to a meetand-greet event at a mall, to no less than the President who received her in Malacanang.
Eala shows the world that a little girl with “ruffled socks and light-up shoes” could dream big and, through sheer hard work and discipline, make something of herself on the world stage.
She is a stark contrast to another Filipina who just recently told the world that life is basically worthless in the Philippines. Here, the woman said, one
could hire an assassin for P5,000 to off other people. This is the same person who admitted on a live streamed video that she had already spoken with someone to kill the President, the First Lady, and the former Speaker of the House if anything happened to her.
Eala shows us that a little girl could dream big and make something of herself through hard work and grit.
Two Filipinas: One lets us feel good about who we are and inspires us to do better, while the other makes us shake our heads and wonder how we ever got to this point in the first place. We thank Eala for the much-needed
By Melandrew T. Velasco
AMONG the many policy pronouncements in President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.‘s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), one remark stood out for its sincerity and significance. Addressing Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III, the President said with a smile, “Don’t think yet that you can already retire. You still have a lot of work to do at DAR.”
It was more than a lighthearted exchange. It was actually a public vote of confidence in a Cabinet secretary entrusted with completing one of the country’s longest-running social justice programs.
The President revealed that over the past four years, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has distributed around 400,000 land titles covering some 500,000 hectares to agrarian reform beneficiaries. Yet the work is far from over. The administration has committed to completing the distribution of all remaining land titles by 2027—a target that could finally bring closure to a reform initiated nearly four decades ago.
Agrarian reform has always been about more than hectares and certificates of land ownership. It is about restoring dignity to those who till the land, correcting historical inequities, and giving rural families the opportunity to build better lives. But land ownership alone is not enough. A title becomes meaningful only when it enables a farmer to become productive, profitable, and resilient.
That reality became even clearer during my recent visit to the Department of Agrarian Reform, where I had a fruitful meeting with Undersecretary Jesry T. Palmares who heads the Foreign-Assisted and Special Projects Office (FASPO) and DAR Consultant Orville Roque. Our conversation went beyond statistics and administrative accomplishments. It focused on how agrarian reform must evolve into a comprehensive rural development strategy that empowers beneficiaries through technol-
eventually into the workforce. The decisions we make today will shape a future we may only begin to see.
That demands patience and persistence from government.
Strong reforms need time to take root. Programs improve through experience. Institutions grow stronger through steady investment. Each Congress can build on the work of the previous one, allowing progress to accumulate year after year.
This is one of CAPE’s most important purposes. The Alliance can help carry education reform beyond EDCOM II, across congressional terms, and through changes in national leadership. Our institutions become stronger when every generation of leaders adds another layer to the work already under way.
Lastly, convergence. Education connects almost everything we hope to achieve as a country.
Economic growth begins with people who can read, reason, create, and solve
relief and the surge of pride, even if it is only by affinity. The government can make this gratitude tangible by doing better in terms of providing foreign training or hiring foreign coaches for our athletes. The success of Eala, Hidilyn Diaz, Ernest John Obiena, and Manny Pacquiao proves this. Many more Filipino athletes will benefit from this kind of support.
As for the other one – who signed a report that said all was well and in order in the disbursement of funds to individuals with bizarre names – we feel only shame. The names are funny, until one realizes they are funny precisely because the ones thinking them up do not respect Filipinos enough to feel any accountability for the funds they are entrusted with. We’re being made fools of, plain and simple. Eala has a promising future still ahead of her. We hazard a guess that long after her glorious days in tennis, she would still be successful as long as she keeps herself humble and informed.
For the rest of us, may our collective pride and inspiration take us far, too. In the end, may we also take pride in our ability to think critically and reject officials who culpably violate the norms of decency and who betray the overwhelming trust they have been given. This is the least we can do for our embattled, but not murderous, nation.
ogy, financing, infrastructure, education, and market access. I came away impressed by the clarity of purpose shared by the department’s leadership. There was a strong appreciation that today’s challenges require innovative thinking and strategic partnerships if agrarian reform is to achieve its full promise.
That vision reflects the leadership of Secretary Estrella. Having devoted much of his public life to agriculture and rural development, he understands that the mission of DAR does not end with the issuance of land titles. It continues in helping farmerbeneficiaries become entrepreneurs, producers, and contributors to the nation’s food security.
Strength begins in our farms.
One particularly encouraging development discussed during our meeting was the Department’s continuing dialogue with the French Government on possible areas of cooperation that could support agrarian reform communities. While discussions are still progressing, the prospect of working with one of Europe’s leading agricultural nations opens exciting possibilities.
France has earned global recognition for sustainable agriculture, cooperative farming, climate-smart technologies, food processing, and rural enterprise development. A partnership with France could provide valuable technical expertise, training opportunities, modern farming practices, and institutional support that would help Filipino agrarian reform beneficiaries improve productivity and competitiveness.
Such collaboration also reflects an important shift in perspective. Agrarian reform is no longer viewed simply as land redistribution. It is increasingly seen as a platform for inclusive economic growth, environmental
problems. Competitive industries depend on workers with relevant skills. New technologies require lifelong learners who can adapt. Strong communities grow from citizens capable of participating, cooperating, and caring for one another. That also means education reform belongs to all of us. Congress, government agencies, local governments, public and private schools, universities, training institutions, employers, teachers, parents, and learners each carry part of the responsibility. CAPE can create a space where these perspectives meet and where legislators from different political traditions work toward common solutions.
The presence of 54 House members at the beginning of this Alliance gives us reason for hope. It shows that education can gather people around a purpose larger than any individual political agenda. Now comes the harder and more meaningful part: turning that shared purpose into steady work.
sustainability, and national food security.
This is precisely the direction that Philippine agriculture must take. Climate change continues to threaten crop production. Input costs remain volatile. Rural poverty persists in many farming communities. These realities demand that government agencies work in harmony. DAR cannot accomplish this mission alone. The Departments of Agriculture, Public Works and Highways, Environment and Natural Resources, Trade and Industry, local government units, financial institutions, the private sector, and international development partners must all contribute to building vibrant rural economies.
President Marcos’ confidence in Secretary Estrella is therefore well placed, not only for being consistently assigned as one of the caretakers in Malacanang when the PBBM goes on official foreign trips. Completing land distribution by 2027 will be an important milestone, but the greater achievement will be transforming agrarian reform beneficiaries into self-reliant farmers capable of feeding the nation and uplifting their own communities.
Public service is ultimately measured not by how long one stays in office but by the lives one changes and transforms. Secretary Estrella’s task is not simply to complete a government program. It is to help cultivate hope and wealth for farmer beneficiaries and their families across the Philippine countryside. By doing so, the DAR chief has not only earned three stars in terms of public service, performance and delivery but he has also become “the quintessential darling of folks in the countryside.”
As the Chinese philosopher Confucius wisely observed, “The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home.” In the Philippine setting, that strength begins in our farms, where every empowered farmer nourishes not only the land but also the future of the nation.
(The author is a writer and environmental advocate.)
Commitment gives reform energy. Continuity gives it staying power. Convergence gives it scale. Together, they can help us build an education system capable of changing the trajectory of millions of Filipino lives. Every classroom we build creates room for possibility. Every teacher we support strengthens another generation. Every learner who masters
and
ics gains greater freedom to
Every young Filipino who completes college or technical training with the skills to
a meaningful life strengthens our
That is why education deserves our
est commitment. Few decisions we make in public life travel as far into the
The work ahead will demand discipline, cooperation, and courage. CAPE gives us a way to carry that work together. When we invest in education, we invest in what the Filipino can become. And when we give every Filipino the chance to learn, grow, and fulfill their potential, we give our country its best chance at a better future. —“—
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2026
Heat kills 16 in Sokor this summer – ministry
SEOUL – South Korea’s summer heat has killed 16 people so far this year, the interior ministry said Tuesday, as the nation swelters in a wave of searing weather.
Between May 15 and August 2, a total of 2,025 people have suffered heatrelated illnesses, of which 16 people have died, a ministry statement said.
South Korea’s heat record has been broken three times over the past week, with the latest all-time high set at 42.5C in the city of Yangsan on Sunday.
The whole of Seoul was under the highest-level “severe heatwave warning” alert Tuesday, with temperatures forecast to soar again close to 40C.
“Extreme, life-threatening heat is forecast,” the weather agency said in a statement Tuesday. AFP
Suspected heatstroke kills 3 lions at Japan zoo
TOKYO – Three lions from a Tokyo zoo have died from suspected heat stroke and others are under treatment, a spokeswoman said Tuesday, with the big cats struggling with high levels of humidity.
Japan sweltered through its hottest summer on record last year and parts of the country have hit 40C in recent weeks, qualifying for the new designation “cruelly hot day.”
Since mid-July, 10 of the 16 lions in Tama Zoological Park have suffered symptoms such as “loss of appetite and decreased activity”, and three lionesses died, the zoo said in a statement.
One passed away on Tuesday, another died on Friday, and the third died on Sunday, it said.
“According to our veterinarian, the cause of the deaths is suspected to be heatstroke” as dehydration and multiple organ failure were observed, a spokeswoman told AFP. AFP
Death eyed for enforced disappearances – Dhaka
DHAKA – Bangladesh’s government has proposed the death penalty for enforced disappearances after an official inquiry recorded more than 1,500 cases during deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s 17-year rule.
Hasina, who was toppled in a 2024 uprising, was accused of using the security forces to crush dissent, with many of those detained coming from her political rivals in the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami, the country’s largest Islamist party.
A commission set up after her overthrow recorded at least 1,569 cases of enforced disappearances during her tenure, with 251 victims still missing and presumed dead.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, who leads the BNP, pledged during February 2026 elections to end the statebacked violence that marked Hasina’s rule.
The bill, the Prevention and Remedies for Enforced Disappearance Act, must be passed by parliament. AFP
MOSCOW – A drone strike on an industrial zone outside the Russian capital killed five people and wounded 10 others, the region’s governor said, as Moscow and Kyiv traded attacks.
Ukraine has conducted long-range strikes targeting civilian infrastructure in Russia, and in recent weeks stepped up attacks on warehouses belonging to the Russian e-commerce giant Wildberries. Ukraine often fires hundreds of drones into Russia each night, in retaliation for Russia launching hundreds of its own drones and dozens of missiles at Ukrainian towns and cities. Moscow’s regional governor Andrey Vorobyov said early Tuesday that several fires broke out following a drone strike in
the Novoselki industrial zone outside the Russian capital.
