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Missed your copy of Manila Standard? Call or text our Circulation Hotline at 0917-8848655 or email: circulation@manilastandard.net . For advertisement: email: advertise@manilastandard.net •09173382170 / 85646229 CAUSE AND EFFECT. Rain clouds hover

over Quezon City, left photo, signalling Habagat’s continuing presence in the metropolis and most parts of Luzon. Inset shows motorists dodging potholes in Manila. Edd Castro, Norman Cruz

Rains to persist until Aug. 19 — PAGASA

‘Investigate OMB for alleging corruption vs. Sandigan justices’

By Rio N. Araja THE southwest monsoon will continue to bring rainfall to several parts of Luzon until August 19. Meanwhile, three people remain

VOL. XL • NO. 184 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 •MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 2026 •

Palace, military, police blast Macacua ambush

Bullet shells recovered; tensions rise before BARMM polls

By Nash Maulana, Katrina Manubay, Vince Lopez, and Vito Barcelo

OTABATO CITY— Authorities recovered empty bullet shells from a grassy, uninhabited area near the highway in Barangay Dulangan, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, as reactions continued to pour in Sunday following the ambush of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof “Sammy Gambar” Macacua’s convoy. Macacua and his companions escaped unharmed after armed men opened fire on the convoy at about 4:45 p.m. Saturday. Three vehicles, including the one carrying Macacua, sustained bullet holes. Malacañang condemned the attack on Sunday and said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had ordered government agencies to strengthen security in Bangsamoro communities and conduct a thorough investigation. Next page

OMBUDSMAN Jesus Crispin Remulla should be investigated for accusing Sandiganbayan justices of corruption in granting bail to former Senator Ramon Revilla Jr., according to lawyer Judd Roy, former president and law dean of the Pamantasan ng Lungson ng Maynila. Revilla is facing a malversation case in connection with a P92.8-million non-existent flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan. Next page

EALA FACES WORLD NO. 10 IN CINCINNATI SPORTS / A8

Ombudsman hits poor DPWH work for gov’t agencies By Rex Espiritu OMBUDSMAN Jesus Crispin Remulla has criticized the Department of Public Works and Highways over its alleged failure to deliver quality facilities for various government agencies, with DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon agreeing that public-private partnerships (PPPs) may be a better option for major infrastructure projects. In his radio program on Saturday night, Remulla cited the supposed failure of the more than P9-billion University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) Cancer Center Project to attract bidders. “That’s why it should be a PPP. If you give it to the DPWH, it will have a different appearance,” Remulla said. Remulla also criticized the new Bureau of Immigration (BI) building, saying more than P8 billion had been spent on a project that was already “10 years in the making.” He likewise urged the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to consider acquiring an existing building instead of constructing a new headquarters. “I told (NBI Director) Melvin Matibag, don’t proceed with the NBI building anymore, just buy a building… What will come out of that will Next page be ugly,” he said.

FREE RICE FOR THE POOR.

First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos and Executive Secretary Ralph Recto led separate rice distribution sorties in the Visayas yesterday. Recto, at right, hands out a sack of rice to a beneficiary in Cebu City while the First Lady, at left, gets a buss on the cheek from a recipient in Bacolod City. The initiative is part of the Bagong Pilipinas Rice Program, which aims to provide 10 kilograms of free rice every two months to nearly eight million poor families nationwide. OES/PCO

Gov’t to distribute free rice to poor Beijing not being Pinoys every two months—Recto honest about Chinese activities in PH, says Gibo By please Rex Espiritu and Katrina Manubay DEFENSE Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. on Saturday accused the Chinese Foreign Ministry of evading key issues surrounding the alleged illegal activities of Chinese nationals in the Philippines and the reported intervention of Chinese embassy officials in local law enforcement proceedings. In a statement, Teodoro said the Next page

By Katrina Manubay

EXECUTIVE Secretary Ralph Recto assured poor Filipino families that the government’s free rice distribution will continue every two months under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive

that no Filipino family should go hungry. Recto pledged earlier that the Marcos administration will keep expanding scholarships and educational assistance nationwide to help more students graduate college despite financial hardships. Next page

Bonoan being forced to testify vs. ex-Speaker, says counsel FORMER Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan is apparently being forced to produce evidence against ex-Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez linking the latter

to the flood control scam, his lawyerspokesman said Monday. Atty. Ade Fajardo told radio station dzRH’s Magandang Umaga Pilipinas that Bonoan cannot produce any proof because none exists. Next page

HOPING. A member of a rescue team searches for victims in the ruins of the

Laurensius Say Port in Maumere, Sikka, East Nusa Tenggara on August 15, 2026, after a magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Flores Island. See story on A6. AFP

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Palace,... From A1

The shells were recovered meters from the highway edge along the southbound lane, opposite the northbound lane where Macacua’s convoy was traveling toward Cotabato City. They were sent to the Philippine National Police (PNP) crime laboratory for forensic examination. Investigators have declined to speculate on the type of rifle used in the attack or the identity and motive of the gunmen. The attack occurred less than a month before the first Bangsamoro parliamentary election, scheduled for Sept. 14, raising concerns over security and the potential impact on the region’s fragile peace process. Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said Mr. Marcos called for calm and respect for human life. “The President condemns the violence perpetrated against BARMM Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua and his colleagues but assures that this will not weaken the government's commitment to ensuring a smooth transition toward democratic governance for BARMM communities,” Castro said. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and PNP also vowed to work with the Commission on Elections, BARMM authorities and other stakeholders to establish the facts and hold those responsible accountable.

Ombudsman... From A1

In Cebu, Remulla also cited a flood control master plan for a river project that initially proposed a 63-meterwide waterway but was later reduced to 25 meters. “We have to take a cue from the quality of work that happens with government projects… As it is right now, we have nothing to rely on from the [DPWH],” Remulla said. He lamented that older buildings being sold by private owners were often better than newly constructed

‘Investigate... From A1

In an interview Monday over radio station dzRH, Roy called for an investigation of Remulla for insinuating corruption on the part of the justices who granted Revilla bail. “We have to be very careful with what the Ombudsman shows. What he claims is his job, it’s an accusation of corruption,” Roy said. Roy was referring to Remulla’s reaction to the Sandigan’s grant of bail to Revilla. "We predicted this to happen. We knew this would happen; something would occur, indicating it had been arranged. Bail will be granted,” Remulla was quoted as saying. Remulla also said he would talk to Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo about the Sandigan’s decision. By saying he (Remulla) would talk to the Chief Justice about the Sandigan

Bonoan... From A1

He said the former DPWH chief would be put in a difficult situation if compelled to produce evidence against Romualdez. “That’s it, former Secretary Bonoan most likely 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 say certain things that, for him, cannot be said. That would also be difficult,” he said. “Congressman Romualdez’s situation is that it appears he is being forced to produce evidence or proof that, in truth, does not really exist,” Fajardo stressed. There have been reports that the Office of the Ombudsman was considering Bonoan as a state witness in its investigation into the trillion-peso flood control scam. In the same interview, Fajardo said the “maleta boys," a reference to 18 former aides of ex-Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Zaldy Co, have not come up with evidence such as closed-circuit camera footage to support their stories on the supposed delivery of kickbacks from flood control projects to certain lawmakers. He also said the Sandiganbayan

AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Antonio Nafarrete said security forces were intensifying measures in vulnerable areas and along major routes. “Security forces on the ground remain vigilant and are intensifying security measures in vulnerable areas and along major routes in the region,” Nafarrete said. PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. urged the public to avoid speculation, particularly over whether the attack was election-related. “We will not speculate on the motive, including whether the incident is election-related. The circumstances will be determined through the proper investigation. For now, our focus is on maintaining peace and order and ensuring the safety of the people in the area,” he said. Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Erwin Garcia directed the police and military to immediately identify and arrest those behind the attack. “Whether this is election related or not, the maintenance of peace and order in the area is of utmost importance. No stone should be left [unturned] just to ensure that the trust and confidence of the people will remain,” Garcia said. ‘Attack won’t deter me from pursuing peace’ Macacua, who is seeking a seat in the Bangsamoro Parliament representing the third district of Maguindanao del Norte, said the attack would not deter him from pursuing peace or the region’s transition to democratic governance.

“This incident will not derail our commitment to democratic progress,” Macacua said. “It does not weaken our resolve to hold the first Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections; if anything, it strengthens our determination to ensure that the voice of the people, rather than the force of arms, dictates the future of our region.” He also acknowledged the continuing hostility directed against him on social media, where masked accounts have insulted and ridiculed him and circulated what he described as false or misleading posts. Macacua’s supporters have also pushed back against online claims that the ambush was staged. Some said such claims ignored the danger posed by actual gunfire during the attack. Maguindanao del Norte Gov. Datu Tucao Mastura warned that social media attacks against Macacua and the Bangsamoro Federalist Party (BFP) were evolving into a hate campaign fueled by false information on Facebook. “Let us all pray that the incident yesterday was the last to ever happen, and should not be repeated,” Mastura said. Mastura himself subsequently became the target of adverse comments, reportedly from local vloggers and supporters of another political group, after making the statement. He said those mocking his efforts to promote peace and maintain law and order should recognize his decades of work in Sultan Kudarat, where he pre-

viously served as mayor. ‘Supporting Macacua could lead to ridicule’ Macacua appeared Sunday at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Center, where he administered the oath to provincial officials who joined the BFP, including Mastura, Maguindanao del Sur Gov. Hadji Datu Ali Midtimbang, Tawi-Tawi Gov. Ysmael Sali and Basilan Vice Gov. Jim Salliman. Other local officials said publicly supporting Macacua and the BFP could expose them to ridicule on social media. Political critic Datu Lowell Macabangen said the ambush was “not an ordinary security incident.” Coming at a “time of intense political uncertainty in the Bangsamoro,” Macabangen said the attack “raises serious questions about security, governance, accountability, and most importantly, the future of the Bangsamoro peace process.” He noted that Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Chairman Hadji Murad Ebrahim and Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento had separately condemned the attack and called for an immediate, impartial and thorough investigation. Ebrahim said the MILF opposed violence and intimidation and urged authorities to identify those responsible and determine the circumstances and motives behind the attack. Army, police condemn attack The Army’s 6th Infantry Division

likewise condemned the attack. “The 6ID emphasizes that any attack on public officials, government personnel, or civilians is unacceptable and must not undermine peace, security, and stability in the Bangsamoro region,” Brig. Gen. Ricky Bunayog, acting commander of the 6ID, said. BARMM police chief Brig. Gen. Christopher Abecia described the shooting as “unacceptable and a serious threat to peace and security in the Bangsamoro region,” saying the investigation was ongoing. Muslimin Sema, chairman of one of the factions of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and concurrent BARMM labor minister, said the attack threatened gains achieved through decades of peace efforts. “At a delicate moment when our region works tirelessly to consolidate progress, such lawless acts threaten to undermine the hard-won gains of the peace process that cost decades of sacrifice,” Sema said. Macacua said he had left the investigation to authorities and the rest to God. A day before the attack, Marcos said the Sept. 14 Bangsamoro parliamentary election would mark the culmination of decades of peace efforts in the region. The AFP and PNP have called on political leaders, candidates and communities to remain calm and work toward a peaceful, safe and credible electoral environment as authorities continue investigating the attack.

government facilities. “Compare the buildings being sold now with the ones we are going to have built. The government cannot deliver that kind of quality. They’re cheaper, too, and the buildings are beautiful… Just buy from the private sector. It’s like PPP in reverse,” he said. Dizon agrees with Remulla assessment Dizon said he agreed with Remulla's assessment of projects that could be undertaken through PPPs. “I fully agree with what Ombudsman Boying Remulla said — that until the internal systems and culture within the DPWH are thoroughly re-

formed, Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) remain the far better option for large-scale, complex infrastructure like government buildings,” Dizon said in a statement. “I have always been a strong, consistent advocate of PPPs whenever they are viable. Through PPPs, we can guarantee timeliness, high quality, and cost efficiency—standards that the public deserves.” Dizon also expressed dismay over the quality of the infrastructure projects cited by Remulla, particularly the BI building. “In fact, I was really angry when I learned about the delay in the Bureau

of Immigration (BI) building project. The design is so poorly executed that the driveway can barely accommodate normal-sized vehicles. This is unacceptable, and it highlights the exact structural problems,” he said. Dizon also said he was willing to discontinue the NBI building project and allow the agency to consider other options. “Regarding the NBI building, I will personally talk to NBI Director Melvin Matibag. DPWH is more than willing to discontinue the current project so that the NBI can explore far better, more practical options for its headquarters,” Dizon said.

Gov’t...

decision to free Revilla, Remulla, too, was working on the case, said Roy. He noted that as former Justice Secretary, Cavite congressman, and member of the Judicial and Bar Council, Remulla became close with Gesmundo. Roy added, however, that if he were the Chief Justice, he would stay clear of the Ombudsman. He said he knew Gesmundo to be a strict and upright person who doesn’t want favors from anyone. Roy pointed out that Remulla insinuated in his statement that the Sandiganbayan justices were bribed in releasing Revilla on bail. He said only one justice voted against granting the former senator bail, and that Revilla is a political enemy of the Remullas in Cavite. Roy also said that he was wondering why Remulla, being a veteran lawyer, was making statements like those he uttered about Revilla’s bail grant.

Rains...

Other parts of Luzon, including Metro Manila, will experience overcast skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms. The Bicol Region will have generally fair weather with chances of thunderstorms. The OCD said the number of fatalities has risen to 22, while 17 others were injured. Benguet recorded the highest number of deaths at 15, with fatalities reported in La Trinidad, Baguio, and Atok, mostly due to landslides. Other deaths were recorded in La Union, Rizal, and Batangas. The weather disturbances have affected around 1.4 million families, or 4.8 million individuals, across Regions I, II, III, V, VI, and IX, as well as CALABARZON, the Cordillera Administrative Region, Metro Manila, and MIMAROPA. Of those affected, about 14,600 families or 44,700 individuals are currently staying in evacuation centers. The disasters have also damaged 1,818 houses—1,645 partially and 173 totally. Infrastructure damage has reached approximately P3.33 billion, while agricultural losses were estimated at P689.7 million. The government has so far provided around P592.5 million worth of assistance to affected communities.

granted former Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr. for bail because it determined the evidence against him to be weak despite testimony from former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernado that he delivered flood control projectrelated kickbacks to him. There is no such allegation in Romualdez's case, he said. “If Senator Revilla had a DPWH undersecretary who actually said that he delivered money, and that was still not enough for the Sandiganbayan, then in the case of the former Speaker, there is really no such testimony,” he emphasized. Fajardo said the statements from former soldier-aides of Co are not acceptable or credible. “They are not acceptable. They keep changing, with things added and removed. There is really nothing to it. The purpose of these soldiers is mercenary,” he said. He described the statements of former Co aides as just “stories,” pointing out that they have not produced supporting evidence to back their claims. “They are just stories. These are stories without basis, without backup. There is no CCTV, no pictures, nothing. Everything rests on stories and statements that have already been proven unacceptable and not credible,” he said.

