ESPITE inflation accelerating to 2.5 percent in November due to typhoons disrupting food supply, a 25-basis- point reduction in key policy rates in December is still possible, but hinges on the peso’s stability and the US Federal Reserve’s policy stance.
In an economic brief, HSBC Asean economist Aris Dacanay said the November inflation print supports a rate cut during the Monetary Board’s meeting on December 19. However, “monitoring the Fed’s tone will be crucial.”
The recent wave of typhoons plaguing the Philippines since September has damaged agricultural
lands and tightened the food supply of local vegetables and meat, Dacanay said.
T his has pushed commodity prices higher in November, with inflation settling to 2.5 percent, quicker than the 2.3 percent recorded in October but slower than the 4.1 percent posted in November 2023. Food and nonalcoholic beverages inflation increased to 3.4 percent from last month’s 2.9 percent.
Still, this was within the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) month-ahead inflation expectation of 2.2 to 3 percent range for November.
The good news is that rice
prices have decelerated significantly, many thanks to lower rice tariff rates. Given how heavily weighted rice is in the Philippines’ consumer basket, headline inflation remained within the lower portion of the BSP’s target band,” Dacanay added.
Moreover, Dacanay said the 5.2-percent economic growth, which surprised to the downside, still supports a possible rate cut in December.
However, “the only upside risk to monetary policy is the currency,” Dacanay said, noting that the peso ranged between P58.5 and P59 levels over the course of November and even millimeters
away from breaching its historic highs on November 26. Dacanay said the seasonality of remittances will further support the appreciation of the peso, citing HSBC FX, now that the peso has appreciated against the US dollar at P58.23.
“However, it will be key to monitor the tone of the Fed in the next two weeks. Any shift to a more hawkish rhetoric may introduce volatility in the currency and prompt the BSP to pause its easing cycle,” Dacanay said. M eanwhile, ANZ Research said it expects the BSP to reduce
By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto
THE Philippines’s lower gross international reserves (GIR), settling at $108.5 billion as of the end of November, remains more than adequate, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).
D ata from the BSP showed the GIR declined by 2.34 percent to $108.5 billion as of endNovember 2024 from the $111.1 billion recorded during the end of October 2024.
Th e national government’s net foreign currency withdrawals from its deposits with the BSP—to settle foreign currency debt obligations and pay for its various expenditures—caused the month-on-month decrease.
The BSP’s net foreign exchange operations and downward valuation of its gold holdings due to lower gold prices in the international market also contributed to the lowered GIR.
Nevertheless, the BSP said the latest GIR level represents a “more than adequate external liquidity buffer equivalent to 7.8 months’ worth of imports of goods and payments of services and primary income.”
The BSP noted that the GIR is viewed to be adequate if it can finance at least three months’ worth of the country’s imports of goods and payments of services and primary income.
PHL, 4 OTHERS SAW LESS TRADE RELIANCE ON CHINA–UNCTAD
By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan
FIVE countries including the Philippines have become less dependent on China when it comes to trade in 2024, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development’s (Unctad) Global Trade Update report. A report by the UN agency showed that the Philippines’s trade dependence on China slid by 2.4 percent this year compared to last year, the largest decline among the five countries that had reduced
trade dependence on the economic giant. Other countries with decreased trade dependence on China were Republic of Korea, -1.1 percent; United Kingdom, -0.6 percent; Vietnam, -0.6 percent and the United States with -0.4 percent.
T he trade body explained that the dependence of an economy on another is calculated as the ratio of their bilateral trade over the total trade of the dependent economy.
Farm, fisheries share in GDP to decline in 2024–UA&P
By Ada Pelonia
THE contribution of the agriculture and fisheries sector to the Philippine economy will decline this year, according to the University of Asia and Pacific Center for Food and Agribusiness (CFA).
T he CFA projected that the agriculture and fisheries sector’s full-year gross value added (GVA) may contract by 1 to 2 percent in 2024 due to the poor performance of the crops, livestock, and fishery sectors.
Overall, we see a 1 to 2 percent decline in the agriculture, forestry, and fishery sector this
year against a 1.2-percent growth in 2023,” CFA executive director Marie Annette Galvez-Dacul said in their recent year-end food and agribusiness conference.
B ased on the organization’s forecasts, the crops subsector’s GVA would decline by 3.5 percent in the second half, with its fullyear performance contracting between 3.5 percent and 4.5 percent.
T he livestock subsector is also projected to fall by 4.5 percent in the second half, with a full-year decline between 2.5 and 3.5 percent.
Moreover, the GIR as of endNovember is also about 4.3 times the country’s short-term external debt based on residual maturity. Short-term debt based on residual maturity is the outstanding external debt with an original maturity of one year or less, plus principal payments on medium- and long-term loans of the public and private sectors falling due within the next 12 months, according to BSP.
Th e GIR is considered adequate if it provides at least 100 percent cover for the payment of the country’s foreign liabilities, public and private, falling due within the immediate 12-month period, the BSP added.
A s for the January to November 2024 period, the GIR increased by 5.29 percent to $108.5 billion from $102.7 billion during the same period in 2023. Further, net international reserves (NIR) went down by 2.34 percent or $2.6 billion to $108.4 billion as of end-November 2024, from $111 billion in end-October 2024.
N IR refers to the difference between the BSP’s reserve assets (GIR) and reserve liabilities— short-term foreign debt and credit and loans from the IMF, according to BSP.
Th e central bank’s reserve assets consist of foreign investments, gold, foreign exchange, reserve position in the IMF and special drawing rights.
Trade-restrictive measures, not Trump 2.0, bug exporters
By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan
PHILIPPINE exporters are more worried over the rising traderestrictive measures on goods globally than the second regime of President-elect Donald Trump, who floated the possibility of slapping blanket tariffs on the US’ imported goods, according to the Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (Philexport), the umbrella orgnization of Philippine exporters.
We have expressed optimism that the Donald Trump 2.0 regime will bring opportunities our way, especially in terms of investments and even for major US exports such as electronics, business processing outsourcing and garments,” Philexport
President Sergio R. Ortiz-Luis Jr. said at the recent General Membership Meeting of Philexport. What is generally troubling is the Trade Monitoring report by the WTO which showed that between mid-Octo-
ber 2023 and mid-October 2024, G20 economies introduced 91 new traderestrictive measures on goods most of which are imports,” Ortiz-Luis added. G20 economies comprise 19 countries and two regional bodies that include some of the Philippines’s export markets such as China, Japan, the United States and European Union. (See: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2024/11/19/economists-pitch-options-vs-risingtrade-restrictions/)
The World Trade Organization (WTO) emphasized that the 31st Trade Monitoring Report on G20 trade measures arrives during “difficult times” for global trade.
Against a backdrop of geopolitical tensions and more frequent and serious climate change-related crises, there is increasing evidence of inwardlooking and unilateral trade policy decisions creating uncertainty for the world economy,” the WTO said.
Considering this development, the PhilExport chief stressed anew that the “ambitious” targets set under the Philippine Export Development Plan (PEDP) of $143.4 billion for this year and $240.5 billion by 2028 will somehow be “adversely affected and difficult to achieve.”
O n top of the rising traderestrictive measures, Ortiz-Luis noted other challenges that may hamper the growth of the Philippines’s outbound shipments such as geopolitical shifts, effects of climate change and import regulations in key markets like the US and the EU, as well as inflation.
While export groups have not yet adjusted the targets set in the PEDP, Ortiz-Luis echoed DTI’s forecast that export earnings in 2024 could hit the target of $107 billion set in the Philippine Development Plan (PDP). In 2023, Philippine export earnings
amounted to $103.6 billion.
Department of Trade and Industry-Export Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB) Director Bianca Pearl R. Sykimte had told the BusinessMirror that export groups have not convened yet to discuss the recalibration of the targets in the PEDP. We have an initial simulation but we have not been able to convene the [Export Development Council] EDC yet to discuss it,” Sykimte told the BusinessMirror in a Viber message recently.
Sykimte earlier explained that they may slash the targets in the PEPD as it contains targets which are “more ambitious” compared to the targets set in the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028. She explained that the PDP was drafted earlier, and this accounts for why the targets are “more tempered,” whereas the PEDP was intended to be more ambitious.
Under the PDP, these are the total export targets: For 2024, $107 billion; 2025,$113.42 billion; 2026, $120.22 billion; 2027, $127.44 billion and for 2028, $135.08 billion.
Meanwhile, under the country’s Export Development Plan, these are the targets: For 2024, $143.4 billion; 2025, $163.6 billion; 2026, $186.7 billion; 2027, $212.1 billion and 2028, $240.5 billion.
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Annual change is calculated as four-quarter average of this ratio relative to the same period in the previous year,” Unctad explained.
On the other hand, the Russian Federation and Brazil have become more dependent on China as their trade dependence on the economic giant increased by 3.7 percent and 2.1 percent, respectively, this year compared to last year.
Notably, six countries have relied more on the United States this year in terms of trade. These are: Malaysia (1.7 percent), Vietnam (1.4 percent), Republic of Korea (1.2 percent), Japan (1 percent), European Union (0.3 percent) and the United Kingdom (0.2 percent).
The trade and development arm of UN explained that since the second half of 2022, “there has been a significant shift towards more politically aligned trade relationships.”
This shift suggests that bilateral trade has increasingly favored countries with similar geopolitical positions, a trend often referred to as friend-shoring,” Unctad said.
By the second half of 2023, this trend began to stabilize. Unctad explained further that global trade has become “more concentrated”
around major trading partners, although this trend started to “reverse” in 2024. The UN’s trade and development body emphasized that geoconomic issues as well as the ongoing reshaping of value chains continue to play important roles in shaping key bilateral trade trends.
These factors not only impact trade between the major economies but can also influence their trade dynamics with other trading partners,” Unctad said.
L ooking into 2025, the trade body is seeing “moderating global inflation, stable economic growth forecasts and improving business activity” pointing to continued positive momentum in global trade for early 2025.
However, Unctad said this trend is expected to face “substantial challenges” such as the potential shifts in United States trade policy and the increased use of industrial policies in many countries.
According to Unctad, these are “likely to negatively influence global trade growth,” adding that the “threat of renewed and expanded trade wars, along with ongoing geopolitical tensions, casts uncertainty on the outlook for global trade in 2025.”
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to, is actively engaging with global nuclear experts to make an informed decision on its next steps.
Meralco, according to Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer Ronnie Aperecho, is teaming up with France on a feasibility study on the possible development of nuclear power plants in select sites to be identified by the Philippine government.
“ We might be entering into a feasibility study with the French government. But this is not for the smaller ones but the bigger ones like conventional,” said Aperecho.
“We’re finalizing the terms. We just came from a series of meetings with the EDF. So, guided by our chairman, the instruction was for
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Th e poultry subsector will jump by 5.5 percent in the second half, with a full-year growth between 5.5 and 6.5 percent.
T he fishery subsector is projected to plunge by 5 percent in the second half, with its full-year performance declining between 1.5 and 2.5 percent, based on their forecasts.
“For 2025, the Center for Food and Agribusiness projects modest growth for crops and livestock with an expected increase of 0 to 1 percent each,” Dacul said.
Poultry is anticipated to remain the leading subsector, growing by 5 to 6 percent, while fisheries are forecasted to range from a decline of negative 0.5 percent to a growth of 0.5 percent,” she added.
D espite this, Dacul highlighted growth opportunities in the sector such as export-focused crops like coconut, cacao, and coffee with increasing demand worldwide and fruits that remain profitable for export markets like mangoes, bananas, durian, and pineapple.
F or the aquaculture and fisheries side, she noted seaweed farming which shows opportunities to expand processing for food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.
Key areas for growth in the livestock and poultry sector include free-range and organic poultry, biosecure pig farming, and value-added dairy such as cheese, yogurt, and flavored milk. These need enablers, which are government support [and] private sector collaboration in climate adaptation measures,” Dacul said.
Addressing infrastructure gaps, market access, and climate challenges can enhance the sector’s contribution to economic growth and food security.”
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its policy rate by 25 bps to 5.75 percent at its monetary policy meeting.
“The inflationary pressures were not broad-based, and the near-term outlook remains benign,” it said in its weekly report.
ANZ Research noted rising vegetable and meat prices driving up inflation due to unfavorable weather conditions but was offset by easing rice inflation. It also noted that transport inflation remained in deflationary territory for the fourth consecutive month, while utilities inflation decelerated for the third month in a row.
A NZ Research is also anticipating cumulative cuts of 75 bps in 2025, which will help bolster domestic demand. Reine Juvierre S. Alberto
us to assign point persons to work into the TOR [terms of reference]. Definitely, in the next two to three months, there will be something.”
Électricité de France SA, commonly known as EDF, is a French multinational electric utility company owned by the government of France. “In the case of this potential partnership with the French government, this is not for SMR [small modular reactors] but the bigger conventional,” Aperecho stressed.
Meralco was earlier considering SMR, which had garnered interest for potential deployment given the country’s archipelagic landscape. It even tapped other countries to conduct feasibility studies on SMR and micro modular reactors (MMRs).
However, SMRs and MMRs are not enough to meet the government’s target of generating 1,200MW of nuclear energy by 2032, 2,400 MW by 2035, and 4,800 MW by 2050 because their power generation capacity is only 300MW and below. Conventional nuclear power plants, on the other hand, produce more power similar to the mothballed-BNPP. As such, Meralco also shifted its focus on larger nuclear energy deployment. Meralco is pushing for nuclear energy not only because President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the Philippines needs to reconsider building nuclear power plants in this first State of the Nation Address, but also because power-hungry Luzon needs it badly. “There is an imperative need to revisit the country’s policy on nuclear energy and to determine its feasibility as a long-term option for power generation,” President Marcos Jr. had said.
House Quad Com set to submit progress report
By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie
THE House Quadruple Com -
mittee (Quad Com) plans to present its initial findings on illegal drugs, their links to illicit Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (Pogos), and extra-judicial killings (EJKs) during the Duterte administration before Congress goes on Christmas break on December 21. Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert
Ace Barbers, the lead chairman of the committee, said that a progress report would be submitted to the chamber’s plenary. This aims to expedite the processing of several remedial legislative measures proposed by the committee’s members.
“We’re submitting this progress report to the plenary because there are matters that require immediate action,” Barbers explained.
The committee will also recommend that President Marcos include these measures in his priority leg -
islative agenda or, ideally, certify them as urgent. This would fasttrack their approval and encourage the Senate to act swiftly on corresponding measures.
“For instance, the proposed legislation we’ve filed as Quad Com outputs—these should ideally be part of the President’s legislative agenda. If we’re fortunate, these could even be certified as urgent, which would compel the Senate to take action as well. This is the primary purpose of the progress report,” Barbers said.
The joint panel has introduced at least four key remedial measures, including amendments to Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
One significant proposal defines extra-judicial killings as heinous crimes and prescribes the maximum penalty for offenders.
Another seeks to establish an interagency committee, led by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), to expedite the cancellation of fraudulent birth certificates.
DOJ optimistic on Veloso return before Christmas
mas!” Remulla exclaimed.
TThe investigation revealed that several Chinese nationals acquired Filipino citizenship using fake birth certificates. Posing as Filipinos, these individuals formed corporations and purchased property used for illegal activities.
Among them was a warehouse in barangay San Jose Malino, Mexico, Pampanga, where authorities seized P3.6 billion worth of shabu in September 2023.
Barbers said the progress report will also include recommendations
purpose,” he added.
Both agencies are under the DOJ.
to file charges against individuals linked to illegal drugs, illicit Pogos, and EJKs. Concerned government agencies will be urged to actively pursue these cases.
“We’ve made recommendations based on testimonial and documentary evidence. It’s time to report these findings and allow the appropriate agencies to conduct further investigations into EJKs, Pogos, and drugs,” Barbers said.
By Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573
HE Department of Justice
(DOJ) has expressed optimism that Filipino deathrow convict Mary Jane Veloso will be brought back to the country before Christmas.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, in a statement described Veloso’s impending transfer by the Indonesian government to the country’s jurisdiction as a “historic moment.”
“To my fellow Filipinos, despite the delays, obstacles and adversities, justice has once again prevailed... Mary Jane will finally be with us and her family this Christ -
A Philippine delegation that includes justice officials conducted final discussions with Indonesian officials on Saturday prior to the signing an agreement over Veloso’s return to the Philippines.
Undersecretary Raul T. Vasquez, representing the DOJ, said the team finds the terms of the agreement
fair and equitable to both the Philippines and Indonesia.
“Our embassy and the Indonesian corrections office will iron out the transfer details so we can meet our objectives at the earliest opportunity,” Vasquez said.
“Also, our Bureau of Corrections and the National Bureau of Investigation will be ready for this
Corrections Director General Gregorio Catapang Jr. earlier said Veloso will be given a chance to decide where she would want to serve her jail term upon her return to the country.
Veloso was sentenced to death after she was arrested upon her arrival in Indonesia for carrying 2.5 kilograms of heroin in her luggage.
She was scheduled to be executed by a firing squad in April 2015 but Indonesian President Joko Widodo granted a reprieve to allow Philippine authorities to pursue criminal charges against her alleged illegal recruiters.
However, President Marcos earlier announced that an agreement has been reached between the Philippines and Indonesia for the turn-over of Veloso’s custody to the Philippine government.
Groups gear for full enforcement of anti-agri economic sabotage law
By Rizal Raoul Reyes @brownindio
THE Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage (AES) Council and the AES Enforcement Group, alongside relevant government agencies, vowed to implement to the full extent the recently enacted AntiAgricultural Economic Sabotage (AES) Act.
The groups assured that they are gearing up for an intensified enforcement of the law in a recent forum organized by international think tank Stratbase Institute.
The AES Council and the Enforcement Group also pushed for greater inter-agency collaboration and stronger forcement measures to ensure the effectiveness of said law in the same forum.
The Department of Agriculture’s Director for Inspectorate and Enforcement Felicisimo Madayag Jr. highlighted the agency’s commitment to action as crucial in boosting the efficiency of the law’s mandate. “Our success will not be measured solely by laws
passed or penalties imposed. It will be measured by the trust we rebuild in our agricultural sector, the livelihood we safeguard, and the food security we ensure to every Filipino family,” said Madayag. The AES Act or Republic Act 12022 classifies agricultural smuggling, hoarding, profiteering and engaging in cartel as acts of economic sabotage. Violators risk life imprisonment and fines up to five times the value of the goods involved. The measure was signed into law in September.
Justice Assistant Secretary Randolph Pascasio shared how the past decade saw only 5 percent of the 192 agricultural smuggling
cases prosecuted owing to bureaucratic inefficiencies among concerned offices.
He noted that the new law’s expanded scope and mandated penalties can better prevent the entry of smuggled agricultural products, ensure payment of correct duties and taxes, and exactliability from direct perpetrators and enablers alike.
“Your DOJ, in active collaboration with key agencies and the society-at-large, remains steadfast in its commitment to enforce the rule of law and protect the livelihoods of our farmers and fisherfolk, stabilize the food process, and secure food security for all Filipinos,” said Pascasio.
Economic expert and Stratbase Group Chief Operating Officer RPManhit further highlighted the importance of proper enforcement to ensure compliance, building public trust and confidence in the system.
“The law is just one component of the solution; enforcement is critical. By working together, we can ensure that this legislation achieves its full potential—empowering the Filipino people and safeguarding the integrity of our agricultural supply chain,” said Manhit.
As part of the Enforcement Group, ther Coast Guard Maritime
Security Law Enforcement Command chief, Vice Adm. Robert Patrimonio said that since 2022, the agency seized approximately P 1.5 billion-worth of agricultural and meat products. “We will continue to enhance the capacity and capability of our assets and personnel on effectively enforcing this law, maintaining cooperation and collaboration with relevant agencies to enforce those stipulated under the law,” said Patrimonio.
The National Police Director for Intelligence, Maj. Gen. Westrimundo Obinque revealed that their anti-smuggling campaign yielded 1,408 successful operations on smuggled cigarettes and agricultural and petroleum products this year alone. He noted that these operations resulted in the arrest of 1,174 individuals and the confiscation of more than P 2.9 billion-worth of smuggled items. In addition, 887 cases were also filed in court.
“I see this as an opportunity for broader and improved cooperation and coordination with our partners, to enhance intelligence and information-sharing mechanisms, and to advance the capabilities of law enforcement and prosecution units, as we strengthen our resolve to disrupt the multi-tiered operations of criminals and ensure their prosecution,” said Obinque.
Centralized hub for TNVS now operational at Naia
JBy Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan
UST in time for the peak holiday travel season, Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) Terminal 3 now boasts of a fully operational centralized hub for transport network vehicle services (TNVS), aiming to deliver a more seamless and convenient experience for passengers.
Operated by New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC), the new facility officially opened on Sunday, following a soft launch earlier in the week. The hub, located within the multi-level parking building at Terminal 3, is expected to alleviate curbside congestion and streamline airport traffic.
“With a centralized hub and diverse transportation options, we are bringing more order and efficiency to the airport. This is part of our commitment to making travel smoother and stress-free for every passenger,” said NNIC General Manager Lito Alvarez. Previously, passengers had to book their rides curbside of the arrival bays.
Spanning 6,000 square meters,
The Quad Com plans to issue
the hub features 401 parking slots, 18 loading bays, and dedicated lanes for TNVS vehicles, alongside multiple entry and exit points for improved traffic flow.
It also houses dedicated booking lounges for app-based rides like Grab, JoyRide, and Angkas’s fourwheeled service, Angcars, ensuring accessibility for all travelers.
Grab Philippines was the first operator to fully transition to the hub, offering its services during the soft launch on December 5.
“We commend the NNIC for
their vision to create a better and more efficient airport experience for passengers. As the nation’s leading ride-hailing platform, Grab is proud to be the first to transition to this centralized station, setting the standard for all TNVS operators. We are committed to working hand-in-hand with NNIC to ensure a smooth transition for our passengers and driver-partners and to enhance the overall airport experience for all travelers,” said Grab Philippines Country Head Ronald Roda.
periodic progress reports while continuing its inquiries. It is also considering concluding its investigation into Pogos to focus on the remaining issues of illegal drugs and EJKs.
