HE country’s manufacturing output slowed to 0.9 percent in 2024, according to the latest data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
Based on the Production Index and Net Sales Index or Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected Industries, the country’s Volume of Production Index (VoPI) also posted a slower 0.2 percent in December 2024 compared to the 3 percent posted in December 2023.
“[This indicated] a slowdown from the 4.9-percent and 15.1-percent annual average growth rates posted in 2023 and 2022, respectively,” the PSA said. The data also showed that out-
put of food manufacturing recovered to a growth of 0.6 percent in 2024 compared to the 1.5-percent contraction posted in 2023. In December 2024, the output of food manufacturing posted a contraction of 1.7 percent from the year-on-year growth of 2.1 percent in December 2023. Meanwhile, in terms of the Value of Production Index (VaPI), the PSA said the annual average growth rate slowed to 0.2 percent in 2024.
The VaPI posted a year-on-year growth of 0.4 percent in December 2024, slower than the 3.5 percent in November 2024 and 3.7 percent in December 2023.
“ This rate [2024 VaPI growth] was slower than the annual average increments of 6.3 percent and 22.5 percent in 2023 and 2022, respectively,” the PSA said.
The data showed the annual average growth rate in VaPI for manufacture of food products grew faster at 1.7 percent from an annual average increase of 1.5 percent in 2023.
Meanwhile, PSA said based on responding establishments, the average capacity utilization rate for the manufacturing sector was reported at 75.5 percent in December 2024.
The data showed 75.7-percent average capacity utilization rate in the previous month. In December 2023, the average capacity utiliza-
tion rate was recorded at 74.6 percent.
All industry divisions reported capacity utilization rates of more than 60 percent during the month,” PSA said.
The data showed the top three industry divisions in terms of reported capacity utilization rate were the manufacture of textiles at 81.4 percent. This was followed by manufacture of machinery and equipment except electrical at 81.1 percent and manufacture of other nonmetallic mineral products at 80.7 percent.
The proportion of establishments that operated at full capacity or around 90 percent to 100 percent was 31.4 percent of the total number of responding establishments.
PSA said 40.8 percent of establishments operated at 70 to 89 percent capacity while 27.8 percent operated below 70 percent capacity.
Fil-Chinese chambers caution vs abrupt, shotgun wage hike
By Andrea E. San Juan
THE government should conduct thorough studies and consult with all sectors before implementing an “abrupt” nationwide implementation of a daily wage hike to avoid “jeopardizing” business sustainability, the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) said.
In a statement, members of the FFCCCII said they fully recognize the need for meaningful wage adjustments to help workers with rising costs of living and global economic uncertainties.
FFCCCII President Cecilio K. Pedro said, however, that, “an abrupt nationwide implementation of a P200 hike may have dire unintended consequences,” adding that such a measure could drive up inflation, raise the cost of goods, and “strain” small businesses.
I am not against raising wages, but has the P200 increase been properly studied? Where did this figure come from?” Pedro asked.
stability is crucial,” Pedro emphasized.
Instead of a sudden wage hike, the FFCCCII president said efforts should be channeled into job creation, investment attraction, and strengthening social safety nets. Moreover, Pedro said the government can help struggling families through “targeted” subsidies and social welfare programs. This way, he said, the government can ensure
By Samuel P. Medenilla
MALACAÑANG said Mitsubishi Motors Corp. (MMC) will invest P7 billion for its five-year expansion plan, which is expected to boost its local production and create more jobs. The expansion plan includes adding a new production model at its Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC) plant facility in Laguna. In a statement, the Presidential Communications Office said MMC made the announcement during the courtesy call of its
“An abrupt nationwide implementation of a P200 hike may have dire unintended consequences.”—Cecilio
President and CEO Takao
Threat of tariff wars sparks global inflation fears as economists warn of persistent price pressures
By Jana Randow, Katia Dmitrieva and Enda Curran Bloomberg
THE more President Donald Trump threatens tariffs on the US’s trading partners, the more the worry of another inflation wave troubles global economists.
Stubborn consumer-price g rowth was bothering much of the world even before he entered the White House. With this week’s measures against China offering the first concrete evidence that Trump isn’t just jawboning, prospects for at least some escalation and counter-measures elsewhere are forcing analysts to question how far global disinflation can hold.
Tariff wars are inflationary, that’s not up for debate,” said Carsten Brzeski, ING’s global head of macro research. “In many places, they add to lingering effects from the past inflation shock, as well as big structural challenges” like aging societies and climate change, he said. “There are currently only very few reasons to expect inflation to remain permanently low.”
W hile China shows little sign of vulnerability to a price shock for now, the same can’t be said for the
rest of the world if some spiral of tariffs unfolds. Multiple economies face latent inflation pressures, either domestic or external.
In the US, a resilient labor market is keeping the Federal Reserve on alert as Trump’s policies and threats drive bond yields higher. Elsewhere, dollar strength is haunting emerging markets such as Indonesia. Euro-zone consumer-price growth data this week was faster than expected, and on Thursday, the Bank of England may be forced to raise its forecast for inflation.
Trump’s arrival has added to pre-existing worries. Despite an International Monetary Fund official declaring in October that the battle against inflation was “almost won,” attendees at the World Economic Forum in Davos last month harbored open doubts.
A Bank of America survey of global fund managers in January
showed the re-emergence of global consumer-price growth as a key theme for 2025. The World Bank predicted slowing inflation but still warned that it “could prove to be more persistent than expected.”
Th at chimes with markets. US, European and Japanese inflation expectations have jumped significantly since Trump emerged as favorite to win the presidency, with all trading above 2% this week.
For the US in particular, analysts are openly starting to reassess inflation prospects. On Tuesday, Morgan Stanley scrapped its forecast for a Fed interest-rate reduction in March, with Chief US Economist Michael Gapen saying “on-again-off-again tariff uncertainty should raise the hurdle for Fed cuts.”
Th at followed Chair Jerome Powell’s remarks last week that officials aren’t in a rush to lower borrowing costs as policymakers pause easing to see further progress on inflation. The potential for increased tariffs complicates that outlook.
One thing that’s clear: The Fed will take its time to assess the impact of Trump’s policies. San Francisco Fed chief Mary Daly said Tuesday that the US economy is in a good position, and that the central bank can afford to be thorough in its assessment.
“ We don’t need to be preemptive” in our decision making, Daly
“Tariff wars are inflationary, that’s not up for debate.”
Carsten Brzeski, ING’s global head of macro research
said, adding that the job of bringing inflation down to 2% isn’t finished yet.
The Fed needs to be alert to the inflation risks stemming from proposed tariff policies,” according to Seema Shah, chief global strategist at Principal Asset Management. “While central banks typically look through one-off increases from tariffs, they must be mindful of the risk that inflation expectations start to drift higher.”
A cross the Atlantic, the extent of any trade response may be key if Trump unleashes tariffs. For now, policymakers have downplayed them as a price driver in either direction.
Eu ropean Central Bank President Christine Lagarde has argued she isn’t “overly concerned” about importing inflation and BOE Governor Andrew Bailey has said tariff effects aren’t straightforward to predict.
Euro-area inflation unexpectedly accelerated in January, while selling-price expectations rose to the highest level in almost a year for services, and the strongest in nearly two years in manufacturing.
Consumers and professional forecasters are less sanguine than policymakers, raising their 2025 inflation outlook in ECB surveys. And a Bloomberg poll showed a majority of economists is now more concerned about price pressures exceeding 2% in the medium term.
Even some officials are getting wary. Chief Economist Philip Lane
warned on Wednesday that “friction” in global trade could muddy the outlook for inflation, and “new upside risks” could emerge. Offering some comfort is an ECB gauge of future wage increases that continues to signal a sharp slowdown. In the UK, a BOE survey of small, medium and large businesses flagged elevated pay growth and output costs for the year ahead.
A separate report on Wednesday showed one in four of services firms raised prices at the start of 2025 amid rising wage bills.
A fter kicking off a tightening cycle last year, Brazil’s central bank is now warning that inflation will run above its tolerance range for the next six months. Chile’s central bankers, meantime, have said inflation risks have increased, leaving all options on the table.
Even in Asia, where prices are largely back within target ranges, issues persist. In Indonesia, headline consumer prices fell the most in 20 years in January due to a government electricity subsidy, but core inflation picked up more than expected and the central bank has been forced to intervene to prop up the rupiah.
South Korea’s consumer inflation accelerated in January on the back of higher energy and food prices, data showed on Wednesday. And in Japan—where the return of price increases is welcome after decades battling deflation—nominal wages rose at the fastest pace in nearly three decades in December,
Shotgun wage hike…
“efficient direct assistance to marginalized sectors without jeopardizing business sustainability.”
R ather than a blanket nationwide wage increase, Pedro said wage-setting should consider regional economic conditions.
“ The cost of living varies significantly across the country, and a uniform P200 hike may disproportionately affect businesses in lower-cost regions, leading to closures and job losses,” the FFCCCII president pointed out.
“Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPBs), composed of labor, business, and government representatives, are in the best position to determine fair and sustainable wage adjustments based on local realities,” said Pedro.
A mid global economic volatility and high borrowing costs, the FFCCCII said imposing a “drastic wage hike could worsen economic conditions.”
A P200 increase could trigger higher prices, job cuts, or business closures—hitting hardest the 84 percent of workers in the informal
Mitsubishi…
Marcos welcomed the MMC decision since it will generate more employment opportunities.
“ The jobs that it will provide, that your investment will provide, are very important to us and certainly, vehicle manufacture is one of those,” he said.
K ato said they decided to increase their investments in the Philippines since it is their top market among members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).
supporting the Bank of Japan’s latest rate hike decision and keeping the bank on track for further tightening steps.
In Australia, financial markets and economists are predicting the central bank will finally embark on an easing cycle on February 18, having kept the cash rate at a 13year high of 4.35% since November 2023. But James McIntyre, who covers Australia and New Zealand for Bloomberg Economics, cautions against taking a cut for granted as the labor market remains strong and consumers are still spending.
To be sure, China remains in a period of deflation, with weak domestic demand fueling cheaper exports and less investment at home. The prospect of a deepening trade war has economists expecting additional stimulus moves to offset the potential drag on exports.
We should never forget that the world’s second-biggest economy, China, continues to wallow in quasi-deflation,” said Gilles Moec, chief economist at AXA Investment Managers. “Given the share of Chinese products in world trade, this should be a source of global dampening in tradable goods prices.”