“According to preliminary information, five people were killed,” he said on Telegram, adding 10 others were wounded. Drones also damaged a warehouse near Krasny Bor in northwestern Russia, wounding one person, according to Leningrad regional governor Aleksandr Drozdenko.
Wildberries said that a fire broke out at its Krasny Bor logistics facility as a result of the attack.
Another Wildberries warehouse was targeted by a Ukrainian drone attack in the rural area of Emmaus, around 180 kilometers (112 miles) northwest of Mos-
GUATEMALA CITY – Guatemalan authorities issued the country’s second-highest emergency alert level on Monday after a major eruption of Central America’s most active volcano, prompting the evacuation of nearby villages.
Fuego erupted on Monday morning and had intensified by nightfall, with lava flows and huge plumes of ash spewed about six kilometers (four miles) into the air.
“An orange (danger) alert has been declared nationwide due to the eruption of the Fuego volcano,” disaster coordination agency Conred said on X.
The alert level is one below the highest level of red, which indicates the most serious emergency.
Officials began evacuating on Monday two villages near the volcano, which is located 35 kilometers (22 miles) from the capital Guatemala City.
Footage released by the emergency services showed the powerful eruption turning clouds red and lava flowing down the slopes of the 3,763-meter-high (12,346-foot) volcano.
“If an evacuation is ordered or conditions pose a risk to your life, follow the principle of self-evacuation,” Conred spokesperson Valeria Urizar said in a video posted on social media.
The country’s Institute of Volcanology warned in a statement that the volcano was “moving towards a more explosive phase.” AFP
cow, regional governor Vitaly Korolyov said.
Wildberries is a highly popular online retail platform in Russia, often dubbed the “Russian Amazon,” accounting for up to 10 percent of the country’s entire retail turnover, according to Russian media.
Since the start of the Ukraine war in 2022, Wildberries has been accused of helping Russians dodge Western sanctions by importing branded goods via third party countries. In Ukraine, Russian attacks killed three people in Sumy in the country’s northeast, the head of the regional military administration said on Tuesday. AFP
WASHINGTON – US President Donald Trump said Tuesday (Manila time) that negotiations with Iran were ongoing despite Tehran’s denials and the Islamic Republic was facing a “last chance before decapitation.”
Trump, speaking to reporters at the White House, said he agreed to continue to pursue talks with Iran at the request of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and other countries. Iran’s foreign ministry denied on Monday that negotiations with Washington were taking place, but Trump insisted they were. “We are talking right now,” he said.
“This is a last chance for them to sign a good document,” the US president added. “I want to give them every last chance before decapitation.”
The talks are focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, which Trump said could come “literally by tomorrow,” and the denuclearization of Iran, which he said could “take a little while.” Washington and Tehran have been at war since February 28, when the United States and Israel launched surprise strikes against Iran, though months of on-and-off diplomacy have led to periods of relative calm.
More than five months later, Iran remains able to fire missiles and drones at US and allied targets in the region and retains its enriched uranium stockpiles.
Early Tuesday, Britain’s maritime security agency UKMTO said that a cargo vessel was struck by an “unknown projectile” in the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Oman.
The vessel, which was not named, reported being hit and authorities were investigating, UKMTO said, without giving specifics on damage or injuries.
In what has become a familiar pattern, Trump last week had threatened to hit Iran “very hard” – potentially with renewed attacks against energy infrastructure – only to pull back on Saturday, saying the “perimeters” of a deal were there. Iran, for its part, said it is not currently negotiating with the United States.
“Our negotiations are with Oman to secure passage through the Strait of Hormuz,” the critical oil corridor, foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said. AFP
remains found at 2nd Kosovo mass grave amid war crime probe
take
have also
men from the local area in recent days on suspicion of war crimes, according to prosecutors. The discovered remains most likely belong to “23 Albanians who have been violently abducted, executed” in the spring of 1999, acting Prime Minister Albain Kurti said on Saturday. The 1998-1999 war between independence-seeking ethnic Albanian guerrillas and Serbian armed forces killed around 13,000 people and left 4,000 missing. Decades of work to uncover mass graves have found the remains of thousands, but 1,600 are still missing. AFP
THE Philippine Blu Girls hope to end their heartbreak in the Asian Games.
With renewed spirit, the team is looking to finally clinch a podium finish in the 20th edition of the quadrennial showcase set in Nagoya, Japan from Sept. 19 to Oct. 4. Thrice in the past, the Blu Girls made the semifinals and were all in contention in the battle for the bronze. And thrice too, their bid to reach the podium were all denied.
“This Asian Games pinapangako namin sa mga sarili namin na yung iyak namin happy tears naman this time,” said team captain Charlotte Sales as she was joined by co-captain Royevel Palma and assistant coach Rizza Bernardino in the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at the Philippine Sports Commission media room on Tuesday.
“‘Yung huli (2023 Hangzhou) heartbroken pa rin kaming lahat kasi natalo pa rin kami sa bronze-medal match,” she said of the 3-2 loss the Philippines suffered at the hands of Chinese Taipei. But the entire team of 12 local players and five Fil-Ams are determined to break the jinx this time.
“Hindi kami nawawalan ng pag-asa.
And hard work talaga kami na makuha talaga yung goal namin na podium (finish),” added Palma, who was with both teams that fell short in 2018 (Jakarta) and 2023, respectively.
Bernardino, a former Blu Girl herself, announced in the same Forum presented by San Miguel Corporation, PSC, Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO, and the country’s 24/7 sports
app ArenaPlus, that the team is slated to hold another training camp in Japan prior to its stint in the Asiad. The Blu Girls are coming off a fifth-place finish in the just-concluded WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup in Lima, Peru in a performance that was also enhanced by a similar training camp in Japan.
“Naging maganda yung training camp kasi ang daming nag-improve (sa team). Maraming tinuro sa amin yung Japan team. Hindi sila madamot magbigay ng skills and anything na makakatulong sa amin,” said Bernardino.
Currently training at the Polo Club, the Blu Girls will leave for the training camp on August 21, after which they will go straight to Nagoya for the softball competitions that kick off on Sept. 26.
FRANCINE Wong emerged as the tournament’s lone double champion, capturing the girls’ 14- and 16-andunder singles titles to headline the San Pablo City Juniors Age Group Championships at the 7 Lakes Tennis Club courts in Laguna last Sunday.
The Cagayan de Oro standout displayed grit and versatility in claiming her two crowns. She rallied from a set down to outlast Anica Palacio, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1, in the girls’ 14-and-U finals before producing a far more dominant performance in the 16-and-U championship, overpowering Claire Alcala, 6-3, 6-0. Wong’s two-title sweep highlighted the four-division Group 2 tournament, which kicked off the Luzon swing of the nationwide Palawan Junior Series after the successful staging of the Mindanao and Visayas swings. Rafael Monte de Ramos likewise turned in an impressive campaign, ruling the boys’ 18-and-U division after conceding only seven games in his first three matches before blanking Bien Tulop, 6-0, 6-0, in the championship match.
The Lipa City, Batangas ace, however, fell short of a second singles title after retiring while trailing Aljhon Rom-
bawon, 7-5, 4-0, in the boys’ 16-and-U semifinals.
Rombawon went on to complete his own comeback story, recovering from a set down to defeat Nicholas Andal, 2-6, 6-3, 6-1, for the crown. Monte de Ramos, however, shared the tournament MVP honors with Wong. Joining them atop the winners’ po-
dium were Lance Recto, Djokovic Garcia, Eilythia Comia and Jasmine Sardona, who also captured singles titles in their respective divisions of the ranking tournament sanctioned by Philta and Universal Tennis and supported by ICON Golf & Sports and Palawan Group of Companies. The fifth-ranked Recto pulled off
the biggest upset in the boys’ 12-andU class, rallying past top seed Harrow Liam, 2-6, 6-1, 6-2, in the finals. His title run also featured victories over No. 2 Raven Licayan, 6-3, 6-7(6), 10-4, in the quarterfinals and third seed Rafael Cablitas, 0-6, 6-1, 6-0, in the semis. Garcia, seeded No. 2, likewise upset top seed Jfsky Berille, 7-5, 3-6, 6-0, to secure the boys’ 14-and-U championship, while top seed Comia dominated Misty May Principe, 6-2, 6-1, for the girls’ 12-and-U title. Sardona claimed the girls’ 18-and-U crown after Elyce Yulpco retired with the score at 1-0.
Wong narrowly missed a third title as Palacio and Beatrice Sicangco edged Wong and Danelei Caday, 8-7(7), in a thrilling girls’ 14-and-U doubles final.
Palacio, however, still completed a doubles sweep by teaming up with Yulpco to rout Agatha Asistio and Sardona, 8-1, for the girls’ 18-and-U title. In the boys’ doubles, Monte de Ramos and Tulop outlasted Andal and Rombawon, 8-7(2), in the 18-and-U finals, while Garcia and Licayan defeated Drake Garcia and Recto, 8-2, to rule the boys’ 14-and-U division.
Cebu, and Davao, making it one of the coun-
try’s largest internationally recognized pickleball coach education initiatives to date.
The Philippine tour forms part of RPO APAC’s broader regional initiative to establish consistent coaching standards and strengthen professional development pathways across Asia-Pacific. Through this growing education ecosystem, RPO is helping coaches access internationally recognized training while creating opportunities for continued learning and career development across the region.
The tour brought together aspiring coaches, current instructors, and experienced players from across the country to complete RPO’s Level 1 Coach Certification Program, equipping participants with proven coaching methodologies, player assessment techniques, lesson planning, communication skills, and practical on-court instruction to support long-term player development. Participants represented clubs, academies, schools, and growing
AMID the cool, captivating and renewing scenery of Tagaytay City, lively, dynamic and energetic action unfolds starting today with the colorful opening ceremony of the 10th Aero Gymnastics Asian Championships presented by the Philippine Sports Commission at the Tagaytay CT Velodrome.
With the theme “Leap, Dance, One Asia,” close to 400 gymnasts from 12 countries are taking part in the threeday meet organized by the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines led by president Cynthia Carrion and sanctioned by the Asian Gymnastics Union.
