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‘P107b for flood control, P10b for confi funds in 2027 budget’ By Charles Dantes
VOL. XL • NO. 179 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2026
COA flags fund misuse at OVP P73m spent on gifts, ‘other events’ By Maricel V. Cruz and Katrina Manubay
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HE Office of the Vice President (OVP) used P73.287 million in confidential funds for Christmas activities, gift-giving, tree planting, medical missions and other events that did not fall under the allowable uses of such funds, a state auditor testified before the Senate impeachment court in the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte on Tuesday.
Xylene Mae Del Campo, Commission on Audit-Intelligence and Confidential Funds Audit Office (COA-ICFAO) supervising auditor, said the OVP charged
confidential funds for activities and expenses that were either not allowed under government rules or lacked sufficient supporting documents under Joint Circu-
lar No. 2015-01. “Based on the joint circular, this was not included among the activities under Section 4.8 where confidential funds may be used,” Del Campo said. Asked specifically whether the Christmas activities, tree planting, gift-giving and other events listed in the OVP documents were allowed, Del Campo answered, “Hindi po (No).” She also pointed to discrepancies in the dates of some activities, noting that expenses incurred from Dec. 13 to 18, 2022, were charged against a Next page
PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday submitted to Congress the proposed P7.2 trillion national budget for 2027, which is about six percent higher than this year’s P6.7 trillion spending outlay. The proposed 2027 budget covers P107 billion for flood control -- less than a third of the P350 billion allocated in 2025 but up from this year’s zero
PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the Department of Public Works and Highways to revive and complete a long-delayed spillway in Las Piñas City, saying the project could significantly improve Metro Manila’s ability to drain floodwaters. Mr. Marcos issued the directive during an inspection of a high-vacuum self-priming drainage trailer pump at Alido Bridge in Barangay Zapote, as he assessed the effects of heavy rains that recently caused flooding in parts of the capital.
said the court requires evidence that directly links an accused to the alleged offense, rather than mere accounts or allegations made in public. “It is really difficult to establish evidence in court. Whatever discussions Next page
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MITIGATION EFFORTS. President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. inspects the ongoing transfer of floodwater from Alido to Zapote rivers in Barangay Zapote, Las Pinas City, using a high-vacuum self-priming drainage trailer pump deployed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). Upper right photo shows workers hauling tons of trash floating in water channels along the Baclaran area in Parañaque City on August 11, 2026. PCO/ Norman Cruz
PH not leaving No proof to link ex-Speaker to allegations—lawyer Ayungin Shoal, says military By Rex Espiritu and Ram Superable THE Philippines will not abandon the BRP Sierra Madre and its mission at Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reiterated on Tuesday. “BRP Sierra Madre nor Second Thomas Shoal or Ayungin Shoal will never be abandoned,” AFP spokesperson for the WPS Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said at a press briefing. Trinidad made the statement when asked about the provisional understanding between Manila and Beijing regarding resupply missions to the BRP Sierra Madre. The Department of Foreign Affairs has said the deal is meant to avoid Next page
26 now dead from habagat; PAGASA says rains to continue AT LEAST 26 persons nationwide have now been reported killed due to the combined effects of the southwest monsoon (Habagat) and typhoons “Luis” and “Maymay,” the Philippine National Police reported Tuesday. Police said two fatalities were from Region 1, 7 died in Region 4B (CALABARZON), and 16 were killed in separate incidents in the Cordillera region. A policeman drowned while trying to save comrades in distress in Negros, the PNP said. Meanwhile, the state weather agency PAGASA said Metro Manila, Ilocos Region, Benguet, Abra, Calabarzon, Zambales, Bataan, Tarlac, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Marinduque,Occidental Mindoro and Oriental Mindoro will continue to experience cloudy skies with scattered rain and thunderstorms due to Habagat (the southwest monsoon). The Visayas and Mindanao will have
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spokesperson and counsel, cited the Sandiganbayan’s decision to grant bail to former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. as an example of how insufficient evidence can undermine a criminal case. In a dzRH radio interview, Fajardo
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2027 PROPOSED BUDGET. The administration’s proposed P7.2-trillion budget for next year is ready for deliberation in Congress after its submission yesterday by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). PCO
Marcos orders Las Piñas spillway project revived
THE camp of former Speaker Martin Romualdez has said there is no solid evidence linking him to alleged irregularities in flood control projects, warning that public accusations cannot substitute for proof in court. Lawyer Ade Fajardo, Romualdez’s
funding -- as well as over P10 billion for confidential and intelligence funds. According to the Department of Budget and Management, the proposed national budget is equivalent to around 21.7 percent of gross domestic product (GDP). A significant portion of the increase reflects mandatory funding requirements and existing government commitments, including the higher Na-
Pinoys urged to be vigilant in quake-stricken Colombia By Katrina Manubay THE Philippine Embassy in Colombia on Monday night urged Filipinos affect-
SAVED. A man carries a dog as he walks past the rubble of a collapsed building after an earthquake in Pereira, Colombia on August 10, 2026. The Colombian geological service and its American counterpart USGS put the magnitude at 7.4, with an epicenter 100 km (60 miles) underground in the west of the country. See related story on A6. AFP
ed by the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck the country to remain vigilant. In an advisory, the embassy urged Filipinos to prioritize their safety and seek safe shelter. There are about 119 Filipinos in Colombia, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs. “Stay informed. Monitor news updates and heed advisories from the Colombian government,” the embassy said. The embassy also advised Filipinos Next page
NEWS
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mst.daydesk@gmail.com
COA... From A1 20 now... From A1 partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms due to localized thunderstorms. PAGASA warned of possible flash floods due to moderate to heavy rains. According to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), the monsoon rains and typhoons have affected 2.8 million people or more than 815,000 families. About 27,000 families have sought shelter in 996 government evacuation centers amid widespread flooding and landslides, the OCD added. Meanwhile, an estimated 19,800 displaced families have been taking shelter outside official evacuation sites. The OCD noted that the missing individuals were victims of a landslide. Responders struggled with search operations due to persistent heavy rainfall and unstable soil conditions. Castillo said heavy duty equipment could hardly serve the purpose of recovering the landslide victims due to unstable soil conditions. He added that for the two missing individuals in the Baguio landslide incident, responders used water flushing techniques to clear the mud and debris. Across the affected areas in Region I, Region III, the Cordillera Administrative Region, CALABARZON, and MIMAROPA, the OCD reported that national agencies have distributed P75 million worth of relief assistance. Castillo said the prepositioning of food and non-food items prior to the severe weather helped authorities respond quickly to affected communities, despite road blockages and travel difficulties. As of Tuesday, the OCD noted power outages in at least 18 areas, which the Department of Energy and local electric cooperatives are currently restoring. Vince Lopez, Rex Espiritu, and Rio Araja
Marcos... From A1 The President said the Las Piñas spillway had been in the works for more than a decade but was never completed, and should now be revisited as part of the government’s broader flood-control strategy. “Speaking of the spillway, we really need to finish the spillway here in Las Piñas so there will be an outlet for the water, and that plan has been stalled for a long time,” he said. Mr. Marcos said he had instructed Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon to review the existing plans, determine whether modifications were needed and move ahead with the project. “I have given instructions to Secretary Vince to look into it and revisit the plans. We will see if anything needs to be changed,” he said. “But whatever needs to be done, we have to finish it,” the President added. President Marcos described the spillway as a potentially significant component of flood-control efforts in the National Capital Region. He also credited renewed dredging activities with helping reduce the severity of recent flooding in Las Piñas. He said flooding that previously reached chest level was now below the knees in the area he inspected, while water was also receding faster because drainage channels had been cleared. “The flooding is not as bad and has been reduced. Before, it reached the chest; now it does not, it is still below the knees,” he said. The President said the government resumed dredging after a 12year moratorium, which he said had contributed to rivers and spillways becoming increasingly shallow. Charles Dantes and Vito Barcelo
No proof... From A1 are made in public do not become material unless there is real proof that would link a person to what is being alleged,” Fajardo explained. He said Revilla’s case showed that even testimony from a former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) undersecretary claiming to have delivered money was not enough for the Sandiganbayan to establish a strong case. “In the case of the former Speaker,
cash advance released only on Dec. 21. Del Campo said funds released on Dec. 21 could not be used to reimburse expenses incurred before that date. The audit findings resulted in a P73.287-million notice of disallowance covering OVP confidential fund expenditures for Dec. 13 to 31, 2022. Del Campo said P69.787 million involved payments for rewards, while P3.5 million covered tables, chairs, desktop computers and printers charged to confidential funds without proof that they were intended for confidential operations.
‘No specific accomplishments to support payments’
She said the OVP had submitted 105 activities in response to the notice of disallowance but failed to show specific accomplishments demonstrating the success of information-gathering and surveillance activities, which are required to support reward payments. “Based on this document, there is no indication of the successful outcome of the information-gathering activities. Furthermore, there are activities listed for December 13, 15, 17 and 18 that fall outside the utilization period of the cash advance, which covered December 21 to 31, 2022,” Del Campo said. She identified Vice President Duterte as primarily liable for the disallowed expenditures as head of the agency and approving authority for the transactions and cash advances. Also cited as liable were Gina Acosta, the OVP special disbursing officer who disbursed the cash advances, and Julieta Villadelrey, the agency’s chief accountant who certified the supporting documents.
The OVP challenged the disallowance, filing a petition for review with COA on Feb. 5, 2025. Del Campo said the COA Commission Proper affirmed the P73.287-million disallowance on April 10, 2026. The OVP subsequently filed a motion for reconsideration, which remains pending.
23 new names surface in receipts
During Tuesday’s proceedings, Del Campo also testified on acknowledgment receipts submitted by the OVP to support its confidential fund expenditures in 2023. At least 23 names, some resembling those of public figures and others referring to food, appeared on selected receipts. Among them were Pia Piattos-Lim, Ralph Josh Bacon, Anne Ongpauco, Heart Santiago, Feonna Villegas, Beth Revilla, Clarisse Hontiveros, Jose Diokno Jr., Diane Maple Lapid Jr., John A. Lapid Jr., Jay Kamote and Miggy Mango. The prosecution said Del Campo’s tabulations for the first two quarters of 2023 covered 1,049 acknowledgement receipts. Del Campo stressed that the ICFAO conducted a compliance audit and did not verify whether the named recipients actually existed or were related to similarly named public figures. “At the ICFAO, what we conduct is a compliance audit. We check for compliance with the Joint Circular and verify whether the liquidation documents are complete and in order,” she said. She said the purchase of information is an allowable confidential fund expense, but acknowledgment receipts for supplies did not establish where the items were purchased or how they were used. “Regarding the acknowledgment receipts for the purchase of supplies, I requested additional documentation to verify that the funds were indeed used
to purchase supplies,” Del Campo said. She also said reports submitted to support reward payments did not show specific accomplishments that would justify the expenditures. “I didn’t see the specific accomplishments that would warrant the payment of rewards,” Del Campo said. “The certification merely contained a general statement that there were no untoward incidents. But this was not enough,” she added.
Defense: Separate COA credit notice is proof
The Duterte camp, meanwhile, cited a separate COA credit notice as proof that the Department of Education’s use of confidential funds had been allowed in audit. Defense spokesperson Atty. Michael Poa said the credit notice, issued in August 2024, covered DepEd’s confidential fund expenditures for the first and second quarters. “In fact, we used to say during the committee hearings that DepEd actually had a credit notice. Obviously, that was not something being highlighted even by the media, but that is a fact. I think it was Aug. 9, 2024, when DepEd received its credit notice,” Poa said. He said the credit notice meant COA had found no issue with DepEd’s liquidation after reviewing its submissions and responses to audit observations. “A credit notice simply means that following the Commission on Audit’s evaluation of the liquidation report, the submitted documents, and the response to the Audit Observation Memorandum, the utilization of confidential funds was deemed valid in the audit. In other words, they found no issues regarding the use of the confidential funds,” Poa said. Poa acknowledged, however, that the
account could still be reopened if new material evidence emerged. “Meaning, even if the account is settled, it may be reopened. Let’s see what happens with the credit notice because I noticed that emphasis was also being made on whether a credit notice can be reopened,” he said. Del Campo earlier testified that the OVP’s documents were irregular and noncompliant with the Joint Circular, while those submitted by DepEd were compliant, although a settled account could still be reopened. The testimony formed part of the House prosecution panel’s evidence in the impeachment case against Duterte over the alleged misuse of confidential funds. In other developments: • Senator Francis Escudero, the presiding officer of the impeachment court, described House prosecutors as having been “ghosted” by VP Duterte’s defense team after their repeated attempts to arrange a court-directed comparison of 4,492 acknowledgment receipts tied to her confidential funds went unanswered. • The prosecution would likely bring to the attention of the Senate impeachment court the issue of delay in the impeachment trial, said lawyer Benjamin Tolosa Jr., counsel for the House prosecution panel and spokesperson. Tolosa said he does not want to accuse the defense of intentionally delaying the trial, but their recent actions resulted in a slower pace of the proceedings. • What has VP Duterte’s office accomplished with P612.5 million in confidential funds? Deputy Speaker Janette Garin posed this question as she noted that while the identities of the OVP informants may be protected, the output from spending public money cannot remain secret.
“We ensured these are properly identified and the locations are properly tagged so these do not become ghost flood control projects once these are approved by Congress,” De Leon said. “From appropriations to release, these will be made public and their implementation will be closely monitored through the transparency portal of the DPWH,” he added. For the confidential funds, De Leon said: “We wish to reiterate that the use of confidential and intelligence funds remains subject to existing budgeting, utilization, liquidation, and auditing rules to ensure accountability and that the funds are used solely for their intended purposes.” President Marcos described the budget proposal as a fiscally responsible investment aimed at sustaining economic growth while strengthening infrastructure, food and energy security, social protection and public services. “More than a financial plan, it is a strategic investment in the Filipino people and in our country’s future,” Mr. Marcos said in his message to Congress. The President said he directed government agencies to “ensure that every peso produces meaningful and lasting value” during the crafting of the proposal. “By emphasizing measurable outcomes, institutional reforms, and long-
term value creation, the proposed FY 2027 National Budget serves as a catalyst for sustainable and inclusive national development,” the chief executive said. Based on the proposed budget, social Services will receive the largest share at P2.456 trillion, providing substantial resources for education, health care, social protection, employment, housing, and other programs that directly support Filipino families. This will be followed by economic services at P1.833 trillion, an increase of P277.3 billion from the current year, to sustain investments in infrastructure, agriculture, transportation, water resources development, and other programs that create jobs, improve connectivity, strengthen productivity, and expand economic opportunities. The consolidated health sector budget reaches P1.06 trillion, bringing the health-to-GDP ratio to 3.19 percent, from 2.68 percent in the current year. Infrastructure investment, meanwhile, is proposed at P1.467 trillion, equivalent to 4.4 percent of GDP and P178.0 billion higher than this year’s budget level. Basic education, through the Department of Education (DepEd), will receive the largest allocation among departments at P976 billion, equivalent to 13.55 percent of the total proposed budget.
miscalculation during Philippine missions to the BRP Sierra Madre, and it does not require the Armed Forces of the Philippines to seek China’s permission or allow Chinese boarding of Philippine vessels. Trinidad pointed out that the AFP has the mandate to ensure the integrity of Philippine territory, including rotating troops stationed aboard the BRP Sierra Madre and delivering their food and other supplies. “We need not seek approval, nor inform any foreign power in performing
our mandate,” the AFP official said. According to Trinidad, the most recent rotation and resupply operation was conducted about 45 days ago. Supplies currently at the BRP Sierra Madre are sufficient, according to him. The AFP said the timing of rotation and resupply operations is an operational matter handled by the Western Command. The BRP Sierra Madre has been grounded at Ayungin Shoal since 1999 and serves as an outpost for Philippine troops in the disputed waters. The Ayungin Shoal — called Ren’ai Reef by China — is a submerged reef in the Spratly Islands, which is a group of more than 100 islands and reefs in
the South China Sea. It is located 105 nautical miles west of Palawan and is within the country’s 200-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and is part of its continental shelf. The West Philippine Sea refers to the maritime areas on the western side of the Philippine archipelago, including the Luzon Sea and the waters around, within, and adjacent to the Kalayaan Island Group and Bajo de Masinloc. Meanwhile, Senator Risa Hontiveros filed a resolution to initiate a legislative inquiry into the “provisional understanding” between the Philippine government and China concerning resupply missions to Ayungin Shoal.
Colombian volunteers and rescuers cleared rubble with their bare hands and buckets to search for survivors early Tuesday after the country’s strongest earthquake in a decade killed at least 132 people and destroyed dozens of buildings. The magnitude 7.4 quake struck cities across western Colombia shortly after 7:30 a.m. (1230 GMT), sending panicked residents into the streets, AFP journalists reported. The earthquake killed 132 people and injured more than 570 as of Monday afternoon, according to the Colombian Association of Capital Cities, which is coordinating response efforts among the country’s major cities. Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella—just three days after being sworn into office—declared a state of emergency and vowed a fullscale rescue effort. De la Espriella had earlier placed the death toll at 111. The city of Pereira, one of the hardest-hit areas, was largely plunged into darkness by power outages Monday night as volunteers searched for signs of life beneath collapsed buildings. “We’re without power. This honestly feels like a zombie city,” resident Juan David Gaitan told AFP. Tattoo artist Andres Hernandez said he was worried about his family and friends and planned to stay awake because nearby structures were “on the verge of collapsing.” With AFP
there is no testimony of that kind. There really is none—no one can give testimony like that,” Fajardo said. The lawyer also questioned the credibility of witnesses—the so-called “Maleta Boys” —whose statements, he said, had repeatedly changed and were not supported by independent evidence. “Theirs is just a story. There is no basis or backup—no CCTV, no pictures, nothing. It relies on stories and statements that we have already shown to be unacceptable and not credible,” Fajardo noted. He said the inconsistencies in the witnesses’ accounts, including details that were allegedly added or omitted
over time, further weakened the allegations against Romualdez. Fajardo also questioned whether former DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan could provide meaningful testimony against Romualdez, saying it would be difficult to compel the former secretary to make statements that he could not personally support. “Former Secretary Bonoan probably really has nothing to say, so it would be difficult to force him. You would also put Secretary Bonoan in a difficult situation by making him admit certain things that, from his perspective, he cannot say,” he said.
Fajardo said the developments indicated that authorities appeared to be trying to find evidence against Romualdez despite the absence of sufficient proof. He also dismissed claims that Romualdez could be directly implicated through the paper trail of the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA). Fajardo said Romualdez had no direct participation in the budget deliberations of the House appropriations committee, the small committee, the bicameral conference committee or the technical working group. He said Romualdez’s participation was limited to signing the final version
of the budget, along with officials of the executive branch and the Senate, before it became law. Fajardo noted that the 2025 GAA remains presumed constitutional and valid unless declared otherwise by a competent court. “At all those stages—the appropriations committee, small committee, bicameral, up to the technical working group—former Speaker Romualdez was not there,” he said. Fajardo maintained that the former Speaker should not be prosecuted or detained without strong evidence directly connecting him to the allegations.
‘107b... From A1 tional Tax Allotment (NTA) for local government units, the fourth tranche of salary adjustments for civilian government employees under Executive Order No. 64, corresponding salary adjustments for military and uniformed personnel, and other fiscal obligations. “We crafted a budget that prioritizes education, health, social protection, food security, infrastructure, digitalization, and disaster resilience, while remaining consistent with fiscal responsibility. The goal is to spend strategically where public funds can create the greatest and most lasting impact for every Filipino,” DBM Acting Secretary Kim De Leon said during the turnover ceremony yesterday. “Now that this proposed budget is with Congress, it is our duty to ensure that the goals of this measure will remain until the final version of the General Appropriations bill. We will carefully do our jobs. We will inquire. We will listen. And we will make sure there is transparency in every step of the process,” Speaker Faustino Dy said. As for the flood control projects for 2027, the Budget chief said these have been “strictly vetted” to ensure there will be no “ghost projects.”
PH... From A1
Pinoys... From A1 to keep a list of emergency contacts and submit their contact information. It likewise encouraged Filipinos to contact the embassy if they need assistance or have concerns. Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro expressed her sympathies to the government and people of Colombia following the devastating earthquake. “I sincerely hope that those still missing will soon be reunited with their loved ones, and that the affected communities will recover and rebuild swiftly,” Lazaro said in a post on X.
At least 132 people dead
NEWS
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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2026
mst.daydesk@gmail.com
NEW HEALTH LEADERS.
IN BRIEF
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. welcomes Acting Health Secretary Dr. Edwin Mercado and PhilHealth Acting President and CEO Dr. Beverly Lorraine Ho, expressing confidence that they will advance reforms to make healthcare more accessible, affordable, and responsive for all Filipinos.
Isko clears retirement backlog, gives benefits MANILA Mayor Francisco Moreno Domagoso on Tuesday released more than P173 million in long-overdue terminal leave benefits to 260 retired city government employees. Speaking at the Bulwagang Villegas, Domagoso said some retirees had waited as long as four years for their benefits. He said it was unfair for the city to withhold what was rightfully due to them. A total of P173.67 million was distributed to retirees with service ranging from less than 10 years to more than 40 years. Domagoso recalled that during his first term, the city settled over P200 million in unpaid GSIS contributions, including penalties, enabling retirees to claim their benefits. Pot Chavez
Customs seizes P8.4m ketamine inside figurine THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) seized about 1,675 grams of suspected ketamine worth an estimated P8.375 million hidden inside a resin bunny figurine at the Port of Clark in Pampanga. Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said the shipment from France was intercepted after intelligence information from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency prompted further inspection. Authorities found the suspected ketamine concealed inside the hollow figurine during examination. Nepomuceno said the seizure underscores the value of intelligencesharing and coordination among Customs, PDEA, and other law enforcement agencies. The substance will undergo laboratory analysis to confirm its identity, weight, and composition. The Port of Clark has intercepted several similar drug shipments in recent years. Vito Barcelo
DOLE backs deportation of six Chinese workers THE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has recommended the deportation of six Chinese nationals linked to Chuangxing Steel Inc. after canceling their Alien Employment Permits for alleged labor law violations. Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino said their records have been forwarded to the Bureau of Immigration following a joint raid on the company’s facility in Magalang, Pampanga. DOLE said the facility posed health and safety risks due to the possible presence of radioactive materials and cited the alleged illegal employment of foreign workers without the required permits. Vito Barcelo
NPC warns AI deepfakes of public officials may violate privacy law By Othel V. Campos
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HE National Privacy Commission (NPC) reminded the public that government officials remain protected as data subjects under the Data Privacy Act of 2012, warning that AI-generated images and videos depicting them in fabricated situations may constitute unlawful processing of personal data. The NPC said a person’s face and likeness constitute personal information under Republic Act No. 10173. Using AI to create synthetic media from a real person’s likeness, as well as posting or sharing the resulting
content, constitutes personal data processing that must have a legitimate purpose and lawful basis. This protection applies to public officials, although their privacy rights must be balanced against the public’s
right to information on matters of public concern. The NPC, however, noted that fabricated images and videos do not depict actual conduct or provide factual information about an official’s performance. An AI-generated image showing an official doing something that never happened, for example, may constitute false personal data. Under the DPA, individuals may demand the blocking, removal, or destruction of personal data upon presenting substantial proof that it is false and may file a complaint with the NPC. The agency emphasized that satire,
DepEd expands Adopt-A-School platform in PH
CLEANUP DRIVE.
Personnel from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, and TUPAD remove washed-up debris, including plastic, wood, and other waste, along Manila’s Dolomite Beach on Roxas Boulevard. Norman Cruz
By Gabriel Oliva
DOJ: Grave threats complaint vs. VP Sara filed in court By Pot Chavez and Katrina Manubay THE Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed Tuesday that a complaint for grave threats was filed against Vice President Sara Duterte before a Quezon City court. “We confirm that the complaint for grave threats against Vice President Sara Duterte was filed today, August 11, 2026, at around 1:30 p.m. with the Office of the Clerk of Court of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court,”
DOJ spokesperson Atty. Polo Martinez said. “We confirm that the grave threats case filed today is the same matter referred by the NBI to the DOJ. It is also the same matter raised in the impeachment proceedings,” he added. The filing means the panel of prosecutors found prima facie evidence and a reasonable certainty of conviction. The case stemmed from the vice president’s remarks claiming she
had already ordered someone to kill President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez in the event of her death. Meanwhile, the inciting to sedition complaint recommended by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) was dismissed by the DOJ. Martinez also said the grave threats case filed before the court is not affected by the ongoing impeachment trial. Duterte’s camp said Tuesday it had
anticipated the filing of three counts of grave threats against her and expressed confidence that the cases would ultimately be dismissed. In a statement, Duterte’s legal counsel on the NBI grave threats case, Paul Lawrence Lim, maintained that the vice president remains presumed innocent. “The DOJ dismissed the NBI’s complaint for inciting to sedition. Under the prevailing circumstances, we anticipated and prepared for such an outcome,” Lim said.
Philippines, Italy update driver’s license pact By Katrina Manubay
FISHERIES PROTECTION. Small-scale fisherfolk, marine scientists, fisheries experts, and Oceana representatives call for the immediate installation of vessel tracking devices on commercial fishing boats during a press briefing in Quezon City on Tuesday, citing concerns over the Supreme Court’s ruling striking down Fisheries Administrative Order 266. Manny Palmero
parody, commentary, and legitimate reporting on matters of public interest may be protected by the freedoms of speech, expression, and the press. The DPA also excludes processing for journalistic, artistic, or literary purposes. Such protections, however, depend on the circumstances and do not justify using a person’s likeness beyond what is necessary for the stated purpose. The NPC said relevant considerations include whether the AI-generated content is presented as real, whether its synthetic nature is disclosed, and whether the use of the person’s photorealistic likeness is necessary.
THE Philippines and Italy on Monday signed an amended agreement updating their automatic driver’s license conversion arrangement, expected to benefit about 2,000 Filipino drivers in Italy. Philippine Ambassador to Italy Neal Imperial said the updated protocol would particularly benefit Filipinos who rely on driving for their livelihood and those who drive across European Union borders. “This conversion protocol will benefit an estimated 2,000 Filipino drivers in Italy, especially those who depend on driving for their livelihood and those who drive across EU borders,” Imperial said. The protocol concludes negotiations
among the Philippine Embassy in Rome, Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, with guidance from the Department of Foreign Affairs and technical support from the Land Transportation Office. It updates the annexes and provisions of the two countries’ 2006 Memorandum of Understanding to reflect developments in their respective driver’s license systems. The original agreement remains in force. Under the updated arrangement, nationals of either country who have legally resided in the other country for less than six years may convert a valid national driver’s license without taking theoretical or practical driving tests.