W hile there’s still a lot of uncertainty around US tariff levels, their timing and potential retaliation, it’s clear that it’ll not only pressure prices but also weaken growth globally. A few weeks ago, the Bank for International Settlements even warned of stagflation, a relatively rare mix of persistent high inflation, weak labor markets and tepid growth.
A s for the US itself, Aditya Bhave, an economist at Bank of America, cautions that both the backdrop and Trump’s measures aren’t the same as they were during his first term in office.
“ The concern here that maybe makes it a little bit different from 2018-2019 is that we’re in a very different environment in terms of inflation,” he told Bloomberg Television. “There’s probably more willingness to pass costs on—and also this time, at least for now, the tariffs have also been applied to consumer goods.”
With assistance from James Hirai, Anna Edwards and Guy Johnson / Bloomberg
sector,” said Pedro. He pointed out that if wages rise “too high” unilaterally and too drastically, “We the businesses here in the Philippines might lose our global competitiveness.... More MSMEs might suffer and many workers may even face retrenchment. Let’s be careful and analyze.” With this, the FFCCCII President made a call to all stakeholders: “Let us unite in conducting careful studies, fair consultations, and crafting realistic solutions for a stronger and more inclusive economy.”
To help with MMC’s expansion plan, Marcos said the Japan-based multinational automotive manufacturing firm will be included in the government’s Revitalizing the Automotive Industry for Competitiveness Enhancement (RACE) Program. R ACE is an updated version of the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) Program that provides fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to qualified firms. MMC and Toyota benefitted from the P27-billion CARS
program, which ran from 2015 to 2021. MMC currently has production operations in Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, China, Russia, and the Philippines. Its manufacturing plant in Santa Rosa, Laguna, has an annual production capacity of 50,000 units, but it has the potential to
www.businessmirror.com.ph
PHL outpaces global trends in digital banking, ad reach
THE Philippines is making waves in online banking and social media engagement, according to the latest data from a global research firm.
In a r eport, Kepios showed that 91.3 percent of internet users aged 16 and above in the Philippines are using banking, investment, or insurance apps every month, a significant jump from the global average of 37.8 percent.
T he country also leads in Facebook ad reach, with 116.6 percent of users aged 18 and above exposed to advertisements, far exceeding the global average of 39.4 percent.
When it comes to internet access, the country saw 86.98 million users as of January 2024, marking an increase of 1.8 million users (+2.1 percent) year-on-year, pushing the internet penetration rate to 73.6 percent.
Underscoring the Philippines’ position as one of the most social media-active countries in the world is this: 78 percent of Filipinos have active social media user identities, with 60.4 percent of daily internet use happening on mobile devices. Moreover, there are now more mobile connections than people, with the country’s mobile connection rate at 121.8 percent of the total population. About 98.2 percent of these connections are 3G, 4G or 5G.
As for broadband, the median price
in the Philippines for fixed broadband bandwidth is $0.14 per megabit, and the cheapest broadband package costs just $17.33.
Downsides
WHILE the nation boasts 116 million internet users, a significant 26 percent of the population—equivalent to 31.24 million Filipinos—was still offline at the beginning of 2024.
Concerns over digital privacy also remain, as 36.1 percent of Filipinos are worried about how companies use their personal data online, and 63.1 percent of adults aged 18 and above are skeptical about the authenticity of the information they encounter on the internet.
This growing awareness about privacy has led more Filipinos to utilize virtual private networks, with 20.9 percent of internet users using them for at least some of their online activities.
As Kepios noted, the data collection complexities mean that internet user numbers can take months to fully reflect, so actual adoption and growth may be higher than the published figures suggest.
“As a result, the latest published figures for internet use invariably under-represent reality, and actual adoption and growth may be higher than the figures shown here suggest,” it said. Bless Aubrey Ogerio
‘Duterte effect’ pushed up property prices, says expert
By Rizal Raoul Reyes
RESIDENTIAL and senatorial elec -
Ptions ar e growth drivers of the property sector, which interestingly registered its highest level during the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte, according to property management consultancy firm Colliers Philippines.
When Duterte assumed the presidency, Colliers Philippines research director Joey Roy Bondoc said prices of condominiums in Metro Manila accelerated with sales value of condominiums hitting P257 billion in 2017 compared to the P181 billion in 2016, reflecting a 42 percent increase.
T otal sales continued to grow in 2018 with a value of P302 billion, up by 18 percent from the previous year of P257 billion.
“It happened during the Duterte administration. Our data supports that. In fact, if you look closely at the Duterte administration, even the prices of house and lot and lot only outpaced the prices of Central Visayas from 2016 up to 2021. We attribute that to the Duterte effect, “ said Bondoc in an interview on the sidelines of the 4th quarter 2024 briefing held Wednesday afternoon at the Bonifacio Global City.
Coincidentally, it was during the Duterte administration when the government encouraged the entry of Philippine Amusement Gaming Operators (Pogo), known drivers of property prices because of their huge demand for office and home or dormitory-type space.
Meanwhile, the senatorial elections in 2019 boosted the market’s confidence when condominium units had a sales value of P330 billion, posting a 9-percent increase. Further, the confidence in the Duterte administration was bolstered when all its candidates under the ruling party Partido Demokratiko ng Pilipinas-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) led its own administration
coalition Hugpong ng Pagbabago to victory in the national polls. The demand for condominiums was also attributed to the proliferation of the Pogos. Bondoc said the province of Davao got the largest beneficiary of the growth as a lot of projects were implemented in that region. It’s really the Duterte effect,” he pointed out.
A ccording to Colliers Philippines, there was a significant increase in completed condominiums in Davao in 2021 compared to the previous year. These include Amani Grand Citygate Davao, Camella Condo Homes, Centro Spatial, Maldives Oasis, Patio Suites, The Enclaves Residences, The Residences–Azuela Cove, Two Lakeshore Drive, and Verdon Parc. Residential developments included Alsons Development and Investment Corporation, a property pioneer in Davao with several notable residential projects, including Northtown Residences and Ladislawa Garden Village.
The city government has also invested heavily in infrastructure projects, including the Davao City Bypass Road and the Davao City Coastal Road Project, which are expected to improve accessibility and boost property values.
In the last year of the Duterte administration in 2021, sales values reached P85 billion, posting a decline of -68 percent from the previous year’s P264 billion.
Meanwhile, the administration of the late president Benigno C. Aquino III, Duterte’s predecessor, also experienced growth as total sales value reached P131 billion in 2010, increasing by 19 percent to P155 billion in 2011.
The administration of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. also experienced the bullishness of the property sector as total sales value reached P162 billion, up by 90 percent from the P85 billion in 2021.
C olliers Philippines also reported that sales value in 2023 hit P225 billion, up by 39 percent from the previous year.
Koko to govt: ‘Re-think’ EDSA congestion fee
SENATE Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III urged the government to re-think the proposal to charge toll on motorists for using Edsa as a way to decongest Metro Manila’s main thoroughfare.
Junking the Edsa toll option, as “no solution at all,” Pimentel III said, partly in Filipino, “Charging motorists using Edsa is not the solution. What we need is a more efficient mass transport system, not an additional expense for Filipinos who are already burdened by heavy traffic.”
Pimentel described the plan as an “anti-motorist and anticommuter measure that would unfairly burden the public.”
At the same time, while Pimentel lauded the government’s plans under the Comprehensive Traffic Management Plan (CTMP), he cautioned that some proposals under the plan should be carefully studied to ensure they are effective and fair for the public.
Neda: Legislative franchise lifting may fuel AI growth
ABless Aubrey Ogerio
RTIFICIAL intelligence could be the game-changer for the Philippines, but only if lawmakers could clear the roadblocks slowing down its adoption, according to the government’s socioeconomic planning body.
In a policy report released on Friday, one of the recommendations made by the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) is the removal of the legislative franchise requirement for connectivity service providers, data centers and cloud service providers.
“Access to high-speed broadband, 5G networks, and energy-efficient data centers remains limited, particularly in underserved areas,” it noted. “This change would lower barriers to entry, foster competition, and attract private sector investment in digital
infrastructure.”
Currently, companies looking to build crucial digital infrastructure, such as 5G networks and cloud services, must first secure congressional approval, a process that can take years.
The Philippines has a mobile connection rate of 121.8 percent relative to its population, with 98.2 percent of these connections running on 3G, 4G, or 5G, according to global research firm Kepios.
H owever, Neda argued that “outdated laws,” such as the Public Telecommunications Policy Act of 1995 (RA 7925) and the Radio Control Law of the Philippines (RA 3846), continue to hinder investment and innovation in the sector.
“Reforming these laws is essential to creating an enabling environment for modern connectivity infrastructure,” according to Neda.
Aside from franchise requirements, Neda also pushed for spectrum management reforms to ensure efficient allocation of frequencies, especially for 5G networks.
To support AI adoption, the agency also called for a modernized and streamlined regulatory framework that would simplify processes, promote competition, and provide clearer rules for investment.
Strengthening regulatory institutions, it added, would help ensure that digital infrastructure aligns with national development priorities.
“By addressing regulatory challenges and prioritizing infrastructure investments, the Philippines can position itself as a competitive hub for AI-driven solutions,” Neda said.
RBy Ada Pelonia
ICE had the biggest price hike among the food items majority of Filipinos purchased in the last quarter of 2024, based on the latest survey of a research firm.
The Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey, in partnership with the Stratbase Group, showed that 59 percent of Filipinos said rice had the highest price increase among food items they bought from October to December 2024.
It added that 25 percent identified meat such as chicken, pork, and beef; 11 percent cited vegetables, and the remaining 4 percent said seafood.
The survey also showed that 58 percent
DBM dreams of
By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto
THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) is looking to institutionalize the monitoring and evaluation of the national budget as it aims to position the Philippines as the most transparent in budgeting.
In a press briefing on Thursday at the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Asia and the Pacific Regional Meeting, Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pagandaman said the government will soon institutionalize budget monitoring and evaluation.
“We have been providing the budget for education, for social protection, for health and infrastructure and climate. I think it’s about time to also show the impact of the money, the funding that we give to our people,” Pangandaman said.
The 2025 national budget was set at P6.326 trillion, 9.7 percent higher than the P5.767 trillion budget in 2024. This is equivalent to 22 percent of this year’s projected gross domestic product (GDP).
Pangandaman said that civil society organizations have been calling out the government to make the budget more transparent.
As such, the country has introduced the
The senator pointed out that many private car owners are forced to drive because of the unreliable and inefficient public transportation system.