From A1

missing as the combined effects of Tropical Cyclones Luis and Maymay and the enhanced southwest monsoon, or habagat, have affected millions of Filipinos, according to the latest data from the Office of Civil Defense on Saturday. The missing persons were reported in Alaminos, Pangasinan; Batangas City; and Candelaria, Quezon, the OCD said. On Sunday, August 17, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Benguet, and Zambales are expected to receive 50 to 100 mm of rainfall. From Monday to Tuesday, the same volume of rain will persist over Ilocos Sur, La Union, Benguet, Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, and Occidental Mindoro. From Tuesday noon to Wednesday noon, 50 to 100 mm of rainfall is forecast in Ilocos Sur, La Union, Benguet, Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, Tarlac, Pampanga, Cavite, Batangas, Occidental Mindoro, and Antique. “Forecast rainfall may be higher in mountainous and elevated areas. Moreover, impacts in some areas may be worsened by significant antecedent rainfall,” the weather bureau said.

Beijing... From A1

first issue that needs to be addressed is whether the individuals involved had engaged in illegal activities. “The plain and simple answer is yes,” Teodoro said, citing alleged practices involving what he described as the regurgitation of substandard, radioactively tainted steel and the dumping of untreated polluted water into rivers, as well as the release of untreated toxic fumes. He said the allegations are supported by evidence gathered by Philippine law enforcement authorities through valid search warrants issued by Philippine courts. Previously, authorities ordered the closure of Sanjia Steel Corp. in Misamis Oriental after Chuangxing Steel in Pampanga, which was allegedly run by Chinese nationals. Teodoro also raised the issue of alleged intervention by Chinese embassy officials in local law enforcement

processes. He said the answer was also affirmative, citing revelations made during a Senate hearing, including alleged threats of retaliation against Filipinos. Teodoro described the latest statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry against him as a “classic squid tactic,” which he characterized as disinformation through avoidance of the central issues. He also criticized China’s warning that those involved would “bear the brunt,” saying such a statement amounted to a threat of retaliation against Filipinos. “Threatening that they will ‘bear the brunt’ is an indiscriminate threat to retaliate against all Filipinos, which is, plain and simple, extortion and blackmail beyond doubt!” Teodoro said. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said Friday that foreign nationals in their country should abide by local laws and regulations when asked about Teodoro’s latest remarks, saying their actions do not target any specific country.

From A1

Recto gave the assurance during his visit to Cebu, where he helped distribute free rice to about 120,000 families. The initiative was part of the Bagong Pilipinas Rice Program, which was launched on April 16 and aims to provide 10 kilograms of free rice every two months to nearly eight million needy families nationwide. “This is not a one-time, big-time program. The distribution will be every two months. The President’s instruction is simple: No Filipino family should go hungry,” Recto said. He said the program would also benefit local farmers because the rice to be distributed would be sourced from domestic producers. “It’s a double benefit: There is rice on the table, and farmers earn income. The government is helping both families and farmers,” Recto said. The program is backed by the P57.87-billion Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) for this year, the largest allocation in the fund’s history. Aside from the rice program, the LGSF also finances farm-to-market roads, water systems, health facilities, and multipurpose buildings that can serve as evacuation centers during disasters. “What the President wants is for people to feel the government’s presence down to every town and barangay. When people need help, local governments should have the capacity to act and provide assistance immediately,” Recto said. The government has also streamlined the process for requesting LGSF assistance by reducing requirements and expediting the release of funds. Recto urged local government units to immediately complete their requirements through the Ugnayang Bayan portal to facilitate the release of funds for their projects. He said the LGSF allocation could be increased in 2027 if the program proves effective this year. The initiatives form part of broader national government assistance to LGUs. In 2027, LGUs are expected to receive P1.4 trillion in National Tax Allotment, the highest allocation in history and 11 percent higher than this year’s level. Recto also commended Cebu’s local officials for working with the national government to speed up the delivery of food, infrastructure, and other essential services to communities. He was accompanied during his Cebu visit by Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Secretary Philip Lo, Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro, Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival, Cordova Mayor Cesar Suan, Alcoy Mayor Jose Eugenio Singson Jr., Aloguinsan Mayor Cesar Ignatius Moreno, Balamban Mayor Amos Edwin Cabahug, Sogod Mayor Lissa Marie Streegan and Carcar City Mayor Patrick Barcenas.

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HEARTBREAK. A farmer in Tublay, Benguet dumps his carrots and Chinese cabbage amid oversupply and waterlogging. Wholesale prices at the Benguet Agri-Pinoy Trading Center remain in a slump. Recent typhoons and weeks of southwest monsoon rains have damaged crops and shortened their shelf life. Dave Leprozo

Probe misuse of confi funds by agencies too—Adiong

Senate eyes timely, transparent 2027 national budget review By Ram Superable and Rio N. Araja

HE Senate is committed to a transparent, timely, and accountable examination of the proposed national budget for next year to preserve public trust and fiscal discipline. Senate President Win Gatchalian made the commitment on Sunday following the receipt of the 2027 National Expenditure Program from the Department of Budget and Management. “As we will soon begin committee deliberations on the proposed national budget for next year, the Senate will be guided by a strict focus on public trust, fiscal responsibility, and timely

execution,” he said. According to the senate chief, committee deliberations will focus on ensuring that government allocations directly benefit the public and drive inclusive economic growth across key sectors like education, healthcare, infrastructure, social protection, and job creation. He also emphasized that strict safeguards will be implemented alongside clear mechanisms to guarantee every peso is spent responsibly. Gatchalian previously spearheaded major structural reforms in the national budgeting process during the passage of the 2026 General Appropriations Act. Meanwhile, Manila 6th District Rep. Bienvenido Abante is confident that the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte will not derail congressional action on the proposed P7.2-trillion national budget for 2027.

EDCOM 2: Weather suspensions cost students 53 days of learning By Jimbo Gulle PHILIPPINE schools have lost as many as 53 instructional days in a school year due to class suspensions caused by weather disturbances, calamities and extreme heat, prompting the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) to push for more localized decisions on when classes should be suspended. EDCOM 2 Executive Director Dr. Karol Mark Yee said the figure is significant because the school calendar provides only 180 instructional days, while the country continues to struggle with major learning gaps in literacy, numeracy, science and mathematics. The committee is pushing for amendments to Executive Order No. 66, s. 2012, which sets the rules for the cancellation or suspension of classes and government work during typhoons, floods, other weather disturbances and calamities. The order already allows localized suspensions in certain circumstances, but EDCOM 2 wants a clearer and more responsive framework for determining when classes should stop and how learning should continue. Yee said the policy should clearly define who has the authority to suspend classes, require decisions to be informed by scientific evidence, and strengthen coordination among local governments, Department of Education (DepEd) officials and other agencies. “I think since 2023, EDCOM has been monitoring class suspensions. In fact, in our first year, we saw that nearly 53 days were lost in an entire school year because of suspensions, calamities, heat index, typhoons, etc.,” he said in an ABS-CBN interview. “Many days are lost because we have only 180 instructional days. So, we have been monitoring this over the past years, and it really averages 40 to 50 days,” he added. From blanket to granular suspensions Yee said EDCOM 2 is pushing a major shift away from blanket suspensions toward more granular, school-level decisions that consider actual conditions in individual communities and schools. He said the government needs to balance the safety of learners and teachers with the need to protect instructional time, particularly as weather-related disruptions continue across the country.

The impact of lost school days, he noted, is not the same across all grade levels. Younger learners, particularly those in Grades 1 to 3, are more vulnerable because they are still developing foundational literacy and numeracy skills and require more direct interaction with teachers. Older learners, meanwhile, may be able to continue learning through prepared materials and alternative delivery modes, provided they have sufficient resources and can learn independently. More importantly, he said a suspension in one area should not automatically mean that learning stops for every school. “Part of this is granularized suspension, which means that in one area, not all schools necessarily have to suspend classes. For example, if there is a high heat index, but a private school has air conditioning, it should be allowed to continue classes so that not everyone is affected,” he explained. “In one community, perhaps not all schools need to suspend classes, but if one school is submerged in floodwaters, it should be allowed to suspend classes. So, it should not always be blanket suspensions,” Yee said. “We also need to understand that if some schools are capable of continuing, using the prudent judgment of the principal, they should be allowed to continue,” he added. Align EO with DepEd policies Yee said the proposed amendments should also establish what a suspension means for learning, since announcements are not always interpreted consistently across communities. The goal, he said, is to align the executive order with newer DepEd policies that distinguish between stopping, slowing down and continuing learning during emergencies. Yee also welcomed DepEd Order No. 014, s. 2026, or the “Guidelines on Learning Continuity in Emergencies,” which introduces four learning continuity levels — Hayo, Hinay, Hinga and Hinto — based on the safety, well-being and readiness of learners and teachers. He described the order as an important step because it provides schools with clearer guidance on what to do when emergencies disrupt regular classes. However, he said the new DepEd guidelines need to be supported by policies that ensure a coordinated government response.

With the House of Representatives preparing to scrutinize the 2027 National Expenditure Program (NEP), he said the Senate impeachment court’s current schedule should allow the 20th Congress to carry on with its regular legislative work. “The impeachment court is only four hours. It starts in the morning, it’s a three o’clock deliberation, so I don’t think it (budget deliberations) will be affected,” said Abante, one of the vice chairpersons of the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability. The Executive branch formally turned over the NEP to both chambers of Congress, setting the stage for House deliberations on the spendingplan. The budget process comes as the Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, continues Duterte’s trial on four Articles of Impeachment.

AMID the investigation into alleged confidential fund (CF) misuse by the Office of the Vice President (OVP), other government agencies found to have violated the rules should also be held accountable. Confidential funds are subject to specific conditions because they are intended for circumstances where certain expenditures cannot appropriately be charged to an agency’s regular operating funds, House Assistant Majority Leader Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong of Lanao del Sur said in a radio interview Sunday. “Ang gawin na lang natin (Perhaps what we can do), let’s run after those agencies and then let’s hold to account ‘yung mga personalities or mga officials na hindi niya tinutugunan ang … hindi niya ino-obey o kino-comply ang (the personalities or officials who do not respond … do not obey or comply with the) joint circular. That’s the proper course of action,” he said in an interview over dzBB’s “Bantay Balita sa Kongreso” program. The administration lawmaker, also a spokesperson of the House of Representatives impeachment prosecution panel, was referring to Joint Circular 2015-01, which outlines the rules on the use, disbursement, and reporting of confidential and intelligence funds. As part of the reform, Adiong suggested that more stringent procedures and policies be introduced in the implementation of CF. “The issue should primarily focus on how agencies implement confidential funds rather than treating the funds themselves as inherently problematic,” he said. In the ongoing impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte, state auditors have testified about irregularities in the use and liquidation of CF by the OVP and the Department of Education when Duterte was secretary. Adiong said previous agencies with CF generally complied with audit requirements and submitted supporting documents.

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NTF-ELCAC eyes greater action vs. insurgents

KUDOS. This Marikina flood control project drew praise on social media following recent monsoon rains, with residents crediting it for helping control floodwaters. Edd Castro

DBM releases P9.753b to CHED for free higher education IN BRIEF T C

Tulfo bill seeks 20% student internet discount A MEASURE seeking to grant a 20% discount on mobile prepaid load, postpaid plans, and internet packages for all Filipino students was introduced on Sunday by Senator Erwin Tulfo to ease the financial burden of remote learning. Senate Bill No. 2275, also known as the Student Load Discount Act, aims to assist families struggling with data expenses as bad weather frequently forces schools to shift to online instruction. “We cannot expect students, especially those from lowincome families, to quickly adapt to digital learning without government assistance,” Tulfo said, noting that digital learning adds expenses for students and their parents. The proposed discount applies to all Filipino citizens enrolled in elementary, secondary, technical-vocational, and higher education institutions, whether public or private, with post-graduate studies being the sole exception. Ram Superable

HE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released P9.753 billion to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to address funding deficiencies in the implementation of the Free Higher Education (FHE) Program in 108 state universities and colleges (SUCs) nationwide.

The release covers validated arrears incurred during Academic Years 2022– 2023, 2023–2024, and 2024–2025, providing funding support for costs previously absorbed by the beneficiary SUCs. CHED, through the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST), will facilitate the corresponding release of funds to the concerned SUCs in accordance with applicable guidelines. DBM Acting Secretary Kim Robert De Leon said the release reflects President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive

to keep education among the government’s priorities while ensuring that limited public resources are responsibly managed. “With this release, we are making nearly P10 billion available to address funding requirements of our state universities and colleges while maintaining that careful fiscal balance,” De Leon said in a statement Sunday. He added that the additional funding honors commitments to the SUCs while “protecting the government’s capacity to fund other urgent national priorities.”

The P9.753-billion funding will help ease financial pressures on SUCs that had used their available institutional resources to cover FHE-related costs. With the deficiencies addressed, SUCs will have greater fiscal space for other lawful institutional priorities, including academic and research programs, student services, laboratories, libraries, information technology resources, and learning facilities. The funding may also support medical, dental, guidance, athletic, and cultural services, as well as the rehabilitation, improvement, or expansion of academic and other university facilities, subject to existing budgeting, accounting, and auditing rules and available funds. The release was charged against DBM’s built-in appropriations under the 2026 General Appropriations Act and the Special Account in the General Fund–Higher Education Development Fund.