When asked about recalling former President Rodrigo Duterte for further questioning, Barbers said it was “unnecessary.”
JoyRide’s TNVS and Super Taxi services are set to follow suit starting December 10, while Angkas is also preparing to deploy its Angcars fleet soon.
“Our partnership with NNIC ensures passengers have access to both app-based rides and our dedicated Super Taxi fleet, making reliable transport available for everyone,” said Noli Eala, Joyride Senior Vice President for Corporate Affairs.
All three operators said they are committing dedicated airport pickup drivers to provide faster and more efficient services during the busy holiday season.
“Our collaboration with NNIC ensures that Angcars provides a seamless, safe, and reliable option for passengers. This initiative is a win for travelers, drivers, and airport efficiency alike,” said Angkas Chief Executive Officer George Royeca.
Passengers without ride-hailing apps can make on-the-spot bookings at the operators’ lounges. Grab’s lounge, for instance, offers a streamlined process for immediate bookings, adding a layer of convenience.
“There’s no need. The 12 to 13 hours we spent discussing with him were sufficient, providing more than what he revealed in the Senate. I think that’s enough,” Barbers said.
PHL, US hold dialogue on global climate challenges
THE Philippines and the United States held their second Energy Policy Dialogue (EPD) last week, reinforcing their shared commitment to advancing energy security, expanding access, and accelerating the clean energy transition.
A significant outcome of this year’s dialogue was the finalization of the “Guiding Document,” which establishes a framework for regular and structured engagement in the energy sector. The Department of Energy (DOE) said this document is designed to facilitate meaningful collaboration and ensure the effective development and implementation of joint programs.
The discussions between the two countries focused on advancing the deployment of renewable energy technologies to reduce carbon emissions, modernizing and expanding energy transmission infrastructure to meet growing demand, and exploring nuclear energy as a potential option for electricity generation. Both nations also emphasized the importance of reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels to strengthen energy security and resilience.
Moreover, they discussed the critical need for access to financing, innovative technologies, and resilient infrastructure to support a just energy transition. These initiatives are essential to ensuring that the shift to cleaner energy is equitable, affordable, and inclusive, promoting sustainable and inclusive economic
growth without imposing undue burdens on consumers.
By prioritizing these objectives, the DOE said both countries aim to address the dual challenges of fostering sustainable development and mitigating climate change, while paving the way for a cleaner, more resilient, and equitable energy future. The inaugural EPD was held in the US in August last year where the Philippine delegation was led by Energy Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella, who is in charge of policy and planning at the agency. Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla welcomed the delegates from both countries during the event while US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson delivered the opening remarks.
The Philippine delegation was headed by Fuentebella. Leading the US delegation were Kimberly D. Harrington, deputy assistant secretary for energy diplomacy at the US Department of State’s Bureau of Energy Resources; and Ann Ganzer, principal deputy assistant secretary of the Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation. The dialogue this year builds on priorities initially reaffirmed during the visit of US Vice President Kamala Harris to the Philippines in November 2022, where both countries recognized the vital role of sustainable energy partnerships in driving economic growth and addressing global climate challenges. Lenie Lectura
Go visits Cebu fire victims
SEN. Christopher Go personally checked on the situation of recovering fire victims and extended support in their rebuilding efforts during his visit in Cebu on Friday, December 6. Together with his Malasakit Team, Go provided relief, such as grocery packs, meals, vitamins, shirts, basketballs, and volleyballs to a total of 1,477 recovering fire victims from Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu cities. There were also select recipients of bicycles, shoes, and mobile phones.
In addition to this, the National Housing Authority (NHA) extended financial assistance under its Emergency Housing Assistance Program (Ehap). This aid will help the beneficiaries purchase essential
housing materials and rebuild their homes after the devastation. Through his Malasakit Team, Go also provided similar assistance to hundreds more recovering fire victims in Cebu City on the same day. Together with local leaders, Go emphasized the need for vigilance and intensified fire prevention efforts in local communities. He acknowledged the efforts of the respective local governments of Mandaue City and Lapulapu City in helping restore normalcy in the lives of the victims. Go also encouraged the victims to stay strong and assured them of continued support.
Economist warns Philippine tobacco tax has reached ‘prohibitive range’
APROMINENT US economist has raised concerns that the Philippines’ tobacco excise tax rate has entered a “prohibitive range,” as indicated by declining government revenue.
Arthur Laffer, founder and chairman of Laffer Associates, an economic research and consulting firm, highlighted that the continuous increase in tobacco tax rates has surpassed the revenue-maximizing point.
Laffer, known for the Laffer Curve theory which describes the relationship between tax rates and government revenue, explained that the Philippines’ experience shows that higher tax rates have led to reduced revenue. The phenomenon of declining tobacco tax collections in the Philippines can be explained using the Laffer Curve—the relationship between tax rates and tax revenue. Tax revenues increase with increasing tax rates until a revenue-maximizing point is reached, after which further increases in tax rates result in declining tax revenue,” he said Under the Tobacco Tax Law of 2019 (Republic Act 11346), the excise tax on cigarettes was increased to P50 per pack on January 1, 2021, with a 5 percent annual increase, it’s currently at P63. Vapor products are taxed at P54.6 per milliliter (ml) for nicotine salt and P63 per 10 ml for freebase.
He emphasized the need for the government to adjust tobacco tax rates to align closer to the revenue-maximizing rate, warning against further increases that could exacerbate revenue losses. “Of course, the government should take steps to realign tobacco tax rates closer to the revenuemaximizing rate. Doubling down with further revenue-losing tax rate increases is never a sensible solution to a tax revenue loss,” Laffer advised.
He elaborated on the dual effects of tax rate changes: an arithmetic effect, where lower tax rates reduce revenue; and an economic effect, where lower rates boost
output, employment, production, and consumption, thereby expanding the tax base. Conversely, higher tax rates can have the opposite effect.
He also discussed the impact of price elasticity on the Laffer Curve, noting that if demand is elastic, the revenue-maximizing tax rate will be lower, as consumers are more sensitive to price changes. If demand is inelastic, the rate can be higher. Laffer pointed out that the Philippines’ successive tobacco tax hikes have likely pushed rates past the revenue-maximizing point, leading to further revenue declines and increased illicit trade. “When a commodity becomes too expensive for consumers due to taxation, they will reduce consumption of that commodity or substitute away from that highly taxed commodity in part through consumption of illicit goods,” he warned. He praised the Philippines’ efforts to streamline its tobacco tax system but cautioned against excessive rate increases. “The mechanism that has resulted in continuous annual tax rate increases in order to achieve continuous revenue growth has clearly taken tax rates too high and has failed to generate the anticipated revenue. Due to declining tax revenue and increased growth in the illicit trade of tobacco, it is time to reevaluate the optimal cigarette tax rate,” he said.
While he commended the Philippines’ approach to taxing novel tobacco and nicotine products like heated tobacco products and nicotine pouches, he suggests to simplify its tax structure for e-cigarettes. “Unlike other tobacco and nicotine products, e-cigarettes are taxed under a two-tiered system in the Philippines, which is leading to significant enforcement issues. Reforming e-cigarette taxation into a simplified uniform rate—as has been done for other tobacco and nicotine products—should be an immediate priority,” he said.
Editor: Angel R. Calso
Syrian government falls in stunning end to 50-year rule of Assad family
By Bassem Mroue & Zeina Karam The Associated Press
BEIRUT—The Syrian government fell early Sunday in a stunning end to the 50-year rule of the Assad family after a sudden rebel offensive sprinted across government-held territory and entered the capital in 10 days.
Syrian state television aired a video statement by a group of men saying that President Bashar Assad has been overthrown and all detainees in jails have been set free.
The man who read the statement said the Operations Room to Conquer Damascus, an opposition group, called on all opposition fighters and citizens to preserve state institutions of “the free Syrian state.”
The statement emerged hours after the head of a Syrian opposition war monitor said Assad had left the country for an undisclosed location, fleeing ahead of insurgents who said they had entered Damascus following the remarkably swift advance across the country.
Syrian Prime Minister Mohammed Ghazi Jalali said the government was ready to “extend its hand” to the opposition and turn its functions over to a transitional government.
“I am in my house and I have not left, and this is because of my belonging to this country,” Jalili said in a video statement. He said he would go to his office to continue work in the morning and called on Syrian citizens not to deface public property.
He did not address reports that Assad had fled.
Rami Abdurrahman of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights told The Associated Press that Assad took a flight Sunday from Damascus.
State television in Iran, Assad’s main backer in the years of war in Syria, reported that Assad had left the capital. It cited Qatar’s Al Jazeera news network for the information and did not elaborate.
There was no immediate statement from the Syrian government.
As daylight broke over Damascus, crowds gathered to pray in the city’s mosques and to celebrate in the squares, chanting “God is great.” People also chanted anti-Assad slogans and honked car horns. In some areas, celebratory gunshots rang out.
Soldiers and police officers left their posts and fled, and looters broke into the headquarters of the Ministry of Defense.
“My feelings are indescribable,” said Omar Daher, a 29-year-old lawyer. “After the fear that he (Assad) and his father made us live in for many years, and the panic and state of terror that I was living in, I can’t believe it.”
Daher said his father was killed by security forces and his brother was in detention, his fate unknown. Assad “is a criminal, a tyrant and a dog,” he said.
“Damn his soul and the soul of the entire Assad family,” said Ghazal al-Sharif, another reveler in central Damascus. “It is the prayer of every oppressed person and God answered it today. We thought we would never see it, but thank God, we saw it.”
The police headquarters in the capital appeared to be abandoned, its door left ajar
with no officers outside. An Associated Press journalist shot footage of an abandoned army checkpoint where uniforms were discarded on the ground under a poster of Assad’s face. Footage broadcast on opposition-linked media showed a tank in one of the capital’s central squares.
It was the first time opposition forces had reached Damascus since 2018, when Syrian troops recaptured areas on the outskirts of the capital following a yearslong siege.
The pro-government Sham FM radio reported that the Damascus airport had been evacuated and all flights halted.
The insurgents also announced they had entered the notorious Saydnaya military prison north of the capital and “liberated” their prisoners there.
The night before, opposition forces took the central city of Homs, Syria’s third largest, as government forces abandoned it. The city stands at an important intersection between Damascus, the capital, and Syria’s coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartus—the Syrian leader’s base of support and home to a Russian strategic naval base.
The rebels had already seized the cities of Aleppo and Hama, as well as large parts of the south, in a lightning offensive that began November 27. Analysts said rebel control of Homs would be a game-changer.
The rebels’ moves into Damascus came after the Syrian army withdrew from much of southern part of the country, leaving more areas, including several provincial capitals, under the control of opposition fighters.
The advances in the past week were by
far the largest in recent years by opposition factions, led by a group that has its origins in al-Qaida and is considered a terrorist organization by the US and the United Nations. In their push to overthrow Assad’s government, the insurgents, led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, or HTS, have met little resistance from the Syrian army.
The UN’s special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, called Saturday for urgent talks in Geneva to ensure an “orderly political transition.” Speaking to reporters at the annual Doha Forum in Qatar, he said the situation in Syria was changing by the minute. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, whose country is Assad’s chief international backer, said he feels “sorry for the Syrian people.”
In Damascus, people rushed to stock up on supplies. Thousands went to Syria’s border with Lebanon, trying to leave the country.
Lebanese border officials closed the main Masnaa border crossing late Saturday, leaving many stuck waiting.
Many shops in the capital were shuttered, a resident told The Associated Press, and those still open ran out of staples such as sugar. Some were selling items at three times the normal price.
The U.N. said it was moving noncritical staff outside the country as a precaution.
Assad’s status
Sy R IA S s tate media denied social media rumors that Assad left the country, saying he was performing his duties in Damascus.
Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali said Sunday he does not know where
Assad or the defense minister is. He told Saudi television network Al-Arabiyya early Sunday that they lost communication Saturday night. He has had little, if any, help from his allies. Russia is busy with its war in Ukraine. Lebanon’s Hezbollah, which at one point sent thousands of fighters to shore up Assad’s forces, has been weakened by a yearlong conflict with Israel. Iran has seen its proxies across the region degraded by regular Israeli airstrikes.
US President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday posted on social media that the United States should avoid engaging militarily in Syria. Separately, President Joe Biden’s
the situation in Syria.
In a statement, the participants affirmed their support for a political solution to the Syrian crisis “that would lead to the end of military activity and protect civilians.”
The insurgents’ march A C OMMANDER with the insurgents, Hassan Abdul-Ghani, posted on the Telegram messaging app that opposition forces had begun the “final stage” of their offensive by encircling Damascus.
HTS controls much of northwest Syria and in 2017 set up a “salvation government” to run day-to-day affairs in the region. In recent years, HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani has sought to remake the group’s image, cutting ties with al-Qaida, ditching hardline officials and vowing to embrace pluralism and religious tolerance.
Karam reported from London. Associated Press writers Abdulrahman Shaheen and Albert Aji in Damascus, Syria; Abby Sewell in Beirut; Qassim Abdul-Zahra in Baghdad; Josef Federman and Victoria Eastwood in Doha, Qatar; and Ellen Knickmeyer in Washington contributed to this report.
South Korea in crisis: Yoon’s martial law debacle sparks widespread protests, political uncertainty
By Kim Tong-Hyung & Hyung-Jin Kim
The Associated Press
SEOUL, South Korea—South Korea’s embattled President Yoon Suk Yeol avoided an opposition-led attempt to impeach him over his short-lived imposition of martial law, as most ruling party lawmakers boycotted a parliamentary vote Saturday to deny a two-thirds majority needed to suspend his presidential powers.
The scrapping of the motion is expected to intensify protests calling for Yoon’s ouster and deepen political chaos in South Korea, with a survey suggesting a majority of South Koreans support the president’s impeachment. Yoon’s martial law declaration drew criticism from his own ruling conservative People Power Party, but the party is also determined to oppose Yoon’s impeachment apparently because it fears losing the presidency to liberals.
After the motion fell through, members of the main liberal opposition Democratic Party rallied inside the National Assembly, chanting slogans calling for Yoon’s impeachment or resignation.
The party’s floor leader, Park Chandae, said it will soon prepare for a new impeachment motion. Opposition parties could submit a new impeach -
ment motion after a new parliamentary session opens next Wednesday.
“We’ll surely impeach Yoon Suk Yeol, who is the greatest risk to Republic of Korea,” party leader Lee Jae-myung said. “We’ll surely bring back this country to normal before Christmas Day or year’s end.”
Many experts worry Yoon won’t be able to serve out his remaining 2 ½ years in office. They say some PPP lawmakers could eventually join opposition parties’ efforts to impeach Yoon if public demands for it grow further. The ruling party risks “further public outrage and national confusion if they don’t find a formula fast for Yoon’s departure,” said Duyeon Kim, a senior analyst at the Center for a New American Security in Washington. PPP chair Han Dong-hun said his party will seek Yoon’s “orderly” early exit but didn’t say when he can resign.
Protests against Yoon are swelling
O N S aturday, tens of thousands of people packed several blocks of roads leading to the National Assembly, waving banners, shouting slogans and dancing. Protesters also gathered in front of PPP’s headquarters near the Assembly, shouting for its lawmakers to vote to impeach Yoon. A smaller crowd of Yoon’s supporters, which still seemed to be in the thousands, rallied elsewhere in Seoul, calling the impeachment attempt unconstitutional.
Impeaching Yoon required support from 200 of the National Assembly’s 300 members. The Democratic Party and five other small opposition parties, which filed the motion, have 192 seats combined. But only
three lawmakers from PPP participated in the vote. The motion was scrapped without ballot counting because the number of votes didn’t reach 200.
National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik called the result “very regrettable” and an embarrassing moment for the country’s democracy.
If Yoon is impeached, his powers will be suspended until the Constitutional Court decides whether to remove him from office. If he is removed, an election to replace him must take place within 60 days.
the president apologizes for turmoil
E A RLIER S aturday, Yoon issued an apology over the martial law decree, saying he won’t shirk legal or political responsibility for the declaration and promising not to make another attempt to impose it. He said would leave it to his party to chart a course through the country’s political turmoil, “including matters related to my term in office.”
“The declaration of this martial law was made out of my desperation. But in the course of its implementation, it caused anxiety and inconveniences to the public. I feel very sorry over that and truly apologize to the people who must have been shocked a lot,” Yoon said.
Since taking office in 2022, Yoon has struggled to push his agenda through an opposition-controlled parliament and grappled with low approval ratings amid scandals involving himself and his wife. In his martial law announcement on Tuesday night, Yoon called parliament a “den of criminals” bogging down state affairs and vowed to eliminate “shameless North Korea followers and anti-state forces.”
The declaration of martial law was the first of its kind in more than 40 years in South Korea. The turmoil has paralyzed South Korean politics and sparked alarm among key diplomatic partners like the US and Japan.
“Yoon’s credibility overseas has been undermined by declaring martial law, so he won’t be able to exercise leadership in his foreign policies especially when his days are numbered,” Kim, the analyst, said. “Its government bureaucracy will need to continue business as usual for existing alliance and foreign policy initiatives as best it can because there is a lot of important work to do globally.”
Tuesday night saw Special Forces troops encircling the parliament building and army helicopters hovering over it, but the military withdrew after the National Assembly unanimously voted to overturn the decree, forcing Yoon to lift it before daybreak Wednesday. Eighteen lawmakers from the ruling party voted to reject Yoon’s martial law decree along with opposition lawmakers. PPP later decided to oppose Yoon’s impeachment motion.
Yoon’s speech fueled speculation that he and his party may push for a constitutional amendment to shorten his term, instead of accepting impeachment, as a way to ease public anger over the marital law and facilitate Yoon’s early exit from office.
Lee told reporters that Yoon’s speech was “greatly disappointing” and that the only way forward is his immediate resignation or impeachment. His party called Yoon’s martial law “unconstitutional, illegal rebellion or coup.”
Lawmakers on Saturday first voted on a bill appointing a special prosecutor to investigate stock price manipulation allegations surrounding Yoon’s wife.
Yoon accused of ordering arrests of politicians
O N Friday, Han, who criticized Yoon’s m artial law declaration, said he had received intelligence that during the brief period of martial law Yoon ordered the country’s defense counterintelligence commander to arrest unspecified key politicians based on accusations of “anti-state activities.”
Hong Jang-won, first deputy director of South Korea’s spy agency, told lawmakers Friday that Yoon had ordered him to help the defense counterintelligence unit to detain key politicians including Han, Lee and Woo.
The Defense Ministry said Friday it suspended three military commanders including the head of the defense counterintelligence unit over their involvement in enforcing martial law.
China flexes military muscle near Taiwan amid rising tensions with President Lai’s Pacific visit
TAIPEI, Taiwan—China sent 14 warships, seven military aircraft and four balloons near Taiwan between Saturday and Sunday, according to Taiwan’s Defense Ministry, as Beijing ramps up pressure on the island it claims as its own.
China’s military activities come amid speculation Beijing might organize military drills around the island in response to Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te’s recent visit to Pacific allies, including US stops in Hawaii and Guam.
China claims Taiwan, a selfruled democracy of 23 million people, as its own territory, and bristles at other countries’ formal exchanges with Taiwan. The United States, like most countries, doesn’t recognize Taiwan as a country but is its main unofficial backer and sells it arms.
The Chinese government has pledged to annex Taiwan, through military force if necessary, and sends ships and military planes near the island almost daily.
The 14 warships, seven military planes and four balloons were reported over 24 hours between 6 a.m. on Saturday and 6 a.m. on Sunday, according to Taiwan’s Defense Ministry. The ministry said six of the aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, an unofficial
demarcation zone between Taiwan and China.
One of the balloons brushed over the island’s northern tip, according to the ministry.
Lai on Friday called on China to refrain from threats and said Beijing’s military exercises “will not be able to win the respect” of neighboring countries.
Lai’s first overseas trip since taking office in May included visits to the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu and Palau, three of the 12 countries that have diplomatic ties with Taiwan. The rest of the world, including the US, has official ties with China.
Lai’s stops in Hawaii and Guam—from where he had phone calls with US Congress leaders— angered China, which opposes US arms sales and military assistance to Taiwan.
There was widespread speculation China might organize war games around Taiwan in response to the visit, though it was unclear when they might start.
In October, China held drills around Taiwan involving a record one-day total of 153 aircraft, 14 navy vessels and 12 Chinese government ships in response to a Lai speech in which he rejected Beijing’s claims over Taiwan. Beijing has labeled Lai a separatist and refuses to speak to him. AP
South Korean prosecutors detain former defense chief over martial law imposition
By Hyung-Jin Kim & Kim Tong-Hyung
The Associated Press
Seoul South k ore a—South k ore an prosecutors on Sunday detained a former defense minister who allegedly recommended last week’s brief but stunning martial law imposition to President yo on Suk ye ol, making him the first figure detained over the case.
t h e development came a day after yo on avoided an opposition-led bid to impeach him in parliament, with most ruling party lawmakers boycotting a floor vote to prevent the two-thirds majority needed to suspend his presidential powers. t h e main opposition Democratic Party said it will prepare a new impeachment motion against yo on.
o n Sunday, ex-Defense Minister k im yo ng Hyun was taken into custody at a Seoul detention facility after undergoing an investigation by prosecutors, a law enforcement official said, requesting anonymity in line with privacy rules.
t h e official gave no further details. But South k o rean media reported that k i m voluntarily appeared at a Seoul prosecutors’ office, where he had his mobile phone confiscated and was detained. t h e reports said police searched k i m’s former office and residence on Sunday.
Repeated calls to Seoul prosecutors’ offices and police agency were unanswered.