“Many Filipinos have no choice but to use their cars because the trains, buses and jeeps are very congested and lacking. The government is right: if we want to ease traffic on Edsa, we should first fix
of Filipinos deem “insufficient” the solutions the Marcos Jr. administration provided to control inflation.
It added that 16 percent believe the inflation-control solutions of the government were sufficient, while 19 percent said they were neither sufficient nor insufficient.
The SWS survey said Mindanaoans reported the highest dissatisfaction toward the government’s inflation-control solutions with 65 percent saying they are insufficient, followed by NCR with 60 percent.
‘Wake-up call’
THE Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) recently announced that inflation settled
“This oversight body would provide a central platform for addressing concerns, coordinating with sectoral agencies, and tracking the outcomes of AI-related initiatives,” it said.
Other suggestions include promoting energy-efficient technology and e-waste management, developing a skilled workforce, improving data governance, expanding digital infrastructure and establishing clear AI strategies.
To stay competitive in AI, the Philippines is pushing House Bill 7396, or the “Artificial Intelligence Development and Regulation Act of the Philippines,” which seeks to create the Artificial Intelligence Development Authority (AIDA) to regulate and promote AI adoption in the country.
It also underscored the need for strong institutional oversight to foster public trust in AI. It proposed the creation of a dedicated body to track AI progress, coordinate policies across sectors, and engage with stakeholders.
Rice posts biggest price hike among food items in Q4–SWS
at 2.9 percent in January, the same level it was in December last year.
The SWS noted that according to the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda), the steady inflation rate is a “good indicator” of the government’s commitment to ensure stable prices within the targets of the government.
However, Stratbase Institute President Dindo Manhit said the survey results showed “a different picture” of what Filipinos are truly experiencing.
“Having majority of the Filipino people say this month that the government’s inflation control solutions are insufficient should be a wake-up call to our leaders. These numbers are the reason why the
public’s trust toward the government is continuously declining,” Manhit said.
“There’s no room for complacency with the current inflation rate. It is crucial for the Marcos administration to work harder to ensure that the Filipino people truly feel the positive impact of their anti-inflation measures,” he said.
The SWS survey was conducted from January 17 to 20 with 1,800 respondents nationwide.
Prevailing retail prices of imported rice stood at P45 per kilo for well-milled and P42 per kilo for regular milled while local rice was P46 per kilo for well-milled and P41 per kilo for regular milled, based on the latest government price monitoring report.
making PHL ‘most transparent’ in budgeting
Philippine Public Financial Management (PFM) Reforms Roadmap 2024-2028, outlining the government’s 11 strategic focus areas on the management of public funds and ensuring accountability, efficiency and transparency in the allocation and use of funds across government agencies over the medium term.
Among the key reforms are planning and budgeting linkage, cash management, public asset management, accounting and auditing, PFM capacity-building, digital PFM, PFM policy and legal framework, public procurement, disaster risk reduction and management, PFM for local government units, and monitoring and evaluation for public expenditure.
“The digital area in the key reforms will definitely help us make our budget system more transparent,” Pangandaman said.
T he DBM already started the systems and applications for the integrated financial management information system and budget treasury management system.
“It’s an online and real-time [system] which will show our disbursements and all governmental transactions. Eventually, we will link it to our government procurement,” the Budget chief added.
P angandaman chairs the Philippine
the transport system and infrastructure. But that doesn’t mean that as we improve mass transport system, we are going to unduly punish the commuters using Edsa,” he added.
Pimentel also warned that the proposed congestion fee
See “Edsa,” A4
Comelec tightens rules on abuse of state resources, vote buying during campaign
By Justine Xyrah Garcia
AMID growing concerns over excessive campaign spending, the Commission on Elections has introduced stricter regulations to curb vote buying and misuse of state resources in the upcoming elections.
Comelec Commissioner Ernesto P. Maceda Jr. said this year’s polls will be governed by “stronger standards and clearer regulations” to prevent vote buying, particularly when government resources are involved.
“This will ensure that no candidate or party can subvert the will of the people through the illicit use of state resources,” Maceda said. “When those in power exploit government property, funds, and manpower to maintain political dominance, they coerce the most vulnerable in our society to trade their votes for access to basic services.”
Abuse of state resources (ASR), as
defined by Comelec, includes the misuse of government resources—whether material, financial, regulatory, media-related, or coercive—for electoral advantage.
Under Resolution N o. 1104, the poll body has expanded the authority of the Committee on Kontra Bigay, making it a permanent body tasked with overseeing and regulating ASR and vote buying violations.
The resolution presumes ASR when an incumbent official or government employee uses public resources to benefit their own candidacy, that of a political ally, or a relative running for office.
T his includes the use of government vehicles for campaign activities, storage or distribution of campaign materials in government facilities, and the display of candidate-related paraphernalia in public offices or vehicles.
T he exploitation of government media platforms to promote candidates, sudden, unjustified changes in scholarship grants
DMW warns OFWs: Take
TBy Samuel P. Medenilla
HE Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) warned overseas Filipino workers (OFW) of tighter border controls in eight European countries.
In his Advisory No. 2, series of 2025, DMW Secretary Hans J. Cacdac urged OFWs to be careful when entering Denmark, Norway, Slovenia, Sweden, Austria, France, Germany, and Italy after these countries, which are part of the Schengen Area, imposed heightened border controls.
“ In view of the foregoing, the public and
and social programs during the campaign period, and mass hiring of job order workers for political purposes are likewise considered ASR offenses.
The Comelec described ASR as a “silent, yet pervasive” threat to democracy that undermines fair competition in elections.
Ban on ayuda
TO further prevent its abuse, the poll body has implemented a total ban on the distribution of one-time government cash aid 10 days before election day, including programs such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program, and Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations, as well as the Department of Labor and Employment’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers. Candidates found guilty of ASR violations face immediate disqualification.
note of Europe border rules
OFWs in Europe are reminded to exercise caution in crossing the borders within the Schengen Area and to always have in their possession their valid passports, visa, or residence permits and other pertinent documents,” Cacdac said in his one-page issuance dated 6 February 2025.
T he Schengen Area is a passport-free zone in Europe, which was created to facilitate freedom of movement.
H owever, countries which are part of the area may temporarily reintroduce border controls such as checks on crossborder trains, increased surveillance, and deployment of policy officers, in response to
serious public threats and security concerns.
A ccording to news reports, the eight countries decided to implement tighter border controls due to Ukraine-related security concerns as well as the growing number of asylum seekers and terror threats in Europe.
D MW said the stricter border controls for Austria will last until 15 April 2025, while for France it will be until 30 April 2025; for Germany, until 15 March 2025; and for Italy, until 18 December 2025.
T he BusinessMirror reported in December that there has been increasing movement of OFWs to and within Europe
Health orgs in plea to PBBM, Senate: Junk tobacco tax cut
By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto
HEALTH organizations urged senators and President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to reject a bill proposing to lower tobacco taxes, warning of its “devastating” impact on public health and the economy.
In a statement on Friday, 64 medical organizations called on the Senate to reject House Bill (HB) 11360, arguing that it would harm public health, reduce government revenues and primarily benefit the tobacco industry.
“To our Senators, especially Senate President Chiz Escudero and Senate Ways and Means Committee Chair Sherwin Gatchalian: we plead that you prioritize the welfare of Filipinos by rejecting HB 11360 and putting our nation’s health before
Edsa. . .
Continued from A3
tobacco industry interests,” they said.
“We call on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to veto it in its entirety and show the public that he prioritizes health over the tobacco industry,” they added.
O n Monday, the House of Representatives passed the bill on third and final reading and endorsed it for Senate approval. Under the measure, excise tax rates on tobacco and vapor products will increase by 2 percent every even-numbered year starting January 1, 2026, and by 4 percent every odd-numbered year from January 1, 2027, until December 31, 2035. The bill follows concerns over illicit tobacco trade, which has contributed to revenue shortfalls in government excise tax collection. According to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), this has resulted in
could disproportionately affect middleclass Filipinos, small business owners, and professionals who rely on their vehicles for work. He questioned whether the government had studied the potential economic impact of such a move, including its effects on inflation and the cost of goods and services.
‘Reversed prosecution’
MEANWHILE , Comelec Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia announced a significant shift in how vote-buying cases will be handled, saying accused individuals will now be presumed guilty until proven otherwise.
“Now, it’s presumption right away. We won’t struggle to present evidence. The concerned party must give evidence that he’s not buying votes,” Garcia said, mostly in Filipino, in a press conference.
Under the new guidelines, various acts will now be automatically considered as vote buying or vote selling unless proven otherwise.
T hese include the possession or distribution of money, goods, or services alongside campaign materials; long queues for cash or giveaways linked to a candidate; door-to-door campaigning that involves handing out money or goods; and holding events such as bingo games or talent shows where candidates or their supporters
as some of its countries like Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Romania, Finland, Slovenia, Croatia and Hungary increased their demand for migrant workers.
Mor e OFWs are crossing borders within Europe using their Schengen Visa and engaging in illegal third-country recruitment to look for better employment opportunities.
Under a third-country recruitment, OFWs, who are already deployed abroad, seek new jobs in other countries without going through the DMW or Migrant Workers Offices (MWO) for the verification of their new employment contracts. This leaves them vulnerable to potential exploitation from their new foreign employers.
a P54.4-billion revenue loss in 2024.
However, health groups refuted claims that lower taxes would curb illicit trade.
“The claim that lowering tobacco taxes will curb illicit trade is ridiculous and unfounded,” they said, arguing that illicit trade is driven by enforcement weaknesses, not tax rates.
If the bill becomes law, they warned that it would still reduce government revenues by at least P29 billion from 2026 to 2030, based on their conservative estimates.
“Tobacco excise taxes have been a crucial source of government revenue, funding the implementation of our Universal Health Care [UHC] Act through the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation [PhilHealth],” they said.
What the government should do, according to Pimentel, is to ensure that existing traffic improvement measures are implemented, such as stricter number coding policies, better management of bus lanes, and the completion of long-overdue
Moreover, making cigarettes more affordable could create almost 400,000 new smokers in the next five years, most of whom would be young people, with half expected to die from tobacco-related diseases.
The only real beneficiary of the bill, they said, would be the tobacco industry, which stands to earn at least P40 billion over the next five years.
“As healthcare professionals, we see the devastation wrought by smoking and the fragility of our healthcare system, worsened by the shameless defunding of our national health insurer, PhilHealth,” they said.