PhilSA warns of possible China rocket debris THE Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) on Sunday warned the public of possible rocket debris falling off Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, following the launch of China’s Long March 12 rocket. In an advisory, PhilSA said the identified drop zone is approximately 25 nautical miles away from Puerto Princesa, Palawan, and 19 nautical miles away from the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, which is within Philippine archipelagic waters. The Long March 12 rocket was launched from the Hainan International Commercial Launch Center in Wenchang, Hainan, around 12:10 p.m. Philippine time on Sunday. “While not projected to fall on land features or inhabited areas, falling debris poses danger and potential risk to ships, aircraft, fishing boats, and other vessels that will pass through the drop zone,” PhilSA said. It added that debris could float around the area and wash toward nearby coasts, while an uncontrolled re-entry of the rocket’s upper stages could not be ruled out. Rex Espiritu

Senate to keep close watch on Pax Silica By Ram Superable

PRO-6 cops nab 11, including 2 most wanted POLICE Regional Office 6 (Western Visayas) sustained its campaign against wanted persons, leading to the apprehension of 11 individuals during police operations conducted across Western Visayas from 6 a.m. on August 15 to 5:59 a.m. on August 16, 2026. According to Western Visayas Police chief Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño, two of the 11 individuals apprehended were classified among the Top Ten Most Wanted Persons, while nine were listed as Other Wanted Persons. Among the notable accomplishments was the apprehension of a No. 7 ProvincialLevel Most Wanted Person in Capiz, who was wanted for alleged violations of laws involving firearms, illegal drugs, and possession of explosives. Also apprehended was a No. 10 MunicipalLevel Most Wanted Person in Concepcion, Iloilo, who was the subject of a warrant in connection with qualified theft. The other nine individuals were likewise located by police units in the course of their continuing efforts to implement standing warrants and support the proper judicial process. Vince Lopez

THE National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTFELCAC) is seeking greater international action against communist insurgents following a briefing to the United Nations (UN) on documented cases of civilian killings and a deadly “spy-tagging” campaign. In a news release Sunday, the NTFELCAC said its national secretariat presented to the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNOHCHR) the 71 documented cases of alleged arbitrary killings and other human rights violations attributed to the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army since January 2025. “The presentation emphasized the violent incidents in Mindoro and Negros Island, highlighting the deadly consequences of ‘spy-tagging’—the practice of branding civilians as government informants or intelligence assets, often placing their lives at grave risk,” it said. Led by NTF-ELCAC Executive Director Undersecretary Danilo Pamonag, the engagement placed the plight of civilians at the center of the discussions. The report details how farmers, community members, and other civilians were allegedly accused of being “spies” or government collaborators before being targeted and killed by communist armed elements. UN-OHCHR representative Signe Poulsen welcomed the documentation and vowed to bring the findings before appropriate international human rights mechanisms. Pamonag said the engagement underscored the need for human rights protection to apply equally to all victims, regardless of whether the alleged perpetrator is a state or non-state actor. He pushed for stronger engagement with international development partners to support peace-building, community development, and the sustainable reintegration of former rebels into mainstream society. Pamonag specifically urged international human rights organizations to focus on the spy-tagging, summary executions, and other forms of violence allegedly perpetrated against civilians by communist armed groups, particularly in vulnerable and geographically isolated communities.

NASTY SURPRISE. A pickup truck left overnight at a barangay trash collection point along Marcos Highway is surrounded by garbage left by residents. Dave Leprozo

SENATE President Sherwin Gatchalian on Sunday vowed that the Senate will maintain strict oversight over the Pax Silica initiative to secure its economic potential while addressing environmental concerns. “It is important for the Senate to have oversight and ensure that these risks and grievances are addressed,” he said, adding that the long-term economic gains must not compromise environmental safety, constitutional sovereignty, or community rights. These protections apply directly to local populations, including regional farmers and Indigenous groups who could be affected by the development. Gatchalian confirmed that legislative scrutiny will remain active throughout every phase of the project. While offering a rare entry point into a high-value technology sector, the initiative is projected to generate 200,000 direct jobs along with 800,000 construction-related employment opportunities. This economic push aims to elevate the national workforce beyond low-value semiconductor assembly lines and entrylevel positions in the business process outsourcing industry.

Remulla orders investigation on 911 call mishandling issue By Vince Lopez DEPARTMENT of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Sunday said that they had already documented the incident involving an individual who posted on social media his personal experience of Unified 911’s failure to respond to his emergency call, which led to his father’s untimely demise. He also ordered an immediate investigation into the handling of an emergency 911 call involving an elderly patient. Remulla said that based on the report, 911 received the call at 12:15 p.m. on Saturday, involving a 71-year-old patient in Maharlika Village, Taguig, who reportedly suffered a mild stroke and needed urgent ambulance assistance. “Director Francis Fajardo has already

documented the incident for immediate investigation,” the interior secretary said. The call was relayed to the Taguig Command Center at around 12:17 p.m., which acknowledged the emergency and committed to dispatch an ambulance. However, Remulla also said that despite follow-ups at 4:57 p.m. and 5:56 p.m., there was still no confirmation whether the ambulance was actually dispatched or had arrived. Remulla also said the initial report indicated a possible problem in the handover of the case between shifts, raising further questions about how the emergency was endorsed and monitored after the call was relayed to the local command center. “There also appears to have been an issue with the shift handover and endorsement of the case,” he said.

AMPLE SUPPLY. Shoppers buy vegetables and other basic commodities at a market in Barangay Bagong Silangan, Quezon City, on Sunday. Vendors and shoppers say supplies remain available despite the monsoon rains, although prices of some commodities rise. Edd Castro

OPINION

MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 2026

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EDITORIAL

Swimming in filth, drowning in debt THE most important rule my now-deceased feng shui consultant advised me whenever the ghost month is about to start is: make sure your house, particularly your room, is clean. The second rule is not as easy to follow, but try your best to do it: pay your debts. The ghost month in this Year of the Fire Horse started last Thursday, August the 13th. What happened at the start of the month when the ghosts marched in? First, flooding in several provinces including the nation’s capital, brought not by strong typhoons hitting us, even as these sucked rains from the waters off the contested South China Sea, parts of which we call our West Philippine Sea. These floods brought neck-deep waters in Bulacan, Pampanga, Cavite and Zambales, places where American bases used to be, and the province whose capital was the site of our first Congress. And in the nation’s extended capital, garbage everywhere, with detritus from rivers to Manila Bay that got stuck in a Baclaran spillway, captured so vividly in photographs that have since travelled around the world, giving our benighted land notoriety as the filthiest nation on earth. From the point of view of the 4 million victims of the recent floods, life becomes doubly miserable not just because incomes can hardly cope with the inflation, the one economic term that even the poorest of the poor now understand, but because the floods make them wallow in filth --- dirty waters, leptospirosis from rats, prized possessions rendered useless. Then comes the day after, when the middle class have to borrow from loan sharks to repair their damaged houses and buy appliances washed out or destroyed by the floods, while the poorest look where else they can exist. Yet for a brief moment the Senate trial and the loudmouths with saliva drooling from their mouths tried to focus their attention into the persecution of a bludgeoned vice-president. The flood of memories of ghosts exposed by their president in his fourth and most memorable SONA came back with a vengeance. These are the ghosts paid for by their hard-earned money, greedy kickbacks which were piled atop billiard tables, “katas ng kawatan” in just the historic province of Bulacan alone. From those tables, the billions in cash were scooped into “maletas” and delivered to the powerful whose power came from them, from the single right the Constitution gave them that has yet to be stolen by those they elect. Paid for in most cases, yes, that right to vote, to select leaders the led still possess. Two days before, in ceremonies at the

Palace astride the river from which the filth passes into the bay, the executive passed the National Expenditure baton to the Speaker of the HoR, the proposed budget for them to pass after insertions, errata, and other such transfers in the exercise of the power of the purse. Interestingly, they made sure the NEP was signed by our allegedly “eagle-eyed” president, who, according to his cantankerous and slip-tongued spokesperson he scrutinized, thence sealed and delivered by the newly-minted “acting” DBM secretary to the feng shui-believing Speaker who would not start anything important on the day the ghosts march into town.

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This is the State of the Nation. (Trivia: The Speaker is a Dy; the Senate President is a Gatchalian whose adopted surname belies his pure Fujian ancestry; and the President is descended from a Chua, all of them with Fujian). And what, pray tell, did the NEP, delivered in a timely fashion, contain? Seven point two trillion pesos for the president’s priorities next year. It is the “election year” budget, because 2028 ends at half-time, and projects cannot be bidded out when Comelec declares the election season has begun. Of the P7.2 trillion, P978 billion will go to pay interest due on our humongous P19.07 trillion budget, seven trillion more than the pandemic-ravaged last two years of PBbM’s successor, the PRRD whom he imprisoned in cold and damp Scheveningen. That’s P19.07 trillion as of June 30, 2026, mind you. Between May 31 and June 30 this year, government borrowed P519 billion pesos, all in one month! Of that, P12.84 trillion is locally borrowed debt and P6.23 trillion is from international borrowings, which means that each time the peso devalues in exchange to the dollar, the payments on P6.23 trillion go up. And to finance our P7.2-trillion proposed budget for next year, the government will borrow P3.3 trillion more, of which P1.7 trillion will fund the projected fiscal deficit. The other P1.6 trillion will go towards refinancing maturing debt. Why so? Because only P5.2 trillion is expected as total revenues, and with our present economic woes, GDP going down, down, down, that P5.2 trillion may not even materialize. Our people are swimming in filth while the country is drowning in debt. That is the State of the Nation.

UK PM urges ‘reflection’ after Cambridge professor’s death CAMBRIDGE, UNITED KINGDOM — UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham called for “reflection” after the death of Jason Arday, as the former Cambridge academic’s family denounced what they called years of harassment amid plagiarism accusations. Arday, 41, was found dead Friday, nine days after he quit as a Cambridge University professor and Jesus College fellow after both institutions announced probes into various allegations, amid a storm that has sparked racism claims. In an overnight statement, his family said he had been “subjected to a campaign of sustained abuse” ever since he became Cambridge’s youngest black professor in 2023. They alleged it “was too much for Jason, who was a gentle man and who always wanted to see the best in everyone.” Others highlighted the vulnerability of a man who had been diagnosed with autism. Arday had himself claimed to be the target of a “racially motivated” campaign. Speaking to reporters in southwest England, Burnham urged against “rushing to judgement.” “It’s a tragedy on so many levels,” he said. “It’s a moment for reflection... reflecting on how things came to this.” The scandal hit the headlines last month after some academics and media reports accused Arday of plagiarizing parts of his doctoral thesis and embellishing life achievements. The allegations have been seized on by British right-wing newspapers and commentators, who claimed he unfairly benefited from diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI) policies. But Weyman Bennett, co-convenor of the Stand Up to Racism campaign group,

said his death “was the result of a racist witch hunt” by right-wing media, politicians and the far right. ‘Tragic’ In a letter published when he resigned on August 5, Arday said the move was “the only way” to end a “difficult period” but should not be “mistaken for an acceptance of the narratives that have surrounded me”.

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It’s a tragedy on so many levels, he said. A married father-of-two, Arday was discovered unresponsive Friday afternoon at an address in south London, according to the capital’s Metropolitan Police. Although the force did not confirm the identity of the deceased person, within hours Cambridge’s top administrator, Vice-Chancellor Deborah Prentice, confirmed his death. She said the prestigious British institution was “desperately saddened” by the “tragic news.” Police said it was being treated as “unexpected” but not suspicious. While it is unclear how he died, the force is preparing a file for a coroner, who will formally determine the cause of death at an inquest. In Cambridge Saturday, several people left flowers and a card bearing Arday’s name on university gates in the city center. “It was a way for me to apologize to Jason, his family, his friends, for what has been done to him,” one man who laid flowers told AFP, declining to give his name.

HERE is no argument that disinformation is a bane to society. Disinformation distorts reality and provides an unsound basis for a nation’s democratic decisions. It has the power to take away people’s agency and manipulate their actions. It could compromise their physical and material security. It can create confusion, even chaos. The fight against it should be intense, consistent, and non-negotiable.

It is good that the administration has made addressing “fake news” a priority. Those who push it must be punished, and those who knowingly spread it must be enlightened and warned. But the passage of a bill – any antidisinformation bill – must not be the ultimate goal. In June, the House of Representatives passed House Bill 9645, or the Digital Media Anti-False Information Act. With a vote of 286-3, it enjoyed overwhelming support from lawmakers. The bill’s Senate counterpart now awaits action at the Upper House, where deliberations in the Committee on Public Information and Mass Media cannot proceed because of committee leadership issues. This pause, while an ugly offshoot of the Senate crisis earlier this year, should be a good time for lawmakers to ponder the bills’ provisions and weigh whether these actually address the

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The passage of any anti-disinformation bill must not be the ultimate goal. Media organizations and professionals have released a statement entitled Getting the Solution Right, which points out the flaws in the proposals. According to the statement, the pend-

THE debate over children’s gadgets is often framed as a choice between protection and access. One side points to excessive screen time, harmful content, cyberbullying, online grooming and addictive features. The other warns that broad restrictions may cut young Filipinos off from educational resources and needed digital skills. Both concerns are valid, but treating the device as the enemy resolves neither. A smartphone can distract a student during class. It can also provide access to lessons, research materials, emergency communication and services unavailable in many communities. The same tablet used for endless gaming can support reading, mathematics or creative work. What matters is not simply whether a child holds a gadget, but what the child can access, under whose supervision, and what safeguards govern the experience. The risks are real. Children can encounter violent material, misinformation, strangers posing as peers and systems designed to keep them scrolling. Education Secretary Sonny Angara has recognized that gadget use brings learners into contact with social media and online games. His announcement that the Department of Education would coordinate with telecommunications and social media companies points in the right direction: responsibility must extend across the digital ecosystem. Parents and guardians remain their children’s primary guides. They best understand a child’s maturity, needs and behavior. But telling them to “monitor their children” is not enough. Many are juggling jobs, household expenses and several children while platforms change faster than most regulations. Government should equip them with practical digital-literacy programs, clear guidance, accessible reporting channels and help in using parental controls. Schools have an equally important role. Restricting personal devices during lessons is reasonable when they interfere

with concentration or classroom discipline. Exceptions should remain for legitimate instruction, emergencies, accessibility needs and other clearly defined purposes. Beyond enforcement, schools must teach digital judgment: how to verify information, protect personal data, recognize manipulation, report abuse and interact responsibly online.

Not every company in the digital chain controls the same thing. Platforms can filter what content children see, what appears next and how long users are encouraged to stay. Device manufacturers control built-in safety features. Telecommunications providers carry the connection. The law should recognize those differences. Platforms should provide effective age checks, privacy protections, safer default settings and responsive ways to report harmful material. Device makers should make parental controls easy to understand and activate. Telecommunications providers should maintain secure connectivity, strengthen cybersecurity and support digital-literacy efforts. These distinctions matter. A company that transmits internet traffic does not exercise the same control as a platform that selects, recommends or monetizes content. Sound legislation should assign each responsibility to the actor capable of preventing or reducing the specific harm. When duties are defined too broadly, enforcement becomes an exercise in passing the blame.

