Lackluster growth
By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto @reine_alberto
AFTER the Philippine economy’s lackluster performance last year, economic managers are now considering revising the targets they set for 2025 during its first meeting in March.
“Maybe we’ll need to adjust if needed, we’ll do the necessary adjustment,” Budget Secretary and Chairperson of the Development Budget Coordination Committee Amenah F. Pangandaman told reporters on the sidelines of the Makati Business Club’s General Membership Meeting on
Wednesday.
This comes after the economy grew at 5.2 percent in the last quarter of 2024, leaving full-year growth to an average of 5.6 percent. This is also the second consecutive year that the country failed to meet its GDP growth target set at 6 to 6.5 percent in 2024.
The DBCC will likely retain the lower-end growth target of 6 percent but could tighten the upperend of the band, Budget Undersecretary and Principal Economist Joselito R. Basilio told reporters during the same event.
This year, the economic managers widened the target band from 6 to 8 percent in anticipation of
the impacts of structural reforms and evolving domestic and global uncertainties.
Pangandaman said the county’s gross domestic product (GDP), inflation and employment rate, as well as the key policy rates set by the Monetary Board, will be considered in its upcoming meeting.
With United States President Donald Trump stepping into office, Pangandaman said there are no external risks to the Philippines yet. “As of now, it’s just the pronouncements and most of it is just the policy review of the existing orders and previous policy. So we wait until we get their final agenda.”
Meanwhile, revenues to be collected could also be lowered to make it more “realistic,” Basilio added. In a separate interview with reporters on Tuesday,
STILL DRIVE
By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario
still faces a double whammy of high food and oil prices that could lead to faster inflation this year, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and local economists.
On Wednesday, PSA reported that inflation averaged 2.9 percent in January 2025, faster than the 2.8 percent posted in the same period last year. (See: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2025/02/05/inflation-standsat-2-9-in-january-psa/).
At a briefing, National Statistician Claire Dennis S. Mapa cited indications that oil and LPG prices could increase. “We’re still looking at certain factors, like for example, the price of oil and LPG. The LPG sector announced an increase in prices at the start of the month, and that will reflect in the inflation rate for the month of February,” Mapa said, partly in Filipino.
In terms of food, Mapa said the PSA will closely monitor meat, fish, and vegetables—the same commodities
TBy Ada Pelonia @adapelonia
HE international prices of commodities being imported and exported by the Philippines, including fertilizer, registered increases in January based on the latest World Bank report.
Figures from the World Bank indicated that global prices of coffee varieties like arabica and robusta posted an uptick last month.
Arabica prices inched up by 3.17 percent to $7.81 per kilo in January from $7.57 per kilo recorded the previous month, while the global quotation of robusta variety grew by 3.64 percent to $5.41 per kilo last month from $5.22 per kilo in December.
Global quotations of arabica and robusta coffee varieties in January were higher than the average prices last year at $5.62 per kilo and $4.41 per kilo, respectively.
BMI, a unit of Fitch Solutions, recently reported that the market sentiment for coffee prices is still bullish, owing to supply-related concerns in Vietnam and Brazil, the world’s two largest coffee producers. (See: https://
SBy Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan
EVEN institutions including business groups have laid out proposals for the government to ensure the budget process would not result, in the future, in “adverse” long-term effects that impact the Philippines’s credit standing.
“The undersigned business groups urge policymakers to safeguard the country’s long-term economic stability by ensuring that future budgets prioritize the short and long term needs of the Filipino people through the passage of the reforms proposed above,” noted the joint statement of the business groups, released by the Makati Business Club on Wednesday.
The groups explained that the “diversion” of programmed funds from priority projects to discretionary spending on local projects with more political than economic purposes will result in “adverse” long-term effects.
This could affect, they added, the Philippines’s credit standing, “making future
borrowing more expensive and limiting our ability to fund critical programs.”
The business groups issued the statement containing their proposals after the 2025 National Budget was “substantially changed” by the bicameral committee.
“They significantly reduced allocations for programmed healthcare, social services and education projects, by over P200 billion. In place of these programmed projects, the bicameral committee inserted local infrastructure projects and types of unconditional cash transfers which, we believe, promote a culture of patronage and dependency,” the seven groups underscored.
These types of programs, they said, are “vulnerable to politicization and raise concerns of pork barrel practices, especially in light of the upcoming elections,” adding, this is the very practice that the Supreme Court ruled unconstitutional in the (Priority Development Assistance Fund) PDAF case.
The groups acknowledged President
‘Low, steady inflation’ gives BSP room to cut rates: DOF
By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto @reine_alberto
THE“low and steady” inflation recorded in January 2024 gives the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) room to reduce key policy rates to boost household spending and economic growth, according to Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto.
“This is a strong indicator of the government’s commitment to keeping prices stable and signals that the BSP has more flexibility to further reduce interest rates,” said Recto, who also sits as a member of the Monetary Board, the BSP’s highest policy-making body.
ever, this was still faster than the 2.8 percent in January 2024. (See: https://businessmirror.com. ph/2025/02/05/inflation-standsat-2-9-in-january-psa/).
Food inflation accelerated to 3.8 percent from 3.4 percent in December 2024, driven by higher vegetable prices.
Meanwhile, rice posted a yearon-year deflation of -2.3 percent in January 2024, the steepest deflation recorded since 2020.
more aggressively than the United States Federal Reserve by as much as 75 basis points this year but would “depend on what inflation looks like in the Philippines.”
Fed officials have signaled a slower pace of policy this year, with economists expecting a total 50 bps reduction.
that posted high inflation in January 2025.
Vegetables, Tubers, Cooking Bananas and Pulses posted an inflation of 21.1 percent with specific items such as tomatoes posting a 155.7-percent inflation rate.
Meat and Other Parts of Slaughtered Land Animals recorded a year-on-year inflation of 6.4 percent while Fish and Other Seafood also posted a 3.3-percent inflation in January 2025.
“So while the rice inflation became negative, we saw three more items with increases, which pushed up food inflation rate,” Mapa said.
Meanwhile, National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan said there was no room for complacency and that the government aims to continue efforts to tame inflation.
“Lower interest rates mean cheaper borrowing costs for our consumers and businesses. This will provide greater purchasing power for our people and stronger momentum for investments and growth,” the Finance chief added.
7 groups…
Continued from A1
The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on Wednesday that inflation reached 2.9 percent in January 2025, the same rate posted in December 2024. How-
P26 billion of the net P2800-billion Congressional insertions into the budget of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) during the bicameral conference committee. However, they said, given the amounts
“This is a welcome relief for Filipino consumers. But rest assured, the government will not be complacent. We will remain proactive in implementing interventions to ensure stable and affordable rice prices,” Recto said.
The latest inflation print is within the government’s inflation target of 2 to 4 percent this year until 2028, based on what the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) had set in December 2024.
Previously, Recto said the Monetary Board could cut interest rates
involved, the current state of the 2025 General Appropriations Act still does not address both the short- and longterm needs of the Filipino people, especially given that many key social services remain “defunded.”
Last week, BSP Governor and Chairman of the Monetary Board Eli M. Remolona Jr. said interest rates could be reduced by 50 basis points this year as the BSP needs some policy insurance against inflation.
An initial 25-bps policy rate cut could be delivered in the first half of the year while another 25-bps will follow in the second half. “Not every meeting we’ll see a policy rate decline,” Remolona said.
Should a 50-bps reduction be implemented, this would bring down interest rates to 5.25 percent.
The Monetary Board is set to meet on February 13, its first ratesetting meeting for the year.
The groups outlined the their proposals to ensure that any future budget process is “transparent, equitable, and aligned with the nation’s priorities in the future.”
On top of the list is the groups’ call on Congress for transparency in the Bicameral Conference Committee.
“The bicameral process is conducted behind closed doors. The records of the discussions must be released and made accessible to the public, to ensure transparency and accountability,” their statement noted.
They also underscored the importance of supporting conditional cash transfers (4Ps) instead of instituting and expanding unconditional cash transfers.
“We call on the Secretary of the DSWD to release a list of beneficiaries per Barangay as well as the details of the beneficiaries of any cash transfer,” the business groups said.
Likewise, they sought “institutional safeguards” to control the use and allocation of unprogrammed funds.
They said unprogrammed funds should “serve [their] main purpose which is for emergency/unexpected expenses.”
Third on the list of proposals of the groups is to allow citizen participation in the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC).
“Open the DBCC to public engagement, allowing citizen input on macroeconomic assumptions and budget priorities. This will ensure the budget reflects the real needs of the people,” the statement of the groups read.
The groups called on the Executive branch to “consider the recommendation of former Senate President Frank Drilon to classify all Congressintroduced amendments in the 2025 budget as ‘For Later Release’ [FLR], so that these amendments will not be used for electioneering.”
“Second, we call for reform in the budget process, so that this situation will be avoided in future,” the groups noted.
The groups who penned the statement are: Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines, FinTech Alliance PH, Justice Reform Initiative (JRI), Management Association of the Philippines, Makati Business Club, Philippine Business for Social Progress and UP School of Economics Alumni Association.
These groups emphasized that the national budget, or the sum of the departmental budgets, is designed to address the needs of the Filipino people, according to the guidelines set in the Constitution.
“The majority of the budget must go to social services like education, healthcare, and conditional aid programs that aim to capacitate our people,” they stressed.
However, Mapa said, a more accurate picture of food prices would become evident after the second week of data collection. The PSA is currently in the first week of data collection for February 2025.
“We are saying that [for] some items, there’s an expectation or we are seeing a trend that’s going down or even negative, but there are some that are rising. So, we don’t know,” Mapa said.
“There’s a risk on certain items, but we are seeing [that] we have promising data in the other items,” he added.
Meanwhile, Ateneo de Manila University economist Leonardo Lanzona Jr. told BusinessMirror that while inflation prospects remain high overall, external factors cannot explain the rise in commodity prices.
Policy failures
LANZONA said the country’s domestic policies have failed such as the declaration of rice emergency. He said this placed rice in the hands of consumers instead of farmers, who can use the subsidy to increase production and, consequently, lower inflation.
“The numerous safety nets should be enough to cover for the needs of the low-income households without reducing the support to farmers,” Lanzona told this newspaper on Wednesday.
Former Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Dante B. Canlas said the key factor to monitor is food. If food prices will not surge, inflation this year could be just below 3 percent or around 2.9 percent.
Canlas also noted that on its own, higher oil prices, should these materialize, will lead to faster inflation.
“It’s [inflation] likely to rise. [It’s] too early but could be slightly below the 4 percent,” Jonathan Ravelas, senior adviser at professional services firm Reyes Tacandong & Co. told BusinessMirror
For its part, the BSP said the latest inflation outturn is consistent with its assessment that inflation will remain anchored to the target range over the policy horizon.
The central bank noted that the rice tariff reduction and negative base effects are expected to support disinflation. This has so far been effective as rice prices declined an average of 2.3 percent nationwide.
“The balance of risks to the inflation outlook continues to lean to the upside due largely to potential upward adjustments in transport fares and electricity rates,” BSP said.
“The impact of lower import tariffs on rice remains as the main downside risk to inflation. Domestic demand is likely to remain firm but subdued,” it added.
BSP said that while easing inflation and improving labor conditions will support household spending in the coming months, uncertainties in the global environment could “temper economic activity and market sentiment.”
Balisacan noted that the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration has issued an early warning to agencies to remain vigilant about the arrival of typhoons in the first half of the year, noting that four to 10 tropical cyclones are expected to develop from February to July 2025. The DA is implementing various interventions to mitigate the impact of La Niña conditions, including the construction and rehabilitation of water management systems, and the provision of agricultural inputs such as submergence-tolerant and early maturing seed varieties, animals, and adoption of diversified farming systems.
Additionally, the agency has been ramping up its ongoing vaccination campaign against African Swine Fever and working closely with the Food and Drug Administration to expedite the approval of the Avian Influenza vaccine. Efforts are under way to secure P300 million to fund the vaccine testing, which is expected to begin in March 2025.
Meanwhile, the Maharlika Investment Corporation (MIC) and Department of Energy expect that the government’s investment in the transmission segment of the power industry will help reduce electricity costs for Filipinos through lower transmission charges.
Monetary policy HSBC Asean Economist Aris Dacanay said regardless of the latest inflation print, there is room for the Monetary Board to consider a 25-basis-point rate cut next week to bring down key interest rates to 5.5 percent.
Dacanay added that the slowdown in core inflation to 2.6 percent from 2.8 percent in December 2024 and 3.8 percent in January 2024, also supports a rate cut.
“Restaurants and Accommodation Services CPI saw the largest deceleration even amidst the price pressures in food. This may suggest weak demand conditions and a squeeze in restauranteur margins,” Dacanay said.
BPI’s take FOR its part, the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) said there is now a higher possibility that the BSP will reduce key policy rates next week.
Earlier, the BSP was considering a rate cut in its first meeting for the year as the economy continues to underperform.
(See: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2025/02/01/ bsp-rate-cut-on-the-table-atfebruary-13-meet/).
BSP Governor and Chairman of the Monetary Board Eli M. Remolona Jr. told reporters that the performance of the Philippine economy remains a major consideration in the Monetary Board’s decision on monetary policy.
“A key consideration is the potential trade-off between monetary easing and currency stability. The Peso may come under pressure if the Federal Reserve leaves interest rates unchanged for longer,” BPI said.
“The BSP appears to be open to USDPHP moving higher as long as inflation remains within target. A weaker Peso could also provide a boost to the economy by improving the Peso purchasing power of exporters and OFW households,” it added.
2025,” Lumagui said, adding that tax reform measures awaiting passage would be a “big help” in collecting more revenues. The BIR aims to raise P3.232 trillion this year, 13 percent higher than the P2.86 trillion collection last year.
Despite the domestic and external uncertainties, Basilio said the government aims for the economy to return to the 6-percent growth rate, driven by investments, reduced interest rates, lower inflation and boosted consumption.
Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s veto of
Trump keeps $500-M military assistance commitment to PHL
By Malou Talosig-Bartolome
THEPhilippines has secured a commitment from the Trump administration to keep the US$500 million foreign military assistance promised during the Biden administration, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez said.
However, the programs under the Philippine Security Sector Assistance Roadmap will be subjected to a 90-day review.
Teodoro met the new US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz few days after Trump’s inauguration last month.
He said Trump’s commitment to continue supporting the de -
fense alliance with Philippines “remains the same.”
“In so far as my talk with the National Security Advisor, Mr. Waltz is concerned, it remains the same. We talked about even enhancing existing partnerships,” the defense chief told reporters at the sidelines of the New Zealand National Day Tuesday night.
Teodoro said he and Waltz did not discuss Trump’s latest order to review foreign assistance extended by the US State Department to countries.
But he said Romualdez has assured him that the US$500 million Foreign Military Financing allocated in the 2024 budget of the US government will not be included in the review.
The BusinessMirror verified this statement with Romualdez, who confirmed it.
The US Congress approved last year the US$2 billion financing for the Indo-Pacific Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, mainly to help Taiwan’s defense on possible China’s invasion.
In July 2024, then US State Secretary Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced that 25 percent of US$2 billion budget or US$500 million will be allocated to the Philippines. The US military aid aims to enhance the capability of the Armed Forces (AFP) and the Coast Guard (PCG) to fulfill their ter -
ritorial defense mission and contribute to regional security. (See related story: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2024/07/31/ us-announces-p29-3-billionmilitary-funding-to-phl/)
The Trump administration has included the assistance committed by the Biden administration under the Philippine Security Sector Assistance Roadmap.
Under the PSSAR, the US will provide capacity-building support to the AFP and the PCG on programs that “aligns to the joint priorities” of the Philippines and US for the next five to 10 years. The amount of support the US extended under this roadmap has not yet been disclosed.
Teodoro said he will meet with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth soon and will seek more clarification on the specific support that the new Trump administration will extend to its oldest ally in Asia.
“I’m very optimistic that the trajectory of existing agreements will not change,” he said.
PHL, US, Japan, Australia hold sixth MMCA at WPS
NAVAL and air force units from the Philippines, Australia, Japan and the United States started conducting the Sixth Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) at the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone on Wednesday.
Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., Armed Forces (AFP) chief of staff, in a statement said the MMCA demonstrates the participants’ “collective commitment to strengthen regional and international cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
Brawner said naval and air force units of participating nations will operate together to enhance cooperation and interoperability among the armed forces. There were no details given regarding the exact time and location of the activity and the number and composition of the participants.
The First to the Fifth MMCA activities took place in 2024—in April, June, August, September and December.
Brawner said the MMCA would be “conducted in a manner consistent with international law and with due regard for the safety of navigation, and the rights and interests of other States.”
He added that the exercise highlights the Philippines’s commitment “to uphold the right to freedom of navigation and overflight, other lawful uses of the sea and international airspace.”
Aside from this, the MMCA shows the participants’ respect
for maritime rights under international law, as reflected in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos), Brawner said.
Participants on the way
IN an interview with reporters meanwhile, the AFP Public Affairs Office director, Col. Xerxes Trinidad, said the participants were headed to the “exercise box” or area.
“Today [Wednesday] is the start of the exercise so everybody should be steaming, going to, and then all the different formations and exercises will be conducted on the said exercise box,” he added.
Trinidad also said it is possible that MMCA would be completed sometime in the afternoon or even in the evening.
When asked where the exercise box is, Trinidad said it is in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) without giving further details.
“Definitely in the WPS,” he added. PNA
Comelec reminds bets: Obey campaign guidelines
By Justine Xyrah Garcia
WITH less than a week before the official campaign period begins for senatorial and party-list candidates, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday urged aspirants to “act properly” and adhere to campaign guidelines.
Comelec Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia warned that failure to comply with the implementing rules of the Fair Election Act could lead to election offenses.
“Follow the correct size requirements… Let’s also respect our environment. We have a committee on environmentally sustainable elections,” Garcia said, partly in Filipino, during the Kapihan sa
Manila Bay forum. He specifically reminded candidates that posters and standing displays should not exceed the allowable size of two by three feet and must be placed only in designated poster areas and other public properties approved by the Comelec. Under Comelec Resolution 11086, campaign materials may only be posted in designated common poster areas (CPAs) within public spaces or on private property with the owner’s consent. Each barangay is allowed one CPA for every 5,000 registered voters, with an additional CPA for every extra 5,000 voters or fraction thereof. These areas include public spaces such as plazas, markets, and
Cops focus on traditional, non-traditional poll threats
By Rex Anthony Naval
TO ensure that the 2025 midterm elections are peaceful and orderly, the National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil, on Tuesday said the police will focus on traditional and non-traditional threats.
Marbil made this comment during the Manila Overseas Press Club’s Commission on Election-PNP Night, “The Game Changer: Peace and Order and May 2025 Elections” where he was among the keynote speakers along with poll body chairman George Erwin Garcia. In his speech, Marbil outlined the force’s ongoing effort to maintain peace and order, combat illegal drugs, and enhance cybersecurity, all while preparing for the challenges of the coming elections.
Marbil said that election security has evolved over the years. He emphasized that while traditional threats such as “Guns, Goons and Gold” remain, a new and pressing concern— Fake News—has emerged as a significant factor affecting the electoral process.
He explained that the proliferation of illegal firearms and the presence of private armed groups (PAGs) continue to pose a risk to fair elections, prompting the PNP to intensify its campaign against loose firearms and election-related violence.
Additionally, vote-buying and other corrupt practices remain a challenge, requiring a strong partnership between law enforcement and the Comelec to safeguard the integrity of the elections.
Beyond these traditional concerns, Marbil highlighted the growing impact of cybercrime and disinformation on electoral integrity.
With the rapid spread of fake news and online manipulation, Marbil said the PNP is strengthening its cybersecurity measures to counter misinformation that could mislead voters and disrupt the democratic process.
Marbil assured the public that the PNP is fully committed to ensuring a secure, fair, and peaceful election in 2025.
He underscored the importance of collaboration among the PNP, Comelec, the Armed Forces (AFP), and other government agencies, in safeguarding democracy.
‘Political dynasties lead to market imperfections’
By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan
POLITICAL dynasties lead to market imperfections such as poor competition, a Filipino economist said.
“Easing the cost of doing business can only help reduce market imperfections if the market power of an economy only emanates from regulations and constraints in accessing markets,” Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) economist Leonardo A. Lanzona told the BusinessMirror in a Viber message.
Lanzona explained to this paper, however, that the problem in the Philippines’ market dynamics is that its economic power emanates from political power.
“The political dynasties are able to maintain and obtain their market power. It is for this reason why they want to remain in posi -
tion. It is either they own these monopolies themselves or they assign cronies that handle it for them,” Lanzona said.
He explained this after Roberto Martin Galang, the dean of ADMU’s John Gokongwei School of Management underscored the importance of improving business registration processes to address the country’s issue on having low level of business entry.
“It’s really the creation of new firms that can get us out of the problem that we have which was mentioned in the World Bank’s Business Ready report, which is the lack of competition in the country,” Galang said during the AntiRed Tape Authority (Arta)-World Bank Forum on “New Insights on the Philippine Business Environment: Exploring the World Bank’s Business Ready Report.”
www.businessmirror.com.ph
Economy
House economist: Inflation ‘well within control’
By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie
ASenate and House versions of bills.
lingering challenges in the livestock industry.
“The overall inflation rate is well under control. I expect no major shifts during the whole first quarter of 2025—inflation will remain well within the 2-4 percent target band,” said the House
Committee on Ways and Means chairman, Albay Rep. Jose Clemente “Joey” Sarte Salceda. However, Salceda expressed concern over the 6.0 percent inflation rate for meat, citing
“That said, the 6.0 percent inflation rate for meat is cause for some concern. By all accounts, we have not fully recovered from African swine fever, and the threat of avian influenza remains something to watch out for,” he added.
To address this, Salceda revealed ongoing negotiations between the House of Representatives and the Senate regarding the Livestock, Poultry, and Dairy Competitiveness Act, which aims to strengthen the sector.
“Both chambers already have their third reading versions. I have suggested we go to Bicam to sort out disagreeing provisions,” he said, referring to the Bicameral Conference Committee, which reconciles differences between
Survey reveals growing global crypto awareness but limited understanding
By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga
ALEADING blockchain and web3 software com -
pany has announced the findings of its second global opinion survey on crypto and web3 conducted online by international online research data and analytics technology group YouGov.
As a follow-up to the initial report published in 2023, Consensys, the company behind MetaMask, expanded the scope of the survey, reaching over 18,000 individuals aged 18 to 65 in 18 countries, including the Philippines.
The second annual survey revealed growing global crypto awareness, limited Web3 understanding, and pressing privacy and trust concerns with Web2, highlighting opportunities for education and engagement.
Here are some of the findings:
In the Philippines, 96 percent of Filipino respondents are familiar with cryptocurrencies but less than half or 46 percent fully understand them.
In contrast, awareness of
Web3 and NFTs is lower, with only 28 percent and 37 percent of respondents, respectively, indicating familiarity.
Globally, 93 percent (+1) of people surveyed are aware of cryptocurrencies, with 51 percent claiming to understand what they are.
At least 42 percent of respondents currently own or have previously bought cryptocurrencies, with crypto ownership up significantly year-over-year in the Philippines (+7), Mexico (+8), Germany (+7), South Africa (+7) and Japan (+4).
Participation in 10 out of 11 web3 activities is up globally year over year, including collecting NFTs (+3), using decentralized finance (+4), playing blockchainbased games (+3), owning web3 wallets (+6), and interacting with staking services (+3).
The study further reveals that most respondents think the current financial system needs change, and significantly more (18 percent, +2) than last year think the financial system needs to be rebuilt.
Globally, 80 percent of respondents believe that web2 companies
LTHOUGH he cautioned about the long-term effects of high corn and meat prices, an economist at the House of Representatives reassured the public on Wednesday that the nation’s overall inflation rate is still well within control. barangay centers.
Garcia also encouraged candidates to adopt eco-friendly campaign materials and avoid using non-biodegradable items that harm the environment.
have too much power, and over a third think social media platforms and international banking-money transfer systems would benefit from decentralization.
Over 75 percent of respondents are concerned about Artificial Intelligence generating fake news and fraudulent content, while 54 percent believe blockchain can mitigate those risks.
According to the study, nearly half (48 percent) of Filipino respondents share similar sentiments as the majority (83 percent) of the total respondents, with data privacy and online identity control cited as top concerns.