PhilHealth will not be receiving any subsidies from the national government this year, which further deprives it of funding from sin tax collections. (See: https:// businessmirror.com.ph/2024/12/12/ philhealth-will-not-get-any-ngsubsidy-in-2025-budget/).
transport infrastructure projects.
“Let’s not make Edsa a form of business. The solution to traffic is efficient transportation and sound management, not added costs for Filipinos,” Pimentel said. Butch Fernandez
distribute prizes. The rules also cover large cash withdrawals or the breaking down of large amounts into smaller denominations shortly before election day, as well as medical missions, legal aid services, and feeding programs conducted in areas where a candidate’s name or image is prominently displayed.
The use of government-funded aid for political advantage—including unauthorized distribution of “ayuda” during the campaign period—will be penalized.
O ther prohibited acts: hiring excessive poll watchers, possessing chemicals that remove indelible ink, and being in possession of blank ballots on election day without authorization.
Those caught in the act doing any of these acts may be arrested even without warrant.
Case build-up rule
TO effectively implement these measures,
the Comelec has partnered with multiple government agencies to ensure a coordinated approach in penalizing ASR violators and vote buyers. Department of Justice Spokesperson Mico Clavano said the agency would reinforce its case build-up rule, boosting cooperation between law enforcement and prosecutors to build solid cases against election offenders.
“One reform by Secretary [Crispin] Remulla is the case build-up rule. Here, government agencies will cooperate with the [Philippine National Police] or [National Bureau of Investigation], and the prosecutors to strengthen our case,” Clavano explained.
Comelec has also signed a memorandum of agreement with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, and the Department of Education to enhance enforcement efforts during the election period.
VP Sara: It’s more painful to lose a lover than be impeached by HOR
By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco
‘GOD save the Philippines.”
This was the remark of Vice President Sara Duterte on Friday, as she noted how all the efforts to impeach her finally succeeded with the House of Representatives impeaching her on Wednesday. In her first appearance before the media, Duterte thanked those who continue to pray, support, believe, and love her.
Manaligkayodahilsataumbayanang tagumpay [Keep the faith because victory is with the people],” said Duterte who exudes
confidence.
Despite the immense challenge to her political career, Duterte assured her followers that she is okay. She said that her lawyers have been doing their work since 2023 when the plans to impeach her were first reported. Duterte, who appeared unbothered, even quipped when asked for her Valentine message: “Alam nyo, mas masakit pa maiwanan ng boyfriend o girlfriend kesa ma-impeach kangHouse of Representatives [You know, it’s more painful to be abandoned by your lover than to be impeached by the House of Representatives].”
A return to values, prolife policies: Buhay party-list eyes return to House
BUHAY Party-list, led by its founder and chairman, former Deputy Speaker Lito Atienza, will officially launch its campaign focusing on prolife policies, familycentered programs, and the preservation of Filipino cultural values on Tuesday at the Pope Pius XII Catholic Center Auditorium along U.N. Avenue, Manila.
Atienza, along with party-list nominees
Carlos Sario and Dr. Rene Bullecer, is determined to bring BUHAY back to Congress to continue its advocacy for the protection of life and the promotion of a culture of life—an advocacy that they claim has been compromised in recent years due to the absence of their representation in the legislature.
A key issue that BUHAY aims to address is the looming implementation of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE), which remains a priority in the congressional agenda.
T he party-list strongly opposes the measure, warning of its potential consequences
on Filipino youth.
“Our children should be guided towards our traditional Filipino values, such as respect for their elders, good manners, and right conduct, instead of this proposed law that would require them to behave according to foreign.” With a renewed bid for a congressional seat, Atienza said BUHAY Party-list is reaffirming its commitment to advocating for prolife policies, familycentered programs, and the preservation of Filipino cultural values.
“We will continue to defend life, uphold Filipino values, and protect the Filipino family,” the party declared as it mobilizes support for its campaign.
T he BUHAY Party-list has long been known for its staunch opposition to abortion, euthanasia, and other measures it deems harmful to life and morality. As the 2025 elec tions draw closer, the party list group hopes to once again secure a seat in Congress to push forward their legislative agenda. Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz
DMW suspends manning firm of seafarer gone missing 2 mos
THE Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has suspended the manning agency which deployed Ralph Anthony Bobiles, a Filipino crew member of Panama-flagged vessel Prestige Ace, who has been missing for two months.
In a statement, DMW said it suspended the license to operate of Parola Maritime Agency (PMA) while it undergoes investigation for its alleged negligence in complying with its reporting requirements.
“We are taking action against the manning agency and principal shipowner until they fully explain what happened on board,” DMW
Secretary Hans J. Cacdac said.
The DMW is now coordinating with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to get additional information on the incident.
Bobiles, a deck cadet of Prestige Ace, was reported missing on December 5, 2024, while the vessel was en route from Vera Cruz, Mexico to Baltimore, USA.
The manning agency failed to immediately report the incident to DMW and Baltimore authorities.
Citing the provision of Republic Act No. 12021 or the Magna Carta of Seafarers, Cacdac said a manning agency is required to promptly provide information about its missing seafarers.
“When there is a missing seafarer, the family should be informed adequately about the investigation, and any relevant reports that could help to precisely inform them about what happened,” Cacdac explained.
Samuel P. Medenilla
Time BusinessMirror Our
PWDs, seniors in San Remigio to get new center funded by SGLG award
By Annabel Consuelo Petinglay
AN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA,
SAntique—The municipality of San Remigio will utilize its P1.153 million Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) incentive to construct a Persons with Disability (PWD) and Senior Citizens Center. San Remigio Mayor Margarito Mission Jr. said Friday that the bidding for the center’s construction is set to begin next week.
“The PWDs and senior citizens are among our priorities. We want them to have a permanent building where they can hold meetings and ensure their municipal associations are fully operational,” Mission said in an interview.
At present, the PWD and senior citizen groups only have a desk at the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO).
₧13.5-M building for senior citizens opens in Iloilo City
By Perla Lena
ILOILO CITY—A new 2-story
Senior Citizen Building, funded by the Senior Citizens Party-list at a cost of P13.5 million, officially opened on Tuesday in the Alta Tierra Village, Jaro district of Iloilo City.
look forward to because they have a center where they can mingle with their fellow senior citizens,” she said.
The new facility will be air-conditioned and will follow structural standards to ensure accessibility.
San Remigio previously used its 2023 SGLG incentive to build the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) session hall, set for completion in March 2025.
The municipality is one of nine local government units (LGUs) in Antique awarded the SGLG incentive by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
Meanwhile, the Antique provincial government received P3 million, which will be used to procure an ambulance for the Angel Salazar Memorial District Hospital.
The SGLG incentives recognize LGUs for exemplary service delivery and contributions to sustainable development. PNA
Once completed, the center will allow them to conduct official transactions, such as registrations and ID requests.
Outrage grows as bankruptcy sale threatens stability of Long Island retirement community for the elderly
By Martin Z. Braun
WHEELCHAIR-BOUND
Terie
Gelberg has lived at the Harborside, a retirement community on Long Island’s North Shore, for almost two decades. It was supposed to be the last home for the 99-year-old with memory issues, but plans to sell the bankrupt facility to a private equity firm threaten to upend her care. She, alongside other residents of Harborside’s Port Washington nursing home, memory-care and assisted-living units will be forced to relocate if a bankruptcy court judge approves Focus Healthcare Partners’ $80 million deal to buy the complex in February. There are at least 40 residents that will have to move to other facilities while some 70 people in its independent-living units have the option to remain, data from New York State Department of Health show. The deal has sparked outrage among residents and their families, especially because a sale to another company—that would have left the residents of the 100unit health center in place—fell through. Pandemic restrictions, labor shortages, soaring wages and supply costs helped push Harborside to the brink. It’s a common thread among continuing care retirement communities, or CCRCs, many of which rely on a steady stream of entrance fees to pay operating costs, debt service and resident refunds. Harborside was unable to pay its bills as occupancy slumped. The site is among at least 16 CCRCs that filed for bankruptcy since 2020.
Focus Healthcare’s purchase also risks leaving current and former residents owed $130 million in entrance refunds empty-handed. The senior citizens and their families who plunked down hundreds of thousands of dollars in exchange for an apartment and unlimited health care were promised as much as 90 percent of the entrance fee refunded if they move or die.
Instead, municipal bondholders owed around $168 million are considered se -
cured creditors, putting their debt ahead of residents in the Chapter 11 repayment line. Municipal bond mutual funds held almost 90 percent of the Harborside’s bonds, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.
Families of the residents argue that moving those living in Harborside’s nursing home, memory-care and assisted-living units would be disruptive and traumatic.
“I am frankly shocked that the court is even contemplating a resolution to this bankruptcy that would evict her and other similarly situated residents,” Gelberg’s son Jonathan wrote in a January 2 letter to the bankruptcy court judge. “As proposed, the buyer has no obligation to either provide for current residents, and no responsibility for honoring the obligation to refund 85 percent of the original purchase price within a year of her passing.” Mark Pancirer, the chief financial officer of the Harborside’s parent Amsterdam Nursing Home Corp., didn’t return a call seeking comment. The facility’s lawyers defended the deal in a filing.
“Without the sale, the debtor will be forced to shut down, needlessly destroying value, eliminating jobs and displacing all of its elderly residents,” they wrote. Focus Healthcare, which owns some 15 senior living and health-care properties across the US, said keeping the doors open is a better outcome than a total liquidation and pointed out it’d accommodate some of the current residents.
The firm will seek licenses from New York state to offer assisted living and memory care in the future, according to a Monday court filing.
“Unfortunately we can’t undo money lost by others that led to this bankruptcy,” Curt Schaller a partner at the Chicago-based PE firm said via e-mail.
“As the purchasers in this bankruptcy process, we can’t direct who receives the sale proceeds. That allocation is a decision for the seller, bondholders, and residents who are owed entrance fees, overseen by the court.” Bloomberg
In an interview, Senior Citizens Party-list Rep. Rodolfo Ordanes, who led the building’s inauguration and blessing, said the facility will serve as a center for the elderly to hold various activities.
Ordanes said the construction of buildings for senior citizens across the country is one of the advocacies of their party list, providing them with a facility where they can gather and bond.
He said it is important for senior citizens to be busy so they won’t get old faster and avoid having dementia.
Matilde Treñas, special assistant to Mayor Jerry Treñas, said they will introduce skills training to the senior citizens in the Jaro district.