The Philippines cannot separate this debate from its education crisis. Drawing on DepEd data, EDCOM II reported that 48.76 percent of learners in Grades 1 to 3 were not reading at grade level at the end of school year 2024–2025. It identified limited ICT access among the overlapping disadvantages confronting lowperforming learners and made equitable internet connectivity and digital resources a reform priority. Technology will not repair the learning crisis by itself, but denying children access to it may widen the gaps we are already struggling to close. Digital tools must work alongside capable teachers, sound instruction and reliable connectivity. This balance matters in a country where access remains unequal. A rule that assumes every learner has a laptop, dependable broadband and a digitally confident parent may deepen existing disadvantages. Regulation must account for students who rely on a shared mobile phone for assignments or communication with teachers. We should not be forced to choose between keeping children safe and giving them a fair chance to participate in the digital economy. Sensible policy must do both, with particular attention to low-income households and geographically isolated schools. Congress should therefore pursue a framework anchored on the best interests of the child, shared but clearly defined responsibility, age-appropriate access and continuing education. The rules should be technology-neutral enough to cover emerging platforms, artificial intelligence and future devices without needing a new law for every innovation. Filipino children will grow up with technology; no law can stop that. What Congress can do is make their digital environment safer, give parents tools they can actually use, and require companies to answer for the risks they create or control. The goal is not to raise children who fear technology, but citizens who know how to use it wisely.

“I hope that we can all learn lessons, fight against prejudice and hatred, and stand up for truth.” Remembrance vigils were also planned in London on Sunday and Monday evenings. A crowdfunding page -- created by racial equality campaigner Patrick Vernon -- had raised more than £11,000 ($15,000) by late Saturday to support Arday’s family. ‘Vulnerable’ Simon Baron-Cohen, a Cambridge professor and director of the Autism Research Centre, told BBC radio he had spoken to Arday early Friday. “He was being subjected to relentless scrutiny, including ridicule, discrediting absolutely every detail of his life,” Baron-Cohen said.

“He wasn’t coping with the loss of his career, the loss of his reputation, and he felt he couldn’t go on. He used those words in voice notes.” The furor grew after Nathan Cofnas, a US academic and self-defined “race realist” -- whose Cambridge research affiliation ended in 2024 amid racism accusations -- published claims in July. They included that sections of his doctoral dissertation had been copied from other works. The Times, Guardian and Telegraph newspapers had all published investigative articles into Arday’s academic work and personal life in recent weeks. Some of his claimed achievements, including once running 30 marathons in 35 days and raising millions for charities, were disputed.

Diagnosed with autism, Arday had said he was non-verbal until age 11 and only learned to read and write at 18, before becoming a Cambridge professor at 37. In an interview with The Times earlier this month, Arday admitted making academic “mistakes” but said he was being wrongly “portrayed to be a liar and a fantasist.” He added that some errors in his early academic work were because of his autism, as he relied on using mimicry to understand information. Noting Arday had been diagnosed in childhood with disabilities including language delay and learning differences, Baron-Cohen stressed he was “vulnerable” and deserved “safeguarding and support.” AFP

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The goal is not to raise children who fear technology, but citizens who know how to use it wisely.

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problem or aggravate the risks. Most of all, this is their opportunity to show that the nation’s interest genuinely trumps their own. After all, experience has taught Filipinos that many political families and parties have benefited from bending the truth for their own purposes.

ing bills are “the wrong response to a real problem” because they “primarily criminalize expression, expand the State’s authority to regulate speech, and create legal mechanisms that are vulnerable to misuse against journalists, critics, and ordinary citizens.” The media groups say that the measures “leave largely untouched the opaque algorithms, commercial incentives, coordinated influence operations, and platform structures that enable disinformation to flourish.” A better way forward, they say, would be to address the issue systemically, strengthen government transparency, and pass the Freedom of Information Law. The government should also support independent journalism, investigative journalism, and fact-checking initiatives, strengthen media and information literacy across schools and communities, and promote multi-stakeholder collaboration while respecting constitutional rights. Indeed a half-baked or tainted antidisinformation bill would create even greater problems and expose the public to greater harm. It places the sincerity of lawmakers under doubt and the interest of the people in peril. Let there be consultations and debates on this all-important matter -while there is still time. Woe to the nation should the bills in their current form pass, with truth-benders or authoritarians at the helm.

We need smarter rules for smart devices

Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno

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WORLD

MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 2026

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Indonesians flee homes as quake kills 48 R

UTENG, Indonesia — Thousands of evacuees waited for help Sunday on Indonesia’s Flores island after a powerful earthquake killed 48 people, injured dozens and damaged hundreds of houses and buildings.

SAFEST PLACE. Villagers look on after spending the night in an open field in Nangahale village in Sikka, East Nusa Tenggara, on August 16 after a magnitude 7.7 earthquake off Indonesia’s eastern Flores island. Rescuers combed through debris for survivors after a powerful earthquake struck, killing at least 47 people, according to disaster officials. AFP

IN BRIEF Iran demands Qatar release 3 pilots, warns US anew Hurricane Lala dumps heavy rain on Hawaii HONOLULU -- The eye of Hurricane Lala neared the southern part of Hawaii’s Big Island Saturday, as heavy rain and strong winds lashed the state and officials warned of potentially dangerous flooding across the US Pacific island state. “Damaging hurricane-force winds are expected to continue on the Big Island of Hawaii into the overnight hours,” the National Hurricane Center said in its 0300 GMT advisory, warning of heavy rainfall and “large and dangerous waves” across “portions of the Hawaiian Islands through the weekend.” Lala strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane at around 9:00 am local time (1900 GMT), generating winds of up to 75 miles per hour (120 kilometers per hour). The hurricane bore down on Hawaii County, which covers the Big Island, and a tropical storm warning was in place for the state’s seven other major islands: Maui, Molokai, Kahoolawe, Lanai, Oahu, Kauai and Niihau. AFP

TEHRAN — Iran on Saturday demanded that Qatar release three Iranian pilots it said had been captured after their aircraft crashed during the Middle East war, while Tehran also warned that the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz would remain under Iranian control amid renewed tensions with the United States. The developments came as fighting and diplomatic tensions continued to threaten regional shipping, with Iran and the United States trading accusations over the strait and Qatar rejecting Tehran’s claim that it was holding Iranian pilots. General Mohammad Bagherzadeh of the Iranian armed forces said three pilots were captured alive by Qatari forces after their Su-24 fighter jets crashed during the

war, Fars news agency reported. “Three Iranian pilots were captured alive by Qatari forces after their Su-24 fighter jets crashed during the war,” Bagherzadeh said. “Javad Salehi, Abdolmajid Dashtian and Omran Behraveshian have been held by Qatari forces for six months,” he said in a letter addressed to the International Committee of the Red Cross. Bagherzadeh called for the pilots’ release, saying they had not been allowed to meet or contact their families. Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed Al Ansari categorically denied the claim. “We categorically deny the claims circulating regarding the detention of Iranian pilots & are surprised by these mis-

leading statements,” Ansari said on X. Qatar’s rescuers “carried out their duties to the fullest” in searching for the pilots, he said. Ansari said Qatar had “communicated with the Iranian side to coordinate the handover of the remains of one of the pilots who was found.” “Qatar also issued an invitation for an Iranian team to visit the Qatar to be briefed on the details of the search & rescue operations in April, but the Iranian side has yet to respond to the invitation,” he added. Iran’s military said last month that it had retrieved the body of pilot Majid Kazemi, who was killed during an attack on Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar in early March. AFP

Firefighters battle one of Belgium’s worst wildfires

Jaded voters, same old choices in Brazil polls RIO DE JANEIRO -- Brazil’s leftist president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and his right-wing rival Flavio Bolsonaro kick off their election campaigns on Sunday in a race that has many voters feeling a weary sense of deja vu. Voters head to the polls on October 4 deeply polarized and under the shadow of US President Donald Trump, who has openly backed conservative candidates in recent Latin American elections. The race offers a familiar political script with minor cast changes. Lula, 80, who is seeking a fourth and final term, is up against the son of former far-right president Jair Bolsonaro. “The campaign is really weak. The presidential candidates, they’re all bad. I won’t vote for (Lula), I won’t vote for Bolsonaro. I don’t even know what I am going to do!” market vendor Rosalie Lourecal, 53, told AFP. AFP

Russian strikes kill one in Ukraine; Moscow hit KYIV -- Russian strikes killed one person and wounded at least seven others in Ukraine, authorities said Sunday, while Moscow officials reported downing more than 100 drones heading towards the capital. Russia has increasingly been using long-range missiles in its war against Ukraine, while Kyiv has responded with drone strikes deep inside Russian territory, including repeated attempts to target the capital. A woman was killed and six people wounded in a combined ballistic missile and drone attack on Kryvyi Rig, the hometown of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, according to the regional governor. The city was under a “combined ballistic missile and drone attack”, local defence council head Oleksandr Vilkul said earlier on Telegram, warning residents that further waves could follow. Russian forces struck two industrial sites in the city, prompting rescue and firefighting operations, Vilkul said. AFP

Some 5,000 people fled their homes as the 7.7-magnitude quake hit the island early Saturday, followed by 341 aftershocks in the hours that followed, a spokesman for the BNPB national disaster agency, Berton Suar Pelita Panjaitan, said. People in some areas were left without electricity and telecommunications and at least one emergency access road remained inaccessible. “We need food, drink, medicines, and diapers for the children,” Umri, a resident of Nangahale village on the north coast of Flores, told AFP on Sunday morning. The 55-year-old, who like many Indonesians uses one name, has been hiding out on a hilltop for 24 hours with others afraid to return home. Nurhidayati, also 55, spent the night on a mat on the same hill. “I’m still terrified; my heart is pounding hard remembering yesterday’s tremor... We just ran up here yesterday. I’m very scared now, still traumatised by the quake in 1992. I don’t dare to go home,” she said. Flores was struck by a 7.7-magnitude earthquake in 1992 that triggered a tsunami and killed about 2,500 people. “I hope the government will soon distribute logistics to help us,” said Nurhidayati. Berton said at least 101 Flores residents were reported injured. “In addition to the loss of life, the offshore earthquake caused material losses that have paralysed residents’ daily activities,” he said in a statement Sunday. Survivors were in urgent need of assistance in the form of emergency tents, food, medicines, blankets, camp beds, mats, clean water and electricity generators, Berton added. The death toll rose by one from Saturday night to Sunday morning. ‘We stand with you’ Local search and rescue official Fathur Rahman told AFP on Sunday there were no reports of people buried or missing. “For now we are concentrating solely on search efforts, combing through the search area,” said Fathur. AFP

FLYING FIREFIGHTER. A French Civil Security Dash 8 Q400 MR aircraft douses retarding liquid over trees during a wildfire in a forest near Luglon, south-western France on August 15. Firefighters focused their efforts, both from the air and on the ground, on a flare-up that occurred at dawn in the Landes forest, taking advantage of cooler temperatures to try to contain the blaze, which has already consumed nearly 1,600 hectares. AFP

BAELEN, Belgium — Hundreds of villagers were under evacuation orders in eastern Belgium on Saturday as firefighters battled one of the country’s worst-ever wildfires, with vast swathes of nature reserve turned to a singed wasteland. Reinforcements were pulled from across the country to fight the blaze that broke out Friday in the High Fens park near the German border and quickly spread, with helicopters and water bombers flying in from across the EU to help. Described by officials as the largest in Belgium’s modern history, the blaze broke out in an area of fragile peatlands and pine forests that was ravaged by massive wildfires in 1911, during a similar period of extreme heatwaves and drought. By late Saturday, it had scorched more than 2,700 hectares (6,700 acres), up from a mere 80 hectares on Friday, the local authorities said in a statement. “You can’t see a thing anymore, there’s smoke everywhere,” David Rodolfs, a restaurant owner in the nearby Waimes area, told AFP by telephone. Rodolfs said his colleagues witnessed the fire breaking out on Friday. “There was ash falling onto the tables, and then we asked our customers to leave. No dessert, everyone had to go,” said the 38-year-old. The authorities warned that the rugged nature of the region’s terrain was “preventing the emergency services from tackling the fire at close quarters... using their usual methods”. Residents in parts of the nearby villages of Sourbrodt and Buetgenbach were ordered to evacuate on Saturday afternoon as a precautionary measure, according to the authorities. AFP

Japan readies mission to Mars’ moons to retrieve soil samples TANEGASHIMA SPACE CENTER, Japan -- Japanese scientists are readying a mission to Mars’ moons to retrieve samples that may unlock the origins of the Solar System and life on Earth, although a rival Chinese mission aims to make it back first. The unmanned Martian Moons eXploration (MMX), set to blast off from Tanegashima Space Center in the coming months, could also lay the groundwork for humans visiting the red planet. The spacecraft, revealed to media last Thursday, will stay in Mars’ orbit for around three years and will attempt to land on Phobos. It will collect at least 10 grams (0.35 ounces) of material from the surface of Phobos, while the IDEFIX rover -- the

French name for comic hero Asterix’s dog -- will conduct surface observations. The spacecraft will also observe Demios, the other of Mars’ moons -- but without landing -- before a return capsule heads back to Earth to land in Australia in around 2031. Impact or capture The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) hopes that the mission will reveal how Mars and its moons formed, a key piece of knowledge in working out how the Solar System was born. One theory for the origin of the Martian moons -- the “giant impact” hypothesis -- is that they formed after a celestial body collided with Mars. AFP

MAROONED CARS. Abandoned cars are seen partially submerged on a flooded road in Sakura, Chiba prefecture on August 14. At least four people died in eastern Japan after “unprecedented” heavy rain that left thousands stranded at Narita airport overnight and snarled up roads and rail services, authorities said. AFP

NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 2026

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

‘2027 budget must cut food cost, increase farmers’ income’

TOWN FIESTA. A band marches past the Maragondon Municipal Hall in Cavite highlighting the observance of the town’s Feast of Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion (Our Lady of Assumption). At least 14 bands took part in the revelry, courtesy of the local government. Dennis Abrina

Senator urges stop-gap measures for workers hit by wage hike TRO By Ram Superable

ENATOR Joel Villanueva on Sunday urged the Department of Labor and Employment to roll out temporary relief or stop-gap measures to assist minimum wage earners affected by the court injunction suspending the P85-pay increase in Metro Manila. At the same time, Villanueva, chair of the Labor committee, reaffirmed his strong alignment with the National Wages and Productivity Commission and the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board in protecting the credibility of the regional wage-setting mechanism.

“What our wage-setting process needs right now is robust negotiation within the social dialogue framework, not a fight that gets dragged into politics or into the courts. When that process gets short-circuited by litigation outside its proper venue, it is workers who absorb the uncertainty

while the case drags on,” he said. Villanueva noted that Republic Act No. 6727 established the tripartite framework in 1989 specifically to balance the competing interests of workers, employers, and the government. Additionally, the Labor Code explicitly prohibits judicial courts from restraining or blocking the proceedings and rulings of regional wage boards and the national wage commission. “While the relief brought about by the wage adjustment is on hold, prices of basic goods such as food and fuel continue to rise beyond our control, making current wage levels no

longer sufficient for workers to live decently,” he said. To cushion the impact of the TRO, Villanueva called on labor officials to immediately formulate interim financial assistance initiatives for the affected wage earners. He insisted that low-income workers should not suffer further financial hardships due to legal technicalities. “We likewise reiterate our full support for the NWPC and RTWPB-NCR as they pursue the appropriate legal remedies with the Office of the Solicitor General. It is the wage setting mechanism, not litigation, that should settle this matter,” he said.