“We are all excited over the staging of this event, which promises to be an entertaining and dynamic festival symbolizing the harmony, unity and camaraderie that sports can achieve among our Asian aerobic gymnasts even in a competitive atmosphere,” Carrion said.
“That we are holding the championships in the beautiful city of Tagaytay and at the reconfigured Tagaytay CT Velodrome will be a unique and memorable experience for our participants and fans alike,” she added.
Last staged two years ago in Hanoi, Vietnam, the 2026 edition of the continental aero gymnastics showcase will be conducted at the world-class and UCI-certified velodrome, which was modified to accommodate three competition floors plus a 3,000-seat gallery for fans.
“We will have a VIP box for our honored guests where they will have a vantage view while the athletes perform and display their artistry and athleticism during the meet,” according to the gymnastics chief.
Taking a page from the country’s highly-successful staging 3rd Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships last year, organizers have also come up with with a music video “One Asia, One Victory” for the competition also supported by the Philippine Olympic Committee and the Tagaytay City government led by Mayor Brent Tolentino. Carrion disclosed that winners will also get one-of-a-kind medals spotlighting the famed Taal Lake and Volcano, memorable mementoes of their accomplishments from the competition.
THE Cebu Greats pulled off an 80-79 escape over the Quezon Huskers on Monday to close in on the SportsPlus MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) 2026 Season pacesetters at the Mandaluyong City College of Science and Technology Gym. Trailing, 68-77, Cebu scored 12, including the game-clinching layup by Simon Camacho in the last 46 seconds, and held Quezon to just two to notch their 16th win against 5 losses in the round-robin elimination phase of the two-division, 26-team tournament.
Cebu ranks fifth in the South division, behind Batangas City (13-3), Quezon Province (13-3), Binan (16-4) and Gensan (14-4), which tamed Quezon City in the nightcap. The top four after the eliminations will have the homecourt advantage in the quarterfinal playoffs.
Alfrancis Tamsi, a former Husker, tallied 25 points, spiked by seven triples, and 2 assists, to snare the SportsPlus best player honors.
“We worked hard for this,” said Tamsi. “After struggling in our home games, we made adjustments and our game improved.”
pickleball communities from across the Philippines, reflecting the increasing demand for structured coach education.The certification combines 10 hours of virtual learning, a two-hour online assessment, and a six-hour practical workshop, providing participants with a blended learning experience that integrates theory with hands-on coaching application.
“Certification should never be the finish line,” said Connor Nguyen, Managing Director of RPO APAC. “Our vision is to build a community where coaches continue learning, connect with one another, and gain meaningful coaching opportunities long after the workshop ends. That’s how we create lasting impact for coaches and for the future of pickleball in the Philippines.”
To turn certification into long-term professional growth, RPO APAC is committed to helping coaches continue learning, expand their professional networks, and gain real-world coaching experience through its regional education ecosystem.
Other Greats who delivered were Mark Meneses, with 11 points and 14 rebounds, Wowie Escosio with 10 points and 5 rebounds, Ichie Altamirano, with 8 points and 4 rebounds, and Limuel Tampus with 8 points.
The Huskers had chances to salvage the game, but a passing error by Cyrus Tabi and an inbound miscue by Joshua Yerro proved costly.
Camacho has two charities in the last 2.2 seconds, and after missing the first, intentionally missed the second to kill the time.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2026
RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor
RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor
BEYOND the battle for podium finishes, the IRONMAN 70.3 Lapu-Lapu presented by Megaworld on Aug. 9 in Mactan, Cebu offers something even bigger for local triathletes – a coveted opportunity to earn a place in one of endurance sports’ most prestigious events.
Serving as an official qualifying race for the 2027 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship, the Cebu staging gives Filipino age-group athletes the rare privilege of chasing world championship berths on home soil while experiencing the atmosphere, organization and level of competition that define a premier global triathlon event.
The race, to be held at the Mactan Newtown, will challenge competitors with the iconic 1.9-km swim, 90-km bike and 21.1-km run across a demanding world-class course that has become a favorite among local and international participants alike.
A total of 50 age-group qualifying slots will be up for grabs, including 25 reserved for women as part of IRONMAN’s continued commitment to promoting gender equality and increasing female participation in the sport, according to the organizing Sunrise Events, Inc.
Those who secure qualification will earn the right to compete in the 2027 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship scheduled on Aug. 28-29, 2027 in Chattanooga, Tennessee, a scenic city renowned for its outdoor attractions, Civil War heritage and iconic landmarks such as the Tennessee Aquarium, Lookout Mountain and the Walnut Street Bridge.
The Lapu-Lapu race joins an elite roster of qualifying events worldwide, alongside races in Sweden, France, Canada, the United Kingdom, Luxembourg, Spain, Poland, Ecuador, Malaysia, Brazil, Germany, Estonia and Austria, among others, underscoring Cebu’s stature as one of the sport’s premier destinations.
This year’s staging also marks the 12th anniversary of the IRONMAN 70.3 in Cebu, a milestone that highlights the event’s longevity and growing stature within the global IRONMAN circuit. Over the past decade, the race has consistently attracted elite professionals and thousands of age-group competitors while earning a reputation for world-class organization and race execution.
regional PH anti-doping program launched
FROM July 31 to August 1, 2026, guided by the theme “Building Clean Sport Communities,” the Philippine National Anti-Doping Organization (PHI-NADO) successfully conducted the inaugural rollout of its Regional Anti-Doping Education Program in Cebu City, marking a significant milestone in expanding anti-doping education across the country and reinforcing the Philippines’ commitment to promoting clean sport at the grassroots level.
As a signatory to the World AntiDoping Code 2021, PHI-NADO continues to strengthen its nationwide anti-doping education initiatives by bringing World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)-compliant education closer to athletes and sporting communities beyond Metro Manila. The Regional ADEP was developed to equip athletes, athlete support personnel, and key stakeholders with the knowledge, values, and practical tools needed to make informed and ethical decisions in sport.
Recognizing Cebu as one of the country’s premier sporting hubs, the program supports PHI-NADO’s goal of establishing a sustainable and culturally grounded anti-doping education system at the local government unit (LGU) level. Through the collective efforts of athletes, coaches, educators, healthcare professionals, parents, and local officials, the initiative seeks to cultivate a shared responsibility in protecting the integrity of sport and building clean sport communities across the region.
By Riera U. Mallari
MANILA Standard asked both ChatGPT and Gemini if recent Mubadala Open champion and Filipina tennis superstar Alexandra Eala can win the coming US Open.
They both said yes. But let’s hold our horses and not be carried away. When using AI chatbots like these, there is always a caveat that they make mistakes. The technical, digital term is called ‘hallucination.’.
But still, it’s nice to know that Eala has the ability to take down the tough opposition in the coming US Open, a Grand Slam event slated August 23 to September 13, 2026, with main draw action starting August 30 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, New York. Gemini reasoned out that “Eala’s
game is particularly suited to hard courts, where her ultra-early ball striking, left-handed angles and elite return game can put opponents under immediate pressure. Standing close to the baseline, she takes the ball on the rise to rob rivals of recovery time, while her flat, heavy groundstrokes and lefty serve create difficult angles. Though she may not overwhelm opponents with aces, her aggressive returns—especially against second serves—allow her to dictate points from the outset.”
Gemini continues: “Perhaps Eala’s biggest weapon, however, is her mind-
set. Years of high-level training have equipped her with the ability to remain composed under pressure and find tactical solutions when matches turn against her. Rather than panicking after losing a set or facing a difficult stretch, she has shown a growing ability to reset and fight back. That mental resilience could prove decisive at the US Open.” ChatGPT, on the other hand, is more tempered in its prediction.
“Eala can win the US Open, but I’d still call her a dark-horse contender rather than one of the favorites.”
Its forecast? “Champion: 5–8%; Final: 10–15%; Semifinal: 20–25%; Quarterfinal: 35–45% and Round of 16 or better—better than 50%.”
It says Eala has a shot, because “she is no longer intimidated by the Top 10. Eala’s Washington run is particularly impressive because she beat Naomi Osaka in the semifinal and then came back against Jessica Pegula in the final. The Pegula win was
A 9-YEAR-OLD Filipino karateka emerged victorious in his first international tournament, bagging a gold medal at the 3rd Asian Karate Youth Open Championship and Training Camp held in Hangzhou, China, from July 22 to 26, 2026.
Romeo Viktor Enriquez of Fight Alliance Sports Team (FAST) - ISKF, coached by national team coach and former Karate Pilipinas national team captain Engene Dagohoy, dominated the Under-10 Male Kumite (+40 kg) category to clinch the gold medal.
Enriquez, a Grade 4 Ateneo de Manila Grade School student, also finished in the Top 5 of the Under-10 Male Kata. In addition, 13-year-old Raphael Mariano Herrera continued his strong international run by capturing the bronze medal in the Under-14 Male Kata. Herrera, a Grade 7 Abba’s Orchard student, marked his second consecutive bronze medal in the Asian championship.
SYDNEY—Excitement, not exhaustion, is building for Alas Pilipinas Girls as the long journey to the world championship continued.
Xyz Ellen Rayco and Princess Khaira Manzano of National University, Taj Arkhea Teves and Megan Yesha
Ten-year-old Ripley Borromeo also turned in a strong performance, finishing in the Top 5 of the Under-12 Female Kata. Borromeo, a Grade 5 Keys School Manila student, finished in the
Hernandez of the University of Santo Tomas, Resty Jane Olaguir of Ateneo and the rest of the Philippine team remained in high spirits as they boarded their third flight of the trip on Tuesday, traveling from Sydney to Santiago for the FIVB Volleyball Girls’ U17 World
Top 7 of the Under-12 Female Kumite.
Completing the FAST - ISKF delegation were Ellis Cañoza (age 11) and Colin Paolo (age 10). “We are extremely proud of what these
Championship in Chile. Hernandez, who has been ably handling her off-court duties as skipper —gathering documents, picking up snacks and helping coaches keep the group organized—is eager to finally take the court in the tournament set August 6 to 16 in Santiago, San Felipe and Los Andes.
“Kahit sobra na yung pagod, mayroong kakalabasan na maganda. Kahit pagod na pagod, sulit pa rin yun kasi malaki naman po yung makukuha naming blessings,” Hernandez said.