Globally, less than half (46 percent) trust how their Internet Service Providers handle their data and sensitive information. Additionally, over 75 percent of people surveyed say they want more control over their online identity and a share of profits from their data— with only 39 percent of those surveyed feeling they are adequately compensated for the value they add to the internet.
Concerns about AI’s potential for generating malicious content are also widespread, highlighting
Beyond meat prices, Salceda is also keeping a close watch on corn inflation, which stood at 3.6 percent in January—higher than the overall inflation rate.
“I am also still monitoring corn prices. While lower from last month, corn inflation is still at 3.6 percent, above the overall inflation rate. Corn is the primary input to meat and fish, so any effort for meat industry development must also focus on corn,” he added.
Salceda also underscored the long-term consequences of high meat and corn prices, particularly their effects on public nutrition and economic productivity.
“The long-term implications on the nutrition and capabilities of our people are immense. We need to get meat and corn right,” he added.
an emerging phenomenon. More than 75 percent are concerned about AI generating fake news and fraudulent content, with the highest concerns in Nigeria and South Africa.
Views on blockchain’s ability to mitigate these risks vary by country, but more than half of people globally (54 percent) think it could mitigate risks posed by AI.
Concurrently, almost half of respondents (47 percent, -2) believe the traditional financial system could use improvement, suggesting a continued lack of confidence in existing financial infrastructure.
In addition, 18 percent (+2) think the system needs a complete overhaul, particularly in Nigeria, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Interestingly, however, cryptocurrency owners and those familiar with decentralization tend to view the traditional financial system more favorably. Similarly, those willing to invest in cryptocurrencies strongly believe that the financial system works well (28 percent vs 20 percent).
More than half (54 percent) of the respondents have purchased cryptocurrencies, driven by curiosity, but barriers such as scams (50 percent), volatility (48 percent), and uncertainty about where to start (42 percent) persist.
Sen Hontiveros backs calls for Palace to certify wage increase bill as urgent
By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM
SEN. Risa Hontiveros conveyed to the President on
Wednesday the mounting calls for the Palace to certify the Malacañan proposed wage increase bill as urgent, saying that millions of Filipino workers cannot afford further delays amid rising prices of basic goods and services.
“ Dapat nakakasabay ang sahod sa pagtaas ng presyo ng bilihin pamasahe at monthly bills” Hontiveros said, stressing that, “nothing is more urgent than raising our workers’ wages. Kailangan nila ito ngayon .” She warned that “every delay pushes more families deeper into poverty.”
Hontiveros recalled that the House of Representatives already approved on second reading House Bill 11376, a measure requiring all
private sector employers, regardless of size, to provide workers with a P200 daily wage increase. At the same time, the Senate passed on February 19, 2024, Senate Bill 2534, mandating a P100 minimum wage increase, with Hontiveros ensuring that contractual, sub-contractual, and agencyhired workers are also covered. While the senators backed this legislated wage hike, Hontiveros said that it is “only a step forward,” reminding that “there is still a need to push for a P1,200 daily living wage. Filipino workers deserve a decent salary that truly meets their needs,” she said. At the same time, Hontiveros acknowledged the concerns of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) about the financial strain of wage increases. She emphasized the need for government support to help MSMEs adapt to rising labor costs without compromising their sustainability.
DAR distributes 211K e-titles, Cloas in ’24
ATOTAL of 211,751 land titles were distributed to agrarian reform beneficiaries in 2024, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) reported. The land titles include 134,736 electronic titles or etitles and 77,015 certificates of land ownership award (Cloas) under the regular land acquisition and distribution component of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).
“We will make sure to file charges against those who nail posters on trees. Avoid using non-biodegradable materials. Even during campaigning, let’s take care of our environment,” he said. As part of its green election initiative, the Comelec now requires all printed campaign materials to include a statement urging voters to “recycle or dispose of this material responsibly.”
“We are a country that is filled with many monopolies and duopolies, and this is creating problems and making many things more expensive in this country. So by promoting an easier way to do business that creates more companies that will come into the country, and the more competition there is in the country…that actually benefits us,” he added. Galang noted that while the Philippines’ strength is in its regulations, “unfortunately, our weakness is our implementation.”
With this, he said the country should prioritize two parts of this process: One, he said, is how to start and close a business and finally, how to improve competition.
Aside from traditional pamphlets and leaflets, the Comelec
“The Philippines, because of a path of difficulty, especially in the past, for firms to register their businesses, the rate of innovation or new firm creation is actually quite low compared to other countries. We actually generate fewer firms than Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia or Indonesia or Malaysia per capita because of the fact, as many entrepreneurs have faced... it’s not easy to get your business registered,” Galang explained.
Based on the World Bank’s “BREADY Report 2024,” the Philippines scores lowest in Business Entry. In fact, the report noted that it takes around 75 days to register a new domestic company, while the most efficient economies take 3 days.
“This may be because entrepreneurs are not able to fully register a company online,” the World
allows other campaign materials such as cards, decals, stickers, streamers, mobile advertisements, LED billboards, and signboards. Candidates planning to use election propaganda not explicitly mentioned in the resolution must seek prior authorization by submitting samples for evaluation. Meanwhile, the Comelec also reminded candidates that using songs without permission for cam -
Bank noted.
The World Bank explained that B-READY covers 10 topics that correspond to various stages of the life cycle of a firm and its participation in the market while opening, operating, expanding, reorganizing and closing as a business.
Former Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Dante B. Canlas a Professor Emeritus at the University of the Philippines DilimanSchool of Economics, explained that in order to improve the competition in the country, “barriers to entry of small firms should be looked into and Mergers-and-acquisition rules should be strictly enforced, among others.”
“Barriers to entry of small firms are many, dampening compeition. Mergers-and-acquisition rules are lax, resulting in an industry structure with a few big
paign jingles is prohibited.
“Don’t steal. Ask for permission because these songs are covered by intellectual property rights protected by law. Conduct your campaign properly,” Garcia said.
The official campaign period for the 66 senatorial candidates and 155 party-list bets will officially start on February 11. Campaigning of local candidates will begin on March 28.
firms infused with market powers,” Canlas told the BusinessMirror in a Viber message on Tuesday.
Canlas also noted that “resulting inefficiencies are many, including ability of firms to engage in price gouging.”
With these issues hounding the Philippine market, Canlas said Ease-of-doing business initiatives are helpful. He added, however, that the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) “must actively prevent cartelization.”
It is also worth noting, based on the the factsheet provided by World Bank in relation to the “BREADY 2024” report that 22 percent of Philippine firms reported that their prices are regulated. In the most competitive economies, the report said less than 4 percent of firms report prices are regulated.
Agrarian Reform Undersecretary for Policy, Planning and Research Luis Meinrado C. Pangulayan said a total of 203,839 ARBs benefitted from the land title distribution, with 126,810 ARBs receiving titles under the Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (SPLIT) Project and 77,029 ARBs under the regular LAD program.
Pangulayan said the agency remains committed in promoting long-term agricultural productivity and economic stability among farmer-beneficiaries as Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado M. Estrella III affirmed to finish the land distribution program within the term of President Marcos.
During the discussion, Pangulayan also highlighted the implementation of Republic Act 11953, or the New Agrarian Emancipation Act (NAEA), through the issuance of Certificates of Condonation with Release of Mortgages (CoCRoM). Under this law, all unpaid amortizations—including principal debt, interest, and surcharges—incurred by ARBs were condoned. This policy relieves 610,054 ARBS tilling 1.173 million hectares of land nationwide from an estimated P57.56 billion in unpaid obligations.
“The DAR remains steadfast in its mission to implement agrarian reform, as mandated by the 1987 Constitution, through Land Tenure Improvement [LTI], Agrarian Justice, and the coordinated delivery of essential Support Services to ARBs,” Pañgulayan said.
“The Cloas are subject to legal restrictions under agrarian law, meaning awarded lands cannot be sold, transferred, or encumbered without DAR approval. However, Cloas may be transferred under certain conditions, such as through inheritance or succession, or after a specified period,” Pangulayan said. He added that ARBs could face disqualification for abandonment, misuse, illegal conversion of land for commercial or residential purposes, and other uses, and unauthorized sale of awarded land.
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Trump proposes US takeover of Gaza, rebuilding as ‘New Riviera,’ sparking international outrage
By Jennifer A. Dlouhy, Jordan Fabian & Iain Marlow
DONALD TRUMP said the US should take control of the devastated Gaza Strip, shunt the area’s residents to other countries and rebuild it into a new “Riviera,” a proposal at odds with America’s fraught history in the region and that drew sharp opposition from Saudi Arabia.
“The US will take over the Gaza Strip,” Trump said Tuesday during a White House news conference alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “We’ll own it and be responsible for dismantling all of the dangerous unexploded bombs and other weapons on the site.”
Trump—who has long railed against America’s “forever wars”— even suggested he would be open to deploying US troops to secure the area, saying he would “do what is necessary.” He said he saw the US presence in the contested territory as a “long-term ownership position.”
In the Middle East, the early reaction was negative.
Saudi Arabia reiterated its support for a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital and rejected “any infringement on the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, whether through Israeli settlement policies, land annexation or attempts to displace the Palestinian people from their land.”
US Senator Chris Van Hollen, a Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee, was more blunt, calling Trump’s proposal “ethnic cleansing by another name.”
‘Change history’ NONE of the criticism is likely to deter Trump. As he kept expanding on his vision during the news conference—musing about leveling the entire Gaza Strip and then hiring thousands of people to rebuild it—Netanyahu stood a few feet away, looking at times bemused but never suggesting any opposition. Only a handful of people were aware of the proposal ahead of Trump’s remarks, according to a person familiar with the situation.
Netanyahu praised the former real estate developer for thinking on a “much higher level.” “We’re talking about it, he’s exploring it with his people, with his staff. I think it’s something that could change history,” Netanyahu said. “And it’s worthwhile really pursuing this avenue.”
The quick Saudi reaction is likely an indication of the broader response in the Middle East. Before this week, Egypt, Jordan and the Arab League pushed back on Trump’s unconventional ideas, as did the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and the Palestinian Authority. Asked about the fact that ally Jordan had previously rejected taking more refugees,
Trump pointed to Venezuela, which recently agreed to take back deportees from the US after refusing for a year.
“Look, the Gaza thing has not worked,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office earlier in the day. “I think they should get a good, fresh, beautiful piece of land, and we get some people to put up the money to build it and make it nice and make it habitable, and enjoyable, somewhere.”
That’s not a shared vision.
“Everything that he’s proposing, every component of what he said by itself, is highly problematic and would be destabilizing to a huge extent,” said Khaled Elgindy, a visiting scholar at Georgetown University’s Center for Contemporary Arab Studies and author of Blind Spot: America and the Palestinians, from Balfour to Trump.
Elgindy said Trump appeared to be speaking more as a real estate developer than president, adding, “He clearly did not talk to any Palestinians in coming up with these ideas.”
Gone was any notion of a “twostate solution” the US has supported for decades or acknowledgment that Israel’s neighbors have repeatedly rejected taking on more Palestinian refugees.
Beirut bombing MISSING as well was a sense of what a lightning rod America’s military presence in the region has been for decades, from the recent Iraq wars that helped spawn Islamic State and dating back to the 1983 Beirut barracks bombings that killed more than 300 people, prompting then-President Ronald Reagan to withdraw forces from Lebanon.
After pushing for years a more limited role for the US in the world, Trump’s plan seemed to be the latest sign that he’d prefer to embrace an expansionist America, following on
Trump administration shuts down USAID, pulling thousands of workers worldwide
By Ellen Knickmeyer & Matthew Lee
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON—The Trump administration said Tuesday that it is pulling almost all US Agency for International Development workers off the job and out of the field worldwide, moving to all but end the agency’s six-decade mission overseas that fought starvation, funded education and worked to end epidemics.
The administration notified USAID workers in e-mails and a notice posted online, the latest in a steady dismantling of the aid agency by returning political appointees from President Donald Trump’s first term and billionaire Elon Musk’s governmentefficiency teams who call much of the spending on programs overseas wasteful.
The order takes effect just before midnight Friday and gives direct hires of the agency overseas—many of whom have been frantically packing up households in expectation of layoffs—30 days to return home unless they are deemed essential. Contractors not determined to be essential also would be fired, the notice said.
The move had been rumored for several days and was the most extreme of several proposals considered for consolidating the agency
into the State Department. Other options had included closures of smaller USAID missions and partial closures of larger ones.
Thousands of USAID employees already had been laid off and programs worldwide shut down after Trump imposed a sweeping freeze on foreign assistance. Despite outcry from Democratic lawmakers, the aid agency has been a special target as the new administration and Musk’s budget-slashing Department of Government Efficiency look to shrink the federal government.
They have ordered a spending stop that has paralyzed USfunded aid and development work around the world, gutted the senior leadership and workforce with furloughs and firings, and closed Washington headquarters to staffers Monday. Lawmakers said the agency’s computer servers were carted away.
“Spent the weekend feeding USAID into the wood chipper,” Musk boasted on X.
The mass removal of thousands of staffers overseas and in Washington would doom billions of dollars in projects in some 120 countries, including security assistance to partners such as Ukraine as well as development work for clean water, job training and education, including for schoolgirls under Taliban rule in Afghanistan.
statements that he’d like to acquire Greenland, take back the Panama Canal and make Canada the 51st state. But that doesn’t make the proposal more likely.
“He has no means or tools to actually implement the things that he’s saying,” said Brian Katulis, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute and former US official at the State Department and White House National Security Council. “It’s similar to what he says about Greenland or Panama. It causes a stir. It causes a debate. But it doesn’t produce anything.”
The American leader said he’s undeterred by the naysayers and vowed to visit Israel, Saudi Arabia and the Gaza Strip during upcoming foreign travel. Many nations “with humanitarian hearts” want to support him, he said.
“There are many of them that want to do this, and build various domains that will ultimately be occupied by the 1.8 million Palestinians living in Gaza, ending the death and destruction and frankly bad luck,” Trump said.
Earlier in the Oval Office, Trump said “really rich” nations
Staff being placed on leave include both foreign and civil service officers who have legal protection against arbitrary dismissal and being placed on leave without reason.
The US is the world’s largest humanitarian donor by far. It spends less than 1% of its budget on foreign assistance, a smaller share of its budget than some countries.
Health programs like those credited with helping end polio and smallpox epidemics and an acclaimed HIV/AIDS program that saved more than 20 million lives in Africa already have stopped. So have monitoring and deployments of rapid-response teams for contagious diseases such as an Ebola outbreak in Uganda.
Hundreds of millions of dollars of food and medication already delivered by US companies are sitting in ports because of the administration’s sudden shutdown of the agency.
Democratic lawmakers and others say the USAID is enshrined in legislation as an independent agency, and cannot be shut down without congressional approval.
Supporters of USAID from both political parties say its work overseas is essential to countering the influence of Russia, China and other adversaries and rivals abroad, and to cementing alliances and partnerships.
The decision to withdraw direct-hire staff and their families earlier than their planned departures will likely cost the government tens of millions of dollars in travel and relocation costs.
The American Foreign Service Association, the union which represents US diplomats, sent a notice to its members denouncing the decision and saying it was preparing legal action to counter or halt it.
Locally employed USAID staff, however, do not have much recourse and were excluded from the federal government’s voluntary buyout offer.
USAID staffers and families faced wrenching decisions as the rumors layoffs loomed, including whether to pull children out of school midyear. Some gave away pet cats and dogs, fearing the Trump administration would not give them time to complete the paperwork to bring the animals with them.
Tuesday’s notice said it would consider case-by-case exceptions for those needing more time. But with most of the agency’s staff soon off the job, it was unclear who would process such claims or other paperwork needed for the mass removal of thousands of overseas staffers.
Musk’s teams had taken USAID’s website offline over the weekend and it came back online Tuesday night, with the notice of recall or termination for global staffers its sole post.
Lee reported from Guatemala City.
will supply land, and several areas could be built to permanently house Palestinians “where they can live a beautiful life.” He suggested the new developments would be nice enough that Palestinian refugees would not want to return to their homeland.
Speaking before the Saudi statement, Trump expressed confidence that the kingdom would back the proposal, suggesting that it and other nations would welcome a fresh approach to addressing the conflicts in the region.
“Saudi Arabia is going to be very helpful and they have been very helpful,” Trump said. “But everybody feels that continuing the same process that’s gone on forever, over and over again, and then it starts and then the killing starts, and all of the other problems start. And you end up in the same place, and we don’t want to see that happen.”
Netanyahu said he believed “peace between Israel and Saudi Arabia is not only feasible, I think it’s going to happen.”
One thing is clear: In the wake of the 15-month Israel-Hamas
No bidders in 3rd
war, which left Gaza’s approximately 2 million residents in dire humanitarian straits, the prospects for Palestinian statehood have rarely appeared so remote, with Netanyahu’s government now pledging it will never happen. Some of Netanyahu’s hardright supporters in Israel have previously called for clearing all Palestinians out of Gaza and making it an extension of the Jewish state.
Jared Kushner, Trump’s sonin-law and founder of investment firm Affinity Partners, also drew attention last year when he said the Gaza Strip could be “very valuable.”
“Gaza’s waterfront property, it could be very valuable, if people would focus on building up livelihoods,” he said in an interview posted by Harvard University’s Middle East Initiative.
While a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas remains in effect, the two sides are still far apart on crucial issues. Netanyahu has pledged to achieve total victory over Hamas, designated a terrorist group by the US, and return all the hostages taken in the group’s assault on Israel that started the war. Some right-wing members of Netanyahu’s coalition have been critical of the deal and have pressured him to resume the war.
Trump has repeatedly offered unorthodox solutions to ending the conflict. The US president has been outspoken in supporting Israel but has also pledged to wind down the conflict and took credit for the deal, which was agreed to during the final days of his predecessor Joe Biden’s presidency.
“They will never give me a Nobel peace prize,” Trump said. “I deserve it but they will never give it.” With assistance from Philip J. Heijmans, Ben Westcott and Derek Wallbank/Bloomberg
attempt to auction off home of Myanmar’s Aung San Suu Kyi
YANGON, Myanmar—A renewed attempt to auction off the family home of Myanmar’s imprisoned former leader Aung San Suu Kyi was unsuccessful Wednesday as the prospect of paying tens of millions of dollars for a property in a country embroiled in a civil war failed to attract any bidders.
It was the third attempt to sell the lakeside property where Suu Kyi had been held under house arrest for nearly 15 years. It’s widely viewed as a historical landmark of her nonviolent struggle against military rule for which she won the Nobel Peace Prize.
In the previous attempt at auction last August, the court-ordered asking price was $142 million; on Wednesday it was reduced by $1 million, to $141 million.
Suu Kyi’s democratically elected government was ousted by the military in February 2021. She is now serving a combined 27-year sentence after being convicted of a string of criminal charges that supporters say have been fabricated to discredit her.
Since then, resistance to the military government has grown and the country is now in the midst of a brutal civil war.
The court-ordered auction followed a bitter decades-long legal dispute between Suu Kyi and her brother, Aung San Oo, who has sought an equal division of the property.
Each time the house has gone up for auction its price has been reduced, but there has yet to be a bidder.
In March, the asking price was 315 billion kyats, about $150 million at official rates, and the second was in August with
300 billion kyats, more than $142 million. On Wednesday, the opening asking price for the 1.9-acre (0.78-hectare) lakeside property in Yangon was set at 297 billion kyats. That’s about $141 million at official rates, or about $66 million at black-market rates, which better reflect the real value of the kyat.
Wednesday’s auction was held in front of the closed gates of the property, which has served as an unofficial party headquarters and a political shrine for the country’s prodemocracy movement.
While living there, Suu Kyi hosted visiting dignitaries including US President Barack Obama, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
Like the previous auctions, it took less than a minute for a district court official to emerge and announce there had been no bidders and end the proceedings.
“The auction is unsuccessful as there is no bidder,” the official, who did not identify herself, announced outside the gate.
The two-story colonial-style building on Inye Lake in Yangon, the country’s largest city, was given decades ago by the government to Suu Kyi’s mother, Khin Kyi, after her husband, independence hero Gen. Aung San, was assassinated in July 1947. Suu Kyi, 79, remained there after her 2010 release from house arrest until moving in 2012 to the capital, Naypyitaw, to serve in parliament. She became the nation’s leader after a 2015 general election. According to legal procedures, the court will continue to handle the auction process, but the details are not yet known.
PALESTINIANS carry defaced pictures of US President Donald Trump while protesting against his latest statements regarding the transfer of Palestinians from Gaza, in the West Bank city of Ramallah Wednesday, January 29, 2025. AP/NASSER NASSER
EU braces for transatlantic trade clash, but sees opportunity in Trump’s Mexico, Canada reprieve
By Natalia Ojewska & Jorge Valero
THE European Union is preparing for a transatlantic trade fight, but US President Donald Trump’s decision to delay broad tariffs on Mexico and Canada this week has bolstered confidence in the bloc that it will be able to negotiate an acceptable outcome.
Trump’s reversal in the Americas has informed the strategy of the European Commission, the EU’s executive arm that’s in charge of trade matters, to prepare a proportionate response to the president’s tariff threats so as to not provoke Washington’s ire, according to a person familiar with the bloc’s thinking.
earlier that the commission has prepared extensive retaliatory lists in the event the US moves forward with the threat.
“When targeted, unfairly and arbitrarily, the European Union will respond firmly,” Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told reporters after a meeting of EU leaders in Brussels Monday.
It’s unclear what Trump wants from EU and his ire toward Europe goes a long way back, so a solution could be harder to clinch.
Bloomberg reported earlier that the commission prepared an offer to improve bilateral relations with the US that would include more liquefied natural gas imports, fertilizers and weapons. Other areas for potential collaboration include closer alignment on China around export controls, investment screenings and working together to tackle China’s overcapacity, particularly in the steel sector.
citing national security concerns.
The bloc retaliated by targeting politically sensitive companies with retaliatory duties, including Harley-Davidson Inc. motorcycles and Levi Strauss & Co. jeans.
The two sides agreed to a temporary truce in 2021, when the US partly removed its measures and introduced a set of tariff-rate quotas above which duties on the metals are applied, while the EU froze all of its restrictive measures. The US quotas that replaced the punitive duties will expire at the end of the year.
Trump ramped up his rhetoric aimed at the EU this week, saying that tariffs “will definitely happen,” citing a large trade deficit with the bloc. Bloomberg reported
But a major hurdle in the EU’s strategy is that it hasn’t been able to establish good contacts in the nascent US administration, said the person, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. Some key trade posts in Washington are still awaiting Senate approval. The EU will also seek to defuse a brewing conflict with the US over steel and aluminum exports set to come to a head next month, said the person.
The commission plans to follow a playbook similar to its last trade clash with the US in 2018 and target politically sensitive constituencies in the US for tariffs, the person said. At a meeting of trade ministers in Warsaw Tuesday, the
Iran praises US for cutting foreign aid funding as it looks for Trump message on nuclear talks
By Nasser Karimi & Jon Gambrell
The Associated Press
TEHRAN, Iran—Iran’s government seems to be welcoming some recent decisions by the United States—even though they happen to come from a man Iranian operatives have allegedly been plotting to assassinate.
President Donald Trump’s moves to freeze spending on foreign aid and overhaul, maybe even end, the US Agency for International Development have been lauded in Iranian state media.
The reports say the decisions will halt funding for opponents of the country’s Shiite theocracy— pro-democracy activists and others supported through programs as part of US government’s efforts to help democracy worldwide.
At the same time, Iranian officials appear to be signaling that they are waiting for a message from Trump on whether he wants to negotiate over Tehran’s rapidly advancing nuclear program. At stake are potentially billions of dollars withheld from Iran through crushing sanctions and the future of a program on the precipice of enriching weapons-grade uranium. And even when signing an executive order to reimpose his “maximum pressure on Iran” on Tuesday, Trump suggested he wanted to deal with Tehran.
Meanwhile, ordinary Iranians worry what all this could mean for them.
“It encourages hardliners inside Iran to continue repressions because they feel the US would have less capability in supporting Iranian people who seek freedom,” said Maryam Faraji, a 27-year-old waitress in a coffee shop in northern Tehran.