DPWH hastens completion of flood project in Calumpit By Vito Barcelo THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is expediting the reconstruction and elevation of a flood-control structure along the Bagbag River in Barangay Calizon, Calumpit, Bulacan, with affected residents to be properly compensated and provided housing as the project is expanded to better protect communities from severe flooding. Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon and Calumpit Mayor Glorime Faustino inspected the floodcontrol structure in Calizon last Saturday. Dizon said deteriorated portions are being replaced with a stronger river-wall system designed to increase the river’s capacity and prevent water from spilling into nearby communities. Dizon appealed to residents living near the river to cooperate with the government as construction proceeds, saying their safety would remain the priority. “I know that what we are asking from you is difficult, but the lives of your families are at stake here. With the help of the local government of Calumpit, you will be appropriately compensated and given new houses,” Dizon told the affected residents. The DPWH is reconstructing and elevating about 1,780 meters of old and dilapidated flood-control structures in Calizon. A 15-meter steel sheet-pile wall is being installed as part of the replacement works.

THE P7.2-trillion proposed 2027 national budget must lower food costs and boost earnings for agr cultural workers, Senator Francis Pangilinan said on Sunday. “The measure of the P7.2-trillion budget is not how large it is, but whether it reaches ordinary Filipinos and lifts them out of poverty. It must be felt at the dining table, in the income of farmers and fisherfolk, in the schools of our children, and in the daily lives of every Filipino family,” Pangilinan said. The Department of Budget and Management has submitted the 2027 National Expenditure Program to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., alongside its official transmission to Congress. As chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform, Pangilinan emphasized that empowering local food producers with adequate gover nment funding remains essential to maintaining affordable food costs and ensuring higher earnings for agricultural laborers. Strengthening domestic food production also increases access to nutritious food for vulnerable children facing hunger and stunting, he said. He urged the public to closely monitor government expenditures to ensure total transparency and prevent public funds from lining private pockets. Ram Superable

IN BRIEF Region 6 cops nab 7, seize over P5m shabu THE Western Visayas police under regional director Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño adds another feather in its cap with the arrest over the wee end of seven drug suspects and seizure of P5 million worth of shabu. Tuañosaidabuy-bustoperationinMambusao, Capiz resulted in the arrest of four suspects and the confiscation of approximately 300 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated ₱2 million , along with one unlicensed .38-caliber revolver. In Panitan, Capiz, police served a search warrant that led to the seizure of approximately 200 grams of suspected shabu worth ₱1.3 million, one Colt .45-caliber pistol, and one hand grenade. The operation targeted a high-value individual who eluded arrest. Two separate buy-bust operations in Iloilo province likewise resulted in the arrest of two suspects. In Oton, police also seized some 130 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated value of ₱884,000, while another operation in Barotac Nuevo yielded 105 grams of shabu with worth ₱714,000. Vince Lopez

Arrogant NBI man’s son gets in trouble with LTO

WOMEN EMPOWERMENT. The provincial government of La Union, recognizing the role of women as one of the pillars of community development, continuously conducts skills and livelihood training seminars to enable the womenfolk to be productive members of the community. At least 50 women from Agoo town completed their training on fruits and vegetable processing in keeping with the program. Dave Leprozo

PCG foils fuel theft, nabs 8 while aiding ship in distress By Vince Lopez

BOTCHED FUEL PILFERAGE. The Philippine Coast Guard accidentally thwarts at attempt to steal some 4,000 liters of diesel while assisting a vessel whose engine conked out off Barangay Makawayan, Tingloy, Batangas. During inspection, a crewmember of the distressed vessel admitted they were transporting undocumented diesel, prompting the PCG to apprehend the eight-member crew and seized the oil products. PCG photo

THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), responding to a distress call over the weekend, accidentally foiled a fuel pilferage attempt, arrested eight suspects, and seized over 4,000 liters of undocumented diesel off Barangay Makawayan, Tingloy, Batangas. The achievement came as a PCG team was assisting a vessel whose engine sputtered and literally went dead on the water while cruising off Batangas province. During inspection, a crew member disclosed that their ship was carrying undocumented petroleum products,, prompting further investigation into a suspected illegal transfer of fuel at sea.

The PCG found out that the distressed boat was carrying approximately 5,000 liters of diesel, of which 4,000 liters were reportedly intended as cargo, while 1,000 liters were for the carrier’s own consumption. Subsequently, the PCG conducted a case build-up to establish the source, ownership, intended disposition, and legality of the petroleum products. The apprehended crewmen would possibly face charges of violations of Customs laws and other rules governing the petroleum products trade. The eight individuals remain in PCG custody pending appropriate inquest proceedings and the d termination and filing of applicable charges.

THE Land Transportation Office (LTO) has suspended the driver’s license of an alleged son of a supposed employee of the National Bureau of Investigation who was apprehended in Lipa City, Batangas for unauthorized use of blinkers. LTO chief Markus Lacanilao ordered the issuance of a show cause order against the registered owner and driver of the pick-up , directing them to appear before the Intelligence and Investigation Division of the LTO headquarters in connection with the incident. The alleged violations of the driver included unauthorized or unlawful use of blinkers and improper person to operate a motor vehicle, which may result in the suspension or revocation of the license. The LTO ordered the surrender of unauthorized blinkers during the scheduled hearing. Rio N. Araja

CIW officer in trust fund mess vows to help probe THE Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) confirmed that an officer at the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) previously reported to be on AWOL (absent without leave) amid an inquiry into alleged anomalies involving the inmate’s trust fund has reported back to work. BuCor chief Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. said CIW acting superintendent Lariza Martin informed him that the missing CIW officer, Blanca Ramos, showed up anew at the facility on Saturday, accompanied and two lawyers. Ramos reportedly apologized for any inconvenience her absence might have caused, especially to her co-workers She also affirmed her full coperation with the ongoing investigation and to provide all necessary information or clarifications as required during the process.

SPORTS

MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 2026

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

Mordi carries Adamson past Perpetual Help ADAMSON University opened its title defense in style, sweeping the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, 25–21, 25–18, 25–22, in the continuing 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge preliminaries on Sunday at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City. Playing without reigning UAAP MVP Shaina Nitura, the Lady Falcons turned to Nigerian outside hitter Frances Mordi, who delivered when it mattered most, particularly during a tight second-set opening and the decisive stretch of the third frame. Mordi finished with a match-high 20 points on 16 kills, two service aces, and a block. Her aces helped Adamson take control in the second set, while her rejection sealed the victory in the third. “First of all, I thank God that we got this win. Also I’m happy na nakuha namin yung first game. I’m happy sa performance nila, na kahit sino hugutin, they performed well,” said head coach JP Yude. “For us, in this tournament, we always gain experience and learnings na babaunin namin sa UAAP,” he added. Lana Barrera chipped in 12 points while filling in for Nitura for two sets, while Lhouriz Tuddao impressed in her debut as an opposite hitter with nine markers. The Lady Falcons will next test the mettle of the new-look University of the East Lady Warriors on August 23 at 3 p.m.

Frances Mordi (right) is hugged by a teammate.

Knights sustain climb in MPBL SAN Juan sustained its rise while Pasay City returned to orbit on Saturday in the SportsPlus MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) 2026 Season at the Pasay Astrodome. The San Juan Knights routed the Imus Yangkees, 120-77, in the opener, followed by the Pasay Voyagers’ 87-69 triumph over the Marikina Shoemasters in the round-robin elimination phase of the twodivision, 26-team tournament. With all 15 Knights, led by James Kwekuteye, scoring, San Juan led as far as 102-51 in securing its 17th win against two losses and tightening its grip of the second spot behind Abra Solid North (19-1) in the North division. The top four finishers will have the homecourt advantage in the quarterfinal playoffs. Kwekuteye, who celebrated his 28th birthday, paced San Juan with 24 points, spiked with 7 triples, 3 assists and 2 rebounds, followed by Patrick Sleat with 13 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists, and Harold Alarcon, with 12 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals. The 6-foot-2 Kwekuteye, a former star of the San Beda Red Lions was chosen the SportsPlus best player after leading the Knights to their third straight lopsided win after losing to the Quezon Huskers, 71-78, on July 30. “T was injured a month ago, and now I’m here (best player),” said Kwekuteye. James Kwekuteye shines for San Juan.

Alexandra Eala of the Philippines returns a shot to Elena-Gabriela Ruse of Romania During day 5 of the Cincinnati Open at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason, Ohio. AFP

Eala climbs to no. 18 in world, faces tough test vs. Anisimova By Jeremiah Sevilla

ILIPINA tennis star Alexandra “Alex” Eala faces a tough test when she battles world No. 10 Amanda Anisimova of USA for the first time in the third round of the Cincinnati Open at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason, Ohio.

The world No. 20 and tournament’s 17th seed Eala gets her first shot against the ninth seed in a muchanticipated Round of 32 clash expected to take place on Monday night (Philippine time). It will be Eala’s 14th match versus a top-10 player as she eyes her sixth straight victory and 10th overall over the elite netters.

The Mubadala DC Open champion easily cruised to the third round after notching a 6-1, 3-0 victory over Romania’s Elena-Gabriela Ruse, who retired with a left ankle injury. That dominant win briefly propelled Eala past Sorana Cirstea for a new career-high No. 17 in the WTA live rankings before returning to No. 18 following the latter’s own Round of 64 win against Nikola Bartunkova. The 21-year-old Pinay standout is hoping to feed off the fans’ energy anew after enjoying a victorious Cincinnati debut in front of a packed crowd. “I just wanna thank you all so so much for making my debut here in Cincinnati so special and I hope to see you guys in the next round,” Eala said. Anisimova is also looking forward to a sold-out stadium after setting up her maiden encounter with Eala with a 6-2, 6-3 sweep against Turkey’s Zeynep Sonmez. “I haven’t played her before. She’s been having such an incredible season, incredible year and a very great player with a lot of fans so I’m really looking forward

to that,” the 24-year-old Anisimova said. “I love a packed stadium and I love a good atmosphere, so I’m sure it’ll be a great match even though they’re probably gonna be rooting for her, more for her end. But I don’t mind. I’ll try to thrive off of the energy,” the American stalwart added. Eala will aim to sustain her remarkable North American hard-court campaign where she lifted her first WTA Tour trophy in the Washington Open and made a Round of 16 finish in the National Bank Open in Toronto. It will be a tall order for Eala, however, as the twotime Grand Slam finalist Anisimova has also been impressive this year, reaching a career-best rank of No. 3 last January and posting a quarterfinal finish in the Australian Open as well as third-round performances in the French Open and Wimbledon. Should Eala hurdle Anisimova, she will have a potential rematch against world No. 7 and latest Wimbledon winner Linda Noskova, who will take on Denmark’s Clara Tauson in the third round.

North banks on pressure game as South eyes equalizer CAGAYAN DE ORO—Team North will open its title defense in the ICTSI Elite Junior PGT Finals with a simple formula: play clean, stay patient and keep the pressure on until host South cracks. But with South armed with home-course familiarity, a deeper pool of battle-tested qualifiers and a determined bid to avenge last year’s defeat, North knows it cannot afford to take anything for granted when the Ryder Cup-style championship gets under way Tuesday (Aug. 18) at Pueblo de Oro Golf and Country Club. Coach Joey Anciano has stressed teamwork and smart decision-making as the keys to North’s campaign, particularly in the opening four-ball and foursomes matches where partnerships and momentum can quickly swing the complexion of the competition. “Our main focus is teamwork and keeping the pressure on. In both formats, we want our players to play smart,

stay patient, and trust their partners,” said Anciano. “But the goal is to play clean golf and let them make the mistakes,” he added. That approach will be tested immediately as North faces a South side determined to turn its local knowledge into an early lead.

The Southerners are expected to draw confidence from their familiarity with Pueblo de Oro, particularly in the delicate shots around the greens, while several new faces have strengthened the lineup after earning places through the grueling six-leg regional qualifying series. South also believes that knowing the course can provide the kind of small but potentially decisive edge that matters in match play – where a good read on a breaking putt, knowledge of a difficult landing area or confidence on a particular approach can turn a halved hole into a lost point for the opposition. North, however, has already shown it can thrive under pressure. The defending champions stormed to a commanding 26 1/2-21 1/2 victory over South in last year’s inaugural showdown at The Country Club, and Anciano’s charges are confident they have enough depth and firepower to reproduce that performance – or improve on it – even on what figures to be hostile turf.

Alas Girls punch above their weight in breakthrough U17 Worlds campaign SANTIAGO, Chile—Alas Pilipinas Girls have learned that having the firepower to upset some of the best and being prepared to sustain that level in the demanding grind of a World Championship are two entirely different things. Coach Edwin Leyva and the rest of the coaching staff reminded the Alas Pilipinas Girls that they have done what nobody saw coming by reaching the Round of 16 — on the strength of victories over No. 8 Mexico and No 20 Tunisia — and that the losses that followed, also against higher-rated foes, don’t diminish what they had accomplished. “What matters is that we learn from every game and use those lessons to get better,” team manager Karl Chan said. “Alas Pilipinas has played well despite having so little time to build chemistry. This team had been together for only about a week before we left for Chile, while you can see that the other teams have had much more time to play and develop together.” The Philippines looks to finish strong after a string of losses as it faces No. 22 Czechia in the battle for 15th place on Sunday in the FIVB Volleyball Girls’ U17 World Cham-

pionship at Parque Estadio Nacional. Czechia is coming off a five-set loss to Peru and will also try to finish with a flourish. The Philippines got another shot at Venezuela on Saturday, but again had a slow start before a late surge fell short, 22-25, 15-25, 25-20, 22-25. That came after a loss to No. 12 Korea in the Round of 16 and a defeat at the hands of world No. 2 Japan in the playoffs for ninth to 16th. Entering the tournament No. 25 in the world, the Philippines is the second-lowest-ranked team in the 24team field, ahead of only No. 27 Spain. Alas Girls, supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee and Asics, have punched well above their weight. Alas Pilipinas was determined to turn the tables on Venezuela after losing in five sets in pool play, and even had the edge in blocks, 7-5, and serves, 11-7, in Saturday’s playoff. But the young Filipinas couldn’t match Venezuela’s attacking output, with the South Americans dominating, 59-45. Xyz Rayco, the top scorer for the Philippine team that earned its place in this world championship through the Asian Volleyball Confederation

The Alas Pilipinas Girls huddle up for their next attack. Volleyball World

U16 Championship, showed the way for Alas with 15 points on 11 attacks, three aces and a block. Caera Celis continued her solid play and scored 14 on 13 attacks and a block. Jello Mauricio, skipper Megan Hernandez and Jhenica Sadia

changed the attacking dynamic in the third set as Alas Pilipinas avoided getting swept. Mauricio provided the needed spark on the right side, the 14-year-old lefty finishing with nine points for her biggest output in the championship.