“We wanted to maximize the use of our senior citizens center. Some of our elderly are just left at home, watch television, and wait for members of their family to come home. This time, they have something to
She said they started in Arevalo district where the Technical Institute of Iloilo City (TIIC) introduced a trash to cash program.
Under the program, old boxes are recycled as organizers and tissue holders, among others.
In Mandurriao, senior citizens were trained in rug-making.
In addition to holding events, senior citizens can secure forms at the center rather than going to the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs Office at the city hall.
Ordanes, meanwhile, said the removal of the purchase booklet as a requirement when buying medicines is good news for senior citizens, especially those who oftentimes forget their booklet.
In case of violation, they can file a complaint with the Office of the
Senior Citizens Affairs of their local government or with his office.
“It is already effective,” he said.
The Daily Guardian earlier reported that the project was developed in partnership with the Alta Tierra Homeowners Association, Inc., the Association of Barangay Captains— Jaro District, and the Federation of Senior Citizens Associations of the Philippines-Iloilo City.
This marks the third Senior Citizen Building in Iloilo City, joining existing centers in Barangay PHHC Block 22, Mandurriao, and Barangay Sta. Filomena, Arevalo.
The report also highlighted Ordanes’ optimism regarding the passage of the Early Voting Act, which
would allow senior citizens to vote a week ahead of the upcoming elections, as well as the Universal Pension and Geriatric Act, proposing monthly pensions for all senior citizens and the establishment of regional geriatric hospitals.
Mayor Treñas noted that the center will also serve as a hub for skills training, including crochet lessons.
Iloilo City has already implemented similar programs in other districts. In Arevalo, senior citizens participate in a “Trash to Cash” program, transforming old boxes into organizers and tissue holders. In Mandurriao, they receive training in rug-making. PNA
In praise of the humble and sincere of heart
TBy Nick Tayag
MY SIXTY-ZEN’S WORTH
HE other day, my friend was expressing his observations to me. He says that lately very few people have bothered to approach him. When he makes a call to some people they would not bother to answer. These were the same people who were quick to respond to his calls before when he was still the head of a government agency involved in the arts. Now that his term has ended, they would not even return his calls. Probably in their estimation, his value to them has greatly diminished since he is no longer in a position of power. But then he could understand why and he couldn’t complain. That’s just human nature.
I then teased him that he should be grateful for being taken down to be with people like me, the lowly and unprivileged. At least now he knows that individuals who bother to meet with him are not out to ask favors from him; they are sincere, which is from the Latin phrase “sin cera” meaning “without wax” or pure, unmixed, unadulterated.
The other day, as I was sitting in a fancy restaurant where I was to meet someone, I saw a man from the corner of my eye approach me. He had a wide smile, and happy to see me. It turned out that he used to be the driver of an organization where I used to work. That was ages ago, and yet he still remembered me. He even showed me pictures of his family when I inquired about them. Then after that he inquired about me and my family, and I was touched by his interest.
That unexpected encounter made my day. The truth is I feel much happier and more comfortable to be with the lowly.
When I eat in a restaurant, I tend to be respectful to the waiters. Sometimes after giving our orders, I wonder who are the persons working in the kitchen and what it’s like to be laboring for at least eight hours cooped up in that little room. As we leave our empty plates, I also wonder who are the contractuals hired to wash the dishes? Do they get to sit down and rest? How much is their take-home pay? Is it enough to provide for their respective families?
My wife and I are happy to leave generous tips on top of the service charge already included in the bill.
Those who labor with their hands and stand on their feet deserve our kind generosity. All I’m asking is for us to be grateful. It doesn’t hurt. Opening myself to the pure acknowledgement of simple folks who do the tasks for us keeps me grounded on what is most important in life. It enriches the ground where I am rooted. And like a plant, I grow a little bit more even at this ripe age. Whenever I go to a bank or the supermarket, I observe security guards who stand there and wait all day long. They are not allowed to sit down while on duty. Some of them shake their legs from time to time. It must be an ordeal standing for hours.
This is why when a security guard opens the door and greets me, I make sure to respond. I want him to feel that I value his greeting. When I leave the premises, I say thank you to him with a full smile as if to say good job, guard, keep up the good work.
We may not utter words like “I am grateful for your help,” or “thank you for such a wonderful contribution.” But a wide honest smile would be the least we can do as a gesture of gratitude.
When a watch your car boy approaches me, I do not brush him off like what others do.
I politely tell him, sure you can watch my car.
Why not treat them like old friends who have stayed with you all these years like dependable sidekicks in your life’s journey?
Being retired and a senior citizen without a position is an opportunity to connect with the lowly. There is no longer a set boundary or a hard wall that used to come between you. Find a way to relate to them. There is much they can learn from you as much as there’s much to learn from them.
One example is Nats. He is a young all-around utility man of a production outfit where I serve as a parttime creative consultant. From time to time whenever there’s a creative session I need to attend, he picks me up from the LRT station and during the short trip, we talk about things in general. Mostly he does the talking, because I am a good listener. I get to know about his personal struggles, his communication problems with his parents in the province, his little ambitions, willingness to level up his knowledge and so on.
It reminds me of the movie “Driving Miss Daisy” where in the course of being driven by an individual from a marginalized class, the proud elitist Southern lady gets to know him better as a person, which in turn leads her to become a kinder, better human being. I thought I would serve as a wizened mentor to Nats but it’s the other way around. Lately he has put me to shame as I get to know more about his simple
spirituality and his private secret faith practices such as fasting and abstinence. At the office, everyone treats him as simply a go-to guy, someone who runs errands, but as far as I am concerned, he is an “old soul,” a substantial human being who sees his job not as work but as a calling. As St. Paul admonishes us: “Do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation.”
The Greek philosopher Plato is quoted as having said: be kind for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle. This is especially true of individuals at the lower rungs of our society, because they all are fighting a hard battle in one way or another, or in one form or another. Let’s be honest. Have you ever treated individuals doing menial jobs as struggling human beings? Some of us have even been disdainful and cruel to them.
So why not say kind words of encouragement, feel more sympathetic, make a gesture to reach out to our household help, our drivers, our cooks, our gardeners in our homes. The food delivery man, the bill giver, the garbage collectors, the telephone repair man.
As someone wisely said: “It is not happiness that makes us grateful, but gratefulness that makes us happy.”
Once you start spending more time with them and recognizing the contributions that they make to your life—you can transform the way you see yourself. You now appreciate the authentic value in you that you failed to see because of your preening self-importance or being so distracted with being flattered and being kowtowed due to the lofty position you held then. Seeing the value in you leads you to love yourself with, or in spite of, all your limitations. You feel more appreciative for all the struggles and sorrow that had brought you this far, and you become grateful for what you had accomplished.
Humbleness of heart, relating sincerely with the lowly is the key to authentic self-worth.
THE
SAN Remigio town Mayor Margarito Mission Jr. (fourth from left) receives the ceremonial check amounting to P1.15 million as a Seal of Good Local Governance incentive on January 28, 2025. Mission said they will use the incentive to build a center for persons with disability and senior citizens. PHOTO COURTESY OF SAN REMIGIO LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNIT
A timeline of the Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni legal battle
THE drama between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni and their movie It Ends With Us started as something that seemed to be a misunderstanding. It has since escalated into a massive and convoluted legal battle.
So even if you tried to stay away from anything connected to the movie, it’s not easy to ignore the Lively-Baldoni legal war. Online, people went from bashing Blake Lively to condemning Justin Baldoni. Every week, there seems to be a new development and revelation. So here’s my timeline of what happened. Since I only know what I know from news online, this timeline may not be 100 percent accurate.
In the movie, based on a novel by Colleen Hoover, Baldoni, who also directed the film, stars as Ryle Kincaid, the abusive partner of Lily Bloom, Lively’s character.
During the film’s promotional tour, Lively was called out because people felt that she did not treat the novel’s (and the movie’s) subject of domestic violence appropriately.
The rumors of an on-set feud was confirmed when Lively later sued Baldoni (plus his publicist and other individuals) in a federal court for sexual harassment and defamation. This came after she filed a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department. After this, Baldoni was dropped by his agency. Lively also sued her co-star for allegedly paying for a PR campaign to defame her. In her lawsuit, Lively said Baldoni caused her “severe emotional distress.” By the way, there were also allegations that Baldoni had fat-shamed Lively.
Lively’s complaint said Baldoni and producer Jamey Heath created a toxic work environment while
shooting.
Meanwhile, the actor-director filed a $250 million libel lawsuit against The New York Times for its reporting on Lively’s allegations against him. Baldoni alleged that the paper had “cowered” to Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds. By the way, Baldoni’s former publicist Stephanie Jones also sued the actor and others for defamation and breach of contract in December.
Finally, Baldoni also filed a $400-million lawsuit in a federal court in New York against Lively, Reynolds, her publicist, and the publicist’s PR firm for their allegations and allegedly using him as a “scapegoat” for the negative press surrounding the movie.
Now, this is a big shocker: Baldoni’s team published a website with proof to support his lawsuit against Lively and Reynolds. The website has 168 pages containing a timeline of events outlining Baldoni’s version of what happened. His proof included text messages, e-mails, and a statement Baldoni claimed he was being pressured into
AI has a vital role in PHL weather forecasting
BY RIZAL RAOUL S. REYES
ARTIFICIAL intelligence (AI) will be an important tool in forecasting weather conditions in the Philippines. Major cloud computing company Alibaba Cloud is one of the leaders in harnessing AI as it continues to leverage AI to drive social changes and transformation to address humanity’s most pressing needs.
“Our mission at Alibaba is not only to explore the frontiers of AI but to ensure its capabilities are harnessed for the greater good. As we navigate the complex challenges of 2025, from intensifying climate risks to the growing demand for equitable access to healthcare and education, we are dedicated to leveraging AI to drive meaningful societal changes. By setting a benchmark for how AI can be a transformative force for positive change, we hope to work with different parties to create a more sustainable, accessible, and inclusive future, “ said Jingren Zhou, Chief Technology Officer of Alibaba
Cloud in a press statement. In response to the existential threat posed by tropical storms in the Philippines, he said Alibaba developed Baguan, an advanced AI-powered weather forecasting model designed to deliver accurate predictions.He said Baguan offers hourly updates with a high spatial resolution of onekilometer grids, enabling industries to prepare for unpredictable weather conditions for 10 days in advance. Furthermore, Zhou said it has far-reaching applications, particularly in renewable energy, where accurate weather forecasts are critical for optimizing energy production and improving power grid management. “By contributing to stable and efficient energy distribution, the AI weather forecasting model aims to help mitigate environmental impacts and reduce costs,” he said. Meanwhile, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) is indeed planning to use AI in weather forecasting.