“Mahaba yung byahe pero mas nabubuo yung team, mas nakakapagbonding po,” she added. The Philippines—supported by the Philippine Olympic Committee, Philippine Sports Commission and Asics—plays in in Pool B with topranked China, Mexico, Peru, Tunisia, and Venezuela.
Olaguir, who along with Hernandez helped Alas Pilipinas Girls place fifth
her fifth consecutive victory over a Top-10 opponent.”
Fire away, ChatGPT.
“One of the biggest changes in Eala’s game has been the improvement in her serve — historically one of the areas opponents targeted. Against Pegula, her left-handed serve and aggressive baseline game helped her turn the match around dramatically, winning 10 of the final 13 games.” Ahh, Eala’s serve. Her so-called Achilles heel.
In a late July podcast, Rennae Stubbs, Serena Williams’ current coach and a former doubles’ no. 1 player from Australia, said “Alexandra Eala’s serve is never going to win her a Grand Slam. I feel like that’s what’s holding her back.”
A few days later, Eala won the DC Open with that serve, coupled with a resiliency that has been the hallmark of Filipinos all over the world.
And all the chatbots agree, there’s no hallucination in that.
young athletes accomplished in Hangzhou, China. Their medals are the result of countless hours of disciplined training, sacrifice, and unwavering determination,” said Dagohoy, a SEA Games medalist.
The participating countries in the tournament were the People’s Republic of China, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Macau, China, Kazakhstan, the Philippines, Singapore and Uzbekistan.
FAST - ISKF was backed by Hello Money, Toby’s Sports, Homeschool Global Philippines, TLC, Trainstation, Inc., Namayan Digital, Inc., Edgardo Canoza, Jr., the Office of Senator Chiz Escudero, Socorro Castros, Moona Ko, Peter Tanchi Jr., Kenno Yao, Claudette Santiago, Sheena Jane Lim, Margaux Lim, and Janel Kalaw.
“The future of Philippine karate is in good hands. These children have shown they can compete—and win—against the best young karatekas in Asia. This is only the beginning, and we will continue to work hard to prepare them for even bigger international competitions,” Dagohoy added.
in the Asian Women’s U16 Volleyball Championship to earn this world championship berth, is determined to deliver for country, this team and her school.
“Excited about playing, and yung experience na makukuha and madadala namin for our team and schools,” Olaguir said. “Pagod kasi ang haba ng byahe, pero mas mataas pa rin po ang percentage ng excitement kasi may maga-gain kami dun.”
The young setter noted teammates feed off each other’s energy.
“Kasi po if like low-batt, or bored ka na, nakakausap mo yung teammates mo, nag-ga-gain yung connection namin.”
The Philippines rose to No. 25 in the world rankings after the scintillating run in Amman last November, highlighted by wins over Iran, Hong Kong and Japan.
“Gagawin namin ang best namin para maitaas po yung place natin sa FIVB world rankings,” she said.
Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)
Commissioner Charlito Martin Mendoza leads the launch of the Ethical Standards and Anti-Corruption Course for Revenue Officers (ESACOR) on July 29, 2026, at the BIR National Office. The initiative aims to institutionalize ethics education and strengthen integrity, accountability and professionalism throughout the bureau.
Pasig City Mayor Victor Ma. Regis ‘Vico’ Sotto delivered the keynote address on ethical leadership and good governance.
BUREAU of Internal Revenue (BIR)
Commissioner Charlito Martin Mendoza said Tuesday the agency is on track to meet its fullyear revenue target after collections rose more than 5 percent in the first half of 2026.
Mendoza said BIR collections reached P1.6 trillion in the first half, up from P1.55 trillion in the same period last year, and expressed confidence the bureau can hit its P3.393trillion full-year goal set by the Development Budget Coordination Committee.
He attributed the gains to several reforms launched this year, including a one-time abatement program for micro taxpayers that took effect July 7. The program covers taxpayers with annual gross sales of up to P3 million and total tax liabilities or penalties of up to P80,000, and Mendoza said many have already availed of it. He described the program as a priority initiative of the President and said the BIR is working to ensure its success.
Mendoza also cited the taxpayer portal launched in May to modernize tax administration and ease business compliance. He added that the BIR is stepping up enforcement against tax evasion and preparing cases against individuals linked to the flood control controversy.
The BIR also launched the Ethical Standards and Anti-Corruption Course for Revenue Officers (ESACOR) on July 29 at its national office to strengthen integrity, accountability and professionalism across the bureau.
Mendoza attended the launch along with deputy and assistant commissioners, regional directors, revenue district officers, division chiefs and other BIR personnel.
Pasig City Mayor Victor Ma. Regis
“Vico” Sotto delivered the keynote address on ethical leadership and good governance.
BIR legal group deputy commissioner Larry Barcelo said integrity is the foundation of lasting reform and urged personnel to uphold honesty, accountability and professionalism, noting that public office is a public trust.
BIR internal affairs service assistant commissioner Daniel De Jesus outlined the course, developed under the bureau’s DARES reform agenda and integrity management program. The competency-based program has three modules covering ethical standards, anti-corruption measures and sexual harassment prevention, and reintroduces the Revised Code of Conduct for Revenue Officials and Employees under Revenue Memorandum Order No. 53-2010.
The BIR said the course will roll out progressively, starting with bureau leaders before reaching all revenue officials and employees nationwide, particularly new hires.
The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) which has property near Burnham Park (left) envisions transforming about 16,000 square meters of the site into a public green space with elevated walkways, landscaped open spaces and a modest open-air amphitheater for community, wellness and recreational activities, while preserving its existing pine trees. The project is a partnership between the GSIS and the City Government of Baguio, advancing environmental conservation and sustainable development.
THE Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) said Tuesday it is advancing plans to develop the Baguio Tree Park on a 3.36-hectare property near Burnham Park, combining environmental conservation with management of government assets. The project supports President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s push for environmentally sustainable and climate-resilient development. The proposed park aims to preserve Baguio City’s pine trees while transforming the property into a public green space for wellness, recreation and sustainable economic activity.
The property sits along Government Center-Military Cut-Off Road near the intersection of Upper Session Road and North Drive. The City Government of Baguio had previously reclassified the site from Government-Institutional to Park and Gardens, a move that limited its allowable uses and prompted GSIS to seek legal relief. GSIS and the Baguio City Government, under Mayor Benjamin Magalong, later reclassified the property as GovernmentRecreational-Commercial 2A. GSIS committed to preserving the existing pine trees and prohibiting tree cutting within the site. The agreement led to the archiving of the legal case GSIS had filed.
Magalong proposed converting about 16,000 square meters of the property into a Tree Park featuring elevated walkways, landscaped open spaces and a modest open-air amphitheater for community, wellness and recreational activities. The city government also provided GSIS with conceptual plans and technical designs for the project.
GSIS president and general-manager Jose Arnulfo Veloso said the proposed Tree Park shows how environmental protection and responsible asset management can complement each other.
“The proposed Baguio Tree Park reflects GSIS’ commitment to sustainable development, responsible stewardship of public assets, and meaningful collaboration with local government units. By preserving the site’s natural environment while creating opportunities for public enjoyment and economic activity, we are creating lasting value for our members, pensioners, and the community,” Veloso said.
GSIS said the project is expected to support the city’s sustainable development initiatives, discourage illegal occupancy and encroachment, add recreational space, boost the property’s long-term value and generate recurring income through planned micro-retail components without compromising the site’s ecological character.
BIR collection in first half of 2026
By Othel V. Campos
THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina Roque said Tuesday her agency secured an investment commitment from Singapore logistics giant YCH Group to develop artificial intelligence-enabled SuperPort and SuperPark logistics facilities in the Philippines, following talks with the Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF).
The commitment emerged during a July 30 roundtable in Singapore, where Roque pitched the Philippines as a regional manufacturing and logistics hub backed by investment reforms, fiscal incentives and a network of economic zones.
YCH Group, Singapore’s largest homegrown end-to-end supply chain and logistics provider with operations in more than 100 cities across the Asia-Pacific, said it intends to bring its AI-powered SuperPort and SuperPark model to the Philippines.
The company already provides supply chain solutions to Philippine fastmoving consumer goods companies and has developed similar smart logistics hubs in Vietnam and Cambodia as part of the ASEAN Smart Logistics Network.
eye investments in PH data centers, logistics facilities P1.6 trillion P1.55 trillion
BIR collection in first half of 2025
P3.39 trillion
Gov’t collection target for 2026
The proposed investment aligns with the Philippines’ push to modernize its logistics infrastructure and strengthen its role in regional supply chains.
“The Philippines is ready for the next wave of Singaporean investments. The reforms are in place, the incentives are on the table and we have diverse ecozones readily available for manufacturers looking to set up or expand their operations,” Roque said.
Infrastructure conglomerate Universal Success Enterprises Limited (USEL) is also exploring investments in logistics parks and data centers in the Philippines as it expands its Southeast Asian footprint.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2026
PH stocks retreat ahead of inflation data; peso dips
PHILIPPINE shares retreated Tuesday as investors locked in gains from the previous session while remaining cautious over developments in ongoing U.S.-Iran peace talks.
The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index fell 0.6 percent, or 38.08 points, to 6,296.64, while the broader all shares index slipped 0.43 percent, or 14.81 points, to 3,415.35.
“Market sentiment remained cautious, with traders maintaining shortterm positions as uncertainty surrounding the U.S.-Iran peace talks continued to weigh on risk appetite,” said Luis Limlingan, head of sales at Regina Capital Development Corp.
He added that the PSEi will consolidate around the 6,300 level amid continued profit-taking and subdued buying interest. Investors also took a cautious stance ahead of the release of July inflation data.
The property index led the decline, dropping 1.05 percent, followed by holding firms, down 0.95 percent; financials, down 0.83 percent; and services, which slipped 0.19 percent.
The industrial index inched up 0.02 percent, while mining and oil gained 0.56 percent.
The market finished with 84 advancers, 102 decliners and 54 unchanged issues, while turnover reached P4.29 billion.
Century Pacific Food Inc. led index gainers, rising 3.86 percent to P32.25, while Ayala Land Inc. fell to the bottom of the index, dropping 3.75 percent to P15.40.
The peso likewise depreciated to 61.165 to the US dollar Tuesday from 60.93 on Monday.