Senior prosecutor Park Se-hyun said in a televised statement Sunday that authorities launched a 62-member special investigation team on the marital law case. Park, who will head the team, said the probe would “leave no suspicions.”
yo on accepted k i m’s resignation offer on t h ursday after opposition parties submitted a separate impeachment motion against him.
k m is a central figure in yo on’s martial law enforcement, which led to Special Forces troops encircling the n at ional a s sembly building and army helicopters hovering over it. t he military withdrew after the parliament unanimously voted to overturn yo on’s decree, forcing his Cabinet to lift it before daybreak Wednesday.
i n k i m’s impeachment motion document, the Democratic Party and other opposition parties accused him of proposing martial law to yo on. v ic e Defense Minister
k i m Seon Ho told parliament that k i m yo ng Hyun ordered the deployment of troops to the n at ional a s sembly.
t h e Democratic Party called yo on’s martial law imposition “unconstitutional, illegal rebellion or a coup.” i t ha s filed
complaints with police against at least nine people, including yo on and k im , over the alleged rebellion. i n a statement Wednesday, k i m said that “all troops who performed duties related to martial law were acting on my instructions, and all responsibility l ies with me.”
Prosecutor General Shim Woo Jung told reporters on t h ursday the prosecution plans to investigate the rebellion charges against yo on following complaints. While the president mostly has immunity from prosecution while in office, that does not extend to allegations of rebellion or treason.
t h e Defense Ministry said it has suspended three top military commanders over their alleged involvement in the martial law imposition. t h ey were among those facing the opposition-raised rebellion allegations.
o n S aturday, yo on issued an apology over the martial law decree, saying he won’t shirk legal or political responsibility for the declaration. He said he would leave it to his party to chart a course through the country’s political turmoil, “including matters related to my term in office.” Since taking office in 2022 for a single five-year term, yo on has struggled to push his agenda through an oppositioncontrolled parliament and grappled with low approval ratings amid scandals involving himself and his wife. i n his martial law announcement on tu esday night, yo on called parliament a “den of criminals” bogging down state affairs and vowed to eliminate “shameless n o rth k o rea followers and anti-state forces.” t h e declaration of martial law was the first of its kind in more than 40 years in South k o rea. t h e turmoil has sparked alarm among key diplomatic partners like the u S an d Japan.
t h e scrapping of yo on’s impeachment motion is expected to intensify protests calling for his ouster and deepen political chaos in South k o rea, with a survey suggesting a majority of South k o reans support the president’s impeachment. yo on’s martial law declaration drew criticism from the conservative ruling party, but it is determined to oppose yo on’s impeachment apparently because it fears losing the presidency to liberals.
Ruling People Power Party leader Han Dong-hun said Sunday the PPP will work with the government to determine yo on’s early and orderly exit from office in a way that minimizes confusion, but he didn’t say when that would happen. He also claimed yo on will not be involved in state affairs, including foreign policy.
Biden administration rushes to provide $1 billion more in military support to Ukraine before Trump takes office
By Tara Copp The Associated Press
SIMI VALLEY, Calif.—The United States will provide nearly $1 billion more in longer-term weapons support to Ukraine, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Saturday as the Biden administration rushes to spend all the congressionally approved money it has left to bolster Kyiv before President-elect Donald Trump takes office next month.
front lines. The US has provided Ukraine with more than $62 billion in military aid since Russia’s invasion in February 2022.
The baton will soon be passed,” Austin said. “Others will decide the course ahead. And I hope that they will build on the strength that we have forged over the past four years.”
Ukraine is facing an intensified onslaught by Russia, which is now using thousands of North Korean troops to augment its fight to take back the Kursk region. Moscow also has launched an intermediate-range ballistic missile and regularly strikes Kyiv’s civilian infrastructure.
suade Trump to maintain support f or Ukraine.
Trump, a longtime admirer of Russian President Vladimir Putin, has criticized US aid for Ukraine and called for bringing a quick end to the war, raising concerns in Ukraine about what terms may be laid out for any future negotiations.
Austin said he was “confident that President Reagan would have stood on the side of Ukraine, American security and human freedom.”
It was one of Austin’s last major speeches as President Joe Biden’s defense secretary and a cap to his more than 41 years serving as a soldier and general.
Austin said.
Austin and Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell, the longtime Republican leader, were honored at the conference for their lifetime of service, a nd they used the opportunity to press for the US to continue to build and support its alliances, a sharp contrast to Trump’s “America First “ policy.
Austin called the Ukraine Defense Contact Group “the most consequential global coalition since the t ime of President George H.W. Bush and Iraq’s 1990 invasion of Kuwait,” showing that “America and our friends have become the arsenal of Ukrainian democracy.”
The latest package will include more drones and munitions for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, or HIMARS, that the US has p rovided. While these weapons are critically needed now, they will be funded through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which p ays for longer-term systems to be put on contract. The weapon systems purchased are often intended to support Ukraine’s future military capabilities, not make an immediate difference on the battlefield.
With questions about whether Trump will maintain military support to Ukraine, the Biden administration has been trying to spend every dollar remaining from a massive f oreign aid bill passed earlier this year to put Ukraine in the strongest position possible.
T he $988 million package is on top of an additional $725 million in US military assistance, including counter-drone systems and HIMARS munitions, announced Monday that would be drawn from the Pentagon’s stockpiles to more quickly get to the
“This administration has made its choice. So has a bipartisan coalition in Congress. The next administration must make its own choice,” A ustin said in a speech at an annual gathering of national security offi -
cials, defense firms and lawmakers a t the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California. Trump had a hastily arranged meeting Saturday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and France’s Emmanuel Macron while in Paris for the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral. Macron and other European leaders are trying to per -
Trump takes bold pre-inauguration steps: Threats, tariffs, and global negotiations ahead of 2nd term
NBy Jill Colvin The Associated Press
e W Yo r K h e ’s making threats, traveling abroad and negotiating with world leaders.
Donald tr ump has more than a month and a half to go before he’s sworn in for a second term. But the r e publican presidentelect is already moving aggressively not just to fill his c a binet and outline policy goals, but also to achieve them.
tr ump has threatened to impose a 25% tariff on goods from c ana da and Mexico, prompting emergency calls and a visit from c ana da’s prime minister that resulted in what tr ump claimed were commitments from both u S a llies on new border security measures.
t he incoming president has warned there will be “A l l hell to PAY” if h am as does not release the hostages being held in Gaza before his inauguration on Jan. 20, 2025. And this weekend, tr ump returned to the global stage, joining a host of other foreign leaders for the reopening of the Notre Dame c at hedral five years after it was ravaged by a fire. t h ere, he was welcomed like a sitting dignitary, with a prime seat next to French President e mmanuel Macron.
Absent in Paris: lame duck President Joe Biden, who has largely disappeared from headlines, except when he issued a pardon of his son, h un ter, who was facing sentencing for gun crimes and tax evasion. First lady Jill Biden attended in his place.
“ i think you have seen more happen in the last two weeks than you’ve seen in the last four years. And we’re not even there yet,” tr ump said in an over-the-top boast at an awards ceremony t hu rsday night.
For all of tr ump’s bold talk, though, it is unclear how many of his efforts will bear fruit.
Breaking precedent t he p re-inauguration threats and dealmaking are highly unusual, like so much of what tr ump does, said Julian Zelizer, a political historian at Princeton u n iversity.
“ tr ansitions are always a little complicated in this way. e v en though we talk about one president at a time,” he said, “the reality is one president plus. And that plus can act assertively sometimes.” Zelizer said that is particularly true of tr ump, who was president previously and already has relationships with many foreign leaders such as Macron, who invited both tr ump and Biden to Paris this weekend as part of the Notre Dame celebration.
r ig ht now he’s sort of governing even though he’s not the president yet. h e ’s having these public meetings with foreign leaders, which aren’t simply introductions. h e’s
staking out policy and negotiating things from drug trafficking to tariffs,” Zelizer said.
Foreign leader meetings
t r u MP ha d already met with several foreign leaders before this weekend’s trip. h e hosted Argentinian President Javier Milei in Florida at his Mar-a- l a go club in November. After the tariff threat, c a nadian Prime Minister Justin tr udeau made a pilgrimage to Mar-a- l a go for a three-hour dinner meeting. c ana dian officials later said the country is ready to make new investments in border security, with plans for more helicopters, drones and law enforcement officers. i ncoming tr ump aides have also been meeting with their future foreign counterparts.
o n Wednesday, several members of tr ump’s team, including incoming national security adviser Mike Waltz, met with Andriy Yermak, a top aide to Zelenskyy, in Washington, as u kraine tries to win support for its ongoing efforts to defend itself from r u ssian invasion, according to a person familiar with the meeting. Yermak also met with tr ump officials in Florida, he wrote on X. t hat c omes after t r ump’s incoming Middle e a st envoy, Steve Witkoff, traveled to Qatar and i sr ael for high-level talks about a cease-fire and hostage deal in Gaza, according to a u S o fficial familiar with the efforts, meeting with the prime ministers of both countries. t h e official was not authorized to publicly discuss the matter and spoke on condition of anonymity.
One president, two voices t h ere is no prohibition on incoming officials or nominees meeting with foreign officials, and it is common and fine for them to do so—unless those meetings are designed to subvert or otherwise impact current u S p olicy.
tr ump aides were said to be especially cognizant of potential conflicts given their experience in 2016, when interactions be -
tween tr ump allies and r u ssian officials came under scrutiny. t hat ncluded a phone call in which tr ump’s incoming national security adviser, Michael Flynn, discussed new sanctions with r u ssia’s ambassador to the u n ited States, suggesting things would improve after tr ump became president. Flynn was later charged with lying to the FB i about the conversation.
tr ump’s incoming press secretary Karoline l e avitt said that “all transition officials have followed applicable laws in their interactions with foreign nationals.”
She added: “World leaders recognize that President tr ump is returning to power and will lead with strength to put the best interests of the u n ited States of America first again. t hat i s why many foreign leaders and officials have reached out to correspond with President tr ump and his incoming team.”
Such efforts can nonetheless cause complications.
i f, say, Biden is having productive conversations on a thorny foreign policy issue and tr ump weighs in, that could make it harder for Biden “because people are hearing two different voices” that may be in conflict, Zelizer said.
l e aders like r u ssia’s Vladimir Putin and Netanyahu may also anticipate a more favorable incoming administration and wait Biden out, hoping for a better deal.
coordination between incoming and outgoing administrations
Althou G h there is no requirement that an incoming administration coordinate calls and meetings with foreign officials with the State Department or National Security c o uncil, that has long been considered standard practice.
t hat i s, in part, because transition teams, particularly in their early days and weeks, do not always have the latest information about the state of relations with foreign nations and may not have the resources, including interpretation and logistical ability, to handle such meetings efficiently.
i t is unclear the level of State Department involvement, but the Biden and tr ump teams say they have been talking, particularly on the Middle e as t, with the incoming and outgoing administrations having agreed to work together on efforts to free hostages who remain held in Gaza, according to a u S official, who was not authorized to comment publicly about the sensitive talks and spoke on condition of anonymity.
t h at includes conversations between Witkoff and Biden’s foreign policy team as well as Waltz and Biden’s national security adviser Jake Sullivan.
l a st month, Biden administration officials said they had kept tr ump’s team closely apprised of efforts to broker a ceasefire deal
between i sr ael and h e zbollah on the i sr aell eb anon border.
i just want to be clear to all of our adversaries, they can’t play the incoming tr ump administration off of the Biden administration. i m regularly talking to the Biden people. And so, this is not a moment of opportunity or wedges for them,” Waltz said Friday in a Fox Business interview.
Sullivan echoed those comments at the r o nald r ea gan National Defense Forum Saturday.
i t ha s been professional. i t ha s been substantive. And frankly, it has been good,” he said of their coordination on national security issues. “ o b viously we don’t see eye to eye on every issue, and that’s no secret to anybody,” he went on.
But he said both teams believe “it is our job on behalf of the American people to make sure this is a smooth transition,” particularly given the seriousness of issues like the war in u kraine, conflicts in the Middle e a st and threats from c h ina.
“ t h e nature of the world we find ourselves in today only elevates our responsibility to be engaged, to talk regularly, to meet regularly, to be transparent, to share, and to make sure it’s an effective transition,” he said.
Taking credit already
t r u M P S team, meanwhile, is already claiming credit for everything from gains in the stock and cryptocurrency markets to a decision by Walmart to roll back diversity, equity and inclusion policies tr ump opposes.
“Promises Kept—And President tr ump h a sn’t e v en Been i na ugurated Yet,” read one press release that claimed, in part, that both c ana da and Mexico have already pledged “immediate action” to help “stem the flow of illegal immigration, human trafficking, and deadly drugs entering the u n ited States.”
Mexican President c l audia Sheinbaum has stopped short of saying tr ump mischaracterized their call in late November. But she said Friday that tr ump “has his own way of communicating, like when we had the phone call and he wrote that we were going to close the border. t hat w as never talked about in the phone call.”
e a rlier this week, Mexico carried out what it claimed was its largest seizure of fentanyl pills ever. Seizures over the summer had been as little as 50 grams per week, and after the tr ump call, they seized more than a ton.
Biden, too, tried to take credit for the seizure in a statement Friday night.
Associated Press writers Matthew Lee, Aamer Madhani, Colleen Long and Ellen Knickmeyer in Washington and Mark Stevenson in Mexico City contributed to this report.
U nder Austin’s watch, the Pentagon in 2022 launched a regular me eting that now counts more than 50 countries to figure out how to get the tens of millions of rounds of ammunition and billions of dollars in advanced weaponry to Ukraine. Without that flow of support, it’s possible the country would have fallen to Russia after it invaded.
“Together, we have helped Ukraine survive an all-out assault by the largest military in Europe,”
Before Saturday’s announcement, there was roughly $8 billion left to use to pull existing weapons out of US stockpiles and to put additional weapons on contract to help Ukraine.
“We’re not going to stop Putin by telling Ukraine we aren’t going to give you anything more,” Rep. Adam Smith of Washington state, the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, said at a panel at the Reagan National Defense Forum.
EU and South American trade bloc reach landmark trade deal after 25 years of talks
By Guillermo Garat & Isabel Debre The Associated Press
Mo N t e V i D eo u r uguay—t h e e u ropean u n ion reached a blockbuster free trade agreement Friday with Brazil, Argentina and the three other South American nations in the Mercosur trade alliance, capping a quarter-century of on-off negotiations even as France vowed to derail the contentious accord.
Provided it is ratified, the accord would create one of the world’s largest free trade zones, covering a market of 780 million people that represents nearly a quarter of global gross domestic product.
t he accord’s proponents in Brussels say it would save businesses some $4.26 billion in duties each year, slashing red tape and removing tariffs on products like i t alian wine, Argentine steak, Brazilian oranges and German Volkswagens.
i t s critics in France, the Netherlands and other countries with big dairy and beef industries say the pact would subject local farmers to unfair competition and cause environmental damage.
From u r uguay, the host of the Mercosur summit, e u ropean c o mmission President u r sula von der l e yen hailed the deal as a “truly historic milestone” at a time when global protectionism is on the rise.
“ i know that strong winds are blowing in the opposite direction, toward isolation and fragmentation, but this agreement is our clear response,” von der l e yen said, an apparent reference to u S P resident-elect Donald tr ump’s vows to protect American workers and goods.
u n der pressure from his country’s powerful and vocal farming lobby, French President e mmanuel Macron said Friday the deal remained “unacceptable” as it stands and stressed that governments have not yet seen “the final outcome” of negotiations.
“ t he agreement has neither been signed nor ratified. t h is is not the end of the story,” Macron’s office said, adding that France demands additional safeguards for farmers and commitments to sustainable development and health controls.
For France to block the deal, it would need the support of three or more other e u member states representing at least 35 percent of the bloc’s population.
t he French government, which has been rallying countries to oppose the pact, named Austria, Belgium, t aly, the Netherlands and Poland as other wary states that share French concerns about the deal. to t ake effect, the pact must also be
endorsed by the e u ropean Parliament.
i n remarks aimed at her “fellow e u ropeans,” and perhaps in particular French skeptics, von der l e yen promised the accord would boost 60,000 businesses through lower tariffs, streamlined customs procedures and preferential access to raw materials otherwise supplied by c h ina. t h is will create huge business opportunities,” von der l e yen said. She then turned to address e u ropean farmers who fear that an influx of cheap food imports will jeopardize their livelihoods. South American countries do not have to adhere to the same standards for animal treatment and pesticide use.
“We have heard you, listened to your concerns, and we are acting on them,” von der l e yen said.
o u trage over environmental rules, rising costs and unregulated imports has unleashed massive farmers’ protests across the continent over the past year.
l e aders on both sides of the Atlantic who long have pushed for the deal praised the announcement Friday, welcoming the results as a boon for export industries.
i t m arks the first major trade agreement for Mercosur, which is comprised of Argentina, Brazil, u r uguay, Paraguay and, newly, Bolivia. t h e bloc had previously only managed to conclude free-trade deals with e g ypt, sr ael and Singapore.
“An important obstacle to the agreement has been overcome,” said c han cellor o l af Scholz of Germany, where the nation’s vaunted car industry is poised to profit.
From Spain, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called the agreement “an unprecedented economic bridge.”
At the Mercosur summit in u r uguay’s capital of Montevideo, Brazil’s President l u iz i nacio l u la da Silva praised “a modern and balanced text which recognizes Mercosur’s environmental credentials.”
“We are securing new markets for our exports and strengthening investment flows,” he said.
t h e Brazilian tr ade and nvestment Promotion Agency said it expects the pact to boost the nation’s e u rope-bound exports by $7 billion.
l i bertarian President Javier Milei of Argentina described the accord as aligning with his free market principles. Argentines are excited about selling more beef and agricultural products in the eu DeBre reported from Buenos Aires, Argentina. Associated Press writers Mauricio Savarese in São Paulo, David Biller in Rio de Janeiro, Lorne cook in Brussels and Sylvie Corbet in Paris contributed to this report.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
French President emmanuel Macron, left, hugs President-elect Donald Trump as he arrives at the elysee Palace on saturday, December 7, 2024 in Paris. AP Photo/Aurelie N M oriS SA r D
Rebirth and resonance: Notre Dame Cathedral’s triumphant return to life amid winds of change
By Thomas Adamson & John Leicester The Associated Press
PARIS—Howling winds couldn’t stop Notre Dame Cathedral’s heart from beating again. With three resounding knocks on its doors by Paris Archbishop Laurent Ulrich, wielding a specially designed crosier carved from firescorched beams, the monument roared back to life Saturday evening. For the first time since a devastating blaze nearly destroyed it in 2019, the towering Gothic masterpiece reopened for worship, its rebirth marked by song, prayer, and awe beneath its soaring arches.
The ceremony, initially planned to begin on the forecourt, was moved entirely inside due to unusually fierce December winds sweeping across the Île de la Cité, flanked by the River Seine. Yet the occasion lost none of its splendor. Inside the luminous nave, choirs sang psalms, and the cathedral’s mighty organ, silent for
nearly five years, thundered to life in a triumphant interplay of melodies.
The restoration, a spectacular achievement in just five years for a structure that took nearly two centuries to build, is seen as a moment of triumph for French President Emmanuel Macron, who championed the ambitious time -
line—and a welcome respite from his domestic political woes. The evening’s celebration, attended by 1,500 dignitaries, including President-elect Donald Trump, US first lady Jill Biden, Britain’s Prince William, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, underscored Notre Dame’s enduring role as both a spiritual and cultural beacon. Observers see the event as Macron’s, and his intention to pivot it into a fully-fledged diplomatic gathering, while highlighting France’s ability to unite on the global stage despite internal political crises.
Dramatic three knocks and bell emmanuel
A S t he cathedral’s largest bell, the 13-ton Emmanuel—which was not named after the French leader— tolled into the Paris night, signaling the start of the ceremony, the crowd inside Notre Dame fell into an expectant hush. Emmanuel, a legacy of King Louis XIV, had rung through centuries of French history, and its peal now resonated as a call to witness another epochal moment.
Outside the cathedral’s monumental doors, Ulrich raised his fire-scarred crosier. “Brothers and sisters, let us enter now into Notre Dame,” he declared. “It is she who accompanies us on our path to peace.”
With the congregation of over 2,500 people watching in silence, Ulrich struck the floodlit doors, the base of his crosier reverberating against the wood. Inside, the choir answered with soaring hymns, their voices filling the nave. Illuminations on the cathedral facade heightened the drama. On the final strike, the heavy doors swung open, revealing the glowing interior of restored blond Lutetian limestone.
Adding to the ceremony’s visual splendor, Ulrich and the clergy wore vibrant liturgical garments designed by French fashion designer JeanCharles de Castelbajac. Known for his signature pop-art aesthetic, Castelbajac created 2,000 colorful pieces for 700 celebrants, blending modern elements with medieval touches.
Flooded with light and song, the cathedral came alive in a moment of breathtaking spectacle. What had been a silent, soot-blackened ruin five years ago now blazed with renewed vitality, marking the culmination of a nearly $1 billion global effort to resurrect it.
Macron’s political woes
S PE AKIN g i nside the cathedral, Macron expressed “gratitude” Saturday to those who saved, helped, and rebuilt Notre Dame, his voice reverberating through the nave.
“I stand before you ... to express the gratitude of the French nation,” he said, before voices flooded the space with song, harmonies not heard in over five years.
“Tonight, the bells of Notre Dame are ringing again. And in a moment, the organ will awaken,” sending the “music of hope” cascading through the luminous interior to Parisians, France, and the world beyond, he said.
The celebration is expected to give a much-needed boost to the embattled French leader, whose prime minister was ousted this week, plunging the nation’s politics into more turmoil.
Macron has called Notre Dame’s reopening “a jolt of hope.” Observers say he hoped the occasion would briefly silence his critics and showcase France’s unity and resilience under his leadership—a rare moment of grace in a presidency now facing a grave crisis.
Monumental feats of restoration
I N SIDE N otre Dame, 42,000 square meters of stonework—equivalent to six soccer pitches—gleamed anew, revealing intricate carvings and luminous limestone.
Above, 2,000 oak beams, nicknamed “the forest,” restored the cathedral’s iconic spire and roof.
The great organ, dormant for over five years, roared back to life like a slumbering giant. With its 7,952 pipes—ranging from pen-sized to torso-wide—and a renovated console featuring five keyboards, 115 stops, and 30 foot pedals, it responded to Archbishop Laurent Ulrich’s command: “Wake up, organ, sacred instrument.”