According to the state-controlled weather
releasing by Reynolds and Lively. The website also has a copy of Baldoni’s amended complaint against Lively, Reynolds, and her publicist. Baldoni also uploaded a text message exchange with Lively that showed she opted not to meet with the on-set intimacy coordinator he hired.
If you have not looked at the website yet, let me tell you that the images are blurred. You are probably better off printing the documents to read them.
The website, www.thelawsuitinfo.com, features a landing page with links to two PDF files, including a copy of a newly amended complaint that the 41-yearold Baldoni filed against the 37-year-old Lively and her husband. The 168-page “timeline of relevant events” shows e-mails and texts related to the case.
If you ask me personally, the movie should not have been made. I have so many objections about Colleen Hoover’s book being romanticized in a world where so many women have been abused and are still suffering because of violence. I hope no woman ever goes through what Lily Bloom went through in It Ends With Us ■
monitoring agency, the use of AI will be able to conduct more frequent forecasts. Instead of the current 3-hour intervals, Pagasa aims to provide forecasts every 15 minutes with the help of AI. “AI will enable Pagasa to extend its weather forecasts from the current 5 days to 14 days,” said Pagasa.
“AI can analyze vast amounts of data from various sources, including weather satellites, radar, and surface observations, to identify patterns and improve the accuracy of forecasts,” Pagasa added.
The use of AI is a significant step forward for Pagasa, and it is expected to greatly improve the accuracy and timeliness of weather forecasts in the Philippines. This will be beneficial for various sectors, including agriculture, transportation, and disaster preparedness.
Nevertheless, Pagasa said AI is still a developing technology, and it will take time for Pagasa to fully implement it. The agency is currently working on a research program to develop and implement AIpowered weather forecasting.
Over P500,000 prize pool at stake in first nationwide boot camp and hackathon series
OVER P580,000 (approximately $10,000) in prize pool are up for grabs in the Byaheng Pilipinas Bootcamp and Hackathon Series by Polkadot, one of the leading blockchain networks driving interoperability and innovation in decentralized technology. The program combines a six-week boot camp with a fourweek hackathon, providing participants with hands-on training in blockchain development and smart contract creation using Polkadot’s software development kit Substrate. Participants will also gain access to expert-led workshops, industry insights, and mentorship to prepare them for tackling real-world challenges. Applications are open, from newbie developers to seasoned blockchain enthusiasts, with free registration available at lu.ma/ sp4tnz38 To ensure inclusivity, the program offers both on-site
and virtual participation options. “Supporting Filipino developers and blockchain enthusiasts is essential for Polkadot because of the Philippines’ rapidly growing tech community and its increasing influence in Web3. Filipinos’ creativity and collaboration can help drive Web3 adoption in Southeast Asia and foster a more inclusive and diverse blockchain ecosystem,” said Patricia Arro, co-contributor for Polkadot SEA and OpenGuild. In partnership with OpenGuild and Web3 Bulacan, participants will have the chance to design and prototype solutions addressing critical local challenges, such as decentralized identity (DID), financial inclusion, and remittances.
Participants will also explore Polkadot’s advanced technology, including its modular architecture, decentralized liquidity models, and smart contract capabilities, equipping them with the tools to create
scalable, interoperable and impactful blockchain solutions.
The program will culminate in a high-stakes Grand Demo Day in Manila, where top teams will showcase their projects. Teams from across the country will be sponsored to travel to Manila for the finale.
“Beyond technical skill-building, Byaheng Pilipinas fosters community engagement by connecting participants with likeminded developers, thought leaders, and industry pioneers. This collaborative environment is designed to spark fresh ideas and build a supportive network for Filipino innovators,” Arro said.
The program is also part of OpenGuild’s 2025 vision to establish a Polkadot hub, or “Plaza,” as a catalyst for blockchain adoption in the region. This initiative reflects their commitment to bringing more impactful Web3 projects to life across Southeast Asia.
APPLE’S IPHONE SALES DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON SLIPPED DESPITE A HIGHLY ANTICIPATED AI ROLLOUT
SAN FRANCISCO—Apple on Thursday disclosed its iPhone sales dipped slightly during the holidayseason quarter, signaling a sluggish start to the trendsetting company’s effort to catch up to the rest of Big Tech in the race to bring artificial intelligence to the masses.
The iPhone’s roughly 1 percent drop in revenue from the previous year’s October-December period wasn’t entirely unexpected, given the first software update enabling the device’s AI features didn’t arrive until just before Halloween, and the technology still isn’t available in many markets outside the US.
The countries still awaiting Apple’s AI suite include China, a key market where the company continued to lose ground. Although he didn’t mention China, Apple CEO Tim Cook told investors on a conference call that a software upgrade enabling the AI features in more European markets, as well as Japan and Korea will be rolling out in April.
But in the past quarter Apple also was only able to eke out a modest revenue gain across its entire business, although the results came in ahead of the analyst projections that guide investors. The Cupertino, California, company earned $36.3 billion, or $2.40 per share, a 7 percent increase from the previous year. Revenue edged up from the previous year by 4 percent to $124.3 billion.
Those numbers included iPhone revenue of $69.1 billion. In China, Apple’s total revenue registered $18.5 billion, an 11 percent decrease from the previous year.
Part of that erosion in China reflected the iPhone’s shrinking market share in that country, where homegrown companies have been making more headway. Apple’s iPhone year-over-year shipments in China declined nearly 10 percent in the most recent quarter, while native companies Huawei and Xiaomi posted year-over-year increases of more than 20 percent, according to the research firm International Data Corp.
“While China is a potential risk, we think the appeal of Apple products as a luxury product and the potential of AI innovations will keep demand steady in the country,” Edward Jones analyst Logan Purk wrote in a research note assessing the company’s quarterly report. The holiday-season results served to confirm bringing AI to the iPhone and Apple’s other products may not boost the company’s recently lackluster growth as much as investors initially thought it might after Cook unveiled the technology before a rapt crowd last June.
The anticipation that an AI-infused iPhone would prod hordes of consumers to ditch their current devices and splurge on an upgrade is the main reason Apple’s stock price surged by 30 percent last year. But the sinking realization that an uptick in demand may take longer than expected has caused Apple’s shares to backtrack by 5 percent during the first month of the new year. The stock initially slipped slightly in extended trading after the numbers came out, but later reversed course and rose by more than 3 percent after Cook said Apple is seeing a record number of people upgrading their iPhones.
The concerns hovering around Apple’s weakening iPhone sales come against broader worries about whether AI will be as lucrative for US tech companies as once envisioned after Chinese startup DeepSeek released a version of the technology that was built at a far lower cost than had been previously thought possible.
Unlike tech peers such as Microsoft, Google corporate parent Alphabet Inc. and Facebook corporate parent Meta Platforms, Apple hasn’t been investing as heavily in AI—one of the reasons it has been seen as an industry laggard. But that restraint could work to its advantage if DeepSeek’s early breakthroughs in driving down AI costs gains momentum.
Apple’s services division remained the company’s biggest moneymaker outside the iPhone, with revenue of $26.3 billion in the past quarter, a 14 percent increase from the previous year. Although the services division has been thriving for years, it generates more than $20 billion annually by locking in Google as the automatic search engine on the iPhone and other products. That deal is now under threat of being banned as part of the proposed punishment for Google’s search engine being declared an illegal monopoly. AP
Editor: Gerard S. Ramos
BusinessMirror
IF that tagline rings a bell, it’s because Samsung first used it to market the Galaxy S4 way back in 2013. Fast forward 12 years, and it feels more relevant than ever. While the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra doesn’t introduce a revolutionary upgrade, it represents Samsung’s boldest attempt yet at creating a truly human-like AI companion—one that doesn’t just assist but adapts, anticipates, and integrates seamlessly into daily life.
The global consumer brand has been pushing the boundaries of AI in smartphones, and with the Galaxy S25 Ultra it’s clear they’re leading the charge. While other brands are just starting to explore AIdriven features, Samsung has already embedded it deeply into the core experience, making everyday interactions feel smarter and more seamless. But AI isn’t the only thing that’s evolved—Samsung has also fine-tuned the hardware, display, camera and security, making the Galaxy S25 Ultra perhaps the most powerful flagship available today. I was able to try out the Galaxy S25 a bit during a pre-briefing event and I was quite impressed with what it can do. So, whether you’re thinking about upgrading or just curious about what’s new, here are seven things you should know about Samsung’s most premium smartphone.
■ REFINED DESIGN AND BUILD. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra retains the signature design of the series but refines it for enhanced comfort and durability. Thanks to a new titanium frame, the device is not only 15 grams lighter and 0.4mm thinner than its predecessor but also significantly more resilient to everyday wear and accidental drops. Another subtle but welcome improvement is the redesigned edges. Samsung has slightly rounded off the corners, making the phone more comfortable to grip for long periods. Color-wise, Samsung has taken a more understated approach. The available Titanium Silver Blue, Titanium White Silver, and Titanium Gray hues exude a professional, sophisticated aesthetic, though they may not appeal to users looking for bold or vibrant options.
■ A MORE DURABLE AND ANTI-REFLECTIVE DISPLAY. Samsung’s displays have always been the best in the industry, and the Galaxy S25 Ultra is no exception this time improving both durability and outdoor visibility. The Galaxy S25 Ultra features a 6.9-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display with a 3120 x 1440 resolution, delivering an ultra-sharp 498 pixels per inch (PPI). It also supports a variable refresh rate of up to 120Hz, ensuring smooth visuals and improved power efficiency.
The display is now protected by Gorilla Armor 2, which is 29 percent tougher than its predecessor and can withstand drops from 2.2 meters onto rough surfaces. Beyond durability, Samsung has drastically reduced screen glare, thanks to a more advanced antireflective coating. With a peak brightness of 2600
nits, the display ensures exceptional visibility, even in bright sunlight.
■ CAMERA UPGRADES FOR CREATORS.
Galaxy S25 Ultra retains its quad-camera setup that featured a 200MP main sensor. It then bumped up its ultra-wide lens from 12MP to 50MP, and retains the 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 50MP periscope telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. These upgrades allow for sharper details, improved color accuracy, and more flexibility in capturing everything from expansive landscapes to long-range zoom shots.