Jenniffer B. Austria
ByJenniffer B. Austria
MAYNILAD Water Services Inc., the water concessionaire for the west zone of Metro Manila, said Tuesday its first-half net income grew 14 percent to P8.51 billion on higher water sales, continued customer growth and improved network efficiency.
First-half revenues increased 4.1 percent to P19.11 billion from P18.35 billion a year ago as billed water volume climbed 2.9 percent to 280.8 million cubic meters while billed connections rose 1.6 percent to 1.59 million. Lower interest expense and lower
taxes, which more than offset the increase in operating expenses, also contributed to the company’s higher first-half profit.
Wastewater coverage increased to 88 percent from 85 percent in the first half of 2025 while non-revenue water
(NRW), which measures water lost through leaks and other system inefficiencies, improved to 29.7 percent as of end-June 2026 from 35.25 percent as of end-June 2025. Maynilad president and chief executive Ramoncito Fernandez said in a statement to the stock exchange that the first-half performance “reflects continued progress in improving service delivery, enhancing network efficiency and expanding wastewater and sanitation coverage.”
“These operational gains, supported by sustained capital investments, contributed to the company’s financial results. We remain focused on strengthening supply and network re-
silience and ensuring that our investments translate into better service and long-term value for our customers and stakeholders,” Fernandez said. Capital expenditures reached P12.89 billion in the first six months, up 18.9 percent from a year ago as the company invested in water and wastewater infrastructure, network reliability, production facilities and customer service improvements.
Maynilad improved its water service coverage to 94.99 percent from 94.76 percent a year earlier, while maintaining 24-hour water availability at a minimum pressure of 7 pounds per square inch for 92.1 percent of customers.
DIGIPLUS Interactive Corp. is looking at New Zealand as a third market for overseas expansion after its board approved filing an expression of interest to apply for a gaming license.
In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange on Tuesday, the company said its board approved the filing and authorized company representatives to sign the application documents.
The move follows DigiPlus’ expansion into Brazil and South Africa. DigiPlus did not disclose details of
GATEWAY. Bohol-Panglao International Airport, operated by Aboitiz
to Alona
Airport
Ranked among the
top 10 beaches by Travel and Tour World, Alona Beach continues to attract travelers with its white-sand shoreline, vibrant marine life, world-class diving and lively beachfront atmosphere. Photo credit: AroundBohol.com.
FedEx expands network with
By Othel V. Campos
FEDERAL Express Corp. has ex-
panded its intra-Asia network with a new dedicated non-stop freighter service between its Asia-Pacific hub in Guangzhou, China, and Sydney, Australia, improving trade connectivity between Asia and Australia, including for Philippine exporters. The service, operated five times a week using Boeing 777 freighters, is expected to cut transit times by up to one day for select shipments from the Philippines, allowing deliveries to Australia in as little as two business days.
The new route also benefits shipments from southern mainland China,
Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia and Thailand.
FedEx said the additional capacity will support faster order fulfillment, lower inventory costs and increased movement of heavyweight and highvalue cargo, while helping businesses capitalize on growing intra-Asia trade.
“The new Guangzhou-Sydney service marks a meaningful advancement for Philippine businesses looking to grow their presence in the Australian market,” said FedEx Philippines managing director Maribeth Espinosa.
“With faster transit times, exporters can respond more quickly to demand and gain a stronger competitive advantage in a dynamic trade environment.”
its planned New Zealand application, including the type of gaming license it intends to pursue, the application timeline or the investment amount.
Its planned entry into New Zealand comes as the country’s Department of Internal Affairs launched the expression of interest stage for one of 15 online casino licenses to be issued later this year.
The company, which operates digital gaming platforms BingoPlus, ArenaPlus and GameZone, has been pursuing overseas expansion to diversify its revenue streams beyond the
By Alena Mae S. Flores
PETRON Corp. posted net income of P3.8 billion for the first half of the year, down 27 percent from the same period last year as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East drove up crude prices, import premiums and freight costs.
“While the first half of the year has been challenging, we are confident that our financial discipline, operational resilience and competitive strengths will enable us to navigate these temporary headwinds,” Petron chairman and chief executive Ramon Ang said. “We remain focused on delivering on our commitment to ensure fuel security and meet the nation’s fuel demand amid the continued market volatility.”
FedEx said rising intra-Asia trade, which posted double-digit revenue growth in 2025, is prompting companies to strengthen regional supply chains through faster and more reliable logistics networks.
The direct Guangzhou-Sydney connection strengthens the company’s regional air network and supports rising trade flows across Asia.
The new service is part of FedEx’s increasing investments in its Asia-Pacific network, which also includes dedicated Guangzhou-Penang cargo flights, additional weekly freighter services between Guangzhou and Bangkok, and enhanced outbound connectivity from Hanoi, Vietnam, to South Korea.
Philippine market. DigiPlus previously said it is targeting the launch of BingoPlus as its second platform in Brazil in 2026. It is also building the team that will handle its planned South Africa venture ahead of a targeted 2027 launch.
Meanwhile, DigiPlus reported a 124 percent quarter-on-quarter increase in net income to P6.98 billion, boosted by a fair value gain from its investment in International Entertainment Corp.’s convertible notes. Excluding the one-off gain, core
Petron’s revenues jumped 57 percent to P605.9 billion in the first six months compared with the same period last year, driven by higher prices and improved sales volume. However, higher product costs for both production and imports, along with increased operating expenses, squeezed company margins. Operating income dropped 17 percent to P12.6 billion for the period. The global oil market remained volatile following the onset of the U.S.-Iran conflict. Benchmark Dubai crude fell to $79 a barrel in June after peaking at $129 a barrel in March.
Despite the sharp decline, Dubai crude averaged $96 a barrel in the second quarter, up from $86 a barrel in the first quarter. Dubai crude averaged $91 a barrel in the first half of
net income rose 8 percent to P2.35 billion.
Gross gaming revenue declined 9 percent quarter-on-quarter to P15.61 billion, mainly due to an aggressive push to acquire new users combined with macroeconomic conditions. Average monthly active users reached 5.75 million, while monthly average bettors and depositors jumped 26 percent quarter-on-quarter to 4.68 million.
Shares of DigiPlus closed unchanged Tuesday at P9.75. Jenniffer B. Austria
the year, a 27 percent increase from the same period in 2025.
Consolidated sales volume for the first six months rose 6 percent to 67.9 million barrels, boosted by an 86 percent surge in trading transactions by the company’s Singapore subsidiary. This offset a 6 percent decline in combined sales volume for Petron’s operations in the Philippines and Malaysia, which totaled 52.9 million barrels for the period.
While retail fuel sales in the Philippines grew 15 percent, overall volume was dragged down by lower refining output. This was caused by a temporary production shutdown at the Port Dickson Refinery in Malaysia and scheduled first-quarter maintenance at the Petron Bataan Refinery in Limay.
By Darwin G. Amojelar
IYADH Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, said it will launch its maiden flight to Manila on Sept. 9, 2026, marking the start of daily nonstop service between the two capitals.
The airline has opened ticket sales for the new route, which will link King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, strengthening air connectivity between Saudi Arabia and the Philippines.
Flight RX0873 will depart Riyadh at 1:05 a.m. local time on Sept. 9 and
arrive in Manila at 3:55 p.m. The return inaugural flight, RX0874, will leave Manila at 5:25 p.m. and land in Riyadh at 10:15 p.m. The service will operate daily thereafter.
The launch forms part of Riyadh Air’s expanding Asian network and its broader ambition to establish Riyadh as a leading global aviation hub.
Manila becomes one of the airline’s key regional destinations, reflecting growing economic, tourism and cultural ties between the two countries.
The route is expected to benefit thousands of Filipino travelers, particularly the large Filipino community living and working in Saudi Arabia, by offering a modern nonstop connection. It also aims to meet rising demand driven by business partnerships, education exchanges, and leisure and wellness tourism between the two countries.
Beyond direct passenger traffic, the Manila route will position Riyadh as a gateway for onward travel across Riyadh Air’s expanding global network.
of strong mathematical skills in economics, policymaking and nation-building.
represented the Philippines at the 67th International Mathematical Olympiad, bringing home one
and
By Othel V. Campos
THE Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) is pursuing deeper investment ties with Oman, including a proposed joint promotion agreement that would encourage businesses from both countries to use each other’s economic zones as gateways to regional markets.
PEZA director-general Tereso Panga recently met with officials of Oman’s Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ), including representatives from SOHAR Port
and Freezone, following the OmanPhilippines Investment Forum 2026 on July 26 in Makati City.
The talks built on discussions during the Oman-Philippines Strategic Majlis, where PEZA showcased the Philippines’ competitive investment environment and the role of economic zones in supporting manufacturing, logistics and renewable energy and other high-value industries. Both sides identified food manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, consumer health, plastics and the circular economy and high-tech electronics as pri-
Apple Pay teams up with four local banks to launch digital payments in PH
By Thony Rose Lesaca
A PPLE Pay has launched in the Philippines, allowing Filipino users to add eligible Visa and Mastercard debit and credit cards to the digital wallet on their iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad and Mac for contactless payments. Apple Pay is available as of Tuesday to customers of Chinabank, GoTyme Bank, Metrobank and UnionBank who hold eligible Visa and Mastercard debit and credit cards.
Visa said the launch accelerates payment digitalization in the country and expands payment options for Filipinos traveling abroad and for visitors traveling to the Philippines.
“With Apple Pay, Filipinos and tourists alike now have seamless and secure ways to pay across shops, restaurants, travel destinations and public transport, supporting the nation’s vision to become a cash-lite econo-
my,” said Visa Philippines country manager Jeffrey Navarro.
Mastercard country manager for the Philippines Jason Crasto said the launch enables secure, seamless and convenient payment experiences for Filipino consumers.
“As digital adoption continues to accelerate in this region, we’re excited to continue connecting people to the payment choices they want and the peace of mind they need every time they pay,” Crasto said.
Merchants including grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, coffee shops and retail stores accept Apple Pay wherever contactless payment options are available.
Customers can also use Apple Pay for in-app transactions and purchases made on the web, reducing the need to create accounts or repeatedly enter contact information, card details, or shipping and billing information.
ority areas for collaboration.