Iranian media say Trump’s cuts could stop the opposition in Iran
THE state-run IRNA news agency said that “cutting the budget of foreign-based opposition” could “affect the sphere of relations” between Tehran and Washington. Newspapers, like the conservative Hamshhari daily, described
Iran’s opposition as “counterrevolutionaries” who had been “celebrating” Trump’s election as heralding the “last days of life of the Islamic Republic.”
They then “suddenly faced the surprise of cut funding from their employer,” the newspaper crowed.
Even the reformist newspaper Hammihan compared it to a “cold shower” for opponents of Iran’s theocracy abroad, an idea also expressed by the Foreign Ministry.
“Those financial resources are not charity donations,” Esmail Bagahei, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, said during a briefing with reporters on Monday.
“They are wages paid in exchange for services.”
“This is a clear sign of America’s interventionist policy particularly during the Biden administration, which tried to pressure Iran and meddle in its domestic affairs through financial aid,” Bagahei added.
It remains unclear how funding for Iranian activists and opposition figures would be affected by the USAID decision.
The lion’s share of money for civil society in Iran has come through the US State Department’s Near East Regional Democracy fund, known by the acronym NERD, which grew as an American response to the Green Movement protests in 2009.
In 2024, the Biden administration requested $65 million for NERD after over $600 million had been appropriated by Congress for the fund, according to the Congressional Research Service. That money and other funding had gone in the past toward training journalists and activists on how to report on human rights abuses, funding access to the internet amid government shutdowns and other issues.
The State Department did not respond to a request for comment over the NERD funding and its future. American officials for years have kept the awardees of NERD grants secret due to what they describe as the risk activists face from Iran, particularly after Iranian intelligence officers have
allegedly targeted in kidnapping or assassination plots, US prosecutors say.
Iran repeatedly hints it’s ready to talk to Trump IRAN also noticed that the US avoided direct criticism of the Islamic Republic during a review by the United Nations Human Rights Council meeting in Geneva last week. For those in Iran’s government, there’s anticipation this could mean that Trump is willing to negotiate, something he repeatedly brought up in his election campaign as a possibility.
Even Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has final say on all state matters, in a speech in September opened the door to talks with the US, saying there is “no harm” in engaging with the “enemy.” More recently, he tempered that, warning that sinister plots could still be “concealed behind diplomatic smiles.”
“We must be careful about who we are dealing with, who we are negotiating with, and who we are speaking to,” Khamenei said last week.
While Bagahei, the Foreign Ministry spokesman, acknowledged Iran hasn’t seen any “green light” yet for talks, Iran is trying to do everything it can to signal it wants them.
The country’s reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian, who campaigned on outreach to the
commission shared few ideas with member states about the retaliation package.
Trump approved tariffs of as much as 25% on goods from Canada and Mexico, and after phone calls with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, suspended them for a month.
Some capitals view that reprieve as a positive signal that du -
West, urged officials on Monday to listen to dissent from the Iranian people and avoid further crackdowns like those that followed the 2022 death of Mahsa Amini.
“The enemies are hoping that by stirring up disputes within the country, they will throw people into the streets and then ride the wave of protests themselves,” Pezeshkian said.
As he signed the executive order on Iran on Tuesday, Trump warned the country would be “obliterated” if he was assassinated by Tehran. But he still left the door open for talks.
“I’m going to sign it, but hopefully we’re not going to have to use it very much,” he said from the Oval Office. “We will see whether or not we can arrange or work out a deal with Iran.”
“We don’t want to be tough on Iran. We don’t want to be tough on anybody,” Trump added. “But they just can’t have a nuclear bomb.”
However, factions within Iran’s theocracy are still likely to oppose talks, whether out of their own self-interest or over anger that Trump ordered the 2020 drone strike that killed Gen. Qassem Soleimani, the country’s top general and a revered figure.
That killing fueled Iranian calls for Trump’s assassination—and alleged plots against him. In November, the Justice Department disclosed an Iranian murder-forhire plot to kill Trump. While Iran denied being involved, Tehran has a history of plotting the killing of opponents abroad.
Gambrell reported from Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
ties aren’t the end goal for Trump but part of the negotiations, the person said.
Steel tariffs
AT the end of March, suspended EU tariffs on about $3 billion of US products are set to snap back into place. This particular fight started in 2018, when the US hit nearly $7 billion of European steel and aluminum exports with duties,
The EU will likely extend the suspension of those tariffs past the March deadline to avoid provoking the US administration and maintain a positive approach, according to the person.
“Through constructive engagement and discussion we can resolve this problem,” EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic said Tuesday at a meeting of the bloc’s trade ministers. “But at the same time it’s very clear if we would be hit unfairly or arbitrarily we will respond firmly.” With assistance from Alberto Nardelli, Zoe Schneeweiss, Andrea Palasciano and Kevin Whitelaw/Bloomberg
Sweden’s worst mass shooting leaves 11 dead at an adult education center
By Sergei Grits & Stefanie Dazio
The Associated Press
OREBRO, Sweden—Sweden’s worst mass shooting left at least 11 people dead, including the gunman, at an adult education center west of Stockholm as officials warned the death toll could rise.
The gunman’s motive, as well as the number of wounded, had not been determined by early Wednesday as Sweden—where gun violence at schools is very rare—reeled from an attack with such bloodshed that police early on said it was difficult to count the number of dead among the carnage.
The school, called Campus Risbergska, offers primary and secondary educational classes for adults age 20 and older, Swedish-language classes for immigrants, vocational training and programs for people with intellectual disabilities. It is on the outskirts of Orebro, which is about 200 kilometers (125 miles) west of Stockholm.
Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer called the shooting “an event that shakes our entire society to its core.”
The shooting started Tuesday afternoon after many students had gone home following a national exam. Students sheltered in nearby buildings, and other parts of the school were evacuated following the shooting.
Authorities were working to identify the deceased, and police said the toll could rise. Roberto Eid Forest, head of the local police, told reporters the suspected gunman was among the dead.
There were no warnings beforehand, and police believe the perpetrator acted alone. Police have not said if the man was a student at the school. They haven’t released a possible motive, but authorities said there were no suspected connections to terrorism at this point.
Police raided the suspect’s home after Tuesday’s shooting, but it wasn’t immediately clear what they found.
“Today, we have witnessed brutal, deadly violence against completely innocent people,” Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson told reporters in Stockholm late Tuesday. “This is the worst mass shooting in Swedish history. Many questions remain unanswered, and I cannot provide those answers either.
“But the time will come when we will know what happened, how it could occur, and what motives may have been behind it. Let us not speculate,” he said. While gun violence at schools is very rare in Sweden, people were wounded or killed with other weapons such as knives or axes in several incidents in recent years.
Dazio reported from Berlin. Geir Moulson in Berlin and Kwiyeon Ha in London contributed to this report.
More than 100 Indian migrants deported by the US arrive home
By Prabhjot Gill The Associated Press
AMRITSAR, India—A US military plane carrying 104 deported Indian migrants arrived in a northern Indian city on Wednesday, the first such flight to the country as part of a crackdown ordered by the Trump administration, airport officials said.
The Indians who returned home had illegally entered the United States over the years and came from various Indian states.
The move came ahead of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Washington, which is expected next week. US President Donald Trump and Modi discussed immigration in a phone call last week and Trump stressed the importance of India buying more American-made security equipment and fair bilateral trade.
India has cooperated with the US and said it is ready to accept the deported
Indians after verification.
New Delhi says it is against illegal immigration, mainly because it is linked to several forms of organized crime, and it has not objected to the US deporting its citizens.
“For Indians, not just in the United States but anywhere in the world, if they are Indian nationals, and they are overstaying or they are in a particular country without proper documentation, we will take them back, provided documents are shared with us so that we can verify their nationality that they are indeed Indians,” India’s External Affairs Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal said last month.
“If that happens to be the case, then we will take things forward. We will facilitate the return to India,” Jaiswal said.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said earlier this week the deportation flights were an effective way to stem the flow of illegal migration, which he said is destructive and destabilizing.
URSULA VON DER LEYEN BLOOMBERG
Subic to host US Marine logistics facility for Indo-Pacific operations
By Henry Empeño
SUBIC BAY FREEPORT—This former American military base is poised to be a staging area for the United States Marine Corps (USMC) once again, as the maritime land force unit opened a logistics facility for Indo-Pacific region operations here on Tuesday.
The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) said in a statement late Tuesday, Feb. 4, that SBMA officials and US Marine Corps Col. Luke Watson formally launched a USMC “storage” in a 5,300-sqm. warehouse at the former Naval Supply Depot.
Watson, who is commanding officer of the Blount Island Command, a USMC support
facility based in Jacksonville, Florida, said the Subic site will enable them to preposition equipment for humanitarian aid and disaster relief equipment that will be utilized for Indo-Pacific region operations.
“This is one of our ashore sites for humanitarian aid and disaster relief, as part of the Marine Corps’ global prepositioning network,”Watson was quoted as saying. “There will be no ammunition [to be stored here], just motor transportation, communication, and engineering,” Watson added.
The Blount Island Command under Watson is the hub for Marine Corps prepositioning programs, including afloat squadrons and ashore sites, and supports Marine expeditionary forces worldwide.
Prior to the opening, Watson discussed Subic port operations with SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose Aliño on Feb. 3 at the SBMA main office here.
A post on the social media page of the Blount Island Command showed Watson and Aliño in a meeting, along with other SBMA and USMC officials. The Blount Island Command said the visit was “to discuss efficiencies needed for a sustainable logistics node.”
“Blount Island Command plans to stage humanitarian aid and disaster relief equipment for the Indo-Pacific region. Part of the Marine Corps’ global prepositioning network, the ashore program will include engineering, communications and motor transportation assets,” the post also said.
Life in jail, ₧50-million fine for spies, if caught
SBy Butch Fernandez @butchfBM
ENATE President Pro Tempore Jinggoy
Ejercito Estrada is asking Congress to pass a bill for the President to sign into a law imposing life sentence in jail “without parole and pay fine of up to P50 million” awaiting “spies” caught in the Philippines. “Life imprisonment, without the benefit of parole and good conduct time allowance, plus a fine of up to P50 million will be meted against a person who will be found guilty of committing espionage in the country under a bill proposed by the Senate President Pro Tempore.
Estrada’s Committee Report No. 525 on Senate Bill No. 2980 seeks to amend the antiquated nature of existing laws
against spying.
As filed, it provides that “the penalties for espionage prescribed under our existing laws are nothing more than a slap on the wrist.” Estrada said in his sponsorship speech, citing the current provisions of Commonwealth Act No. 616 which punishes those convicted of spying activities with a prison sentence of up to 30 years and a maximum fine of P30,000 only.
“Sa titulo pa lang ng batas na ito, ‘Commonwealth Act,’ panahon pa kung kailan kontrolado ang ating bansa ng mga Amerikano. If one will read the said law side-by-side against the United States’ Espionage Act of 1917, one can easily notice that many provisions of our law were lifted verbatim from the American counterpart. Napapanahon na para magkaroon tayo ng
sariling atin, base sa ating mga interes at mga pangangailangan bilang isang malayang bansa,” the Senate leader stressed.
As proposed, the bill notes the measure likewise “calls for expanding espionage to cover cyber-attacks, digital or electronic access and transmission of information— all of which are presently beyond the reach of the 84-year-old law.”
He warns: “To all the spies who are here in the country, you cannot escape the long arm of the law once this measure is enacted. Let this serve as a warning. Get out! Umalis na kayo ngayon at tantanan na ninyo ang paniniktik dito kung ayaw ninyongmabuloksabilangguan.Huwagna rinkayongmagtangkangmanghimasokat makialam dito,” Estrada said.
DOST’s health research arm joins WHO’s evidence network
TBy Bless Aubrey Ogerio
HE Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) has joined a global initiative pushing for evidence-based policymaking.
Backed by the Department of Science and Technology and the Department of Health (DOH), PCHRD is now part of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Evidence-Informed Policy Network (EVIPNet), which helps integrate research into policy decisions.
“To maximize the benefits of EVIPNet
membership, the Council will implement key initiatives to strengthen research-topolicy translation,” the Council said in a statement.
To fully leverage its participation, PCHRD plans to enhance research-to-policy initiatives by strengthening collaborations, expanding grant opportunities and institutionalizing rapid evidence synthesis as a program for local governments. It also aims to organize webinars, workshops, and competitions to engage researchers and policymakers.
In line with these efforts, the Depart -
ment of Budget and Management approved releasing over P175.9 million to PCHRD for its Grants-In-Aid Program in March 2024. Moreover, the Philippines has been addressing critical health issues. By 2016, 45 of 56 priority health topics had been tackled, with programs like Tuklas Lunas. WHO welcomed the Philippines’ inclusion in EVIPNet, emphasizing its significance in reinforcing the country’s capacity for evidence-informed policymaking.
Speak ing at the inception meeting on January 21, WHO official Tanja Kuchmüller noted that joining the network will further
Comelec taps QC LGU for addition ballot verification site
TBy Justine Xyrah Garcia
HE Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced on Wednesday that it has chosen Amoranto Stadium in Quezon City as an additional site for the manual verification of 72 million ballots for the upcoming May polls.
According to a senior SBMA official, the operation of the USMC logistics node in Subic is undertaken under a leasing agreement between Amerasia International Terminal Services, Inc. (AITSI), an integrated cargo handling company that owns the warehouse, and Anglicotech, which will operate the logistics facility.
Anglicotech, which is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, describes itself as a veteran-owned business serving customers from the US East Coast to the West Coast, to Japan and the Philippines for defense supply chain management.
The SBMA official clarified that the USMC logistics node was not a part of any military deal between the Philippines
The Senate leader emphasized that the current penalties are not proportional to the serious offenses that threaten the security, stability, and peace of the country.
Additionally, Estrada noted that some provisions of the World War II-era law are only relevant during times of war, highlighting the urgent need for an update in light of recent reports about the arrest of alleged spies in various parts of the country.
Estrada, the lone proponent of the measure in the Senate, urged his colleagues to approve the bill to address a clear and present danger and correct the weaknesses in the laws.
Umaasa ako ng suporta at pakikiisa ng lahat na miyembro ng bulwagang ito sa hangaring mapagtibay ang ating batas labansamgaespiya,parusahanatpalayasin sila sa ating teritoryo at higit sa lahat, protektahan ang pambansang seguridad at soberanya,” he said.
empower PCHRD’s programs and help ensure research findings are effectively translated into health policies.
EVIPNet has seen success in other countries, with Brazil’s research-driven interventions contributing to reductions in stillbirths and early-life mortality.
“ With the DOST-PCHRD now a part of the EVIPNet, it is expected to scale up its efforts in linking research and policy, ensuring that health decisions are grounded in the best available evidence to improve the well-being of all Filipinos,” it added.
EVIPNet Philippines also includes representatives from DOH, the University of the Philippines Manila and the Philippine Society of Public Health Physicians.
to ensure that only “good ballots” will be used in the elections.
and the United States. The two countries signed the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) in 2014, which allows US forces to pre-position and store defense materiel, equipment, and supplies in agreed locations in the country.
Subic, which was transformed into a special economic zone after the American pullout in 1992, is not among the identified EDCA sites that include nine air bases and naval stations in the country where the US has overall operation control.
Aliño, meanwhile, has expressed full support for the ingress of USMC equipment in Subic Bay, describing the hosting of the marine facility as “a great stride for the Subic Bay Freeport in assisting foreign allies in their thrust to provide humanitarian aid and relief assistance.” He reaffirmed that Subic Bay is a strategic area for launching operations in the Indo-Pacific Region, “as the area has become the logistics hub for maritime and aviation industry in the country.” Subic once hosted a USMC barracks at the US Naval Air Station in Cubi Point when it served as an American military facility until November 24, 1992. At the height of the Vietnam War, the US Marine Corps deployed troops from Subic Bay after training here in amphibious warfare, small-unit exercises, roads and bridges construction, supply replenishment, and jungle environmental survival.
NEA and DepEd join forces to bring solar power to off-grid schools nationwide
By Lenie Lectura @llectura
THE National Electrification Administration (NEA) and the Department of Education (DepEd) formed on Wednesday a partnership to put up solar energy infrastructure in far-off schools that lack access to power supply.
Under the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed between NEA Administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda and Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara, the DepEd is tasked with identifying and prioritizing schools needing electrification; facilitating the necessary permits from concerned local government units; and providing counterpart logistical and financial support to execute the project. Angara said there are over 2,000 schools nationwide that are unenergized, while Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Raphael Lotilla revealed approximately 1,500 public schools in the autonomous region for Muslim Mindanao and other provinces including North Cotabato, Palawan, Sulu, Sabuanga del Sur, and Negros still do not have electricity.
Almeda, for its part, said the cost to energize two classrooms is estimated at P1.6 million, including supply and installation. Funding will be drawn from various sources, including national or local government allocations, private institutions, or other approved financial mechanisms.
electricity—a third are found in remote and conflict-stricken communities in Cotabato, Palawan, Sulu, Zamboanga del Sur and Negros Oriental.
“The digital age has introduced modern methods of learning and teaching which are heavily reliant on access to electricity. Our schools ideally must have electricity for access to modern teaching tools like the internet to simply having light to study and work at night…It is however obvious and unfortunate that not all our public schools, particularly our last mile schools, have the same access to electricity. This is a disservice to our students and hardworking teachers. Today, the NEA is proud to formalize its partnership with the Department of Education to energizing the country’s remaining last-mile schools,” said Almeda during MOA signing ceremony. The NEA and DepEd will jointly oversee the implementation of the program, which will be completed in about two years. Almeda said ECs will not impose any charges, fees or cost in relation to the maintenance and sustainability of the school electrification program. “Let us consider this as a form of your corporate social responsibility and a reaffirmation of our commitment to better the lives of our fellow Filipinos,” the NEA chief said. The signed pact took years to develop and was frequently discussed during recent budget deliberations.
The NEA, through its partner electric cooperatives (ECs), will provide technical assistance in setting up the solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, monitoring the system, and conducting further evaluations to ensure the project’s completion.
Comelec Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia said the Quezon City local government unit (LGU) has allowed the commission to use the entire stadium free of charge for at least two months.
Continued from A18 conduct of hearings before the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accounts. This includes, among others, the act of distributing monetary gifts to DepEd officials holding procurement-related functions, as revealed during the committee hearing. Duterte is also accused of bribery and financial manipulation within DepEd. Evidence suggests she approved monetary gifts and bribes to high-ranking officials handling procurement and bidding processes.
Article IV—Respondent committed culpable violations of the Constitution and/ or betrayal of public trust in amassing unexplained wealth and failing to disclose all her properties and interests in her Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN), in violation of Section 17, Article XI of the 1987 Philippine Constitution.
The complaint added that Duterte has been in public office since 2007, with only a threeyear hiatus between 2013 and 2016. However, an examination of the properties and assets accumulated by respondent Duterte and the SALNs she filed during her year in public office shows two things: one, that the growth in her net worth, assets, and properties is grossly disproportionate to her legitimate income, and two, vast amounts of hidden and unexplained wealth discovered through investigation were not disclosed in these SALNs.
Scrutiny of Duterte’s Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) revealed a quadrupling of her net worth from 2007 to 2017,
“There is no more space at the [National Printing Office]. Their building is too small, and since we need to conduct additional verification, we require extra space,” Garcia explained in a press briefing.
He also assured the public that the integrity of the ballot verification process would remain intact despite moving it outside the printing facility, as the entire operation can be monitored 24/7 via livestream.
without a legitimate increase in income; at least P2 billion in suspicious transactions linked to joint bank accounts shared with former President Rodrigo Duterte; and total unexplained income of P111.6 million from 2006 to 2015. Failure to fully disclose assets and sources of income is a culpable violation of Section 17, Article XI of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, further justifying her impeachment. Article V—Respondent committed other high crimes, including the high crime of murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
The complaint added the crime of murder, as well as conspiracy to commit murder, especially in the context of mass killings without due process of law, is undeniably a high crime that amounts to a breach of the public’s confidence. In this regard, and apart from issuing death threats and contracting an assassin for the murder of the incumbent president, the first lady and the incumbent speaker, Duterte was also directly implicated in continuing the extrajudicial killings of the Davao Death Squad by no less than SPO4 Arturo Lascanas, a former leader of the DDS who has been admitted as a witness under protection by the International Criminal Court. Article VI—Respondent, by herself and/ or in concert with others, committed acts of destabilization constituting, at least, a betrayal of public trust and/or culpable violations of the Constitution, and even the high crimes of sedition and insurrection.
Duterte is accused of engaging in acts aimed at destabilizing the Philippine government, including boycotting the State of the Nation Address (SONA) while declaring herself “designated survivor,” leading rallies calling for President Marcos Jr.’s resignation, publicly
“Even if the space is large, access will still be strictly controlled. Entry and exit must be properly identified. As long as it’s livestreamed, people can check what’s happening anytime, even at night,” Garcia added.
The Comelec earlier explained that a larger venue was necessary for the verification process, which is done manually by around 800 personnel.
All prin ted ballots are carefully inspected
defending fugitive pastor Apollo Quiboloy, a known ally accused of serious crimes, obstructing congressional investigations by ordering subordinates not to comply with subpoenas, and threatening bodily harm against the President, First Lady, and Speaker Romualdez.
Article VII—The totality of the respondent’s conduct as Vice President, including her commission of the foregoing acts, clearly displays conduct constituting a betrayal of public trust, culpable violations of the 1987 Constitution, and graft and corruption.
It said Duterte’s conduct throughout her tenure clearly displays gross faithlessness against public trust and a tyrannical abuse of power that, taken together, showcases her gross unfitness to hold public office and her infidelity to the laws and the 1987 Constitution.
“It is most respectfully prayed by the complainants for the Senate to constitute itself as an impeachment court and to forthwith conduct the impeachment trial against the vice president and, after due proceedings, render a judgment of conviction against Vice President Sara Zimmerman Duterte and decree her removal from the office of the vice president and perpetual disqualification from holding any public office in the Republic of the Philippines,” the complaint added.
Following the House’s approval, the impeachment complaint will now be transmitted to the Senate, where it will serve as the Articles of Impeachment. The Senate will then convene as an impeachment court to conduct a trial.
A two-thirds vote by the Senate is required to convict and remove Duterte from office. If convicted, she will also be permanently barred from holding any public office in the future.
The verification process checks for accuracy in color, timing marks, and alignment. Each ballot is then tested using automated counting machines (ACMs) to confirm compatibility. Currently, only 250 out of 500 ACMs are in use due to limited space at the National Printing Office (NPO), slowing down the verification process.
T he Comelec expects to speed up its process once operations begin at Amoranto Stadium.
‘Desperate’
Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte called the impeachment efforts against Vice President Sara Duterte “desperate and politically motivated.”
Duterte criticized the alleged hasty collection of signatures and the push for an immediate transmittal of the impeachment complaint, which he attributed to “sinister maneuvering” by certain lawmakers, particularly naming Deputy Majority Leader and Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin. He described the move as a “clear act of political persecution.”
“I am appalled and enraged by the desperate and politically motivated efforts to railroad the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte,” said Duterte.
He warned that the administration was entering precarious territory, citing the recent massive rally staged by the Iglesia Ni Cristo as an indication of growing public discontent. He cautioned that ignoring such sentiments could lead to a larger backlash that may destabilize the government.
The lawmaker accused the Marcos administration of attempting to silence opposition through “fabricated accusations” and undermining democracy. He asserted that the Filipino people would not tolerate such actions.
“If the Marcos administration thinks it can push this sham impeachment without consequence, they are gravely mistaken,” he said.
“This is not just about VP Sara Duterte— this is about the will of the Filipino people. The growing discontent and frustration across the country will not be contained for long. Mark my words: this reckless abuse of power will not end in their favor,” Duterte added.
According to the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) of those public schools which have no access to
Lotilla added that at least around P85 to P100 billion is needed to achieve the country’s electrification goals by 2028 at the household level. But as of this midterm, the average budget has only been between P2 billion a year. “Therefore, we have a long way to go before we can achieve that goal. So we are looking at ways and means in order to be able to achieve the total electrification goal,” he said.
Education ministry invests ₧32M in school infrastructure in BARMM
DAVAO CITY—The Bangsamoro education ministry reinforced the school infrastructure lack in many government schools across the autonomous region with a fresh investment of P32 million, this time the fund is going to the newly created province of Maguindanao del Norte, many campuses of which were severely battered by the previous armed skirmishes decades ago.
The Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) announced it was allocating the amount for the construction of new school buildings and facilities in this central Mindanao province.
The MBHTE conducted separate groundbreaking ceremonies in different public schools for the construction of various infrastructure projects worth P32, 561,692.00 in the School Division Office of Maguindanao del Norte.
Among the projects is the construction of a one-storey building with two classrooms for Mumpong Elementary School at Barangay Bugawas, municipality of Datu Odin Sinsuat.
Also, four schools will have their specific projects, such as newly constructed fences, while Margues Elementary School in Barangay Makir will receive a covered court with a stage. The other three schools are the Sarilika National High School, Taviran Elementary School and Linek Elementary School.
“Today, we are not just laying the foundation for buildings; we are laying the foundation for the future of our children. These projects are a commitment to ensuring that every Bangsamoro learner has a safe and nurturing space to learn and grow,” Iqbal said.
Meanwhile, the BARMM inaugurated a multi-purpose human development training center in Davao Occidental, a province outside of its main central Mindanao territory but where sizeable Moro communities populate the peripheries of the province. The building was constructed through the Transitional Development Impact Fund (TDIF) 2023, costing P7.6 million. It said the center will benefit the Bangsamoro community in Barangay Mana, Malita, Davao Occidental. The Ministry of Human Settlements and Development (MHSD) partnered with the Office of Member of Parliament (MP) Randolph Parcasio to build the facility. MHSD Director-General Esmael Ebrahim said “the Government of the Day is firmly c ommitted to extend service delivery across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao [BARMM], including those outside its territorial jurisdiction.”
“Our assistance to the Bangsamoro, whether inside or outside the BARMM, remains unwavering. This is a testament to our collective efforts to complete this project and improve the living standards of the people in the community,” he stated. Manuel T. Cayon
In other areas, the Datu Pinguiman Elementary School will have a water sanitation project with water source development, and Barangay Bugawas in Datu Odin Sinsuat will see the construction of an Educational Learning Center. Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal said the infrastructure construction “reflects the regional government’s commitment to providing a safe and conducive learning environment for Bangsamoro students.”
Fish unloaded in local ports lower in Oct-Dec
FBy Ada Pelonia @adapelonia
ish unloaded in the country’s regional ports shrank by 12.09 percent year-on-year in the fourth quarter of 2024, according to the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA).
In its quarterly bulletin, the agency said regional fish ports (RFPs) delivered 126,903.94 metric tons (MT) to consumers in October to December. This was lower than the 144,359.40 MT recorded in the same period of 2023.
The PFDA said the landed catch during the three-month period was equivalent to an average daily unloading of 1,379.39 MT.
On a quarterly basis, the agency said the fourth quarter’s volume was 1.80 percent lower than the 129,227.50 MT posted in the third quarter.
The PFDA also said the ports opened their doors to 18,391 vessels and serviced 9,585 clients and port users throughout the
reference period.
It added that the RFPs recorded ice production of 9,755.75 MT from October to December.
Meanwhile, PFDA said the utilization rate of piers and quays
reached 168 percent.
“This high utilization rate is slowly improving as improvement projects move closer to completion.”
In a report, the Philippine
‘Tariff cut, govt programs pulled down rice prices in Jan’
The Department of Agriculture (DA) said the reduction in the tariff of imported rice and selling programs are “steps in the right direction” toward stabilizing the retail price of the staple. In July 2024, the DA noted that President Marcos reduced rice import tariffs to 15 percent from 35 percent while directing the agency to provide affordable rice through programs like KADIWA ng Pangulo and Rice-for-All.
To further support price stability, the DA set a new maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) for imported rice at P55 per kilo, down from P58 per kilo. Additionally,
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. declared a food security emergency, which will release National Food Authority (NFA) stocks to be sold at P35 per kilo through government entities.
Data from the PSA showed that well-milled rice averaged P54.63 per kilo in the second half of January, a slight decrease from P54.97 per kilo in December. In January 2024, the average price stood at P55.50 per kilo.
“Rice accounts for about 9 percent of the average consumer basket, a figure that rises to 18 percent for the country’s poorest households, making price stability crucial for food security,” Laurel
said in a statement.
“The DA is now looking at prices of other food items, particularly pork, to arrest increases that could undermine inflation outlook and food security.”
According to the PSA, rice inflation in January was at minus 2.3 percent year-on-year and was at negative 0.9 percent compared to December, helping keep a lid on overall inflation rate steady at 2.9 percent for the month—the same pace in December.
“This is the lowest inflation rate for rice since June 2020, when we had a minus 2.8 percent,” said National Statistician Dennis Mapa as he announced inflation data for
Statistics Authority (PSA) said fisheries output fell by 5 percent to 4.05 million metric tons (MMT) in 2024, the lowest in two decades.
Preliminary data from the PSA showed that the total volume of fisheries production last year was lower than the 4.26 MMT recorded in 2023.
PSA figures also showed that the 2024 volume was the lowest since the 3.93 MMT recorded in 2004.
The Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food Inc. (PCAFI) attributed the stunted fisheries production to factors like extreme weather conditions from climate change and overfishing.
“Climate change and overfishing [likely caused the decline],” PCAFI President Danilo Fausto told the BusinessMirror in a
January last Wednesday. he added that current price trends suggest the deflation in rice prices will continue through July.
The deflation in rice prices in January was the first since the 0.1 percent decline in December 2021.
Figures from the PSA also indicated that food inflation at the national level rose to 4 percent in January 2025 from 3.5 percent in the previous month. In January 2024, food inflation was lower at 3.3 percent.
This accounted for 47.7 percent or 1.4 percentage points of the overall inflation in January 2025.
Ada Pelonia
DAR assistance bolsters operations of Cavite coop
FBy Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga
ARM e R S ’ cooperatives continue to sustain their operations, with some even expanding to food processing business with the government’s continued support, according to the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).
Such is the case of the Palangue Agrarian Reform Cooperative (PARC) in Naic, Cavite, which continues to receive support from DAR, allowing the cooperative to thrive and diversify its operation. e s tablished on July 5, 1995, with an initial capital of only P21,100 from 34 ARB members, PARC has grown significantly over the years due to DAR’s continued assistance.
The department has equipped the cooperative with farm machinery, irrigation systems, farm-tomarket roads, financial loans, and comprehensive training programs, allowing its members to expand
their rice and vegetable farming operations.
One of DAR’s most recent contributions to PARC is a 200-squaremeter vegetable greenhouse equipped with a solar-powered drip irrigation and fertigation system.
The P1-million facility, provided under the Sustainable and Resilient Agrarian Reform Communities project, ensures yearround vegetable production and safeguards crops against extreme weather conditions caused by climate change.
“With climate change happening, this solar-powered irrigation greenhouse is a big help for us. We can plant vegetables all year round,” PARC Chairman Allan Tibayan said in a statement.
Beyond infrastructure, DAR has strengthened PARC’s capabilities by providing a plant nursery, farm machines, and a food processing facility under the Village Level Farm e nterprise Development (VLF e D) program.
The food processing facility enables PARC to produce valueadded products such as ube jam, cucumber juice with honey, and pickled papaya, helping members diversify their income sources and reduce food waste during periods of oversupply.
“Our food processing facility helps us generate additional income and prevents food waste, especially when there is an oversupply of fruits and vegetables,” Tibayan noted.
Recognizing the importance of education in agricultural sustainability, DAR also established a learning site within PARC, making it the first agriculture learning site in Calabarzon accredited by the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) of the Department of Agriculture. This initiative empowers ARBs and aspiring farmers with modern and sustainable farming techniques to enhance their productivity and profitability.
In addition to livelihood support, DAR said it ensures ARBs’
access to legal assistance through its PBD Lawyering initiative under the Agrarian Justice Delivery Program (AJDP). This program offers legal counseling, mediation, and representation in judicial and quasi-judicial bodies, ensuring that farmer-beneficiaries receive the justice they deserve.
DAR-Calabarzon Assistant Regional Director Rexie Maristela noted the department’s crucial role in organizing agrarian reform beneficiaries’ organizations (ARBOs), assisting them with product development and marketing, and ensuring that farmers maximize their earnings.
Meanwhile, DAR Undersecretary Luis Meinrado Pangulayan reassured farmers that the agency’s support services extend to all farmers, regardless of their Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) status, and encouraged them to visit DAR’s provincial and municipal offices nationwide to learn about available assistance programs.
fao : Judicious use of nitrogen to reduce pollution, protect human health
the f o od and a g riculture o r ganization of the United Nations ( fao ) is pushing for the judicious use of nitrogen to prevent soil degradation and nutrient depletion and halt global warming.
f ao stressed the importance of sustainable nitrogen use in a report it launched recently in r o me. t h e report provided a comprehensive review of nitrogen use and the resulting challenge in agrifood systems.
“Nitrogen pollution is most severe in North a m erica, we stern e u rope and certain a s ian countries, where fertilizers have been extensively used and misused for decades,” it said.
f ao noted that in some low- and middle-income countries restricted access
to fertilizers leads to the depletion of nitrogen, which reduces soil nutrients and leads to soil degradation.
“Nitrogen use efficiency [NU e ] has seen improvements in recent years, which is encouraging. h o wever, significant work remains to be done. t h is report provides a detailed set of recommendations to further enhance NU e helping to reduce pollution while promoting environmental and human health,” t h anawat t i ensin, a s sistant d rector- g e neral and d i rector of the a n imal Production and h e alth d vision at fao, said in a statement.
t h e report urged the fertilizer industry to take urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions during the production of mineral nitrogen fertilizer and encourage
the minimization of wasteful losses during storage, transport, and land application.
“National governments should encourage the widespread use of biological nitrogen fixation [a process in which nitrogen gas from the atmosphere is symbiotically fixed into the tissues of certain plants] in locally appropriate crop rotations using leguminous crops, such as soybean or alfalfa.”
fao also said national governments should create guidelines to assist livestock farmers in adopting the best manure management practices, concentrating on minimizing wasteful nitrogen losses to the environment and enhancing its effective use in productive agriculture.
“ a g rifood system policies should encourage the use of organic nitrogen fertilizers to enhance sustainability. t h ey should also promote spatial planning by redistributing livestock, reducing the number of livestock in areas with high geographical concentration, and promoting circular bioeconomy approaches.”
t h e report called on national governments to promote the integration of sustainable nitrogen management in nationally appropriate mitigation actions and nationally determined contributions, including targets to reduce nitrous oxide from agrifood systems to keep the Paris a g reement goal of 1.5 degree Celsius in sight.
recent interview.
PSA data showed that aquaculture, inland municipal fisheries, and marine municipal fisheries registered contraction last year, with the commercial fisheries subsector being the only one that rose on an annual basis. Species that posted reductions were seaweed, down 10.5 percent to 1.46 MMT; big-eyed scad (matangbaka), 20 percent to 96,223 MT; bali sardinella (tamban), 8.2 percent to 253,356 MT; and roundscad (galunggong) 9.8 percent to 172,417 MT. Increases were noted in skipjack (gulyasan), up 31.2 percent to 277,525 MT; P. Vannamei (putian) 32.3 percent to 48,115 MT; frigate tuna (tulingan) 8.6 percent to 79,083 MT, and milkfish (bangus) 1.6 percent to 361,241 MT.
Coffee set for longest run of gains in 45 years on supply woes
COFF e e is headed for its longest winning streak since 1980, as the market grapples with persistent supply concerns in key growing regions.
Futures for the arabica variety, preferred by companies like Starbucks Corp., rose as much as 2.4 percent on Tuesday to another fresh record. The premium bean advanced for a 10th day and is trading just shy of $4 a pound after doubling in the past year.
Shortfalls in Brazil, the top arabica grower, continue to worry traders after record shipments earlier in the season means less supply availability now. On Monday, Brazilian exporter Comexim Ltda. said that the country’s output of both arabica and cheaper robusta beans is expected to decline in the 2025-2026 crop year.
Inventories held at exchangemonitored warehouses are now at the lowest since November. Still, a recent increase in the amount of coffee awaiting grading could provide some relief to tight supplies on the exchange.
A decline in certified stocks would continue to fuel concern over supplies, h a rry ho ward, a broker at Sucden Financial, said in a note on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, “technical indicators are still looking overheated,” h o ward said. Arabica’s relative strength index remains near overbought territory, a sign that prices may have risen too far and too fast.
Crops in Brazil’s primary arabica-growing areas are also now slated to see sparser rains and more intense dry weather, following an uptick in showers last week. That could be beneficial in regions like São Paulo and southern Minas Gerais, where high moisture has created the risk of fungal disease, Climatempo meteorologist Nadiara Pereira said in a note. But crops further north, including in e s pírito Santo and Bahia, may face heat stress after a string of drier weather, Pereira said.
Gold prices G OLD rose to a new all-time high after US President Donald Trump’s 10 percent tariffs on China prompted swift retaliation from Beijing, buoying haven demand. Bullion gained as much as 1 percent to $2,844.35 an ounce, surpassing the previous record reached on Monday, as the dollar weakened after China announced measures in retaliation. A softer greenback makes the precious metal more appealing for investors holding other currencies.
China retaliated to Trump’s opening trade war tariffs by targeting a handful of American companies and slapping levies on some US goods, in a move seemingly designed to avoid escalating tensions between the world’s biggest economies.
There’s unease about what lies ahead, burnishing gold’s appeal as a store of value in uncertain times. Whether the dollar keeps rising will be important, as a stronger greenback makes bullion more expensive for many buyers.
“Trump’s erratic tariff decisions are fueling further uncertainty, which is benefiting gold as a safe haven,” said Carsten Fritsch, an analyst at Commerzbank. The resilience of both countries’ economies, and any ripple effects for monetary policy, are among the biggest questions as the trade war unfolds. The Federal Reserve paused interest-rate cuts last month, adopting a “wait-and-see” approach with regard to actions from the new US administration.
Spot gold gained 0.8 percent to $2,837.54 an ounce as of 10:39 a.m. in New York on February 4. The Bloomberg Dollar Spot Index dipped 0.7 percent after rising 1.1 percent over the previous six sessions. Silver and platinum advanced, while palladium fell. Trade-war fears had jolted precious-metals markets even before Trump went ahead with the tariffs on China. Bloomberg News
BloomBerg News
Rethinking governance: Social media’s role in political accountability
MILTON FRIEDMAN, a Nobel laureate economist and advocate for free-market principles, once remarked that many people mistakenly believe the solution to societal problems lies in electing the right individuals to political office. While the desire to elect “nice people” is admirable, Friedman argued that the true solution involves creating incentives that make it politically profitable for even those with questionable motives to act in the public’s best interest. This perspective offers valuable insights into the political landscape of the Philippines, where rampant corruption and poor governance are exacerbating existing problems.
As in many democracies, there is a prevalent belief among Filipinos that electing virtuous leaders will directly lead to effective governance. While good leadership is essential, it often oversimplifies the complexities of political systems. The reality is that even well-intentioned leaders can be constrained by bureaucratic inefficiencies, entrenched interests, and a lack of accountability mechanisms. Therefore, the focus should shift from merely electing individuals to creating a system where all leaders are incentivized to act in the public’s best interest.
Friedman’s idea suggests that we must design a political landscape where it is politically profitable for leaders to pursue the common good. This can be achieved through robust civic engagement, transparency, and accountability. In the context of the Philippines, this means empowering citizens to demand accountability from their leaders through various means, including social media.
In an era where information travels instantaneously and public opinion can shift rapidly, Filipinos have unprecedented tools at their disposal. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram can amplify voices and mobilize collective action.
Social media allows citizens to raise awareness about pressing issues, from corruption to environmental degradation. Campaigns that gain traction online can compel politicians to take notice. For example, movements advocating for transparency in government spending or environmental protection can quickly gather momentum, forcing elected officials to respond to the public’s concerns. The ability to hold politicians accountable extends beyond just voicing opinions online. Social media can be used to monitor politicians’ promises and performance. We can track campaign pledges, highlight discrepancies between promises and actual governance, and encourage public discourse around these issues. The pressure from an informed and active citizenry can create an environment where politicians feel compelled to align their actions with public expectations. This shift necessitates a culture of engagement where citizens are not just passive voters but active participants in the political process. To implement this shift effectively, there must also be a change in societal norms and expectations regarding governance. Filipinos must cultivate a culture that values civic responsibility and active participation. This includes initiatives that educate citizens about their rights and the significance of participating in politics. It also means fostering a public discourse that prioritizes accountability over partisanship.
Milton Friedman’s insights remind us that effective governance is not solely about electing the right individuals but about creating a system that incentivizes all leaders to act in the best interest of their constituents. Social media can serve as a powerful tool for citizens to demand accountability and foster a culture of engagement. By leveraging this power, we can transform the political landscape, making sure our voices are heard and our leaders are held accountable. In a country where corruption has long been entrenched, this paradigm shift could be the key to unlocking a brighter future for all Filipinos.
BusinessMirror
Liquidity: Key to market health and profits
LJohn Mangun
OUTSIDE THE BOX
IQUIDITY is like the grease that keeps the market’s gears from seizing up. Without it, you are staring at an economic engine that is about as useful as a broken parachute. Liquidity is not just some fancy term tossed around by the market gurus; it is the very heartbeat of market health. It is all about how quickly you can turn your assets into cash without sending everyone into a panic with wild price swings. Or, worse, holding the empty bag.
The stock market dances to the rhythm of liquidity, making it the Queen of the investment pageant. High and relatively instantaneous liquidity is the only factor that gives the stock market an advantage over other investment vehicles.
Why should you care? Because liquidity affects everything from your investment choices to how you trade. With high liquidity, you are looking at lower costs, trades executed as fast as you can hit the “buy” button, and prices that do not jump around like a kangaroo. But take liquidity away, and you have markets that are as dangerous as a snake in the grass. The crypto markets learned this the hard way, los -
ing $12.7 billion in market cap every hour last Friday because everyone suddenly wanted out, thanks to the latest trade war scare.
Now, how does this liquidity magic work? It all starts with the bid-ask spread—the difference between what someone is willing to pay (bid) and what someone is willing to take (ask). In a market with good liquidity, this spread is tight, like trading shares of BDO on the PSE where there is always someone ready to buy and sell with you. There is also market depth, meaning the market can handle big orders without causing a panic, and volume, showing how many folks actually care about the price. But what happens when the li-
The stock market dances to the rhythm of liquidity, making it the Queen of the investment pageant. High and relatively instantaneous liquidity is the only factor that gives the stock market an advantage over other investment vehicles.
quidity well runs dry? You are stuck trying to sell something as obsolete as a cassette tape. Low liquidity? That means you will be slashing prices just to find a buyer, leading to higher costs, wild price swings, and the dreaded “fire sale.” Remember 2008? That is what happens when liquidity vanishes markets fall into a doom loop of selling and tanking prices.
Liquidity is not some static thing; it is as dynamic as the weather. News about GDP or what the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas decides can move liquidity like a typhoon moves the ocean. We saw this with the PSEi’s mad dance of “rebalancing” Sentiment, fueled by everything from news to tweets, can either flood the market with liquidity or drain it dry. And size matters; big stocks on the PSE have more liquidity than those in the backwater indices. Regulations can either help or hinder, and even the hour of the day might change how
liquid your market is. So, what is the grand plan to boost liquidity? For companies, it is about being as transparent as a clean window, buying back shares to show that the company is actually concerned about the price, or getting your stock on an index. For the exchange, it is about smart policies and better infrastructure – think of the short-selling talk for PSE, which was more fiction than fact but aimed at the right goal. Understanding liquidity is like having a map in the jungle of finance. Whether you are flipping stocks for quick bucks or in it for the long haul, navigating with liquidity in mind can lead you to greener pastures.
But here is the kicker: even when a stock soars 10-12 percent in a day, if the volume is less than a million pesos, you are not impressing anyone unless you are trading with a ten thousand peso pocket change account. And on the PSE, too many stocks go into hibernation, leaving you stuck unless you are ready to take a bath on the price or hold the bag. Remember, in this game, sustained liquidity is as crucial as sustained price movement.
E-mail me at mangun@gmail.com. Follow me on Twitter @mangunonmarkets. PSE stock-market information and technical analysis provided by AAA Southeast Equities Inc.
Japan wages grow most since 1997, supporting BOJ hike path
By Erica Yokoyama & Keiko Ujikane
JAPANESE nominal wages rose at the fastest pace in nearly three decades, supporting the Bank of Japan’s latest rate hike decision and keeping the bank on track for further tightening steps.
Nominal cash earnings for workers climbed 4.8 percent in December from a year earlier, up from a revised 3.9% gain in November, the labor ministry said Wednesday. The reading exceeded economists’ consensus forecast and marked the largest jump since 1997. The strong gain was driven by a jump in bonuses.
The yen strengthened to as much as 153.90 against the dollar following the release, after trading around 154.40 shortly before the data came out.
In another positive development for pay, real wages grew for a second consecutive month in December. Economists had expected real wages to fall amid accelerating inflation. Overall inflation in the country has been above 2 percent for nearly three years, hitting 3.6 percent in December.
Wage trends continue to face market scrutiny even after the BOJ’s latest decision to raise borrowing costs, as they could influence the timeline of future rate hikes. Last month the central bank implemented its third rate increase
in less than a year, after evaluating wage growth and the initial market reaction to Donald Trump’s return to the White House.
“Wage trends will of course remain a key indicator for the BOJ’s policy decisions,” said Masato Koike, senior economist at Sompo Institute Plus. “The trend so far looks on track, but it’s unlikely that base pay will see further gains until the spring negotiations,” he said, adding that the bank’s focus is on how the spring pay talks unfold.
At the post-decision press conference, Governor Kazuo Ueda signaled the possibility of additional rate hikes, noting that the country’s interest rates still remain below the neutral level. Ueda emphasized the need to monitor economic conditions before making the next move, reminding the market of the importance of keeping an eye on pay developments.
In Wednesday’s data, a more stable measure of wage trends that avoids sampling distortions showed that full-time workers’ base pay rose 2.8%, maintaining growth above 2%
“A surprisingly strong increase in Japan’s labor cash earnings in December—propelled by hefty winter bonuses—will boost consumption and consumer prices. The details show base-pay gains remained solid. The strong data will probably bolster the Bank of Japan’s confidence that wage trends are consistent with 2% inflation,” said Bloomberg economist Taro Kimura.
for more than a year.
“A surprisingly strong increase in Japan’s labor cash earnings in December—propelled by hefty winter bonuses—will boost consumption and consumer prices. The details show base-pay gains remained solid.
The strong data will probably bolster the Bank of Japan’s confidence that wage trends are consistent with 2% inflation,” said Bloomberg economist Taro Kimura.
Most BOJ watchers anticipate another tightening step in roughly six months, with July emerging as the most popular timing, according to a Bloomberg survey published last week following the January meeting.
Looking ahead, the market is closely watching wage negotiations
set to culminate in March to assess the sustainability of wage growth. So far, the talks appear to be progressing solidly, with some large companies, including Asahi Breweries Ltd. and Aeon Co., reportedly pledging to offer some workers salary increases exceeding 7 percent.
Japan’s largest trade union leader has also been meeting frequently with business representatives to push for higher wages, emphasizing their goal of 5 percent for overall pay gains, and a slightly higher 6 percent target for smaller firms.
For real wages to see sustained gains, a key concern remains inflation, and ongoing yen weakness which is driving up import prices. Japan’s prices have risen at or above the BOJ’s 2 percent inflation target for nearly three years, weighing on consumer sentiment.
The yen is likely to stay under pressure for some time, as US Federal Reserve officials are increasingly signaling a potential delay in rate cuts amid Trump-driven uncertainties. Additionally, a wave of tariff-related announcements has heightened inflation risks in the US, which could further weaken the yen. Slow real wages have already made many households cautious See “Japan” A17
Xi’s careful reply to Trump tariffs shows China has more to lose
THE first volleys in the latest US-China trade war made clear that Xi Jinping is taking a more cautious approach than during Donald Trump’s first term.
After the US leader gave a lastminute reprieve to both Canada and Mexico, his 10 percent tariffs on China took effect after midnight Washington time on Tuesday. Within seconds, Beijing announced additional tariffs on roughly 80 products to take effect on Feb. 10, launched an antitrust investigation into Google, tightened export controls on critical minerals, and added two US companies to its blacklist of unreliable entities.