BUSINESS

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

IN BRIEF

DOE: Wawa hydro a feat of engineering

ENERGY Secretary Sharon Garin lauded over the weekend the $2.57 billion Wawa pumped storage hydro project in Rizal province as a “feat of engineering” as the development remains on track for completion by early 2030. “This is one of the most impressive projects that we have seen,” Garin said during a visit to the site on Friday. “It’s a feat of engineering... It’s a complicated project. Normally, even just nonpumped storage, a hydro usually takes 10 to 15 years to finish, but this was very planned out. And they’re delivering, I guess, on time and on budget,” Garin said. The Wawa project will have a storage capacity of 6,000 megawatt-hours a day and a generating output capacity of 600 megawatts once completed. It is being developed by Olympia Violago Water Power Inc., a unit of Razon-led Prime Infrastructure Capital Inc. The project aims to support ancillary, energy supply and energy storage requirements of the power grid. With its 6,000 MWh/day storage capacity, it acts as a major component in the energy landscape by enabling the continued dispatch of variable renewable energy— storing excess capacity during oversupply and dispatching it when supply drops. OVWPI is investing $2.57 billion in the facility, which is expected to begin operations by 2030 and provide critical infrastructure to the Philippines for 35 years, or until 2064. Alena Mae S. Flores

MPTC, SMC aim to complete tollway merger METRO Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) is working with San Miguel Corp. (SMC) to expedite the planned consolidation of their tollway businesses to complete the transaction within the year. “We’re trying to expedite it,” MPTC chairman Manuel Pangilinan said, adding that considerable goodwill between the two sides as negotiations continue. The proposed transaction is being discussed on a 55:45 ownership basis, but Pangilinan said the final shareholding could still change depending on the outcome of the valuation of the respective tollway portfolios. He said MPTC’s Indonesian operations are excluded from the valuation of its tollway business. The planned merger would bring together the toll road assets of MPTC and SMC, potentially creating the country’s largest tollway and infrastructure platform. The consolidation would place major expressways including the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), SubicClark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and the Skyway network under a unified operating framework. Pangilinan said the parties are targeting completion of the merger within the year as discussions on valuation and other transaction details continue. Darwin G. Amojelar

ECONOMIC FORUM. Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan (left) underscores the need to boost economic growth beyond consumption and services to maintain growth and achieve high-income status at the Economic Journalists Association of the philippines (EJAP) Economic Forum held at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas on Aug. 14, 2026. With Balisacan are BSP Governor Eli Remolona Jr., Department of Budget and Management acting Secretary Kim Robert de Leon and EJAP member Ben Arnold de Vera.

PH financial resources climb 8.9% P38.31 trillion Financial resources as of June 2026

P35.17 trillion

Financial resources as of June 2025

P31.96 trillion Bank resources as of June 2026

By Thony Rose Lesaca

HE Philippine financial system’s total resources climbed 8.91 percent to P38.31 trillion in June 2026 from P35.17 trillion a year ago on continued growth in banks’ assets and loans, data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed. Banks accounted for P31.96 trillion of the total, up 9.96 percent from P29.07 trillion in the same month last year. Universal and commercial banks’ resources rose 9.29 percent to P29.65 trillion in June from P27.13 trillion a year ago. Thrift banks’ resources increased 10.7 percent to P1.51 trillion from P1.37 trillion. Digital banks’ resources surged 46.66 percent to P208.4 billion from P142.1 billion. Rural and cooperative banks maintained their end-March balance of P587.0 billion. Non-bank financial institutions also maintained their end-December 2025

resource total of P6.35 trillion. Data also showed that financial resources grew 1.78 percent monthon-month from P37.64 trillion in May 2026. Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort attributed the increase in bank resources to continued growth in assets and loans amid some hedging activities ahead of potential increases in prices and interest rates. He said rising bank deposits also supported the growth in resources, particularly after the doubling of the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation’s deposit insurance

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort

coverage boosted public confidence. Higher bank earnings also contributed to the increase in capital. “For the coming months, developments in the Middle East would determine global crude oil prices, inflation, and interest rates that, in turn, would determine the trend in banks’ loans, deposits and earnings,” Ricafort said.

BUSINESS

MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 2026

extrastory2000@gmail.com

PH stocks seen cautious ahead of rate decision, economic data By Jenniffer B. Austria PHILIPPINE shares are expected to trade cautiously in the coming sessions as investors monitor the peso’s movement, prospects of another interest rate hike by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, and developments in the U.S.-Iran conflict. Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort said movements in the peso could influence investor sentiment, particularly as a weaker currency raises the cost of imported goods and affects the inflation outlook. However, the peso has been relatively stable against the U.S. dollar recently, trading around the 61.60peso to 61.80-peso range. Another major factor for global and local financial markets will be any progress on negotiations for a permanent U.S.-Iran peace deal. He noted that a breakdown in negotiations or renewed clashes could lift crude oil prices and disrupt global energy supplies. Domestically, investors will watch the release of overseas Filipino worker remittances on Aug. 17, balanceof-payments data on Aug. 19, and the next BSP policy meeting on Aug. 27. Last week, the benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index climbed 0.11 percent to close at 6,297.30, while the broader all shares index rose 0.61 percent to 3,439.17. Average daily value traded increased to P9.26 billion from the previous week’s average of P5.9 billion. Foreign investors were net sellers, with net outflows reaching P3.66 billion.

Department of Economy, Planning, and Development officials visit Bohol-Panglao International Airport, highlighting how public-private partnerships continue to strengthen one of the country’s premier tourism gateways. Aboitiz InfraCapital emphasized that its continued investments strengthen airport operations, enhance the passenger experience, and support Bohol’s long-term growth.

Aboitiz commits P4.53b SMP35-bPrimesalessets to expand Bohol airport target for H2 By Darwin G. Amojelar

BOITIZ InfraCapital Bohol Airport Corp. will invest P4.53 billion to modernize and expand Bohol-Panglao International Airport under a 30year public-private partnership concession agreement. The project aims to upgrade airside and landside facilities, increase terminal capacity and accommodate rising passenger traffic to support Bohol’s booming tourism economy. Aldwin Uy, general manager of Bohol-Panglao International Airport, said the investment forms part of ABAC’s long-term commitment to modernizing the airport and preparing it for Bohol’s future connectivity and

tourism requirements. While the investment will be rolled out throughout the concession period, initial improvements have focused on restoring critical airport systems, improving operational reliability and enhancing the passenger experience. Completed and ongoing works include restoring elevators, repairing baggage carousel systems, conducting preventive maintenance on pas-

senger boarding bridges, assessing uninterruptible power supply systems and maintaining passenger weighing scales. ABAC has also undertaken measures to strengthen airport safety and operational readiness, including inspecting critical facilities, assessing fire protection systems, removing runway rubber and testing friction. Passenger services have likewise received attention, with the airport introducing customer service training for frontline personnel, expanding engagement with stakeholders, creating a dedicated feedback management system, adding terminal seating and improving wayfinding signage. Initiatives supporting terminal fee integration are also being pursued.

MSME AWARDEES. DITO Telecommunity, through its MSME arm DITO BizBayani, honors five outstanding Filipino micro, small and medium enterprises as the inaugural DITO BizBayani Awardees. From left: Ariestelo Asilo, Varacco (BizBayani in Industry Impact Award); Rio Pomer, St. Pio Bridges Autism App (BizBayani in Innovations Award); Anna Magalona-Go, But First, Coffee (BizBayani in Employer Excellence Award); Felix Veroya, Ask Lex PH Academy (BizBayani in Digital Impact Award); and Bobby Adan, Prutasan ni Adan (BizBayani in Growth Excellence Award.

SM PRIME Holdings Inc. is targeting P30 billion to P35 billion in residential reservation sales in the second half of 2026 as it remains focused on selling existing inventory. SM Prime president Jeffrey Lim said there will be no residential launches in Metro Manila in the second half of the year as the company waits for clearer signs of market improvement. The property giant recorded about P25 billion in reservation sales in the first half, roughly in line with last year’s level. “We are taking a deliberate approach with respect to residential. For core and even premium segments, we are taking a wait-and-see approach. Checking how the market is reacting,” SM Prime executive vice president Cris Noel Torres said. As of June 2026, SM Prime has 29,000 units of unsold inventory. Of this total, 13 percent are ready-foroccupancy units, while 87 percent are under development. “We are focusing on selling off those inventories for the time being,” Torres said. Torres said the company is also working to improve the quality of reservation sales to avoid cancellations. “High-down-payment and spotcash transactions have increased meaningfully year-on-year, helping improve the buyer profile and reduce cancellations,” Torres said. The company is prioritizing the completion of ongoing condominium projects, as buyers tend to be less likely to cancel once developments reach the ready-for-occupancy stage. Ready-for-occupancy units have seen faster reservation take-up. SM Prime chief finance officer John Nai Peng Ong said cancellations in the first half of the year were largely due to macroeconomic developments. Jenniffer B. Austria

When the glass cliff meets bayanihan FOUR years ago, this same newspaper, Manila Standard, carried a story stating that Filipino women occupied 48 percent of senior management roles, putting the Philippines near the top of the global rankings. It is a figure worth looking at again. Today, women account for just 24 percent of elected positions, down from 30 percent in 2017, based on data from the Philippine Institute for Development Studies. In 2022, 32 women served as chief executives of publicly-listed Philippine companies, which translates to 13 percent of all CEO positions. Progress has been real in some settings, while in others they have proved stubbornly slow. Then comes the question of when women are brought in. Michelle Ryan and Alexander Haslam attached a name to that pattern two decades ago. They reported that women are disproportionately tapped for leadership roles at the exact moment an organization starts to fail. They called it the glass cliff. The role comes in with the crisis already attached, and the decline is swift. I, along with my co-authors Ricci Mae F. Grapilon, Julia Rafaelle T. Martinez, Sarah Jane B. Veñegas, Angelique C. BlasaCheng, and Angelina G. Golamco, wanted to understand what that experience looks like in a country shaped by three centuries

of Spanish rule, four decades of American governance, and a pre-colonial tradition that remembers women as babaylan— community arbiters and political advisers. We spoke with 21 women leaders across Greater Manila, from a brigadier general to a construction executive to a newspaper editor-in-chief. Our findings are published in the journal Gender, Work and Organization. The women we interviewed did not speak the way victims of a rigged appointment would. They spoke as if they had been handed a tough room to manage and already knew which tools would fit. Their stories kept bringing up three recurring figures. The hero relies on personal resilience and a sense of purpose larger than any career. The matriarch reshapes an organization by weaving relationships and shared authority. The ate, the responsible older sister, leads through service and treats the welfare of a team as a family obligation. Rissa, a brigadier general with experience in international peacekeeping missions, told us her foreign counterparts were often startled by how readily Filipino male soldiers accepted her command. In our culture, she said, strength is not tied to gender. Consider Helen, who stepped down from a senior government finance role to run an education foundation confronted with

—“—

The women in this study did not tumble off the glass cliff. They stood on it and made use of the view. skeptically minded donors, low staff morale, and open questions about whether it could last. In her first months, she focused on listening. She reframed the foundation’s mission as a shared bayanihan effort, so donors and beneficiaries could see themselves as part of the same project. She used pakikisama to rebuild trust, visiting major donors personally and sharing meals with staff. She transformed the networks of utang na loob she had formed in government into reciprocal partnerships built around mutual benefit. Three years later, program reach had grown, donor retention had improved, and staff turnover had dropped. We identified the mechanisms driving all this: cultural capital conversion, cultural ambidexterity, and cultural resilience. The first turns indigenous values into professional assets. The second enables a leader to operate inside Western corporate systems without surrendering a Filipino way of working. The third preserves that identity intact under pressure to lead like somebody else. This is where I need to be especially care-

ful, and where our paper is just as careful. Every woman in our study came out of her glass cliff with her career still intact. That, however, is the core constraint of our sample. We did not interview the women who were set up to fail, who burned out, or who chose to walk away. Structural sabotage does not improve because of cultural competence, and when a leader handed an impossible task, she cannot simply bayanihan her way out of it. No organization should take our findings as authorization to keep putting women on cliffs on the theory that Filipino women will find their way. Paz, a human resources vice president in our study, offered the clearest test I have heard: in her case, every hard assignment she gives comes with unambiguous success metrics and institutional support. That is how you can tell an employer that values women leaders from one that needs a scapegoat. The women in this study did not tumble off the glass cliff. They stood on it and made use of the view. Adrian A. Mabalay is a faculty member at De La Salle University. He can be reached at adrian.mabalay@dlsu.edu.ph. The views expressed above are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official position of DLSU, its faculty, and its administrators.

REAL ESTATE

MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 2026

extrastory2000@gmail.com Jenniffer B. Austria, Issue Editor

Highlands Prime completes final phase of Horizon development HOMEBUYERS of Horizon Terraces can now move in and wake up to views of the Tagaytay Highlands landscape, following the completion of the development’s final phase by Highlands Prime Inc. (HPI), a subsidiary of SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SM Prime).

“All buildings at Horizon Terraces are now complete and ready for move-in,” said Patrick Joseph A. Villano, vice president and head of operations for SM Leisure Resort Residences. “From relaxing dips in the pool to taking quiet walks at the Central Garden, residents can start enjoying a fully realized mountain community they will want to return to every day.” Set on a 3.2-hectare enclave 240 meters above sea level, Horizon Terraces offers views of the Tagaytay Midlands Golf Course, Taal Lake and Mt. Makiling. The development is already nearly 90 percent sold, indicating continued demand for homes in the leisure estate. The completion of Horizon Terraces follows the success of The Horizon, the first phase of the development, which attracted buyers looking for residences that can serve as primary homes, retirement retreats or long-term assets for their families. More than 70 percent of Horizon Terraces is devoted to landscaped gardens and open spaces, giving the low-density community a spacious setting. At its center is a one-hectare garden with resort-style swimming pools, a children’s playground, pocket gardens and areas for recreation, fitness and outdoor activities. The development offers different residential configurations. Garden Villas are three-storey townhomes with floor areas ranging from 139 to 172 square meters across the Scottsdale, Glendale and Sunnyvale clusters.