THE Department of Education (DepEd) introduced a new feature in its Adopt-A-School Program (ASP) digital platform during its roadshow in Davao City on Tuesday. The ASP website now allows corporate sponsors, organizations, and private donors to fund priority school security projects, including CCTV camera systems, metal detectors, security personnel support, public address systems, and perimeter fencing. According to Education Secretary Sonny Angara, the initiative follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure the department’s partnerships address the actual needs of students, including their safety in basic education schools. “Our goal in expanding the Adopt-A-School Program is not just to provide supplies, but to ensure that our learners’ environment is safe and well-maintained,” Angara said. DepEd also showcased its expanded Menu of Programs, which aims to align private sector investments with the agency’s Five-Point Reform Agenda and the recommendations of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2). Under the enhanced ASP platform, sponsors may also support teacher development through graduate program sponsorships, feeding programs, infrastructure projects, learning resources, digitization initiatives, and other programs. According to DepEd, the ASP platform prioritizes transparent project matching to streamline partner engagement. “By giving our partners a transparent, digitalized menu of programs, we are ensuring that every peso donated goes directly to where it can protect a child or empower a teacher,” Angara said.
OPINION
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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2026
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EDITORIAL
The Senate we don’t need THERE was a time when membership in the Philippine Senate carried with it an unmistakable aura of intellectual rigor and statesmanship. The country’s finest legal minds, economists, educators, and public servants debated legislation with depth, eloquence, and an unwavering sense of responsibility to the nation. The Senate was far from perfect, but it was a chamber where ideas mattered, where competence was expected, and where public office was regarded as a public trust. Today, that image has been badly tarnished. Some senators continue to serve with distinction, but an increasingly influential bloc has transformed what should be the country’s premier deliberative body into something resembling a political theater where loyalty often trumps reason and spectacle overshadows substance. Perhaps no one better symbolizes this decline than Sen. Robinhood Padilla, who was elected under the name Robin Padilla before later explaining that Robinhood is his actual first name. The legendary Robin Hood may have stolen from the rich to give to the poor. The senator, however, has become better known for statements that leave many Filipinos wondering how someone so manifestly unprepared for legislative work came to occupy one of the highest offices in the land. The Senate is supposed to be a forum where national problems are dissected intelligently and solutions are debated thoughtfully. Yet almost every time Padilla speaks, one gets the impression that the national conversation has become poorer rather than richer. His assertion that the role of the opposition is simply to oppose everything placed before it betrays a fundamental misunderstanding of democratic governance. Even more astonishing is the fact that he has chaired the Senate Committee on Constitutional Amendments and Electoral Reforms and the Committee on Mass Media. At one point, he was even reportedly considered for the Committee on Education. It was a classic case of forcing a square peg into a round hole. Questions have also arisen over Padilla’s reported role in assisting Sen. Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa in avoiding arrest pursuant to a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court, an incident that has reportedly resulted in obstruction of justice complaints. Whether these allegations ultimately prosper in court remains to be seen, but they further fuel public perceptions that some lawmakers place personal loyalties above the rule of law. Unfortunately, Sen. Padilla is hardly alone. Sen. Jinggoy Estrada once again finds himself confronting serious legal troubles after plunder and graft charges were filed before the Sandiganbayan. This is his third corruptionrelated case in more than two decades. Sen. Rodante Marcoleta has consistently taken positions that critics argue weaken consti-
tutional safeguards and democratic institutions. Right now, he is under detention on plunder charges. Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and his sister Pia appear to be openly lawyering for the defense in Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial when they should be exercising impartiality as senator-judges. Sen. Imee Marcos has repeatedly found herself at odds with her own brother sitting in Malacañang while cultivating political alliances that appear driven more by electoral calculations than coherent public policy. Several other senators complete a grouping that critics increasingly view as more committed to protecting political allies than exercising independent judgment expected of members of a coequal branch of government.
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Voters must stop rewarding incompetence, political opportunism, and ethical failure. The cumulative effect has been devastating. Instead of serving as a robust check on executive power and a guardian of constitutional accountability, the Senate increasingly appears captive to political dynasties, partisan calculations, and personal loyalties. Public confidence inevitably suffers when legislators appear more interested in defending allies than defending the Constitution. Democracy ultimately provides citizens with one peaceful remedy. Voters must stop rewarding incompetence, political opportunism, and ethical failure. Celebrity status should never substitute for legislative competence. Family name should never outweigh integrity. Blind loyalty should never eclipse constitutional duty. Those who have repeatedly demonstrated poor judgment, contempt for institutional norms, or indifference to public accountability should be rejected at the ballot box. And if they nevertheless secure election, citizens, civil society, and the media must continue demanding transparency, accountability, and, where warranted, their removal from office through lawful constitutional processes. The Senate cannot regain its former stature unless Filipinos themselves insist on electing men and women worthy of occupying its halls. Until then, we will continue to have not the Senate we need but the Senate we deserve. Email: ernhil@yahoo.com
Bank’s duty of fidelity to its clients “THE banking system is an indispensable institution in the modern world and plays a vital role in the economic life of every civilized nation. Whether as… passive entities for the safekeeping and saving of money or as active instruments of business and commerce… people… have come to regard them with respect and… confidence.” (Metrobank v. Cruz, et al., G.R. No. 221220, January 19, 2021). “[T]he humble wage-earner [does] not hesitate to entrust his life’s savings to the bank of his choice, knowing that they will be safe in its custody… [In the same manner] [t]he ordinary person, with equal faith, usually maintains a modest checking account for security and convenience [to settle] his monthly bills and [to pay his] ordinary expenses.”(Op. cit.) “In every case, the depositor expects the bank to treat his account with the utmost fidelity, whether such account consists only of a few hundred pesos or of millions. The bank must record every single transaction accurately, down to the last centavo, and as promptly as possible.” (Op. cit.) In the case of Metrobank v. Cruz, Carmencita Cruz (Cruz) and Vilma Low Tay (Low Tay), doing business under the name and style of Republic Shoes & Handbag Manufacturing obtained various loans from Metrobank, during the period of 1993 to 1998, in the aggregate amount of P40,600,000.00, each evidenced with corresponding promissory notes. They later obtained additional loans from Metrobank and requested a statement of account to determine their total outstanding obligation. In response, “Metrobank sent a letter dated May 17, 1999 stating that as of March 26, 1999, [Cruz and Low Tay] owed P1,130,444.31.” “Over the years, [Cruz and Low Tay’s] loans were restructured. They were made to sign blank promissory notes in bulk.” “From 1999 to 2004, [they] remitted cash and check payments to Metrobank.” “Cruz listed the amounts paid and the check numbers on yellow sheets, and… asked the bank employees to sign and acknowledge their receipt of her payments.” “In September 2004, [Cruz and Low Tay] reviewed their records and discovered that they made an overpayment.” “[I]n October 2004, [they] requested a new statement of account. In response, Metrobank sent a Summary on Application of Payments (SAP) from December 29, 1999 to September 2004, which indicated that [their] existing obligation was P8,344,185.55.”
As a consequence, Cruz and Low Tay hired an accountant to examine the “1999 to 2004 SAPs, promissory notes, original receipts, cleared checks, and the checks listed in Cruz’s yellow sheets.” The accountant discovered that as of September 21, 2004, Cruz and Low Tay made an overpayment of P3,540,519.55. Due to the discrepancies, Cruz and Low Tay requested that Metrobank reconcile their records and demanded a refund of their overpayment. “Despite repeated demands, Metrobank failed to produce a complete and detailed application of all [their] payments…”
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Here is some relevant jurisprudence on the issue. Thus, Cruz and Low Tay filed a complaint for accounting, with a prayer for the production of loan records, reimbursement of their excess payments, and damages against Metrobank in the Regional Trial Court (RTC). Thereafter, Metrobank filed its Answer with counterclaim denying “the material allegations in the Complaint and countered that the payments were properly accounted for.” After trial, the RTC ordered Metrobank to render a complete accounting of Cruz and Low Tay’s payments. The Court of Appeals (CA) affirmed the RTC’s order directing Metrobank to render a complete accounting of all payments made by Cruz and Low Tay. On further appeal, the Supreme Court affirmed the ruling of the RTC and CA. It explained that “the documents… requested are not simply general records, but documents that are essential to [Cruz and Low Tay’s] existing loan with Metrobank.” The Supreme Court elucidated that “[a] lthough the loans have been restructured, the accuracy of the outstanding obligation depends on a full and complete computation of the previous loans. Metrobank cannot hide behind its fiveyear policy to renege on its obligation to render an accurate accounting…” (Op cit.) “As between its five-year holding policy versus its legal and jurisprudential fiduciary duty to exercise the highest degree of care in conducting its affairs, the latter consideration certainly prevails.” (Op. cit.)
Outrage over outrageous names
T
HE more we listen to the impeachment trial, the more we are angered at how the Vice President’s camp has belittled and insulted Filipinos.
Testimonies pertaining to Article I, or the part of the complaint that has to do with the misuse of confidential funds, have revealed more names that were used in acknowledgment receipts. These show that Mary Grace Piattos is not alone. She apparently has relatives -- Renan Piattos and Pia Piatos-Lim. We have heard about Jay Kamote, Patty Ting, Andy Lim, and others that are on first mention hilarious and could be the stuff of memes. At this week’s resumption of the trial, another government auditor revealed more names: some even making reference to prominent personalities as though they were related. Examples are Clarisse Hontiveros, Jose Diokno Jr., John Lapid, Matthew Keso, Heart Santiago, and Anne Ongpauco. Others are
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By Teddy G. Monroy WHEN people hear the phrase electric vehicle policy, they think about cars. They think about batteries, charging stations, emissions targets, and the technologies expected to shape the future of transportation. They think about climate change. They think about innovation. What they rarely think about is industrialization. Yet this may be the most important story behind the signing of the Executive Order establishing the Electric Vehicle Incentive Strategy (EVIS). While fighting climate change and achieving energy security are important priorities, at its core, EVIS is not simply about encouraging Filipinos to drive electric vehicles. It is about positioning the Philippines to compete in one of the defining green industries of the twenty-first century. It is about whether the country will continue importing the technologies of the future or help create them. It is about jobs, skills, investments, and the kind of sustainable economy we want to build for the next generation. For decades, a middle-income country like the Philippines has faced a fundamental development challenge: how to move from being primarily a consumer of innovation to becoming a producer of it. How do we build industries that generate quality jobs, foster innovation, create value, and sustain long-term prosperity? No single policy can answer that question. Industrial transformation is not achieved through one investment, one administration, or one breakthrough technology. It is the product of thousands of decisions about where a country invests its resources, develops its capabilities, and directs its ambitions. EVIS is one of those decisions. Around the world, electric mobility is reshaping industrial landscapes. New supply chains are emerging. Manufacturing is being reimagined. Skills that scarcely existed a decade ago are becoming essential. Countries are no longer competing merely to adopt electric vehicles. They are competing for a place in the value chains that design, manufacture, service, and power them. The Philippines enters this transition at a critical moment. Unlike many mature industries whose structures were established decades ago, the electric mobility ecosystem remains relatively young. Its institutions are still evolving. Its workforce is still taking shape. Its value chains are still being built. For countries that act early and strategically, this creates a rare development opportunity: the chance to help shape an industry of the future rather than inherit the constraints of the past. That is why the discussion about EVs should never be limited to EVs. It should be about the future of the Philippine industry. At the center of that future are people. Industrial policy is often discussed in the language of investments, infrastructure, incentives, and technology. These are important. But the most successful industrial transformations are ultimately human stories - stories of workers acquiring new skills, entrepreneurs creating new enterprises, engineers solving new problems, people living in clean environments, and communities discovering new pathways to opportunity. The true measure of success for the EV transition will not be the number of vehicles sold or factories constructed. It will be whether more Filipinos are able to participate meaningfully in the opportunities that emerge. This is where the country’s demographic reality becomes particularly significant. The Philippines has one of the youngest populations in Southeast Asia. At a time when many “Furthermore, it bears noting that the demand for accounting was spurred by the alleged inconsistent and inaccurate manner in which Metrobank recorded [Cruz and Low Tay’s] payments.” While Metrobank’s employees were requested to sign acknowledgments confirming receipt of Cruz and Low Tay’s payments, some of those were not recorded and credited against
PPI
Philippine Press Institute The National Association of Philippine Newspapers
They take us for fools. Numerous names have been exposed to have no birth records, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority. It does not take great mental exertion to conclude that a large group of similarly unregistered names does not point to mere coincidence. We could imagine someone in the
economies are confronting aging workforces and shrinking labor pools, the country possesses a demographic advantage that should not be taken for granted. Yet a demographic dividend is not a guarantee of prosperity. It becomes valuable only when people have access to opportunities that allow them to realize their potential. The EV industry offers precisely such an opportunity. The jobs created by this transition will extend far beyond vehicle assembly. They will emerge across advanced manufacturing, software development, battery technologies, charging infrastructure, maintenance services, logistics, research, design, and entrepreneurship. If cultivated strategically, the sector can help transform a growing population into a highly skilled workforce capable of driving innovation and competitiveness for decades to come. But harnessing the country’s demographic dividend requires drawing upon the full breadth of its talent. For too long, many industrial sectors have reflected persistent gender disparities. Women remain underrepresented in technical and manufacturing occupations despite growing evidence that diversity is not merely a social imperative but an economic advantage.
The electric mobility transition presents an opportunity to change that. Because the industry is still being built, inclusion can be embedded into its foundations. Women should not simply participate in this emerging economy. They should help lead it as engineers, entrepreneurs, technicians, researchers, executives, and decision-makers. An industry that excludes women excludes talent. It excludes ideas, innovation, and leadership. In an increasingly competitive global economy, that is not merely inequitable. It is economically unwise. Yet inclusion must extend beyond workforce participation and gender representation. It must also embrace those whose lives and livelihoods will be most directly affected by the transition itself. For many Filipinos, electric mobility is not an abstract policy discussion. It is intertwined with questions of livelihood, opportunity, and economic security. For generations, jeepney drivers, operators, and transport workers have formed the backbone of public mobility in the Philippines. They have connected communities to jobs, schools, markets, and hospitals. Behind every route is a livelihood. Behind every commute is a worker trying to reach a job, a student trying to reach a classroom, or a parent striving to provide for a family. The transition to a cleaner transport future cannot succeed if it leaves these people behind. This is why the concept of a just transition matters. A just transition recognizes that progress should not require vulnerable communities to bear disproportionate costs. Modernization should not be framed as a choice between economic advancement and social protection. It must deliver both. The significance of EVIS lies not only in its ability to attract investment into electric mobility but also in its potential to create an ecosystem that
generates new opportunities for those navigating the transition. New industries create new forms of work. They create opportunities for reskilling, upskilling, entrepreneurship, and participation in emerging value chains. They create pathways for drivers, operators, workers, and small enterprises to become stakeholders in the future rather than casualties of change. The same principle applies to commuters. For millions of Filipinos, public transportation is not merely a service. It is a lifeline. Access to affordable, reliable, and safe transport shapes access to education, employment, healthcare, and economic opportunity itself. The promise of electric mobility, therefore, extends far beyond replacing one type of vehicle with another. It lies in the opportunity to build a transport system that is cleaner, more efficient, more reliable, and ultimately more responsive to the needs of the people it serves. This is where climate action, industrial development, and social inclusion converge. Too often these objectives are presented as competing priorities. In reality, the most successful development strategies recognize that they can reinforce one another. Investments that reduce emissions can also create jobs. Industrial growth can strengthen competitiveness while expanding opportunity. A transition that is environmentally sustainable can also be economically inclusive. The Philippines remains among the countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Cleaner transportation can help reduce emissions, improve air quality, strengthen energy security, and create healthier communities. At the same time, the industries that will define future competitiveness are increasingly the same industries that will drive the global low-carbon transition. The EV Incentive Strategy recognizes this reality. At its best, EVIS is more than an incentive program. It is a statement of national ambition. It signals that the Philippines intends not merely to consume the technologies of the future but to help build them. It reflects the belief that industrial growth, environmental responsibility, and social inclusion can reinforce one another rather than compete. Of course, no executive order can accomplish this transformation on its own. The real work begins now. It will require sustained investment in skills, innovation, infrastructure, financing, and institutions. It will require collaboration among government, industry, academe, workers, and communities. Most importantly, it will require a long-term commitment to ensuring that the gains from industrial transformation are broadly shared. But every transformation begins with a choice. The global shift toward electric mobility is already underway. The question is no longer whether it will happen. The question is whether the Philippines will seize this moment to build an economy that is more productive, more innovative, more inclusive, and more resilient than the one it inherited. That is why EVIS matters. Not because it is about electric vehicles. But because it is about economic transformation. It is about creating opportunities for Filipino workers, entrepreneurs, and communities. It is about ensuring that the industries of the future are not built elsewhere while we watch from the sidelines. Ultimately, EVIS is about something larger than technology. It is about the road the Philippines chooses to take and who gets to travel it. (Mr. Monroy is the Country Representative for the Philippines of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).)
their outstanding loan. The Supreme Court held that “a circumspect scrutiny of the loan documents and a proper accounting of the payments remitted will finally settle the question of whether or not there was an overpayment of the loan. It is Metrobank’s fiduciary obligation to treat [Cruz and Low Tay’s] accounts with the highest degree of
diligence.”(Op. cit.) Considering that the banking business is imbued with public interest, banks must “treat the accounts of its depositors with meticulous care…” and recognize that “the diligence required of banks is more than that of a Roman pater familias or a good father of a family…” (Op. cit.)
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For many Filipinos, electric mobility is not an abstract policy discussion.
Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser
Emil P. Jurado+ Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board
ROLANDO G. ESTABILLO Publisher
can be accessed at: manilastandard.net
MEMBER
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EVIS: The future is not just electric. It’s industrial.
Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno
Published Monday to Sunday by Philippine Manila Standard Publishing Inc. at 6/F Universal Re Building, 106 Paseo de Roxas, corner Perea St., Legaspi Village, Makati City. Telephone numbers 8-5646225 and 8-5646229 (connecting all departments), (Editorial) 832-5554, (Advertising) 832-5550. P.O. Box 2933, Manila Central Post Office, Manila. Website: www.manilastandard.net
simply strange: Xiaome Ocho, Ralph Josh Bacon, Miggy Mango, and Beverly Claire Pampano. No wonder the counsel for the prosecution found the perfect juncture to suggest breaking for lunch.
said office, realizing the need to provide acknowledgment receipts as supporting documents, looking around and writing down the first names they could come up with. They could have thought, what were the chances that people would actually bother to see whether these were actual living, breathing people who received public money in the tens, even hundreds, of thousands?They could have said, what an easy task, coming up with names. All in a day’s work! But somebody bothered, and it is now the nation’s business. We now realize these people took us for fools. They tried to put one over us using the very taxes we work so hard to pay. And they believed they could get away with doing so. Are we going to look the other way and pretend we’re a good sport? Sure, the names could still occasion a chuckle. Let us not stop there. These names should moreover evoke outrage and indignation.
Mario R. Policarpio Jr. Head - Finance
Baldwin R. Felipe
Head - Ad Solutions
Joyce Pangco Pañares Managing Editor
Honor Blanco Cabie
Opinion Editor
Feliciano T. Buscas Jr. Head - IT-MIS
Paula A. Reynoso
Head - Suppplements
Virgilio DC Galvez
Aytch dela Cruz
Online Editor
Edgar M. Valmorida Circulation Manager
News Editor
(On leave)
Lino M. Santos Chief Photographer
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Aussie head under fire for ‘melons’ gag on Japan PM SYDNEY – Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese sidestepped calls to apologize on Tuesday after a clip emerged of him engaging in crude banter about a gift from his Japanese counterpart. Albanese had already faced a backlash and apologized over comments made during an interview last month with the Bush Deep podcast in which he said he would “shag” singer Kylie Minogue. But separate comments during that interview in which he joked about a gift from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi during her visit to Australia in May drew furor this week from his political opponents. During the conversation with host Nikki Osborne at his official residence, the Australian leader joked that he’d received a “strange” present of a Japanese royal melon from Takaichi. In Japan, premium melons are considered luxury items and can cost more than AUS$270 ($190), according to Japan’s former ambassador to Australia. When the host asked if she’d smuggled the fruit through Australian customs, Albanese held his hands up and said “got a couple of melons.” “She came in looking like Pamela Anderson,” the host replied. Australia’s opposition leader has called for Albanese to apologize over the “insulting” joke. Asked whether he would say sorry for his “disrespectful behavior” in parliament on Tuesday, the Australian leader said: “I reject the assertion in the question.” AFP
IN BRIEF 14 clandestine miners killed in S. Africa mine JOHANNESBURG – Fourteen clandestine miners were killed and eight seriously hurt after a rockfall in a disused mine in South Africa where they were working, police said Tuesday. There were no details yet of the miners, including their nationalities, as officials were still headed to the site, provincial police spokeswoman Colonel Adele Myburgh told AFP. “Fourteen illegal miners dead at a disused mine,” a police statement said. Another eight miners were seriously injured, Myburgh told AFP. The disaster was near the town of Rustenburg, about 100 kilometers (60 miles) northwest of Johannesburg. Thousands of unregistered miners known as “zama zamas” operate in South Africa, scavenging abandoned mines for gold and other minerals in arduous and often perilous conditions. They come from across southern Africa, driven by poverty and unemployment, and the sector has been linked to organized crime, assassinations, extortion and other illegal activities. AFP
RACE AGAINST TIME. Rescuers search for survivors at a collapsed building after an earthquake in Manizales, Colombia on August 10, 2026. The Colombian geological service and its American counterpart USGS put the magnitude at 7.4, with an epicenter 100 km (60 miles) underground in the west of the country. AFP
Colombia races to find survivors P
EREIRA, Colombia – Colombian volunteers and rescuers cleared rubble with their bare hands and buckets to search for survivors early Tuesday after the country’s strongest earthquake in a decade killed at least 132 people and smashed dozens of buildings. The 7.4-magnitude quake struck cities across Colombia’s western region shortly after 7:30 am (1230 GMT), sending panicked residents onto the streets, AFP journalists saw. The quake killed 132 people and injured more than 570 as of Monday afternoon, according to the Colombian Association of Capital Cities, a group coordinating major cities across the country. Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella – just three days after being sworn into the job – declared a state of
emergency and vowed a concerted rescue effort. De la Espriella said earlier the death toll was 111. The city of Pereira, which was among those hit hardest, was mostly plunged into darkness amid power outages on Monday night as volunteers probed for signs of life under collapsed buildings. “We’re without power. This seems honestly like a zombie city,” resident Juan David Gaitan told AFP. Tattoo artist Andres Hernandez said he was worried about his family and
Russian attacks on Ukraine kills nine, wounds dozens KYIV – Russian attacks across Ukraine killed at least nine people overnight and wounded dozens, authorities said Tuesday, after Kyiv warned that Moscow had received more ballistic missiles from North Korea. Russia has stepped up ballistic missile strikes on Ukrainian cities in recent weeks, with Ukraine responding with strikes deep inside Russian territory. The overnight attacks spanned Kyiv, Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk, regional authorities said. Russia’s defense ministry said its forces “delivered a group strike with high-precision ground-based weapons, hitting military-industrial enterprises and transportlogistics centers in the cities of Kyiv and Zaporizhzhia.” In Zaporizhzhia, Ivan Fedorov, head of the regional military administration, said Russian forces launched a “massive” attack using missiles and guided aerial bombs. AFP
Rivas said public services and communications “have been virtually shut down.” “People ran out naked, people jumped from the second floor of their homes,” Quibdo resident and law student Wilmer Cuesta recalled. Dentist Julian Pena said he “ran outside carrying nothing” after feeling very strong shaking and found hundreds doing the same. “People were praying in the street. It was overwhelming,” he told AFP. “There are many buildings with gaps, with cracks. There are others that have completely collapsed.” The quake was felt across Colombia, including the capital Bogota, where crowds rushed out into the street in their pajamas. At a depth of 110 kilometers (68 miles), the quake was also felt in neighboring Ecuador and Panama. AFP
Australia to vaccinate birds against H5 avian influenza SYDNEY – Australian authorities said Tuesday they would vaccinate bird species deemed to be especially vulnerable to the highly contagious H5 bird flu virus. The country was for years the only continental landmass free of the H5 strain, which has caused severe disease and death in poultry and wild birds worldwide. The first Australian case was discovered in a migratory sea bird in June and last week the government reported its first mass mortality event in wildlife. As part of efforts to protect birds, officials said they would roll out targeted vaccinations for both captive and wild species. “It is difficult to vaccinate birds in the wild – it does take two vaccination doses to vaccinate birds,” environment minister Murray Watt said. “It is difficult to catch wild birds once, let alone twice,” he said. “Where it is possible to vaccinate
Singapore says AI-related demand lifting economy SINGAPORE – Singapore sharply raised its forecast for economic growth in 2026 on Tuesday as robust AI-related global demand boosted activity. Gross domestic product is now expected to expand by 4.5 to 5.5 percent year-onyear in 2026, up from a previous forecast of 2.0 to 4.0 percent, the government said. “This reflects the better-than-expected performance of the Singapore economy in the first half of the year, as well as an improved outlook for the rest of the year due to the acceleration in global AI-related capital expenditure,” the Ministry of Trade and Industry said in a statement. Growth in the second quarter of this year was driven by manufacturing, wholesale trade, and the finance and insurance sectors, it said. Strong AI-related demand helped the electronics and precision engineering clusters of the manufacturing sector, as well as the machinery, equipment and supplies segment of the wholesale trade sector, it said. AFP
friends, adding that he would stay awake because structures around him were “on the verge of collapsing.” Hernandez recalled being asleep at home when the quake happened and rushing into the street for safety, as the quake devastated the city in the heart of Colombia’s coffee-growing region. “It was a movie scene, because I saw the poles, the cables, everything moving. I’m worried about my family, my friends,” he said. There were scenes of destruction in several cities, with furniture and fabrics sandwiched between concrete, walls and floors tossed into irregular angles, and cabling strewn across roads. In Manizales, the quake crumpled a tower of the city’s beloved neo-Gothic cathedral. In Quibdo, the capital of Colombia’s Choco department, local official Jenny
wild birds, we will do so, but the priority is to vaccinate birds that are in captivity.” Agriculture minister Julie Collins said Australia should expect to see more mass bird deaths. “This will continue to spread across the country,” she said. The wild birds most affected by the H5 strain include waterfowl, shorebirds, seabirds and birds of prey. As of Monday, authorities have reported there are 231 confirmed or presumed positive detections of H5 bird flu in Australia. There have been no cases detected in poultry or in the country’s agriculture production. Almost half of Australia’s wild bird species, and 83 percent of its mammals, are found nowhere else. The H5 bird flu strain killed more than 13,000 elephant seal pups after infecting a breeding colony on the remote Heard and McDonald Islands, Australian scientists said in June. AFP
CLIMATE ANOMALY. Infographic with a globe centered on the Pacific Ocean, showing surface temperature anomalies in July 2026 compared with the reference period 1991-2020, according to ERA5 data published by Copernicus. AFP
China rocket launch fails after ‘flight anomaly,’ reports of explosion BEIJING – A Chinese rocket carrying a communications satellite failed in its launch, state media said, attributing the failure to a “flight anomaly” as reports and videos suggested the spacecraft had exploded in mid-air. Beijing has ploughed billions of dollars into its space program in recent years to achieve what President Xi Jinping calls the country’s “space dream.” Monday’s rare launch failure involved a Long March 7A carrier rocket, which lifted off from the Wenchang Space Launch Site in China’s southernmost province of Hainan at 8:02 pm (1202 GMT), state news agency Xinhua said. An “anomaly” occurred when the rocket, which was carrying the Zhongxing-4B communications satellite, was in flight, Xinhua added. The cause of the failure is under investigation, it said. Singapore-based broadcaster Channel
NewsAsia said in an Instagram post that the rocket had exploded and posted footage from the scene of awestruck crowds watching a fiery ball in the sky. One video, posted a few hours after the launch by a social media profile located in Hainan, showed a rocket exploding into flames around 85 seconds after it blasted off, leaving behind a cloud of grey smoke as debris fell to the ground. China successfully landed a reusable rocket for the first time in July, according to its space agency, marking a major step in its space ambitions and in reducing launch costs. The country is aiming to land astronauts on the Moon before 2030, a race in which the United States is also competing with its Artemis program. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, commenting on a post about Monday’s failed launch on X, said that “rockets are insanely hard.” AFP
RITUAL. An indigenous woman takes part in a Mayan ceremony commemorating the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, at the archaeological site of Kaminal Juyu, in Guatemala City. AFP
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Solon wants SC review of NCR wage hike TRO
ANTI-MEASLES VACCINATION DRIVE. The
Department of Health and the Cebu provincial government roll out a threeweek vaccination campaign to protect children in Region 7 from measles and rubella diseases. ‘No child should be left behind,’ says Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro during the launch. Minerva Newman
By Pot Chavez
NHA suspends loan repayments for August due to monsoon rains By Rio N. Araja
T
HE National Housing Authority (NHA) has implemented a moratorium on housing loan amortizations and lease payments falling due on Aug. 1 to 31 for residential account holders in its projects providing temporary financial relief to families affected by the prevailing southwest monsoon. NHA general manager Joeben Tai’s memorandum order covered residential account holders in
Metro Manila, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Abra, Benguet, Bataan, Bulacan, Pampanga, Tar-
lac, Zambales, Cavite, Batangas, Rizal, Occidental Mindoro and Oriental Mindoro provinces. The southwest monsoon or “hanging habagat” brought wiadespread and prolonged rainfall over the National Capital Region and several provinces in Luzon causing flooding and work stoppage. The moratorium is automatically granted to residential account holders and does not require application to avail of the moratorium. During the moratorium period,
no delinquency or additional interest charges will be imposed, while the accrual of penalties, interest, and surcharges will be suspended. Payment of amortization and lease obligations will resume on September 1, while the repayment period of covered residential accounts will be extended by one month, the NHA pointed out. Payments and charges incurred before August 1vwill likewise resume on Sept. 1.