The swift but calculated retaliation signaled that Beijing had learned a lesson from its first trade fight with Trump, when China retaliated with tariffs on par or close to what the US imposed. This time Xi only put tariffs on $14 billion worth of American products, a sliver of what Trump targeted, while taking other measures that showed off China’s ability to inflict further pain on US companies if needed.
The shift reflects both Xi’s success at diversifying imports away from the US since Trump’s first term, as well as China’s more precarious economic situation. The Chinese leader has been relying on manufacturing and overseas sales to keep growth ticking along as he moves to burst a property bubble, all while dealing with increased deflationary pressure.
China is being restrained because it “has more to lose,” due to its huge trade imbalance with the US, according to Larry Hu, head of China economics at Macquarie Group Ltd.
“A full-blown tariff war is not in China’s interest,” he added. “Instead, China is likely to respond to tariffs mainly through domestic stimulus.”
The Chinese leader’s cautious reply avoided roiling markets, which have been whipsawed in the past week by Trump’s tariff twists and turns. The Hang Seng China Enterprises Index of Chinese stocks listed in Hong Kong rebounded to gain 3.5 percent on Tuesday, while the offshore yuan was little changed after paring earlier losses.
The question now is whether leaders of the world’s biggest economies can quickly reach an agreement. Trump said on Monday he will seek a deal with China, and said talks would take place shortly. He tamped that down on Tuesday after the tariffs came into effect, saying there’s no rush to speak with Xi and a call would take place at the appropriate time.
Talks between the two leaders would offer a first glimpse of Trump’s priorities this time around. The US president has alternated tough talk on China with more dovish statements, laying out the potential contours of an agreement.
Trump wants more balanced trade and ordered an agreement he signed in 2020, known as the Phase One deal, to be reevaluated, suggesting tariff talks with China could yet drag out for months. But he’s also seeking Xi’s help in swiftly stopping Russia’s war in Ukraine, and is pushing for China to split ownership of video app TikTok with a US company within a ticking 75-day deadline.
In a sign that a deal is front of mind, Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform hours before the US tariffs took effect that there was “great interest” in TikTok, adding a deal would “be wonderful for China.”
Trump has previously said that Microsoft Corp. is in talks to acquire the US arm of ByteDance
The swift but calculated retaliation signaled that Beijing had learned a lesson from its first trade fight with Trump, when China retaliated with tariffs on par or close to what the US imposed. This time Xi only put tariffs on $14 billion worth of American products, a sliver of what Trump targeted, while taking other measures that showed off China’s ability to inflict further pain on US companies if needed.
Ltd.’s TikTok, while Chinese officials favor a sale to the president’s billionaire adviser Elon Musk, Bloomberg News has previously reported. A deal would rescue the China-owned app from a US ban, but could put its prized algorithm in foreign hands.
Chinese officials enter talks with less bargaining room. The Asian manufacturing powerhouse exports over three times more goods to the US than it buys, according to data from China’s Customs General Administration, meaning it has fewer goods to tariff.
Some of Beijing’s warning shots were purely symbolic, underscoring that more limited room for maneuvering. China honed its regulatory sights on Google, even though Alphabet Inc.’s search services have been unavailable in the country since 2010. There are other companies such as Musk’s electric vehicle giant Tesla Inc. and smartphone giant Apple Inc., however, that still have massive business interests in the world’s No. 2 economy.
Chinese regulators are also considering launching a probe into Intel Corp., the Financial Times reported Tuesday, citing two people familiar with the matter. Intel didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
The shape of any future deal will hinge on what concessions China might agree to make, said Helen Qiao, chief economist for greater China for Bank of America Global Research.
China’s options range from promises to buy more American oil and gas and keeping the yuan stable to delivering on the Phase One deal, she said. “It’s probably going to be a combination of those measures that would probably help repair the relationship.”
China’s influence over the Panama Canal—where a Hong Kong company has two of the five ports adjacent to the waterway—is a wild card that Trump could press Xi on, according to Chang Shu, chief Asia economist for Bloomberg Economics. His administration has already threatened to take back the canal if Panama doesn’t reduce China’s sway.
“China could twist the arm of CK Hutchison Holdings Ltd. to reduce its operations there,” she said, noting that was a “remote” possibility.
For now, Beijing is striking a balancing act between looking strong while not upping the ante, according to Josef Gregory Mahoney, a professor of international relations at Shanghai’s East China Normal University.
“We might be seeing two giants sizing each up and testing each other’s resolve while also playing to their domestic audiences before shaking hands,” he added. With assistance from Katia Dmitrieva, Jenni Marsh, Iris Ouyang, Yian Lee and Winnie Zhu /Bloomberg
OpenAI’s Sora filmmaking tool meets resistance in Hollywood
NBy Lucas Shaw, Shirin Ghaffary & Thomas Buckley
EWSPAPER publishers have licensed articles for millions of dollars. Record labels have filed lawsuits. But when it comes to the commercial potential of artificial intelligence, movie studios are off to a much slower start.
OpenAI has spent months talking to the industry’s largest studios, including Walt Disney Co., Comcast Corp.’s Universal Pictures and Warner Bros. Discovery Inc., about the creative and commercial potential of Sora, according to people familiar with the discussions. OpenAI has discussed creating a tailored version of the AI tool for a studio to use on its own projects, said the people, who declined to be identified discussing confidential conversations.
Yet those talks have yet to produce any deals. Studios are reluctant to get into business with an AI company, wary of how it might use their data and of angering the labor unions with which they work every day. Concerns about the use of artificial intelligence were one of the biggest factors in two labor strikes that paralyzed Hollywood in 2023. Both screenwriters and actors have continued to urge Hollywood studios to police tech companies and ensure their work isn’t being used illegally.
OpenAI, the $157 billion operation behind ChatGPT, first unveiled Sora in early 2024, attempting to
keep pace with a growing number of tech startups that offer tools to help users generate realistic-looking video clips from text prompts. Not long after that, OpenAI executives, including Chief Executive Officer Sam Altman, visited Los Angeles to attend some Hollywood events. They met with film studios, media executives and talent agencies to demonstrate the technology.
OpenAI has said it may be premature to rush into commercial partnerships for the product.
“ We’re so early with Sora,” Brad Lightcap, OpenAI’s chief operating officer, said at a conference in January. “I think part of getting these things right is you can’t just say, ‘Okay, we have a model, now we’re going to force a partnership.”
The company is engaged with the industry, he said, adding that “their feedback is super valuable.”
OpenAI has found a receptive audience among some filmmakers who have been happy to experiment with the product as a creative tool.
AI is “going to disintermediate the more laborious, less creative and more costly aspects of filmmaking,”
AI is “going to disintermediate the more laborious, less creative and more costly aspects of filmmaking,” actor and director Ben Affleck said in a TV interview last year. Affleck cautioned that AI wouldn’t replace filmmaking or screen writing.
actor and director Ben Affleck said in a TV interview last year. Affleck cautioned that AI wouldn’t replace filmmaking or screen writing.
The conversations with studios have been more complicated. Studios recognize AI is already changing how people work and they don’t want to be left behind. Many film executives share Affleck’s belief that AI will reduce the costs of animation and visual effects.
Yet having watched Alphabet Inc.’s Google, Meta Platforms Inc. and Netflix Inc. take their viewers and advertisers—often while using their content—film studios are reluctant to hand over their most valuable assets to another large tech firm without receiving a significant payout. Unlike record labels, which made billions by taking equity in Spotify Technology SA, the big studios never invested in newer distributors like YouTube or Netflix.
The one exception so far is Lionsgate, a mid-sized studio that in September struck a deal with
AI startup Runway to train a new artificial intelligence model on the entertainment company’s catalog. Lionsgate will be able to use the technology to generate video for its own future projects.
“Several of our filmmakers are already excited about its potential applications to their pre-production and post-production process,” Lionsgate Vice Chair Michael Burns said in a statement at the time. “We view AI as a great tool for augmenting, enhancing and supplementing our current operations.”
Some studios have discussed a similar deal with OpenAI whereby they would train a bespoke version of Sora on its characters purely for internal use. The arrangement would let Disney or Warner Bros. use AI during production, but not allow the average user to put Snow White or Batman in their videos.
Some studios have also discussed the possibility of licensing their catalogs of movies and TV shows to OpenAI, deals that could be worth millions and avoid messy copyright battles. Yet those talks were nascent and haven’t progressed. The studios and OpenAI have not settled on a deal framework that would work for both sides financially. It’s also not yet clear how a studio would share any proceeds with filmmakers or actors who are entitled to a share of profits from a project. Bloomberg
Trump’s tariff tactics carry higher economic risks than during his first term
By Paul Wiseman | AP Economics Writer
WASHINGTON—When Donald Trump started the biggest trade war since the 1930s in his first term, his impulsive combination of threats and import taxes on US trading partners created chaos, generated drama – and drew criticism from mainstream economists who favor free trade.
But it didn’t do much damage to the US economy. Or much good. Inflation stayed under control. The economy kept growing as it had before. And America’s massive trade deficits, the main target of Trump’s ire, proved resistant to his rhetoric and his tariffs: Already big, they got bigger.
The trade war sequel that Trump has planned for his second term—if it unfolds the way he’s described it – would likely be a different matter altogether. Trump appears to have grander ambitions and is operating in a far more treacherous economic environment this time.
His plans to plaster tariffs of 25 percent on goods from Mexico and Canada and 10 percent on China— and to follow those up by targeting the European Union—would threaten growth, and push up prices in the United States, undermining his campaign pledge to eliminate the inflation that plagued President Joe Biden.
The tariffs would be paid by US importers, who would then try to pass along the higher costs to consumers through higher prices.
Trump himself has warned of possible fallout. “WILL THERE BE SOME PAIN? YES, MAYBE (AND MAYBE NOT!),” Trump said in a social media post Sunday. “BUT WE WILL MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN, AND IT WILL ALL BE WORTH THE PRICE THAT MUST BE PAID.”
For now, some of the hostilities are on hold. Trump on Monday paused the tariffs on Canada and Mexico for 30 days to allow more negotiations after those countries agreed to do more to stop the flow of illegal drugs and undocumented workers into the United States.
But he went ahead with the 10 percent tariffs on China Tuesday. Beijing
. continued from A16
promptly retaliated by imposing tariffs on US products, including coal and big cars. It also is restricting exports of critical minerals and launching an antitrust investigation into Google.
Trump views tariffs—taxes on imports—as an economic elixir that can restore factories to the American heartland, raise money for the government and pressure foreign countries to do what he wants.
During his first term, Trump put tariffs on most Chinese goods and on imported solar panels, washing machines, steel and aluminum. The tax increases might have raised prices on those items, but they had little or no impact on overall inflation, which remained modest. Nor did they do much to restore factory jobs.
Economists agree that a second Trump trade war could be far costlier than the first.
“That was then. This is now,’’ said trade analyst William Reinsch of the Center for Strategic and International Studies. That is why the stock market briefly fell sharply Monday on anticipation of the tariffs, before rebounding on news of the pause with Mexico and Canada.
During Trump’s first term, his trade team carefully focused its tariff hit list to avoid or at least delay the impact on consumers. They targeted industrial products and not those “that would show up on Walmart’s shelves,” said Reinsch, a former US trade official. “That tamped down the impact.’’
This time, by contrast, the tariffs are across the board although the tariffs Trump had planned and then paused would have limited the levy on Canadian energy to 10 percent, showing that he was mindful of how much Americans in northern and
The trade war sequel that Trump has planned for his second term—if it unfolds the way he’s described it—would likely be a different matter altogether. Trump appears to have grander ambitions and is operating in a far more treacherous economic environment this time.
midwestern states depend on oil and electricity from north of the border.
In Boca Raton, Florida, the toy company Basic Fun is preparing to raise prices and absorb a hit to profits when the tariffs land.
Ninety percent of Basic Fun’s toys come from China, including Tonka and Care Bears. CEO Jay Foreman says the price on the Tonka Classic Steel Mighty Dump Truck is likely to rise later this year from $29.99 to as much as $39.99.
Five years ago, the Trump administration spared toys, exempting them from its China tariffs. This time, Foreman said, “we are now just going to forecast a lot of money draining out of the company.’’
In addition to the threats to Canada, Mexico and the EU, Trump has threatened a worldwide tariff of 10 percent to 20 percent. The breadth of his potential targets means it will be much harder for companies to escape his tariffs.
In his first term, many companies dodged his China tariffs by moving production to Mexico or Vietnam. Now, suppliers anywhere could wind up in Trump’s crosshairs. “It sends the signal that no place is safe,’’ said Mary Lovely, senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics.
Also worrying, economists say, is a retaliation clause the Trump team inserted in the tariff orders he signed Saturday.
If other countries retaliate against Trump’s tariffs with tariffs of their own—as China did and Canada and Mexico have threatened—Trump will lash back with still more tariffs.
That risks “setting off a spiraling trade war’’ of tit-for-tat tariffs and counter-tariffs, said Eswar Prasad, professor of trade policy at Cornell University.
But the biggest difference is the economic backdrop Trump must contend with this time.
Six years ago, inflation was low— maybe even too low, the Federal Reserve fretted. Trump’s first-term tariffs didn’t make a dent. Inflation isn’t so benign anymore. Prices surged in the unexpected boom that followed the end of Covid-19 lockdowns. Inflation has come down from the four-decade high it hit in mid-2022, but it’s still stuck above the Fed’s 2 percent target and hasn’t shown much improvement since summer. Trump’s tariffs could rekindle the inflationary trend and convince the Fed to cancel or postpone the two interest rate cuts it had anticipated this year. That would risk keeping “interest rates at their current elevated level for a longer period in 2025. That will push up mortgage and loan borrowing rates...and reduce real growth,’’ said Boston College economist Brian Bethune. For now, businesses, investors and US trading partners are waiting to see what the unpredictable Trump will do next. Will he re-impose the tariffs on Canada and Mexico after 30 days? Will he really go after the EU? Or make good on his threat of a universal tariff?
Outside a Harris Teeter supermarket near downtown Raleigh, North Carolina, Jacobs Ogadi had in his shopping bag an avocado, which almost certainly came from Mexico. The 62-year-old mechanic said it “doesn’t take a rocket scientist’’ to know that Trump’s tariffs run counter to his promises to rein in inflation. “If it goes up 25 percent, it’s not the government, it’s not the Mexican people paying for it,’’ he said. “Who pays for it? Us.’’ AP writers Anne D’Innocenzio in New York and Gary Robertson in Raleigh, North Carolina, contributed to this story.
clearly increasing,” said Sompo’s Koike. “If real wages stably grow as inflation slows down towards the middle of the year, there is a possibility that private spending will recover from that point.” Bloomberg
Thursday, February 6, 2025
With 215 signatures, House votes to impeach VP Sara
By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz @joveemarie
WITH215 signatures, the House of Representatives on Wednesday impeached Vice President Sara Duterte, accusing her of multiple offenses, including culpable violation of the Constitution, betrayal of public trust, graft and corruption, and other high crimes.
These 215 lawmakers, crossing party lines, voted to approve the seven Articles of Impeachment, marking the first time in Philippine history that a sitting vice president faces impeachment.
“There is a motion to direct the Secretary General to immediately endorse to the Senate the impeachment complaint having been filed by more than one-third of the membership of the House or a total of members. Is there any objection? The chair hears none. The motion is approved. The Secretary General is so directed,” Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.
“This is about upholding the Constitution and ensuring that no public official, regardless of their position, is above the law,” Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez stated after the vote.
Following the House’s approval, the impeachment complaint will now be transmitted to the Senate, where it will serve as the Articles of Impeachment. The Senate will then convene as an impeachment court to conduct a trial.
The House of Representatives also elected the 11-member House Prosecution Panel, composed of Reps. Gerville R. Luistro, Romeo Acop, Rodge Gutierrez, Joel Chua, Jil Bongalon, Loreto Acharon, Marcelino Libanan, Arnan C. Panaligan, Ysabel Maria J. Zamora, Lorenz R. Defensor, and Jonathan Keith T. Flores.
“We, the undersigned complainants, as the duly elected representatives of the people comprising at least one-third [1/3] [102 members] of the members of the House of Representatives of the 19th Congress of the Philippines, under oath, do hereby file this complaint for the impeachment of Sara Zimmerman Duterte, incumbent vice president of the Republic of the Philippines, based on the grounds of culpable violation of the Constitution, betrayal of public trust, graft and corruption, and other high crimes,” the complaint said.
Grounds for impeachment ARTICLE I—Respondent be -
these were submitted to the Senate on Wednesday, February 5, 2025. Following the constitutional mandate, the case must now go to the Senate for trial. SPPA POOL
trayed the public trust, committed culpable violations of the Constitution, and/or committed high crimes in contracting an assassin and plotting to murder or assassinate the incumbent President, the First Lady, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, as publicly admitted by her in a live broadcast.
According to the complaint, Duterte resorted to threats of bodily harm and, worse, assassination against key officials of the Philippines government and their members, particularly President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Article II—Respondent betrayed the public trust and/or committed graft and corruption in her misuse and malversation of confidential funds appropriated to the Office of the Vice Presi-
dent (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd). Duterte is accused of misusing and illegally disbursing P612.5 million in confidential funds during her tenure as Vice President and Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary. Investigators found.
The complaint said these blatant financial irregularities constitute technical malversation, graft, and corruption, forming a strong case for impeachment. Article III—Respondent betrayed the public trust and/or committed bribery and/or other acts of graft and corruption in violation of Republic Act No. 3019. Corrupt acts have been uncovered to have been committed by respondent Duterte during the See “With 215,” A14
PSA PREPARING THIS YEAR FOR CPI, NATIONAL INCOME ACCOUNTS REBASING
By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario
THE Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) is preparing the rebasing of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and the country’s National Income Accounts (NIA) this year.
On Wednesday, National Statistician Claire Dennis S. Mapa told reporters that this will change the base year of the CPI basket and NIA to 2023 starting January 2026.
The rebasing of the CPI is done by the PSA every six years. The 2023 base year for the CPI will be the 12th rebasing of the basket of goods.
“Right now, what we’re doing, we are looking at the commodity items from the last Family Income and Expenditures Survey [FIES], because that’s the source. The weights [of commodities] we use, that will adjust,” Mapa said. Mapa said the first stage of the adjustment will focus on the changes in consumption using the results of the FIES. This involves examining 500,000 items that are part of the country’s CPI.
The PSA technical staff, he added, will also determine if there are new commodities regularly consumed by Filipinos that may not have been included in the current roster of goods.
“When you have an inflation report, that’s 500,000 items all over the country being tracked by PSA. We will revisit that. What are you collecting, let’s say pasta, what’s the typical brand, what’s the weight? That’s the process that’s why it takes substantial time to prepare and get all of this data,” Mapa explained, partly in Filipino. In the 2018 rebasing of the CPI, the PSA noted an increase in Filipinos’ spending for restaurants and accommodation, which dislodged transportation as the third highest expense of households. The PSA released the rebased CPI which showed that food and non-alcoholic beverages and housing and utilities remained the top two expenses of Pinoys.
However, in the 2018 based CPI, restaurants and accommodation services took over the position held by transportation in the 2012 based CPI.
PhilHealth chief eyes 30% cut in members’ OOP share
NEWLY-APPOINTED Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) President and chief executive officer Edwin M. Mercado is eyeing to cut down the out-of-pocket (OOP) expenses of its members to less than 30 percent by “healing” the “illnesses” of the state health insurer, which includes inefficiencies in its financial reporting and service delivery. In a press briefing in Malacañang on Wednesday, Mercado said the average OOP medical expenditures for households in the country's “mature” healthcare system is 45 to 47 percent.
That expenditure, he said, should be reduced to 25 percent to 27 percent, to prevent possible catastrophic spending among households, wherein more than 10 percent of their income net of food expenditures are spent on healthcare.
“Actually, it is included in the medium-term plan, which has an acronym, which I cannot remember. But it states it [out-of-pocket expense] should be reduced to 30 percent in the medium term and that is set up like a general roadmap for the Philippine economy. So, that is our initial [goal], but if we will be able to exceed that [target], the better,” Mercado said in Filipino.
“So the marching order of our President is to expand the benefits [of PhilHealth members],” he added.
Under the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 20232028, the Marcos administration is aiming to bring down the OOP to 28.1 percent by 2028.
Healing process
MERCADO said he plans to reduce the expenses and improve the benefits of members by removing the wastages in the operations of PhilHealth through standardizing their financial reporting and the completion of their digitization initiatives.
“We will standardize financial reports so [they] will not keep on changing. It is hard to analyze financial reports if they have different definitions. There are standard accounting definitions for that. So, we will define that so that the reporting [of financial statements] will be clean and transparent,” he said.
As for digitalization, he said, PhilHealth can use it to reduce the screening and processing times for the release of claims from hospitals, which currently takes an average of 25 days.
Citing his experience as hospital administrator, he said PhilHealth remains plagued with thousands of pesos worth of claims, which they are forced to return to hospitals due to faulty claims applications.
“Once we implement the digitization, we will be able to flag the claims, which are excessive or contain suspiciously high amounts,” Mercado explained.
“The savings, which we will collect from [addressing] the wastage, will be used to expand the benefits [of our members],” he added.
He said they will prioritize improving the benefit package for common diseases, which cause catastrophic spending for patients. Samuel P. Medenilla
businessmirror.com.ph/2025/01/15/ phl-consumers-seen-paying-more-forcoffee/)
The research company said unfavorable weather conditions in Vietnam weighed on its domestic robusta coffee harvest while Brazil experienced “deteriorations” in its supply outlook for robusta and arabica output.
Global cocoa prices also rose by 4.17 percent to $10.75 per kilo in January from $10.32 per kilo in the previous month, based on World Bank data. This saw a further increase from its average quotation in 2024 at $7.33 per kilo.
BMI reported that the market sentiment for cocoa prices is still bullish due to supply-side challenges, particularly in West Africa, a cocoa powerhouse that accounts for 70 percent of global supply. (See: https://businessmirror.com. ph/2025/01/20/tweaks-in-pricingstrategy-seen-as-cocoa-rallies/)
Data from the World Bank indicated that fertilizers like DAP and urea were more expensive in January. The price of DAP averaged $582.7 per MT in January, higher than the $568.3 MT recorded in December 2024, while that of urea climbed to $380.5 per MT in the first
month of 2025, from $352 per MT in the last month of 2024.
As for the country’s top farm export, World Bank figures showed that the international quotation of coconut oil grew by 1.47 percent to $2,002 per metric ton (MT) last month from $1,973 per MT recorded in December. This was higher than the average price last year at $1,519 per MT. Meanwhile, World Bank data showed that global prices of metals registered increases last month. Global aluminum quotation rose by 1.26 percent to $2,573 per MT in January from $2,541 per MT in the previous month. This was higher than its average price of 2024 $2,419 per MT in 2024. World Bank figures indicated that copper prices inched up by 0.84 percent to $8,991 per MT last month from $8,916 per MT recorded in December while global tin prices rose by 2.59
and $30,066 per MT, respectively.
FROM FILING TO TRIAL House Secretary General Reginald Velasco (right) and Senate Secretary Atty. Renato N. Bantug Jr. are seen with the documents embodying the articles of impeachment filed against Vice President Sara Duterte after
Editor: Jennifer A. Ng
Group asks govt to prioritize PUV modernization program
By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan
THE Automotive Body Manufacturers Association of the Philippines (ABMAP) is calling on the government to prioritize the public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program, saying this is “crucial” to revitalize the local automotive industry.
“ABMAP is urgently calling on the government to secure additional funding and prioritize the program, which is critical not only for modernizing the country’s dilapidated, polluting, and unsafe jeepneys but also for revitalizing the local automotive industry,” the group said in a statement on Wednesday.
It noted that producing at least 100 modern jeepneys locally could generate up to P125 billion in economic activity including investments in manufacturing, infrastructure and related services.
ABMAP made the pitch for the “stalled” PUV modernization program following reports that the
Development of Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and the Land Bank of the Philippines have exhausted their budgets for this initiative.
Edgar Manuel, the group’s executive director, expressed “deep concern” over the funding shortfall.
“The PUV Modernization Program is a transformative project that addresses multiple national issues—public safety, environmental sustainability, and economic growth. It is disheartening to hear that funding has run dry, especially when we are on the brink of realizing its immense benefits. We urge the government to act swiftly and allocate the necessary resources to keep this
program alive.” The program, which aims to replace “aging” jeepneys with modern, Euro 4-compliant vehicles, has already shown its potential to create jobs and stimulate economic activity, according to the group.