The first low rumble grew into a triumphant symphony as four organists pulled out the stops, weaving improvised responses to the archbishop’s invocations. Eight times, Ulrich addressed the organ; eight times, its voice filled the nave with breathtaking sound.
gu ests marveled at the spectacle, many capturing the moment on their phones. “It’s a sense of perfection,” said François Le Page of the Notre Dame Foundation, who last saw the cathedral cloaked in scaffolding in 2021. “It was somber then. Now, it’s night and day.”
The Rev. Andriy Morkvas, a Ukrainian priest who leads the Volodymyr Le gr and church in Paris, reflected on his first visit to Notre Dame in over a decade. “I didn’t recognize it,” he said. “ g o d is very powerful; He can change things.” He expressed hope that the cathedral’s revival could inspire peace in his homeland, drawing strength from the presence of Ukraine’s president. “I think that will have a
big impact,” he said. “I hope Notre Dame and Mary will help us resolve this conflict.”
The reopening of Notre Dame comes at a time of profound global unrest, with wars raging in Ukraine and the Middle East.
For Catholics, Notre Dame’s rector said the cathedral “carries the enveloping presence of the Virgin Mary, a maternal and embracing presence.”
“It is a magnificent symbol of unity,” Olivier Ribadeau Dumas said. “Notre Dame is not just a French monument—it is a magnificent sign of hope.”
The international range of dignitaries coming to Paris underlines the cathedral’s significance as a symbol of shared heritage and peace.
Canadian visitor Noelle Alexandria, who had traveled to Paris for the reopening, was struck by the cathedral’s ability to inspire. “She’s been nearly ruined before, but she always comes back,” Alexandria said. “Not many of us could say the same after such tragedy, but Notre Dame can.” historical details enrich the occasion gUESTS entered through Notre Dame’s iconic western façade, whose arched portals adorned with biblical carvings were once a visual guide for medieval believers.
Above the central Portal of the Last Judgment, the Archangel Michael is depicted weighing souls, as demons attempt to tip the scales. These stone figures, designed to inspire both awe and fear, set the stage for a ceremony steeped in history.
Inside, the hum of hundreds of guests awaiting the service filled the cathedral with human sounds once more — a stark contrast to the construction din that echoed there for years. Tuners restoring the great organ often worked through the night to find the silence needed to perfect its 7,952 pipes, ranging from pen-sized to torso-wide.
Notre Dame echoed to the sound of a sustained standing ovation after the showing of a short movie that documented the gargantuan rebuilding effort. Outside, the word “MERCI”—thank you—was projected against the cathedral’s iconic western facade. The movie showed the terrible wounds left by the inferno—the gaping holes torn into its vaulted ceilings and the burned roof.
But that was followed by images of all types of artisans, many using traditional handicraft techniques, who collectively restored Notre Dame to look better now than ever. “We went from night to light,” said one of the workers in the movie. Security is tight for this global event S ECURITY w ill be high through the weekend, echoing measures taken during the Paris Olympics earlier this year.
The Île de la Cité—the small island in the River Seine that is home to Notre Dame and the historic heart of Paris—is closed to tourists and non-residents. Police vans and barriers blocked cobblestoned streets in a large perimeter around the island, while soldiers in thick body armor and sniffer dogs patrolled embankments. A special security detail is following Trump. Public viewing areas along the Seine’s southern bank will accommodate 40,000 spectators, who can follow the celebrations on large screens.
For many, Notre Dame’s rebirth is not just a French achievement but a global one—after the reopening, the cathedral is set to welcome 15 million visitors annually, up from 12 million before the fire. Sylvie Corbet, Yesica Brumec, Marine Lesprit and Mark Carlson in Paris contributed.
French President emmanuel Macron, left, speaks in notre Dame c athedral as France’s iconic cathedral is formally reopening its doors for the first time since a devastating fire nearly destroyed the 861-year-old landmark in 2019 on Saturday, December 7, 2024, in Paris. Ludovic Marin,
Editor: Jennifer A. Ng
‘Agri policy tweaks to bolster PHL food security’
By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM
GREATER government support through the amendments to the Agricultural Tariffication Act of 1996 will allow planters to increase the nation’s rice output, Senate President Chiz Escudero said on Sunday.
Senate Bill (SB) 2779 embodying the changes will be signed into law on December 9 by President Ferdinand Marcos. Escudero said the country’s rice farmers will receive greater support through the provision of farm machinery and equipment, free distribution of
high quality inbred certified seeds, and other interventions.
The law extends the life of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF), which is sourced from the tariffs collected from the importation of rice, until 2031.
It also authorizes an increase in the annual allocation to the RCEF, from the current P10 billion to P30 billion until the year 2031.
“We must boost the support for our farmers so we can meet the goal of increasing rice yield and lower prices of rice for our people. Rice is important to every Filipino, and this is why the Senate moved to ensure these goals are met,” said Escudero.
Under the new law, a buffer stock of rice will be maintained, equivalent to 30 days at any given time, to sustain disaster relief programs of the government during natural or man-made calamities and to address food security emergency situations on rice.
The Department of Agriculture, through the Bureau of Plant Industry, will be strengthened to conduct a stronger inspection and
monitoring of warehouses and agricultural facilities as part of the goal to ensure a stable supply of rice in the market, as well as
Zambales local govt unveils pioneering project for mango sector
By Henry Empeño
IBA , Zambales—The provincial government of Zambales has launched the Zambales Green Mango Valley Project, a P50-million four-year pioneering program to promote, expand and sustain the production of Zambales’s highly popular carabao or “Dinamulag” mango, regarded as one of the sweetest in the world.
Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. said the provincial government granted late last month an initial P6.46 million to the Samahang Magmamangga ng Zambales (SMZ) to establish modern mango production areas to showcase new production technology for wider promotion and adoption by local mango growers. The pilot farms under Phase 1 of the project, Ebdane said, will be at the 31.6-hectare Batungbacal Farm in Palauig town and the government-owned Sitio Buen farm in Botolan. A third site, the 24-hectare Alma’s Farm in Iba, will be part of the project, but will be funded privately, the governor said.
For Phase 2, the Zambales provincial government, led by the Provincial Agricultural Office, will undertake the rehabilitation and rejuvenation of existing mango trees in the province starting next year at a cost of P40 million.
Under Phase 3, mango nurseries will be established in the towns of Santa Cruz, Botolan, and San Marcelino at a cost of P3.17 million.
“This is the first comprehensive effort to modernize and revitalize what has always been Zambales’ pride, the Dinamulag mango,” Ebdane said in a statement on Friday. He said the Zambales Green Mango Valley Project will expand mango production areas, increase yield per hectare, and strengthen the mango value chain to further develop and sustain the mango industry. It will include integrated crop management, technological and environmental sustainability inputs, and marketing support to help local mango growers and traders become more competitive, he added.
Arnel Abayan, supervising agriculturist at the Zambales Pro -
vincial Agriculture Office, said the project will actively promote and expand the cultivation of the “Sweet Elena” strain of the Zambales carabao mango variety, which originated in Santa Cruz, the northernmost town here.
This strain made it to the Guinness Book of Records in 1995 as the world’s sweetest and is most sought after because of its superior sweetness, size, soluble solids, edibility of flesh, as well as physical appearance.
Abayan said recent records placed provincial mango production at only 17,975.31 metric tons from 396,181 trees in a total area of 7,558 hectares, or an average yield of only 2.378 tons per hectare, which is way below the national average of 12 tons per hectare. The project, he said, aims to reach or even surpass the national average yield.
According to the project design, the P6.46 million for Phase 1 will be spent for land clearing, flower induction, chemical application, fruit bagging, irrigation and fertilization, as well as security and
Iloilo to get more govt funds for rice cultivation
THE Department of Agriculture (DA) gave its go-ahead for an additional allocation of P82.5 million for rice production in Iloilo, one of the country’s major rice-producing provinces.
“We continue to look for extra funds to help our rice farmers produce more to increase their income and help the country bolster food security,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said.
“The Marcos administration is fully committed to helping millions of Filipinos who depend on agriculture reap the benefits of their hard work.”
The agency said this funding will allow its Region 6 office to prop up hybrid rice production
for an additional 16,500 hectares. The move will increase the area planted with rice by over 50 percent from the previous target of 30,000 hectares for the dry season.
Western Visayas, which consists of the provinces of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Iloilo, Guimaras, and Negros Occidental, has 322,000 hectares of rice fields and contributes 14 percent to national production.
However, the DA noted that its average yield of 3.4 metric tons (MT) per hectare in 2023 is below the national average of 4.2 MT. It added that this yield could be improved through higher-yield potential varieties, ensured irriga -
tion, proper nutrition and cultural management practices, among other interventions.
“Weather permitting, the additional hectarage that will be planted with hybrid varieties should increase our rice harvest during this dry season,” Region
6 Executive Director Dennis Arpia said.
He noted that while hybrid seeds can yield up to 10 MT per hectare under ideal conditions, the regional office would be satisfied with 5 MT per hectare, considering the unpredictable weather in the region.
“If rains come during the flowering stage, they could significantly impact yields.”
Group: Bfar must release data on vessel tracking devices
ENVIRONMENT group Oceana urged the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (Bfar) to release data on vessel tracking devices.
Oceana, an international marine protection organization, called on the Department of Agriculture (DA) to compel Bfar to release the vessel monitoring measures (VMM) data to “effectively enforce the laws that would address illegal fishing, overfishing, and resource depletion.”
“Transparency for this data and effective collaboration with other law enforcement agencies and stakeholders are indispensable if we must address persistent overfishing
and illegal fishing which are causing the decline of fish population,” Oceana Vice President Gloria Estenzo Ramos said.
“This can be achieved by the Bfar, (which) is in possession of these data, to share access to monitoring, control and surveillance mechanisms, such as VMM/ VMS for other enforcement agencies...to immediately respond to violations when these are being committed.”
Citing data from Karagatan Patrol, Oceana noted that fishing vessels inside municipal waters rose to 28,822 as of November from 26,295 in 2022. The group, together with the League of
Municipalities of the Philippines, launched Karagatan Patrol in 2019 as an online platform.
The initiative is set to provide the government and law enforcement agencies with leads of commercial fishing vessels located inside municipal waters based on the night lights detected by Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) technology.
Under the Fisheries Code, small-scale fishermen have exclusive fishing rights in coastal waters 15 kilometers from the coastline.
Oceana said it inquired from Bfar about
harvesting at the demo farms.
For Phase 2, a total of P40 million will be used for pruning some 20,800 mango trees in the province from 2025 to 2028 at a cost of P1,013.22 per tree. This is expected to increase production by 50 to 60 percent of the yield per tree, which was previously recorded at 42 kilos.
Phase 3, meanwhile, which will establish mango nurseries, will cost P3.17 million. This is designed to ensure a consistent supply of high-quality seedlings, accelerate the farm expansion process, increase current production levels to meet increasing demand, and strengthen Zambales’s mango value chain by providing a stable and continuous supply of raw materials for processing industries.
Ebdane said the local mango industry has declined over the years because of pests, bad weather, poor management, and antiquated production technology. “But this time we will turn things around for the industry and for our growers and traders.”
The agency said some areas in Western Visayas have started planting for the dry season, while others are still completing their harvest, which was delayed by the El Niño weather phenomenon.
The DA had said the series of storms that struck the country could further shrink paddy rice output by the end of the year.
Laurel said the agency now expects palay production to settle at 19.3 million metric tons (MMT) by yearend, lower than its forecast of 19.41 MMT.
The agency earlier said the Philippines may end 2024 with a palay output of 19.41 MMT, lower than the record 20.06 MMT the country produced last year. This projected figure is equivalent to 12.69 MMT of milled rice. Ada Pelonia
the status of the implementation of VMM rules or FAO 266 including the list of fishing vessels apprehended or those that have violated fisheries laws and regulations.
The group noted that Bfar said 90 percent of commercial fishing vessels have installed transponders. However, the group claimed that the agency refused to release the list of commercial fishing vessels that have violated fisheries laws.
Oceana, in its position paper, said the disclosure of this information to the other enforcement agencies would aid in abating and deterring continuous illegal encroachment. The group cited Bfar’s mandate on the sharing of information to improve monitoring, control, and surveillance on fisheries. Ada Pelonia
unnecessarily due to smuggling or hoarding. This has long been a problem in the country that should be addressed immediately.”
The new law also empowers the Secretary of Agriculture to respond better to a declaration of rice food shortage or an extraordinary increase in rice prices.
During periods marked by an extraordinary increase in the prices of rice, the Secretary of Agriculture is authorized to designate importing entities, with the exception of the National Food Authority, to import rice to augment the supply of rice and stabilize prices.
quality control of rice being sold to consumers.
“We want to avoid a situation where the price of rice shoots up
SB 2779 was sponsored by Senator Cynthia Villar as chair of the Committee on Agriculture, Food and Agrarian Reform. It is a consolidation of the bills filed by Senators Imee Marcos, Robin Padilla, and Villar.
A farming project in South Africa is helping deaf people build skills and find jobs
AT the Westonaria agricultural park near Bekkersdal, east of Johannesburg, farm workers are busy tilling the soil and planting tomatoes and lettuce. Despite the hive of activity, there is silence around the park.
Most people here are deaf and communicate using sign language.
They are members of the Voiceout Deaf farming collective, started by entrepreneur Matebogo Victoria, to create a platform where deaf people can develop their skills in agriculture and find sustainable work.
Victoria, who has a hearing disability herself, understood perfectly the challenges faced by deaf people when competing for opportunities with their counterparts who do not face the same challenge.
While studying at the Tshwane University of Technology in the country’s capital, Pretoria, Victoria had to attend classes with a hearing partner, as the university could not make the lectures accessible for her.
It is an all-too-common challenge for deaf people, according to Victoria.
“The government does not have facilities for communication (for deaf people). A lot of deaf people did not finish school. They cannot afford to travel far to reach schools, so normally they decide to leave school early,” said Victoria.
Across South Africa, there are 44 schools for the deaf, offering sign language as a subject and using it as a medium of instruction.
Most are based far from where the students live, which sometimes leads to them dropping out of school as families struggle to afford the transportation costs.
Victoria, who used to work for Standard Bank, decided to leave her corporate job and start Voiceout as a way of allowing deaf people to gain agricultural skills.
“I make things simple for them, it is like a family when they are here. They become very much happy when they are here but when they go outside of this space, it becomes difficult for them,” she said.
For Sibongile Maake, the opportunity to learn agriculture in a space where coworkers can easily communicate with her in sign language was transformational. It has also afforded her an opportunity to earn a living and rely less on the welfare disability grants that are paid out by the government.
“I’m happy working here, it’s (a) pleasure working here in the farm. I’m working slowly but surely and I am learning while also getting a salary. I can do things for myself, I can afford myself,” said Maake.
Another worker, who said in sign language his name was John, said the challenges of communication reduced his chances of getting a job but the Voiceout Deaf project became a lifeline for him.
“Communication is always a barrier, so coming here at the farm is very much better because they are able to communicate in my own language so it makes life much easier for me,” said John.
He and other workers are responsible for various activities at the farm including cleaning, ploughing, planting and harvesting the produce. The demand for their vegetables was so great that Voiceout Deaf has taken on two other farms, where John and his colleagues also work.
The project is breaking even: the farms currently supply some of the local supermarkets and chain stores with fresh produce.
In other South African provinces like Limpopo and North West, provincial governments are looking at farming as a source of training and employment for disabled people.
The farming sector is emerging as a solace for those with disabilities who also face the dire levels of unemployment in Africa’s most developed economy.
As she goes around giving instructions monitoring activities on the farm, which consists of 10 greenhouses, Victoria laments how difficult it often is for people using sign language to understand the jargon of developed industries.
The Pan South African Language Board is responsible for setting the country’s standards for sign language. A constitutionally mandated body responsible for promoting the development and use of South African languages, it recently scored a victory by having Parliament approve sign language as South Africa’s 12th official language.
However, the board sometimes struggles to keep up with fast-evolving business language, Victoria says.
“The difficulty is that sign language has not developed to an extent that it covers technical jargon used in various sectors. It is the same in agriculture. There are certain technical words used that are there in spoken language but not in sign language,” she explains.
But beyond changing official attitudes, Victoria wants to inspire change in the farmers themselves.
“We need them (the deaf farmers) to think out of the box about agriculture. They need to be empowered to understand that agriculture is involved in the production of other products like toothpastes, perfumes, medicines. This is where we have to improvise and find ways to communicate with them in the simplest way possible,” said Victoria. The Associated Press
THIS BusinessMirror file photo shows farmers harvesting rice in La Union.
Manny Pacquiao: A legacy enshrined in the Hall of Fame editorial
IN the world of boxing, where legends are forged in the ring and records are shattered with every punch, few names resonate as powerfully as Manny Pacquiao. The recent announcement of his election to the International Boxing Hall of Fame marks not just a personal milestone for our “Pambansang Kamao” but a profound moment in the history of the sport itself. With a record that includes victories across eight different weight classes and a staggering 12 major world titles, Pacquiao’s journey from a 106-pound debutant to an eight-division champion is a tale of determination, skill, and an unyielding spirit. (Read the BusinessMirror story: “Manny Pacquiao named to Hall of Fame,” December 6, 2024).
Pacquiao achieved his octuple champion status on November 13, 2010, with a unanimous decision victory over Antonio Margarito for the WBC super welterweight title. This moment was not merely a victory; it was a statement. In a sport often dominated by heavier fighters, Pacquiao’s ability to compete—and triumph—against naturally bigger opponents showcased his exceptional speed and power. His legacy is marked by iconic bouts against legendary rivals, including Oscar De La Hoya and Miguel Cotto, where he consistently defied expectations and left an indelible mark on the sport.
His election to the Hall of Fame, set for June 8, 2025, comes in Pacquiao’s first year of eligibility—a testament to the impact he made during his illustrious career. With a professional record of 62 wins, 8 losses, and 2 draws, along with 39 knockouts, his achievements have rightfully earned him a place among the sport’s greats. The honor resonates deeply, not just for Pacquiao but for the entire nation, as he becomes the fourth Filipino inducted, joining Flash Elorde, Pancho Villa and Lope “Papa” Sarreal.
The selection process that led to his enshrinement involved the votes of the Boxing Writers Association of America and a panel of international historians, underscoring the weight of his accomplishments.
As we look ahead to his induction, it is important to reflect not only on the titles and accolades but also on the legacy of sportsmanship and inspiration that Pacquiao embodies. His ascent to fame has illuminated the path for many aspiring athletes, proving that with hard work and dedication, even the seemingly impossible can be achieved.
Time magazine Asia’s November 16, 2009 issue featured Pacquiao on its cover. A five-page article highlighted the PacMan’s charisma, intelligence, and compelling life story, arguing that he could revitalize boxing, a sport struggling with its pay-per-view model. The article noted Pacquiao’s appeal to global brands like Nike and portrayed him as a modern-day hero, drawing parallels to legendary figures from Greek and Roman mythology, who left their homelands to achieve greatness and return with wealth for their loved ones.
Manny Pacquiao’s enshrinement in the International Boxing Hall of Fame is a celebration of a life lived in pursuit of excellence. It honors his contributions to boxing and his unwavering commitment to his country. As he takes his place among the legends of the sport, fans and fellow athletes alike will remember not just the titles he won, but the unyielding spirit he brought to every match—a spirit that will inspire future generations of fighters.
BusinessMirror
Justice and rights in a tech-driven world
TRISING SUN
He first-ever Digital Rights Summit, titled “Unplugged: Digital Justice Beyond the Screen,” was held at UP Diliman on December 7, 2024. Organized by the Philippine Digital Justice Network and the Computer Professionals’ Union, and co-sponsored by the College of Science at UP Diliman, the summit aimed to address pressing issues surrounding digital rights and justice in today’s increasingly digital landscape. It brought together advocates, experts, stakeholders, and community members to discuss the implications of technology on society and explore ways to ensure that digital rights are upheld for all individuals.
As the world becomes more digital, the need to define and protect our digital rights is more important and urgent than ever. Rapid technological developments have transformed how we live, communicate, and conduct business, making it essential to establish clear guidelines that safeguard our digital rights.
Digital rights encompass several fundamental freedoms that are crucial for a just and equitable society. These include the freedom to express opinions, the right to communicate freely, and the right to privacy and security. Additionally, individuals should have the right to hold decent
jobs and maintain a reasonable standard of living, as well as have control over the technology they use. When these rights are upheld, individuals gain greater empowerment, and the digital landscape becomes more inclusive.
AI technologies are currently being used across various sectors to enhance processes and decision-making. However, questions about control over their development and application continue to arise. The integration of AI into a company’s operations may lead to potential job losses, emphasizing the need for vigilance in carefully managing AI technologies.
Digital rights encompass several fundamental freedoms that are crucial for a just and equitable society. These include the freedom to express opinions, the right to communicate freely, and the right to privacy and security. Additionally, individuals should have the right to hold decent jobs and maintain a reasonable standard of living, as well as have control over the technology they use. When these rights are upheld, individuals gain greater empowerment, and the digital landscape becomes more inclusive.
During the summit, key discussions included the concept of “AI for the people,” which refers to leveraging artificial intelligence technologies in ways that benefit society as a whole, particularly through platforms like social media and AI-driven services such as Meta. However, this concept raises important questions regarding accessibility and inclusivity, especially for marginalized groups such as persons with disabilities (PWDs), indigenous peoples (IPs), and individuals who may not be technologically savvy. Therefore, it is crucial to define “the people” in this context by consider-
ing various demographics and their unique challenges related to technology access and understanding. To realize “AI for the people,” it is essential for AI engineers to not only understand the capabilities of the technology but also educate consumers about its applications. Businesses should emphasize human oversight over AI, reinforcing that it is a tool designed to enhance human efforts rather than replace them. This necessitates active engagement from users and the community and a commitment to maintaining human dignity in labor. Additionally, there is a pressing need for audits of AI firms to ensure compliance with legal standards, regulations, and policies that protect users while promoting equitable access to AI technologies.