The two sides are also exploring a joint promotion memorandum of understanding to boost trade and investment by using Philippine and Omani economic zones as platforms for businesses targeting Southeast Asia, the Gulf Cooperation Council, Africa and other markets.
PEZA manages 436 economic zones hosting 4,388 locator companies and projects nationwide, offering integrated infrastructure, streamlined government services and investment incentives.
Passengers on the inaugural and subsequent flights will fly aboard a new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner featuring the airline’s Business Elite, Business, Premium Economy and Economy cabins. The aircraft includes ergonomic seating, expanded personal space and storage, Panasonic Avionics’ Astrova inflight entertainment system, wireless listening capability and mobile-first connectivity. Riyadh Air will also offer elevated dining, Saudi-made Kayanee amenities, Disney travel kits for children and a five-sense wellness program designed to reduce travel fatigue.
The airline is introducing passen-
gers to Sfeer, its new loyalty program built for what it calls “a generation in motion.” Members will receive complimentary onboard Wi-Fi, a Best Offer Guarantee, non-expiring loyalty points and priority access to bookings on future route launches through the Founders Club. Riyadh Air, established in March 2023, has pursued a growth strategy centered on a modern fleet, digital innovation and sustainable operations. The airline aims to connect travelers to more than 100 destinations worldwide by 2030, positioning Riyadh as a premier international gateway while showcasing Saudi hospitality.
So, those would not be a problem,” Consing said. Thony Rose Lesaca DOE awards contract to UK’s Metatek for survey
THE Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded the contract for Year 1, Phase 1 of the Philippine Gradiometry and Seismic Survey Project to U.K.-based Metatek, marking the official start of the government’s airborne geophysical survey program. The contract covers the acquisition, processing and interpretation of airborne gradiometry data over 40,000 square kilometers of the Agusan-Davao Basin and Davao Gulf. It represents the first stage of the project’s twoyear airborne survey program, which will ulti-
POLICIES. Ernesto Delos Reyes Jr., director of the Board
on
2026. The event organized by the IAS in partnership with the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and Bureau of Customs (BOC).
By Jenniffer B. Austria
SEVEN Philippine companies made Forbes Asia’s 2026 Best Under A Billion list, which recognizes 200 topperforming small and midsized listed companies in the Asia-Pacific region,
the magazine said in its August issue.
The Philippine firms on the list were Apex Mining Co. Inc., Asia United Bank, Far Eastern University Inc., Pryce Corp., STI Education Systems Holdings Inc., Vivant Corp. and A. Soriano Corp.
and
THE Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) on Tuesday endorsed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s push to lower electricity costs, but said reforms to system loss charges should be guided by comprehensive technical and economic studies to ensure the long-term stability of the power sector.
It said affordable, reliable and competitively priced electricity is essential to strengthening Philippine manufacturing, attracting investments, expanding exports, generating quality jobs and enhancing the country’s global competitiveness.
The group backed a review of system loss charges, including the value-added tax imposed on them, but said any amendments to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act should be guided by technical and economic assessments from the Department of Energy and the Energy Regulatory Commission.
“Affordable and reliable electricity is indispensable to Philippine manufacturing and economic competitiveness,” FPI chairwoman Elizabeth Lee said.
Lee said consumers should not shoulder the cost of operational inefficiencies. She noted that ERC rules already cap recoverable system losses, requiring distribution utilities and electric cooperatives to absorb losses beyond the allowable threshold. FPI said the existing framework encourages power distributors to improve operational efficiency and minimize avoidable losses.
The group also called for stricter enforcement against electricity theft and other forms of power pilferage through stronger implementation of existing laws and closer public-private cooperation. Othel V. Campos
By Clarisse Sabigan & Janelle Santos
THE Manila Standard team visited the temporary location of the University Library at the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD) on July 28 to expand its reach to the efficient and modern side of news consumption.
Through the QR code experience program, credible news is now more accessible to the academic community, providing a convenient gateway to trusted information.
For more than 100 years, the UP Diliman Library has stood as a symbol of knowledge and learning. While it remains a foundation of the country’s deeply rooted tradition of acquiring information, the library continues to evolve by integrating digital technologies to meet the needs of modern researchers. It serves as a crucial bridge, connecting the rich history of Filipino academe with the innovations of the global community.
In an era where information is only a click away, access to credible and reliable news has become more important than ever. Long before the rise of digital platforms, the UP Diliman Library had already been preserving history through its extensive collection of newspaper microfilms, allowing students, researchers, and the academic community to explore decades of verified news and historical records.
However, the emergence of digital technologies has drastically shifted the landscape of information consumption. The transition from traditional curated archives to fast-paced digital feeds has fundamentally changed how the public interacts with the information they consume, blurring the line between facts and manufactured content.
According to a Pulse Asia survey, over 72 percent of Filipinos are likely to believe what they see on social media without verification, a major problem driven by social media algorithms. This is why the UP Library continues to promote its long-standing advocacy for information literacy.
According to College Librarian Eunice Ann Yutuc Chua, promoting information literacy and combating misinformation have always been among the library’s core priorities.
The library also seeks to strengthen students’ civic literacy by helping them become more aware of social issues and recognize potential biases in the information they encounter.
Through the QR code standee program, the UP Diliman Library aims to provide students with access to credible and reliable information that can support informed research and deeper understanding.
As a key part of this effort, the university adopted the QR code standee initiative. Through these standees, the UP Diliman Library provides students with friction-free access to reliable information, encouraging the academic community to take the opportunity
By Robert Harland
A GROWING number of people worldwide are embracing the “no-poo” movement — washing their hair without shampoo, often just with water.
The idea is simple: by avoiding detergents, the scalp can regulate its natural oils more effectively, leaving hair healthier, shinier and less dependent on commercial products.
Advocates argue that shampoos strip away sebum, the scalp’s natural conditioner, forcing the body to overproduce oil. By rinsing only with water, massaging the scalp and brushing to distribute oils, they believe hair can return to its natural balance. The benefits are appealing: lower costs, less plastic waste and fewer chemicals entering waterways. For those who dye their hair, skipping shampoo may even help colour last longer.
But how does this trend fare in the Philippines, where the climate is hot, humid and often sticky? Dermatologists caution that tropical conditions can complicate the transition. Sweat, pollution and high humidity mean hair may feel greasier faster and the “adjustment period” — often four to eight weeks — can be particularly uncomfortable. In Metro Manila, where daily commuting exposes people to dust and heat, water-only washing may leave hair limp or oily unless carefully managed.
Some Filipinos experimenting with “nopoo” adapt by rinsing more frequently, using cooler water and incorporating natural aids such as cornstarch or arrowroot powder to absorb excess oil. Others turn to herbal rinses — like calamansi or guava leaves — long favoured in local traditions for their cleansing properties. These natural alternatives can help bridge the gap between modern shampoo culture and the minimalist “no-poo” philosophy. Still, experts stress that “no-poo” is not for everyone. Those with oily scalps, thick hair or conditions like dandruff may find water-only
to engage with verified, bias-free journalism.
“Pino-promote namin ang information literacy, debunking of fake news, and Manila Standard is already one of its credible na news resources,” she said.
She underscored the publication’s long-standing history, noting that the newspaper has established itself as a reliable source of information.
Shaping the future
Today, the partnership between the library and the Manila Standard stems from a shared goal—not only for UP but for libraries globally—to actively combat fake news and promote information literacy by embracing innovation through the QR code initiative, which bridges traditional archives and digital technology.
By simply scanning a QR code, users can instantly access newspaper content, making research faster, more convenient, and more interactive while providing an efficient way to consume reliable in-
washing impractical. Social settings also play a role: during the greasy transition, hair may look unkempt, which can be difficult in professional environments. Ultimately, the “no-poo” trend reflects a broader shift toward eco-conscious living and simpler routines. In the Philippines, where climate and lifestyle pose unique challenges, success may depend on blending tradition with modern experimentation — whether through herbal rinses, occasional co-washing or simply reducing shampoo use rather than abandoning it altogether.
For those willing to endure the sticky transition, the reward could be healthier, more balanced hair — proof that even in the tropics, less can sometimes be more.
formation.
Through its partnership with Manila Standard, the UP Library advocates for access to authentic, reliable, and trustworthy information. It also encourages the UP community to read critically and develop the ability to evaluate information carefully.
“Sana through this initiative alam nila kung saan talaga dapat titingin ng tamang news—hindi dapat kung saan-saan lang na information,” Chua added.
The library hopes to foster a culture at UP where community members are not only excellent at sharing information but are also responsible and discerning in combating the spread of misinformation.
Furthermore, the UP Diliman Library hopes to provide a platform where the stories, achievements, and excellence of UP students can be shared with a wider audience. In an age when information is abundant but truth can be difficult to discern, the library remains more than a repository of knowledge—it is a space where students learn not only to seek credible information but also to think critically, uphold the truth, and become responsible consumers of information.
By Mary Jane Abug
THE Climate Change Commission convened national and local leaders, development partners, academics, and civil society organizations at the SMX Aura Convention Center on July 23 for the National Climate Resilience Forum (NCRF) 2026, urging stakeholders to translate national climate policies into concrete, scalable action at the local level.
The CCC said the Philippines is among the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries, facing risks from extreme weather events, sea-level rise, food insecurity, water stress, and climate-induced displacement. These risks make it necessary to move climate policies beyond planning and into concrete programs and projects in communities.
“Our objective is clear: to translate national policies into context-specific, investment-ready, and scalable climate action where it matters most—in our communities,” CCC Commissioner Rachel Anne S. Herrera said.
Sen. Loren Legarda urged local government units (LGUs) to take a stronger role in implementing climate strategies in their communities. She said climate resilience should be integrated into land-use plans, annual investments, and infrastructure decisions.
The forum also highlighted climate finance opportunities, resilience measurement systems, and science- and data-driven planning tools to help LGUs implement climate action.
Rep. Aniela Bianca D. Tolentino, chair of the House Committee on Climate Change, stressed that climate resilience depends on implementation rather than plans alone.
“Plans alone cannot make communities resilient. Ang tunay na sukatan ng tagumpay ay hindi kung gaano kaganda ang ating mga plano, kundi paano natin ito naipapatupad sa ating mga komunidad,” Tolentino said.
The NCRF also sought to strengthen the alignment of national climate frameworks, including the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) 2023–2050 and the Nationally Determined Contribution Implementation Plan (NDCIP), and their implementation at the local level.