One of the biggest enhancements for video creators is 10-bit HDR recording by default, offering four times the color depth of 8-bit video for more natural lighting and improved dynamic range. The introduction of Galaxy Log (LOG video recording) provides professionals with RAW-style video files, allowing precise color grading and post-production editing for a more cinematic look.
■ AI-POWERED PHOTOGRAPHY, EDITING.
Complementing the camera upgrades are more advanced AI photography and editing tools. Draw Assist can transform your rough sketches into refined illustrations. Unique to Samsung is Generative Edit which enables users to manipulate image elements seamlessly, and AI-powered background removal makes photo retouching easier than ever.
Users can now erase objects, enhance details, and upscale images with just a few taps. The AI even suggests improvements, such as reframing shots for better composition. For content creators, Audio Eraser is an advanced AI-powered sound editing tool that enhances video audio by isolating voices and removing unwanted background noise. Whether it’s wind, crowd chatter, or ambient disturbances, this feature intelligently detects and suppresses distractions while preserving clarity.
■ TWO AI ONE TAP: GEMINI AND BIXBY
TOGETHER. Samsung has merged Google’s Gemini AI and Bixby, offering a seamless, two-in-one AI experience. This is where the “compAInion” concept truly shines.
Gemini serves as the intelligent search assistant, handling natural language processing, real-time research, and contextual app awareness. With Circle to Search, users can instantly recognize phone numbers, emails, and even background music playing in videos, making information retrieval more effortless than ever. Gemini can also process complex queries, summarize documents, and execute smart tasks, such as extracting details from emails and adding them to Samsung Calendar with minimal user input. This level of integration allows for more fluid interactions across different apps, making the S25 Ultra a powerful tool for those who rely on their phones for research, communication and organization.
Bixby, on the other hand, remains deeply embedded within Samsung’s ecosystem, acting as the primary system-level AI assistant. It specializes in voice commands for device settings, app control and automation, allowing users to perform hands-free tasks effortlessly. With offline capabilities, Bixby can execute essential commands such as enabling dark mode, activating battery saver, or setting reminders without requiring an internet connection.
■ SNAPDRAGON 8 ELITE FOR GALAXY. At the heart of the S25 Ultra is the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, which brings a 40 percent boost in AI
improved power efficiency, and enhanced gaming performance. Samsung has also expanded ray-tracing capabilities, delivering more realistic shadows and lighting in supported mobile games.
The phone retains its 5,000mAh battery, but improved energy efficiency and a 40 percent larger vapor chamber help manage heat better, ensuring longer-lasting performance under heavy workloads.
■ NOW BRIEF & NOW BAR: AI-POWERED DAILY ASSISTANCE. Another result of this AI integration is the Now Brief and Now Bar, which act as AI-driven assistants, offering real-time updates, reminders and media controls, making it easier to manage daily activities without opening multiple apps. This deep integration with Galaxy AI makes the S25 Ultra feel more personalized and proactive, responding to user needs before they even ask.
Now Brief functions as a smart AI dashboard, offering users a curated feed of real-time updates throughout the day. It learns from usage patterns, calendar events, location, and recent activities to provide timely suggestions. In the morning, it might display the day’s weather, upcoming meetings and important reminders, while in the evening it could highlight fitness stats, news updates and bedtime routines. Over time, Now Brief adapts to user preferences, refining the type of information it presents. Now Bar, on the other hand, is a lock screenintegrated AI hub that provides quick access to ongoing activities. Instead of opening multiple apps, users can manage their music, podcasts, workouts and notifications directly from the lock screen. If a song is playing in the background, Now Bar can instantly identify it, similar to Circle to Search’s music recognition feature. ■
MICROSOFT said on Wednesday that its profit for the October-December quarter grew 10 percent as it works to capitalize on the huge amounts of money it has spent to advance its artificial intelligence technology. But while its overall profits and revenue beat Wall Street expectations, it slightly missed projections for its closelywatched cloud computing business, a centerpiece of its AI efforts. The company reported net income for the quarter of $24.1 billion, or $3.23 per share, beating Wall Street expectations of $3.11 per share. The Redmond, Washingtonbased software maker posted revenue of $69.6 billion in the quarter, up 12 percent from the previous year, also beating expectations. Analysts polled by FactSet Research expected Microsoft to generate revenue of $68.87 billion in the last three months of
by
which includes its Office suite of email and other workplace products, grew 14 percent to $29.4 billion. Its personal computing business, led by its Windows division, remained steady at $14.7 billion, with a drop in consumer device sales offset by growth in advertising revenue tied to the Bing search engine.
Sen. Gatchalian urges DepEd: Revert to mandated RH education
By Butch Fernandez
SEN. Sherwin Gatchalian is pushing for the return of reproductivehealth (RH) education as mandated by the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health (RPRH) Law.
This, as the lawmaker urged the Department of Education (DepEd) to remain faithful to its duty of providing RH education to adolescents while currently reviewing its policy on comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) implementation.
Gatchalian flagged what he described as inconsistencies between the RPRH Law of 2012 (Republic Act 10354) and DepEd Order 031 s. 2018, which sets the policy guidelines on the implementation of CSE.
According to the DepEd, the RPRH Law provides legal basis for the order. Section 14 of the law provides that age- and development-appropriate reproductive health education shall be given to adolescents (10 to 19 years old).
Among topics covered under RH education are values formation, sexual abuse and violence against women and children, as well as teen pregnancy, among others. The senator pointed out that under the DepEd order, CSE is integrated across all levels of basic education, which is “inconsistent with Section 14 of the RPRH Law.”
“It went beyond what the RH law calls for,” Gatchalian said.
“Let’s stay faithful to the intent ion of the law that RH education will only be taught to adolescents.”
Undersecretary for Legal and Legislative Affairs Filemon Ray Javier of DepEd admitted that the wording of DepEd Order 031 is confusing due to its broad phrasing. He clarified, though, that learners below 10 are given foundational knowledge in preparation for sex education proper.
Collective effort
LIKEWISE, Gatchalian sought the active involvement of parents and local government units to curb cases of teenage pregnancies and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections.
“We have to also focus on [involving the parents], not just by meeting them regularly, but by really mobilizing them,” Gatchalian said, as quoted in a news release on Sunday. “I really believe that mobilizing the parents is another way of curbing teenage pregnancies. When we mobilize the parents, we make them aware of these issues and empower them by educating them on how to talk to their kids.”
He also called for the full and effective implementation of RA
11908, or the “Parent Effectiveness Service [PES] Program” Act, which he authored and jointly sponsored.
In a recent hearing on the DepEd’s CSE implementation, Gatchalian believes that parents should take the lead in instilling responsible behavior among adolescents to protect them from the consequences of risky behaviors.
While pregnancies among adolescents aged 15 to 19 have been declining, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed an increase in pregnancies among very young adolescents aged 10 to 14. From 1,629 in 2013, pregnancies among very young adoles -
UST SIMBAHAYAN, CCPED tie-up with Dominican Order for climate change, human-rights initiatives
THE Dominicans for Justice and Peace and the Dominican Family for Justice, Peace, and Care for CreationPhilippines recently launched the handbook Climate Change and Human Rights Education for Youth in the Philippines at the Buenaventura Garcia Paredes OP Building of University of Santo Tomas-Manila. The event was held with the UST SIMBAHAYAN Community Development Office (SIMBAHAYAN) and the Center for Continuing Professional Education and Development, in partnership with the Misean Cara (Mission Support Ireland), Taiwan Foundation for Democracy, Colegio de San Juan de Letrán-Bataan, Diocese of Alaminos, Santo Domingo Convent in Manila, Dominican Sisters of the Most Holy Rosary of the Philippines, National Collegiate Athletic Association, Colegio de San Juan de Letran-Calamba, Siena College of Quezon City and Dr.
Belen L. Tangco OP. Coordinator of the Dominicans for Justice and Peace Program Laurence Blattmer emphasized the necessity of providing educators with sufficient resources and training: “Educators can inspire and empower students to become proactive global citizens by understanding the deeply intertwined nature of climate change and human rights.”
In his welcome remarks, the General Promoter of Justice and Peace and Permanent Delegate to the United Nations Rev. Fr. Aniedi Okure OP emphasized the importance of humanity’s future and the instigation of awareness, as well as the call for immediate action against climate change and its impact on human rights. He also highlighted caring for the environment and being stewards of God’s creation.
“We who are alive now, we do not inherit land from our ancestors,
but borrow it from the future; if you are given land, you are obliged to take care of it,” Fr. Okure said.
The launch featured insights from human-rights advocates, climate-change activists, policymakers and academics who all emphasized the role of educators as change agents in creating awareness on social issues such as climate change and human rights in the classroom.
Attendees were also engaged in a four-day workshop at the Colegio de San Juan de Letran in Bataan from July 16 to July 19. The workshop was the discussion venue for the integration of human rights and climate change into the “Matatag” curriculum.
With the assistance of the SIMBAHAYAN Community Development Office as represented by its assistant director Asst. Prof. Christian Rey D. Rimando MSPT and the Initiatives for Dialogue and Empowerment through Alternative Legal Services or IDEALS coordinator Genalyn G. Aquino-Arcayera PhD, the trainees immersed themselves during the four-day workshop as they took a deep dive into the nuances and needs that must be met in adherence to the conditions set by “Matatag” and the published handbook.
According to UST, initiatives such as this event are vital now more than ever as the world struggles with the combined issues of climate change and human rights. The Dominicans for Justice and Peace, the university said, is enabling educators to strengthen the next generation of leaders who are prepared to take on the challenges head-on by fostering knowledge and innovation.
cents more than doubled to 3,342 in 2023.
Gatchalian also cited alarming data from the Department of Health showing the average number of newly reported HIV cases per month rising to 1,470 in the first half of 2023. Among the total reported cases of HIV, 34,415 (29 percent) were among the youth aged 15 to 24.
To operationalize the PES Program Act effectively, Gatchalian emphasized the importance of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-DepEd collaboration in engaging parentteacher associations (PTAs).
He suggested that the DSWD
coordinate with the PTAs to help distribute the modules developed under the PES program. The former is the lead agency in the implementation of PES.
Under RA 11908, the PES program is mandated to help all parents and parent-substitutes boost their knowledge and skills in fulfilling their parental duties and responsibilities. It also aims to protect and promote children’s rights, foster positive early childhood development, and advance their educational progress.