Ultimately, embracing a peoplecentered approach to AI can lead to significant advancements in social equity and empowerment. By prioritizing inclusivity and accessibility in the development and application of AI technologies, we can work towards a digital landscape that effectively serves all individuals. This requires ongoing dialogue among stakeholders—including policymakers, technology developers, and community members—to ensure that the benefits of AI are shared broadly and that no one is left behind in the digital transformation.
Troubling signs in the current Russia-Ukraine conflict
HeR e are troubling signs in the current Russia-Ukraine conflict that need to be addressed lest the world suffer a nuclear winter that will prove catastrophic. And perhaps it is time to tune in to what has been described as a Christmas Truce in the First World War that claimed 15 million lives.
After all, Christmas songs now waft through the air and it is in this context that the world has to listen up to what is at stake and perhaps take a pause in the current conflict, understand fully its origins, and look at possibilities for peace, possibly the silencing of the guns during that Christmas Eve in 1914 when the British and German forces met at “No man’s land.”
This column earlier flagged the consequences for the West’s stubborn refusal to see the current conflict: Russia only wanted to take out
the existential threat that NATO is posturing for. And it is time for the West to take to heart Russia’s lowering of the threshold for the use of nuclear weapons. https://businessmirror.com.ph/2024/11/20/usmoves-on-ukraine-nato-may-triggernuclear-war/ Three days ago, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told journalist Tucker Carlson that his country is prepared to use other weapons at its arsenal to deliver to the West its message and it is in this light that we cite the Christmas Truce as a possible
Lavrov had warned in that interview that the use of its Oreshnik hypersonic missile last month is a clear message that Moscow is ready to use any means to ensure no “strategic defeat” would be inflicted on Moscow. This column had similarly posed this, citing the lowering of the threshold for the nuclear use protocol.
option for a pause in the ongoing conflict, determine the “why” of the conflict and let NATO see the folly of continuing its existential threat against Russia.
Lavrov had warned in that interview that the use of its Oreshnik hypersonic missile last month is a clear message that Moscow is ready to use any means to ensure no “strategic defeat” would be inflicted on Moscow.
This column had similarly posed this, citing the lowering of the threshold for the nuclear use protocol.
Lavrov’s words are not idle threats; they are an urgent message.
The recent use of the Oreshnik hypersonic missile, for instance, was a
clear demonstration that Moscow is prepared to utilize its entire arsenal to defend its core interests.
In this context, there is a need to understand how the Ukrainians are viewing the current conflict. Many are going out of the country to escape being drafted into military service. According to Top War website, every day 6,000 men of military age leave the territory of Ukraine and this was validated by Igor Matviychuk, Western Regional Directorate of the State Border Service.
The Top War website cited a Ukrainian border guard noting “the largest number of men leaving the country present certificates of unfitness for military service due to health conditions. Some have women’s passports and are considered to have undergone gender reassignment, although in reality they have not undergone surgery.”
It is understandable for Ukrainian men to refuse to be turned into “cannon fodder” which raises the rapid depletion of the country’s gene pool and its extinction with Kiev’s background of a series of defeats and
Atty. Jose Ferdinand M. Rojas II
Cabangon
Tech-driven government environmental sustainability efforts
TCast the first stone
Joel L. Tan-Torres
DEBIT CREDIT
Part five
he National Internal Revenue Code and relevant Revenue Regulations in the Philippines provide several fiscal incentives aimed at promoting environmental sustainability practices and the use of renewable energy and sustainable practices. The Renewable energy Act of 2008 (Republic Act 9513) legislated several tax incentives provisions. It requires Renewable energy (Re) developers to secure certifications from the Department of energy (DOe) and register with the Board of Investments (BOI) to avail themselves of these benefits. The BIR is tasked with the implementation and monitoring of the tax incentives measures provided for in the law.
Revenue Regulation (RR) No. 7-2022 provides the guidelines for availing incentives under RA 9513. These provisions align with the Philippines’ commitment to promoting environmental sustainability initiatives, fostering renewable energy investments and reducing carbon emissions.
The RR 7-2022 provides implementing guidelines for availing of tax incentives under RA 9513. The regulations apply to RE developers, manufacturers, fabricators, and suppliers of locally produced RE equipment. The RR was issued on June 30,2022.
The tax incentive measures include:
1. Income Tax Holiday (ITH) where RE developers are entitled to a 7-year ITH starting from commercial operations. After this period, a reduced corporate income tax rate of 10 percent applies to net taxable income
2. Zero Percent Value-Added Tax (VAT) that provides that sales of power or fuel from renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, and hydropower, are zero-rated for VAT purposes. Furthermore, RE developers can claim zero-rated VAT on purchases of equipment, materials, and services necessary for project development and operations
3. Duty-Free Importation: on RE equipment, machinery, and materials certified by the DOE as exempt from import duties.
4. Accelerated Depreciation on machinery and equipment for Projects that do not avail of the ITH with depreciation rates up to twice the normal depreciation rate.
5. Real Property Tax Cap on RE machinery and equipment set at 1.5 percent of their original cost less depreciation
6. Tax Credit for Domestic Purchases equivalent to VAT and duties that would have been paid for imported equipment is granted for locally purchased RE machinery and equipment.
7. Exemption from taxes on transactions of Carbon Credits where proceeds from the sale of car-
critical losses. There is now a mobilization call for 19-year-olds and even women. And yet, the Kiev elite continues its flawed policy on the ongoing conflict unmindful of its serious effects on Ukraine. In the face of the imminent depopulation, there have been pragmatic calls from Ukrainian politicians for saving the population.
Dmytro Razumkov, former speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine opposed the drafting of women, which raises the specter of the serious decimation of the Ukraine gene pool that will have disastrous economic consequences for the country such as the depletion of pension funds for upcoming retirees.
The BIR should be commended for their efforts in contributing to the growth of the renewable energy sector while protecting tax revenues from abuse or misapplication of tax incentive measures.
bon emission credits earned by RE projects are exempt from all taxes
8. Net operating loss carryover of the RE Developer during the first three years from the start of commercial operation shall be carried over as a deduction from gross income for the next seven consecutive taxable years immediately following the year of such loss.
For manufacturers, fabricators, and suppliers of locally produced RE equipment and components duly recognized and accredited by the DOE and upon registration with the BOI, shall be entitled to income tax and VAT exempt privileges on their sale of RE equipment to RE Developers.
For taxpayers engaged in the plantation of crops and trees used as Biomass Resources shall be exempt from payment of VAT on all types of agricultural inputs, equipment, and machinery within l0 years from the effectivity of the law.
The BIR performs a pivotal role in the implementation of the tax incentives provisions of RA 9513. Its effective administration of these incentives result in beneficial outcomes to the environmental sustainability players. The BIR should be commended for their efforts in contributing to the growth of the renewable energy sector while protecting tax revenues from abuse or misapplication of tax incentive measures.
Joel L. Tan-Torres was a former Commissioner of the Bureau of Internal Revenue. He has also held the various positions of Dean of the University of the Philippines Virata School of Business, Chairman of the Professional Regulatory Board of Accountancy, Tax partner of Reyes Tacandong & Co. and the SyCip Gorres and Velayo & Co., and director of various corporate boards. He is a Certified Public Accountant who garnered No. 1 in the CPA Board Examination of May 1979. He is now back to his tax and consultancy practice and can be contacted at joel@ onecfo.com and his firm JL2T Consulting.
The air is thick with Christmas carols, a season meant to inspire reflection, hope, and peace. Yet, amid the festive songs, we must tune our ears to the grim reality unfolding in Ukraine. In this context, the world cannot afford to turn a blind eye to what’s at stake.
It is in this light that there is a need for a pause in the conflict similar to the Christmas Truce in the First World War, and from that ensure a cessation of hostilities with the perspective on the issue of the existential threat that NATO poses. In today’s serious times, it is crucial for the world to rely on skillful statecraft to steer nations, rather than on frivolous antics that offer momentary amusement but could ultimately result in catastrophic consequences like a nuclear winter.
Siegfred Bueno Mison, Esq.
THE PATRIOT
INeveR knew of actors Anthony Jennings and Maris Racal until social media revealed their tale of love, hate, betrayal, and revenge.
The sword of disgrace have fallen on these on-screen lovers after Jennings’ ex-girlfriend (Jam villanueva) publicly exposed the love team’s private phone conversations and photos via the (in)famous interactive technologies among virtual communities and networks.
The re-posting of Villanueva’s IG content by netizens and “Maritesses” apparently pressed the wounds even further. Word has it that endorsements for the actors started to melt away, as the actress tearfully explained her side on television. The scorned ex-girlfriend was likewise in tears, ostensibly.
Perhaps equally as viral as the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte, the love triangle was a palpable feast for netizens and rumormongers. And there is no way of controlling, much less influencing the opinions and judgment of people from all walks of life on this banquet of a scandal. I, too, have slowly formed a humble estimation on the topic as it was even discussed or debated, with levity of course, during a lunch meeting after a much more important Board meeting! After all, disdain for any alleged cheater flows endlessly like a waterfall. As empathy poured for the spurned ex-girlfriend, a few observers wrote that she should have first consulted a lawyer before taking out the dirty laundry in public. One privacy advocate said that the unauthorized posting of private chats online can lead to criminal charges, meriting imprisonment, fines and damages under Republic Act 10173 or Data Privacy Act of 2012. Another privacy law practitioner, however, said that such personal information may not fall within the ambit of the proscription against the unauthorized disclosure since information between lovers are not covered. Either way, the sharing of information was clearly made without the consent of the data subjects—Jennings and Racal—and must have been
done out of sheer anger and pain!
“Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned” was clearly exemplified in this relationship. To evidently exact revenge against her erstwhile disloyal boyfriend and the alleged usurper/other woman, Villanueva threw caution to the wind. Choosing between the shame, pain, and anger and the hammer of legal procedure, Villanueva chose the former.
Their story is not the first news of betrayal since, not too long ago, a prosecutor was likewise embroiled in a scandal unmasked by no less than his wife. Shared online, the scandalous video practically made everyone fixed their condemnatory eyes on and demonstrated their pejorative mouths against the cheating husband-prosecutor. His career took a downward turn; he was out of work for months on end. A few decades ago, the same betrayal and shame scenario exemplified the lives of Dr. Hayden Kho, Dr. Vicky Belo and actresses Maricar Reyes and Katrina Halili. The duplicitous Kho’s intimate videos, which went viral even before the popularity of social media, shocked the senses of those who saw them. And so, it seems so effortless for some of us to assess, criticize or condemn cheaters and victims alike. The judgmentallawyer-in-courtroom-mode in me thinks that part of Racal’s televised narrative of her side in the story was just an act, in a vain attempt at salvaging her career and endorsements. As can be gleaned from a portion of her text messages with Jennings (“let’s not force the issue. Right timing will come”), she had to know all along that Jennings was still in a relationship with another. The same
The Racal-Jennings-Villanueva scandalous story of shame and betrayal continues to unfold. If I were to be asked for advice by any of these involved parties, not legal but practical, I would encourage them to turn to our Almighty God. For all the shame and betrayal, surrender to Him!
sentiment can be had of Maricar Reyes and Katrina Halili who had to be aware at that time that Hayden Kho was romantically affiliated with Vicky Belo.
The gracious Christian in me, however, says that we should give all parties, whether offenders or the offended, a chance to learn from lessons from this tragic experience. One of them has become a much better person, as Reyes gradually transformed into a very strong and inspiring daughter of God and even courageously published a book about her ordeal. Jennings and the prosecutor have the opportunity to become better persons following the lead of the new Hayden Kho, whose faith in his Abba Father recalibrated him to become a Christian, a doting husband and a responsible father.
The Racal-Jennings-Villanueva scandalous story of shame and betrayal continues to unfold. If I were to be asked for advice by any of these involved parties, not legal but practical, I would encourage them to turn to our Almighty God.
For all the shame and betrayal, surrender to Him! Such an event brings to mind the beautiful biblical story of the adulterous woman as can be read in John 8 of the Great Book!
This adulterous woman, caught in the act, was brought by the scribes and Pharisees to Jesus.
They implored the Law of Moses, which commanded them to stone such a sinful woman. Jesus’ reaction was to write on the ground with his finger (indicating that He knew the law as it is Him who wrote it), and to address the crowd by stating “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her” (verse 7 ). Upon hearing this, those who were present walked away, one by one, until no one was left (verse 9) except Jesus. Then Jesus asked the woman if any man condemned her, to which
the woman replied none (verses 10, 11). Neither did Jesus condemn her. Instead, he commanded her to “Go and sin no more” (verse 11). The lesson in the episodes of Racal-Jennings-Villanueva, the unfaithful prosecutor, and the Kho viral shameful videos is summarized in God’s Word of repentance: “Go and sin no more.” The absence of judgment and condemnation came first (“Go”), before the instruction (“do not sin anymore”). Given modern technology and the growing impact of social media, it is readily effortless for any of us to criticize or condemn a neighbor. We judge them as if we know the pain of the journey of the cheaters, the disloyal, the liars, and the aggressors. We judge them as if we are “cleaner” than they are. We tend to cast the first stone against them when our Heavenly Father has encouraged us to go beyond the ministry of condemnation. As we ought to have learned from the narrative of the adulterous woman and Jesus, we should always take a step back and refuse to pass judgment, whenever “sinners” are out in the open, exposed and even ridiculed. Believers should instead pray for them as we struggle against the temptations of this world. As true Christian followers, we should never be quick to judge when we encounter stories of infidelity, betrayal, and ruined relationships, in particular, or of any scandal and anomaly, in general. Even though the parties involved should be abhorred because of their conduct, believers are aware not to cast the first stone. Were it not for God’s grace, and His beloved Son’s sacrifice, we have but fallen short and are sinners in anybody’s eyes. Society has made us judges and juries; may the Spirit within us remind us to just walk away and leave the stones right where they are.
A former infantry and intelligence officer in the Army, Siegfred Mison showcased his servant leadership philosophy in organizations such as the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, Malcolm Law Offices, Infogix Inc., University of the East, Bureau of Immigration, and Philippine Airlines. He is a graduate of West Point in New York, Ateneo Law School, and University of Southern California. A corporate lawyer by profession, he is an inspirational teacher and a Spirit-filled writer with a mission. For questions and comments, please e-mail me at sbmison@gmail.com.
An appeal for help for our confectionery industry
LMAKE SENSE
ATe last month, the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) announced its plan to issue an order requiring importers of glucose and other sweeteners under Tariff Line 1702 to pay an import clearance fee to the agency, which would then give the go signal for the release of their shipments at the ports.
SRA Administrator and CEO
Pablo Luis Azcona was quoted as saying: “Our effort is not to regulate at the moment. Our effort is to gather accurate data to determine how huge is the volume of imports that enter the country. Besides, the charge for the import clearance fee is very minimal.”
The move is to protect the sugar industry from the “lower than usual demand” for local raw sugar.
The SRA’s intention is laudable, knowing the state of our sugar industry.
However, we at the Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) fear that the plan to impose importation clearance fees on glucose and other sugar substitutes just to monitor the entry of imported sweeteners into the country would just create another layer of bureaucratic red tape that would unduly burden our confectionery industry.
It has the potential to trigger a
ripple of ill effects, like congestion at the ports leading to additional demurrage fees that would hurt our local makers of confectioneries in terms of delays in production and additional costs.
This plan of the SRA goes against the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to further improve the ease of doing business in the country.
The SRA, anyway, can readily secure glucose importation data from the Bureau of Customs (BOC). Adding another layer of documentation process will just slow down the process of releasing the shipments at the ports.
Also, glucose is not affecting the demand for sugar because glucose does not replace—but actually complements—sugar in the production of confectioneries.
In producing candies and other sweets, for example, glucose only serves as the hardener to improve stability and shelf life. Glucose
This plan of the SRA goes against the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to further improve the ease of doing business in the country. It has the potential to trigger a ripple of ill effects, like congestion at the ports leading to additional demurrage fees that would hurt our local makers of confectioneries in terms of delays in production and additional costs.
tastes bland so confectioneries still require sugar.
We are, thus, appealing to the SRA to reconsider its plan to create a new layer of “red tape” on the importation of glucose by imposing clearance fees.
We are also urging the SRA to review its mandate since glucose is not made from sugar—but mostly from corn—so it could be outside the scope of the agency.
We ask the SRA to focus instead on improving the hectarage and yields of sugar cane in the country to promote better pricing for locally made sugar, which would then lead to higher demand.
The FPI, as the vanguard of Philippine industries, fully supports the SRA in looking after the welfare of our sugar industry.
The hope for improved sugar yields and prices extends beyond the populace; several local industries, including the confectionery sector—which employs hundreds
of thousands—share this expectation.
With this, we hope that government interventions supporting the sugar sector will not unduly hurt the other local industries, which are already reeling from cheap—and smuggled—imported competition. The confectionery industry is also a member of FPI. We are aware of their struggles, especially since they are competing against imported counterparts that are being produced using cheaper sugar in their countries of origin and those being sourced from the international market at significantly lower prices.
There has to be a better way for the SRA to properly monitor the importation of glucose and other sweeteners, and the BOC is a good way to start. We are after complementation among our local industries, as this is the best way for our businesses to thrive and for our people to benefit through steadier supplies and better prices.
And this is also why President BBM is very particular in promoting ease of doing business, including removing layers of bureaucratic processes and paperwork that make our businesses uncompetitive.
D
Dr. Jesus Lim Arranza
December 9, 2024
IAEA team notes PHL strides in meeting nuke energy goal
By Lenie Lectura @llectura
THE development of nuclear power in the Philippines, a pressing national priority of the administration, has made remarkable strides since the Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) mission team conducted its first review in 2018.
T he mission team of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recently wrapped up its review on the country’s progress in addressing the recommendations and suggestions from the initial INIR mission.
“The follow-up INIR mission team, comprising two international experts from Türkiye and Pakistan and two IAEA staff, noted that the Philippines has made significant progress to address most of the recommendations and suggestions and has adopted a national position for a nuclear energy program,” the IAEA said. The follow-up INIR mission was held from December 2 to 6.
INIR is a holistic peer review to help member states assess the status of their national infrastructure for the introduction of nuclear
power. Upon request from a member state, the IAEA conducts an INIR mission—a team of international experts with direct experience in specialized nuclear infrastructure areas.
Before receiving an INIR mission, the country must complete a self-evaluation of the 19 nuclear power infrastructure issues related in the IAEA’s Milestone Approach, a comprehensive methodology that guides countries to work in a systematic way towards the introduction of nuclear power.
The experts reviewed the status of nuclear infrastructure development using the Phase 1 criteria of the milestone approach. Phase 1 evaluates a country’s readiness to make a knowledgeable commitment to a nuclear power program.
The mission team noted that the Philippines has drafted and advanced a comprehensive nuclear law towards enactment; completed assessments in human resource development, regulatory framework, radiation protection, radioactive waste management, and emergency preparedness and response; and drafted policies and strategies in the relevant areas.
“The Philippines expanded the composition of its Nuclear Energy
Program Implementing Organization (NEPIO) to 24 organizations, and all subcommittees of NEPIO are actively engaged to implement relevant activities. This indicates the level of commitment of the Philippines to proceed with their nuclear power program,” said mission team leader Mehmet Ceyhan, Technical Lead in the IAEA Nuclear Infrastructure Development Section.
In1984, the Philippines completed construction of a 621-megawatt electric (MWe) pressurized water reactor at the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP). However, it was never commissioned. In 2022, a presidential executive order outlined the government’s position for the inclusion of nuclear energy in the country’s energy mix, and earlier this year, the Philippines announced its Nuclear Energy Roadmap aiming to have commercially operational nuclear power plants by 2032, with at least 1200 MW initially and increasing gradually to 4800 MW by 2050.
‘Further work’
HOWEVER , the INIR mission team said further work is needed to finalize the Philippines’s nuclear power strategy and to complete
studies for future activities related to the electrical grid, industrial involvement and national legislation.
The country is 100-percent committed to pursue this. “We recommit ourselves to work closely with the IAEA and all stakeholders of the country,” said Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Raphael Lotilla.
The results of the follow-up INIR mission, he said, will guide the Philippines to safely and gradually progress in adopting nuclear energy alongside renewables in its power mix, while strictly adhering to global standards.
“This exemplifies our commitment to receive objective and professional international evaluation from the IAEA that will refine and strengthen our push to secure cleaner and diversified energy sources toward attaining inclusive and sustainable growth for our people,” said Lotilla, “We express our thanks to the IAEA for its partnership and support,” he added.
Meralco’s nuclear dream
THE Manila Electric Company (Meralco), one of the stakeholders that the DOE chief was referring
See “IAEA,” A2
BISHOP ‘AMBO’ OFFICIALLY JOINS COLLEGE OF CARDINALS
BISHOP Pablo Virgilio “Ambo” S. David of Kalookan was officially elevated to the College of Cardinals by Pope Francis on Saturday, making him the 10th Filipino cardinal in history.
The solemn consistory at St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican saw David and 20 other new cardinals receive their red biretta, cardinal’s ring, and an official document assigning them a titular church in Rome.
In his homily, Pope Francis reminded the new cardinals of the responsibilities that come with their new role, urging them to walk in the path of Jesus.
“ To walk in the path of Jesus means above all to return to him and to put him back at the center of everything,” the Pontiff said, emphasizing humility, joy, and unity. He also cautioned them against the dangers of spiritual fatigue.
Let us not forget that being tired ruins your heart. Those who are tired are the first to be corrupted. To walk in the path of Jesus means, in the end, to be builders of communion and unity,” he added.
D avid’s elevation highlights the growing recognition of Filipino clergy in the global Church.
He now joins two other active Filipino cardinals: Pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization Luis Antonio Tagle and Manila Archbishop Jose Advincula.
T he College of Cardinals has now expanded to 256 members, 141 of whom are considered active—or aged below 80 years old—that are eligible to vote in the next conclave.
Of these electors, 111 were appointed by
Pope Francis during his 11-year pontificate.