SC to trial judges: Be more conversant with forensic evidence By Pot Chavez THE Supreme Court (SC) has conducted a pioneering initiative to strengthen the capacity of judges and justices in handling and appreciating forensic evidence in court proceedings. Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo emphasized the importance of the initiative, saying it is “timely and necessary”. “As judges, we are not expected to become forensic scientists, but we are expected to understand enough to ask the right questions, to appreciate the strengths and limitations of these expert proofs, to recognize the boundaries of scientific certainty but, ultimately, to still decide cases based on evidence that is both legally admissible and scientifically reliable,” he said. Said 5-day program was held at The Judicial Academy of the Philippines (TJAP) in Tagaytay City last month, gathering 47 participants from different courts of the country. They engaged in intensive sessions covering nearly every major discipline of modern forensic science including DNA and trace evidence to toxicology, forensic psychology and
psychiatry, document analysis, and fingerprint analysis, among others. In an interview with Manila Standard on Tuesday, forensic science advocate Jose Dela Rama, Jr. lauded the development stressing its importance in evidence appreciation. “I have been advocating forensic science in the appreciation of evidence. It cannot be denied that our courts give much credence to positive identification but treats Alibi as the weakest defense. Both have flaws,” he explained. “We cannot rely solely on positive identification since human memory falters. Alibi is not the weakest defense after all if properly documented. If both have flaws, why not try forensic science since it is science based, it will not lie,” he added. The dean of Tarlac State University-School of Lawn is proposing that the SC also issues rules on forensic evidence “My main advocacy now is to propose a separate rule in our rules of court about Forensic evidence which will serve as a guide in the use of science in our court proceedings. In our Rules of Court we have original evidence rule, secondary evidence,
real evidence rule. It is my hope that someday, rules on forensic evidence will be issued by the Supreme Court,” he noted. He firmly believes that forensic science contributes information about what may have happened and who may have been in-
volved that could guide the court. Pot Chavez As such, with the help of forensic science, courts can prevent wrongful convictions and ensure that innocent people do not suffer punishment for crimes that they did not commit.
IN BRIEF Solon seeks prohibition on system loss charges MAMAMAYANG Liberal Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima has filed two measures seeking to prohibit non-technical system loss charges on electric bills and exempt system loss from value-added tax (VAT). In filing House Bill 10677 or the “NonTechnical System Loss Charge Prohibition Act”, De Lima aims to amend the “Electric Power Industry Reform Act” (EPIRA) to limit the Energy Regulation Commission’s (ERC) rate- and cap-setting authority to technical loss alone. Under this measure, distribution utilities are prohibited from imposing or recovering from consumers any cost attributable to non-technical loss, whether through system loss rate or any other charge, fee, or cross-subsidy mechanism. Electricity costs—which are already very high and continue to rise—account for a significant portion of a family’s expenses. Since wages remain stagnant, families are forced to cut back on consumption and reduce the budget allocated for other basic needs. It is therefore completely unreasonable to expect Filipinos to shoulder the cost of services they do not even benefit from,” De Lima said. Maricel V. Cruz
Region 2 police reveals gains in anti-crime drive
FISHING IN A RAGING RIVER. A fisherman casts his net at the swollen Chico river in Suyo, Ilocos Sur during the height of southwest monsoon or ‘habagat’ in a bid to put food on the table for the family amid hostile weather conditions. Dave Leprozo
DOH-7, Cebu gov’t launch massive vaccination drive By Minerva Newman
WATERWAYS CLEARING. Balanga City Mayor Raquel Garcia underscores the necessity of keeping waterways clean and ensure drainage systems function properly particularly during the rainy season to minimize flooding and disasters. Balanga CENRO photo
AKBAYAN Party-list Rep. Perci Cendaña, along with labor leaders, has submitted a petition to the Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday, seeking review of a temporary restraining order (TRO) issued by the Pasig Regional Trial Court (RTC) against the ₱85- wage hike in Metro Manila. Cendaña said they are calling the attention of the SC through the Judicial Integrity Office on a “huge violation” against the rights of the workers and the law committed by the RTC decision. The group cited that the High Court exercises administrative supervision over all courts and court personnel such that it may investigate judges and initiate administrative proceedings for misconduct, gross ignorance of the law, undue delay, bias, corruption, and other administrative offenses. Cendaña noted that the SC should probe Judge Marie Joyce Manongsong’s TRO against the wage hike, adding that said act is against Article 126 of the Labor Code prohibiting court-issued injunction proceedings of the National Wages and Productivity Commission and the regional wage boards. Last month, the Pasig court issued a status quo ante (the way things were before) order suspending the implementation of the P85 daily minimum wage increase among private sector employees in Metro Manila.
CEBU City—The Department of Health (DOH)-Central Visayas and the Cebu provincial government rolled out on Monday, Aug. 10, a three-week antimeasles vaccination drive targeting 630,000 children in the region. The campaign, dubbed “Ligtas Tigdas 2026: Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR-SIA)” aims to protect children from measles and rubella. “No Cebuano child should suffer from a disease we can already prevent,” said Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro during the launch. DOH 7 aims to vaccinate at least 630,000 children aged 6 to 59 months in Cebu and Bohol. In Cebu, down to the barangay level. Baricuatro mobilized all 16 provincial and district hospitals, plus rural health
units in cities and municipalities across the province as vaccination sites. “Every vaccination is not simply a number added to our accomplishment. Behind that number is a child we are protecting, a parent we are giving peace of mind, and a family we are helping keep safe,” Baricuatro said. The governor issued Executive Order No. 40 in July 2026 creating the Provincial Immunization Task Force to strengthen coordination. She also personally administered Vitamin A supplements to eight babies who were inoculated during the launch. their MR vaccines. With the theme “Bakuna at proteksyon ni baby, atong responsibility”, health officials stressed that the vaccine is the best defense against measles and rubella, locally known as tigdas.
THE Region 2 police reported significant gains in crime reduction, law enforcement, and community engagement during the first 100 days of Brig. Gen. Mariano Rodriguez’s leadership as regional director. Rodriguez, a native of Cabagan, Isabela, assumed command of the regional office last May 1. He gave his men a perfect 10 rating for their relentless anti-crime campaign and daily sacrifices that have made communities across Cagayan Valley so much safer, saying their discipline and professionalism have greatly helped maintain peace and order in the region. From May 1 to Aug. 8, 2026, the regional police conducted 226 anti-illegal drug operations that led to the arrest of 281 individuals and the seizure of suspected illegal drugs and recovery of 403 loose firearms. Jessica M. Bacud
DENR, cops save tiny ball python in Bataan THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the local police rescued an 83-centimeter-long ball python (Python regius) during in an operation on the Roman Superhighway in Barangay San Pedro, Hermosa, Bataan. Police arrested a suspected owner of the snake for alleged violations of Republic Act 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, as well as unlawful trading and transporting the exotic animals. Authorities also filed charges under RA 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, after discovering that the suspect allegedly used online platforms to facilitate the illegal trading of protected wildlife. species. The police turned over the rescued python to the DENR through the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Pilar, Bataan, for proper disposition, including identification, health assessment, documentation in accordance with wildlife conservation laws and regulations. Butch Gunio
SPORTS
A8
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2026
RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor
Swiatek sets up semis duel with Svitolina
PBA’S BEST FOR THE WEEK. Maverick Ahanmisi provided not only firepower, but also a stabilizing presence as Terrafirma took down NLEX, 114-109, in a PBA Governors’ Cup stunner last week. Ahanmisi’s performance, highlighted by 16 points on a 63-percent field goal, 10 assists, three rebounds and three steals earned him the PBA Press Corps’ Player of the Week honors.
Eala continues grind, secures th 17 seed in Cincinnati Open By Randy M. Caluag
A
Alexandra Eala
LEXANDRA “Alex” Eala has earned the No. 17 seeding in the Cincinnati Open, securing a first-round bye as she continues her impressive rise on the WTA Tour. Currently ranked a career-high No. 20 in the world, the 21-year-old Filipina will advance directly to the second round of the WTA 1000 tournament in Mason, Ohio. Her opening opponent will be determined during the official draw. The women’s main draw fires off Thursday, Aug. 13, while the entire tournament—including the qualifying rounds—runs from Aug. 8 to 23. The Cincinnati Open features an expanded 96-player singles draw, with the top 32 seeds receiving first-round byes. Eala heads to Cincinnati after reaching the
fourth round of the National Bank Open in Toronto, where her campaign ended with a 4-6, 0-6 loss to seasoned Swiss campaigner Belinda Bencic.
Despite the setback, Eala gai ned valuable matches agai nst elite opposition just d ays af ter capt u r i ng her f i rst W TA Tou r si ngles championship at the Mubad ala DC O pen. The Quezon City native rallied from a set down to defeat top seed and world No. 3 Jessica Pegula, 4-6, 6-4, 6-0, in the Washington final. The landmark victory made her the first Filipino to win a WTA Tour-level singles crown and propelled her to No. 20 in the world. Her No. 17 seeding in Cincinnati represents another milestone in a breakthrough season that has established her as a legitimate contender on the women’s tour. Eala will test herself against another formidable field led by Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, Elena Rybakina and Naomi Osaka. The Cincinnati Open will serve as Eala’s final major tune-up before the US Open in New York, where she hopes to carry her strong North American hard-court form onto the Grand Slam stage.
Alas Girls must win vs. Venezuela after loss to Peru SAN FELIPE, Chile — Alas Pilipinas faces a must-win showdown with Venezuela at the close of pool play on Tuesday in the FIVB Volleyball Girls U17 World Championship at Liceo Mixto San Felipe. World No. 6 Peru showed poise under fire, rising from a set down to win, 2628, 25-22, 25-23, 25-20, on Monday and deal a huge blow to the Philippines’ bid for a spot in the Round of 16. Peru joined China in the Round of 16, sending Alas Pilipinas Girls to a precarious situation to reach the knockout phase. China overpowered Mexico, 25-12, 25-15, 25-17, to make it four victories without dropping a set, locking up the top spot, while Peru holds provisional second with a 3-1 win-loss record in Pool B. They face off on Tuesday. Venezuela and the Philippines both stand at 2-2, with the Venezuelans occupying the No. 3 spot on seven points and the Alas Girls in fourth
with six points. That gives Alas Pilipinas and Venezuela, which clash on Tuesday, a shot at moving up the ladder and avoid the top team from Pool D. The top four from each six-team pool advance to the Round of 16. Mexico is running fifth with a 1-3 record with three points, but can still raise its total to six with a three- or fourset victory over Tunisia. For Alas Pilipinas Girls—supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, and Asics—a convincing victory over Venezuela will vault them back up to No. 2. Even a five-set loss would yield one point and earn them a spot in the Round of 16. A three- or four-set defeat, coupled with a Mexico sweep of Tunisia, would relegate the Philippines to the classification phase. Korea leads Pool D at 4-0, Italy is in second with a 3-1 record, followed by Chinese Taipei and Puerto Rico at 2-2.
Xyz Rayco keeps the ball alive. Volleyball World
Alas Pilipinas had a solid start but struggled to respond when Peru started catching fire amid the blare of horns and a raucous crowd.
The Philippines squandered a 10-point lead in the third set, at one point allowing Peru to string up eight straight.
Home-course edge vs. grit as South, North brace for ICTSI JPGT Finals TEAM South will have the home-course advantage – and perhaps an even greater sense of urgency – as it takes on Team North in a much-anticipated rematch in the ICTSI Elite Junior PGT Finals on Aug. 18-20 at the Pueblo de Oro Golf and Country Club in Cagayan de Oro. But if last year’s inaugural showdown was any indication, home turf alone will not be enough. South will be out to erase the bitter taste of its 21 1/2-26 1/2 setback to North at The Country Club, while the defending champions return with a battletested formula built on preparation, chemistry and an unwavering belief in one another. The Ryder Cup-style event promises another charged three-day duel, with team chemistry and camaraderie taking center stage in the opening two days before individual talent, nerve and match-play poise come to the fore in the decisive Singles round. For South, the mission is clear: change the script. The hosts boast a formidable cast of players with proven familiarity and success at Pueblo de Oro, including Stephen Clementer and Soleil Molde in the 7-10 age group, Jared Saban and Brittany Tamayo in the 11-14 division, and Alexis
Stephen Clementer
Nailga and Precious Zaragosa in the 15-18 class. Yet North knows better than to be intimidated
by the home-course advantage. Its title defense begins with a deep and talented 7-10 lineup led by girls Winter Serapio, Jaicee Cervantes, Andrea Dee and Jehanne Mendoza, and boys Zach Guicio, Zoji Edoc, Kenzo Tan and Kingston Ching. Backing Molde and Clementer on the South side are Ana Marie Aguilar, Vanya Go and Akeisha Yocte in the girls’ division, and Ethan Lago, Lucas Revilleza and Darren Ong among the boys. The first two days could well hinge on how these youngsters mesh as partners, complement each other’s games and handle the pressure of playing for a team rather than themselves. With the rosters reshaped following the six-leg Luzon and Visayas-Mindanao Series, where the top performers earned berths to their respective squads, finding the right combinations could prove just as important as individual shot-making. North learned that lesson well in last year’s championship. The Northerners came out firing in the opening Four-ball session, dominating South, 8-4. They followed that with another gritty 6 1/2-5 1/2 victory in Foursomes to build a commanding lead heading into the final day.
TORONTO—Former world number one Iga Swiatek cruised into the Toronto Masters semifinals on Monday to set up a clash with Elina Svitolina who fought back from a set down to reach the last four. Poland’s Swiatek, a six-time Grand Slam champion, took just 64 minutes to sweep past Russia’s Diana Shnaider 6-2, 6-1. Ukraine’s Svitolina, the ninth seed, beat Russia’s Ekaterina Alexandrova 3-6, 6-0, 6-3. Swiatek reached just her second WTA semifinal this year after Rome and is seeking her first final appearance since winning the Korea Open almost a year ago in Seoul. “From the beginning I went for it. I felt like I could dominate,” Swiatek said after dropping just three points on her first serve. “I was quite happy with the way I played. It was a tricky match with the wind. “I thought I needed to adjust to that. I Iga just wanted to be Swiatek more solid,” added the 25-year-old world number eight. Svitolina won eight c o n s e c u t i ve games after losing the first set on the way to dispatching Alexandrova in 93 minutes. Swiatek leads Svitolina 4-3 in their WTA career rivalry, but lost both their meetings this year. “I’m gonna talk with my team to adjust a little bit for Iga’s game,” said Svitolina. “Of course she’s a great champion. She plays really well this tournament. I have to bring my best.” Swiatek established a 5-2 lead in the first set when she broke Shnaider a second time, courtesy of the Russian netting a backhand, and served out to take it in 31 minutes. The Pole broke for a 2-1 lead in the second when Shnaider netted. A forehand winner gave Swiatek a 4-1 lead and a third break sealed victory. Svitolina had more of a battle after sending a backhand long on serve to drop an evenly matched first set. It fired up the Ukrainian who reeled off four breaks to blank Alexandrova in the second set and take a 2-0 lead in the third. AFP
San Juan, Binan dump MPBL foes SAN Juan and Binan won in runaway fashion while Mindoro scrambled past Marikina in the SportsPlus MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) 2026 Season on Monday at the Paco Arena in Manila. The San Juan Knights dumped the Manila Batang Quiapo, 124-75, in the nightcap, improving on Binan Tatak Gel’s 110-86 conquest of the Paranaque Patriots in the opener. The Knights cruised to their 16th win against two losses that put them closer to the Abra Solid North Weavers (18-1) and the Caloocan Batang Kankaloo (17-2) in the North division race for playoff spots. Patrick Sleat, former star of the Perpetual Help Altas, finished with 21 points. Binan trounces Paranaque Up by three points after the first quarter, Binan took the half by six, the third quarter by 17, and as far as 110-84 en route to a 17-4 card and the third position in the South division. Binan, which recovered from a 53-63 beating it absorbed from Abra Solid North on August 1, trails Quezon Province (15-3) and Batangas City (15-3), and is ahead of Gensan (13-4) in the chase for playoff spots. Nic Cabanero again shone for Binan with 16 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists, followed by Michael Mabulac with 12 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists.
Patrick Sleat of San Juan
ACCELERATING THE PHILIPPINES’
SOLAR TRANSITION Powering the Philippines: The road to solar future
B1
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2026
advertise@manilastandard.net
By Sean Rodeo
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HE Philippines aims to raise the share of renewable energy in its power mix to 35 percent by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040, up from about 25 percent currently, under the government’s Philippine Energy Plan. Government agencies and utility companies have moved to cut red tape for consumers who want to install solar power systems. Simplified rules The Department of Energy has simplified requirements for smallscale solar installations. Under DOE guidelines, electric utilities must waive certain pre-installation clearances, technical permits and inspection charges for small systems. The rules exempt small “plugand-play” micro-solar systems from building permits and Certificates of Compliance. Larger “zero-export” solar systems built for self-consumption also do not need a Certificate of Compliance when installed in homes, clinics or medical facilities. Grid modernization Decentralized solar generation eases pressure on central power plants, but widespread rooftop solar adoption requires a smarter, more resilient distribution network. Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) said
Gemini-generated image
it is accelerating investment in smart metering and grid modernization to support renewable energy integration. Smart meters let utilities remotely monitor electricity consumption, support net-metering, detect power irregularities and reduce nontechnical system losses. Transmission and storage Expanding transmission capacity through the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) is essential to move electricity from large rural solar farms to urban demand centers. A
stronger network could also reduce congestion and curtailment of renewable energy. Solar generation peaks during daylight hours, while electricity demand often peaks in the evening — an intermittency gap that energy storage is meant to close. Utility-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems can store excess power generated at midday and release it during peak evening hours. In remote islands, solar-plusbattery microgrids could reduce reliance on diesel generators and
Solar power leads drive toward 2030 climate goals
By Stella Creus SOLAR energy is driving the Philippines’ push to cut greenhouse gas emissions while meeting growing electricity demands, serving as a pillar for the nation’s climate resilience strategy. Under its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), the Philippines aims to reduce and avoid greenhouse gas emissions by 75 percent from 2020 to 2030 compared to business-as-usual projections. The commitment includes a 2.72 percent unconditional reduction, while international support—such as climate finance, technology transfer and capacity building—must fund the remaining 72.29 percent. To support these goals, the government targets generating 35 percent of national energy from renewable sources by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040. Commercial solar projects reached approximately 2,421 megawatts (MW) across 517 sites as of April 30, 2025, according to the Department of Energy (DOE). About 52 own-use solar projects generated roughly 62 MW. The government’s Green Energy Auction Program continues to incentivize solar developments across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Beyond large-scale solar farms, individual adoption is expanding. Net-metering installations—allowing consumers to feed excess electricity back into the grid—added approximately 141
MW of capacity between 2015 and 2024. By generating power from sunlight rather than coal, oil, or natural gas, solar adoption lowers emissions while buffering the energy needs of a growing population and digital economy. As a domestic resource, solar power also reduces reliance on imported fossil fuels and diversifies the national energy supply. Distributed solar generation and battery-supported systems also provide critical backup power during severe weather emergencies, such as typhoons and floods. To prevent land-use conflicts, the DOE proposed initiatives in 2025 to develop floating solar installations on reservoirs, lakes, and dams. However, grid integration faces persistent obstacles. Because solar output fluctuates during the day and halts at night, energy storage, modern grid infrastructure, transmission expansion, and steady generation capacity remain vital. Developers and consumers also navigate financing hurdles, permitting delays, land limitations and upfront technology costs. Meeting national climate goals will depend on cross-sector collaboration among government agencies, investors, energy companies and international partners, alongside complementary investments in wind, geothermal, and hydropower.
provide cleaner, more reliable electricity. Floating solar technology could help the Philippines work around land constraints and competing agricultural uses. Planned projects, including one at Laguna Lake, could generate electricity without using additional farmland. Water’s cooling effect can also improve solar panel performance. Benefits for consumers The Philippines has among the highest electricity costs in Southeast Asia.
Rooftop solar can reduce the cost of electricity households and businesses buy from the grid during daylight hours, potentially lowering monthly bills. Solar power can also cushion consumers against price swings tied to imported fuel costs. Widespread distributed solar generation could ease pressure on the grid during periods of peak demand. A cleaner, more resilient energy system could reduce the country’s dependence on fossil fuels and strengthen energy security.