ABMAP estimates that the program will directly support over 10,000 employees across vehicle producers and parts manufacturers, including its member companies that build vehicle bodies, chassis, and components.
“The ripple effect extends to an additional 20,000 workers in the auto parts manufacturing sector, which supplies essential components.”
Manuel said modern PUVs will not only improve public transport, but these will also create opportunities for local manufacturers and workers. With locally produced vehicles adding 50 percent local value, every modern PUV supports the country’s domestic supply chain, reduces reliance on imported parts, and strengthens the economy.
“This program is a lifeline for the local automotive industry, which has been struggling for years.”
However, he said the program’s progress is now at risk due to the lack of funding.
Manuel said delays in implemen-
tation will have “far-reaching consequences.”
“Every day we delay, we compromise the safety of millions of commuters, the health of our environment, and the livelihoods of thousands of workers. The government must step in and ensure that this program continues without interruption.”
ABMAP prodded the government to explore alternative funding mechanisms, including partnerships with private financial institutions and international development agencies.
“This program is too important to fail,” Manuel said. “We need a collective effort to secure the necessary funding and keep the momentum going. The future of our public transport system and the local automotive industry depends on it.”
The group said it remains committed to supporting the government in achieving the goals of the PUV modernization program.
“We urge the government to act now and ensure that this groundbreaking project continues to move forward. Together, we can create a safer, cleaner, and more efficient public transport system while revitalizing our local automotive industry,” he said.
PLC to buy ABG shares in tender offer
By VG Cabuag @villygc
PROPERTY developer Premi -
umlands Corp. (PLC) and Industrial Holdings and Development Corp. (IHDC) will launch a tender offer for the rest of the shares of Asiabest Group International Inc. (ABG) that they do not own for about P255.2 million.
In its disclosure, Asiabest said Premiumlands will conduct a tender offer for up to 100 million common shares constituting 33.33 percent of the outstanding common capital stock of Asiabest at P2.552 per share.
“The tender offer shall commence on March 10, 2025 and end on April 7, 2025,” the company said.
Premiumlands, owned by Francis Lloyd T. Chua, first launched its bid to acquire the holdings of Tiger Resort Asia Ltd., the operator of Okada Manila, in December last year.
Tiger Resort Asia sold its entire 66.67 percent stake in Asiabest for P510.4 million, or P2.552 per share. The sale marked a significant loss for Tiger Resorts as it exited a company, which was supposed to become the backdoor entry of the integrated resort and casino.
Tiger Resort Asia owns Tiger Resort Leisure and Entertainment Inc., which then operates Okada Manila.
Asiabest last traded on the Philippine Stock Exchange at P21 per share on December 16, just days after Tiger Resorts an -
nounced its decision to divest from the company.
After the tender offer, Chua’s group will infuse and consolidate their respective assets and businesses to create an end-to-end infrastructure business group in the Philippines that has the whole ecosystem of the industry.
“By acquiring control and ownership of ABG, the buyer will have the authority to execute the planned asset infusion and consolidation into ABG, which will result in the listed issuer, ABG, transitioning from a dormant shell company into a holding
company with subsidiaries that operate and generate recurring and ongoing revenue and income,” the company said.
It said Premiumlands will infuse its unit Kabalayan Housing Corp. into the listed company. It will also infuse several land assets located in different provinces into Kabalayan to be used for the operationalization and development of its mass housing projects.
It will then consolidate the interests and operating subsidiaries of IHDC involved in manufacturing, logistics and construction.
These are Concrete Stone Corp., Industry Movers Corp. and its minority interest in EEI Corp.
The indicative timetable for the completion of the first stage for the Kabalayan stage, is on or before the end of third quarter this year, while the timetable for the completion of the second stage or the IHDC consolidation stage, is on or before the second quarter of next year.
Pre-need industry celebrates pre-need consciousness week
The pre-need industry, spearheaded by the Philippine Federation of Memorial, Pension, and Education Plans Companies, Inc., celebrates Pre-Need Consciousness Week from February 3 to 7, 2025, with the theme “Gabay sa Kinabukasan, Serbisyong Maaasahan.”
On May 30, 2001, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo issued Presidential Proclamation No. 52, declaring the first week of February as Pre-Need Consciousness Week to increase awareness and appreciation of the importance of preparation for “the eventualities of life” and their impact on the quality of life of Filipinos.
The celebration kicked off with a Thanksgiving Mass on February 3, 2025 at the Sto. Niño de Paz Greenbelt Chapel in Makati City, attended by representatives of member companies. It will culminate in a PreNeed Forum at EDSA Shangri-La,
Mandaluyong City, on February 7, 2025. Activities also include an outreach program at A Better Chance Foundation, an NGO that provides financially challenged youth with access to quality education, as well as a Bowling Tournament among member companies. The Pre-Need Consciousness Week celebration aims to promote the value of preparing for future needs, such as retirement, children’s education, and endof-life expenses. As stated in the presidential proclamation, this preparation “allows Filipinos to cope with the spiraling cost of
living and dying.” The event also provides opportunities for member companies to strengthen their bonds and reflect on their shared mission to help build better lives.
According to Elmer M. Lorica, the current president of the Federation and of Eternal Plans, Inc., the services provided by the preneed industry remain relevant and essential, as they address the fundamental and life-changing needs of Filipinos. The industry contributes to building better lives through the services it offers and the employment it generates.
This year’s theme, “Gabay sa
TKinabukasan, Serbisyong Maaasahan,” succinctly captures the mission and commitment of the pre-need industry. “We remain committed to helping Filipinos, and we can be relied upon to provide these services,” Lorica said.
The Philippine Federation of Memorial, Pension, and Education Plans Companies, Inc. is an organization composed of pre-need plan companies that offer life, pension, and education plans. It aims to promote industry growth while working in collaboration with the Insurance Commission to protect the interests of planholders.
Report on new DBP Act gets ratified at Senate
By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM
THE Senate ratified last Wednesday the bicameral conference commit-
tee report on Senate Bill (SB) 2804 embodying the proposed New Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) law. On its last day before going into recess ahead of the election period, the senators unanimously approved the bicameral report conveyed by main sponsor Sen. Mark A. Villar. Villar, the chairman of the Banks committee, had earlier defended SB 2804 as a measure needed to better capacitate the state bank in meeting the needs of its key constituencies.
The bill’s sponsors asserted that since its establishment, the DBP has served the medium-term and long-term financial needs of agricultural and industrial enterprises outside the National Capital Region. The proposed measure is being touted by Sen. Joel Villanueva as “a response to the changing times that require us to provide our people with more resources to fund developmental projects and ventures and promote financial inclusion.”
“This is a commitment to revitalizing our economy and addressing the pressing needs of various sectors by augmenting the bank’s capacity to support infrastructure, agriculture, and small businesses, which are all vital to achieve sustainable growth,” Villanueva added. He further noted that there are enough safeguards in the measure, which allows the bank to expand its developmental mandate, meet its operational demands and maintain service quality.
The ratification of the bicameral conference committee report comes just after the DBP sought the extension of regulatory relief from the Bangko Sen-
tral ng Pilipinas (BSP). The BSP said earlier it is open to considering the DBP request for an extension of regulatory relief, but stressed that approval of such must be based on a strict justification and an assessment of financial metrics.Financial Supervision Sector Deputy Governor Chuchi G. Fonacier said the central bank will assess if the DBP’s justification for a one-year regulatory relief is reasonable enough to warrant an extension.
“All this regulatory relief is timebound. That’s why we can say it’s reasonable because it’s time-bound. Once they request for more time, that’s where we go in to assess if it’s justifiable to extend [the relief],” Fonacier told reporters.
Aside from capital adequacy, the BSP will examine DBP’s loan portfolio, including its size, performance and risk exposure. Past due and non-performing loan (NPL) ratios as well as the extent of its large exposures will also be considered, Fonacier added.
DBP President Michael O. de Jesus said last month the state-run bank will again seek regulatory relief from the BSP to build up its capital after its contribution to the Maharlika Investment Corporation (MIC) (See: https:// businessmirror.com.ph/2025/01/13/ dbp-to-seek-regulatory-dividendrelief-this-year/).
“Even though [we] will meet all the capital ratios, we still would seek [regulatory relief] for comfort,” de Jesus had said.
DBP’s capital adequacy ratio (CAR), or the measure of a bank’s financial health, stood at 14.78 percent as of the end November 2024—above the 10 percent regulatory threshold.
SC rules on VAT-refund claim period, clearing ‘14 CTA case
By Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573
THE Supreme Court (SC) has issued a decision clarifying the prescriptive periods for filing value-added tax (VAT) refund claims with the Commissioner of Internal Revenue (CIR).
In a decision penned by Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin S. Caguioa, the SC’s Third Division ruled on VAT refund claims prior to the issuance of Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Memorandum Circular 54-2014 issued on June 11, 2014. The decision clarifies the 120-day period for the IR Commissioner to resolve the claim begins from the date of filing the administrative claim with complete documents or when the taxpayer indicates that it will no longer submit additional documents.
The BIR Circular 54-2014 required taxpayers to submit all necessary documents when filing an administrative claim and cannot provide additional
Hurdles to health insurance take up cited
By Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo
Special to the BusinessMirror
THE Philippines insurance industry saw an increase in premiums by 13.45 percent yearon-year, reaching P328.55 billion in the first nine months of 2024.
Despite the rise in premiums, data from the Insurance Commission on the industry’s consolidated performance as of September 2024 showed just a 4.23-percent rise in net income, year-on-year (yoy) to some P40 billion. There were 127 companies included in the report, of the total registered 137 insurance firms.
In a news briefing last Tuesday, AXA Philippines Life and General Insurance Corp. Chief Marketing Officer Fernando V. Villar said that while the industry as a whole has been growing, “only 2 percent of the Philippine population (119 million) is currently insured.” The latter, Villar explained, is measured by premiums as a percentage of the gross domestic product.
Yet, AXA’s own survey in 2023 showed that “health and hospitalization remain to be the top reasons why people get insurance or people are interested in insurance. In fact, it ranks higher than getting life insurance itself,” he added.
However, many people don’t get health insurance owing to budget concerns.
Also, “our country is not insurance-dependent,” meaning it is not required for government or privatesector applications. “There are also
cultural factors, like reliance on family members to help each other in times of need,” explained Villar.
Rising costs
SECURING health insurance becomes even more pressing as healthcare costs continue to rise, at about 13-15 percent, yoy, compared to the global average of 10 percent, in the last three years.
Citing 2024 figures, Villar said that the average cost of getting treatment and getting hospitalized is about P2 million. For heart attack, it’s about P1.5 million, and for breast cancer, an average of P1.7 million. These are the top three critical illnesses in the Philippines, he said.
AXA’s new health insurance plan, Villar said, covers over 150 critical conditions (77 major, 73 minor), “and allows you to claim up to nine times ensuring protection at different stages of your illnesses.”
“This is equivalent to 400 percent of your total plan coverage, where similar plans only pay one time for a major condition and up to two times for minor conditions,” he added.
With the firm’s new plan called “Health Max Elite,” the coverage “resets” to the original amount despite the insured having already claimed for various covered illnesses.
The plan is first in the market to cover for select mental health conditions such as depression requiring ECT (Electroconvulsive therapy) and mild bipolar disorder, which are commonly excluded from critical illness plan, he said.
According to AXA’s Mind Health Report 2024, young Filipinos between the ages of 18 and 24 “are disproportionately affected by severe anxiety, stress, and depression compared to older age groups. In fact, 48 percent of 18 to 24-year-olds and 42 percent of 25 to 34-year-olds reported suffering from mental health conditions, significantly higher than the total population (34 percent) and their older counterparts.”
Illness coverage
YET most point to personal reasons, less work issues, as affecting their mind health, said Villar. After Covid also, people became more aware about the importance of mental health, and readily seek treatment for it. “So that was one of the reasons why we thought we should put some mental health benefits [in the plan],” he explained.
The plan also is first in the market to cover life-threatening conditions, even if these are not part of the critical illness list. “For instance, an accident results in a medical condition that would result in a five-day confinement in the ICU (intensive care unit), or a life-saving surgery, [this is covered by the plan],” he said.
Also covered is the removal of a suspected lump or benign tumor, a pre-early condition, even if the patient has yet to be diagnosed with cancer. “We saw that a lot of people tried to claim for [removal of] tumors, and then when we looked at the reason why, because the starting fear was it might be cancer.”
Visa cites dampeners to Valentine’s Day spending
VISA Inc. said last Tuesday its data showed that while there was an overall increase in transactions for February 2024 compared to February 2023—driven by more active card users—the average amount spent per transaction slightly declined.
“This suggests that inflation and higher commodity prices may have led consumers to be more cautious with their spending this Valentine’s month,” the digital payments company’s statement read.
“Unlike Valentine’s Day 2023, which saw a peak in transactions on the day itself, the peak in 2024 occurred on the weekends before and after Valentine’s Day. This change points to evolving consumer preferences.”
According to Visa, spending on food-related categories decreased, while spending on travel-related categories saw a slight rise. There was a significant increase in spending on local transport services. Spending on gifts, such as books, shoes, sporting goods, and jewelry, saw significant growth. Spending on flowers decreased slightly, indicating a preference for more durable gifts. Spending on health and beauty spas remained steady.
Visa’s latest Green Shoots Radar Survey further reveals that many Filipinos are adopting a more budget-conscious approach this year. Instead of splurging on luxury items, they are focusing on experiences that create lasting memo -
ries. Across the Asia-Pacific region, many consumers are cutting back on non-essential spending, channeling their budgets into special moments with loved ones.
“With excessive spending taking a backseat, personalized and meaningful gestures are becoming more popular,” the company said.
“Custom gifts, handmade creations, and intimate dinners are the go-to choices this season, reflecting deeper emotional connections.”
According to the survey, arts and crafts purchases are on the rise, with more Filipinos shopping in this category compared to last year. These creative purchases, whether it’s a hand-painted card or a DIY gift, show the effort put into expressing love authentically.
documents later. If the BIR requests additional documents, the taxpayer has 30 days to comply, and the 120day period begins upon submission or expiration of the given period.
The SC said if the BIR does not notify the taxpayer that the submission is incomplete, the 120-day period begins from the date the taxpayer voluntarily submitted additional documents. However, the taxpayer must file the administrative claim within two years from the end of the taxable quarter.
For VAT claims filed from June 11, 2014 until December 31, 2017, (prior to the effectivity of Republic Act 10963 or the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion or “Train,” law on
January 1, 2018) the 120-day period begins from the date of filing the administrative claim with complete supporting documents. The taxpayer are also not allowed to submit additional documents and are mandated to file the claim within two years from the end of the taxable quarter.
For VAT claims filed starting January 1, 2018, the BIR has 90 days, instead of 120 days, to resolve the claim from the date of its filing with complete supporting documents, according to the High Tribunal.
The SC said once an administrative claim is filed, the BIR should no longer require additional documents from the taxpayer.
“If the taxpayer submits an incomplete claim, it shall be disallowed outright,” the SC said. Likewise, the Court said the taxpayer must file the claim within two years from the end of the taxable quarter or the issuance of tax clearance in instances of cancellation of registration or cessation of business.
The CIR asserted that Dohle filed its judicial claim beyond the allowed period. It argued that the 120-day period started when Dohle filed its administrative claim with the CIR on March 31, 2014, not when it submitted the additional documents on July 28, 2014. Thus, Dohle only had until September 25, 2014, to file its claim with the CTA.
The Commissioner also argued that even if the 120-day period began when the taxpayer submitted additional documents, Dohle only had 30 days from the time it filed the claim to submit any additional information as outlined in RMC 49-2003. Both the CTA and the SC ruled in favor of Dohle, holding that the 120day period for the CIR to decide the claim started not when it first filed the claim on March 31, 2014, but on July 28, 2014, when it submitted additional documents.
The Court issued the guidelines when it ruled on the case involving Dohle Shipmanagement Philippines Corp. (Dohle), which sought a refund or credit of unutilized input VAT for 2012. Dohle filed its administrative claim with the CIR on March 31, 2014, and submitted additional supporting documents on July 28, 2014 in compliance with Section 112 of Tax Code. Since the Internal Revenue Commissioner did not act on the company’s claim within 120 days of submitting the additional documents, Dohle filed a judicial claim with the CTA on December 23, 2014.
Thursday, February 6, 2025
Health& Fitness
Malnutrition among kids can be stopped via healthy diet, essential nutrients–expert
By Rory Visco | Contributor
THERE is no denying the fact that malnutrition continues to be a critical public health issue in the Philippines for several decades now and has affected the lives of millions of Filipinos, especially children and also vulnerable members of the population. Economic growth and many forms of government interventions notwithstanding, malnutrition is a constant contributor of high rates of stunting, underweight, and micronutrient deficiencies.
According to data released by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) and the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM-2), one in three Filipino children experiences stunted growth or malnutrition. This can have long-term effects on their physical and cognitive development, aside from having a weak immunity, and increased risks for various diseases.
The World Bank also puts the Philippines as the fifth country in the East Asia and Pacific region to have the highest prevalence of stunting (low height-for-age) and is one of ten countries globally with the highest number of stunted children.
Support to combat malnutrition IT starts with a piece of legislation, Republic Act No. 11037, or the Masustansyang Pagkain Para sa Batang Pilipino Act. This law which aims to address child hunger and malnutrition in the Philippines through the implementation of a national feeding program for undernourished children in public daycare centers, kindergarten, and elementary schools.
There is the Philippine Multisectoral Nutrition Project (PMNP) that receives financing support from the
World Bank to help increase the delivery of nutrition and health services in 275 municipalities across 13 regions in the country, including the Bangsa Moro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). This tripartite partnership involves the Department of Health, UNICEF and the World Bank, where UNICEF provides technical expertise in project evaluation, Social and Behavioral Change (SBC), third-party verification (TPV) of Performance-based Grants (PBGs) and PMNP Fiduciary Systems, and capacity building on nutrition and primary health care for the PMNP.
Another is the Malnutrition Reduction Program (MRP) of the Department of Science and Technology – Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) that addresses the undernutrition problem among infants and young children.
Poor maternal nutrition BUT there are other factors that may worsen the situation such as poor maternal nutrition, inadequate breastfeeding, and unhealthy dietary habits. The lack of proper nutritional guidance, especially during early childhood, may create gaps that can leave children vulnerable to undernourishment during critical early development stages when both their body and brain grow at a rapid pace. Plus, the long-term effects of childhood malnutrition is not just about physical limitations but also poor cognitive development, lower educational achievement, and decreased productivity in adulthood. However, there is a need to understand the root causes of malnutrition. Insufficient dietary intake, sub-optimal nutrient absorption, and inefficient nutrient utilization are just some of them that can aggravate undernutrition, either stunting, underweight (low weightfor-age), and wasting (low weight-
for-height).
Children’s access to food really matters, but children also need to receive proper nutrients in order to fight malnutrition. A balanced diet rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins to support physical and mental growth is what parents need to provide their children to help reduce stunting and ensure healthy development.
Focus on correct food and nutrients
TO support children’s growth, it is vital to focus on key macronutrients and minerals. The inclusion of protein such as those found in lean meats, dairy, eggs, and legumes are essential to ensure children’s growth and development as it supports tissue repair and growth in muscles, skin, organs, and more. Additionally, growth requires extra energy, and underweight children may need additional calories that come from nutritious sources like healthy fats, carbohydrates, and protein— and definitely not junk food.
Iron and zinc are also crucial for growth. Iron helps deliver oxygen to the body’s cells and supports overall development. Iron-rich foods like meat, eggs, and leafy greens are excellent sources. Zinc, on the other hand, plays a key role in cell growth and immune function, and deficiencies can hinder development. Zinc is found in beef, spinach, and beans that can help children grow strong and healthy.
Aside from that, certain nutrients like arginine and vitamin K2 are crucial for growth. Arginine supports bone cell growth and stimulates growth hormone release and help aid in linear growth, especially during delayed development. It can be found in nuts, grains, legumes, meat, seafood, eggs, and dairy products.
Meanwhile, Vitamin K2 aids in
calcium absorption in order to promote stronger bones and better bone density. It also supports cardiovascular and dental health and helps regulate blood clotting. Fermented products like yogurt and cheese, along with animal-based foods like meat and eggs, are some of the rich sources of vitamin K2.
These essential nutrients are readily available in foods to support growing bodies and minds, but it can also help to try supplements or formulations to help the child meet their nutritional needs. Best that parents consult pediatricians for guidance on supplements or formulations to help them on this.
There are special formulations already available in the market like PediaSure Plus, which is scientifically designed with 37 growth nutrients, including Natural Vitamin K2 for strong bones and added Arginine for faster linear growth and support children’s development.
“Understanding and being attentive to your children’s dietary needs is vital for their growth and development. Providing a balanced diet that includes essential nutrients like Arginine and Vitamin K2 can promote bone growth and overall physical development. Ensuring they receive proper nutrition through a healthy diet, supplemented with the right formulations when necessary, optimizes their health and helps them reach their full potential,” according to Dr. Jose Dimaano, Jr., Nutrition Medical director for Asia Pacific at Abbott.
Incorporating Arginine and Vitamin K2 into children’s diets present an effective approach to addressing stunted growth. By prioritizing these essential nutrients, parents and caregivers can confidently support healthy growth and development of their children, helping them start the year strong and reach their full potential in life.
Uratex PartnerS with toP SleeP exPertS to taCkle SleeP CriSiS
UraT ex P hilippines, the country’s leading sleep solutions provider, has officially partnered with the Philippine s o ciety of s l eep Medicine, Inc. (P s s M) to address the growing problem of sleep deprivation and related disorders in the Philippines. The inking ceremony, held at Uratex a l abang with the theme “Partnering to Provide Quality s l eep for Filipinos,” marked the beginning of a joint effort to raise awareness, conduct research, and develop innovative solutions to help Filipinos achieve better sleep quality.
The collaboration between Uratex, known as The s eep s p ecialist, and P s s M, the recognized professional organization of doctors that specializes in sleep medicine, has been years in the making. Dr. r o dolfo V. Dizon Jr., President of P s s M, described the partnership as “a long time coming” and emphasized its significance.
“We’ve been working toward this for about five years. I personally saw Uratex’s commitment during our plant tour last June, and it became clear that their mission aligns with ours,” he said. “It excites us because the ultimate beneficiaries of this collaboration are the Filipino people.” Silent crisis sL ee P d eprivation is a silent crisis affecting millions of Filipinos. r e cent studies have indicated that the Philippines ranks among the most sleep-deprived nations globally. However, as Dr. Dizon pointed out, the existing data is limited and largely based on surveys rather than comprehensive national studies.
“We lack localized, scientific data on sleep deprivation and disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea. This partnership with Uratex will allow us to pool our resources and hopefully begin nationwide research to get a clearer picture of the problem,” he explained.
s t ephen Lee, s l eep Business Unit Director of Uratex, echoed the importance of awareness as the first step in tackling the issue. “a t t his point, the problem is not seen, but it’s there. Many Filipinos are sleep-deprived or suffering from sleep diseases, yet they are unaware of it. That’s why this partnership is so timely,” Lee said. “Our goal is to combine the medical expertise of P s s M w ith Uratex’s strength in product innovation and technology to create awareness. If people don’t realize that sleep deprivation is a problem, they won’t find solutions for it.”
Sleep health
B OT H p arties stressed that this partnership is not just about selling mattresses or products; it’s about a larger advocacy for sleep health. Dr. a b igail Zaraspe, Immediate Past President of P s s M, h ighlighted the need for broader, nationwide research to understand the extent of sleep issues in the Philippines.
“There are only small-scale studies on sleep deprivation in the country, which do not represent national statistics. It’s one of our key goals to get accurate numbers,” she said.
Dr. a p ril c a paras-Manlagñit, P s s M s e cretary, elaborated further on the challenges surrounding sleep apnea, a common but often undiagnosed sleep disorder. a s o f 2016, an estimated 2.5 million Filipinos were affected by obstructive sleep apnea. But that figure is outdated, and we expect it to have increased due to lifestyle changes, obesity, and anatomical factors that predispose a sian s to sleep apnea,” she explained. “Through this partnership, we hope to develop protocols for nationwide research and provide better solutions for Filipinos suffering from this disorder.”