Pag-IBIG Fund chief executive officer Marilene C. Acosta, Avida Land president Raquel S. Cruz and Amaia Land vice president Aris C. Gonzales signed the agreement, with DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon P. Aliling and Ayala Land president and CEO Meean B. Dy serving as witnesses. Also present were Pag-IBIG Fund deputy CEOs Alexander Hilario G. Aguilar, Robert John S. Cosico, Benjamin R. Felix Jr. and Marcial C. Pimentel, along with other senior officers.

Pag-IBIG, Ayala Land team up for more housing choices

OR Filipino workers looking to buy a home, access to affordable financing can be just as important as finding a property that fits their needs and budget. With this in mind, Pag-IBIG Fund, the government’s national savings and housing fund for Filipino workers. has teamed up with Ayala Land’ affordable residential units Avida Land Corp. and Amaia Land Corp., to expand homeownership opportunities for Filipino workers, with qualified members able to finance selected homes through housing loans of up to ₱10 million. The three parties formalized the partnership through a memorandum of understanding that will explore special offers on identified Avida and Amaia homes for qualified Pag-IBIG members. The partnership forms part of continuing efforts by the government and private developers to make homeownership more accessible to Filipino workers. Financing opens up more choices Pag-IBIG Fund recently increased its maximum housing loan amount

Forbes Estates Lipa grows a community around nature FORBES Estates Lipa is taking shape as a low-density community where trees and open spaces are being planned into the development from the outset, giving future residents a setting that brings nature closer to everyday living. Located in Lipa, Batangas, the 21-hectare residential enclave of RLC Residences recently held its first official on-site activity, a tree-planting program that saw 73 trees planted across the property. Five species were selected for the site—banaba, siar, Palawan cherry, dita and bani— chosen for their resilience, suitability to the area and contribution to local biodiversity. The initiative offers an early glimpse of how Forbes Estates Lipa is being developed, with attention given not only to the homes but also to the spaces surrounding them. As the trees grow, they are expected to provide shade and add more inviting areas for residents to walk, rest and spend time outdoors. The activity was led by Teddy V. Bernas, senior vice president and

business unit general manager of RLC Residences, and Dan Carlo Torres, head of marketing at RLC Residences. Bernas and Torres planted trees alongside their children and participating families, turning the activity into an occasion that brought together the developer, its sales partners and members of the nearby community. “Buying a home is a longterm decision, and the same principle applies to caring for the environment,” said Torres. “The trees planted today will take years to mature, but their benefits can be enjoyed for decades by the families who will eventually call Forbes Estates Lipa home.” For RLC Residences, the effort forms part of a broader approach to shaping communities where outdoor spaces and natural features are considered alongside residential areas. At Forbes Estates Lipa, the trees planted at the start of the project will become part of the landscape as the community develops.

to ₱10 million per borrower, giving members greater financing capacity and access to a wider range of housing options. Qualified borrowers purchasing socialized housing may avail themselves of a subsidized interest rate of 3 percent. Members buying homes above the socialized housing ceiling may benefit from promotional rates of 4.5 percent or 5.75 percent, depending on the loan amount. The higher loan ceiling allows PagIBIG to serve not only socialized housing borrowers but also middleincome Filipino workers looking for homes that match their needs and financial capacity. Avida Land president Raquel S. Cruz said the partnership builds on the companies’ longstanding relationship

with Pag-IBIG Fund. “Our longstanding partnership with Pag-IBIG Fund has helped make homeownership possible for many Filipino families. With its competitive housing loan rates and increased loan ceiling of up to ₱10 million, we see an even greater opportunity for Avida and Amaia to serve more middle- and upper-middle-income members and pursue further synergies that will help more Filipinos own quality homes,” Cruz said. The parties will also explore the registration and accreditation of identified Avida and Amaia projects for Developer-Assisted housing loan processing, including qualified Amaia projects under the Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Program, or Expanded 4PH.

Smoother path to homeownership Aside from expanding the range of properties available to Pag-IBIG members, the agreement also seeks to make the financing process easier for prospective buyers. The three parties will study measures to streamline documentation, loan processing and the release of proceeds, while assisting prospective buyer-borrower-beneficiaries in meeting program requirements. Pag-IBIG Fund chief executive Marilene Acosta said the agency recognizes that its members have different housing needs and financial capacities. “At Pag-IBIG Fund, we understand that every member has different housing needs and financial capacities,” Acosta said. She said the agency is working with a growing number of trusted developers to provide members with more quality housing choices and special offers, which can be combined with Pag-IBIG’s housing loans of up to P10 million. Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling said the partnership advances the government’s efforts to expand homeownership through stronger cooperation between the public and private sectors. “By helping developers connect their available housing inventory with Pag-IBIG Fund members and affordable financing, we give more Filipino workers quality housing choices within their means while supporting a stronger housing sector,” Aliling said. He added that closer cooperation with private developers also supports DHSUD’s efforts to facilitate compliance with the balanced housing development requirement, helping generate more socialized housing projects and expand the supply of affordable homes. Jenniffer B. Austria

MEGAWORLD BREAKS GROUND FOR THE BELLAGIO PALAWAN. Property giant Megaworld

has started the construction of the 12-story The Bellagio Palawan, its first upscale residential condominium inside its Baytown Palawan township in Puerto Princesa City. Inspired by Megaworld’s Forbes Town township in BGC, the residential project will offer 188 smart home units with balconies, a heated infinity pool, a fitness center, coworking spaces, and sustainable features such as bicycle parking and a rainwater harvesting system. Leading the groundbreaking ceremony are Darwin Villestas, Head of Sales and Marketing for Megaworld Palawan (third from right), and Manuel Mendoza, Chairman of Monocrete Construction Philippines (third from left). Also present are (from left) Monocrete representatives Andrei Victor Asuncion, project manager, and Christopher Guerzon, project director; and Megaworld officers Christopher Dagdagan, area head of construction management, and Joe Marie Estadilla, project-in-charge.

Indonesia National Day

MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 2026

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Indonesia at 81: Honoring independence, heritage and progress By Raine Nicole Aguila

VERY year on August 17, Indonesia celebrates its Independence Day, known locally as Hari Merdeka or Tujuhbelasan. In 2026, the country will mark its 81st anniversary, reflecting on the historic declaration of independence made on August 17, 1945. This day not only honors the resilience, unity, and hopes of the Indonesian people but also highlights the country’s journey toward becoming a sovereign nation. Indonesia’s founding leaders, Soekarno and Mohammad Hatta, proclaimed the country’s independence, marking the end of centuries of colonial rule and Japanese occupation. The declaration became a defining moment in Indonesia’s history and laid the foundation for the nation’s sovereignty and continued pursuit of peace, development, and selfdetermination. Today, Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelagic nation, comprising more than 17,000 islands and home to hundreds of ethnic groups and languages. With its national motto, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (“Unity in Diversity”), this remarkable diversity is reflected in its rich cultural heritage, including traditional dances, music, textiles, historic temples, indigenous customs, and regional cuisines, symbolizing the country’s commitment to embracing cultural diversity while fostering national unity. In his 2025 Independence Day address, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto emphasized that the essence of independence is freedom from poverty, hunger, and suffering, stressing the need for Indonesia to become a self-reliant nation with economic sovereignty and the capacity to achieve food selfsufficiency. “Our nation has been blessed by Allah subhanahu wa ta’aala with an abundance of natural resources. Our challenge is to safeguard and manage this wealth wisely, so that the ideals of our independence may be swiftly realized,” he said. Indonesia’s Independence Day is not only a remembrance of the nation’s struggle for freedom but also a celebration of its cultural identity and achievements. Across the country, schools, government institutions, and local communities

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Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto remarks during his Independence Day speech

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hold flag-raising ceremonies, while the main national ceremony takes place at the State Palace in Jakarta. Festivities continue with Lomba 17 Agustusan, a series of traditional games, including panjat pinang (greasedpole climbing), sack races, tug-of-war, cracker-eating contests, and other friendly competitions that strengthen community ties and promote teamwork and solidarity. The annual celebration also highlights Indonesia’s progress as one of Southeast Asia’s largest economies. Rich in natural resources and supported by a young and dynamic workforce, the country is a leading producer of palm oil, nickel, coal, rubber, coffee, and spices. In recent years, manufacturing, tourism, digital technology, and creative industries have emerged as key drivers of economic growth, strengthening Indonesia’s role in regional and global trade. As Indonesia celebrates its 81st Independence Day, the occasion serves as both a tribute to the heroes who fought for the nation’s freedom and a reflection on the country’s remarkable journey. It is a day that unites Indonesians in honoring their history, celebrating their rich cultural heritage, and looking toward a future of sustainable development, innovation, prosperity, and lasting national unity.

Indonesian youth carrying the Red and White flag on the beach to commemorate the Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia.

C2 MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 2026

SHOWBIZ Viral spoken poet Tonio takes on new creative game

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

ONIO wants his music to have the staying power of the songs he grew up listening to while proving that he can build a career as an artist without giving up his pursuit of a law degree. “I want my songs to sound like Rey Valera and Ogie Alcasid songs, something timeless,” said Tonio in an interview with Manila Standard Entertainment. The 27-year-old singer, rapper, and spoken-word poet, whose real name is Antonio Bathan Jr., recently signed with Lesquest Production, headed by Chit Reyes, making him the talent management company’s first artist. Tonio is a fourth-year law student, juggling his studies with music, performance, and literature. A graduate of the University of Batangas-Lipa Campus with a degree in AB Legal Management, he developed his craft during his university years as a member of Tanghalang Dal’wa-Singko and Dripped Art Movement, Batangas’ pioneering spoken-word poetry collective. He first gained nationwide attention in 2018 as a semifinalist in Pilipinas Got Talent. His spoken-word piece “Tara Magluto ng Pakbet” became a viral hit, earning millions of views online and becoming one of the mostwatched spoken-word poetry performances on YouTube. Tonio later joined FlipTop and explored different platforms for poetry and music. But songwriting had been part of his life since high school. His song “Tantan Tanan” recently gave him another career boost after a TikTok video showing someone hearing the song for the first time and immediately singing along to its chorus went viral. Tonio said the video eventually reached almost 100 million views. The viral moment led him to approach Reyes, initially asking if she would consider sponsoring him. Their conversation eventually shifted to a different possibility: Reyes managing his career. Tonio describes himself as imaginative, turning situations involving love and heartbreak into songs. “Almost every song you’ll hear from me goes back to love, even when you’re hurting. All of them. Every single one,” he said in the vernacular. Tonio’s love for poetry began in

Tonio balances music and spokenword poetry with his fourth-year law studies as he enters a new chapter under Lesquest Production

The viral spoken-word poet hopes to create songs with lasting appeal while continuing his path toward becoming a lawyer

Tonio (left) recently signed with Chit Reyes’ Lesquest Production, becoming the talent management company’s first artist

high school. “I used to listen to a lot of artists. Then, I guess, I just told myself, ‘I can do this, too.’ And now I’m here. I want to prove that I really can,”

Anne Curtis assures fans she is ‘doing okay’ amid health concerns By Angelica Villanueva ACTRESS and TV host Anne Curtis assured fans that she is doing well after online discussions raised concerns about a visible lump on her neck. In an interview during an event, the It’s Showtime regular said she prefers to keep details about her health private. “It is not something I would like to talk about. I would like to keep things I am going through privately. But to anyone concerned, I am doing okay,” Anne said. The actress also stressed the importance of paying attention to changes in the body and undergoing regular medical checkups.

“It is very important you listen to your body,” she continued. Anne encouraged people to invest in their health and consider regular executive checkups as they get older. She added that she has been undergoing yearly checkups since her 30s. “We say mag-start at 40, but I have been doing it since my thirties,” she said. Anne also has several acting projects lined up. She is set to lead the Netflix original series BuyBust: The Undesirables and is scheduled to appear in three films. Anne Curtis wants her fans to know that she is doing well while choosing to keep details about her health private

he said. Tonio admits that being an independent artist can be difficult, particularly when music does not initially provide enough income to meet

his needs. “But it’s driven by passion,” he said. Now, with new management behind him, Tonio hopes to develop a sound that lasts while continuing his

journey toward becoming a lawyer. Asked if he could one day be a lawyer who also performs in court, he answered with a loud laugh, “Maybe…Hopefully.”

Robbie Jaworski finds a different kind of thrill in hosting ROBBIE Jaworski may be known for his acting projects, but it is hosting that has given the Star Magic artist some of his biggest professional challenges. Speaking at the monthly Star Magic Spotlight, Jaworski discussed his career, advocacy and upcoming projects, including his return to Y-Speak 2.0, a youth-oriented program that tackles politics, culture, the economy and media literacy. Jaworski said the program’s message of listening, discerning, and acting is particularly important at a time when young audiences are constantly exposed to information on social media. “We should not simply listen to and believe what we see and watch on social media,” he said. While coming from one of the country’s well-known political families, Jaworski said he wants to carve out his own identity through entertainment and show that making a difference does not require entering politics. “I want to be an example that you don’t have to enter politics to make a difference in the Philippines,” he said. His work as a host has also taught him to think quickly on his feet, particularly during live events. “When it comes to hosting, when it is live, there is only one take. If you make a mistake, that’s it, it’s yours,” he said. Jaworski, who hosted last year’s Star Magic All-Star Games, will return to the event this year, this time

Robbie Jaworski credits live hosting with teaching him how to stay composed and react quickly onstage

as a player. He also hopes to take on more demanding acting roles, particularly in action. “I am very hungry for acting projects. I just want to experience more,” he said. “My dream in terms of acting is to do action.” Jaworski said he plans to train in martial arts as he prepares for

the possibility of taking on actionheavy roles. His recent acting credits include The Alibi, Meet, Greet, Bye and Prime Video’s The Loyalty Game, where he played Juancho Madrigal. Jaworski is set to return for the second season of Y-Speak 2.0 while continuing to explore opportunities in both acting and hosting.

LIFE & SHOWBIZ

C3 MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 2026

Singapore hawker fare finds a loyal following in the Philippines By Nickie Wang

Tiong Bahru Singapore Flavours has expanded to 16 branches nationwide as more Filipino diners seek familiar Singaporean hawker favorites closer to home

HY do people keep coming back to Manila?

According to the cast of Bongga Ka, ’Day! The Annie Batungbakal Musical, there are plenty of reasons to love and discover the metro. One can start with museums, continue through an old neighborhood or quiet café, and end with Filipino comfort food and a relaxing night out. The idea takes its cue from Hotdog’s “Manila,” the classic featured in the musical. Like the song, the cast’s recommendations celebrate Metro Manila for its culture, food, people, and familiar everyday places.