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billion, or 48 percent of LTG’s attributable T GROUP Inc., the earnings. Fortune Tobacco Corp. contriblisted holding company uted P6.13 billion, or 36 percent, while Service Corp. 1.Name: Li Li Zhongqiang, 2. Zeng Ling, 3. 3. Shao Guangtao, 4. 4. Li Li Feihu, 5. 5. Thazin Kyaw, 6. 6. Luo Bin2. Service Corp. 1. Zhongqiang, Zeng Ling, Shao Guangtao, Feihu, Thazin Kyaw, Luo Bin Tanduay Distillers Inc. added P1.57 bilCompany Name: Vehicle Master Name: Company Name: Vehicle Master of tycoon Lucio Tan, Thazin Kyaw, 6. 6. Luo Bin Thazin Kyaw, BinLing, Service Corp. 1. Li Zhongqiang, 2.Luo Zeng 3. 3. Shao Guangtao, 4. 4. Li Li Feihu, 5. 5. Service Corp. 1. Li Zhongqiang, 2. Zeng Ling, Shao Guangtao, Feihu, Company Address: Address: Company Address: Address: lion, or 9 percent. Thazin Kyaw, 6. 6. Luo BinBin Thazin Kyaw, Luo Address: Address: Company Address: Address: aCanumay record attributable 27Company T.posted Santiago St.,St., Canumay West 1,5. Parañaque City 2. Makati City 3-4. Taguig City 6. 6. Pasay City 27 T. Santiago West 1,5. Parañaque City 2. Makati City 3-4. Taguig City Pasay City Asia Brewery Inc. contributed P377 1-6. Chinese 7. 7. Vietnamese 1-6. Chinese Vietnamese 27 T. T. Santiago St.,St., Canumay West 1,5. Parañaque City 2. 2. Makati City 3-4. Taguig City 6. 6. Pasay City 27 Santiago Canumay West 1,5. Parañaque City Makati City 3-4. Taguig City Pasay City Company Address: Address: Company Address: Address: Valenzuela Valenzuela 1-6. Chinese 7. Vietnamese Nationality: 1-6. Chinese 7. Vietnamese Nationality: Nationality: Nationality: Valenzuela Valenzuela 27 T. Santiago St., Canumay West 1,5. Parañaque City 2. Makati City 3-4. Taguig City 6. Pasay City 27 T. Santiago St., Canumay West 1,5. Parañaque City 2. Makati City 3-4. Taguig City 6. Pasay CityEton Properties Philippines million, while net income of P17.03 billion Nationality: Nature ofof Business: Repairs And Intended period of employment: Nationality: Nature Business: Repairs And Intended period of employment: 1-4,6. Chinese 5. Myanmar 1-6. Chinese 7. Vietnamese 1-4,6. Chinese 5. Myanmar 1-6. Chinese 7. Vietnamese Valenzuela Valenzuela Nature ofof Business: Repairs And Intended period ofof employment: Nature Business: Repairs And Intended period employment: 1-4,6. Chinese 5. 5. Myanmar 1-4,6. Chinese Myanmar Maintenance OfOf Motor Vehicles 1-6 - Three 3(years) 7. Two 2(years) Nationality: Maintenance Motor Vehicles 1-6 - Three 3(years) 7. Two 2(years) Nationality: Inc., Victorias Milling Co., and other busiMaintenance OfOf Motor Vehicles 1-6 - Three 3(years) 7.employment: Two 2(years) Maintenance Motor Vehicles 1-6 - Three 3(years) 7. Two 2(years) in first half of 2026, 14 Nature ofof Business: Repairs And Intended period ofof employment: Nature Business: Repairs And Intended period Nature ofthe Business: Repairs And Intended period ofup employment: Nature of Business: Repairs And Intended period of employment: 1-4,6. Chinese 5. Myanmar 1-4,6. Chinese 5. Nature of Business: Repairs And Intended period ofMyanmar employment: Nature of Business: Repairs And Intended period of employment: Vehicle Master Service Corp. hereby declares thethe above-named foreign national is able, willing, and Vehicle Master Service Corp. hereby declares that above-named foreign national is able, willing, and nesses accounted for P290 million, P295 Maintenance OfOf Motor Vehicles 1-61-6 -that Three 3(years) 7. 7. Two 2(years) Maintenance Motor Vehicles Three 3(years) Two 2(years) Maintenance Of Motor Vehicles 1,3-6 Two 2(years), 2 Three 3(years) Maintenance Of Motor Vehicles 1,3-6 Two 2(years), 2 Three 3(years) Vehicle Master Service Corp. hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is is able, willing, and Vehicle Master Service Corp. hereby declares that the above-named foreign national able, willing, and Maintenance OfOf Motor Vehicles 1,3-6 - Two 2(years), 2employment: -2Three 3(years) Nature ofof Business: Repairs And Intended period ofof employment: Maintenance Motor Vehicles 1,3-6 - billion Two 2(years), -a Three 3(years) Nature Business: Repairs AndP14.97 Intended period qualified toto perform thethe services and jobjob description forfor this position. The company hashas thethe intention toto qualified perform services and description this position. The company intention percent from qualified to perform the services and job description for this position. The company has the intention toand million, and P156 million, respectively. Vehicle Master Service Corp. hereby declares that the above-named foreign national ishas able, willing, and qualified to perform the services and job description for this position. The company the intention to Vehicle Master Service Corp. hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is able, willing, Maintenance Of Motor Vehicles 1,3-6 Two 2(years), 2 Three 3(years) Vehicle Master Service Corp. hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is able, willing, and Maintenance Of Motor Vehicles 1,3-6 Two 2(years), 2 Three 3(years) Vehicle Master Service Corp. hereby declares that the above-named foreign national isisable, willing, and employ the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Department ofof Labor employ the said foreign national and apply for Alien Employment Permit with the Department of Labor Vehicle Master Service Corp. hereby declares that the above-named foreign national able, willing, and Vehicle Master Service Corp. hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is able, willing, and employ the said foreign national apply for anan Alien Employment Permit with the Department Labor qualified tothe perform the services and job description forfor this position. The company has the intention toLabor employ said foreign national apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Department of qualified to perform the services and job description this position. The company has the intention to qualified to perform thethe services and job description for this position. The company hashas the intention todeclared qualified to perform the services and job description for this position. The company the intention to LTG also total dividends of P6.49 and Employment --foreign National Capital Region located at Dole Central office muralla stthe corner general Luna.. year earlier. and Employment -- National Capital Region located at Dole Central office muralla corner general Luna.. qualified to perform services and job description for this position. The company has the intention toand Vehicle Master Service Corp. hereby declares that the above-named foreign national ishas able, willing, and qualified to perform the services and job description for this position. The company the intention to Vehicle Master Service Corp. hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is able, willing, employ the said foreign national and apply for anan Alien Employment Permit with Department ofLuna.. Labor and Employment National Capital Region located at Dole Central office muralla stst corner general employ the said national and apply for Alien Employment Permit with the Department of Labor and Employment National Capital Region located at Dole Central office muralla st corner general Luna.. employ thethe said foreign national and apply forfor anan Alien Employment Permit with thethe Department ofof Labor employ said foreign national and apply Alien Employment Permit with Department Labor and Employment - National Capital Region located atat Dole Central office muralla st st corner general Luna.. and Employment - National Capital Region located Dole Central office muralla corner general Luna..
in in H1H1Prime Construction Corp. Prime Construction Corp. Career Opportunity Prime Construction Corp. Career Opportunity Prime Construction Corp. Career Opportunity in in H1H1 Prime Construction Career Opportunity Prime ConstructionCorp. Corp.
Project ProjectCoordinator Coordinator Project Coordinator Project Coordinator One (1)(1) Vacancy One Vacancy
billion as of end-June, consisting of regular dividends of P0.15 per share and special divThe company attributed the growth to idends totaling P0.45 per share. This brought strong performances across its banking, total dividends to P0.60 per share, representtobacco, and businesses. Career Opportunity Sliquor & Construction Technology Development Co., Inc. Career Opportunity in in S in & Technology &&& Development Co., Inc. Career Opportunity SP&PConstruction P Construction Technology & Development Co., Inc. Career Opportunity Construction Technology Development Co., Inc. qualified tothe perform the services and job description forfor this position. The company has the intention toLabor employ the said foreign national apply forfor anan Alien Employment Permit with the Department ofof Labor qualified to perform the services and job description this position. The company has the intention to employ said foreign national apply Alien Employment Permit with the Department
and Employment -foreign National Capital Region located atAlien Dole Central office muralla st st corner general Luna.. and Employment National Capital Region located at Dole Central office muralla general Luna.. employ the said national and apply for anan Employment Permit with the Department ofLuna.. Labor and Employment --foreign National Capital Region located at Dole Central office muralla stcorner corner general employ the said national and apply for Alien Employment Permit with the Department of Labor and Employment - National Capital Region located at Dole Central office muralla st corner general Luna.. and Employment - National Capital Region located atat Dole Central office muralla st st corner general Luna.. and Employment - National Capital Region located Dole Central office muralla corner general Luna..
Career Opportunity in in S& Construction Technology && Development Co., Career Opportunity S &P P Construction Technology Development Co.,Inc. Inc.
Job Description: Description: JobJob Description: Job Description: JobJob Description: Description:
•• •••• •• •••• •• •• •• •• •••• •• •••• • ••••• • ••••• ••••
vehiclemasterservicecorp@gmail.com vehiclemasterservicecorp@gmail.com Name ofmay foreign national intending to to apply forfor thethe position Applications bebe sent to:to: Name of foreign national intending apply position Applications may sent vehiclemasterservicecorp@gmail.com vehiclemasterservicecorp@gmail.com Name of foreign national intending to apply for the position Company/Employer Company/Employer Company Name: Vehicle Master Name: Company Name: Vehicle Master Name: Name of foreign national intending to apply for the position Name of of foreign national toto apply for position Company/Employer Name foreign national intending apply the position Company/Employer Service Corp. 1. 1. Li Name: Zhongqiang, 2. Zeng Ling, 3.intending Shao Guangtao, 4.for Lithe Feihu, 5. 5. Company Name: Vehicle Master Name: Service Corp. Li Zhongqiang, 2. Zeng Ling, 3. Shao Guangtao, 4. Li Feihu, Company Name: Vehicle Master
Company/Employer Company/Employer
ing a 21 percent payout rate. PNB reported a 17 percent increase in first-half net income to P14.61 billion from P12.52 billion a year earlier. Fortune Tobacco reported a 13 percent increase in net income to P6.16 billion, driven mainly by higher equity earnings from PMFTC Inc., its 49.6 percent associate. PMFTC raised cigarette prices in March amid continuing increases in tobacco excise taxes. Tanduay Distillers posted a 16 percent increase in net income to P1.58 billion as net revenues rose 9 percent to P16.68 billion. Its gross profit margin improved to 18 percent from 17 percent as higher selling prices offset increases in excise taxes, raw materials, and freight costs.
Chinese Construction Technician Chinese Construction Technician Chinese Construction Technician Chinese Construction Technician
One (1)(1) Vacancy One Vacancy
ToTo support construction projects from planning through completion. To support construction projects from planning through completion. To support construction projects from planning through completion. support construction projects from planning through completion.
ToTo support construction projects from planning through completion. support construction projects from planning through completion. Qualification: Qualification: Qualification: Qualification: Qualification: Qualification:
Knowledge ofof filefile management, transcription, and other administrative procedures. Knowledge management, transcription, and other administrative procedures. Knowledge of file management, transcription, and other administrative procedures. Knowledge of file management, transcription, and other administrative procedures. Knowledge of file management, transcription, and other administrative procedures. Knowledge of file management, transcription, and other administrative procedures. OrOr a related field. a related field. OrOr related field. Or related field. Or aa related field. aa related field. Good communication and interpersonal skills. Good communication and interpersonal skills. Good communication and interpersonal skills. Good communication and interpersonal skills. Good communication interpersonal skills. Good interpersonal skills. Familiarity with construction drawings and blueprints. Familiarity with construction drawings and blueprints. Familiarity with construction drawings and blueprints. Familiarity drawings and blueprints. Familiarity with construction drawings and blueprints. Familiarity drawings and blueprints. Strong organizational and multitasking skills. Strong organizational and multitasking skills. Strong organizational and multitasking skills. Strong organizational multitasking skills. Strong organizational and multitasking skills. Strong organizational and multitasking skills. Knowledge ofof construction methods, materials, and regulations is is anan asset. Knowledge construction methods, materials, and regulations asset. Knowledge of construction methods, materials, and regulations anan asset. Knowledge construction methods, materials, and regulations an asset. Knowledge ofof construction methods, materials, and regulations isisan asset. Knowledge of construction methods, materials, and regulations isis asset. Preferred with Certification. Preferred with Certification. Preferred with Certification. Preferred with Certification. Preferred with Certification. Preferred with Certification. Applications may bebe sent to:to: Applications may sent Applications may bebe sent to:to: Applications may sent huayiconstructioncorp@gmail.com huayiconstructioncorp@gmail.com Applications may bebe sent to:to: Applications may sent huayiconstructioncorp@gmail.com huayiconstructioncorp@gmail.com huayiconstructioncorp@gmail.com huayiconstructioncorp@gmail.com Name of of foreign national intending toto apply forfor thethe position Company/Employer Name foreign national intending apply position Company/Employer Name of of foreign national intending toto apply forfor thethe position Company/Employer Name foreign national intending apply position Company/Employer Name of of foreign national intending to to apply forfor thethe position Company/Employer Name foreign national intending apply position Company/Employer Company Name: H1H1 Prime Name: Company Name: Prime Name: Company Name: H1 Prime Name: Company Name: H1 Prime Name: Construction Corp. 1. 1. Li Li Hua Construction Corp. Hua Company Name: H1H1 Prime Name: Company Name: Prime Construction Corp. 1. Name: Li Li Hua Construction Corp. 1. Hua Construction Corp. 1. Li Hua Construction Corp. 1. Li Hua Company Address: Address: Company Address: Address: Company Address: Address: Company Address: Address: Unit 118 SixSix Senses Residences, 1. 1. Caloocan City Unit 118 Senses Residences, Caloocan City Unit 118 Six Senses Residences, 1. Address: Caloocan City Unit 118 Six Senses Residences, 1. Caloocan City Company Address: Address: Company Address: Metrobank Ave., Metropolitan Park, Metrobank Ave., Metropolitan Park, Metrobank Ave., Metropolitan Park, Metrobank Ave., Metropolitan Park, 1. Nationality: Nationality: Unit 118 SixSix Senses Residences, Caloocan City Unit 118 Senses Residences, 1. Caloocan City Nationality: Nationality: Zone 10,Brgy. 7676 District Pasay City, Zone 10,Brgy. District Pasay City, Zone 10,Brgy. 76 District 11 Pasay City, Zone 10,Brgy. 76 District 11 Pasay City, 1. Chinese Chinese 1. Chinese Metrobank Ave., Metropolitan Park, Metrobank Ave., Metropolitan Park, 1. 1. Chinese Metro Manila, Ncr 1300 Metro Manila, Ncr 1300 Nationality: Nationality: Metro Manila, Ncr 1300 Metro Manila, Ncr 1300
••
Zone 10,Brgy. 7676 District 1 Pasay City, Zone 10,Brgy. District 1 Pasay City,
1. Chinese 1. Chinese Intended period ofof employment: Intended period employment:
Nature ofManila, Business: Construction Nature of Business: Construction Metro Manila, Ncr 1300 Metro Ncr 1300 Nature of Business: Construction Nature of Business: Construction
Intended period ofof employment: Intended period employment: Three 3(years) Three 3(years) 11 -1-1Three 3(years) -- Three 3(years)
Nature ofof Business: Construction Nature Business: Construction
Intended period ofof employment: Intended period employment: H1H1 Prime Construction Corp. hereby declares that the above-named foreign national able, willing, and H1 Prime Construction Corp. hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is able, willing, and H1 Prime Construction Corp. hereby declares the above-named foreign national isis is able, willing, and Prime Construction Corp. hereby declares that the above-named foreign national able, willing, and 1 -1Three 3(years) - that Three 3(years)
qualified toto perform the services and job description for this position. The company has the intention toto qualified to perform the services and job description for this position. The company has the intention to qualified to perform the services and job description for this position. The company has the intention to qualified perform the services and job description for this position. The company has the intention employ the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Department ofand Labor H1employ Prime Construction Corp. hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is able, willing, employ the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Department of Labor H1 Prime Construction Corp. hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is able, willing, and employ the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Department of Labor the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Department of Labor and Employment National Capital Region located at Dole Central office muralla st corner general Luna.. and Employment National Capital Region located at Dole Central office muralla st corner general Luna.. qualified to perform the services and job description for this position. The company has the intention to qualified to perform the services and job description for this position. The company has the intention to and Employment - National Capital Region located atat Dole Central office muralla st st corner general Luna.. and Employment - National Capital Region located Dole Central office muralla corner general Luna..
employ thethe said foreign national and apply forfor anan Alien Employment Permit with thethe Department ofof Labor employ said foreign national and apply Alien Employment Permit with Department Labor and Employment - National Capital Region located at at Dole Central office muralla st st corner general Luna.. and Employment - National Capital Region located Dole Central office muralla corner general Luna..
Career Opportunity inin S& Technology && Development Co., Inc. Career Opportunity S& & PConstruction Construction Technology & Development Co., Inc. Career Opportunity in Sin PP P Construction Technology & Development Co., Inc. Career Opportunity S& Construction Technology Development Co., Inc.
Project Technician Project Technician Project Technician Project Technician
Chinese Construction Technician Chinese Construction Technician One Vacancy One (1) Vacancy One (1)(1) Vacancy One (1) Vacancy One (1)(1) Vacancy One Vacancy
Job Description: Job Description: Job Description: Job Description: JobJob Description: Description:
Manage and supervise facility development and image enhancement projects. Manage and supervise facility development and image enhancement projects. •••••• Manage and supervise facility development and image enhancement projects. Manage and supervise facility development and image enhancement projects. Manage and supervise facility development and image enhancement projects. Manage and supervise facility development and image enhancement projects. • Coordinate logistics and communication between clients, vendors, and stakeholders. • Coordinate logistics and communication between clients, vendors, and stakeholders. •••• Coordinate logistics and communication between clients, vendors, and stakeholders. Coordinate logistics and communication between clients, vendors, and stakeholders. Coordinate logistics and communication between clients, vendors, and stakeholders. Coordinate logistics and communication between clients, vendors, and stakeholders. • • Follow Follow allall state and safety requirements toto implement good safety conditions atat work site. Follow state and safety requirements implement good safety conditions work site. • all state and safety requirements to implement good safety conditions at at work site. • Follow all state and safety requirements to implement good safety conditions site. • • Follow allall state and implement good safety conditions atwork work site. Follow state and safety requirements to implement good safety conditions at work site. Qualification: Qualification:
2GO CEBU FORUM.
From left: Sharon Musngi-Ngo, business unit head of 2GO Sea Solutions; Ethel Concepcion, head of 2GO Corporate Marketing and Communications; Evelyn Nacario-Castro, assistant regional director of the Department of Economy, Planning and Development; Felix Taguiam, regional governor for Central Visayas of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Regan Rex King, president of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Faye Alonzo, business unit head of 2GO Forwarding; and Francis Chua, business unit head of 2GO Travel join a dialogue hosted by 2GO with key regional stakeholders to discuss Central Visayas’ economic outlook and the vital role of modern supply chain networks in linking businesses to markets and travelers to destinations.
Qualification: Qualification: Qualification: Qualification:
• • Able toto speak and communicate using Mandarin is is anan advantage. Able speak and communicate using Mandarin advantage. Able speak and communicate using an advantage. •••• Able toto speak and communicate using Mandarin is an advantage. Able to speak and communicate using Mandarin is an advantage. Able to speak and communicate Mandarin is an advantage. • • Able toto explain problems simply and clearly. Able explain problems simply and clearly. Able to explain problems simply and clearly. Able to explain problems simply and clearly. •••••• Able to explain problems simply and clearly. Able to explain problems simply and clearly. Proficient in in MSMS Office. Proficient Office. Proficient MS Office. Proficient in MS Office. •••••• Proficient inin MS Office. Proficient in MS Office. Able toto follow health and safety regulations. Able follow health and safety regulations. • Able toto follow health and safety regulations. • Able follow health and safety regulations. •••• Able toto follow health and safety regulations. Able follow health and safety regulations. Excellent mathematical and problem-solving skills. Excellent mathematical and problem-solving skills. • • Excellent mathematical and problem-solving skills. Excellent mathematical and problem-solving skills.
••
Excellent mathematical and problem-solving skills. Excellent mathematical and problem-solving skills.
Applications may bebe sent to:to: Applications may sent Applications may bebe sent to:to: Applications may sent sandpconstructiontechanddevt@gmail.com sandpconstructiontechanddevt@gmail.com Applications may bebe sent to:to: Applications may sent sandpconstructiontechanddevt@gmail.com sandpconstructiontechanddevt@gmail.com sandpconstructiontechanddevt@gmail.com sandpconstructiontechanddevt@gmail.com Name of of foreign national intending toto apply forfor thethe position Company/Employer Name foreign national intending apply position Company/Employer Name of of foreign national intending toto apply forfor thethe position Company/Employer Name foreign national intending apply position Company/Employer Name of of foreign national intending to to apply forfor thethe position Company/Employer Name foreign national intending apply position Company/Employer Company Name: S& P Construction Name: Company Name: S & P Construction Name: Company Name: S& P Construction Company Name: S& P Construction Name: Name: Technology && Development Co., Inc. 1. 1. Wang Qingfa Technology Development Co., Inc. 1. Wang Qingfa Technology && Development Co., Inc. Wang Qingfa Company Name: SDevelopment &S & P Construction Technology Co., Inc. Name: 1. Wang Qingfa Company Name: P Construction Name: Company Address: Address: Technology & Development Co., Inc. 1. Wang Qingfa Company Address: Address: Technology & Development Co., Inc. 1. Wang Qingfa Company Address: Address: Company Address: Address: 12/F Times Plaza Bldg, United Nation 1. Manila Manila City 12/F Times Plaza Bldg, United Nation 1. 1. Manila City 12/F Times Plaza Bldg, United Nation City 12/F Times Plaza Bldg, United Nation 1. Manila City Company Address: Address: Company Address: Ave.cor.taft Ave.brgy.670 Ermita,City Ave.cor.taft Ave.brgy.670 Ermita,City Address: Ave.cor.taft Ave.brgy.670 Ermita,City Ave.cor.taft Ave.brgy.670 Ermita,City Nationality: Nationality: 12/F Times Plaza Bldg, United Nation 1. Manila City 12/F Times Plaza Bldg, United Nation 1. Manila City Nationality: Nationality: OfOf Manila Manila Of Manila Of Manila 1.1. Chinese 1. Chinese Ave.cor.taft Ave.brgy.670 Ermita,City Ave.cor.taft Ave.brgy.670 Ermita,City 1. Chinese Chinese
OfNature Manila Of Manila ofof Business: Construction Nature Business: Construction Nature of Business: Construction Nature of Business: Construction
Nationality: Nationality: Intended period ofof employment: Intended period of employment: of employment: 1. Intended Chinese Intended period employment: 1. Chineseperiod
Three 3(years) Three 3(years) 11 -1-1Three 3(years) -- Three 3(years) Intended period ofof employment: Intended period employment: & P Construction Technology & Development Co., Inc. hereby declares that the above-named foreign S & P Construction Technology & Development Co., Inc. hereby declares that the above-named foreign SS & P Construction Technology & Development Co., Inc. hereby declares that the above-named foreign S & P Construction Technology & Development Co., Inc. hereby declares that the above-named foreign 1 -1Three 3(years) - Three 3(years) national able, willing, and qualified toto perform the services and job description for this position. The national is able, willing, and qualified to perform the services and job description for this position. The national isis is able, willing, and qualified to perform the services and job description for this position. The national able, willing, and qualified perform the services and job description for this position. The company has the intention toto employ the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit company has the intention to employ the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit S company & P Construction Technology & Development Co., Inc. hereby declares that the above-named foreign S company & P Construction Technology & Development Co., Inc. hereby declares that the above-named foreign has the intention to employ the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit has the intention employ the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Department of Labor and Employment National Capital Region located at Dole Central office with the Department of Labor and Employment National Capital Region located at Dole Central office national is able, willing, and qualified toEmployment perform the and jobjob description forfor this position. The national isDepartment able, willing, and qualified to perform services and description this position. The with the Department of Labor and Employment - the National Capital Region located at Dole Central office with the of Labor and --services National Capital Region located at Dole Central office muralla st corner general Luna.. muralla st corner general Luna.. muralla st corner general Luna.. company has the intention to employ thethe said foreign national and apply forfor anan Alien Employment Permit muralla st corner general Luna.. company has the intention to employ said foreign national and apply Alien Employment Permit
Nature ofof Business: Construction Nature Business: Construction
with thethe Department ofof Labor and Employment - National Capital Region located at at Dole Central office with Department Labor and Employment - National Capital Region located Dole Central office muralla st st corner general Luna.. muralla corner general Luna..
Career Opportunity S& Career Opportunity S &P PConstruction ConstructionTechnology Technology&&Development DevelopmentCo., Co.,Inc. Inc. One (1)(1) Vacancy One (1) Vacancy in in One (1) Vacancy One Vacancy Job Description: Project Technician Job Description: Project Technician Job Description: Job Description:
One (1)(1) One Project technicians design and test new products for customers based onon their company's ••Vacancy Project technicians design and test new products for customers based on their company's Project technicians design and test new products for customers based on their company's ••Vacancy Project technicians design and test new products for customers based their company's quality standards and customer requirements. quality standards and customer requirements. quality standards and customer requirements. quality standards and customer requirements. JobJob Description: Description:
••••••
Qualification: Qualification: Qualification: Qualification:
••••••
Qualification: Qualification:
••••
••
••••
•• ••
Other duties include generating reports, conducting inspections and serving asas ofof Other duties include generating reports, conducting inspections and serving as aa point of Other duties include generating reports, conducting inspections and serving as a point point of Other duties include generating reports, conducting inspections and serving apoint Project technicians design and test new products forfor customers based on their company's Project technicians design and test new products customers based on their company's contact for technical customer questions. contact for technical customer questions. contact for technical customer questions. contact for technical customer questions.
quality standards and customer requirements. quality standards and customer requirements.
Other duties include generating reports, conducting inspections and serving as adetail point of Other duties include generating reports, conducting inspections and serving as adetail point of Excellent verbal and written communications skills, with aa strong attention to detail are Excellent verbal and written communications skills, with attention toto are Excellent verbal and written communications skills, with astrong attention detail are Excellent verbal and written communications skills, with a strong strong attention to are contact forfor technical customer questions. contact technical customer questions. required. required. required. required. Must be capable of working with minimal supervision, and have the ability to establish and Must capable working with minimal supervision, and have the ability establish and Must bebe capable ofof working with minimal supervision, and have the ability toto establish and Must be capable of working with minimal supervision, and have the ability to establish and Excellent verbal and written communications skills, with a strong attention toto detail areare Excellent verbal and written communications skills, with a strong attention detail maintain effective working relationships. maintain effective working relationships. maintain effective working relationships. maintain effective working relationships. required. required. The candidate must be able to operate conventional and electronic survey and dataThe candidate must able operate conventional and electronic survey and dataThe candidate must bebe able toto operate conventional and electronic survey and dataThe candidate must be able to operate conventional and electronic survey and datacollection equipment. collection equipment. Must bebe capable ofof working with minimal supervision, and have thethe ability toto establish and Must capable working with minimal supervision, and have ability establish and collection equipment. collection equipment.
maintain effective working relationships. maintain effective working relationships. Applications may bebe sent to:to: Applications may sent
Applications may bebe sent to:to: Applications may sent
sandpconstructiontechanddevt@gmail.com sandpconstructiontechanddevt@gmail.com The candidate must bebe able toto operate conventional and electronic survey and dataThe candidate must able operate conventional and electronic survey and datasandpconstructiontechanddevt@gmail.com sandpconstructiontechanddevt@gmail.com collection equipment. collection equipment. Name of foreign national intending to apply for the position Company/Employer Name foreign national intending apply the position Company/Employer Name ofof foreign national intending toto apply forfor the position
Company/Employer Name of foreign national intending to apply for the position Company/Employer bebe sent to:to: Applications may sent Company Name: SS & P& Name: Company Name: S& PConstruction Name: Company Name: P Construction Name: Company Name: S& P Construction Construction Applications Name: may Technology & Development Co., Inc. Cheng Xuegang sandpconstructiontechanddevt@gmail.com Technology Development Co., Inc. Cheng Xuegang sandpconstructiontechanddevt@gmail.com Technology && Development Co., Inc. 1.1. Cheng Xuegang Technology & Development Co., Inc. 1. 1. Cheng Xuegang Company Address: Company Address: Company/Employer Company/Employer Company Address: Company Address: 12/F Times Plaza Bldg, United Nation 12/F Times Plaza Bldg, United Nation 12/F Times Plaza Bldg, United Nation 12/F Times Plaza Bldg, United Nation Company Name: S& P Construction Company Name: S& P Construction Ave.cor.taft Ave.brgy.670 Ermita,City Ave.cor.taft Ave.brgy.670 Ermita,City Ave.cor.taft Ave.brgy.670 Ermita,City Ave.cor.taft Ave.brgy.670 Ermita,City Technology && Development Co., Inc. Technology Development Co., Inc. Of Manila Of Manila OfOf Manila Manila
Company Address: Company Address:
Nature ofof Business: Construction Nature Business: Construction Nature ofof Business: Construction Nature Business: Construction 12/F Times Plaza Bldg, United Nation 12/F Times Plaza Bldg, United Nation
Address: Address: Name of of foreign national intending to to apply forfor thethe position Name foreign national intending apply position Address: Address: 1. Makati City Makati City 1.1. Makati City
1. Makati City Name: Name: Nationality: Nationality: Nationality: 1. Cheng Xuegang Nationality: 1. Cheng Xuegang 1. Chinese Chinese 1.1. Chinese 1. Chinese
Address: Address: Intended period ofof employment: Intended period employment: Intended period ofof employment: Intended period employment: 1. Makati City Makati City 1 -1. 3(years) 1Three - Three 3(years)
3(years) - Three 3(years) Ave.cor.taft Ave.brgy.670 Ermita,City Ave.cor.taft Ave.brgy.670 Ermita,City 1 -1Three Nationality: Nationality: SOf& P Manila Construction Technology && Development Co., Inc. hereby declares that the above-named foreign & Construction Technology Development Co., Inc. hereby declares that the above-named foreign Manila S S& P PConstruction Technology && Development Co., Inc. hereby declares that the above-named foreign SOf & P Construction Technology Development Co., Inc. hereby declares that the above-named foreign 1.perform Chinese 1. Chinese national is is able, willing, and qualified toto perform the services and jobjob description forfor this position. The national able, willing, and qualified the services and description this position. The national is is able, willing, and qualified toto perform the services and jobjob description forfor this position. The national able, willing, and qualified perform the services and description this position. The company has the intention toto employ the said foreign national and apply forfor anan Alien Employment Permit company has the intention employ the said foreign national and apply Alien Employment Permit Nature ofhas Business: Construction Intended period ofof employment: Nature of Business: Construction Intended period employment: company the intention toto employ the said foreign national and apply forfor anan Alien Employment Permit company has the intention employ the said foreign national and apply Alien Employment Permit with the Department ofof Labor and Employment - National Capital Region located atat Dole Central office with the Department Labor and Employment - National Capital Region located Dole Central office 1 -1Three with the Department ofof Labor and Employment - National Capital Region located atat Dole Central office Three 3(years) with the Department Labor and Employment -3(years) National Capital Region located Dole Central office muralla st st corner general Luna.. muralla corner general Luna.. muralla st st corner general Luna.. muralla corner general Luna..