Societal, cultural factors
Dr. Jimmy c han g, P s s M V ice President, underscored the broader societal and cultural factors that contribute to the country’s sleep problems.
“The Philippines is lagging behind other countries in the field of sleep medicine. For instance, Taiwan has over 1,000 sleep specialists and more than 500 sleep beds, while we have only 82 specialists and around 50 sleep beds nationwide,” he noted.
“We’re also unique in that our shift work culture and long working hours, particularly in the BPO sector, exacerbate sleep deprivation. This partnership with Uratex will help amplify our advocacy and expand our reach.”
The cultural shift in how Filipinos perceive and prioritize sleep was also brought up by Dr. c a paras-Manlagñit.
“In other countries, stores close early, and people prioritize rest. But here in the Philippines, malls stay open until midnight, and our c h ristmas season—the longest in the world—keeps us up late. a d d to that the rise of social media and digital distractions, and you have a recipe for widespread sleep deprivation,” she explained.
Commitment to sleep health
Des P IT e these challenges, the partnership between Uratex and P s s M o ffers hope. Dr. Dizon emphasized the sincerity of Uratex’s commitment to improve sleep health.
“During the pandemic, we realized that Uratex is not just about profit—they genuinely care about the well-being of Filipinos. Their initiative to collaborate with us aligns perfectly with our mission to educate the public and provide solutions for sleep-related issues,” he said.
Uratex, a trusted household name for over five decades, continues to innovate and expand its sleep solutions portfolio. Natividad “Naty” c h eng, c o -Founder and
taguig City General hospital outpatient Department now open to serve residents
By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco
ON January 30, 2025, the Taguig City General Hospital Outpatient Department (TGH-OPD) officially opened its doors to Taguigeños, making quality healthcare more accessible to them.
Operating from Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm, the TGH-OPD aims to meet the growing healthcare demands of the city’s residents.
Located along C6 Road in Barangay Hagonoy, the TGH-OPD is a modern facility set to revolutionize healthcare delivery for Taguigeños, marking the first step towards the development of a full-fledged Level 2 hospital.
State-of-the-art equipment
I T i s equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment offering a wide range of outpatient, laboratory, and radiology services.
Free outpatient consultations are available, covering various specialties and subspecialties such as Internal Medicine, Cardiology, Pulmonology, Surgery, Obstetrics amd Gynecology, and Pediatrics.
In addition to consultations, the outpatient department provides specialized procedures, including electrocardiograms (ECG), minor surgery, spirometry, and nebulization.
Laboratory diagnostics such as hematology, clinical microscopy, microbiology, and clinical chemistry are also available, along with radiology services, including diagnostic X-rays, ultrasound, and CT scans.
Discount for residents
T O e nsure that quality healthcare re -
c e O of Uratex, reaffirmed the company’s mission to provide Filipinos with highquality, affordable sleep products. “We will not stop until we give every Filipino a comfortable and affordable mattress to lie on,” she said.
a s p art of the partnership, Uratex and P s s M w ill collaborate on several initiatives, including conducting sleep health seminars, furnishing sleep centers with Uratex products, and developing researchbacked sleep solutions. Uratex’s research and development efforts, combined with P s s M ’s medical expertise, will ensure that the solutions they provide are both practical and science-driven.
Medical validation Lee emphasized that Uratex’s innovations will also undergo medical validation through P s s M . “We say our products are high quality, but now, with P s s M ’s research and recommendations, we can confirm which mattresses and pillows are truly best for sleep. There is no one-size-fitsall solution—sleep needs are different for everyone,” he said. “This partnership allows us to create sleep solutions that are tailored to the diverse needs of Filipinos.”
For P s s M, t he collaboration is also a means to address growing demand. “aw areness of sleep disorders is increasing, but the challenge is meeting the demand for testing and treatment,” Dr. Dizon said. “ s o me sleep centers already have threemonth-long waiting lists for testing. This partnership will help us expand resources and capabilities to meet that demand.”
Both Uratex and P s s M a gree that their shared vision is to make sleep health a national priority. “This is not just about products or medical research—it’s about improving lives,” Lee said. “Better sleep means better health, and better health means a better future for all Filipinos.”
mains accessible to all, TGH-OPD offers a 40 percent discount for Taguig residents on outpatient, laboratory, and radiology services. In addition, senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) receive an extra 20 percent discount.
For those in need of further assistance, the Malasakit Center is available to provide additional medical and financial support.
Taguig City Mayor Maria Laarni Cayetano led the dedication of TGH-OPD. Cayetano said that its opening reflects the city’s “Transformative, Lively, and Caring” vision.
She assured the public that the city would provide continuous support for the operations of both the Taguig General Hospital and Taguig-Pateros District Hospital.
More services soon W H ILE t he facility currently does not admit emergency cases, these services will be made available soon upon the completion of other hospital departments. Free shuttle services from the Vista Mall Parking Building (Camella Road, Barangay Tuktukan) and in front of Baymart (Gen. Santos Avenue, Lower Bicutan) are available daily from 7:30 am to help residents easily reach the hospital for their consultations and other procedures.
The construction of the outpatient department was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the City of Taguig and Senators Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano.
The city government spearheaded the funding, while the senators facilitated additional financial support from the Department of Health and the Department of Public Works and Highways.
Darigold returns to the Philippines with classic, new milk variants
By Justine Xyrah Garcia
Deca D e s after leaving the Philippine market, a m erican dairy brand Darigold is making a comeback. It is reintroducing its well-loved milk products while launching new offerings for Filipino consumers.
Once a staple in local households, Darigold was known for its creamy, high-quality milk before exiting the country in the 1970s.
N ow, the brand aims to reach both longtime customers and a new generation with a range of dairy products tailored to different needs.
a couple of years ago, we asked ourselves, what if we came back to the Philippines? What if we could once again be a relevant consumer solution, just as we were decades ago?” Darigold President for Business to c o nsumer Dan Hofmeister said during the brand’s launch at e v ia Mall on February 2, 2025.
That question, he said, set off a multi-year project aimed at finding the right partners and retailers to reestablish Darigold in the country.
a s i t returns to the market, the brand is bringing back its staple product: Darigold Whole Milk (P129), a full-cream variant that remains a household essential. It combines the taste and nutrition that the brand has long been known for.
For those who prefer a lighter option, Darigold is also introducing Darigold Low Fat Milk, available in c h ocolate (P129) and s t rawberry (P129) flavors.
W ith 25 grams of protein per serving and low sugar content, it is made with “ultra-filtered milk” to ensure consumers still get their needed calcium intake.
‘Gotten better with time’ W HIL e Dar igold carries decades of history, Hofmeister assured that the brand has continued to evolve while maintaining the same high standards.
“The processing of milk has changed a lot in the early years, and what I can tell you is the same milk that we were using that day is the same milk that we’re using today from the same farms in the world,” he said.
“That product is just as good as it always has been, and over time, we’ve developed some of the best technology on the planet… s o, I would say the products have only gotten better with time,” he added. Despite its strong legacy, Darigold acknowledges the challenge of reintroducing itself to younger consumers who are unfamiliar with the brand.
Ho wever, Hofmeister remains optimistic, emphasizing their commitment to educating the market about the quality and heritage of their products.
“We have developed new technology, we have developed new capabilities, and we believe that we’re better positioned to develop a bright future going forward with the right innovative and nutritious products to release,” he told B usiness M irror Darigold products are now available to all a l lDay s u permarkets nationwide.
H ofmeister noted that the brand aims to cater to Filipinos who enjoy sweet flavors while still prioritizing nutrition. Meanwhile, Darigold’s latest innovation is Darigold FIT (P165), a high-protein, lactosefree option designed for fitness-conscious individuals.
Editor: Anne Ruth Dela Cruz
Japan promotes digital birth registration for BARMM’s at-risk of statelessness folk
JAPAN has provided the Bangsamoro Region’s Sama Bajaus a grant that will enhance the facilitation of birth registration of unregistered children.
Under “The Project for Promoting Digital Birth Registration of Populations at Risk of Statelessness in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao” in Davao City, the Japanese government on January 28 extended a ¥858-million (about $5.5 million) grant in the context of forced displacement of former combatants and their families in the region due to armed conflict. The project will be implemented by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for a duration
of 30 months. It also aims to benefit 130,000 unregistered individuals, with 800,000 more indirectly benefiting in the next 10 years.
According to the Embassy of Japan, the turnover of computer servers will greatly contribute to increasing the efficiency of birth registration procedures in Municipal Civil Registrar offices. By providing birth documents to populations who are vulnerable to statelessness, they will gain greater access to government services, education and employment opportunities.
This project will target 50 communities in Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi to continue supporting the population at risk of statelessness until December 2026.
Amb. Kazuya Endo attended the handover ceremony with Dir. Hasim Guiamil of the Programs and Operations Services, Ministry of Social
Services and Development of the Bangsamoro Region and UNHCR Philippines head of National Office Maria Ermina Valdeavilla-Gallardo. In his speech, Endo expressed his hopes that “this project will be a success and prove to be instrumental in the attainment of an enduring peace and prosperity that will cascade over the generations to come.”
New Zealand, UNDP, NCIP launch initiative for indigenous women
NEW ZEALAND, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) have officially launched the “Indigenous Women and Girls-Leadership and Empowerment in Ancestral Domains (I-LEAD)” project—“an exciting step forward for gender equality and sustainable development,” according to the stakeholders.
The project’s official launch was marked by a signing ceremony in Davao City, as Amb. Catherine McIntosh, UNDP Philippines resident representative Dr. Selva Ramachandran and NCIP chair Jennifer Pia Limpayen Sibug-Las led the proceedings. With the New Zealand government’s P247 million ($4.5 million) funding, the four-year initiative will
empower indigenous women and girls across Region 11 and Region 12 in Mindanao and focus on building leadership skills, creating economic opportunities and strengthening resilience to climate change. I-LEAD also aims to safeguard indigenous
peoples’ rights and promote sustainable development practices in ancestral domains.
To mark the event, McIntosh reiterated New Zealand’s pledge to make a real difference, particularly in initiatives that target areas where
it can have maximum and meaningful impact. She is confident in the initiative, despite support from a small donor-country but committed to development that works: “We are carefully targeting our efforts to where we will make a real difference. I’m optimistic that together, we can make a real difference in the [said region’s indigenous communities] and beyond.”
The partnership underscores New Zealand’s continued commitment to supporting the empowerment of Indigenous women and girls, as well as fostering inclusive governance and sustainable development. With ILEAD, New Zealand, UNDP, and NCIP aim to create long-lasting positive change for Indigenous communities in Mindanao, according to the New Zealand Embassy.
‘A testimony to growing ties binding us stronger than ever’
(Welcome remarks by Amb. Shri Harsh Kumar Jain at India’s National Day Reception)
LADIES and gentlemen: A very good evening and warm welcome to all of you! Namaskar! Magandang gabi!
It is with great honor and pride that I welcome you today to this reception on the occasion of the “76th Republic Day of India.” and 75th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between India and the Philippines.
It was on January 26—75 years ago—that the founding document of the Republic of India—our constitution—came into effect. It was on this day [that the world’s largest democracy was born, with my country] becoming a sovereign independent democratic republic.
The Constitution of India provides the ultimate foundation of the collective identity, moral compass and the values that bind [our people and illuminates their path to peace, prosperity and well-being as well as our nation’s] relations with the outside world. It is a testament to our resilience, unity, and unwavering commitment to democratic principles and the rule of law.
India has gone through a remarkable journey of growth as a nation in the last 75 years. Of course, 75 years is not a long time for civilizational states like India with a glorious heritage of thousands of years. [It is,] today is among the fastest growing major economies and a leading voice in global affairs. It has made key strides across various sectors of its economy, including infrastructure, information technology and IT-enabled services, pharmaceuticals and health, digital public infrastructure,
innovation and startups, defense industry, space technology, and so on.
We are confident that driven by the immense talent, bright minds and skilled people, India will continue to make swift progress to achieve our goal of becoming “Vikshit Bharat”— that is, a “developed India”—by the time we celebrate the centenary of our independence in 2047. Today, we are also celebrating a significant milestone in our bilateral relations with the Philippines as we commemorate the 75th anniversary of our diplomatic ties. Of course, the contacts between the people of India and the people of the Philippines go far back in history.
The presence of numerous words with Sanskrit root in Tagalog. The Laguna Copper Plate inscription— the oldest artifact discovered in the Philippines written in Kavi derived from Pallava script, the golden statue of Agusan Tara, and the local version of Indian epic Ramayana “Maharadia Lawana,” testify to these linkages.
As two vibrant democracies and fast-growing economies, sharing common interests and values, [while] facing similar challenges, our two countries have developed strong
bonds of friendship and cooperation in the last 75 years.
Our increasing cooperation—be it in the defense and security sphere, trade, investments, infrastructure, culture, agriculture, development cooperation, education, or tourism—is a testimony to our growing ties and trust which bind us together stronger than ever before. As observed by Pres. Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. a few days ago, there is a potential to further build on these ties [and elevate them] to a new level.
India’s “Act East Policy” and vision for the Indo-Pacific resonate well with the Philippines’ priorities. We are both nations deeply committed to upholding international law, norms and rules. We welcome the Philippines becoming the country coordinator for India in Asean from 2024 to 2026.
Enduring friendship THE last few years have seen a particularly significant growth in our ties. Pres. Marcos and Prime Minister Modi have set the direction for this upswing in the relations. Our bilateral trade has surpassed the $3.5-billion mark last year. Investments in both directions are steadily growing. Our
Phil. Navy eyes strong links with its French counterparts
THE Philippine Navy (PN) said it is looking to deepen its cooperation with France amid its looming deployment of a carrier strike group in the Indo-Pacific.
PN chief Rear Adm. Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta made this remark after the courtesy call of Amb. Marie Fontanel at the Navy headquarters in Naval Station Jose Andrada in Manila on January 14, according to a news release.
“Ambassador Fontanel congratulated Rear Admiral Ezpeleta on his recent appointment and discussed upcoming cooperation initiatives including the deployment of the ‘CLEMENCEAU 25’ French carrier strike group in the Indo-Pacific, and France’s involvement in the Armed Forces of the Philippines [AFP] modernization program,” the PN said.
A carrier strike group is a flexible naval force that can operate in confined waters or the open ocean, during day and night, in all weather conditions.
CLEMENCEAU 25 consists of the aircraft carrier FS Charles De Gaulle, its embarked air group, three escorting frigates, a fleet oiler and a
nuclear-powered attack submarine. The contingent will cruise around the Red Sea before heading toward the Indo-Pacific. It left its home port of Toulon in late November to begin this deployment.
“We are looking forward to working with you and are very excited to see all the capabilities,” Ezpeleta said of the French Navy’s carrier strike group deployment.
He also lauded France’s contributions to the AFP modernization: “Rear Admiral Ezpeleta also affirmed the PN’s commitment to strengthening ties with France, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in ensuring maritime security and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region,” the Navy said.
NEVER AGAIN Amb. Ilan Fluss of Israel looks on as Mayor Joy Belmonte of Quezon City lights candles during the “International Holocaust Remembrance Day” at the Philippine-Israel Friendship Park inside the Quezon Memorial Circle on January 28.
Instituto Cervantes’ photo exhibit showcases iconic Spanish wineries
linkage in the IT-business process management sector has become a successful example of mutually beneficial collaboration. The Philippines has become the first country to receive India’s BrahMos Shore based antiship missiles.
Our people-to-people contacts and tourism are poised to grow with the Philippines [as we rolled out an e-visa scheme for Indian nationals last October, and direct flights between the two countries will likely start] in the next few months.
Politically, our high-level engagements are consistently increasing. I am glad to inform you that the celebration of the 75 years of diplomatic ties between our two countries was launched by our External Affairs minister Dr. S. Jaishankar at a reception organized by the Philippine Embassy in New Delhi on November 13 , 2024 with the unveiling of a logo.
He noted in his remarks at the ceremony, [to] quote: “This important anniversary is both a celebration of what we have achieved, and a reminder of what lies ahead. Our friendship is truly an enduring one that is now poised to move to a higher orbit.”
This milestone in our relations is also a time to look back and celebrate the success of the vibrant Indian diaspora in this country, the tremendous contribution they have made in bringing the two countries together, developing strong bonds of friendship. With their support and the support of our Filipino friends, we will be undertaking several activities during the year to celebrate the 75 years of our ties.
I wish fellow Indians a very Happy Republic Day, and thank all of you for joining in our celebration! Thank you! Mabuhay, and Namaste!
WINE lovers, architecture enthusiasts and culture aficionados will gather for the highly anticipated exhibition “Wine and Architecture: Wine Tourism Routes in Spain.” The exhibit is currently open at Instituto Cervantes in Intramuros.
The exhibit, curated by Belén García-Noblejas, offers a unique exploration of the symbiotic relationship between winemaking and architectural design in Spain. This relationship is a vibrant testament of two distinct artistic expressions converging and enriching each other in creating a unique sensory and cultural experience.
The link between architecture and wine is intensifying with the rise of wine tourism. The wineries are no longer just places of production, but also cultural and tourist destinations.
This has prompted the evolution of winery architecture towards the creation of spaces that captivate, educate and entertain visitors.
Visitors will discover how architecture and wine culture intertwine, exploring innovative designs that reflect both the natural beauty of the land and the evolving demands of modern viticulture. With stunning visual photography and the architectural models of three of the most emblematic wineries, the exhibit offers a one-of-a-kind journey through some of the most famous vineyards in Spain. The wineries’ architecture, according to the “Instituto,” is a tangible manifestation of the passion and commitment of the winemaker, and the fusion of design, functionality and aesthetics create a lasting legacy that, like fine wine, transcends time.
The Spanish Embassy, Tourism Office of Spain, Spanish Agency for Cooperation and the Instituto Cervantes in Manila present this exhibition that shows, from an architectural point of view, the main and most iconic yet recently built wineries in Spain: Protos, Perelada, Ysios, La Mejorada, Celler Brugarol, Marqués de Riscal and Portia.
The Wine and Architecture Exhibit will run until March 31, 2025. Likewise, within the framework of the exhibition, there will be a talk on the theme of the exhibition, a glass of wine for attendees and a classical guitar concert by the virtuoso Spanish musician Miguel Trápaga on February 21. For details, visit https://manila. cervantes.es/en/culture_spanish/ activities_cultural_spanish.shtm.
AMB. Endo (second from right) with stakeholders
UNDP’s Dr Selva Ramchandran (seated, from left) and Amb. Catherine McIntosh formalize the project’s launch.
AMB. Jain (from right) with Apostolic Nuncio Most Rev. Charles Brown DD and Usec. Ma. Hellen dela Vega of the Department of Foreign Affairs
Priam Nepomuceno/PNA
Belmonte said the candles represent unfulfilled dreams, hopes and potentials, which were “painfully extinguished” when some 6 million Jews and other members of minority groups were exterminated by Nazi Germany between 1933 and 1945. PNA/BEN BRIONES
Mondelēz International Head Aleli Arcilla named Mansmith Sales Master
MONDELĒZ International’s Philippine Managing Director Aleli Arcilla was recently conferred with the prestigious Honorary Mansmith Sales Masters Award by Mansmith and Fielders. As the first and only sales recognition program across industries in the Philippines, this accolade celebrates individuals who exemplify excellence in sales leadership, innovation, and influence. Aleli’s leadership in growing the snacks company in the country was celebrated and recognized during the event.
Arcilla’s leadership has been instrumental in propelling Mondelēz International’s sales growth by strengthening its snacking categories, particularly in the biscuits and chocolates categories. With a robust portfolio of global brands such as Oreo, Toblerone, and Cadbury Dairy Milk, as well as local jewels Tang, Eden cheese and Cheez Whiz, she has driven market share increase and strengthened consumer connections. Her strategic focus on innovation, agility, and empowering her teams has positioned Mondelēz International as a leader in the competitive snacking industry.
“Reflecting on my career, I recall my beginnings as a Distributor Specialist in Sales,” Aleli shared during her acceptance speech. “The path has been marked by challenges, growth, and invaluable lessons that have shaped the leader I have become today.”
Aleli’s achievements extend beyond sales. She has been recognized as a transformative leader, earning a spot in the Circle of Excellence for Woman Leader of the Year at the Asia CEO Awards 2024. As the first woman to lead Mondelēz International in the Philippines in almost
15 years, Aleli champions Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) within the organization. Through mentorship programs for women colleagues across Southeast Asia and the establishment of the Leadership Council, she equips leaders with the tools and insights to drive organizational change.
“Embarking on a sales career, often hailed as one of the world’s oldest professions, I initially perceived it as a world dominated by men,” Aleli recounted. “Over time, I realized the true strength lies in building relationships, embracing challenges, and fostering a culture of inclusivity.”
Aleli’s commitment to sustainability further underscores her comprehensive leadership approach. Under her guidance, Mondelēz International achieved the Plastic Cleanup Partner badge, reflecting its proactive support of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Law in ensuring the post-consumer plastic packaging used by the organization is collected and diverted away from nature. Aleli has inspired initiatives that prioritize reducing plastic waste and carbon emissions in its operations; a commitment to its purpose
of empowering people to snack right by making the right snack, for the right moment, and made the right way.
“This recognition is not solely mine; it embodies the collective effort of many who have been integral to my journey including my professors, mentors, colleagues and my family,” she said. “Let’s keep pushing boundaries, breaking barriers, and creating a future where every effort counts.”
As a leader, Aleli continues to inspire others to embrace ambition, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence. Her visionary leadership and commitment to empowering others are shaping a legacy that transcends industries and paves the way for the next generation of leaders.
Beaconhouse School System hosts Beaconhouse International Student Convention in Manila
BEACONHOUSE School System, one of the largest private school networks in the world, proudly celebrated the true spirit of sportsmanship and innovation at the 2nd Beaconhouse International Student Convention (BISC 2025). Held in the dynamic city of Manila, the convention brought together over 350 participants from six countries: Pakistan, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, UAE, and Oman.
The event was officially inaugurated at the Rizal Sports Complex amidst cheers and excitement. Present at the opening ceremony were Beaconhouse CEO Kasim Kasuri, Executive Director Nassir Kasuri, and Regional Director for Southeast Asia Basit Humayun.
BISC 2025 provided an unparalleled platform for students aged 12 to 16 to represent their countries, demonstrate their talents, and build lifelong friendships. The event showcased a blend of competitive sports and ESTEAM (Entrepreneurship, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) activities, reflecting Beaconhouse’s holistic approach to education.
Participants competed in athletics, badminton, basketball, swimming, chess, futsal, and football tournaments.
E-STEAM activities such as the BISC Quiz, SparkTank @ BISC, RoboQuest, BISC Talks, and BISC Icon were hosted at the Century Park Hotel, allowing students to
explore innovation alongside teamwork.
For many young participants, this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent their schools and countries on an international stage. “This is not just about competing; it’s about the experience of being ambassadors of our schools and showcasing our unity across borders,” said one participant.
The colorful and exhilarating opening ceremony featured cultural performances by students as young as five years old, symbolizing the rich diversity and unity of the Beaconhouse network. Parents, who played a crucial role in supporting their children’s journeys, were present in full force, cheering enthusiastically and celebrating every success.
“This event would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our parents. Their encouragement and belief in their children’s abilities have made this international gathering a memorable one,” noted Humayun
The BISC has a rich history of bringing students together from across the globe to compete, innovate, and celebrate diversity.
Previous editions have been hosted in Thailand (2016), Malaysia (2017), Oman (2018), and Thailand (2024). The 2025 event in the Philippines marked yet another milestone in this legacy.
The event featured inspiring speeches from Beaconhouse leaders, reinforcing
the importance of holistic education, sportsmanship, and innovation.
“This is a unique experience that few students are fortunate to have—a chance to meet, compete, and grow with peers from across the region. Through our global network, spanning Europe to Asia, we create opportunities that set our students apart,” said CEO Kasuri.
Adding his thoughts, Executive Director Kasuri remarked, “BISC 2025 is a reflection of our commitment to fostering a sense of global community. It’s incredible to see students from different countries collaborating, competing, and celebrating diversity under one banner. Events like this create memories and skills that will shape them into future leaders.”