The forum drew almost 500 participants from local and national government, civil society, academe, development organizations, the private sector, and other sectors, underscoring the need for action across all levels of government and society to approach climate resilience.
IN a major milestone for regional healthcare, We Hope Medical Group officially inaugurated the first stand-alone chemotherapy center in Tarlac City.
The launching of the Tarlac Chemotherapy Center marks a significant step forward in the group’s ongoing mission to deliver high-quality, compassionate, and accessible cancer care to Filipinos outside major metropolitan areas.
The newly established facility is designed to provide comprehensive outpatient chemotherapy services, offering specialized oncology care closer to home. By introducing a dedicated, stand-alone center, We Hope Medical Group aims to reduce the physical, emotional, and financial burdens long-distance travel places on cancer patients and their families.
Strategic location played a crucial role in choosing Tarlac City for this expansion. Affectionately dubbed the “Melting Pot of Central Luzon,” Tarlac serves as a central hub connecting key roadnetworks across North and Central Luzon. Its strong infrastructure makes the facility easily accessible not only to Tarlac residents, eliminating the need to travel to Metro Manila for quality specialized treatment.
“Hope is finally here in Tarlac. Our main goal here is to provide FREE chemotherapy services to the province and all of our adjacent LGUs. This is the commitment of our company as a private entity partnering with the local and national government to delivering the services that are actually needed. These are the important missions that we bring – a professionally-managed center where you can expect utmost service. Bawal po ang suplado at suplada sa center na ito,” said the Chairman and CEO of We Hope medical Group, Dr. John Paul Aclan during his welcome speech.
The facility features modern treatment areas tailored for patient comfort and safety, supported by a specialized team of medical oncologists, oncology nurses, and healthcare professionals.
The event was graced by key officials from various public offices—a clear testament to the local government units’ full support for the company’s mission and vision to serve and uplift the commu -
Cong.
JASPER VALDEZ, Writer
‘Someone,
KATHRYN Bernardo and James Reid
expressed their gratitude to viewers worldwide as their comeback series Someone, Someday continues to dominate Netflix Philippines’ most-watched TV series chart.
The series, which also stars Maja Salvador remained the No. 1 most-watched TV show on Netflix Philippines following its premiere. It also entered the Top 10 list of most-watched shows in Singapore and Malaysia.
“We are very grateful to all our Kapamilyas who followed the series, not only on Netflix in the Philippines but also in different parts of the world. I heard that the reception in Singapore and Malaysia has also been great. It is really heartwarming,” Bernardo said in an interview on TV Patrol Reid shared the same appreciation, saying the response from audiences exceeded his expectations.
“We just want to say thank you, Kapamilyas, for all the support and for the warm welcome during this very hot first week. Honestly, your support and reactions exceeded my expectations, so thank you so much,” Reid said.
In the series, Billy (Bernardo) and Jordan (Reid) continue their investigation into the person who ordered Caloy ( McCoy De Leon ) to sabotage their successful business by hacking the LoveList dating app.
Meanwhile, Abi (Salvador) begins to reveal a darker side as her admiration for Billy turns into an obsession, leading her to take extreme measures to invade Billy’s privacy. Someone, Someday airs weeknights at 8:45 p.m. on ALLTV2, TV5, A2Z, Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live on YouTube and Facebook, and TFC. The series is also available 72 hours ahead of its television broadcast on Netflix and 48 hours ahead on iWant.
ARBIE Forteza
Bhas spent much of her career carrying the image of Philippine showbiz’s “good girl”: bubbly, charming, and wholesome. But in Regal Entertainment’s upcoming film Saving Cherry , the actress who turned 29 just a few days ago, is ready to challenge that perception with her boldest role to date.
Very Wang Nickie Wang
The recently released trailer surprised audiences as Barbie shed her familiar persona to deliver profanity-laced lines and portray a character far removed from the polished image fans have long associated with her.
Without question, Saving Cherry pushes Barbie into more mature territory. The actress herself agrees, admitting that the film allowed her to explore a side of herself she had never shown before.
Barbie describes Cherry as “the wildest virgin you would ever see” and the most liberated character she has portrayed.
“She is the wildest and most freeing woman I have ever played,” she said.
Directed by Ivan Andrew Payawal Saving Cherry follows Cherry, a conservative woman who catches her fiancé cheating after saving her virginity for marriage, leading her on a wild road trip with her bridesmaids and wedding planner to reclaim her life. The story explores infidelity, female desire, and the complicated expectations placed on Meanwhile, Barbie admitted that being viewed as the “good girl” in showbiz comes with its own pressure. A wholesome image does not mean being perfect, especially when the public is often waiting for a mistake.
“Sometimes I feel like, I don’t know if it’s just me or if many artists experience this, but even if you are a good girl, people still find something bad about you. And that is what they focus on and dissect,” she expressed in the vernacular.
She compared the experience to living inside an aquarium, where every move is visible, and people are constantly waiting for you to slip.
“Imagine that being your life every single day. You can’t make mistakes. It is like you are inside an aquarium every day. It is no longer about being a good girl or not. They are already there, waiting for you to make a mistake,” she went on.
“Being a good girl is both easy and difficult. It is difficult because I am human. We are human. We are not only good, right?,” she added. That realization helped her embrace Cherry, a character who is betrayed but refuses to remain powerless. The actress said she immediately accepted the role when it was offered in 2025, especially after seeing the trust and respect behind the project.
“I said yes right away. When it
Brand New Day has delivered a record-breaking debut in the Philippines, scoring the biggest post-pandemic opening weekend in the country. The superhero adventure earned P586.9 million during its first five days in theaters from July 29 to August 1, playing on more than 700 screens. The haul also made it the biggest opening for a Spider-Man film in the Philippines and the third biggest opening weekend in the country, behind Avengers: Endgame and Avengers: Infinity War Columbia Pictures Industries Inc., the film’s Philippine distributor, announced the box office milestone Tuesday.
was pitched to me at Regal’s office in February 2025, everyone was there. I was overwhelmed because of how they treated the project and how serious they were about having me on board. That alone convinced me. When your colleagues show you that kind of respect and treat you that way, why would you say no?,” Barbie said.
Joining Barbie in the cast are Mikee Quintos, AC Bonifacio, Sassa Gurl, Mika Salamanca, JC Alcantara, and Khalil Ramos
From Regal Entertainment, Saving Cherry arrives in cinemas nationwide on Sept. 2. As se nos, niquid fue tuam fati, fuius popubliis. Forit. Evirtil virtatuus det; non te, curnim ad conos estrit, quam pubi percerus consuppl. Gula erfecur inatanu cauceri aceres forat.
Alibus perfit, quius cuperte potiae mantem dem interfe niurnia ectusa vo, qua redo, catilique ad Catum id cus? Soliis; hostebus consum haetios tissimissa enatquemei condam mora quo hum inum ne nostam fatid rent. Vo, con hoca; inatam clestia mditiam confeceporis vivit, sid inam iam inprips, vide consupionsus publiu estiam moentem noverfe sicatres nonica intem me que corteme possent rarbit, quissi confecurei tatum pulabut fatus vignostaris conemur bisquastrat, quid atuidiur quostilis in tanum hem pl. Ignatie ndacit; ne et fue nox mus, perfecrus; Catra in vescerfirmis iam.
costumes, while mall
the superhero’s signature
and
colors as the country celebrated Spider-Man Day on Aug. 1. S pider-Man: Brand New Day is currently showing in Philippine theaters, including ScreenX, 3D/4DX, and other
formats. The film follows Peter Parker as he fights crime full-time as Spider-Man in a world that no longer remembers him. As he watches his former friends move on without him, Peter faces a transformation that could change his life while confronting a new threat: a powerful villain who cannot be seen.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day is the latest installment in the Marvel superhero franchise, with Holland returning as the
Glaiza Lee
BEHIND every film is a vision. Behind the scenes lies the creative process, collaborative decisions, and personal reflections that shaped the cinematic output audiences see.
For me, listening to and reading a director’s perspective transforms a story into an experience. I get to see a glimpse into their artistic world, revealing the inspirations, challenges, and convictions that guided each filmmaker in bringing their vision to life.
At the heart of every Cinemalaya film is a distinct voice—one that dares to reflect, question, and reimagine the world around us. Following this year’s theme, Reel Reflections, these directors’ notes invite us beyond the screen and offer a deeper appreciation of the stories, the storytellers, and the conversations they hope to inspire. Read on to discover the voices behind the films that continue to resonate long after the credits roll:
Alpha Habon: Kaka Sa Yawan is a deeply personal film because it echoes the unspoken weight so many of us carry—childhood grief, identity displacement, fractured families, and relationships that leave a permanent mark on who we become. Told across two timelines, the film takes on a reflective tone, lingering in silences and the unspoken.
David Corpuz: Tayo Lang Ang Nakakaalam is a film about love, care, trust, and what we choose to protect. I hope to create a space where audiences can reflect on the complexities of love, family, and grief. More than anything, Tayo Lang Ang Nakakaalam explores queer intimacy, chosen family, and the invisible bonds that connect us. It attempts to create a space for stories that are often kept hidden, known only to a few.
Dustin Celestino: Through A.ni. mál, we seek to unmask the true nature of evil as petty, shallow, and pathetic; often an unfortunate side effect of narcissism combined with idiocy. We made this film to give the Filipino audience a glimpse beyond the curated image our pathetic officials carefully manufacture to deceive and control our people.
Giancarlo Abrahan/Guelan
Varela-Luarca: Mag-iina is an eerie family drama — undomesticated by a horror that announces itself openly: in nightmares that bleed into waking, in the dead who have not crossed toward eternal light, and in secrets that linger longer than the ghosts themselves. The horror is not hidden in shadows. It is in the light; in the way the light refuses to reassure.
JL Burgos: Ganggang is set in the countryside where the most heinous human rights abuses are experienced. These don’t often get news coverage. When they do land on the news, the situation and the victims are reduced to statistics. This is the story Ganggang intends to tell — the narratives behind the news and the numbers from the innocent eyes of kids.