S& P Construction Technology && Development Co., Inc. hereby declares that thethe above-named foreign S& P Construction Technology Development Co., Inc. hereby declares that above-named foreign national is able, willing, and qualified toto perform thethe services and jobjob description forfor this position. The national is able, willing, and qualified perform services and description this position. The company has the intention to employ the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit company has the intention to employ the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit Career Opportunity in Vehicle Master Service Corp. Career Opportunity in Vehicle Master Service Corp. with the Department of Labor and Employment National Capital Region located at Dole Central office with the Department of Labor and Employment National Capital Region located at Dole Central office Career Opportunity in in Vehicle Career Opportunity VehicleMaster MasterService ServiceCorp. Corp. muralla st st corner general Luna.. muralla corner general Luna..
Project Coordinator Project Coordinator Project Coordinator Project Coordinator Six (6) Vacancy Six (6) Vacancy Six (6) Vacancy Six (6) Vacancy
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•••• Qualification: Qualification: Qualification: Qualification:
•••• •••• •••• ••••
The Project Coordinator helps manage and organize vehicle repair The Project Coordinator helps manage and organize vehicle repair The Project Coordinator helps manage and organize vehicle repair jobs and spare parts The Project Coordinator helps manage and organize vehicle repair jobs and spare parts supply. supply. supply. supply. They make sure allall work done onon time, parts are available, and They make sure all work is done done on time, parts are available, and They make sure all work isis is done on time, parts are available, and everything runs smoothly They make sure work time, parts are available, and everything runs smoothly between the repair team, suppliers, and customers. between the repair team, suppliers, and customers. between the repair team, suppliers, and customers. between the repair team, suppliers, and customers. Basic knowledge ofof vehicle parts and repair processes. Basic knowledge of vehicle parts and repair processes. Basic knowledge of vehicle parts and repair processes. Basic knowledge vehicle parts and repair processes. Experience inin automotive oror logistics field Experience in automotive or logistics field isis is aaisplus. Experience in automotive or logistics field a plus. plus. Experience automotive logistics field aplus. Strong communication and teamwork abilities. Strong communication and teamwork abilities. Strong communication and teamwork abilities. Strong communication and teamwork abilities. Ability toto multitask and handle pressure inin a fast-paced environment. Ability to multitask and handle pressure in ain environment. Ability to multitask and handle pressure a fast-paced fast-paced environment. Ability multitask and handle pressure afast-paced environment. Applications may bebe sent to:to: Applications may be sent to: Applications may be sent to: Applications may sent vehiclemasterservicecorp@gmail.com vehiclemasterservicecorp@gmail.com vehiclemasterservicecorp@gmail.com vehiclemasterservicecorp@gmail.com
Company/Employer Company/Employer Company/Employer Company/Employer
Name: Name: Name: Name: 1. Li Zhongqiang, 2. Zeng Ling, 3. Shao Guangtao, 4. 4. Li Li Feihu, 5. 5. 1.1. LiLi Zhongqiang, 2.2. Zeng Ling, 3.3. Shao Zhongqiang, Zeng Ling, Shao Guangtao, Feihu, 1. Li Zhongqiang, 2. Zeng Ling, 3. Shao Thazin Kyaw, 6. Luo Bin Thazin Kyaw, 6.6. Luo Bin Thazin Kyaw, Luo Bin Thazin Kyaw, 6. Luo Bin
Company Address: Company Address: Company Address: Company Address: 27 T.T.T. Santiago St., Canumay West Santiago St., Canumay West 2727 Santiago St., Canumay West 27 T. Santiago St., Canumay West Valenzuela Valenzuela Valenzuela Valenzuela
Address: Address: Address: Address: 1,5. Parañaque City 2. Makati City 3-4. Taguig City 6. 6. Pasay City 1,5. Parañaque City Makati City 3-4. Taguig City Pasay City 1,5. Parañaque City 2.2. Makati City 3-4. 1,5. Parañaque City 2. Makati City 3-4.
Nature of Business: Repairs And Nature Business: Repairs And Nature ofof Business: Repairs And Nature of Business: Repairs And Maintenance Of Motor Vehicles Maintenance Motor Vehicles Maintenance OfOf Motor Vehicles Maintenance Of Motor Vehicles
Intended period of employment: Intended period employment: Intended period ofof employment: Intended period of employment: 1,3-6 -- Two 2(years), 22 -2-2Three 3(years) 1,3-6 -- Two 2(years), -- Three 3(years) 1,3-6 Two 2(years), Three 3(years) 1,3-6 Two 2(years), Three 3(years)
Nationality: Nationality: Nationality: Nationality: 1-4,6. Chinese 5. Myanmar 1-4,6. Chinese Myanmar 1-4,6. Chinese 5.5. Myanmar 1-4,6. Chinese 5. Myanmar
Vehicle Master Service Corp. hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is is able, willing, and Vehicle Master Service Corp. hereby declares that the above-named foreign national able, willing, and Vehicle Master Service Corp. hereby declares that the above-named foreign national Vehicle Master Service Corp. hereby declares that the above-named foreign national qualified to perform the services and job description for this position. The company has the intention toto qualified perform the services and job description this position. The company has the intention qualified toto perform the services and job description forfor this position. The company qualified to perform the services and job description for this position. The company employ the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Department of Labor employ the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Department of Labor employ the said foreign national and apply forfor anan Alien Employment Permit with employ the said foreign national and apply Alien Employment Permit with and Employment --National Capital Region located at Dole Central office muralla st st corner general Luna.. and Employment --National Capital Region located Dole Central office muralla corner general Luna.. and Employment National Capital Region located atat Dole Central office muralla and Employment National Capital Region located at Dole Central office muralla
Career Opportunity in Sin PPPConstruction Technology & Development Co., Inc. Career Opportunity S& Construction Technology Development Co., Inc. Career Opportunity inin S& Technology && Development Co., Inc. Career Opportunity S& & PConstruction Construction Technology & Development Co., Inc.
Chinese Construction Technician Chinese Construction Technician Chinese Construction Technician Chinese Construction Technician One (1) Vacancy One (1) Vacancy One (1) Vacancy One (1) Vacancy Job Description: Job Description: Job Description: Job Description:
Qualification: Qualification: Qualification: Qualification:
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PHILIPPINE shares rebounded slightly Tuesday to reclaim the 6,300 level on bargain-hunting activities, while the peso slipped to 61.26 against the U.S. dollar from Monday’s 60.705. The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index gained 37.68 points, or 0.6 percent, to 6,326.89, while the broader all shares index advanced 17.15 points, or 0.5 percent, to 3,437.92. AB Capital Securities said property stocks led the market rebound as most real estate firms reported positive second-quarter earnings. Sentiment also improved on expecta-
tions that the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas will hold interest rates steady during its next policy meeting following weak second-quarter economic growth. Mining and oil stocks led sectoral gains, with the index climbing 2.18 percent, followed by property, which increased 1.85 percent. Financials rose 1.52 percent, while the industrial index gained 0.13 percent. Holding firms, meanwhile, slipped 0.12 percent, and services declined 0.01 percent. Trading value reached P5.13 billion. Foreign investors turned net buyers, re-
Career CareerOpportunity OpportunityininMarketnet MarketnetData DataTechnology TechnologyInc. Inc.
Manage and supervise facility development and image enhancement projects. Manage and supervise facility development and image enhancement projects. Manage and supervise facility development and image enhancement projects. Manage and supervise facility development and image enhancement projects. Coordinate logistics and communication between clients, vendors, and stakeholders. Coordinate logistics and communication between clients, vendors, and stakeholders. Coordinate logistics and communication between clients, vendors, and stakeholders. Coordinate logistics and communication between clients, vendors, and stakeholders.
Follow all state and safety requirements to implement good safety conditions at work site. Follow state and safety requirements implement good safety conditions work site. Follow allall state and safety requirements toto implement good safety conditions atat work site. Follow all state and safety requirements to implement good safety conditions at work site. Able to speak and communicate using Mandarin isis is an advantage. Able speak and communicate using Mandarin advantage. Able toto speak and communicate using Mandarin an advantage. Able to speak and communicate using Mandarin is an an advantage. Able to explain problems simply and clearly. Able to explain problems simply and clearly. Able to explain problems simply and clearly. Able to explain problems simply and clearly. Proficient in MS Office. Proficient MS Office. Proficient inin MS Office. Proficient in MS Office. Able to follow health and safety regulations. Able to follow health and safety regulations. Able toto follow health and safety regulations. Able follow health and safety regulations.
Excellent mathematical and problem-solving skills. Excellent mathematical and problem-solving skills. Excellent mathematical and problem-solving skills. Excellent mathematical and problem-solving skills. Applications may be sent to: Applications may sent Applications may bebe sent to:to: Applications may be sent to: sandpconstructiontechanddevt@gmail.com sandpconstructiontechanddevt@gmail.com sandpconstructiontechanddevt@gmail.com sandpconstructiontechanddevt@gmail.com
Company/Employer Company/Employer Company/Employer Company/Employer Company Name: SS& PPConstruction Company Name: S& PConstruction Company Name: Company Name: S&& PConstruction Construction Technology &&& Development Co., Inc. Technology Development Co., Inc. Technology Development Co., Inc. Technology & Development Co., Inc.
Company Address: Company Address: Company Address: Company Address: 12/F Times Plaza Bldg, United Nation 12/F Times Plaza Bldg, United Nation 12/F Times Plaza Bldg, United Nation 12/F Times Plaza Bldg, United Nation Ave.cor.taft Ave.brgy.670 Ermita,City Ave.cor.taft Ave.brgy.670 Ermita,City Ave.cor.taft Ave.brgy.670 Ermita,City Ave.cor.taft Ave.brgy.670 Ermita,City OfOf Manila Manila OfOf Manila Manila
Job Description: Job Description: Perform software distribution and development asas well asas providing consulting and Perform software distribution and development well providing consulting and other services related toto the distribution and development ofof business software other services related the distribution and development business software Serves asas primary contact forfor problem resolution and information gathering, including Serves primary contact problem resolution and information gathering, including maintenance, repair and development ofof Mandarin-based software maintenance, repair and development Mandarin-based software ToTo engage in in e-commerce business engage e-commerce business
PhilWeb’s second-quarter profit surged 237% to P47m
Must bebe fluent in in both Oral and Written Mandarin and English Communications Must fluent both Oral and Written Mandarin and English Communications AtAt least 1 year experience asas ITIT oror Customer Service onon Mandarin based language least 1 year experience Customer Service Mandarin based language Knowledgeable onon using Mandarin database, system, and other technical devices Knowledgeable using Mandarin database, system, and other technical devices Applications may bebe sent to:to: Applications may sent marketnetdatatech@gmail.com Human Resources Department marketnetdatatech@gmail.com Human Resources Department Marketnet Data Technology Inc. Marketnet Data Technology Inc.
Company Details Company Details
Name ofof foreign national intending toto Name foreign national intending apply for the position apply for the position
Marketnet Data Technology Inc. Marketnet Data Technology Inc. 4/F Tower 2,2, The Enterprise Center, Makati 4/F Tower The Enterprise Center, Makati City City Nature ofof business: Software Distribution Nature business: Software Distribution and Development and Development
Name: Li,Li, Mingqing Name: Mingqing Address: Taguig City Address: Taguig City Nationality: Nationality:Chinese Chinese Intended period ofof employment: Two (2)(2) Intended period employment: Two years years
Declaration: Declaration: Marketnet Data Technology Inc. hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is is able, Marketnet Data Technology Inc. hereby declares that the above-named foreign national able, willing, and qualified toto perform the services and job description forfor this position. The company has willing, and qualified perform the services and job description this position. The company has the intention toto employ the said foreign national and apply forfor anan Alien Employment Permit with the the intention employ the said foreign national and apply Alien Employment Permit with the Bureau ofof Local Employment – Department ofof Labor and Employment located atat DOLE Building, Bureau Local Employment – Department Labor and Employment located DOLE Building, Muralla, Intramuros, Manila. Muralla, Intramuros, Manila.
Career Opportunity in in DITO TELECOMMUNITY CORPORATION Career Opportunity DITO TELECOMMUNITY CORPORATION Position title: Position title:
CHIEF STRATEGIC ADVISOR CHIEF STRATEGIC ADVISOR
Job Description: Job Description: • • Collaborate Collaboratewith withthetheexecutive executiveteam teamto todevelop developand andimplement implementthethecompany's company'slong-term long-termtechnical technical strategy. strategy. • • Further Furtheridentify identifyand andevaluate evaluatenew newbusiness businessopportunities, opportunities,technological technologicaltrends, trends,and andcompetitive competitive landscapes. landscapes. • • Advise in in communicating complex technical concepts to to non-technical stakeholders in in a clear and concise Advise communicating complex technical concepts non-technical stakeholders a clear and concise manner. manner. • • Assist onon the development and execution of of technical roadmaps aligned with business goals. Assist the development and execution technical roadmaps aligned with business goals. • • Support thethe development and implementation of of risk mitigation strategies to to ensure business continuity. Support development and implementation risk mitigation strategies ensure business continuity. Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training): Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training): • • Bachelor’s degree in in Computer Science, Engineering, oror a related field. A Master’s oror PhD is preferred. Bachelor’s degree Computer Science, Engineering, a related field. A Master’s PhD is preferred. • • Minimum of of 1010 years of of experience in in a senior technical leadership role, preferably in in a high-growth Minimum years experience a senior technical leadership role, preferably a high-growth technology company. technology company. • • Proven track record of of developing and executing successful technical strategies. Proven track record developing and executing successful technical strategies. • • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with thethe ability to to think strategically. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with ability think strategically. • • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. • • Strategic mindset with a focus onon long-term success. Strategic mindset with a focus long-term success. • • High level of of integrity and professionalism. High level integrity and professionalism.
Name of of foreign national intending toto apply forfor thethe position Name foreign national intending apply position Name of of foreign national intending toto apply forfor thethe position Name foreign national intending apply position
Name: Name: Name: Name: 1. Wang Qingfa Wang Qingfa 1.1. Wang Qingfa 1. Wang Qingfa
Address: Address: Address: Address: 1. 1. Manila City Manila City 1. 1. Manila City Manila City Nationality: Nationality: Nationality: Nationality: 1. 1. Chinese Chinese 1. 1. Chinese Chinese Nature ofof Business: Construction Intended period ofof employment: Nature Business: Construction Intended period employment: Nature ofof Business: Construction Intended period ofof employment: Nature Business: Construction Intended period employment: 1 -1Three 3(years) - Three 3(years) 1 -1Three 3(years) - Three 3(years) S& P Construction Technology && Development Co., Inc. hereby declares that the above-named foreign S& P Construction Technology Development Co., Inc. hereby declares that the above-named foreign S& P Construction Technology && Development Co., Inc. hereby declares that the above-named foreign S& P Construction Technology Development Co., Inc. hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is is able, willing, and qualified toto perform the services and jobjob description forfor this position. The national able, willing, and qualified perform the services and description this position. The national is able, willing, and qualified toto perform the services and jobjob description forfor this position. The national is able, willing, and qualified perform the services and description this position. The company has the intention toto employ the said foreign national and apply forfor anan Alien Employment Permit company has the intention employ the said foreign national and apply Alien Employment Permit company has the intention toto employ the said foreign national and apply forfor anan Alien Employment Permit company has the intention employ the said foreign national and apply Alien Employment Permit with the Department ofof Labor and Employment - National Capital Region located atat Dole Central office with the Department Labor and Employment - National Capital Region located Dole Central office with the Department ofof Labor and Employment - National Capital Region located atat Dole Central office with the Department Labor and Employment - National Capital Region located Dole Central office muralla st st corner general Luna.. muralla corner general Luna.. muralla st st corner general Luna.. muralla corner general Luna..
cording net inflows of P179.3 million. Market breadth was slightly positive, with 98 advancers against 91 decliners, while 64 stocks were unchanged. Jollibee Foods Corp. was the top gainer among PSEi constituents, rising 5.05 percent to P156 after reporting strong secondquarter earnings. Semirara Mining and Power Corp. was the biggest loser among index stocks, dropping 6.14 percent to P18.04. The company announced it will retrench 462 mine-site employees due to a lower coal production target for 2026. Jenniffer B. Austria
Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training): Certification, Specialized Training):
Name of foreign national intending to apply forfor thethe position Name ofof foreign national intending toto apply Name foreign national intending apply position Name of foreign national intending to apply
Company Name: Vehicle Master Company Name: Vehicle Master Company Name: Vehicle Master Company Name: Vehicle Master Service Corp. Service Corp. Service Corp. Service Corp.
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PH stocks reclaim 6,300 level on bargain hunting; peso dips
Position: MANDARIN SPEAKING ITIT SPECIALIST Position: MANDARIN SPEAKING SPECIALIST (1(1 Vacancy) Vacancy)
Job Description: Job Description: Job Description: Job Description:
tion on sition sition
5. Shi 5.5. Shi u, Shi u, 5. Shi
BUSINESS
B2
Applications may bebe sent to:to: Applications may sent sharmaine.rendon@dito.ph sharmaine.rendon@dito.ph SHARMAINE RENDON SHARMAINE RENDON Company/ Employer Company/ Employer Company Name: DITO TELECOMMUNITY CORPORATION Company Name: DITO TELECOMMUNITY CORPORATION Complete address: 11/F UDENNA TOWER, RIZAL DRIVE Complete address: 11/F UDENNA TOWER, RIZAL DRIVE CORNER 4TH AVENUE, BONIFACIO GLOBAL CITY, TAGUIG CORNER 4TH AVENUE, BONIFACIO GLOBAL CITY, TAGUIG CITY CITY Nature of of business: Telecommunications Company Nature business: Telecommunications Company
Name of of foreign national intending toto apply forfor the Name foreign national intending apply the position position Name: WEI Name:XIAO, XIAO, WEI Address: 3703, SEQUIOA TOWER, TWO Address:UNIT UNIT 3703, SEQUIOA TOWER, TWO SERENDRA, 11TH AVE. TAGUIG CITY SERENDRA, 11TH AVE. TAGUIG CITY Nationality: CHINESE Nationality: CHINESE Intended period of of employment: ONE (1)(1) YEAR Intended period employment: ONE YEAR
DITO TELECOMMUNITY CORPORATION hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is able, willing, and DITO TELECOMMUNITY CORPORATION hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is able, willing, and qualified to to perform thethe services and jobjob description forfor this position. The company has thethe intention to to employ qualified perform services and description this position. The company has intention employ thethe said foreign national and apply forfor anan Alien Employment Permit with thethe Department of of Labor and said foreign national and apply Alien Employment Permit with Department Labor and Employment - National Capital Region located at at 967 Maligaya Street, Malate, Manila. Employment - National Capital Region located 967 Maligaya Street, Malate, Manila.
PhilWeb president Brian Ng
PHILWEB Corp. saw its second-quarter net income surge 237 from the previous quarter to P47 million as revenues nearly doubled year-on-year. Revenue for the April-to-June period rose 96 percent year-onyear to P352.4 million, with digital gaming solutions—which covers the company’s interactive platform and game content distribution businesses—generating P200.3 million in sales. “The rapid sequential growth and margin expansion in the second quarter validate the massive operating leverage of our digital gaming solutions segment,” PhilWeb president Brian Ng said. For the first half, PhilWeb’s revenue increased 63 percent to P585.4 million from P358.6 million a year earlier. The company posted P61 million in net income for the six-month period, a P102.8-million reversal from a net loss a year earlier. PhilWeb said the turnaround followed changes in its board, including the election of businessman and strategic investor Lance Gokongwei as a director. To sustain its growth momentum, the company is looking to expand its business-to-business technology infrastructure, including artificial intelligence applications for fraud detection, regulatory compliance, and customer service. PhilWeb provides digital gaming solutions and content distribution to licensed operators. The company said its platform currently supports partners including Okada Manila, Hann Resort, NUSTAR Online, Newport World Resorts, PT Gaming, and FBM Philippines. Jenniffer B. Austria
CYANMAGENTA MAGENTAYELLOW YELLOWBLACK BLACK CYAN
BUSINESS
B3
Manila Manila
Standard Standard TODAY TODAY
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2026
extrastory2000@gmail.com
ACEN’s first-half net income surged 411% to P3.9b on strong energy sales By Alena Mae S. Flores
DIALYSIS CENTER. The NeoHope Dialysis Center opens in Barangay Galicia 3, Mendez, Cavite on Aug. 10, 2026. The facility is equipped with 12 brand-new dialysis chairs capable of accommodating about 48 patients daily and is open to residents of Mendez. Leading the ribbon-cutting ceremony are Mayor Cocoy Mendoza, municipal health officer Dr. Rosalina Noveno-Veridiano and representatives from NeoHope Dialysis Center. Mendoza says the service is now available for Mendez patients, free of charge. Dennis Abrina
DOTr opens P1.24-b bidding for 2 airports T By Darwin G. Amojelar
HE Department of Transportation (DOTr) has opened bidding for airport development projects in Tacloban City and Busuanga, Palawan, with a combined approved budget for the contract (ABC) of more than P1.24 billion.
The three contracts cover two projects at Tacloban Airport in Leyte and one airside development project at Busuanga Airport in Palawan, the agency said. The largest contract, the Tacloban Airport Development Project – Civil Works for the Rehabilitation and Improvement of Airside Airport Facilities, carries an ABC of P695.25 million.
ACEN Corp., the listed energy platform of the Ayala Group, delivered consolidated net income of P3.9 billion in the first half of 2026, up 411 percent from the previous year. ACEN said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange Tuesday the strong performance was led by strong generation growth across the company’s markets, favorable market conditions in the Philippines and increasing contracted energy sales through both retail electricity supply and bilateral agreements. Attributable generation from the company’s renewable energy portfolio grew 21 percent to 4,024 gigawatt-hours, driven by contributions from newly operational assets across the company’s markets. ACEN president and chief executive Eric Francia said the company’s performance in the first half of 2026 “underscores our recovery from the challenges of the previous year while reflecting the company’s transition into a phase of measured growth.” SCNFORM FORMNO. NO.11 SCN (R.A.NO. NO.9139) 9139) (R.A.