B ishop David has long been a significant figure in the Philippine Church. Ordained in 1983, he first served as auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of San Fernando in Pampanga before being appointed bishop of Kalookan in 2015. He is widely known for his pastoral work among urban poor communities and his strong advocacy for social justice. David became a prominent voice during the controversial war on drugs under former President Rodrigo Duterte.
A s one of the most outspoken critics of extrajudicial killings, he also provided concrete support to victims’ families through Church programs offering shelter, legal aid, and counseling. In 2021, he was elected president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines and has since been at the forefront of addressing social and pastoral issues in the country.
R ecently, he was also named vice president of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences and appointed to a 17-member council responsible for implementing the Church’s synodality process worldwide.
F ollowing the ceremony, Cardinal David thanked his supporters. Thank you to all my friends and our countrymen who joined me in prayer,” he said in a video message, mostly in Filipino. The newly appointed 21 cardinals hail from countries as diverse as Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru, Italy, Britain, Serbia, Japan, Indonesia, Canada, Ivory Coast, Philippines, and Algeria. Justine Xyrah Garcia
Editor: Jennifer A. Ng
Monday, December 9, 2024
NGCP project secures nod of ERC
By Lenie Lectura @llectura
Another major capital expenditure (capex) project of the national Grid Corporation of the Philippines (nGCP) was approved by the energy regulatory Commission (erC).
The ERC said it has given its go-ahead for the P20.7billion Balaloan-Laoag 500 kilovolt (kV) transmission line project in Ilocos.
“After careful deliberation, the commission resolved to approve NGCP’s proposed Balaloan-Laoag 500 kilovolt transmission line project in the instant application amounting to P20,653,073,314.08, subject to optimization based on its actual use and verified expenses incurred during the reset process for the subsequent regulatory period , following the procedures stated in the Rules in Setting the Transmission Wheeling Rates, as amended, and other relevant issuances of the commission.”
The ERC said the proposed project will redound to the benefit of the electricity consumers in terms of continuous, reliable, and efficient power supply as mandated by Section 2 of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act.
The Balaoan-Laoag Line is a 500kV overhead line with a length of 175 kilometers from that spans from Balaoan, La Union to Laoag, Ilocos.
ERC Chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta said via Viber that NGCP should complete this by November 2026.
The Balaoan-Laoag Line is among the more than 100 transmission projects of the NGCP that awaits the green light of the ERC and is included in the NGCP’s Transmission Development Plan 2024-2050.
Some of the other major projects in Luzon include the Western Luzon 500 kV backbone Stage 2, the Tuy-
Dito to end 2024 with 50% hike in revenues–exec
By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan
DITO Telecommunity Corp. is on track to close 2024 with a 50-percent revenue increase, which would position it as the “highest growing telco in the world.”
Still, Dito CEO Eric R. Alberto calls this a “modest achievement coming from the three years of commercial operations.”
“Of course our base is low, but in terms of growth rate, we already registered 50 percent or 51 percent in the third quarter—the highest growing telco in the world,” he said. If the trajectory holds, Dito’s revenues will reach between P16 billion and P17 billion by yearend, up from P11
Dasmarinas 500 kV line and the Batangas-Mindoro Interconnection. Seven projects are also in the pipeline for the Visayas, including the Cebu-Lapu-Lapu 138 kV Line, Amlan-Dumaguete 138 kV Line, the Luzon-Visayas HVDC Bipolar
Operation, the Calbayog-Allen 138 kV Line, the Nabas-CaticlanBoracay 138 kV Line, the Barotac Viejo-Unidos 230 kV Line and the Panay-Guimaras 138 kV Interconnection.
Two more would be established
in Mindanao, namely the Laguindingan 230 kV Substation and the Kabacan 138 kV Substation. Last month, the ERC announced that it approved the P2.33-billion Laguindingan substation project of the NGCP in Misamis Oriental.
The project is expected to bolster the power supply for Misamis Oriental I Electric Cooperative and support the province’s domestic industrial zone Laguindingan Technopark with the needed highpower transmission corridor.
Visa bares trends shaping 2025 payments landscape
VISA Inc. believes that the payment landscape globally and in the Philippines next year is set to become “more seamless, secure, and interconnected.”
According to Visa, electronic commerce will continue to expand Filipino shoppers’ horizons to explore global retail.
“e -commerce has been a gamechanger, enabling consumers to have unprecedented access to retail options from all over the world,” the firm said through a statement issued on December 4. The company added that the trend toward cross-border shopping will continue to gain momentum next year, “thanks to growing consumer confidence and innovations in digital platforms.”
Citing a survey, the company said that Filipino consumers shopping on cross-border e-commerce sites rose from 27 percent in 2023 to 32 percent in 2024. Nearly one in five Filipino shoppers now makes an overseas e-commerce purchase every month, the company added.
“This upward trajectory highlights a shift in consumer behavior with Filipinos exploring global markets with increasing ease and enthusiasm,” read the statement. The company said that emerging technologies, such as video commerce, are set to enhance this experience further.
“Video-based shopping, which blends entertainment with transactions, offers a more interactive and engaging journey for buyers. As these innovations take hold, 2025 promises to make cross-border shopping more intuitive and enjoyable, unlocking a world of opportunities for both consumers and businesses.”
According to the company, the second trend is related to connected commerce, which redefines ease in business-to-business (B2B) payments for Filipino enterprises.
“The concept of connected commerce is transforming the
way Filipino enterprises handle B2B transactions. By integrating seamless global wallet connectivity and real-time payment options, businesses both large and small can now transact across borders with remarkable ease, which will be beneficial for small-scale and medium-sized enterprises (SM e s) hoping to grow their businesses.”
Dynamic security elevates trust as payments transform for Filipinos would composed the third trend, according to Visa.
“As digital payments gain further traction, ensuring security becomes paramount,” the company said.
It cited a report by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) that noted the Philippines’s improved ranking in the United Nations global security index. The DICT also reported that the Philippines is actively closing the cybersecurity gap by providing technical skills, collaborating with other countries, organizing cybersecurity efforts and building capacity to fight cyber threats.
Visa claims that by 2025, “dynamic security frameworks will become best practice in helping to redefine the payment experience, blending cutting-edge technologies with consumer trust.”
The company noted the “pivotal” role of fraud prevention powered by artificial intelligence and machine learning.
“These technologies enable businesses, such as banks, to anticipate and neutralize cyber threats, fostering a resilient digital payment ecosystem,” the company added.
Generative AI, it said, is emerging as a “transformative force” in personalizing payment experiences.
“The concept of ‘self-driving’ finance—where AI automates and optimizes financial decisions— will redefine convenience for Filipino consumers,” it added.
Housing, agri-related firms got bulk of state subsidies
By Reine Juvierre Alberto @reine_alberto
STATE-RUN firms received higher subsidies amounting to P11.968 billion in October 2024, data from the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) showed.
Budgetary support to government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs) in October 2024 surged by 30.24 percent to P11.968 billion from P9.189 billion during the same month a year ago.
Of the amount, major non-financial government corporations obtained the highest share (89.49 percent) with P10.711 billion, up by 30.94 percent from last year’s P8.180 billion. More than half, or P5.832 billion, was extended to the National Irrigation Administration (NIA).
The National Food Authority (NFA) and National Housing Authority (NHA) received P3 billion and P1.732 billion, respectively. Moreover, the remaining P1.242 billion was divided among 24 other government corporations while P15 million was extended to government financial corporations, such as the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (P10 million) and the Credit Information Corp. (P5 million).
During the January to October 2024 period, GOCCs received lesser government subsidies amounting
to P117.210 billion, down by 19.89 percent year-on-year from P146.316 billion.
The bulk, or 65.74 percent, of the total subsidies went to major non-financial government corporations, obtaining P77.059 billion as of the end of October. This is higher by 16 percent than the P66.559 billion given during the same period last year.
The NIA received the largest support with P60.213 billion, followed by the NHA and NFA with P5.531 billion and P5.250 billion, respectively.
Other government corporations also cornered 29.61 percent or P34.708 billion of the subsidies extended during the 10-month period. This, however, dipped by 55.65 percent from the P78.262 billion granted a year ago.
Specifically, the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) obtained the highest subsidy with P9.599 billion, trailed by the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management (Psalm) Corp. (P8 billion) and
Trump’s crypto-AI czar a critic of tech regulation
AVID Sacks, President-elect
DDonald Trump’s surprise pick to guide policy on artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency, doesn’t have deep ties to either industry or an extensive track record of investing in them. w hat he does have, though, is even more important in the eyes of technology investors—a tech-friendly worldview and a long history of skepticism about government regulation.
“He will ensure the United States is at the cutting edge of innovation,” said Keith Rabois, who celebrated with Sacks at a private home in Miami Thursday night. Sacks will keep the country from falling behind China, and will protect “newly emerging tech from left-wing censorship and bias,” Rabois said.
The appointment of Sacks, a major Trump fundraiser, was not widely anticipated in Silicon Valley. The VC has only made a handful of crypto investments, and isn’t seen as a key player in the industry. He’s also made relatively few AI bets, though he’s a backer of xAI, the startup helmed by elon Musk that has raised more than $10 billion this year.
But Sacks has long been critical of too much government involvement in the affairs of private companies. The 52-year-old founder of VC firm Craft Ventures and member of the so-called PayPal Mafia has been one of the loudest right-leaning voices in the industry for years.
The pick is seen as a boon to the startup world, where AI and crypto executives view government intervention as a potential existential threat. US action against crypto companies has driven many startups overseas. And AI leaders have worried that overly burdensome regulations could stifle the fledgling industry in the name of safety.
Crypto supporters celebrated the selection, which Trump said would give startups regulatory clarity. “Crypto and AI are two of the United States’ most
pressing strategic priorities right now, and David Sacks is one of the only people in the world that is uniquely qualified to lead in this pivotal role,” said Kyle Samani, a managing partner at Multicoin Capital, where Sacks is an investor. Sacks will be an “invaluable asset in shaping the nation’s future,” Samani said.
Startup competition
TRUMP has signaled that he’ll take a friendly approach to both crypto and AI. Bitcoin has hit all-time highs since his election, and he has vowed to repeal President Biden’s 2023 AI executive order that requires developers to safetytest new models. AI is also a focus for Musk, a key Trump ally and a longtime friend of Sacks.
Investor Marc Andreessen, whose firm invests heavily in both industries, was ebullient at Sacks’ pick. “From the wr ight Brothers to Starship with Chopsticks, in just a single election,” Andreessen wrote on X on Thursday night, referencing SpaceX’s latest achievement of landing re-usable starships.
But there’s been some trepidation over Sacks’ allegiances in the AI world. Sacks’ Craft Ventures is an investor in Musk’s xAI, and Sacks’ ties to Musk have raised questions about how he would treat rival companies in the fiercely competitive industry. Sacks has previously spoken critically of OpenAI, a key xAI competitor.
In a now-deleted post on X, Sacks said, “I’m all in favor of accelerating technological progress, but there is something unsettling about the way OpenAI explicitly declares its mission to be the creation of AGI.” AGI, or artificial general intelligence, refers to AI technology that can perform most tasks better than humans. Sacks did not respond to a request for comment on the post.
Sacks and Trump allies say that involvement in the industry is a prerequisite for understanding it, and that
Fed rate cuts, election of Trump fire up debt markets
DeBT markets have been in risk-on mode for weeks now, fired up by Federal Reserve rate cuts and the election of Donald Trump to the US presidency. Risk premiums on junk bonds have plunged more than 1 percentage point since early August, and companies launched the sales of around $105 billion of leveraged loans this past week, a record. Still, spreads are priced for perfection, interest-rates are still relatively high by the standards of the last 15 years, and some early warning signs for corporate credit are emerging.
In November, Chapter 11 bankruptcy filings for companies surged to the highest since August 2023,
based on borrowers with at least $50 million of liabilities. Meanwhile, the default rate for leveraged loans reached a 46-month high according to JPMorgan Chase & Co., and services growth is running at the slowest pace in three months. “ we believe the increase in defaults in the loan market is directly attributable to the high interest-rate environment, leaving borrowers with very little margin for error,” said John Broz, managing director and portfolio manager on the leveraged credit team at PPM America, Inc. “we focus on investing in companies that have strong market position and pricing power that will allow them to endure high rates.” Money managers are generally
more concerned about the riskier portion of leveraged loans. w hile the assets returned 0.92 percent in November, the riskier CCC rated slice gained only 0.18 percent, according to data tracked by Citigroup Inc.
If macroeconomic conditions do worsen, higher defaults could push recovery rates near historical lows across most credit markets, according to a recent report by UBS Group AG strategists including Matthew Mish.
“There are clear signs of greater riskiness in global leveraged loans and private debt,” the UBS strategists wrote. Leveraged loan recovery rates are currently running about 13 percentage points below average in the US despite low default rates,
compared with just 5 percentage points below historical norms for high yield bonds.
The composition of the market is weighted toward more indebted companies, many of them owned by private equity firms who have been hit by higher borrowing costs after failing to hedge. About 37 percent of loan issuers have an interest coverage ratio between one and two, JPMorgan data show, meaning they could struggle to make their payments if the economic backdrop deteriorates.
“The economy is so critical to the loan market,” said Nelson Jantzen, a strategist at JPMorgan. “It’s a much weaker issuer mix.”
In private credit, meanwhile, coop-
some perceptions of conflict of interest will be inevitable. “I think we should take people at their word,” said Shaun Maguire, an investor at the prestigious Sequoia Capital, which has backed both xAI and OpenAI. Sacks “won’t harm any competitors,” he said.
Sacks’ other bets include BitGo and Bitwise in the crypto world. In AI, Sacks co-founded a startup called Glue that makes chat software for companies, and he’s invested in developer startup Replit Inc. and AI writing tool CopyAI Inc. Sacks will not leave Craft, a spokeswoman said, and the new czar position will function as an advisory role, rather than a fulltime government job. The appointment won’t require Sacks to divest or publicly disclose his assets. Like Musk, Sacks will be a special government employee. He can serve a maximum of 130 days per year, with or without compensation.
However, conflict of interest rules apply to special government employees, and Sacks would be required to recuse himself from matters that could impact his holdings.
Tech-friendly
THeR e S a long history of technology officials taking advisory roles to the government, said Silicon Valley historian Margaret O’Mara. But the roles don’t always have a clear mandate. “You can have a title, but if you don’t actually have a budget or people reporting to you, it’s something more ambiguous,” O’Mara said, pointing out that Sacks would not be a w hite House staff member. “Sometimes it does morph into something that has some power to it.”
Some industry observers would have preferred the crypto and AI czar positions to be separate—a move that might have telegraphed the importance of each, and reflected the different risks and rewards of both technologies.
w hile I am very encouraged by the new administration’s crypto-friendly
eration between lenders and private equity has limited payment defaults for now. Still, half of the lower-rated middle market issuers analyzed by Morningstar DBRS have received some form of liquidity support such as equity injections, deeply subordinated loans or deferred principal payments that enabled them to stay afloat.
To be sure, only about 5 percent of the leveraged loan market is trading in distressed territory and strategists expect default rates for that debt to moderate next year. Junk borrowers have broadly been able to refinance their debt and push out maturities significantly this year.
More trouble could come if borrowing costs fall less than expected
focus, I would have preferred separate crypto and AI czars,” said Campbell Harvey, finance professor at Duke University. “Both need urgent, dedicated attention,” he said. Sacks has forged a more wide-ranging career, rather than focusing on just AI or crypto. He first made a name for himself at PayPal, the payments company whose founders in the late 1990s included Musk and billionaire investor Peter Thiel. During a stint in Hollywood, he produced the 2005 satire Thank You for Smoking. At Craft, his venture firm with stakes in Musk-owned businesses including SpaceX, he has invested widely as well as serving as a host of the All-In podcast. His comments about crypto on the podcast have not been universally positive, but he has discouraged attempts to penalize or control industry players. “The fact of the matter is you’ve got a lot of brilliant young entrepreneurs, computer scientists building this financial infrastructure of the future with crypto,” he said in a podcast episode in 2021. “ we don’t necessarily want to interfere with that to the point where we break it.”
He’s also made significant money on crypto. Craft Ventures invested in Samani’s Multicoin Capital in 2018, which in turn was an early investor in the Solana cryptocurrency. The token was worth less than a dollar when it launched in 2020, but notched a peak price of around $250 in late 2021. “It will end up being about $1 billion of Solana for us in terms of returns,” Sacks said at the time.
More recently, in a November episode of the podcast after Trump’s election, Sacks took aim at the Securities and exchange Commission’s aggressive positions on crypto under its chair, Gary Gensler. “The days of Gensler terrifying crypto companies—those days are about to be over.” Bloomberg News
because of a pickup in inflation. w hile most investors expect an interest rate cut later this month, next year’s path is uncertain because of upcoming policy shifts following the election of Trump, according to a report led by Amanda Lyman at BlackRock Inc. For example, St. Louis Fed President Alberto Musalem recently cautioned that data released since September suggest a greater risk that the decline in the rate of inflation could reverse. “Fewer–or slower–Fed rate cuts because of re-accelerating inflation would be a much less supportive backdrop for risk assets, especially if coupled with weaker growth,” the BlackRock report said. Bloomberg News
A WORLD WITHOUT TIKTOK FOR TEENS? Australia’s social media ban sparks debate
By Barbara Ortutay AP Technology Writer
IT is an ambitious social experiment of our moment in history—one that experts say could accomplish something that parents, schools and other governments have attempted with varying degrees of success: keeping kids off social media until they turn 16.
Australia’s new law, approved by its Parliament last week, is an attempt to swim against many tides of modern life—formidable forces like technology, marketing, globalization and, of course, the iron will of a teenager. And like efforts of the past to protect kids from things that parents believe they’re not ready for, the nation’s move is both ambitious and not exactly simple, particularly in a world where young people are often shaped, defined and judged by the online company they keep.
The ban won’t go into effect for another year. But how will Australia be able to enforce it? That’s not clear, nor will it be easy. TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram have become so ingrained in young people’s lives that going cold turkey will be difficult.
Other questions loom. Does the ban limit kids’ free expression and— especially for those in vulnerable groups—isolate them and curtail their opportunity to connect with members of their community? And how will social sites verify people’s ages, anyway? Can’t kids just get around such technicalities, as they so often do?
This is, after all, the 21st century—an era when social media is the primary communications tool for most of those born in the past 25 years who, in a fragmented world, seek the common cultures of trends, music and memes. What happens when big swaths of that fall away?
Is Australia’s initiative a good, long-time-coming development that will protect the vulnerable, or could it become a well-meaning experiment with unintended consequences?
Platforms will be held liable
THE law will make platforms including TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, X and Instagram liable for fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars ($33 million) for systemic failures to prevent children younger than 16 from holding accounts. “It’s clear that social media companies
have to be held accountable, which is what Australia is trying to do,” said Jim Steyer, president and CEO of the nonprofit Common Sense Media.
Leaders and parents in countries around the world are watching Australia’s policy closely as many seek to protect young kids from the internet’s dangerous corners—and, not incidentally, from each other. Most nations have taken different routes, from parental consent requirements to minimum age limits.
Many child safety experts, parents and even teens who have waited to get on social media consider Australia’s move a positive step. They say there’s ample reason to ensure that children wait.
What’s most important for kids, just like adults, is real human connection. Less time alone on the screen means more time to connect, not less,” said Julie Scelfo, the founder of Mothers Against Media Addiction, or MAMA, a grassroots group of parents aimed at combatting the harms of social media to children. “I’m confident we can support our kids in interacting in any number of ways aside from sharing the latest meme.”
The harms to children from social media have been well documented in the two decades since Facebook’s launch ushered in a new era in how the world communicates. Kids who spend more time on social media, especially as tweens or young teenagers, are more likely to experience depression and anxiety, according to multiple studies— though it is not yet clear if there is a causal relationship.
W hat’s more, many are exposed to content that is not appropriate for their age, including pornography and violence, as well as social pressures about body image and makeup. They also face bullying, sexual harassment and unwanted advances from their peers as well as adult strangers. Because their brains are not fully developed, teenagers, especially younger ones the law is focused
on, are also more affected by social comparisons than adults, so even happy posts from friends can send them into a negative spiral.
What unintended harms could be caused?
MANY major initiatives, particularly those aimed at social engineering, can produce side effects—often unintended. Could that happen here? What, if anything, do kids stand to lose by separating kids and the networks in which they participate?
Paul Taske, associate director of litigation at the tech lobbying group
NetChoice, says he considers the ban “one of the most extreme violations of free speech on the world stage today” even as he expressed relief that the First Amendment prevents such law in the United States
These restrictions would create a massive cultural shift,” Taske said.
Not only is the Australian government preventing young people from engaging with issues they’re passionate about, but they’re also doing so even if their parents are ok
with them using digital services,” he said. “Parents know their children and their needs the best, and they should be making these decisions for their families—not big government. That kind of forcible control over families inevitably will have downstream cultural impacts.”
David Inserra, a fellow for Free Expression and Technology, Cato Institute, called the bill “about as useful as an ashtray on a motorbike” in a recent blog post. While Australia’s law doesn’t require “hard verification” such as an uploaded ID, he said, it calls for effective “age assurance.” He said no verification system can ensure accuracy while also protecting privacy and not impacting adults in the process.
Privacy advocates have also raised concerns about the law’s effect on online anonymity, a cornerstone of online communications—and something that can protect teens on social platforms.
“Whether it be religious minorities and dissidents, LGBTQ youth, those in abusive situations, whistle-
blowers, or countless other speakers in tricky situations, anonymous speech is a critical tool to safely challenge authority and express controversial opinions,” Inserra said.
A spot check of kids at one mall in the Australian city of Brisbane on Wednesday didn’t turn up a great deal of worry, though.
“Social media is still important because you get to talk to people, but I think it’s still good that they’re like limiting it,” said Swan Son, a 13-yearold student at Brisbane State High School. She said she has had limited exposure to social media and wouldn’t really miss it for a couple of years. Her parents already enforce a daily one-hour limit. And as for her friends? “I see them at school every day, so I think I’ll be fine.”