Humayun, highlighted the role of sports and teamwork in personal development. “True sportsmanship is about fairness, ethics, respect, and a sense of fellowship with one’s competitors. These values not only shape young athletes but also instill critical life skills that extend far beyond the playing field.”
As Beaconhouse celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, the group remains steadfast in its mission to nurture lifelong learners and global citizens. BISC 2025 exemplifies this commitment, combining academic excellence, sportsmanship, and innovation to prepare students for the challenges of tomorrow.
ABOITIZ Construction’s inaugural Safety, Health, Environment, and Security (SHES) Month initiative won a Silver Anvil Award in the Sustainability Communications category at the 60th Anvil Awards, held on January 28, 2025, at The Manila Hotel.
Launched in June 2024, SHES Month featured 16 activities aimed at promoting employee wellbeing, environmental sustainability, and community empowerment. These included wellness challenges, tree planting drives, a mental health webinar, and campaigns to raise awareness about safety and sustainability.
Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) and 13 (Climate Action), the SHES Month fostered a culture of health and environmental responsibility. It also extended its impact to local communities, exemplified by the turnover of an innovative Materials Recovery Facility to a community in Malvar, Batangas.
Recognized in the Sustainability Communications category, the initiative was recognized for its alignment with the UN SDGs, measurable impacts, and its effectiveness in promoting sustainability to a defined audience.
“Winning this award highlights the value we place on embedding sustainability, along with safety, health, environment, and security, into every aspect of our work. We are proud to see SHES Month make an impact not only
within our company but also in the lives of our partner communities,” said Karmine Andrea Ching, Sr. AVP for Business Transformation of Aboitiz Construction.
The SHES Month recognition underscores Aboitiz Construction’s commitment to corporate citizenship and addressing safety, health, and environmental challenges. Now an annual event held every June, in alignment with Philippine Environment Month, SHES Month will continue to engage employees, raise awareness of safety and sustainability, and deliver positive impacts to communities.
This achievement adds to Aboitiz Construction’s growing reputation in public relations as it celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. The company previously received notable recognition in 2023 and 2024, earning both an Anvil Award and a Quill Award for the successful launch of its new brand.
2025 Honda Pilipinas Dream Cup Awaits Aspiring Young Racers
HPhilippines, Inc., the No. 1 motorcycle manufacturer in the Philippines, is excited to select a new set of riders for the 2025 Honda Pilipinas Dream Cup (HPDC), a much-anticipated competition aimed at discovering the next generation of Filipino racing champions.
Since its establishment in 2017, the HPDC has become one of the most sought-after racing activities for aspiring racers and motorsports enthusiasts. This year, the program is focused on uncovering young riders who are ready to compete, learn, grow, and make their mark on the racing career as their goal is making HPDC a stepping stone for international racing stage.
The 2025 HPDC is open to talented riders aged 10 to 15 years old, offering them the chance to sharpen their skills and to take them to the next level. Designed for riders with prior track experience, this annual event is the perfect platform to fuel their passion for the sport and help them unlock their full potential inside the racetrack.
At the heart of the HPDC experience is the iconic Honda CBR150R, a bike renowned for its agility, precision, and high performance. riders will use on this one make bike, gaining invaluable experience and honing their abilities as they strive to become the next generation of competitive racers.
To further elevate the riders’ journey, the 12 qualified participants will be selected by the legends in the racing world not only locally but also internationally: Dashi
THE wait is over. Milksha, a renowned Taiwanese milk tea brand, officially unveiled its first-ever standalone concept store in the Philippines. Beloved for its commitment to freshness and quality, Milksha’s newest milestone invites Filipinos, especially the young and young at heart, to discover drinks designed to always make you feel good. This first concept store is a vibrant, thoughtfully designed space that reflects Milksha’s signature craftsmanship and dedication to quality.
“We are beyond excited to open our very first standalone concept store in the Philippines—a space crafted to bring Milksha’s premium milk tea experience to life,” shared Theo Co, Milksha Philippines Senior Manager. “Designed with Filipino milk tea lovers in mind, this destination highlights our unwavering commitment to quality, creativity, and fresh thinking. We can’t wait to share this milestone with the community!” Milksha has earned its reputation for freshness, premium ingredients, and authentic flavors. Tailored to the dynamic tastes of Filipino milk tea lovers, the concept store features a menu of over 30 handcrafted specialty beverages. These include not only milk tea but also refreshing fruit teas and milk-based drinks, each rooted in traditional Taiwanese brewing methods and incorporating the finest ingredients sourced from around the world.
“Milk tea has become such a big part of Filipino daily lives. What makes Milksha well-positioned for this market is its dedication to using fresh and premium natural ingredients and crafting unique, refreshing flavors that can capture the evolving taste buds of Filipino milk tea lovers,”
Watanabe, a renowned rider and racing coach in the Philippines, and Shigeki Honda, an exceptional legendary icon from HARC-PRO. Makoto Tamada, the Team Manager of Honda Asia Dream Racing (HADR) and a former MotoGP rider, together with another champion rider from Japan, the Assistant Advisor of HADR and Honda Racing School (HRS) Suzuka Instructor, Yuki Takahashi and Hiroyuki Fujiwara, from Honda Motors Corporation, a motorsports representative, was also present during the try-out. Their combined expertise, promises to provide a head start for these young racers, helping them prepare for success on both local and international racing circuits.
Through the HPDC Try-Outs, Honda Philippines, Inc. continues its mission to discover and nurture Filipino racing talent. The rider selection not only prepares riders for the challenges of competitive racing but also offers them a unique opportunity to gain the skills, discipline, and exposure required to compete on the global stage.
The 2025 Honda Pilipinas Dream Cup is more than just a race—it is a gateway to endless opportunities, helping young Filipino riders turn their dreams of becoming professional racers into a reality.
For more information: www.hondaph.com; Facebook (facebook.com/hondaph); Instagram (instagram.com/ hondaph_mc/); YouTube (Honda Philippines_Motorcycle); Tiktok (tiktok.com/@hondaphilippines); (02)-8581-6700 to 6799, and 0917-884-6632.
KASIM Kasuri, CEO of the Beaconhouse School System SOME of the foreign delegates of the BISC 2025.
ONDA
Milksha debuts first concept store in PHL at SM City North Edsa
Parentlife
Why are millennials getting middle-age diseases?
HYPERTENSION, cardiovascular disease, obesity, type II diabetes, cancer, and depression are typical health conditions associated with middle age—the result of genetics and years of poor lifestyle choices finally catching up on those in their 50s and 60s.
But such diseases are no longer exclusive to Boomers and Generation X according to the country’s top hospital Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed, www.makatimed.net.ph). Of late, doctors have been diagnosing these diseases in millennials, or those born between 1981 and 1996, making them in their late 20s to early 40s as of this writing.
Per a 2022 report from the Department of Health (DOH), 36 percent of Filipinos 20 years old and above are obese, 20 percent are smokers, 50 to 53 percent are binge drinkers, and 40 percent are physically inactive. Breast and colorectal cancer among patients who are less than 45 years old is also on the rise, says the Philippine Society of Oncologists.
Most alarming is the mental health crisis plaguing not just millennials but Generation Z, whose ages range from early teens to 20s. Global consultancy firm Deloitte revealed in a study that 63 percent of millennials and 50 percent of Gen Zs are experiencing burnout due to the demands of work. There’s also a spike in the number of Filipino youths who have tried to end their life.
According to a 2021 Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Study initiated by the University of the Philippines Population Institute and funded by the DOH, nearly 1.5 million Filipino youth have attempted suicide in 2021. That’s more than double the number of youths who attempted in 2013.
n CONFLUENCE OF FACTORS. Juan Armando D. Diaz, MD, from the Section of Cardiology, attributes millennials’ midlife health woes to a confluence of factors
“Work- and money-related stress can lead to high blood pressure, which puts you at risk for stroke or heart attack. Those experiencing chronic stress also tend to cope with bad habits like smoking, drinking, and choosing processed foods over balanced meals.”
Millennial behavior likewise contributes to the early onset of middle-age diseases.
n ACT EARLY. Fortunately, you’re never too old—or young—to regain control of your health.
“Especially if you act early,” Diaz points out.
shoes,” says the MakatiMed doctor.
“You can also get into sports, dance, or putter around the house. Tech-savvy millennials can use a smart watch or app to monitor your number of steps, calories burned, and miles covered—and try to better your stats in the next workout.” Pressed for time?
Follow an instructor on YouTube when your schedule permits.
Diaz also recommends eating a balanced diet that includes fruits and vegetables in every meal.
“Choose lean protein like fish and chicken instead of pork and beef. Cut down on processed foods and junk food. Eliminate alcohol, if you can. And drink water. Investing in one of those stainless-steel water bottles can encourage you to hydrate more often.”
Sleep is very important. “Sleep promotes repair and recovery. It’s also associated with weight loss, improved brain function, better mood, and a fresh appearance.” For millennials, Diaz says getting 7 to 9 hours of shut eye is ideal.
“Gadgets tend to stimulate the mind. Read a book or listen to calming music instead.”
n MEET UP IRL. Sure, you have thousands of Facebook friends and followers on Instagram but cultivating relationships in person, and not always online, is still the way to go for many reasons.
“Seeing friends staves off loneliness, gives you a feeling of belonging, lifts your spirits, and may even prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s disease,” says Diaz. “Sometimes, just sharing a laugh or a sincere conversation with people who love and care for you is the best medicine there is.” n
“Millennials are very reliant on technology,” says Diaz. “More time staring at their gadgets for work, entertainment, communication, and online gaming means less time for sleep, physical exercise, exposure to sunlight and fresh air, and other practices that boost health and well-being.”
By Lauran Neergaard The Associated Press
WASHINGTON—Nothing doctors prescribed controlled Michael Garrity’s dangerously high blood pressure—until they zapped away some nerves on his kidneys.
If that sounds weird, well, kidneys help regulate blood pressure in part through signals from certain nerves. The new treatment disrupts overactive renal nerves.
“My blood pressure would spike and I’d run out of breath and feel tired, and that doesn’t happen anymore,” said Garrity, 62, of Needham, Massachusetts. He still takes medicine but at lower doses, his blood pressure normal for the first time in years. “I’m thrilled.”
About half of US adults have high blood pressure, a major risk for heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, even dementia. Many people don’t even realize they have hypertension until it’s done serious damage.
“Know your blood pressure, know the numbers,” stressed Dr. Randy Zusman of Massachusetts General Hospital, who specializes in the hardest-to-treat cases and advises people who think they’re fine to at least get a yearly check.
And only a fraction of patients have their hypertension wellcontrolled, meaning there’s a need for novel strategies. The Food and Drug Administration approved that “renal denervation” option about a year ago, based on studies showing a modest benefit in patients whose blood pressure remains high despite multiple medicines.
Now, after the American Heart Association recently deemed it promising, some hospitals including
“For millennials, I like to remind them that they still have their best years ahead of them. There are places to go, people to meet, goals to conquer—and they need to be in good health to achieve them. Once
Mass General Brigham are cautiously offering it as they work out who are good candidates—and whether their insurance will cover a minimally invasive procedure costing thousands of dollars.
WHAT IS HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE?
TWO numbers describe blood pressure. The top, “systolic” pressure, is the force blood puts on the walls of arteries as its pumped out of the heart. The bottom “diastolic” number measures that same pressure but between heartbeats.
Normal is less than 120 over 80. Blood pressure naturally fluctuates throughout the day, higher when you’re physically active or stressed. But when it stays high—consistently 130 over 80 or higher, according to the most recent guidelines—it stiffens arteries and makes the heart work harder.
HOW TO MEASURE BLOOD PRESSURE
IT doesn’t take a doctor’s visit. Pharmacies and sometimes even libraries offer screening, and people can use at-home monitors.
To avoid falsely high readings, the American Medical Association has tips: Sit quietly with feet on the floor, legs not crossed. Place the cuff on a bare arm, not over clothing. Don’t dangle the arm—rest it on a table.
DRUGS AREN’T THE ONLY WAY TO TREAT HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
LIFESTYLE changes are the first step, especially for otherwise healthy people. Guidelines urge losing weight, exercise, eating more fruits and vegetables, limiting salt and alcohol, and taking steps to handle stress. Medicine is a must once
Interestingly, Diaz’s health tips for millennials are the same for mid-lifers. His first recommendation?
“Secure your doctor’s approval first before beginning any lifestyle changes to improve your health.”
It’s always good to get some exercise.
“Aim for at least 15 to 30 minutes of cardiovascular activity three to five times a week. Walking is the easiest because it only requires a comfortable pair of
hypertension reaches 140 over 90. The average patient requires two or three drugs, sometimes more, along with healthier living, Zusman said.
But the hypertension Garrity has struggled with since his late 20s is treatment-resistant.
Despite taking four to six drugs plus a strict diet and exercise, his blood pressure regularly reached 150 over 100 or worse.
WHAT IS RENAL DENERVATION?
DOCTORS thread a small catheter, or tube, through blood vessels to reach the kidneys, and then beam in ultrasound or radiofrequency energy. Those pulses pass through the renal arteries to selectively target surrounding nerves, said Dr. Joseph Garasic, a Mass General interventional cardiologist who performed Garrity’s procedure. It takes about an hour.
Although already used in other countries, a key US trial of renal
denervation failed about a decade ago, prompting changes before researchers tried again. In November 2023, the FDA approved two catheter systems, from Recor Medical and Medtronic. It’s not a cure—and some patients get no benefit. But Garasic said multiple studies show on average an 8 to 10-point drop in blood pressure, a modest but important improvement. Some like Garrity see a bigger drop, enough to gradually scale back medications.
The FDA deemed the procedure safe for carefully chosen patients—it wasn’t tested in those with kidney disease or narrowed arteries, for example. And studies have lasted only a few years, not long enough to tell if the nerves might eventually regenerate.
Guidance from the American Heart Association urges would-be patients and experienced doctors to have “thoughtful and informed discussions” to decide who’s a good candidate.
MAXICARE LAUNCHES HEALTH EMERGENCY LIFELINE
IN a groundbreaking move to make premium healthcare more accessible and flexible, Maxicare, the Philippines’ leading healthcare provider, introduces two innovative prepaid health cards: LifesavER and LifesavER+. Designed for individuals and families seeking peace of mind in medical emergencies, these cards redefine how Filipinos approach emergency healthcare.
Medical emergencies can strike at any time, and the LifesavER product line ensures you’re always prepared. With nationwide coverage at Maxicare-affiliated hospitals, including six premier medical institutions—Asian Hospital and Medical Center, Cardinal Santos Medical Center, Makati Medical Center, St. Luke’s Medical Center (BGC and QC), and The Medical City—Maxicare guarantees access to worldclass emergency services.
“At Maxicare, we believe that health emergencies should never be a barrier to quality care. LifesavER and LifesavER+ empower Filipinos to face life’s uncertainties with confidence, knowing they have access to reliable and immediate medical assistance when they need it most,” shared Roberto Macasaet Jr., Maxicare chairman of the board.
LifesavER is perfect for individuals looking for an affordable safety net against unexpected health crises. For only P2,299, it offers up to P25,000 coverage for emergency room (ER) treatments, ensuring immediate access to lifesaving services. Other benefits include doctor’s services for emergency treatment, and emergency room fees, medicines, and diagnostic tests.
Families and frequent travelers seeking enhanced medical protection, on the other hand, will find LifesavER+ quite useful. It provides up to P50,000 coverage, including emergency room treatments and those leading to confinement, if needed. At P6,999, it comes with additional perks such as Assist America emergency travel medical assistance for trips beyond 150 km from home or abroad (up to 90 days), and 12 complimentary 24/7 teleconsult calls through Maxicare’s dedicated hotline.
Coverage for both prepaid health cards includes but is not limited to accidents, food poisoning, dengue, and upper respiratory tract infections. Additionally, they come with Life Insurance with Accidental Death, Dismemberment & Disablement (ADD&D) coverage up to P50,000.
Getting started with LifesavER or LifesavER+ is easy. After purchasing via Maxicare Online Store, register your card by entering your reference number on the Maxicare Member Viewpoint. Once activated, your card is valid for one year, giving you the freedom to access emergency care whenever needed. You can also purchase and activate multiple cards annually.
More information can be found at tinyurl.com/5b9jnsrx.
TBy Josef Ramos
HE Philippines is on a roll in the entertaining discipline of curling at the Ninth Asian Winter Games in Harbin after Filipino-Swiss Marc Pfister and Filipino-American Kathleen Dubberstein defeated Qatar, 11-3, on Wednesday to go unbeaten in three matches in the mixed doubles event.
We just kept the same attitude heading to the next games,” said Dubberstein, who will be the country’s flagbearer alongside speed skater Peter Groseclose in the opening ceremony on Friday. “Our goal is to win all our round robin games and possibly sweep it.” After beating world No. 13 South Korea, 12-2, and No. 45 Kyrgyzstan, the unranked Pfister and Dubberstein defeated Mabarka Al-Abdulla and Nasser Abdulrah Alyafei to stay mightily afloat in Group B of the event being staged at the Pingfang Curling Arena of the popular Chinese winter destination.
Qatar is also a developing nation in curling just like us and our game with them was a good experience,” said Dubberstein, 30 and an Electrical Engineering graduate from Wisconsin.
She expressed confidence on reaching the podium with the top three nations in each of the two brackets progressing to the next round.
Dubberstein, who will also suit up Sunday in the opening round of women’s singles play, and Pfister took on the host nation and world No. 15 China later Wednesday.
Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino and secretary-general Wharton Chan cheered for the Filipino mixed duo and also expressed confidence for a potential medal in the sport.
“ Very impressive and their confidence is growing,” Tolentino said. “To win a medal, they have to stay that way.” The Philippines plays No. 33 Kazakhstan at 6 p.m. on Thursday.
Tolentino said Groseclose and Dubberstein will be up to the task as flag-bearers in the opening ceremony at the Harbin International Convention Exhibition and Sports Center.
“Peter [Grosclose] already represented us in several overseas competitions, especially in the last year’s Winter Youth Olympic Games, while Kathleen is the other best available athlete as flag-bearer,” Tolentino said. Grosclose, prior to the opening ceremony in the evening, will be competing in the morning qualifying heats of the 1,500 meters, 100m and 500m short track speed skating events beginning at 9 a.m. at the Heilongjiang Ice Events Training Center Multifunctional Hall.
Team Philippines has 20 athletes in the Games who will vie for medals against 33 other participating Asian nations with a combined total of 1,275 athletes set to compete in 11 sports, including 64 events.
The other Filipino athletes for the Asian Winter Games guided by Chef de Mission Ricky Lim are figure skaters Paolo Borromeo, Cathryn Limketkai, Sofia Frank and the pair of Isabella Gamez and Alexander Korovin.
The men’s curling squad is also composed Benjo Delarmente, Alan Frei, Christian Haller and Enrico Pfister, while the women’s side includes Anne Bonache, Leilani Dubberstein, Sheila Mariano and Jessica Pfister.
PHL curling bets go unscathed in Harbin Winter Asian Games
B8 | Thursday, FeBruary 6, 2025 mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph Editor: Jun Lomibao
LeBron: I was stunned, but Luka’s ‘my favorite player’
NGLEWOOD, California—
LeBron James says he spent two days in disbelief after the Los Angeles Lakers traded away Anthony Davis, his close friend and teammate for five-and-a-half years.
The top scorer in National Basketball Association (NBA) history is finally coming to grips with the idea of forming a new partnership with Luka Doncic, who also holds a special place in James’s esteem.
“Luka has been my favorite player in the NBA for a while now,” James said Tuesday night after scoring 26 points in the Lakers’ blowout win over the Clippers. “I’ve always just tried to play the game the right way and inspire the next generation, and Luka happens to be one of them, and now we’re teammates. So it’ll be a very seamless transition.”
L ike the rest of the world, James initially assumed the trade was a joke when he learned about it last Saturday night while at dinner with his family in New York.
“My emotions were all over the place,” James said. “The first time I heard it, I thought it was for sure fake. I thought it was a hoax. People messing around or whatever. But AD FaceTimed me, and I talked to him for quite a while. Even when I got off the phone with him, it still didn’t seem real. Pretty much didn’t seem real until I saw Luka today, and then I saw the clip of AD at the Dallas shootaround. That’s when it finally hit me, like, ‘This is real.’”
he’s seen everything it’s possible to experience in the NBA.
This trade changed his mind.
Ain’t never seen this,” James said. “I haven’t. I’ve seen it all, up until this one.
I’ve never been a part of a transaction like that. That was different.... It was shocking when I heard the news, but at the end of the day, I understand the business of basketball.”
T he NBA trade deadline is Thursday, and James said he’s determined to persevere in Los Angeles even after Davis’ departure.
W hen asked if he was worried about the Lakers’ focus shifting to Doncic and younger players, James replied: “What’s wrong with that?”
“I f I had concerns, I’d have waived my no-trade clause and got up out of here,” he added. “Listen, I’m here right now. I’m committed to the Lakers organization. I’m here to help Luka and Maxi make the transition as smoothly as possible.”
Doncic formally joined the Lakers on Tuesday, and he talked at length with James while watching from the bench at Intuit Dome.
T he Slovenian superstar is also still reeling from one of the biggest trades in NBA history, but he sounded excited Tuesday to join the Lakers’ venerable history alongside James, his self-described idol.
And though JJ Redick and Tyronn Lue are opposing coaches in Los Angeles’
on
short amount of time,” Redick said.
A lthough Doncic wasn’t quite ready to debut with the Lakers on Tuesday night, the high-scoring superstar already was the talk of the arena before the Lakers’ first game since they swung the blockbuster trade sending Davis and Max Christie to the Dallas Mavericks for Doncic, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris.
Smart reiterates support for three basketball leagues
MOBILE services provider Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) is renewing its support for three grassroots basketball events in the country this quarter to put emphasize its commitment to empower Filipino athletes.
Smart will be livestreaming starting January the Universities and Colleges Athletic League (UCAL) on its Smart Sports Facebook Page so that fans and students can support their teams online.
Smart is again sponsoring the National Basketball Training Center (NBTC) League, which features regional and
Lue is well-positioned to understand what Redick must do when Doncic returns. Lue was James’ coach with the Cleveland Cavaliers, who won a championship with James playing alongside ballhawk guard Kyrie Irving.
we can figure out how ents together in way in a very
Davis offers nod to magnitude of seismic trade
Ashock and surprise over one of the biggest trades in NBA history.
“I was actually at home, about to watch a movie with my wife and got the phone call,” Davis said. “I had no idea. I just sent the team a text about congratulations about beating the Knicks, big win, and looking forward to Tuesday’s game against the Clippers. And I found out an hour later I was no longer with the team.” AP
Lue smirked when asked how he would respond to pundits and ex-players like Charles Barkley and Paul Pierce who think James and Doncic won’t work well together because they’re both balldominant players.
“They’re not right,” Lue said. “It’ll work. When you have LeBron James,
who’s been the best player in the league for the last 15 years, and you have Luka—who’s a top-three, top-five player in the league—they’ll figure out how to make it work. LeBron can play with anybody.... I know JJ will do a good job of stacking those guys so they each have their own unit, kind of like we did with Kyrie and LeBron, and then in the fourth quarter they’ll close games together. They’ll figure it out. It’s not a tough problem to have, I’ll tell you that.” Redick and Doncic were teammates for the final 13 games of Redick’s lengthy playing career in Dallas in 2021.
Doncic later made appearances on Redick’s well-regarded podcast.
“I would say we had a friendship [and] mutual respect,” Redick said.
“You then have to figure out how to have a working relationship as player/coach, and both him and I are committed to that.... I’m excited to build that with him.” AP
Tough challenge for locals in TCC
TOP local players face a daunting against 50 standouts from each of the Korean Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Dream Tour and the LPGA of Taiwan (TLPGA) in the International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) Worldwide Link Philippine Ladies Masters 2025 that blasts off on Wednesday at The Country Club (TCC) in Laguna. LPGA-Epson Tour campaigner Dottie Ardina will banner the Filipina bets in defense of their
LEBRON JAMES and Luka Doncic are having fun so soon
the the bench during the Lakers’ game against the Clippers on Tuesday in Inglewood, California. AP
ANTHONY DAVIS (left) and Luca Doncic—seen here guarding each other in a Lakers-Mavericks game in December in
TURCUATO
KATHLEEN DUBBERSTEIN in action on the ice.