“Amid a continually uncertain environment, our priorities remain clear protecting our balance sheet, growing our contracted energy sales, and expanding our energy storage asset base,” Francia said. Revenues during the period increased to P23.125 billion from P15.716 billion in the same period last year. Attributable earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, which excludes all non-cash one-off items, rose 40 percent over the first six months of the year to P14.7 billion. ACEN’s attributable renewables portfolio has now reached 7,517 megawatts, following the groundbreaking in the period on 775 MW/1,660 MWh of battery storage assets in the Philippines. This was partially tempered by a reduction in Indian capacity, where the company reduced its equity stakes in select projects under construction and offset the capacity gains recorded in the first quarter from the consolidation of the UPC joint venture in that market. With these portfolio movements, ACEN’s portfolio is now 57 percent operational. AuthenticatedBirth BirthCertificate/s Certificate/sofofpetitioner’s petitioner’schild/children child/children(issued (issuedbybyPSA); PSA); Authenticated Certified true copy of ACR or 1-Card Certificate/s of petitioner’s child/
Certified true copy of ACR or 1-Card Certificate/s of petitioner’s child/ The second Tacloban contract, covering the continuchildren(issued (issuedbybyBI); BI); children ation and construction of airport building facilities, has Certifiedtrue truecopy copyofofNBCR/s NBCR/sofofpetitioner’s petitioner’schild/children child/children(issued (issuedalso alsobybyBT); BT); Certified an ABC of P145.50 million and is expected to take 910 Duty notarized Affidavit of Financial Capacity of the petitioner, or Affidavit Duty notarized Affidavit of Financial Capacity of the petitioner, or Affidavit ofof REPUBLICOF OFTHE THEPHILIPPINES PHILIPPINES REPUBLIC Supportfrom fromthe theperson personfinancially financiallysupporting supportingpetitioner, petitioner,if petitioner if petitionerisiseither either Support calendar days to complete, inclusive of predetermined SPECIALCOMMITTEE COMMITTEEON ONNATURALIZATION NATURALIZATION SPECIAL student,a anew newgraduate, graduate,spouse spouseororwar warcities citieswithout withoutincome incomeorora acandidate candidate a astudent, a governmentlicensure licensureexam, exam,who whohas hasnonoown ownincome. income.InInaddition, addition,submit: submit: THEMATTER MATTEROF OFTHE THEPETITION PETITIONOF OF unworkable days. forfora government ININTHE (1)*Bank BankCertifications Certifications(two (twoare arerequired: required:[1][1]said saidbank bankcertifications certificationsmust must YASHSOKHAL SOKHAL (1)* The two Tacloban contracts have a combined ABC of YASH indicatethe thepresent presentbalance balanceand and[2][2]average averagedaily dailybalance balanceforforthe thepast pastsix six naturalizedasasFilipino Filipinocitizen citizen indicate totobebenaturalized months);(2)* (2)*Certificate CertificateofofEmployment Employmentif employed if employedororProof ProofofofRegistration Registration months); pursuanttotoRepublic RepublicAct ActNo. No.9139. 9139. pursuant about P840.75 million. Companyif doing if doingbusiness business(if(ifdoing doingbusiness, business,please pleasesubmit submitalso alsothe thelatest latest ofofCompany SCNCASE CASENO. NO.000981 000981 GIS(General (GeneralInformation InformationSheet) Sheet)which whichwas wassubmitted submittedtotothe theSecurities Securitiesand and GIS The DOTr is also seeking bidders for the Busuanga x x- - - - - - - - - - - - - --- --- --- --- - - - - - -x x SCN ExchangeCommission Commission(SEC) (SEC)and andthe thefinancial financialstatements statementsofofthe thecompany, company, Exchange whichwas wassubmitted submittedtotothe theBIR/appropriate BIR/appropriategovernment governmentagency]; agency];(3)*Proof (3)*Proof Airport Development Project – Site Development/Initial which PETITION PETITION OwnershipofofReal RealProperty/ies Property/iessuch suchasascondominium, condominium,etc.; etc.;and andif ifowner owner ofofOwnership Construction of Apron and Taxiway, which has an ABC Pursuant motorvehicle, vehicle,proof proofofofownership ownershipofofthe thesame same(4)(4)Proof ProofofofOwnership Ownershipofof ofofmotor Pursuanttotothe theprovisions provisionsofofRepublic RepublicAct ActNo. No.9139, 9139,petitioner petitionerhereby herebysubmits submits other property/ies, such as shares of stock, insurance, etc. other property/ies, such as shares of stock, insurance, etc. petitionforfornaturalization naturalizationtotobecome becomea acitizen citizenofofthe theRepublic Republicofofthe thePhilippines Philippines a apetition of P402.55 million. Note:If Ifpetitioner petitionerisisrelying relyingononsupport supportfrom fromanother anotherperson, person,the thesaid saidperson person Note: andrespectfully respectfullydeclares: declares: and mustalso alsosubmit submitthe theabove-mentioned above-mentioneddocuments. documents. must The agency said the bidding will be conducted Note: If petitioner is already a graduate but unemployed, submit a notarized Note: If petitioner is already a graduate but unemployed, submit a notarized 1.MyMyfullfullname nameis isYASH YASHSOKHAL SOKHAL, but , butI have I havealso alsobeen beenknown knownsince sincechildhood childhood affidavitofofwhat whatpetitioner petitionerisiscurrently currentlypreoccupied preoccupiedwith. with. affidavit through competitive bidding using a non-discretionary asas1.N/A N/A ororI have I havebeen beenjudicially judiciallyauthorized authorizedtotouse usethe thealias aliasname(s) name(s) N/A N/A . . Latest LatestIncome IncomeTax TaxReturns Returns(ITR) (ITR)and andTax TaxDocuments Documents(must (mustshow showthe the “pass/fail” criterion under the implementing rules and 2.2.MyMypresent presentplace placeofofresidence residenceis is34-I, 34-I,TOWER TOWERB,B,PEARL PEARL PLACE CONDO., PEARL PLACE CONDO., PEARL receivingstamp stampofofthe theBIR BIR(Bureau (BureauofofInternal InternalRevenue)] Revenue)]forforthe thepast pastthree three receiving DRIVE,BRGY. BRGY.SAN SANANTONIO ANTONIOMunicipality MunicipalityofofPASIG PASIGProvince Provinceofof NCR NCR and andallallmymy regulations of Republic Act No. 12009, or the New Gov- DRIVE, (3)years yearsofofthe thepetitioner petitionerororofofthe theperson personsupporting supportinghim/her, him/her,with withProof Proofofof (3) former places of residence are (please indicate periods of residence) former places of residence are (please indicate periods of residence) Paymentofofsaid saidtaxes taxes(such (suchasasofficial officialreceipts, receipts,alphalist, alphalist,etc.) etc.) Payment ernment Procurement Act (NGPA). Note:If Ifpetitioner petitioneris isemployed employedinina afamily-owned family-ownedcompany, company,thethecompany’s company’sITR ITR Note: (2018-2024)2271 227118-J 18-JKRISTINEVILLE KRISTINEVILLETOWNHOMES, TOWNHOMES,CAGAYAN CAGAYANST., ST.,BRGY. BRGY.881 881, ZONE , ZONE97,97, (2018-2024) and the company’s Proof of Payment of Taxes must also be submitted,aside aside and the company’s Proof of Payment of Taxes must also be submitted, ANA,MANILA MANILA The bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens, sole STA.STA.ANA, from the submission of petitioner’s own ITR and tax documents and Proof from the submission of petitioner’s own ITR and tax documents and Proof ofof 1208 C UNIT I-B C. FRANCISCO ST., BRGY. KASILAWAN, MAKATI CITY PaymentofofTaxes. Taxes.Note: Note:The Thecompany’s company’slatest latestGIS GIS(General (GeneralInformation Information proprietorships, cooperatives and partnerships or orga- 1208 C UNIT I-B C. FRANCISCO ST., BRGY. KASILAWAN, MAKATI CITY Payment Sheet),which whichwas wassubmitted submittedtotothetheSecurities Securitiesand andExchange ExchangeCommission Commission Sheet), nizations with at least 60 percent of their interest or out- 3.3.I was (SEC)and andthethefinancial financialstatements statementsofofthethecompany, company,which whichwas wassubmitted submittedtotothethe (SEC) I wasborn bornononOCTOBER OCTOBER18,18,1996, 1996,ininMANDALUYONG MANDALUYONGCITY CITYPhilippines. Philippines. BIR/appropriategovernment governmentagency, agency,must mustalso alsobebesubmitted. submitted. BIR/appropriate I havebeen beena aresident residentofofthethePhilippines Philippinessince sincebirth. birth.AtAtpresent, present,I am I ama acitizen citizenoror I have standing capital stock owned by Filipinos. subjectofofINDIA INDIA subject
The next test for EPIRA is whether choice reaches the customer By Rowena Cristina Guevara FOR most of the last 25 years, the Filipino electricity consumer had no choice. Power arrived, a bill followed, and where that power came from was decided by someone else. That arrangement is now changing, and it is where much of the next stage of energy reform will be worked out. The Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) unbundled the services of a government monopoly in 2001 and built a competitive market in its place. Most of what that market has delivered so far has happened upstream, among generators, suppliers, and large industrial buyers. Prices are discovered daily in a wholesale market, renewable developers compete for contracts through auctions, and large companies can select their own electricity supplier. Choice for everyone else, the part that touches ordinary businesses and eventually households, has been slower to arrive. That is the frontier that is unfolding now. Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA) first gave the largest electricity users the right to choose their supplier instead of accepting whatever the distribution utility provided. When the program began in 2013, only end-users with a monthly average peak demand of at least 1 megawatt qualified, which limited it to the biggest industrial plants and commercial buildings. The threshold has come down in stages since then, and this year it took its most significant step yet. Under a 2025 ruling by the Energy Regulatory Commission, the qualifying level dropped to 100 kilowatts effective June 26, 2026, opening the competitive market to a far broader group. The Commission estimates that more than 12,000 additional customers now qualify, among them medium-sized manufacturers, schools, hospitals, hotels, and office buildings that were previously tied to a single supplier. The Green Energy Option Program (GEOP) runs alongside this and carries the idea further, letting qualified customers choose not just any supplier but specifically a renewable one. Its eligibility threshold has likewise been lowered, and the process to enroll has been streamlined. These are small operational details, but they determine whether a business can use the right that the law provides. A right that takes longer and costs more to exercise than it returns is one that most enterprises will leave unused, so the practical work of lowering thresholds and simplifying procedures is what turns a legal entitlement into something a company can act on. For businesses that still fall below the threshold on their own, a further mechanism now exists. The Retail Aggregation Program allows several end-users to combine their demand and be treated as a single contestable customer, even across separate locations in one franchise area, so that a cluster of shops, a group of tenants in one building, or a residential community can reach the qualifying level together. With the lower threshold in effect, residential communities are taking part in the competitive market for the first time, through aggregation rather than as individual households. In the initial round, dozens of contestable customers and several aggregated groups that include household consumers have begun to enter. It is an early step, but it points to where the market is heading. The reason that all of these matter is measurable. The Philippine Electricity Market Corporation estimates that customers who chose their own supplier saved about 19.25 billion pesos in the first nine months of 2025 alone, already exceeding the roughly 16.76 billion pesos in savings estimated for all of 2024. By the third quarter of 2025, the number of registered contestable customers had grown to more than 2,400. These are not abstractions. They are lower operating costs for the hospitals, factories, schools, and businesses that employ Filipinos and provide services people rely on, and they follow directly from allowing those customers to negotiate for their power rather than accepting a single default rate. Choice also changes the character of the energy transition itself. When only the largest players could participate, competition worked for them, and the benefits of a cleaner and more competitive market stayed near the top. Extending that participation downward means that demand for renewable energy increasingly comes from customers choosing it directly, rather than being decided for them in supply contracts they never see. A manufacturer that wants its operations powered
by renewable energy can now pursue that as a business decision. As the threshold falls and aggregation expands, that same option moves within reach of smaller enterprises and, in time, ordinary households. None of this removes the harder physical work still ahead. The competitive market has drawn considerable investment into renewable energy but delivering that power depends on transmission and grid capacity keeping pace with it. Clean electricity that a customer selects is of little use if the grid cannot physically bring it to them, and closing the gap between what has been contracted and what can be delivered remains the central constraint. It will not be solved by market design alone, and it will require the transmission network, regulators, and local governments to move at the same speed as the investment now flowing into generation. What the market design has done, over 25 years, is establish that electricity in this country is sold in a competitive market rather than dictated by a single supplier. For much ofManila that time the principle mainly served genManila erators and large buyers. It is now being exStandard Standard TODAY tended,TODAY through each lowered threshold and each simplified procedure, to the rest of the market, and how far down into the economy it eventually reaches is the question that the next several years will answer. An ordinary business today, and in time an ordinary household, should be able to enter that market and choose where its power comes from. That part of what EPIRA set out to do is still in progress, and finishing it is the work that will define the law’s next quarter-century. Dr. Rowena Cristina L. Guevara is Undersecretary of Department of Energy.
NOTICE NOTICE ofSupplemental SupplementalExtrajudicial Extrajudicial ((of Settlementof ofEstate Estate)) Settlement Notice isis hereby hereby given given toto the the public public that that Notice the estate estate ofof the the late late Edgardo Edgardo M. M. Eugenio Eugenio the (aka Edgardo Edgardo M. M. Eugenio Eugenio Sr.) Sr.) has has been been (aka extrajudicially settled settled among among his his surviving surviving extrajudicially heirs as as per per Supplemental Supplemental Deed Deed ofof Extra Extra heirs Judicial Settlement Settlement ofof Estate Estate with with Partial Partial Judicial WaiverofofRights Rightsand andAppointment AppointmentofofProperty Property Waiver Administratorand andAttorney-in-Fact Attorney-in-Factas asentered entered Administrator theNotarial NotarialBook BookofofAtty. Atty.Rodrigo RodrigoS.S.de deReal Real ininthe asDoc. Doc.No. No.48; 48;Page PageNo. No.11; 11;Book BookNo. No.16; 16; JrJras Seriesofof2026. 2026. Series (MS-AUG. 12/19/26, 2026) (MS-AUG. 12/19/26, 2026)
NOTICE NOTICE
ofExtrajudicial ExtrajudicialSettlement Settlementof ofEstate Estate)) ((of Noticeisishereby herebygiven giventotothe thepublic publicthat thatthe the Notice estateofofthe thelate lateSpouses SpousesBienvenido BienvenidoL.L.Garcia Garcia estate andPura PuraD. D.Garcia Garciahas hasbeen beenextrajudicially extrajudicially and settled among among their their surviving surviving heirs heirs as as per per settled Deed ofof Extra Extra Judicial Judicial Settlement Settlement ofof Estate Estate Deed with Appointment Appointment ofof Property Property Administrator Administrator with andAttorney-in-Fact Attorney-in-Factas asentered enteredininthe theNotarial Notarial and BookofofAtty. Atty.Felipe FelipeI.I.Iledan IledanJrJras asDoc. Doc.No. No.48; 48; Book PageNo. No.51; 51;Book BookNo. No.449; 449;Series Seriesofof2022. 2022. Page (MS-AUG. 12/19/26, 2026) (MS-AUG. 12/19/26, 2026)
father'sname nameis isPARVINDER PARVINDERKUMAR KUMARSOKHAL SOKHALand andhehewas wasborn bornonon 4.4.MyMyfather's NOVEMBER14,14,1966 1966ininINDIA. INDIA.HeHeis isa acitizen citizenororsubject subjectofofINDIA. INDIA. MyMymother's mother's NOVEMBER name is ANITA RANI SOKHAL and she was born on JANUARY 7, 1973, in INDIA. name is ANITA RANI SOKHAL and she was born on JANUARY 7, 1973, in INDIA. Sheis isa acitizen citizenororsubject subjectofofINDIA. INDIA. She trade,business, business,profession professionororlawful lawfuloccupation occupationisisCOMMERCIAL COMMERCIAL 5.5. MyMytrade, DIRECTORand andfrom fromwhich whichI derive I deriveananaverage averageannual annualincome incomeofof2,200,000.00, 2,200,000.00, DIRECTOR inclusiveofofbonuses, bonuses,commissions commissionsand andallowances. allowances.MyMywife's/husband's wife's/husband'strade, trade, inclusive business,profession professionororlawful lawfuloccupation occupationisisN/A N/Aand andfrom fromwhich whichshe shederives derivesanan business, averageannual annualincome incomeofofN/A. N/A. average
Dulynotarized notarizedAffidavits Affidavitsofofatatleast leasttwo two(2)(2)credible credibleand anddisinterested disinterested Duly witnesseswho whomust mustbebeFilipino Filipinocitizens citizens(preferably (preferablynatural-born natural-borncitizens citizens witnesses of the Philippines), of good repute in their community, and have criminal of the Philippines), of good repute in their community, and have nonocriminal record(Note: (Note:submit submitNational NationalBureau BureauofofInvestigation Investigation(NBI) (NBI)clearance clearanceofof record characterwitnesses; witnesses;also alsosubmit submita acopy copyofofthetheIDIDwhich whichthethecharacter characterwitness witness character usedininthethenotarization notarizationofofthetheaffidavit) affidavit)[Note: [Note:character characterwitness witnessmust mustattest attest used affidavit:(a)(a)that thathe/she he/shehas hasknown knownpetitioner petitionerforforatatleast least1010years yearsoror ininthetheaffidavit: more(must (mustalso alsoindicate indicatehow howhe/she he/shegotgotacquainted acquaintedwith withthethepetitioner); petitioner); more goodmoral moralcharacter characterofofthethepetitioner petitioner(and (andhow howhe/she he/shemingles mingleswith with (b)(b)thethegood Filipinosand andthethesociety); society);(c)(c)that thatininhis/her his/herown ownopinion, opinion,petitioner petitionerhas hasallallthethe Filipinos qualificationsnecessary necessarytotobecome becomea acitizen citizenofofthethePhilippines Philippinesand andnone noneofofthethe qualifications disqualificationsprovided providedforforbybylaw); law); disqualifications
(Wherethe theabove abovedoes doesnot notapply): apply):I am I amexempt exemptfrom fromthe therequirement requirementofof (Where MedicalCertificate Certificatefrom froma agovernment governmenthospital hospitalstating statingthat thatpetitioner petitioner lucrativetrade tradeororoccupation occupationand andfrom fromsubmitting submittingincome incometaxtaxreturns returnsforforthe the Medical lucrative notsuffering sufferingfrom frommental mentalalienation, alienation,orora auser userofofprohibited prohibiteddrugs drugsoror isisnot past three (3) years because I am a college degree holder [please state(1)(1) past three (3) years because I am a college degree holder [please state otherwisea adrug drugdependent, dependent,and andthat thathe/she he/sheisisnot notafflicted afflictedwith withacquired acquired otherwise degreeobtained: obtained:BS BSBUSINESS BUSINESSADMINSTRATION ADMINSTRATIONMAJOR MAJORININEXPORT EXPORT degree immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) or any incurable contagious disease immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) or any incurable contagious disease MANAGEMENT(2)(2)name nameofofschool: school:DE DELALASALLE SALLECOLLEGE COLLEGEOF OFSAINT SAINT MANAGEMENT [please attach attach the the following following toto the the certificate: certificate: (1)(1) Neuro-Psychiatric Neuro-Psychiatric [please BENILDEand and(3)(3)years yearsgraduated: graduated:2016 2016] who ] whocannot cannotpractice practicemymyprofession profession BENILDE Evaluation Report (from a duly licensed psychiatrist (who is a medical Evaluation Report (from a duly licensed psychiatrist (who is a medical (thepractice practiceofofwhich whichrequires requiresa agovernment governmentlicensure licensureexamination) examination)bybyreason reason (the doctor),not nota apsychologist); psychologist);(2)(2)Laboratory LaboratoryTest TestResults ResultsforforDrugs DrugsTest Testand and doctor), citizenship. ofofmymycitizenship. HIV Teat, and, (3) other laboratory test’s (Note: all laboratory tests must also HIV Teat, and, (3) other laboratory test’s (Note: all laboratory tests must also conducted from a government hospital)]; conducted from a government hospital)]; 6. My civil status is N/A, I was married on N/A in N/A. My wife's/husband's 6. My civil status is N/A, I was married on N/A in N/A. My wife's/husband's Note:Petitioners Petitionersforfornaturalization naturalizationare arerequired requiredtotohave havetheir theirmedical medical Note: nameisisN/A N/Aand andshe/he she/hewas wasborn bornononininN/A N/AininN/A N/AShe/he She/heisisa acitizen citizenororsubject subject name examination/diagnostic procedures procedures conducted conducted inin a a government government hospital hospital examination/diagnostic N/Aand andpresently presentlyresides residesN/A. N/A. ofofN/A facility,and andnotnotmerely merelyhospitals hospitalsororfacilities facilitieswhich whichare areaccredited accreditedbybythethe ororfacility, government. The mere fact that the government hospital or facility is not near government. The mere fact that the government hospital or facility is not near 7. I am legally separated from my spouse; my marriage was annulled, per 7. I am legally separated from my spouse; my marriage was annulled, per residenceororplace placeofofwork workofofpetitioner petitioneris isnotnota avalid validreason reasonforforpetitioner petitioner thetheresidence decreeofoflegal legalseparation/annulment separation/annulmentdated datedN/A N/Agranted grantedbybyN/A. N/A.(please (pleaseindicate indicate decree not to have said medical examination or diagnostic procedure conducted ina a not to have said medical examination or diagnostic procedure conducted in theparticular particularcourt courtwhich whichgranted grantedthe thesame). same).I am I ama awidower/widow widower/widowand andmymy the governmenthospital hospitalororfacility. facility.Note: Note:It Itmust mustbebeclear clearininthethemedical medicalcertificate certificate government spousedied diedononN/A N/AininN/A. N/A. spouse and the diagnostic/laboratory test results that the subject of said medical and the diagnostic/laboratory test results that the subject of said medical examinationorordiagnostic/laboratory diagnostic/laboratorytest testis isthethepetitioner. petitioner. examination I have N/A N/A child/children, child/children,whose whosenames, names,dates datesand andplaces placesofofbirth birthand and 8.8.I have residencesare areasasfollows: follows: residences Certifiedtrue truecopy copywith withschool schoolseal sealofofthetheDiploma Diplomaand andTranscript TranscriptofofRecords Recordsofof Certified Name DateofofBirth Birth Place PlaceofofBirth Birth Residence petitionerfrom fromthetheschool’s school’sheheororshe sheattended attendedtotoand/or and/orgraduated graduatedfrom fromininthethe Name Date Residence thethepetitioner N/A N/A N/A N/A Philippines(Elementary, (Elementary,High HighSchool Schooland andCollege) College) N/A N/A N/A N/A Philippines Note:If Ifpetitioner petitioneris isstillstilla astudent, student,please pleasesubmit submita aCertification Certificationfrom fromthetheschool school Note: wherehe/she he/sheis iscurrently currentlyattending, attending,stating statinghis/her his/heryear yearlevel, level,that thathe/she he/sheis iscurrently currently where I receivedmymyprimary primaryand andsecondary secondaryeducation educationfrom fromthe thefollowing followingpublic public 9.9.I received enrolledtherein, therein,and andplease pleaseattach attachproof proofofofpetitioner’s petitioner’senrollment enrollmenttherein thereinand andsubmit submita a enrolled schools or private educational institutions duly recognized by the Department of schools or private educational institutions duly recognized by the Department of certificationasastotothetheamount amountofoftuition tuitionfeefeeand andother otherrequired requiredschool schoolfees feespaid paid(such (suchasas certification Education,Culture Cultureand andSports Sports(DECS), (DECS),where wherePhilippine Philippinehistory, history,government government Education, officialreceipt/s, receipt/s,certificate certificateofofmatriculation, matriculation,etc.) etc.) official andcivics civicsare aretaught taughtand andprescribed prescribedasaspart partofofthe theschool schoolcurriculum curriculumand andwhere where and Note: if petitioner has no own income and is relying on another person for support, Note: if petitioner has no own income and is relying on another person for support, enrollmentisisnot notlimited limitedtotoany anyrace raceorornationality: nationality: enrollment personfinancially financiallysupporting supportingpetitioner petitionermust mustsubmit submitcertifications certificationsasastotothethe thetheperson amount of tuition and other required school fees paid by said person amount of tuition and other required school fees paid by said person forforthethe Nameof ofSchool School Placeof ofSchool School Dates Datesof ofStudy Study Highest HighestGrade GradeCompleted Completed Name Place educationofofhis/her his/herother otherdependents dependents(example: (example:thethetuition tuitionand andother otherrequired required education MONTESSORI MANILA 2003-2009 GRADUATED OBOBMONTESSORI STA.STA. ANA,ANA,MANILA 2003-2009 GRADUATED schoolfees feesofofthethechildren childrenofofthetheperson personfinancially financiallysupporting supportingpetitioner). petitioner). school OB MONTESSORI STA. ANA, MANILA 2009-2013 GRADUATED OB MONTESSORI STA. ANA, MANILA 2009-2013 GRADUATED Certifiedtrue truecopy copywith withschool schoolseal sealofofthetheDiploma, Diploma,Transcript TranscriptofofRecords, Records,oror Certified SALLECOLLEGE COLLEGEOFOFST.ST.BENILDE BENILDE MALATE, MALATE,MANILA MANILA 2013-2016 COLLEGEGRADUATE GRADUATE DEDELA LA SALLE 2013-2016 COLLEGE Certification(if(ifapplicable) applicable)from fromthetheschool’s school’sattended attendedby,by,currently currentlyenrolled enrolledin,in, Certification and/orgraduated graduatedfrom frombybypetitioner’s petitioner’schild childchildren children[the [theschool’s school’smust musteither eitherbebe and/or 10. I am able to read, write and speak Filipino and/or any of the following 10. I am able to read, write and speak Filipino and/or any of the following public schools or private educational institutions duly recognized by the DEPED public schools or private educational institutions duly recognized by the DEPED dialectsofofthe thePhilippines: Philippines:N/A. N/A. dialects (DepartmentofofEducation), Education),where wherePhilippine Philippinehistory, history,government governmentand andcivics civicsareare (Department taught and prescribed as part of the school curriculum and where enrollment taught and prescribed as part of the school curriculum and where enrollment is isnotnot I haveenrolled enrolledmymyminor minorchildren childrenofofschool schoolage ageininthe thefollowing followingpublic public 11.11.I have limitedtotoany anyrace raceorornationality); nationality); limited schoolsororprivate privateeducational educationalinstitutions institutionsduly dulyrecognized recognizedbybythe theDepartment Department schools (Note:please pleasesubmit submita Certification a Certificationfrom fromthetheschool schoolwhere wheresaid saidchild/children child/childrenis/is/ (Note: Education,Culture Cultureand andSports Sports(DECS), (DECS),where wherePhilipine PhilipineHistory, History,government government ofofEducation, are currently attending, statinghis/her his/heryear yearlevel, level,that thathe/she he/sheis iscurrently currentlyenrolled enrolled are currently attending, stating andcivics civicsare aretaught taughtand andprescribed prescribedasaspart partofofthe theschool schoolcurriculum curriculumand andwhere where and therein,and andplease pleaseattach attachproof proofofofsaid saidchild/children’s child/children’senrollment enrollmenttherein thereinand and therein, enrollmentisisnot notlimited limitedtotoany anyrace raceorornationality: nationality: enrollment submita acertification certificationasastotothetheamount amountofoftuition tuitionfeefeeand andother otherrequired requiredschool school submit feespaid paid(such (suchasasofficial officialreceipt’s, receipt’s,certificate certificateofofmatriculation, matriculation,etc.) etc.)forforsaid saidchild child NameofofChild Child Nameand andPlace PlaceofofSchool School Date DateofofEnrollment Enrollment fees Name Name children’senrollment enrollmentininsaid saidschool. school. children’s N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Clearances NBI Clearance; BarangayClearance Clearanceofofthe thebarangay barangaywhere where 12.I shall I shallnever neverbebea apublic publiccharge. charge.I am I amofofgood goodmoral moralcharacter. character.I believe I believeinin Clearances NBI Clearance; Barangay 12. petitionerisiscurrently currentlyresiding residing(It(Itshould shouldbebea abarangay barangayclearance, clearance,not nota a petitioner theprinciples principlesunderlying underlyingthe thePhilippine PhilippineConstitution. Constitution.I have I haveconducted conductedmyself myselfinin the residence certification); Police Clearance from the Police Station Police residence certification); Police Clearance from the Police Station Police properand andirreproachable irreproachablemanner mannerduring duringthe theentire entireperiod periodofofmymyresidence residenceinin a aproper Office having jurisdiction of the place where petitioner is currently residing: Office having jurisdiction of the place where petitioner is currently residing: thePhilippines Philippinesininmymyrelations relationswith withthe theconstituted constitutedgovernment governmentasaswell wellasaswith withthe the the RTCClearance Clearance(Regional (RegionalTrial TrialCourt), Court),from fromthe theRTC RTCwhich whichhas hasjurisdiction jurisdiction RTC communityininwhich whichI am I amliving. living.I mingled I mingledsocially sociallywith withFilipinos Filipinosand andhave haveevinced evinced community overthe theplace placewhere wherepetitioner petitionerisiscurrently currentlyresiding; residing;MeTC/MTCC/MTC/ MeTC/MTCC/MTC/ over sinceredesire desiretotolearn learnand andembrace embracethe thecustoms, customs,traditions traditionsand andideals idealsofofthe the a asincere MCTCClearance Clearance(Metropolitan (MetropolitanTrial TrialCourt/Municipal Court/MunicipalTrial TrialCourt CourtininCities/ Cities/ MCTC Filipino people. I have all the qualifications and none of the disqualifications under Filipino people. I have all the qualifications and none of the disqualifications under MunicipalTrial TrialCourt/Municipal Court/MunicipalCircuit CircuitTrial TrialCourt, Court,asasthe thecase casemay maybe) be)from from Municipal RepublicAct ActNo. No.9139. 