TIONG Bahru Singapore Flavours is attracting customers who return because they enjoy its versions of popular Singaporean hawker dishes. The restaurant gives Filipinos the chance to experience Singapore-style food without having to travel to Singapore. The restaurant serves popular dishes including Hainanese Chicken Rice, Laksa, and Bak Kut Teh, along with Singaporean-style noodles and other hawker specialties. Customers have praised the dishes for their familiar flavors and consistency. “It took us back to when we had our chicken rice in Singapore,” reviewer Chryssa Eunice wrote online. Another diner, Bernardo Andico, wrote, “I tried my favorite Hainanese Chicken Rice, and it tastes just like the ones in Singapore.” Kathryna Yu-Pimentel, co-owner and director of Tiong Bahru Singapore Flavours, said the restaurant aims to make authentic Sin-

gaporean food accessible to Filipino diners. “Our goal has always been to bring authentic Singaporean f lavors closer to Filipino diners,” Yu-Pimentel said. “Seeing customers appreciate our dishes and return for their favorites inspires us to continue delivering a genuine and memorable dining experience.” Customer reviews also cite the restaurant’s service, cleanliness, and value. Reviewer Reiner Venida described the wait staff as “very accommodating” and praised the quick service. The restaurant has also gained repeat customers through recommendations on social media and review platforms. Von Villalon wrote in a review, “I can’t wait to return for another memorable meal.” “We are grateful for the support and feedback from our customers,” Yu-Pimentel said. “Their positive experiences motivate us to uphold the quality, authenticity, and hospitality that Tiong Bahru is known for.”

Hainanese Chicken Rice remains among the restaurant’s most popular dishes, drawing repeat diners who associate its flavors with meals in Singapore

Tiong Bahru Singapore Flavours currently has 16 branches nationwide.

Manila through the eyes of ‘Bongga Ka, ’Day!’ cast

Start with history and culture

Atasha Muhlach, who plays Annie Batungbakal, believes the best way to understand Manila is to see how old and new live side by side. Her first stop is the National Museum of the Philippines, where visitors can explore the country’s art, history, and heritage. Sam Concepcion, who plays Romer, would turn the museum visit into a cultural itinerary, taking visitors to Intramuros, Chinatown, Pinto Art Museum in Antipolo, and the National Museum.

Slow down at a quiet café

Anthony Rosaldo points visitors toward Filipino comfort food, with sinigang among the dishes he considers worth trying in the city

Jeff Moses favors quieter corners of the metro, including cafés around Salcedo Village, for visitors looking to slow down between stops

KD Estrada recommends familiar food spots and laid-back hangouts where visitors can experience the metro beyond its usual tourist attractions

Sam Concepcion counts museums, Intramuros and Chinatown among the places that show visitors Manila’s mix of history, culture and everyday city life

After museums and old neighborhoods, the next assignment is simple: find a good coffee spot. Jeff Moses, who alternates as Romer, likes exploring quieter cafés around Salcedo Village in Makati. KD Estrada, who plays Burn Rivera, recommends Westgate for visitors staying in the South. “May mga cafés diyan, and I like to eat around there,” he said. Concepcion recommends Flipside in Pasig for burgers and an easy meal away from busy restaurants.

Try Filipino food

Anthony Rosaldo, who also plays Romer, goes straight for sinigang, noting its many versions, from pork and shrimp to guava and miso. Moses prefers chicken inasal, recommending Bacolod Chicken Inasal in Quezon City. Estrada also takes visiting friends out for inasal, usually at Chicken House Express in Makati.

Unwind before heading home

The cast’s idea of relaxation is simple: eat, talk, and shake off the day. Moses considers Brotzeit at Newport World Resorts a go-to post-rehearsal hangout. Estrada also calls it a regular debriefing spot where the cast can leave their characters behind. Rosaldo’s recovery plan is quieter. After rehearsals and workouts, he unwinds with a massage.

Simply no place like Manila

The landmarks and restaurants give visitors plenty to do, but the cast agrees that Manila’s strongest pull is its people. Muhlach points to Filipinos’ warmth and hospitality. Estrada said traveling abroad made him appreciate Manila even more, particularly its noise, familiar places, and people.

Atasha Muhlach sees Manila’s appeal in the way history, culture and modern life continue to exist side by side

“Nothing beats our hospitality and kindness. It’s the very simple things that keep me coming back,” he said. Rosaldo calls Manila home because of its accessibility, friendly people, and strong family ties. That is what makes the cast’s guide feel true to Hotdog’s “Manila.” Visitors can explore historical sites, discover quiet cafés, and

sample Pinoy food, but the people and feeling of home are what make the city worth returning to. Newport World Resorts, in association with VIVA Communications and The Philippine STAR, reunites for Bongga Ka, ’Day! The Annie Batungbakal Musical, featuring Hotdog’s timeless hits. The show, staged with

PETA Plus, is slated to open in September 2026 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. Tickets are available online, at TicketWorld outlets, and at the Newport World Resorts Box Office. Prices are P4,500 for SVIP, P4,000 for VIP, P3,400 for Gold, P2,400 for Silver, and P1,300 for Bronze.

Raffles Makati celebrates Mid-Autumn Festival with handcrafted mooncakes RAFFLES Makati is celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival with “MidAutumn Treasures,” a collection of handcrafted mooncakes designed for sharing and gifting. The collection features four flavors, each pressed by hand. Raffles Makati marks the Mid-Autumn Festival with four handcrafted mooncake flavors that combine traditional fillings with ingredients such as ube, mango, matcha and berries

Matcha Pandan combines lotus paste, matcha powder, pandan jelly, and pistachios, while Ube Mango blends ube paste with dried mango, calamansi pâte de fruit, banana chips, and dried coconut. Black Sesame features a salted egg yolk layered with black sesame paste and walnuts. Lotus, Nuts & Berries pairs lotus paste with freeze-dried raspberries, dried strawberries, dried cranberries, almonds, and pecans. Each mooncake is priced at P688,

while a curated Box of Four is available for P3,588. “Mid-Autumn Treasures” is available until Sept. 30. Orders of five to 30 pieces require at least three working days’ lead time, while orders exceeding 30 pieces require at least five working days. For more information, email dining.makati@raffles.com or call (02) 8555-9840. Online orders are available through the Mid-Autumn Treasures ordering page.

LIFE

MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 2026

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

The face of tennis, travel, and a new global game for Marriott Bonvoy By Nickie Wang ALEX Eala is lounging on a swanky tennis court, legs crossed on a sun lounger, a newspaper in hand, and her trademark big smile on full display. The scene is part of Marriott Bonvoy’s latest campaign, which names the Filipino tennis star as the face of its Asia Pacific (excluding China) edition of Tennis The World. The global travel program of Marriott International announced the Filipino tennis star Alex Eala fronts Marriott Bonvoy’s ‘Tennis The World’ campaign in Asia Pacific, offering members exclusive tennis experiences

Mercury Rising Bob Zozobrado

partnership Aug. 10, naming Eala as the campaign’s new face and giving members exclusive access to tennis experiences, including the Australian Open. Eala, one of the Philippines’ fastest-rising tennis stars, brings a youthful and distinctly Southeast Asian presence to the campaign. Her recent WTA breakthrough and victories over established players have helped propel her onto the global stage. “We are thrilled to welcome Alex Eala to the Marriott Bonvoy family as an ambassador for Tennis The World in Asia Pacific, excluding China,” said John Toomey, chief commercial officer for APEC at

Marriott International. Eala said travel has become an important part of her tennis journey, allowing her to discover new places, meet people, and create lasting memories between tournaments. The partnership also gives Marriott Bonvoy members early access to Australian Open 2027 tickets. The tournament is scheduled Jan. 11-31 at Melbourne Park, with the hotel group serving as its official hotel partner for the sixth consecutive year. But the campaign is only getting started. Marriott Bonvoy plans to offer members more opportunities to get closer to the action, including exclusive experiences with Eala herself.

Beyond the Chocolate Hills Discovering Bohol as UNESCO Global Geopark

URING a recent business trip to Tagbilaran, I was pleasantly surprised to know that the entire island of Bohol has been proclaimed a UNESCO Global Geopark. An entire province getting such international recognition is very rare! This certainly is a source of pride for us Filipinos. What does this mean? UNESCO recognizes the importance of and pays tribute to the island’s 150-million-year geologic evolution, which has given rise to, among many others, the famous Chocolate Hills and the rarely talked about Danajon Double Barrier Reef. Practically everyone, including me, who visits Bohol is happy and content with seeing the Chocolate Hills, the Tarsiers, the Man-Made Forest, and the Loboc River, then balancing it off with a touch of history, with the Blood Compact monument. With these attractions, we’re happy to declare that we’ve seen everything there is to see on the island. But UNESCO has been more thorough in its appreciation of the island’s natural wonders, eventually crowning it with a rare international recognition as a Global Geopark. What have we missed out on in Bohol all these years? There is the Danajon Double Barrier Reef, the only one in the country and the largest in the world (Australia’s Great Barrier Reef does not belong to this category). Double barrier reefs are very rare globally. It consists of an outer reef system and an inner coral growth, with only six in the world belonging to this category, and this one in our waters covers the biggest area. This can be found in the sea between Bohol, Cebu, and Leyte. The Alicia Schist is the oldest rock formation on the island and is made of chlorite and quartz, estimated to have been formed 146 million years ago. A schist is a metamorphic rock that has a layered texture and has a tendency to split into thin plates. This shiny rock is the foundation

The 146-millionyear-old Alicia Schist forms the foundation of the Alicia Panoramic Park, popular for its hiking trails and grassy views

The Philippine tarsier is among the wildlife closely associated with Bohol and its diverse natural environment

of the scenic and very popular Alicia Panoramic Park, famous for its hiking trails and grassy vistas, and is approximately a 2-hour drive from Tagbilaran. For those interested in hiking all the way up to the rock’s summit, it takes around 30-90 minutes, depending on one’s physical fitness. Of course, Bohol is famous for its Karst Geosites, the best example of which is the world-famous Chocolate Hills. A karst is land made of limestone or gypsum, with caves and underground drainage systems. These caves are formed by rainwater, which mixes with the carbon dioxide in the air, resulting in it being acidic. The water’s acidity

then flows into the cracks on the rocks, slowly dissolving them and eventually widening the cracks into small passages and caves. The large concentration of these karst mounds, the Chocolate Hills, is found in the center of the island, a 90-minute drive from Tagbilaran. In addition to these geographic rarities, there are the usual favorite attractions that have won for Bohol thousands of tourists any time of the year. I still can’t forget how magical it felt driving through the Bilar Man-Made Forest, driving under a 2-kilometer canopy of cool and beautiful mahogany trees. These were planted as part of a reforestation project to stop severe erosion of the soil resulting from slashand-burn farming. The view is definitely Instagrammable, which is why the road is always littered with tourists trying to capture the best angle for them to show off the poetic curving of the trees overhead. Only a 20-minute drive away from the Man-Made Forest is the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary, where you find the cutest and most adorable creatures on earth—the tarsiers, more popularly known as the smallest pri-

mates in the world. In the Sanctuary, I learned that these tarsiers are not monkeys and are completely carnivorous, eating small birds, lizards, or insects. They’re very shy, reclusive, and are so small that they can hide under the leaves of trees. Our guide told us not to be too loud while looking for them or use flash cameras when taking their photos because they easily get scared, and when they are, they bang their heads on the tree trunk until they die.

YOUR MONDAY CHUCKLE Why do you have to “put your two cents in,” but it’s only a “penny for your thoughts.”? Where is the extra penny going?

Although not a part of Bohol’s geomorphic evolution, I, nevertheless, completed my tour of the island by visiting a historical site, the Blood Compact or Sanduguan Monument, which is found in Tagbilaran City itself. This memorial features an ancient Filipino ritual that seals friendship or brotherhood between two people. In this particular case, the histori-

A massive reforestation project produced what is now the very popular Bilar Man-Made Forest, known for its canopy of mahogany trees stretching 2 kilometers long

cal event took place between the local chieftain, Datu Sikatuna, and the Spanish explorer, Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. The ritual involves the two persons cutting their wrists or arms with a knife and letting the drops of blood mix with wine or water in a cup, then drinking it together to confirm their friendship and complete trust. There is so much more to enjoy about Bohol, especially with your taste buds—peanut brittle, kalamay, bucayo, peanut kisses, etc. Then there is also cruising along the Loboc River at nighttime, where one will be fascinated by the trees along the riverbanks completely covered with fireflies! They look so magical, you’d think you were watching a Disney movie, then you realize you are right here at home...the Philippines. With all these “wonders” found in just one of the 7,641 islands in our country, it’s no surprise that foreigners love it here, making us the Number One Retirement Destination in the World, according to the Expat Retirement Index! For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@gmail.com

Sarawak dares travelers to go beyond the ordinary

Participants take on the Sago Worm Challenge, sampling one of Sarawak’s most iconic delicacies

MALAYSIA’S largest state is getting a television makeover, with its rainforests, local communities, and cultural traditions serving as the backdrop for a new adventure reality series designed to inspire travelers to see it for themselves. KC Global Media Asia has teamed up with AXN Asia and the Sarawak Tourism Board for AXN Ultimate Challenge: Sarawak, a four-episode series that combines high-energy challenges with cultural encounters and destination discovery. Hosted by Mark O’Dea, the 15-minute episodes follow two content creator teams, Khenji Saito and Adam Samuel, and Estelle Fly and Saffron Sharpe, as they compete in challenges inspired by Sarawak’s landscapes, traditions, and cuisine. The competitors will forage for sago worms, explore local communities, and take on challenges that test

their endurance, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. They will also create their own content, giving viewers a more personal look at their experiences. Local figures, including Chef Achang Libat, Louis Samai, Luke Kenny Doo, and blowpipe masters Cikgu Nyoging and Alfa, join the contestants and provide insight into Sarawak’s food, traditions, and way of life. The series also features Sheraton Kuching Hotel as its official hotel partner. The project is part of the growing trend of screen tourism, where television and digital content can turn destinations into travel wish-list material. “Sarawak is a destination where adventure, culture, and nature come together through authentic experiences,” said Dr. Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor, CEO of the Sarawak

As part of the challenge, contestants kayak along the Semadang River and stop at different points to collect natural materials

Tourism Board. AXN Ultimate Challenge: Sarawak premiered on AXN Asia’s YouTube channel July 31, followed by its AXN

Taiwan YouTube debut Aug. 4. It airs on AXN East Asia, AXN Singapore and AXN China every Tuesday at 9:30 p.m. GMT+8 for four weeks.