Conor Negric, 16, said he felt he’d dodged a bullet because of his age. Still, he considers the law reasonable. “I think 16 is fine. Some kids, I know some kids like 10 who’re on Instagram, Snapchat. I only got Instagram when I was 14.”
His mom, Sive Negric, who has
two teenage sons, said she was happy for her boys to avoid exposure to social media too early: “That aspect of the internet, it’s a bit ‘meanland.’”
Other countries are trying to figure it out, too
PARENTS in Britain and across Europe earlier this year organized on platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram to promise not to buy smartphones for children younger than 12 or 13. This approach costs almost no money and requires no government enforcement. In the United States, some parents are keeping kids off social media either informally or as part of an organized campaign such as Wait Until 8th, a group that helps parents delay kids’ access to social media and phones.
This fall, Norway announced plans to ban kids under 15 from using social media, while France is testing a smartphone ban for kids under 15 in a limited number of schools—a policy that could be rolled out nationwide if successful.
US lawmakers have held multiple congressional hearings—most recently in January—on child online safety. Still, the last federal law aimed at protecting children online was enacted in 1998, six years before Facebook’s founding. In July, the US Senate overwhelmingly passed legislation designed to protect children from dangerous online content, pushing forward with what would be the first major effort by Congress in decades to hold tech companies more accountable. But the Kids Online Safety Act has since stalled in the House.
W hile several states have passed laws requiring age verification, those are stuck in court. Utah became the first state to pass laws regulating children’s social media use in 2023. In September, a judge issued the preliminary injunction against the law, which would have required social media companies to verify the ages of users, apply privacy settings and limit some features. NetChoice has also obtained injunctions temporarily halting similar laws in several other states.
And last May, US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy said there is insufficient evidence to show social media is safe for kids. He urged policymakers to treat social media like car seats, baby formula, medication and other products children use. Why should social media products be any different? Scelfo said. “Parents cannot possibly bear the entire responsibility of keeping children safe online, because the problems are baked into the design of the products.”
Federal appeals court upholds law requiring sale or ban of TikTok in the US
By Haleluya Hadero AP Business Writer
AFEDERAL appeals court
panel on Friday upheld a law that could lead to a ban on TikTok in a few short months, handing a resounding defeat to the popular social media platform as it fights for its survival in the US.
The US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled that the law, which requires TikTok to break ties with its Chinabased parent company ByteDance or be banned by mid-January, is constitutional, rebuffing TikTok’s challenge that the statute ran afoul of the First Amendment and unfairly targeted the platform.
“ The First Amendment exists to protect free speech in the United States,” said the court’s opinion. “Here the Government acted solely to protect that freedom from a foreign adversary nation and to limit that adversary’s ability to gather data on people in the United States.”
TikTok and ByteDance—another plaintiff in the lawsuit—are
expected to appeal to the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump, who tried to ban TikTok during his first term and whose Justice Department would have to enforce the law, said during the presidential campaign that he is now against a TikTok ban and would work to “save” the social media platform.
The law, signed by President Joe Biden in April, culminated a years-long saga in Washington over the short-form video-sharing app, which the government sees as a national security threat due to its connections to China.
The US has said it’s concerned about TikTok collecting vast swaths of user data, including sensitive information on viewing habits, that could fall into the hands of the Chinese government through coercion. Officials have also warned the proprietary algorithm that fuels what users see on the app is vulnerable to manipulation by Chinese authorities, who can use it to shape content on the platform in a way that’s difficult to detect. However, a significant portion
of the government’s information in the case has been redacted and hidden from the public as well as the two companies.
TikTok, which sued the government over the law in May, has long denied it could be used by Beijing to spy on or manipulate Americans. Its attorneys have accurately pointed out that the US hasn’t provided evidence to show that the company handed over user data to the Chinese government, or manipulated content for Beijing’s benefit in the US. They have also argued the law is predicated on future risks, which the Department of Justice has emphasized pointing in part to unspecified action it claims the two companies have taken in the past due to demands from the Chinese government.
Friday’s ruling came after the appeals court panel heard oral arguments in September.
Some legal experts said at the time that it was challenging to read the tea leaves on how the judges would rule.
In a court hearing that lasted more than two hours, the panel—
composed of two Republican and one Democrat appointed judges—appeared to grapple with how TikTok’s foreign ownership affects its rights under the Constitution and how far the government could go to curtail potential influence from abroad on a foreign-owned platform.
The judges pressed Daniel Tenny, a Department of Justice attorney, on the implications the case could have on the First Amendment. But they also expressed some skepticism at TikTok’s arguments, challenging the company’s attorney—Andrew Pincus—on whether any First Amendment rights preclude the government from curtailing a powerful company subject to the laws and influence of a foreign adversary.
In parts of their questions about TikTok’s ownership, the judges cited wartime precedent that allows the US to restrict foreign ownership of broadcast licenses and asked if the arguments presented by TikTok would apply if the US was engaged in war.
To assuage concerns about the
company’s owners, TikTok says it has invested more than $2 billion to bolster protections around US user data.
The company also argues the government’s broader concerns could have been resolved in a draft agreement it provided the Biden administration more than two years ago during talks between the two sides. It has blamed the government for walking away from further negotiations on the agreement, which the Justice Department argues is insufficient.
Attorneys for the two companies have claimed it’s impossible to divest the platform commercially and technologically. They also say any sale of TikTok without the coveted algorithm—the platform’s secret sauce that Chinese authorities would likely block under any divesture plan—would turn the US version of TikTok into an island disconnected from other global content.
Still, some investors, including Trump’s former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and billionaire Frank McCourt, have expressed in-
terest in purchasing the platform. Both men said earlier this year that they were launching a consortium to purchase TikTok’s US business. Th is week, a spokesperson for McCourt’s Project Liberty initiative, which aims to protect online privacy, said unnamed participants in their bid have made informal commitments of more than $20 billion in capital. T ikTok’s lawsuit was consolidated with a second legal challenge brought by several content creators—for which the company is covering legal costs—as well as a third one filed on behalf of conservative creators who work with a nonprofit called BASED Politics Inc. If TikTok appeals and the courts continue to uphold the law, it would fall on Trump’s Justice Department to enforce it and punish any potential violations with fines. The penalties would apply to app stores that would be prohibited from
Style
First PHL beauty creator summit draws over 200 attendees
THE Philippines’ inaugural Beauty Creator Summit took place at KMC Solutions-One ayala, Makati City, gathering over 200 beauty influencers and aspiring content creators. Organized by Project Vanity’s Liz Lanuzo, the summit featured top beauty influencers Marj Maroket, Belle rodolfo, Teree Daisuke and Kai Javier, each presenting key topics on succeeding in the beauty content industry.
Belle rodolfo led a workshop, titled So You Want to Be an Authentic Content Creator?, emphasizing storytelling and scriptwriting to help creators stay genuine.
Kai Javier provided a practical guide in her session, Content Creation Strategies, Equipment, and Editing Basics focusing on essential techniques for professional content production. Teree Daisuke shared insights on How to Approach Brands, Pitch Yourself, and Analyze Your Success drawing from his own journey to highlight pricing strategies, analytics and brand collaboration. He encouraged attendees to use social media hashtags and engage in events to build relationships with brands. He recalls joining as many online content creation competitions to get his name out there, including the ones hosted by OG brands, like Ever Bilena and Careline. Marj Maroket concluded with Branding Strategy for Beauty Creators, discussing her evolution from homerecorded content to representing brands globally, and inspiring attendees to develop a brand that resonates with their audience. a common theme across all sessions was authenticity as the key to standing out in today’s digital landscape. attendees participated in breakout mentorship sessions with each speaker, gaining hands-on coaching and insights.
The event offered three ticket tiers, each with exclusive beauty kits: Beauty insider (P5,000), Trend Setter (P2,000), and Fresh Face (P1,000).
Ever Bilena’s group of brands—Ever Bilena, Careline, Spotlight Cosmetics, Hello Glow, Hyaloo, and Ever Organics—played a significant role as sponsors, featuring interactive booths with unique giveaways.
Ever Bilena offered customizable Serum Tinted Lip Balms with their fun and coquette bedazzling station; Hello Glow ran a “guess the sunscreen” challenge with prizes; and Spotlight Cosmetics showcased its trending products with personalized engraving services.
The summit’s success marks a significant milestone for the local beauty community, highlighting the importance of authenticity and strategic branding in influencer growth.
A time to sparkle
WHATEVER gloom and doom there is must be countered with glam and dazzle these holidays. There are countless gift ideas nowadays, some more pragmatic than others. These are the indulgent suggestions:
KRISTINE DEE JEWELLERY
DEsIGNED for those who treasure timeless elegance and fine craftsmanship are charming pieces from celebrated jeweler and industrial designer Kristine Dee (@kristinedeejewellery). As gifts for your stylish self or for your glamorous friends, Dee delivers the Holly and Winslet pendants.
The Holly Pendant is a romantic 14k yellow gold heart-shaped monogram sunburst design adorned with dazzling diamonds, while the Winslet Pendant is a versatile birthstone oval sunburst design crafted in 14k yellow gold featuring delicate diamond accents. The gemstones can be customized according to birth months: January, Garnet; February, amethyst; March, aquamarine; april, Diamond; May, Emerald; June, Moonstone; July, Ruby; August, spinel; september, sapphire; October, Tourmaline; November, Citrine; and December, Tanzanite.
GRETZ JEWELRY NEW YORK
ETHICaLLY sourced from Coron and designed in New York, Gretz Jewelry is making a name for its exquisite pieces with pearls as focal points.
The brand was founded by Filipina nurse-turnedaccessories designer rita smilios, who believes that pearls are the eternal symbols of elegance. Gretz (@gretzjewelrynewyork) also uses a variety of sterling silver, copper, and 10k-18k solid gold for its designs. It recently collaborated with fashion designer Veejay Floresca for her “Marry Me at Marriott” bridal show.
TIFFANY & CO.
FOR the very first time in Southeast Asia, Tiffany & Co. mounted a holiday tree. The eight-meter tall installation, shipped from Milan, Italy, is on stunning display at Greenbelt 3 in Makati. The illumination was led by market director Patrick Da Silva and Mariana Zobel de ayala of ayala Mall Management.
The brand’s iconic Bird on a Rock design, first introduced in 1965, serves as the tree topper. With glass gems, pink sapphire recessed within the cavities, the base of the tree features 480 backlit glass prisms.
TESSERA
TESSERA is proud to be the first Filipino-owned jewelry brand to partner with the International Gemological Institute (IGI) for co-branded certification, setting a new benchmark for transparency and trust in the industry. The pioneering collaboration ensures that every certified
Nars releases line of lipsticks called
Nars is not a brand that comes out with a new collection several times a year. Usually, there’s one big launch and then a holiday collection. You can be sure though that nearly every Nars product is of excellent quality and something that you’ll always reach for.
I recently attended the opening of the Nars standalone boutique in Greenbelt 5. The event, which was graced by the presence of former Miss Universe Catriona Gray, also served as the launch of a new line of lipsticks. Here are some of the Nars makeup that I checked out at the event: radiant Creamy Concealer is my one must-have product from the brand. It’s a concealer that works best on the undereyes and, yes, the promise of a radiant finish is fulfilled.
The Soft Matte Complete Concealer is perfect for marks and blemishes that you want to hide. It has blurring properties. When I use this, I can skip the foundation and just proceed to finishing powder.
The Nars Blush in Orgasm is perhaps one of the
naturally mined diamonds and fine jewelry craftsmanship. It also has Enhanced Credibility and Trust, a powerful testament to the piece’s quality and authenticity; and Exclusivity to Tessera Clients, providing a unique value proposition, elevating the client experience and reinforcing its dedication to offering only the finest, verified jewelry pieces.
SEIKO
WITH its covetable Philippine Limited Edition series, seiko continues to celebrate and remains dedicated to preserving our country’s biodiversity. This year, the Japanese watchmaking brand puts the spotlight on the endangered Whiskered Pitta, after drawing inspiration from the Tubbataha Reefs, the Philippine Sunrise, the Philippine Eagle, and the Banaue Rice Terraces. The Whiskered Pitta is found in our rainforests, but is currently listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN red List. The elusive bird has vivid plumage and a distinctive high-pitched whistle often heard particularly on the islands of Luzon, samar, Leyte, and Mindanao.
“combines elegant design with reliable performance, reflecting the vibrancy of the Whiskered Pitta. Powered by the 6R35 automatic movement, it offers a generous 70-hour power reserve and precise timekeeping with a daily accuracy of +25 to -15 seconds. The 39.5mm stainless steel case is complemented by a sapphire crystal with an antireflective coating, ensuring clarity and durability, while the LumiBrite on the hands and indices enhances visibility in low-light conditions.”
The 5th Philippine Limited Edition Watch is now available for preorder at a suggested retail price of P54,000. For more information, visit shop.seikoboutique. com.ph, or follow @SeikoPhilippines on Instagram or @official.seikophilippines on Facebook. Each purchase of the watch would ensure that a tree is planted in the seiko Forest in the sierra Madre. This commendable effort is made possible in partnership with Fostering Education & Environment for Development Inc. (FEED), and aims to support the
most iconic products in the beauty sphere but my favorite is Deep Throat, a soft peach. This shade has been described as “Orgasm without the pink.”
Light Reflecting Palette for Christmas. This limited edition palette includes six blush shades in the luminous light reflecting formula.
from Francois Nars’ original lipstick collection. Explicit, which was released to celebrate the brand’s 30th anniversary, is also Nars’ first refillable lipstick. The deep, rich tones of the Explicit lipsticks will take you back to the early days of the brand. There are more than 20 “bold, unapologetic and powerful” shades. The bestselling colors (because of K-pop group seventeen’s collaboration with the brand in Korea) are Unauthorized ( pick).
A FUSION OF ADVANCED JAPANESE SKINCARE SCIENCE,
THE PHILOSOPHY
OF BALANCE & HARMONY
I ALSO attended the Target Pro by Watsons event at Hotel Okura. The gathering hosted by Watsons gave media and influencer guests an insight into the Japanese innovation that pioneers the science behind Target Pro by Watsons. The program, hosted by Kyla Kingsu, was graced by skincare experts/ representatives of Watsons, including Carrie san, president of Cosmetec Japan LTD, and Katrine salvador, senior brand manager who talked about the Target Pro by Watsons line of products.
a team in collaboration with Dr. Kawashima Makoto, MD, PhD, professor and chairman of Dermatology, Tokyo Women’s Medical University.
“Target Pro by Watsons is the perfect fusion of advanced Japanese skincare science and the philosophy of balance and harmony. Our goal is to offer consumers not just products but solutions that deliver visible, lasting results—because true beauty starts from within, and our skincare is designed to help you achieve that equilibrium in your skin’s
health day after day,”said Salvador. Target Pro’s range targets specific concerns with precision and efficacy. The Boosting Serum had vitamin C concentrate and is for brightening. Pore Care Intensive Serum has MINIPORYL and salicylic acid to help refine skin texture. The Whitening Intensive serum has Diamond sirt, three types of vitamin C, and vitamin B3. age Defense serum contains Diamond sirt and a New Capsule Wrinkle solution with Hydration serum. Target Pro by Watsons is available at Watsons branches, watsons.com.ph and via the Watsons app. Follow Watsons on Instagram or TikTok for the latest updates and exclusives.
HOLIDAY DAZZLERS Gretz Jewelry New York baroque pearl necklace; Tiffany & Co. Christmas tree at Greenbelt Makati; Tessera diamond pendant with chain necklace; Kristine Dee Jewellery Holly pendants; Seiko; Kristine Dee Jewellery Winslet pendants
Fuji-Haya Electric Corp., LS Electric Korea products exhibited at 49th IIEE Annual National Convention
FUJI-HAYA Electric Corporation has reasserted its pre-eminent position again as the country’s top switch gear manufacturer at the recentlyconcluded IIEE 49th Annual National Convention held last November 27 to December 1, 2024 at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City.
Hosted by the Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines (IIEE), the convention is the biggest and most awaited gathering of power equipment manufacturers and design consultants in the electrical engineering field. Together with Fuji-Haya’s strategic partners, LS Electric of Korea and Fuji Electric of Japan, they exhibited their innovative and state-of-the-art products at the four-day event.
Fuji-Haya Electric showcased their groundbreaking equipment for various
applications in the power protection industry. Boasting of Filipino ingenuity and backed by LS Electric of Korea, the products featured at the exhibit surprised guests with smart power solutions from switchgear to remote controlled circuit breakers with IOT features for residential electrical panels.
Included in the showcase was the recently fully type-tested low voltage switchgear with patented arc relief device which was designed entirely by Fuji Haya engineers, thus further reinforcing Fuji
EK unveils five magical gifts to celebrate the holiday season
ENCHANTED Kingdom, the first and only world-class theme park in the Philippines, brings the most magical holiday celebration as it shares five new timeless Christmas experiences in Santa Rosa, Laguna.
Apart from the more than 30 unlimited rides and gated attractions, every Filipino can now enjoy the Timeless Magic of Christmas with the Park’s festive tunes, vibrant displays and colorful decors, all unveiled during EK’s grand holiday kickoff last November 23, 2024
Enchanting performances
The event’s amazing lineup of performers spread the timeless holiday magic through world-class music and entertainment.
Award-winning De La Salle Santiago Zobel (DLSZ) Rondalla serenaded the crowd with a Christmas medley and enchanting symphonic music through their strings and percussion.
Returning to the EK stage to bring some Yuletide cheer, members of the powerhouse dance company G-Force teased the audience with their spectacular dance moves. They also promoted their year-end dance concert which will also be held at the theme park on December 15.
EK’s homegrown vocal groups, SMS, Victoria’s Way and the Kingsmen, set up the festive vibe even more with their mesmerizing renditions of classic holiday songs.
Magic of giving THE magical celebration was graced by Santa Rosa, Laguna Mayor Arlene B. Arcillas, who shared that the Christmas season in the city would not be complete without the grand lighting ceremony of the Park’s Enchanted Christmas Tree and Grand Parol.
EK’s Chief Operating Officer Dr. Cynthia R Mamon officially turned over the donation funds raised during the Timeless Halo-ween: An Event for a Cause for the benefit of those affected by Typhoon Kristine, to the city government of Santa Rosa through Arcillas. Arcillas expressed her gratitude to EK for spreading the “very essence of Christmas,” the spirit of giving, through their offerings and initiatives.
Eldar’s Moonlight Parade Parkgoers flocked along the streets of Portabello and Brooklyn Place in anticipation for the back-to-back launch of EK’s holiday attractions beginning with the Eldar’s Moonlight Parade. And suddenly, there they were. EK’s jolly wizard along with other beloved storybook characters appeared with their vibrant, glow-in-the-dark costumes. Nightlife at the Park lit up as they pranced across the themed zones to the tune of lively, iconic EK songs.
Eldar’s Brooklyn Symphony AS the parade party approached EK’s 4D-simulated theater Rialto at the Brooklyn Place zone, Eldar the Wizard
waved his magical wand to start the Brooklyn Symphony.
Christmas lights that covered the whole zone suddenly came to life, dancing to the beat of popular Christmas songs playing throughout the area.
Guests also rejoiced upon the sight of “snow” falling from the sky towards the end of the show as part of the holiday vibe.
Enchanted Christmas Tree
SERVING as the highlight of EK’s magical holiday attractions this 2024 is their one-of-a-kind Enchanted Christmas Tree in partnership with Firefly. It is located between the Brooklyn Place and Midway Boardwalk’s Wheel of Fate.
With Dr. Mamon and Arcillas leading the lighting ceremony, purple lights soon covered the whole tree, unveiling its unique design.
This year, the theme park transformed the Enchanted Christmas Tree into Eldar’s iconic wizard hat. Serving as the ornaments are star-shaped lanterns, each bearing the portrait of the EK storybook characters; while on top is an image of the nativity scene, reminding every guest of the true essence of the Christmas season.
Grand Parol
EK embraced “Paskong Pinoy” and brought back the star of Filipino holiday celebrations through its Grand Parol, which stands even brighter at the Spaceport Grounds beside the Space Shuttle rollercoaster ride where guests can enjoy its colorful display synchronized with popular Filipino Christmas songs.
The Santa Rosa-based theme park commissioned the renowned lantern maker from Pampanga, Eric Bondoc Quiwa to create this record-breaking decor together with 100 other parols installed around the park.
Enchantment continues up in the sky
ONCE again, Eldar the Wizard orchestrated a grand spectacle of lights up in the sky with the new Timeless Magic Fireworks Show. This features the special holiday version of EK’s 29th anniversary theme song Timeless Magic, composed and sung by the theme park’s P-pop girl group SMS.
More timeless Christmas magic
‘TIS the season to celebrate with the whole family here at EK!
Guests can now continuously enjoy the majestic view of the Grand Parol, Enchanted Christmas Tree, and the Eldar’s Brooklyn Symphony while they can watch out for the Timeless Magic Fireworks Show during Saturdays at 7 PM.
Meanwhile, starting this December, Eldar the Wizard will add a Yuletide twist to his Moonlight Parade with the Christmastime Parade.
Musical groups and bands will also spread the magical spirit of the holidays through enchanting live carols by the Grand Parol. Ateneo Gabay and Emilio Aguinaldo Symphonic Band will also be there to join the festivities on December 16 and 21, respectively.
Gift the magic of Enchanted Kingdom through our upcoming holiday EKatalogue featuring the newest merchandise available for onsite purchase or online checkout through the EK Online Store.
So start planning your next EK getaway and create more unforgettable memories with your loved ones as EK is open six days a week (Tuesdays to Sundays) until December 15. From December 16 until the first week of 2025, the Park will open its magical gates to all every day.
The Timeless Magic of Christmas event was made even more magical through the following sponsors: Bounty Fresh, Cloud 9, Coca-Cola, C2, Chuckie, DITO
Haya’s leadership position in the Switch Gear Industry. This is in addition to the fully type-tested Medium Voltage Switch gear in its product line that puts Fuji Haya further apart from other panel builders.
Likewise displayed was the LS Electric’s Ring Main Unit which is currently in high demand due to its size and distinct features.