9139. Republic theMeTC/MTCC/MTC/MCTC MeTC/MTCC/MTC/MCTCwhich whichhas hasjurisdiction jurisdictionover overthe theplace placewhere where the petitioner is currently residing); and Office of the Prosecutor Clearance, from petitioner is currently residing); and Office of the Prosecutor Clearance, from I amnot notopposed opposedtotoorganized organizedgovernment governmentororaffiliated affiliatedwith withany anyassociation association I am theOffice Officeofofthe theProsecutor Prosecutorofofthe theplace placewhere wherepetitioner petitionerisiscurrently currentlyresiding. residing. the groupofofpersons personswho whouphold upholdand andteach teachdoctrines doctrinesopposing opposingallallorganized organized ororgroup Note: All clearances must be current and must not be expired. Note: All clearances must be current and must not be expired. governments.I am I amnot notdefending defendingororteaching teachingthe thenecessity necessityororpropriety proprietyofof governments. violence,personal personalassault assaultororassassination assassinationforforthe thesuccess successand andpredominance predominance violence, 16.Other Otherdocuments documentssubmitted submittedbybythethepetitioner petitionerininsupport supportofofhis/her his/herpetition: petition: one'sideas. ideas.I am I amnot nota apolygamist polygamistnor nora abeliever believerininthe thepractice practiceofofpolygamy. polygamy.I I 16. ofofone's ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ havenot notbeen beenconvicted convictedofofany anycrime crimeinvolving involvingmoral moralturpitude. turpitude.I am I amnot notsuffering suffering have _________________________________________________________________ frommental mentalalienation alienationororfrom fromany anyincurable incurablecontagious contagiousdisease. disease.The Thecountry country _________________________________________________________________ from whichI am I ama acitizen citizenororsubject subjectisisnot notatatwar warwith withthe thePhilippines Philippinesand andgrants grantstoto ofofwhich PRAYER PRAYER Filipinos the right to be naturalized citizens or subjects thereof. Filipinos the right to be naturalized citizens or subjects thereof. WHEREFORE, it is respectfully prayed thatpetitioner petitionerbebeconferred conferredPhilippine Philippine WHEREFORE, it is respectfully prayed that 13.It Itisismymytrue trueand andhonest honestintention intentiontotobecome becomea acitizen citizenofofthe thePhilippines Philippines 13. citizenshippursuant pursuanttotothe theprovisions provisionsofofRepublic RepublicAct ActNo, No,9139. 9139. andtotorenounce renounceabsolutely absolutelyand andforever foreverallallallegiance allegianceand andfidelity fidelitytotoany anyforeign foreign citizenship and prince,potentate, potentate,state stateororsovereignty, sovereignty,and, and,particularly, particularly,totoINDIA INDIAofofwhich whichatat prince, th th day of June,2026. 2026. DatedatatParañaque ParañaqueCity, City,Metro MetroManila, Manila,this this 2525 day of June, Dated thistime timeI am I ama acitizen citizenororsubject. subject.I will I willreside residecontinuously continuouslyininthe thePhilippines Philippines this fromthe thedate dateofofthe thefiling filingofofthis thispetition petitionupuptotothe thetime timeofofmymyadmission admissiontoto from Philippinecitizenship. citizenship. Philippine YASHSOKHAL SOKHAL YASH Nameand andSignature SignatureofofPetitioner Petitioner Name 14. My character witnessesare areJOSHUA JOSHUAMARRON MARRONB.B.GUEVARRA GUEVARRAand andKEVIN KEVIN 14. My character witnesses Telephone Number: 09277792564 Telephone Number: 09277792564 DUANET.T.LACUATA LACUATAboth bothFilipino Filipinocitizens, citizens,ofoflegal legalage, age,and andresiding residingatatBLK. BLK.3,3,LOT LOT DUANE EmailAddress: Address:yash.sokhal23@gmail.com yash.sokhal23@gmail.com Email 4 ZARAGOSA ST., BELLAZONA ARAGON SUBDIVISION, MOLINO, BACOOR CAVITE 4 ZARAGOSA ST., BELLAZONAARAGON SUBDIVISION, MOLINO, BACOOR CAVITE and3737PLYMOUTH PLYMOUTHST.ST.VISTA VISTAREAL REAL CLASSICA 1 SUBDIVISION,BRGY BRGY BATASAN and CLASSICA 1 SUBDIVISION, BATASAN HILLS,QUEZON QUEZONCITY CITYrespectively, respectively,who whohave haveexecuted executedsworn swornstatements statementsattached attached HILLS, heretoininsupport supportofofmymyinstant instantpetition, petition,together togetherwith: with:(a)(a)brief briefbiographical biographicaldata dataabout about hereto themselves;(b)(b)detailed detailedstatements statementsononthethedates datesthey theyfirst firstcame cametotoknow knowme, me,thethe themselves; circumstancesofofour ourinitial initialacquaintance acquaintanceand andthethereasons reasonsand andextent extentofofour ourcontinuing continuing circumstances familiarity;and and(c)(c)thethenumber numberofoftimes timesthey theyhave haveacted actedasascharacter characterwitnesses witnessesininother other familiarity; REPUBLICOF OFTHE THEPHILIPPINES) PHILIPPINES) REPUBLIC petitionsforfornaturalization. naturalization. petitions CITY/MUNICIPALITYOFOFCITY CITYOFOFMAKATI MAKATIS.S. S.S. CITY/MUNICIPALITY 15. Attached hereto as annexes and made part of this petition are the 15. Attached hereto as annexes and made part of this petition are the I, YASH SOKHAL of legal age and residentofof34-I, 34-I,TOWER TOWERB,B,PEARL PEARL I, YASH SOKHAL of legal age and a aresident duplicateoriginals originalsororcertified certifiedphotocopies photocopiesofofthe thefollowing followingdocuments documents duplicate PLACECONDO., CONDO.,PEARL PEARLDRIVE, DRIVE,BRGY. BRGY.SAN SANANTONIO, ANTONIO,PASIG PASIGCITY CITYafter afterbeing being PLACE (pleasecheck checkthe theappropriate appropriatebox): box): (please duly sworn, depose and say that I am the petitioner herein, that I have read duly sworn, depose and say that I am the petitioner herein, that I have read the foregoing petition and know the foregoing petition and known the contents the foregoing petition and know the foregoing petition and known the contents Authenticatedcopy copyofofBirth BirthCertificate Certificateofofpetitioner petitioner[issued [issuedbybyPSA PSA(Philippine (Philippine Authenticated thereof,and andthat thatthe thesame sameisistrue trueofofmymyown ownknowledge. knowledge. thereof, StatisticsAuthority)] Authority)] Statistics Certifiedtrue truecopy copyofofpetitioner’s petitioner’sAlien AlienCertificate CertificateofofRegistration Registration(ACR) (ACR) Certified I-CardCertificate Certificate[issued [issuedbybyBIBI(Bureau (BureauofofImmigration)]; Immigration)]; ororI-Card Certifiedtrue truecopy copyofofpetitioner’s petitioner’sNative-Born Native-BornCertificate CertificateofofResidence Residence Certified (NBCR),if ifavailable available(issued (issuedalso alsobybyBI); BI); (NBCR), Authenticatedcopy copyofofpetitioner’s petitioner’sMarriage MarriageCertificate, Certificate,if petitioner if petitionerisismarried married Authenticated (issuedbybyPSA); PSA); (issued
YASHSOKHAL SOKHAL YASH Nameand andSignature SignatureofofPetitioner Petitioner Name th th day SUBCRIBEDAND ANDSWORN SWORNtotobefore beforeme meatatCITY CITYOFOFMAKATI MAKATIthis this2525 SUBCRIBED day JUNE2026. 2026. ofofJUNE
Authenticatedcopy copyofofDeath DeathCertificate Certificateofofhis/her his/herspouse spouseif ifpetitioner petitionerisis Authenticated widowed,ororofofhis/her his/herparent’s parent’sif ifpetitioner petitionerisisa astudent studentororcandidate candidateforfora a widowed, government licensure exam; government licensure exam; Certifiedtrue truecopy copyofofCourt CourtDecree DecreeJudgment Judgmentannulling/nullifying annulling/nullifyingofof Certified petitioner’smarriage marriageororgranting grantinglegal legalseparation, separation,if ifsuch suchwas wasthe thefact; fact; petitioner’s
CYANMAGENTA MAGENTAYELLOW YELLOWBLACK BLACK CYAN
BUSINESS
B4
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2026
extrastory2000@gmail.com RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor
ERC wants system loss VAT lifted
By Alena Mae S. Flores
T
HE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is pushing to remove the 12-percent value-added tax on the system loss charge in electricity bills which could save consumers about P6 billion across the industry.
“System loss is electricity that consumers pay for but never receive,” ERC chairperson and chief executive Francis Saturnino Juan said. “Imposing VAT on top of a charge for electricity that was never delivered to consumers is fundamentally at odds with the nature of VAT as a tax on the value of goods and services actually
rendered. This proposed Resolution addresses that and gives consumers the relief they rightly deserve,” he said. Juan said the ERC has proposed a draft resolution declaring the system loss charge a government-mandated pass-through cost t h a t
India’s GMR eyes more PH airport projects
Manila Electric Company (Meralco) assures its customers that its crews and personnel are working non-stop to safely restore electricity service in areas affected by the enhanced southwest monsoon (Habagat). Shown are Meralco crew members conducting power restoration works in Meycauayan, Bulacan.
89 co-ops face losses in absence of system loss charges and non-technical losses, which stem from theft or pilferage that goes uncounted by meters. The NEA said it supports eliminating the non-technical loss component from consumer bills, Almeda said, adding that the agency and electric cooperatives have lobbied for support to strengthen anti-pilferage programs. “The NEA at the start of this year had already initiated analytics-driven activities to reduce, if not eliminate, non-technical systems losses in ECs where systems losses are above the
cap imposed by the Energy Regulatory Commission,” he said. Technical losses, however, are governed by the laws of physics and cannot be eliminated, though they can be minimized, Almeda said. “If they will be made to answer for technical systems losses, they will eventually not be able to pay their suppliers, the gencos and the WESM. The continuing partial payments will eventually lead to indebtedness without source of repayment,” Almeda said. Alena Mae S. Flores
GMR Group is looking to expand its airport business in the Philippines, including the proposed Sangley Point International Airport (SPIA) in Cavite and other regional airports, as the Indian infrastructure company builds on its growing aviation footprint in Southeast Asia. GMR Group chairman for energy and international airports Srinivas Bommidala said the company remains interested in pursuing new opportunities in the Philippines. “We’ll be more than happy, because we have already done two projects in the Philippines in recent years. And certainly, as a private investor, we’ll be more than happy to look at good opportunities, including Sangley and other regional airports, which will be a win-win for both of us, between India and the Philippines,” Bommidala said. Bommidala made the remarks as GMR marked another milestone in its international airport portfolio with the inauguration of Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport, also known as Vizag Airport, in Bhogapuram, Andhra Pradesh, India. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the inauguration of the airport, which was developed at a cost of more than $587 million through a public-private partnership. The airport is scheduled to begin full commercial operations on August 17, initially handling up to 6 million passengers annually, with plans to eventually expand capacity to more than 40 million passengers a year. Darwin G. Amojelar
Ayala Land to raise 2026 capex to P60b
AYALA Land Inc. is raising its 2026 capital spending to about P60 billion and will launch P5 billion worth of horizontal residential projects in the second half of the year after cutting unsold housing inventory to nearly pre-pandemic levels, the company’s top executive said. Ayala Land president and chief executive
NHMFC extends payment relief to over 20,000 borrowers after storm MORE than 20,000 housing loan borrowers of the National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation (NHMFC) will get a one-month moratorium on their monthly amortization payments, effective Aug. 5 to Sept. 4, following heavy rainfall from Tropical Storm Maymay and the enhanced Southwest Monsoon. The moratorium covers borrowers in Benguet, La Union, Pangasinan, Bataan, Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales, Batangas, Cavite, Rizal, Occidental Mindoro and Oriental Mindoro, and forms part of NHMFC’s continuing efforts to provide financial relief to borrowers affected by calamities and severe weather. NHMFC president Renato Tobias said the measure is meant to give affected families temporary financial breathing room as they recover and address their immediate needs.
household consuming 200 kilowatthours in July, the system loss charge was P0.8751 per kilowatt-hour, Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said. “Removing the VAT corresponding to that system-loss charge alone would translate to approximately P21 in potential savings for that household,” Garin said. “It may be one component of the electricity bill, but it reflects a larger principle: consumers should not be made to shoulder costs that can and should be addressed through greater efficiency and accountability,” she said.
IN BRIEF
POWER RESTORATION.
THE National Electrification Administration on Tuesday warned that 89 of the country’s 121 electric cooperatives would suffer financial losses if system loss charges are completely removed from consumers’ electricity bills. NEA administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda said system losses are incurred in the generation, transmission, distribution and storage of electricity, falling into two categories: technical losses, which occur naturally in the conveyance of power,
should not form part of the gross receipts of generation companies, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) and distribution utilities for purposes of the 12 percent VAT under the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended. The draft resolution, once finalized and confirmed by the Bureau of Internal Revenue, would remove the VAT on the system loss charge — a cost consumers currently bear on top of the charge itself — providing direct relief to household and commercial electricity users nationwide. For an average Manila Electric Co.
“Through this moratorium, NHMFC is providing our affected borrowers with immediate financial relief while assuring them that we remain ready to support them as they rebuild and recover,” Tobias said. Under the moratorium, payment of monthly amortizations will be deferred for one month, with no penalties or surcharges imposed on the deferred amount during the period. Borrowers covered by the moratorium who wish to continue their monthly payments may do so voluntarily. For borrowers whose accounts are updated, any payment made during the moratorium period will be considered an advance payment. NHMFC said the relief measures reflect its commitment to responsive public service and to supporting Filipino homeowners during calamities and financial difficulty.
ASIALINK EXPANSION. Entrepreneur Remedios Santiago is among the
clients of Asialink Group of Companies which reported a 20-percent rise in assets under management to P50.2 billion as of end-June 2026, led by MSME lending growth and international credit facilities.
Anna Ma. Margarita Dy said the company has grown more confident about the property market after reducing unsold inventory to 15 months’ worth of supply, equivalent to roughly P110 billion in residential units. “We’re now 15 months, which is practically our pre-pandemic levels,” Dy told a media briefing. About 75 percent of the unsold inventory is in the premium segment, while 25 percent is in the core segment. The revised P60-billion capital expenditure plan remains below the P70 billion originally programmed for the year but exceeds the P50-billion guidance the company gave after the first quarter. Ayala Land had spent P39.5 billion in capital expenditures as of end-June. Dy said the higher capital spending reflects the company’s confidence in its project pipeline and its plan to complete projects lined up for the year. Jenniffer B. Austria
Wilcon’s first-half income rose 3.5%
WILCON Depot Inc. said Tuesday its firsthalf net income rose 3.5 percent to P1.204 billion, as higher sales and same-store sales growth offset pressure from a weaker product mix and rising operating expenses. Net sales rose 10.9 percent to P18.977 billion in the first six months, driven mainly by a 6.6-percent growth in same-store sales, the company said Tuesday in a disclosure to the stock exchange. Wilcon Depot president and chief executive Lorraine Belo-Cincochan said the company saw solid demand during the second quarter, with gains in both customer count and sales volume. “We are encouraged by the gains in customer count and sales volume. These show we are reaching more customers and give us room to improve the product mix and manage costs in the second half,” BeloCincochan said. For the second quarter alone, net sales increased 12.7 percent to P9.807 billion, while same-store sales grew 8.4 percent. Net income for the quarter rose 2.4 percent to P641 million. Jenniffer B. Austria
BOI pushes roadmap on steel industry By Othel V. Campos
INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES. ATRAM Trust Corp. and DragonFi
Securities Inc. sign a strategic partnership to make professionally managed investment solutions more accessible to Filipino investors through a seamless digital experience. Signing the strategic partnership to expand access to global investment opportunities are (from left) Cathryn Ann Lao, chief technology officer, DragonFi Securities; Jon Carlo Lim, chief executive of DragonFi Securities; Deanno Basas, president, ATRAM Trust Corp.; and Andrew Caw, chief marketing officer of ATRAM Trust Corp.
Pag-IBIG Fund’s first-half net income jumped 24% to reach record P41.35b PAG-IBIG Fund said Tuesday it posted a record first-half net income of P41.35 billion in 2026, up 24 percent from the same period last year, as sustained earnings from its housing and short-term loan portfolios, higher investment income and disciplined cost management drove the increase. The performance came even as Pag-IBIG Fund lowered housing loan rates and increased its maximum housing loan amount to P10 million. It reflects the agency’s sustained financial strength and capacity to make home financing more affordable under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (Expanded 4PH) Program. Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling, who also chairs the Pag-IBIG Fund board of trustees, said the agency’s strong financial position allows it to advance the government’s housing objectives while
prudently managing and growing the savings of Filipino workers. “President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed us to make homeownership more affordable and accessible to more Filipino families through Expanded 4PH. As the program gains momentum, with more housing projects taking shape and more families gaining opportunities to own homes, Pag-IBIG Fund plays a crucial role by providing affordable financing that sustains this progress. Our financial strength enables us to open more doors to homeownership and help Filipino workers fulfill their dream of having a home of their own, while prudently managing and growing the savings entrusted to us,” Aliling said. Pag-IBIG Fund also ended the first half with a stronger financial position, with total assets reaching P1.32 trillion as of June 30, 2026. That was 6 percent, or P81.95 billion, higher than the P1.23 trillion recorded at the end of 2025.
THE Board of Investments (BOI) is advancing a 14-year roadmap to expand domestic iron and steel production, strengthen industry linkages and attract investment as the Philippines seeks to build a more competitive manufacturing base. The Philippine Iron and Steel Institute (PISI) turned over the 2026-2040 Philippine Iron and Steel Industry (PISI) Roadmap to the BOI on July 15, 2026. The plan sets out priorities for modernizing the sector, closing supply chain gaps and improving the industry’s competitiveness. BOI Industry Development Services executive-director Ma. Corazon HaliliDichosa said the roadmap consolidates the views of industry associations, private companies, government agencies and other stakeholders on measures needed to develop the iron and steel sector. “A competitive steel industry is important for industrialization,” HaliliDichosa said, adding that the roadmap would help government and industry identify priority initiatives to address supply chain gaps, improve competitiveness and encourage more sustainable and innovative production. The roadmap seeks to establish a common direction for government and industry, with measures focused on increasing local production, strengthening downstream industries, promoting investment and improving the sector’s resilience. It complements the recently completed Roadmap for the Decarbonization of the Steel Sector in the Philippines, which identifies technology, policy, workforce and investment strategies to support the transition to a competitive low-carbon steel industry. Together, the two roadmaps provide a framework for expanding domestic steel production while improving sustainability, industrial competitiveness and investment prospects.
COMMUNITY
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SPOTLIGHT
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2026 digital.manilastandard@gmail.com/ digital.mktg@manilastandard.net PETER PAUL DURAN, Issue Editor
Filipino-led team develops Al to improve heart health screening
This is precisely why the study of journalism ethics matters so deeply —it isn’t just theory for the classroom, but a practical necessity for a functioning democracy.
By Danika Geronimo
C
ARDIOVASCULAR disease is becoming increasingly common in young people aged 20 to 29, according to the World Health Organization, due to the rise in metabolic conditions such as obesity, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes among young populations worldwide.
Meanwhile, advanced heart assessments that could help with early detection and treatment usually require high-tech diagnostic equipment and specialized care, often only available in major hospitals in big cities. This makes detailed yet noninvasive heart monitoring difficult, particularly for at-risk individuals who could benefit from such evaluations. Today, researchers are exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) can help overcome these barriers. Shown are the non-invasive instruments used in the study: (a) the InBody 720 body composition analyzer, (b) the TERUMO ES-P2000 blood pressure monitor, and (c) PhysioFlow blood flow analyzer. A team of international scientists led by Patricia Angela R. Abu of Ateneo de Manila University Department of Information Systems and Computer Science (DISCS) have developed an AI model
By Ruby Asoy-Lebajo, MC
that accurately predicts how effectively the heart pumps blood—a metric known as the cardiac index (CI), which includes physiological indicators such as heart rate, stroke volume index, and cardiac output. Clinicians use CI to evaluate heart function and guide treatment decisions. Like an artificial brain, this new AI model ponders physiological indicators from non-invasive sensor stickers placed on the patient’s skin. With a classification accuracy of 97.78%, the system demonstrates the potential for a simpler and more accessible approach to monitoring heart health. This innovative use of AI is a promising alternative to conventional monitoring procedures that
Luxent Hotel’s ‘Pamumukadkad’ gives Filipino artists a place to bloom
require specialized hemodynamic analyzers, controlled clinical settings, and specialized healthcare professionals. Adhesive sensor stickers placed on a patient’s back collected the physiological measurements used in the study, demonstrating a more patientfriendly approach to assessing heart function: (a) Sensor placement and (b) Sensor stickers. PHOTO: Chang et al., 2026. By leveraging modern algorithms to analyze basic health data collected from non-invasive sensors, the AI researchers are helping make advanced monitoring more practical and widely available even in healthcare settings that lack specialized equipment and expertise. These findings point to a future in which advanced cardiovascular assessment is no longer confined to the walls of large hospitals and specialized clinics. They suggest that reliable cardiovascular assessment may not always require complex or resource-intensive procedures, as shown by the model’s strong performance with fewer inputs. The researchers plan to validate the approach in more diverse populations, and are also looking into even further reducing the number of measurements required. Chih-Hao Chang, Mei-Ling Chan, Yu-Hung Fang, Po-Lin Huang, Tsung-Yi Chen, Tsun-Kuang Chi, I Elizabeth Cha, Tzong-Rong Ger, Kuo-Chen Li, Shih-Lun Chen, Liang-Hung Wang, Jia-Ching Wang, and Patricia Angela R. Abu published their research, Robust Non-Invasive Cardiac Index Prediction via Feature Integration and Data-Augmented Neural Networks, in the April 2026 issue of the MDPI Bioengineering 2026 journal.
The great toilet seat mystery By Robert Harland
LUXENT Hotel officially opened Pamumukadkad: An August Blossom Hallway Art Exhibit, a month-long celebration of Filipino artistry presented in partnership with Daloy Likha Art Gallery, reaffirming the hotel’s commitment to supporting local artists and creating meaningful cultural experiences for its guests. Held at the hotel’s Blossom Hallway, the exhibit transforms the space into a vibrant gallery featuring the inspiring works of four talented Filipino artists—Rebie Abas, Noel P. Bueza, Rinaldi de Guzman, and Vincent Bueza—each presenting unique artistic perspectives through a diverse collection of contemporary artworks. The exhibit officially opened with a ribboncutting ceremony attended by hotel executives, representatives from the Quezon City Tourism Department (QCTD), members of the media, corporate partners, sponsors, distinguished guests, and members of the local art community. Derived from the Filipino word meaning “to bloom,” Pamumukadkad symbolizes growth, creativity, and new beginnings. Inspired by Luxent Hotel’s Blossom Hallway, the exhibit reflects the flourishing of
Ethical journalism in the fight against corruption —“—
Filipino talent while providing artists with a platform to share their stories and creative expressions with a wider audience. The opening reception was made possible through the generous support of the hotel’s valued partners, including Styled by Quinn as the Official Event Styling Partner, Happy Burritos as the Official Grazing Table Partner, Destileria Limtuaco & Co., Inc. as the Official Cocktail Partner, and Patrick Garillo as the Official Photography Partner. Guests were also treated to a guided gallery walk, allowing them to engage with the featured artists and gain deeper insight into the inspiration behind each artwork.
IN an era characterized by misinformation, political sensationalism, and systemic corruption that routinely distorts the national narrative, public confidence in democratic institutions and the media responsible for oversight has reached a critical juncture. Watchdog journalism holds powerful institutions accountable by exposing corruption—such as officials and contractors siphoning off vital disaster relief funds meant to protect citizens. However, a press that loses public trust loses its ability to police the powerful. This is precisely why the study of journalism ethics matters so deeply—it isn’t just theory for the classroom, but a practical necessity for a functioning democracy. Exposing corruption takes more than investigation—it requires a firm moral compass. Grounded in truth, independence, and accountability, journalism remains a powerful defense against power abuses while preserving the public trust. What academic studies reveal Research in the Global Media Journal and data from the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR) show that early and continuous ethics training helps journalists resist commercial, political, and institutional pressures. This education creates a measurable multiplier effect, significantly reducing biased reporting under stress. Ethical journalism isn’t a rigid checklist— it’s a sacred contract with the public. Every story shapes a community’s reality, impacts lives, and holds power accountable. Truth, independence, accountability, and minimizing harm come alive through intentional, empathetic reporting. Inculcating ethics among students: The Campus Press Teaching journalism ethics in schools fights corruption by building two essential defenses. For future reporters, covering campus news instills the integrity and professional habits required to expose realworld corruption later in their careers. For all other students, these lessons cultivate the media literacy needed to identify online misinformation and propaganda. By teaching students how to pursue the truth with unwavering integrity, we make sure there will always be brave, honest journalists around to call out corruption and keep powerful people in check. Ruby Asoy-Lebajo is a veteran Filipino journalist, PR practitioner, and media educator with over 30 years of experience in media relations, editorial work, and lifestyle writing.
that before moving to the Philippines, he would have thought installing a bidet in Canada was “crazy.” Now, he wouldn’t be without it. Others chimed in with tales of smart TVs mounted on bathroom walls, ingenious DIY fixes and the occasional suggestion to “BYO toilet seat.” Of course, there’s a serious side too. As one commenter noted, when families must choose between food for their children and household extras, the seat is a luxury easily sacrificed. Peso priorities are practical priorities.