Ma-An
Asuncion-Dagñalan/ Abet Pagdagdagan Raz: 2 Valid IDs is not just about poverty. It is about invisibility. For many people, an ID is something tucked away in a wallet. For others, not having one means being unable to access opportunities, financial assistance, healthcare, or even recognition as a participant in society. At its heart, this film is about the enduring human desire to be recognized—not just by a piece of
identification, but as a person worthy of compassion, opportunity, and hope.
Mark Duane Angos: I had always viewed conflict through the prism of religion and ideology, but seeing it through the eyes of a child who simply loved the game made it heartbreaking.
Years later, that tragedy [one of the young Mindanaoan players who had a friendly match with the director’s Manila-based youth football club was shot dead when he allegedly refused to
rejoin a militant group] still stays with me. It is the story I feel compelled to tell in my directorial debut.
FULL House Theater Company’s (FHTC) production of Shrek The Musical emerged as the most awarded musical at the 16th Gawad Buhay Awards, taking home six awards and a special citation.
Presented on July 28 at Aliw Theater in Pasay City, the awards ceremony was organized by the Philippine Legitimate Stage Artists Group (Philstage), which recognizes achievements in live performing arts.
Jamie Wilson won Male Lead Performance in a Musical for his role as Shrek, while Topper Fabregas received Male Featured Performance in a Musical for portraying Donkey. The production also earned Outstanding Stage Direction for a Musical for Dexter Santos, Outstanding Choreography for Stephen Viñas, and Outstanding Projection and Video Design for GA Fallarme, Justin Santiago, and JM Jimenez. It was also named Outstanding Production for Children and received a Special Citation for Achievement in Puppetry.
“Every award reflects the collective work behind this production, from the artists onstage to the creative, technical, and production teams behind the curtain,” FHTC artistic director Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo said.
FHTC received 18 nominations this year, with Shrek The Musical earning 12 nods and Delia D.: A Musical Featuring the Songs of Jonathan Manalo receiving six nominations across performance, direction, choreography, design, and production categories.
The all-Filipino staging of Shrek The Musical brought the Broadway hit to the Newport Performing Arts Theater, featuring Filipino performers and creatives under the direction of Santos.
Meanwhile, Delia D., starring Phi Palmos in the title role, features the songs of Jonathan Manalo in an original musical about identity, family, courage, and dreams.
The wins reinforce FHTC’s focus on developing Filipino theater talent and producing large-scale stage productions.
FESTIVE Walk Iloilo concluded its month-long Experience Iloilo City celebration with three art installations that showcased the city’s biodiversity, maritime traditions, and local craftsmanship. Held in July to commemorate Iloilo Business Park’s first anniversary as Iloilo City’s Center of Arts and Culture, the celebration featured works across sculpture, painting, architecture, music, literature, dance, and cinema that highlighted Ilonggo creativity and heritage. Among the featured installations was Bloom of Light, a luminous piece by Oton-based contemporary artist Khyle Columna. Inspired by Iloilo City’s floral biodiversity, the artwork transformed a rare bloom into a symbol of resilience, hope, and environmental
Vahn Leinard Pascual: Status:
Rejected is a love letter to my grandmother and to many Filipino grandmothers whose lives are shaped by quiet longing. This film began with a question that has stayed with me for years: do our grandmothers still have space to be seen, to be heard, and to be loved for who they are beyond the roles they once carried?
May-I Guia Padilla: My primary interest in making this film is to convey how a priest might use “positive resistance,” or weaponizing kindness, in all kinds of situations. Kindness is a choice—but I’m no saint. I’ve learned that kindness poured into the wrong hands doesn’t warm anyone. The story, which takes place inside a vehicle going to places that might seem familiar, is conversational.
organic and
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2026
lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com
NICKIE WANG, Editor
ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer
JASPER VALDEZ, Writer
By Nickie Wang
THREE art installations inspired by the country’s three major island groups welcome visitors to Uniqlo’s Manila Global Flagship Store in Glorietta 5 as the retailer joins the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Philippines-Japan Friendship.
Created with Salcedo Auctions, the installations—which celebrate the long-standing ties between the two countries—pair Philippine landscapes with Japanese cultural symbols using sustainable materials.
The Luzon installation combines the Banaue Rice Terraces with an origami lotus to symbolize harmony between people and nature. The Visayas piece features coconut trees and the Japanese origami crane to represent abundance and continuity, while the Mindanao installation pairs Siargao’s waves with koi fish to signify resilience, movement, and enduring connections.
Inspired by the Visayas’ coconut groves, the installation pairs the coconut tree with the Japanese origami crane, symbolizing the Philippines and Japan’s shared values of abundance, continuity, and cultural connection
The installations are also on display at Uniqlo SM Mall of Asia as part of the Friendship Year celebration.
The anniversary also includes collaborations showcasing Filipino culture and craftsmanship. Uniqlo Coffee introduced the limited-time Ube Kome Cloud, a drink made with burnt rice
By Veronica Velosoyap Wuson
A STRIKING collection of 56 Marian paintings by 13 multi-talented Filipino artists, whose journeys span corporate boardrooms, law, business, banking, philanthropy, education, writing, and the visual arts, will be featured in the fundraising exhibition Maria Regina: Grace in Blue – Portraits in Peace, opening Sept. 10 at the Mall of Asia Sanctuary.
For months, this community of contemporary artists gathered regularly at Sunshine Place in Jupiter, Makati, united by one purpose: to honor Mary through art. Proceeds from the exhibition will support the construction of an adoration chapel at St. Francis Church in Mandaluyong and the rehabilitation of the Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine in Quezon City.
Exhibition lead artist Carol Llanillo, a lawyerturned-painter trained in Chinese brush techniques, poured her devotion into the project, creating 20 oil paintings portraying Mary in different expressions and moments of contemplation.
“My goal is to move beyond mere likeness, seeking instead to evoke the virtues of tenderness, humility, strength, sorrow, and patience,” Llanillo says. “Each painting is a visual prayer—a bridge between an enduring love for art and a commitment to service.”
in collaboration with Café Salcedo. The beverage will be available until Jan. 3, 2027.
Re.Uniqlo partnered with artisan communities from Abra, Iloilo, and South Cotabato to create embroidered patches inspired by Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao using fabric scraps. The designs celebrate regional traditions while promoting sustainability, with proceeds supporting the participating communities.
Uniqlo also launched “Supporting Brighter Futures Through Education,” a yearlong initiative leading to the company’s 15th anniversary in the Philippines in 2027. In
partnership with the ABS-CBN Foundation, HOPE Foundation, and SM Foundation, the program will support 15 public schools nationwide through educational programs, LifeWear donations, and volunteer activities.
Sales of selected AIRism innerwear products will help fund the initiative.
“We are grateful that millions of Filipinos have made LifeWear part of their everyday lives,” said Osamu Ikezoe, chief operating officer of Uniqlo Philippines. “We see this milestone as the beginning of our next chapter, where we continue growing together and helping make everyday life better for Filipino people.”
Education Secretary Sonny Angara welcomed the initiative, saying partnerships between the government and the private sector help create more opportunities for Filipino learners.
The celebration coincides with Uniqlo’s growth in the Philippines. Since opening its first local store at SM Mall of Asia in 2012, the
Thirteen Filipino artists turn faith into 56 Marian visions
Filipino identity, encouraging his students to discover their own visual language while remaining faithful to the spirit of the Blessed Mother.
Alongside him is fellow master artist Robert Fernandez, whose mentorship helped nurture a creative community where friendship and artistic growth flourish together.
For Rica Rosario Ong, the inspiration came from a deeply personal pilgrimage.
“Last May, I was blessed with the opportunity to travel to Turkey, where I visited Ephesus, traditionally believed to be the home where the Blessed Virgin Mary spent the final years of her earthly life,” she recalls.
Fernandez explores the relationship between tradition and contemporary expression.
“My work seeks to create a bridge between eras,” he explains.
“By combining meticulously detailed classical figure painting with unexpected modern elements, I wanted to show that devotion is both timeless and deeply rooted in our contemporary world.”
Vicky Pollisco expresses Mary’s presence through sweeping bands of color and fluid abstraction.
“Through these vibrant forms, I wanted to capture the unconditional protection, tenderness, and sacred strength of motherhood,” she says. “Mary remains an enduring symbol of refuge in an everchanging world.”
darker tones to become the foundation from which light emerges,” Ramos explains.
“My paintings are reflections of my experiences, my
has expanded to 81 branches nationwide and is preparing to celebrate its 15th anniversary next year.
appreciation for beauty, and my continuing journey of discovering who I am as an artist.”
Joyce Ashworth’s geometric compositions explore Mary’s life through overlapping planes symbolizing joy, sorrow, sacrifice, and unwavering faith.
“What may appear fragmented is intentional,” Ashworth says. “The overlapping forms symbolize the many joys, sorrows, and challenges that shaped Mary’s life. Together, they form a unified whole, reflecting her unwavering faith and complete trust in God’s plan.”
Beyond the canvases, the exhibition reflects the spirit of Sunshine Place itself—a community where artists gather to learn, encourage one another, and continue creating well into their senior years.
As Sunshine Place manager Gilda Reyes observes, the friendships formed inside the studio have become as meaningful as the artworks.
“Through shared interests and the time they spend together, our artists have developed warm and meaningful relationships that bring them happiness and a sense of belonging,” Reyes says.
More than an exhibition of sacred art, “Maria Regina: Grace in Blue – Portraits in Peace” is a celebration of faith, creativity, and community.
The 56 paintings are not merely portraits of Mary, but reflections of the artists’ own journeys—of passions renewed, second callings discovered, and faith expressed through every brushstroke.
The exhibition also features works by Loida Tan, Conchitina Bernardo, Len Fernandez, Erlinda Flores, Vicky Lopez, and other participating artists, each contributing a distinctive interpretation of Marian devotion.
The exhibition runs from Sept. 10 to Oct. 7 at the Mall of Asia Sanctuary.
At the heart of the exhibition is Master Fidel Sarmiento, president of the Art Association of the Philippines and mentor of the Sunshine Place artists. Moving beyond
Western Marian
in
“My devotion to Mama Mary has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. Looking back, I realized that the prayers I once thought had gone unanswered were actually answered according to God’s perfect timing.”
After 35 years in banking, Ed Ramos embraced painting full-time, rediscovering a lifelong passion. His works build luminosity through layers of cobalt turquoise, teal, gold, and shadow.
“I achieved depth by allowing