Fuji Haya’s switchgear was fully typetested in internationally-recognized third party laboratories under strict IEC standards and in accordance with the Philippine Electrical Code.
Banking on Japanese and Korean technologies, Fuji-Haya Electric has long been providing for the country’s power needs since 1979. Together with LS Electric of Korea and Fuji Electric of Japan, the companies have a combined expertise of over a century in power protection. For every switch turned on in homes, workplaces, and public spaces, we can be sure that Fuji-Haya’s products have
helped keep the current flowing, giving its customers a continuous supply of safe, reliable electricity.
To explore Fuji-Haya’s products and facilities, please visit their online
Experience healthy hydration at home with Karofi; free 7-day trial for Pinoy families
IN a world increasingly confronted with water quality concerns, access to clean and safe drinking water has become a pressing health and environmental issue. Contaminated water sources can lead to a host of health problems, including gastrointestinal diseases, developmental issues in children, and chronic conditions linked to long-term exposure to harmful substances like arsenic and heavy metals.
Recognizing the gravity of this challenge, Karofi Global has emerged as a leader in innovative water purification solutions, empowering communities to safeguard their health while adopting sustainable practices.
Karofi’s latest initiative, the “Sip Sustainably with Karofi” campaign, embodies this mission. The campaign offers Filipino households a free, one-week trial of Karofi’s advanced water purifiers, including the top-tier KAD-D66 and KAD-N69 models. This initiative not only provides access to clean, health-enhancing water but also emphasizes the importance of sustainable hydration practices.
Water is the essence of life, yet the rising levels of environmental pollutants have made safe drinking water a rarity. While modern conveniences often take precedence, the reality is that no material wealth can substitute for good health. The “Sip Sustainably” campaign underscores the truth that health is the foundation of a fulfilling life. The clarity of water can often be deceptive.
Transparent water does not necessarily mean clean water.
Similarly, boiled water, widely regarded as a traditional solution for ensuring safety, may not be as effective as people believe.
Toxic substances in water exist in two primary forms: Visible Contaminants: Impurities such as dirt, bacteria, and unpleasant odors, which are relatively easier to detect with the naked eye.
Invisible Threats: Harmful organic substances, chemicals, heavy metals (such as arsenic, lead, and iron), and microscopic pathogens, including viruses and bacteria, that infiltrate the body and pose serious health risks.
Karofi remains steadfast in its mission to promote healthier lifestyles and sustainable practices. The company’s commitment is evident in the thoughtful design of its water purifiers, which prioritize safety, health benefits, and environmental sustainability. By offering this free seven-day trial, Karofi invites Filipino families to experience the tangible benefits of its cutting-edge water purification systems—empowering them to embrace a healthier, more sustainable way of living.
To take part in this unique initiative, customers simply need to register at select Karofi stores in Metro Manila, including Robinsons Magnolia and GH Mall. This quick sign-up process qualifies participants for a complimentary one-week trial, allowing them to
integrate sustainable hydration directly into their daily routines at home.
Karofi’s full product range is available for exploration. For those interested in an interactive experience, live demonstrations are offered at Karofi Brand Store Robinsons Magnolia, and Karofi Brand Store GH Mall.
This allows
BYD Cars Philippines, in collaboration with ACMobility, proudly introduces the BYD Seal 5 DM-i, a groundbreaking sedan tailored specifically for practical and progressive firsttime car buyers. The new electric vehicle offers a premium driving experience at an accessible price point, making electric mobility more accessible to Filipinos.
“The collaboration between BYD and ACMobility represents a momentous step towards establishing a strong foundation for electrified mobility in the country,” said Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala, Chief Executive Officer of ACMobility. “Together, we’re committed to enhancing customer experience and making electric vehicles a mainstream choice, offering options that meet the diverse needs of the modern Filipino driver,” he adds.
This year also marks a significant milestone for BYD, which celebrates 30 years of pioneering electrified mobility solutions and leading the way in making electric vehicles accessible to everyday drivers. BYD has remained committed to advancing electric transportation throughout these three decades, continually innovating to meet consumers’ evolving needs.
BYD also commemorates the roll-off of its 10-millionth New Energy Vehicle (NEV) this November, further reinforcing the company’s ongoing growth and its unwavering commitment to driving the global transition toward smarter, more efficient mobility. BYD is now the first automaker in the world to reach this groundbreaking figure. Remarkably, BYD took 15 years to produce the first 5 million NEVs. It achieved the next five million in just 15 months, demonstrating the company’s strategic focus on new energy vehicles and its continuous technological advancement.
The launch of the BYD Seal 5 DM-i builds on this legacy, bringing advanced electrified solutions to Filipino drivers and further
Aligned with this commitment, the partnership between
of
BELENISMO
Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil, Brig. Gen. Charlemagne F. Batayola, Jr., Major General Pedro C. Balisi and Dr. Isa Cojuangco Suntay, co-founder of Tarlac Heritage foundation. AFP Northern Luzon Command based in Camp Servillano Aquino won in the Grand Non-Municipal Category. Bernard Testa
Brick by brick
EACH December, lines of a song keep coming back to me: “And so this is Christmas and what have you done? Another year over, a new one’s just begun.”
Beyond the “year-that-was” accomplishment reports for businesses or chatty missives to family and friends, Christmases present us with an opportunity to take stock, perhaps in the quiet of the evening as one watches the blinking Christmas lights or in the crispness of the morning as the city gradually awakes.
Enter the book, Brick by Brick: Building the Change You Want by a young professional of deep insight, Myke Santos.
First on Myke. I first met him as a shy little boy who would quietly observe us adults conversing.
His Mom was a dear friend with a vibrant presence, and his Uncle is my BFF (Best Friends Forever) with a passion for writing, stage, and the arts.
It is a joy to see that Myke is now a: strategy and HR consultant, certified coach for Transformative Coaching and The Leadership Circle, and certified facilitator of the Lego: Serious Play Method that he pioneered in the Philippines; university faculty member, and founder of Brick Consulting. It turned out to be a natural progression for him to write a book.
AS THE YEAR WINDS DOWN
I CHo S E t o write about this in this column as PR and communication activities wind down these holidays, replaced by family and friend reunions, the reunions being chicken soup for the soul, borrowing from another book’s title. These present a bit of a respite before we begin 2025.
o p timism usually characterizes the start of a new year, as it offers a fresh start. We want all to have a better self, better opportunities, and less, or best, none of the grating or incessant difficulties that douse cold water on our dreams and plans. And then, there is change.
Myke’s take on change: “CHANGE doesn’t happen overnight, we must build it brick by brick.” This is something we instinctively know, but still, because of the twists and turns it takes to change, it becomes something that we wish we could just do in a quick reboot. It could be an exciting and happy change as in a promotion, or a challenging one as in an issue and crisis management situation.
its 300th store nationwide. Since its beginnings in May 2022 with the launch of its first physical store in Uptown Mall, BGC, PICKUP C o F FEE has quickly become a household name, redefining the coffee experience for Filipinos. In just over two and a half years, the brand has grown exponentially, opening its 100th store in Paseo De Magallanes in 2023 and its 200th store in SM Sta. Rosa ear -
He clarifies: “This is not a book about changing careers or making the great leap to entrepreneurship, though you could use it that way. This book is meant for anyone feeling disoriented and out of sorts about change, and wanting to embrace and shape change rather than being a hapless victim or bystander of it.”
“It is about changing the way we look at change to be more purposeful about how we create and manage it, no matter how challenging it can be.”
THE EVOLVING WORKPLACE
HE recalls feeling disoriented upon reporting back to work here at the mother company after a twoyear regional assignment.
“Suddenly I felt out of place,” he wrote, adding, “I felt this strange sense of unfamiliarity. As if the company I had been a part of for the past 10 years had changed so drastically without me...this experience of change disrupted not only my career trajectory, but also my peace of mind and sense of self.”
Discomfort, he recalled, led him to three options: Either “Don’t rock the boat.” or “Fight fire with fire.” or “Build the change I wanted.”
He chose to build the change he wanted because, “change is thrust upon us and awaits our response,” and that in his case, it was adjusting from the corporate ways he had become used to, to becoming an independent consultant and entrepreneur with many hats and functions.
He cites one earlier brick, lifetime employment, deemed the foundation for a good life, and how this has evolved into the brick of lifelong learning.
“All around us, we have seen other new bricks slowly replacing old bricks, such as the pursuit of purpose and meaning instead of climbing the corporate ladder; working anywhere and anytime… putting a premium on health and well-being instead of keeping your professional and personal selves completely separate; failing fast and learning instead of putting a premium on strict compliance and punishing experimentation.”
He goes on to identify new bricks like “the power of influence in a digital world, humancentric design, open and authentic leadership, diverse and inclusive cultures.”
5 NEW BRICKS
A ND t hus, the book and the action and advocacy he espouses, and
lier this year. N ow, PICKUP C o F FEE reaches a monumental milestone with the opening of its 300th store at Robinsons Place Manila. Each branch i n its rapidly expanding network is proudly company-owned, ensuring consistent quality and a seamless experience for coffee lovers nationwide. This achievement reflects the b rand’s dedication to delivering on its mission: to uplift everyone with
these five bricks to change, “new bricks for a new world:”
1. “INTENTION— Beyond setting goals and listing resolutions, think about your INTENTIoNS for next year, whether it is a small intention of making better decisions day-to-day, meeting a major milestone, or simply being more aware and mindful of what is important for you.
How you would define a ‘better’ year for you whether in your personal life or as a PR and communications practitioner in your field and organization.”
ACTION: Articulate your intention.
2. “IDENTITY—To embark on change, one must remember that you are not starting from zero. Who you are and what got you to where you are today are all capabilities that will help bring you forward.
In PR and communication what skills and experiences can you leverage on? What message does your organization convey in terms of who you are and what you stand for?”
ACTION: Revisit your identity.
3. “FOCUSED ACTION—Between your INTENTIoN and IDENTITY
are deliberate, tiny steps that will get you to where you are going. In this age where there is a lot of C o M MUNICATIoN NoI SE, what is important is to develop a sense of F o C US and then work towards it even if every slowly.
ACTIoN w ithout F o C US is a busyness. F o C US without action is a distraction.”
ACTION: Identify what focused action you can take.
4. “CONNECTION—As we take focused actions towards our intentions, we will impact others just as others impact us. C oNNECTIoN means ensuring that we meet our audiences where they are and connect with them to get feedback –whether positive or negative – for us to RESP oN D and ADAPT while constantly engaging with those that matter to us.”
ACTION: Engage with those who matter.
5. “PLAY—As children we are ever curious, immensely creative, and always learning new things. In our professional world where business models, technology, and ways of working are constantly in flux, instead of facing change with fear or the need to control, we can maintain a mindset of play by being curious about what change can
fast, delicious, high-quality, and surprisingly affordable beverages— one PICKUP at a time. To date, PICKUP C o F FEE has sold over 3 million cups of its iconic Kape Kastila, proving its commitment to quality and accessibility resonates with Filipinos. “ This 300th store opening marks our commitment to our mission to UPlift everyone with fast, delicious, high-quality, and surprisingly affordable beverages everywhere— o ne PICKUP at a time,” said Francis Flores, PICKUP C o F FEE’s Country President and CE o. “ This is only the beginning.” To mark this incredible achievement, PICKUP C o F FEE celebrated in style. The event featured a short program attended by company executives and special guests. PICKUP friends also joined in the excitement with an exclusive Buy 1, Share
mean for us and what it is nudging us to do.
Whether it is learning more about disruptive technologies i.e., AI in our field to understand rather than to hide from it or being open to industry/social media trends that helps us anticipate change and become more resilient as people and professionals.”
ACTION: Step back, recharge, refocus and get into the mindset of play to treat yourself with compassion and humor.
REINVENTING, REBUILDING
I END this column with Myke’s w ords: “I invite you to reflect on the current bricks that you may have built your identity, your relationships, and your work around; the subtle or overwhelming change that you may be experiencing today; and what new bricks you may need to reinvent or rebuild to generate positive change in your life. Change in our lives is constant, but so too is our capability to imagine, respond, and create...a new world awaits!”
Myke’s insightful, inspiring book, Brick by Brick: Building the Change You Want, is available at Fully Booked branches. You can hear more of his thoughts on the 5 Brick Change Framework as a Philippine speaker at the Fusion 2025 regional conference of the International Association of Business Communicators Asia Pacific (IABC APAC) on March 17 and 18, 2025 at EDSA Shangri-la Hotel. See you there! https:// iabcfusionconference.com/
PR Matters is a roundtable column by members of IPRA Philippines, the local chapter of the United Kingdombased International Public Relations Association, the world’s premier association for senior communications professionals around the world. Ritzi Villarico-Ronquillo, APR, IABC Fellow is a Consultant, Coach and Speaker on Business Communication and Strategic Public Relations with 43 years of experience in leading internal and external communication and PR in corporate, communities, academe and associations.
We are devoting a special column each month to answer the reader’s questions about public relations. Please send your comments and questions to askipraphil@gmail.com.
1 o ffer—buy one beverage and get another free to share with a friend! Missed the Grand Launch? Don’t worry! To continue the celebration, PICKUP C o F FEE is offering an exclusive promo at its newest store in Robinsons Place Manila. From December 6 to December 31, 2024, enjoy 30 percent o F F all beverages with a minimum spend of P 300 when ordering through the PICKUP App.
AUTHOR Myke Santos with his book Brick by Brick: Building the Change You Want
Faster, higher, stronger, together POC–Tolentino
ABRAHAM “BAMBOL” TOLENTINO vowed to uphold further the Olympic motto “Faster, Higher, StrongerTogether” as he thanked sports leaders in a fellowship cum Christmas Party a week after getting a fresh and overwhelming mandate as Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president.
“Let us continue to strive for greater heights in the spirit of teamwork and perfection,” Tolentino told close to three dozen national sports association leaders during the celebration at the Hotel Okura Manila in Pasay City late last week.
“I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all members of the Philippine Olympic Committee,” Tolentino said, adding “your dedication, hard work and unity have been instrumental in shaping the success of Philippine sports this year.”
“ Together, we have overcome challenges, celebrated victories, and strengthened our commitment to supporting our athletes and nation,” said Tolentino who, under his watch, bridged two Olympics—Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024—marked with historic gold medals one from weightlifter Hidilyn DiazNaranjo and two from gymnast Carlos Yulo.
“Thank you for your unwavering passion and service,” added Tolentino, who during the POC elections last Friday garnered 45 of the possible 61 votes in the Olympic cycle elections.
Among those who celebrated with Tolentino were newlyelected POC auditor Donaldo Caringal (volleyball) and Executive Board members Leonora Escollante (canoe-kayak-dragon boat), Leah Gonzalez (fencing), Alvin Aguilar (wrestling), Ferdinand Agustin (jiu-jitsu) and Alexander Sulit (judo) and secretarygeneral Atty. Wharton Chan (kickboxing).
R amon “Tats” Suzara, president of the national and Asian volleyball bodies, gymnastics’ Cynthia Carrion and Rowena Eusuya, cycling’s Atty. Billy Sumagui, sepak takraw’s Karen Caballero, boxing’s Marcus Manalo and Athletes Commission’s Nikko Huelgas.
Olympic boxing medalist Nesthy Petecio and Eumir Felix Marcial joined karate president Richard Lim and table tennis head Ting Ledesma as well as Rolan Llamas (kurash), Reynald Tiangco (tennis), Imelda Regencia (ice hockey) Jobert Yu and Brian Benjamin Lim (esports), Dr. Ernesto Jay Adalem (handball), Becky Garcia (dancesports), Paolo Tancontian (sambo) and Gina Avecilla (bowling).
Also present were Jop Malonzo (vovinam), Chressibel Atienza (wushu), Raul Samson (taekwondo), Jarryd Bello (curling), Charlie Ho (netball), Jonne Go (hockey), Aniceto Facundo II (skateboarding), Red Dumuk (pickleball), Jasper Tanhucco (athletics) and Jezreel Apelar (ski and snowboarding).
Cardinals champs again!
Frank to skate in Harbin games in lieu of Bautista
SBy Josef Ramos
OFIA FRANK will skate for Team Philippines in February’s Ninth Asian Winter Games in Harbin after original qualifier Maxine Bautista missed the transfer cut.
Frank, 19 and based in Colorado Spring, finished third in the national figure skating championships last month at Mall of Asia rink behind topnotcher Bautista, but was informed by Philippine Skating Union (PSU) president Nikki Cheng that she’ll be competing in Harbin instead. Sofia will take Maxine’s place in Harbin after finishing third in
our recent national competition. We have already informed them,” Cheng told BusinessMirror over the weekend. “Besides Sofia, our No. 2 Cathryn Limketkai will also represent us in Harbin.” B autista, 23, did not make federation transfer cut of the International Skating Union (ISU) last July after getting her release paper from Team USA to represent the Philippines only last October. “ We just got a confirmation that she did not make the transfer cut so her availability to represent the Philippines in the international competition will be after July 2025,” Cheng said.
Frank, daughter of former beauty queen Precious Tongko, finished 17th in figure skating at the Santa Claus Cup last week in Budapest, Hungary.
T he PSU is also eyeing Peter Groseclose to represent Philippines in speed skating as well as the figure skating pair of Filipina Isabella Gamez and Russian Sergeyevich Korovin in Harbin.
T he Senate, meanwhile, approved during the third and final reading Korovin’s application for Filipino citizenship with only President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s signature on the bill awaiting his naturalization.
Cool Smashers’ Galanza living up to expectations
Tuesday in front of 9,551 spectators at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. The former league Most Valuable Player—who had in 22 attacks,
After her stellar showing that kept Creamline unbeaten in three matches in second place behind Cignal (4-0), Galanza was voted PVL Press Corps Player of the Week—an award presented by Pilipinas Live—for the period of December 3 to 7.
“I’m thankful that I was able to stay in the game,” Galanza said. “The season’s just starting so I still am not getting that ‘perfect’ game.”
coach
there was
miraculous in the Cardinals’ return to National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) glory.
It began in the operating room of a hospital in Manila where he was about to undergo a neck and spine surgery—a condition that bothered his coaching duties during crucial stages of last year’s Finals where they eventually lost to the San Beda Red Lions.
He was already entertaining thoughts about retiring if things didn’t go well after the operation, but as fate would have it, the surgery was successful and he was given a chance to do what he loves best—coaching.
“I thank God for giving me the opportunity to coach again,” said a teary-eyed Alcantara moments after Mapua routed College of Saint Benilde, 94-82, to sweep the best-of-three series and end a long 33-year wait for the Cardinals to be champions again.
“M any don’t know this, but I wasn’t able to go 100 percent as coach last season—my blood pressure went that high because of my spine [illness],” Alcantara said. “I opted to stay away from the bench so as not to distract the players.”
Minus Alcantara’s wisdom, Mapua lost the series.
He went under the knife after that and successfully got rid of the problems that hobbled him in that fateful championship defeat.
“It’s a personal miracle for me because I’m back not only as a coach, but I helped Mapua become champion again
S he added: “It’s too early in the conference and many things can still happen.”
Galanza’s steady presence helped her prevail over Galeries Tower’s versatile setter Julia Coronel, Cignal star Vanie Gandler, Petro Gazz standouts Brooke Van Sickle and Myla Pablo and Chery Tiggo duo Cess Robles and Jen Nierva for the weekly award presented by reporters covering the league.
after 33 years,” said Alcantara, who was part of that champion team in 1991.
C lint Escamis missed winning a second consecutive season Most Valuable Player trophy, but he was one of the Cardinals responsible for the championship run.
“I wanted this so badly…. After 33 years, finally this is ours,’’ said Escamis, who was named Finals MVP with his averages of 24 points, four assists and four steals in Games 1 and 2. “ That defeat last year was our motivation,” added the Cardinal spitfire who made 15 of his 18 points in the first two quarters.
M arc Cuenco had 19 points and rookie Lawrence Mangubat finished with 17 points on four threepointers—he made three straight in the third, and Rookie of the Year Chris Hubilla had 15 points and eight rebounds for the Cardinals who won Game last season only to lose two straight to the Red Lions.
“I watched San Beda celebrate victory last year, this time, it’s us who’re celebrating,” Escamis said.
J ustine Sanchez had a career-high 24 points, Mythical Five member Tony Ynot made 17 points and season MVP Allen Liwag had 14 points and 10 rebounds for the Cardinals.
Joel Banal coached that 1991 Mapua champion team which beat San Beda in three games a roster that included Alcantara, Benito Cheng, Reuben De La Rosa, Fermin Alberto Ramas, Nerio Ronquillo Jr., Banjo Gilbuen, Bong Marasigan, Noel Erb Baltazar, Edu Grueso, Reynold So, Mel Latoreno, Winchester Lemen and
TJamal Murray (hamstring), Aaron Gordon (calf) and Dario Saric (ankle) out with injuries. Jokic ended up attempting 38 shots from the field—also a career high—as he tried to carry Denver to a win.
“I was forcing at the end,” he said. His previous career high in scoring was 50—also in a loss, at Sacramento on February 6, 2021. Jokic scored 23 points— on 20 shots—in the third quarter against the Wizards as Denver cut a 12-point halftime deficit to six.
T hen he took a rest and Washington pushed the lead back into double digits. The Wizards outscored Denver by eight when Jokic was out and by one when he was in the game. “ We have a lot of issues, mainly on the defensive end of
the floor,” coach Mike Malone said. Jordan Poole led Washington with 39 points, including nine 3-pointers, but the Wizards also had balance that Denver lacked. Justin Champagnie scored a career-high 23 and Jonas Valanciunas banged with Jokic inside and finished with 20 points. Malone put the blame on himself.
“I ’m doing a really poor job with this team,” he said. “For us to be 11-10 at this point and losing to a team that last five games is averaging a hundred points a game and they put up 122 on us—I’m embarrassed by that.”
APUA Univerzity
Randy Alcantara knew
PHILIPPINE Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino and national sports association leaders and officials in a thanksgiving and Christmas party.
SINGLES champions Koki Nara (left) of Japan and Tenielle Madis pose with their trophies.