FOR many expats, life in the Philippines is full of delightful surprises — warm hospitality, lively street life and food that ranges from adobo to halo‑halo. Yet one mystery continues to puzzle many newcomers: the curious absence of toilet seats. As one bemused expat recently wrote, “I can understand the no hot water, but can anyone explain the lack of a toilet seat? It’s not like they are expensive and they certainly are a convenience, so I don’t get it.” It’s a fair question. Toilet seats are hardly luxury items, yet wander through rentals, hotels or even government buildings and you’ll often find porcelain bowls stripped bare. Even Malacañang Palace, the seat of power, has been reported to suffer from this peculiar shortage. Is there, one wonders, a cavern somewhere in the archipelago filled with discarded toilet seats, like the mythical pit said to be full of dead elephants? Part of the answer lies in cultural practice. Many Filipinos do not sit on the toilet at all, but prefer to squat — a position some consid- A throne with no seat! Robert Harland er more hygienic, as it avoids direct contact with surfaces that may not always be spotless. Still, the mystery endures. Perhaps it’s culIn this context, the seat becomes unnecessary, tural, perhaps economic, perhaps simply habit. even inconvenient. Add to this the widespread Whatever the reason, the missing toilet seat has use of the “bum gun,” the handheld bidet sprayer become a minor emblem of expat life in the Philfound in nearly every bathroom. Since cleaning ippines — an oddity to be puzzled over and ocis done with water rather than paper, the seat is casionally remedied with a trip to the hardware often left wet, which makes it less comfortable store. Until the secret cavern of vanished seats is and more prone to wear. Taken together, squatdiscovered, we may never know the full story. ting and spraying reduce the perceived need for But one thing is certain: the bum gun and the a seat — and help explain why so many toilets squat together explain a great deal. stand bare. The lack of toilet seats, however, would not The online chatter is lively. One expat proudly be a problem for Britain’s King Charles III. His announced he had “completely redone his CR Majesty always travels with his own customized with a new throne and all the upgrades and bells seat wherever he stays overnight — a regal soluand whistles,” only to be reminded that the estion that ensures comfort wherever he goes. Persential sprayer was missing. Another confessed haps that’s the ultimate answer to the mystery:
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SHOWBIZ
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2026
lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com NICKIE WANG, Editor ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer Rayu Gravador (left) and JASPER VALDEZ, Writer Frances Lacap win exclusive
GMA contracts after topping the second season’s field of student hopefuls
Showbiz newbies
Rayu Gravador, Frances Lacap
sparkle as ‘Campus Cuties’
T
EEN showbiz hopefuls Rayu Gravador and Frances Lacap, who are both 17 years old, emerged as the grand winners of “Sparkle Campus Cutie Season 2,” earning exclusive contracts with GMA Network after edging out 18 other student finalists in a star-studded finale.
GMA senior vice president Annette Gozon-Valdes (rightmost) and Sparkle GMA Artist Center first vice president Joy Marcelo (leftmost) welcome Rayu Gravador (center left) and Frances Lacap into GMA’s roster of stars
Gravador, dubbed the “Cutie Lover Boy ng Bulacan,” and Lacap, the “Go-getter Influencer ng New Manila,” impressed the judges through a series of challenges designed to test their potential as the network’s next young stars. The finale opened with the Top 19 finalists dancing to BTS’ “Dynamite,” followed by a pairing performance to Cup of Joe’s “Sandali,” a dance number from Season 1 winner Mad Ramos, and a group performance of “Beauty and the Beat.” The nine-member judging panel, led by GMA Network senior vice president Attorney Annette GozonValdes, evaluated the finalists
The finalists of ‘Sparkle Campus Cutie’ Season 2
through a runway challenge, an acting challenge, and a final question-and-answer segment. Joining Gozon-Valdes on the panel were Sparkle first vice president Joy Marcelo, creative writer-director Aloy Adlawan, Neil Gumban, Sofia Pablo, Josh Ford, Clifford, Marco Agana, and Nat Manilag. The Top 10 finalists were Gravador, Lacap, Geanne Castro, Madoxx Miguel, Mhai Arekat, Enzo Torrano, Abi Arnold, Rion Cheng, Ysa Prats, and Ronnie Pasamba. Several special awards were also handed out, with Gravador winning the TikTok Live Viewers Choice Award and sharing the Social Media Favorites 1st Placer award with Lacap. Mateo Artadi and Euanne Preglo were named Social Media Favorites 2nd Placers. Ethan Bañares and Mary Francine Pamintuan won the GMA Playlist Choice Award, while Ethan Bañares and Lacap received the Studio Who Star Awards. For Lacap, the victory was the payoff to a month-long journey that taught her to move beyond appearances and embrace her individuality. “Right now, I’m really confident with what I’m wearing, with my makeup and my hair,” Lacap told Manila Standard Entertainment. “I have to show them that I love myself.” “When I first started, I cared too much about how I looked and my vanity. Throughout the whole journey, I realized, ‘No, I’m never
going to be able to express myself if all I care about is what I look like,’” she added. Lacap hopes to take on a kontrabida role while also eyeing a romantic comedy project with Gravador. The win also fulfills a childhood dream. Lacap recalled how her mother, who had pursued acting and modeling before having children, encouraged her to follow the same path. “And look at me now, I’m beginning to realize that dream,” she said. Gravador, meanwhile, credited consistency for his victory. “I’m not perfect at my craft,” he said. “During workshops and rehearsals, I make mistakes, and I know I’ll continue to make many more. But what makes me stand out is that I keep rising and standing back up.” His mantra throughout the competition was simple: “You versus you.” Gravador also thanked his online supporters for helping him reach the finish line, saying their support was part of his victory. The new Kapuso talent hopes his first major project will be a romance, staying true to his “Cutie Lover Boy” title. He also expressed interest in working with Lacap and other Sparkle talents. His biggest takeaway from the competition was equally straightforward. “Stay consistent, listen to mentors, keep going, and remain yourself,” he asserted.
‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ swings past P1 billion in PH SPIDER-MAN: Brand New Day has crossed the P1-billion mark at the Philippine box office, earning P1,055,450,905 in 12 days since its July 29 premiere, Columbia Pictures Industries Inc. said. The Marvel superhero film is only the fourth movie in Philippine box-office history to surpass P1 billion in domestic earnings, joining Avengers: Endgame (2019), which grossed P1.8 billion; Avengers: Infinity War (2018), with P1.2 billion; and Hello, Love, Again (2024), the highest-grossing Filipino film domestically at P1 billion-plus. The latest Spider-Man installment reached the milestone through nationwide
Angel Castro channels personal baggage into ‘Creampie’ By Jasper Valdez
Angel Castro draws from personal experiences for ‘Creampie,’ using the VMX thriller as an outlet for heavier dramatic scenes
Peter Parker’s latest story reaches a rare Philippine box-office milestone after opening with record Spider-Man numbers and sustaining strong cinema sales
screenings, with SM Megamall, Power Plant Cinema, TriNoma, SM Mall of Asia and SM North EDSA among its topgrossing cinemas. The P1-billion haul follows two major box-office milestones. The film posted the biggest opening-day gross for a SpiderMan film in the Philippines, earning nearly P96 million on its first day, before surpassing P500 million within its first five days. Set four years after the memory-wipe events of Spider-Man: No Way Home, the film follows Peter Parker as he struggles to control himself and his powers. Jehan Gusto
SEXY actress Angel Castro drew from some of her own experiences while filming the darker scenes of VMX’s Creampie, saying the movie gave her a way to release tension she had been carrying in real life. Angel described Creampie as heavier than the other VMX projects she has done, particularly because of its thriller elements and dramatic scenes. “Creampie is probably the only thriller, or thriller-esque, story I’ve done. The drama was also heavy for me,” Angel said during the film’s press conference. She added that working on the movie became an outlet for some of what she was dealing with away from the set. “It was fun filming because I was able to release some of the tension I was carrying in real life. I was able to use the scenes as an outlet,” she said. Asked what kind of tension she was referring to, Angel kept the details private, describing it simply as
“personal baggage.” Earlier in the press conference, she said some Viva projects have touched on situations that felt familiar to her. “Some of the films at Viva hit close to home. Not the love scenes, but what the characters go through,” she said. She added that Creampie also had scenes that connected with some of her own experiences. “Creampie gets a little dark. There are scenes that are similar to things I’ve gone through,” Angel said, without elaborating further. Her co-star Mark Dionisio said their familiarity with each other helped when they worked on the film’s more intimate sequences. The two had previously worked together at GMA. “We were already comfortable with each other. Even before shooting, we would talk and chat, so that made the scenes easier for us,” Mark said. He said trust between scene partners was especially important during their more demanding scenes.
“The important thing is that we trust each other. That made everything easier and smoother, even with how passionate the scene was,” Mark said. Mark also described one of their scenes in Creampie as among the most intense he has done for VMX. “For me, it’s one of the most passionate and daring scenes I’ve
done in VMX,” he said. Angel, meanwhile, said Creampie became an important learning experience as she adjusted from television work to film. She said repeatedly performing emotional and intimate scenes for different camera angles was one of the biggest changes. “In film, you have to repeat the scene several times because of the different angles,” she said. “You start with the crying scene, then move into the love scene, then go back to the beginning for another angle. That was something I had to get used to.” She also credited director Rodante “Row” Pajemna Jr. for teaching her how to handle blocking without making a scene look overly technical. “I feel like Creampie is where I really learned,” Angel said. “I was able to use what I learned from Creampie in the films I did afterward.” Creampie, which also stars Christy Imperial, Vince Rillon, and Margareth Sison, premiered on VMX on July 31 and is now available for streaming on the platform. Angel Castro (left) and Mark Dionisio bring past working familiarity into ‘Creampie’ as trust becomes key to their more intense scenes
LIFE
C3 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2026
PE OPLE
NOW & NEXT
Nicole Bitanga turns art education into lesson in Filipino identity
Teatro Panalo aims to discover and support authentic Filipino voices and stories (AI generated image)
Raising the curtain for the next great Filipino play
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UREGOLD is opening the stage to Filipino playwrights with Teatro Panalo, an inaugural theater festival aimed at discovering, developing, and staging original one-act plays and musicals. Produced and organized by Wishbone Collective Inc. and presented by Puregold, the incubation theater festival will give emerging and established playwrights an opportunity to develop their work with professional dramaturgical guidance, production resources, and audience engagement. Twelve original works, eight straight plays and four musicals, will be selected for full production as part of the festival. Each selected playwright will receive P100,000 in financial compensation. Following the festival, one straight play and one musical will receive full-length development grants to further develop their works toward eventual commercial production. “Through Teatro Panalo, we hope to be present in another meaningful way by creating spaces where people can come together, exchange new ideas, and see Filipino artistry come to life on stage,” said Ivy HayaganPiedad, senior marketing manager of Puregold. Hayagan-Piedad said the project reflects the company’s view of THE Embassy of Spain in Manila, through Instituto Cervantes and its Cultural and Education Offices, is filling August with programs exploring Spanish-Filipino history, immigrant experiences, and contemporary art. The month opens with Why Does the ‘Black Legend’ Persist? Three Myths, a talk by Fernando Zialcita, an anthropology professor at Ateneo de Manila University. Zialcita examines traditional narratives about the Philippines under the Spanish Monarchy and offers a more nuanced view of the country’s shared history with Spain. On Aug. 19, Instituto Cervantes will launch Mosai-KO, a collection of 15 stories written by children of immigrant Filipino families in Barcelona. The authors, aged 11 to 24, take readers through the streets of El Raval, offering perspectives shaped by their experiences growing up in the neighborhood. In Baler, Aurora, the newly opened National Museum-Baler features a gallery devoted to the Philippines-Spain relationship. Inaugurated June 30 during Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day, the museum explores the countries’ history, friendship, and cultural exchange. Several exhibitions remain open across Manila. These include Buen Camino at Museo San Agustin, Melodías del pensamiento by photographer García de Marina at Instituto Cervantes, and Embracing the Wind, Cradling the Water by Cristina Mejías at UP Vargas
community service as something that extends beyond its stores. “Being of service to a community is not limited to what happens inside our stores,” she said. “It also means listening to what matters to people and supporting experiences that help communities feel seen, connected, and represented.” Festival director Vincent de Jesus said Teatro Panalo will focus on both promising playwrights and original material. “We’re looking for authentic voices, fresh perspectives, and stories that deserve to be seen on the stage,” De Jesus said. The festival is open to amateur and professional Filipino playwrights who are at least 18 years old at the time of application. Entries may be written in Filipino or English and must be original one-act works, either straight plays or musicals. Adaptations, translations, and AIgenerated creative works are not eligible. Submissions are welcome across genres, styles, and theatrical forms but should be written for approximately 35 to 40 minutes of stage performance.
Applicants must submit a completed one-act script, synopsis, logline, playwright’s development vision, and supporting documents. Musical entries must also include demo recordings. Submissions are open until 11:59 p.m. Sept. 11, 2026. The selection process will begin with a shortlist of 16 straight plays and eight musicals, to be announced Oct. 6. Shortlisted playwrights will then present their works to the Selection Committee from Oct. 14 to 16. The final lineup of eight straight plays and four musicals will be announced Oct. 16. Selected playwrights will enter Wishbone’s professional incubation program, which includes dramaturgical guidance and production support. Their works will then be staged before live audiences during the inaugural Teatro Panalo festival, scheduled for February to March 2027. “Original stories have always shaped communities, reflected generations, and inspired change,” De Jesus said. “With Puregold Teatro Panalo, the next great Filipino play may be waiting behind an unopened script.” Complete festival mechanics, eligibility requirements, and application details are available through the official Puregold Teatro Panalo submission form: https://bit. ly/PGTeatroPanalo.
The Embassy of Spain in Manila, through Instituto Cervantes, is hosting programs in August exploring Spanish-Filipino history and culture
Embassy of Spain takes Manila on a journey from galleons to galleries Museum. The Centro de Turismo in Intramuros continues to host Manila Calling and Four Centuries of Spanish Engineering Overseas, while Madrid-based street art collective Boa Mistura’s TAGPUAN remains on view at Fort Santiago.
At the Museo del Galeón in Mall of Asia, Returning to Manila: The Galleon Trade in Maps, a collaboration with Spain’s Instituto de Historia y Cultura Naval and the Archivo Histórico de la Armada “Juan Sebastián Elcano,” continues its run.
Nicole Bitanga founded ArtReach, a community service project, to provide art education to students at Kalayaan Elementary School in Manila
IN 2014, Nicole Bitanga walked into Kalayaan Elementary School in Manila with a bag of art supplies and an enthusiasm for teaching. She spent weekends teaching grades one to five the basics of visual art, from drawing to painting. She founded ArtReach, a community service project with the Sunshine Club, to give students access to what she believed every child deserved: a creative outlet. “Art unlocks creative thinking and teaches us how to process certain emotions,” Bitanga says. “I did not realize it until my graduate studies, but a visual arts curriculum is especially important in the developmental ages of a child.” Bitanga holds degrees from New York University and Columbia University, where she studied Art History and Arts Administration. Her experience has shaped her perspective on the creative field and Filipino identity. “Filipinos are some of the most talented people in the world,” she says. “Our country’s forte is our creativity.” She hopes to turn ArtReach into a long-term initiative for visual arts education in the Philippines. Her graduate studies deepened her understanding of how nonprofit institutions preserve culture and how museums serve as cultural stewards, educating the public about what is inherently Filipino. “Philippine culture has long been shaped by multiple occupations and cultural exchanges,” Bitanga observes. “The Filipino diaspora is a melting pot. Our museums have a responsibility to preserve and educate the public on what is inherently ours.” That responsibility begins with how art history is taught. When most people picture a masterpiece, they think of Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. Few instinctively think of Juan Luna’s Spoliarium, despite its gold medal at the 1884 Madrid Exposition of Fine Arts.
The reason Filipinos know the Mona Lisa more readily is not necessarily because one is greater. It is because one dominates textbooks and social media, while the other remains relatively unknown. Art history is not entirely objective. It is a curriculum, and curricula are choices. What children learn about art shapes what they believe art can look like, who it belongs to, and whose stories matter. That is why arts education is inseparable from cultural preservation. “Filipinos are some of the most creatively gifted people in the world. The question is how we leverage that talent, how we channel it through our own cultural preservation and our own institutions, so that the next generation does not have to look outward to find themselves reflected in art history,” Bitanga argues. Building her career in the international art world and as a writer, Bitanga sees Philippine diasporic arts gaining a wider global audience and hopes to use her platform to elevate Filipino voices. For Bitanga, it all circles back to Kalayaan Elementary School. ArtReach was never about producing the next generation of Filipino artists. It was about giving children the tools to think creatively, express themselves, and appreciate the culture they were born into. “You do not have to pursue a career in the arts to benefit from an arts education,” she notes. “Creative thinking unlocks something in all of us. And for Filipino children, it can also be the first time someone shows them that their own culture is worth celebrating.” We are not just teaching them to draw. We are teaching them to see themselves.
Nicole believes art education is crucial for children’s development and cultural preservation, aiming to elevate Filipino voices and showcase the country’s creativity
Collage of drawings by sudents from Kalayaan Elementary School, 2017
LIFE
C4 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2026
lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com NICKIE WANG, Editor ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer JASPER VALDEZ, Writer
A Filipino love affair with little things
Locally made accessories and small collectibles give shoppers more ways to personalize their growing ‘anik-anik’ collections at the weeklong Greenhills marketplace
Colorful caps with embroidered charms tap into the playful, highly personal style behind the renewed popularity of anik-anik among younger collectors
FROM colorful grocery bags saved for “just in case” to empty biscuit and ice cream tins that somehow find a second life, Filipinos have long had a fondness for keeping things that carry memories. Kultura taps into that familiar habit with its SariSaring Anik-Anik Greenhills Crawl, a weeklong curated marketplace running Aug. 10 to 16 at the Main Atrium, South Wing of Greenhills Mall. Once used to describe everyday odds and ends kept for practical purposes, “anik-anik” has evolved into an eclectic collection of quirky trinkets and playful keepsakes. The trend taps into a distinctly Filipino fondness for preserving memories while expressing individuality and creativity. The Greenhills Crawl brings together collectors, hobbyists, and anyone with a soft spot for sentimental finds. Visitors can browse vintage accessories, art prints and stickers, keychains and charms, vinyl records, and other collectibles. The selection includes handmade, upcycled, and one-of-a-kind pieces, giving shoppers plenty of opportunities to discover unusual treasures that
Ikebana workshops set ahead of Asian conference
spark memories or simply make them smile. The experience also invites visitors to make their own anik-anik through several personalization stations. At the Charm Bar, guests can design customized jewelry, from statement earrings to colorful bracelets. The Flower Booth allows visitors to create bespoke bouquets. Interactive stalls add another layer to the crawl, including a photobooth offering on-demand printed photos, particularly during the opening day. Visitors can also try gashapon and Plinko games for a chance to win special prizes. Daily food and beverage sampling is available throughout the event, adding local flavors to the
Kultura’s Sari-Saring Anik-Anik Greenhills Crawl brings together playful keepsakes, handmade finds and collectibles that reflect the Filipino habit of giving everyday objects sentimental value
Jewelry, charms and other small treasures form part of the eclectic mix of vintage, handmade and oneof-a-kind finds available at the Sari-Saring Anik-Anik Greenhills Crawl
mix of shopping, collecting, and discovery. P-pop singer Brei Binuya performed live on Aug. 10 for the launch, setting the tone for the weeklong pop-up celebrating community, creativity, and Filipino keepsake culture. For updates and more information, follow @kulturafilipino on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube.
Navigating ASEAN cultural currents Thai dancers Piyaporn Sriwangkhet and Phuripat Teangpook feature Ram Sad Chatri
Glazing Life Glaiza Lee
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HAT happens when young performers from across Southeast Asia share the same stage? Different languages, traditions, and artistic practices come together. Experiences and stories connect them. They find commonalities that unite them and bridge their differences.
Ikebana Manila Chapter 108 introduces participants to the principles and creative possibilities of Japanese floral arrangement through a series of workshops ahead of the 16th Asian Regional Conference
IKEBANA Manila Chapter 108 is holding a series of workshops this August as part of its fundraising activities for the 16th Asian Regional Conference in October. The chapter’s Sogetsu workshop with Sensei Margot Pereza concluded Aug. 8, while the Aug. 22 session with Sensei Connie Gonzales is already fully booked. Gonzales will use special baskets instead of traditional vases for the workshop. Three workshops remain open, featuring instructors from the Ikenobo and Ohara schools. Dr. Wenslyn Salvador of the Ikenobo School will lead a session from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Aug. 14 at Moshi Gran Café Avelino Gate, Tierra Verde 2 Homes, Congressional Avenue Extension, Quezon City. On Aug. 29, Dr. Jun Balderrama of the Ikenobo School will conduct a workshop from 10 a.m. to noon, followed by Joyce Kato of the Ohara School from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Both sessions will be held at LRI Design Plaza, 210 Nicanor Garcia St., Barangay II, Makati City. The workshop fee is P3,000 per person under a special rate for the upcoming regional conference. The 16th Asian Regional Conference, scheduled for October, will bring together ikebana delegates from different countries for a gathering focused on Japanese floral art and cultural exchange. The remaining workshops are open to both beginners and experienced practitioners, with limited slots available. Registration is available at https://bit.ly/ IkebanaManilaWorkshops.
This was the spirit behind the Best of ASEAN Performing Arts (BOAPA) 2026, held Aug. 5 to 9 in Manila and Los Baños. Bringing together emerging and young artists from the 11 ASEAN member states, BOAPA creates space for cultural exchange through performances, conversations, collaboration, and shared experiences. This year’s theme, “Navigating Cultural Currents,” reflects how culture moves with changing times while remaining rooted in heritage and identity. For the Philippines, hosting BOAPA offered a glimpse of a region committed to peace, inclusivity, and mutual understanding. Organized by the Philippines’ ASEAN National Committee on Culture and Information – Sub Committee on Culture (COCI-SCC PH) through the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), in cooperation with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), BOAPA has grown into one of ASEAN’s flagship cultural initiatives, allowing young artists to celebrate their identities while discovering shared cultural connections. Learning beyond the stage From Aug. 5 to 7, delegates gathered at the National Arts Center in Los Baños, Laguna, for cultural exchange sessions, artistic workshops, collaborative rehearsals, and immersion activities. They also interacted with students at the Philippine High School for the Arts, sharing perspectives and experiences. These encounters set BOAPA apart from a conventional performing arts festival. Rather than simply presenting culture to an audience, the program places artists in an ongoing regional conversation. They arrived carrying their countries’ traditions and left with new artistic encounters, friendships and a deeper understanding of neighboring cultures. Showcasing ASEAN traditions The cultural journey culminated in a grand performance at the historic Metropolitan Theater in Manila, featuring music and dances from across ASEAN and a collaborative presentation based on National Artist Alice Reyes’ rock opera ballet Rama Hari. Brunei delegates Abdul Wafiy bin Haji Muslim and Izzul Mohd Izzul Irfan Bin Yahya performed JIPIN, a traditional medley blending the dynamic Vietnamese Le Thi Phuong Thao and Vu Anh Vu share the Spirits of Vietnam
Timorese performers Nadia Gondiho Soares and Expedito Coelho Calderia Barbosa present ‘Hare Fos’
‘Dance of the Sea’ by Singaporean artists Periyachi Roshini and Yong Fong Sin
movements of silat with the graceful rhythms of jipin. Accompanied by the tar, the dance serves as a welcoming gesture for distinguished guests and the public. Cambodian performers Mak Kaneka and Oeun Sokunthea presented Expression of Sentiment Dance, drawn from the Khmer Classical Ballet and based on a mythical love story between two royal protagonists. Indonesia’s Sendanatasa Kunthi Febiyani and Galuh Widyaningtyas performed Rupa, a dance exploring femininity and inner strength. Thilaphat Tailattana and Chantaphon Chantavong of Laos performed The Sound of Lao Khean Song, a courtship dance showcasing Lao culture and the khaen, the country’s national musical instrument. Malaysia’s Dhilip Bin Abdullah and Shaqeef Ishak Bin Abdullah combined traditions from Mak Yong, Silat, and Tari Inai in Tingkah 2 Diraja, displaying extraordinary flexibility and balance. Mak Yong and Silat are recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage, while Tari Inai faces declining transmission among younger generations. Myanmar’s Si Thu Lynn and Sai Tun Oo performed Nan Bon Thi Har Bwe, a traditional royal court dance belonging to the Mintha Gyi, or Grand Prince, style. Singaporean artists Periyachi Roshini and Yong Fong Sin drew inspiration from the seas that shaped their country’s history in “Dance of the Seas,” portraying journeys across the water and the formation of diverse identities into one home. Thai dancers Piyaporn Sriwangkhet and Phuripat Teangpook performed Ram Sad Chatri, a classical dance accompanied by fast traditional drum rhythms and distinguished by golden fingernail extensions. Timor-Leste, ASEAN’s newest member state, joined BOAPA for the first time. Nadia Gondiho Soares and Expedito Coelho Calderia Barbosa presented Hare Fos, depicting rural Timorese life, and Dansa Tebedai, symbolizing youth freedom while remaining connected to tradition. Vietnamese performers Le Thi Phuong Thao and Vu Anh Vu presented Spirits of Vietnam, inspired by Quan Ho folk singing, a UNESCO-recognized intangible cultural heritage. The lyrical duet featured a woman in a Ba Tam Hat and a gentleman holding a paper fan. Filipino dancers John Ababon and Krislynne Alyanna R. Buri performed Para Kay Gabriela, choreographed by Monica Gana and inspired by revolutionary heroine Gabriela Silang and her courtship with husband Diego Silang. Uniting through Rama Hari The choice of Rama Hari as the finale was especially meaningful. Based on the Ramayana, a story shared in different forms across Southeast Asia, the production offered a natural meeting point for the region’s diverse artistic traditions. “The Ramayana is part of the common heritage among the countries of Southeast Asia. The participation of the delegates in a production of the Rama, Hari, as well as their country presentations showcased ASEAN’s rich culture and evolving heritage while providing opportunities for interaction among the region’s young artists,” said CCP vice president and artistic director Dennis N. Marasigan. CCP president Kaye C. Tinga noted that National Artist for Dance Alice Reyes masterfully wove the delegates’ talents into a collaborative version of the iconic production, itself a collaboration among five National Artists: Reyes for choreography and direction, Ryan Cayabyab for music, Bienvenido Lumbera for the libretto, Salvador Bernal for the original set and costume design, and Rolando Tinio for the English translation of the lyrics. BOAPA 2026 took place as the Philippines continued its ASEAN Chairmanship, underscoring the country’s commitment to strengthening regional cooperation through culture and the arts.