The law states that the PES program shall be implemented in every city and municipality. With a report from PNA
PLANS FOR S.H.S.
Sec. Juan Edgardo “Sonny Angara” was at the “Kapihan sa Manila Bay,” where he said the Education Department is looking at the possibility of reducing core subjects in the country’s senior high-school curriculum from the current 17 to just five or six. PNA/YANCY LIM
Manaaki N. Zealand Scholarships currently accepting applications
THE New Zealand government has announced that applications for the prestigious “Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships” have been opened starting February 1. Funded through New Zealand’s International Development Cooperation (IDC) Programme, the scholarships offer talented individuals the opportunity to pursue postgraduate degrees in New Zealand, commencing in early 2026.
The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship provides comprehensive support, including full tuition, living expenses, establishment allowance, medical and travel insurance, as well as round-trip airfare between travel the Philippines and the Oceanic country.
Since the 1950s, the Manaaki Scholarships have empowered young leaders to drive change across priority areas including climate change, renewable energy, disaster-risk management and good governance, according to the New Zealand Embassy. At its heart lies the Māori value of “ manaakitanga ”—a commitment to hosting, respecting and caring for people.
For the 2024 Cycle, 16 Filipinos were selected for the scholarship and will begin their studies in New Zea -
PHILIPPINE Business for Education (PBEd) said it is backing initiatives by education agencies in implementing transformative reforms in teacher education—a key driver in realizing better learning outcomes.
Exec. Director Justine Raagas of PBEd said teachers must spark an interest in learning among their students: “To do so effectively, they themselves must be constantly upskilled and reskilled as we future-proof our education system.”
The Second Congressional Commission on Education recently revealed a critical misalignment between teacher training programs and the actual needs of schools. While degree programs in secondary and elementary education remain top choices for college students, studies reveal that 62 percent of high-school teachers are teaching subjects outside of their college major, with a particularly high mismatch in the sciences.
As such, PBEd believes that the Teacher Education Council’s (TEC) new proposals for the pre-service teacher-education curriculum should be prioritized. It includes expanding experiential learning opportunities starting in the first year of college, emphasizing specializations to tackle the issue of teacher-subject mismatches, while strengthening early childhood education for Kindergarten up to Grade 3.
Focusing on these changes is crucial for ensuring that future educators are equipped with practical experience and aligned with the specific needs of the subjects they will teach.
For Raagas, teachers are the most important investment for a more adaptive education system: “We are looking forward to TEC’s national scholarship for teachers, which is patterned after PBEd’s ‘STEP UP’ model, in partnership with the Australian government, offering scholarships aimed at attracting the best and the brightest individuals into the teaching profession.”
The council assured that there will be transparency on the outcomes of teacher-education programs, the professional standards for teachers and school leaders, research, and international best practices.
land in 2025. The embassy said these “future changemakers” will tackle issues such as agriculture, peace, gender studies and much more.
During a media conference in Davao City last January 15, Amb. Dr. Catherine McIntosh expressed optimism about the future that awaits potential scholars: “Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships empower problem solvers, change-makers and highly capable individuals [in pursuing] their potential to become leaders in their communities and countries. Scholars will gain a world-class education, an authentic New Zealand experience and the tools to help the Philippines achieve the future it deserves.”
The online application portal is now open and will close at 12 p.m. (midday, New Zealand Time), Tuesday, February 28, 2025. The scholarships are open to eligible candidates from the public, private and civil-society sectors. Interested applicants are encouraged to explore the eligibility test and prepare their applications early. Successful candidates will begin their Masters or PhD studies in New Zealand in early 2026, joining a global network of leaders dedicated to driving positive change.
“Improving teacher education is not just about enhancing knowledge; it’s about empowering teachers to adapt to the everevolving needs of our students,” Executive Director Jennie Jocson of TEC said. “This is how crucial the work of the Teacher Education Council is, in our bid to improve teaching and learning quality in the country.”
At the forum, Sec. Juan Edgardo
“Sonny” Angara described education as a “long game” where teacher education plays a crucial role: “It is a series of investments that hopefully pays dividends down the road toward a more prosperous nation.”
PBEd stressed that, in addition to enhancing the teacher education curriculum, there should be more comprehensive data collection to better understand teachers’ actual needs.
The industry-led advocacy group also called for improvements to the licensing process to ensure that future educators are better informed and prepared.
“It is true that improvements in facilities, student training, and resources are crucial, but none of these will matter without skilled teachers at the core of our education system,” Raagas shared. “Education thrives when we have teachers who are empowered to teach, engage and inspire students.”
READY FOR SEX ED? Teacher Jon-Jon Encomieda integrates sex education into Science and Health lessons at Quezon City High School. He discussed the basic reproductive system with his Grade 7 students, even as a Senate bill on expanded sexuality education is being contested. PNA/ROBERT OSWALD P. ALFILER
UST SIMBAHAYAN director Asst. Prof. Froilan Alipao facilitates the handbook launching
Cone: Qatar friendlies aim to hone Gilas
THE men’s national team flies to Doha on February 13 for a series of friendlies before facing Chinese Taipei and New Zealand on the road in Window 3 of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.
The Philippines already qualified for the 2025 Asia Cup in Jeddah this August with a 4-0 win-loss record in Group B. Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone is looking at the three tune-up games in Doha—host of the 20th FIBA Basketball World Cup in 2027—and the away games against the Taiwanese on February 20 and the Tall Blacks on February 23 as overall preparation for the Asia Cup.
The basic thing is, we’re using this Doha trip as a chance to prepare, not for this immediate window because we have already qualified, but as a preparation for the FIBA Asia in August,” Cone said.
We’re not 100 percent sure of how many preparation days we’ll have in August, so this Doha trip will be a chance to integrate the previously injured guys, AJ Edu and Jamie Malonzo, and play games with them, as well as learn to adjust to playing without our key guy, Kai Sotto,” he added.
Cone said the Qatar games got the green light only because of one reason.
To be honest, if we were not already qualified, we would not be going to Doha. We would instead take that time to really focus on beating Chinese Taipei and NZ,” he said. “We understand the travel will be tough going from Doha to Taipei to New Zealand in a matter of days, but the tougher the better as we prepare.”
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), meanwhile, announces that its partnership with their former official outfitter concluded last year and that the federation will be working with a new partner.
The Philippines, ranked 34th in the world by FIBA, takes on No. 92 Qatar on February 15 at 1:30 a.m., No. 29 Lebanon on February 15 at 11 p.m. and No. 38 Egypt on February 17 at 1:30 a.m. (all in Manila time).
Officially out of the lineup for the rest of the year is 7-foot-3 center Kai Sotto, who had a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee surgically repaired recently with recent Barangay Ginebra San Miguel addition Troy Rosario taking his place in the roster.
He’ll be out for maybe a year. But, he’s young, 22,” Cone said. “If you’re going to have it, now’s the time. At that age, he can easily recover from that. The medical profession is really amazing these days in what they can do.”
A lso missing the Qatar games is Gilas mainstay Japeth Aguilar. De La Salle standout Mason Amos is likely to be tapped in lieu of the Barangay Ginebra star. Gilas Pilipinas Program Director and Team Manager Alfrancis Chua sees the Qatar games as an opportunity to train further for the Qualifiers and start making the adjustments knowing Sotto won’t be around come Asia Cup. Part of the training for Chinese Taipei and New Zealand, especially now that Kai won’t be able to play,” said Chua, the Ginebra Governor in the Philippine Basketball Association and San Miguel Corp. Sports Director.
Editor: Jun Lomibao
Trump rocks IOC presidential race
GENEVA—Whether to allow transgender athletes to compete in women’s sports already was a key debate among Olympic leaders before US President Donald Trump signed an executive order that puts pressure on them before the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles.
I n a speech before signing the document on Wednesday, Trump said he wants the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to change everything “having to do with this absolutely ridiculous subject.”
O utgoing IOC President Thomas Bach, who had a tense meeting with Trump during his first term in the White House, has avoided taking a strong stance on the subject, but many of the seven candidates running to replace him this year have.
Sebastian Coe, who heads World Athletics, the global body governing track and field, appeared to support Trump’s position on his X account. Preserving the integrity of competition in the female category is a fundamental principle of the sport of athletics and as we know everything starts in schools,” said
Currently, the IOC just advises sports governing bodies that make the final decisions on eligibility. The IOC has allowed transgender athletes to participate at the Olympics since 2004, but it wasn’t until 2021 that the first openly transgender athletes competed.
Th ree top Olympic sports—track and field, swimming and cycling—now bar athletes who went through male puberty from competing in women’s international events.
T he IOC election to replace Bach, whose 12-year limit is reached and leaves in June, is on March 20 at a meeting in Greece. Some of the candidates have made it clear where they stand on transgender participation.
“At World Athletics we have developed clear, consulted policies on female eligibility,” Coe wrote in his manifesto aimed at IOC voters. “I will advocate for clear, sciencebased policies that safeguard the female category.”
A nother leading contender to replace Bach, Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr., has also urged the IOC to set clear
sport by adopting a policy to maintain unambiguous distinctions between men’s and women’s categories,” Samaranch wrote in December.
I n his election manifesto, the head of the ski federation, Johan Eliasch, said he wants the IOC to set the rules “guided by biological fact, not cultural trends.”
Regardless of current testosterone levels, exposure to puberty creates sex differences in height, weight and so on which can provide a sporting advantage,” said Eliasch, urging “science-informed frameworks” over ideology.
JEROME DELARIARTE, a former national champion and multipro events winner, will come out of retirement to play for Manila Southwoods as the Carmona-based squad seeks another successful defense of the Philippine Airlines (PAL) Interclub Men’s Regular Championship division crown in Bacolod City in less than two weeks. Now 46 years old and more than a decade removed from competitive play, Delariarte has reverted back to amateur and will make the 76th edition of the country’s unofficial team golf championship as his comeback as he takes his experience to lead a talentstacked Southwoods lineup. “ I need him there to provide stability to the team, and of course, contribute,” non-playing Southwoods men’s skipper Thirdy Escano said. D elariarte has been with Southwoods for more than six years now, starting off as the golf director before slowly transitioning into the exclusive club’s assistant general manager, a position that somehow
affords him to practice and play to get back his old form.
A many-time member of the national team, Delariarte, whose amateur career highlight was a Philippine Amateur triumph and winning The Country Club Invitational his biggest pro win, played a lot of years as a member of the rocksolid Southwoods team together with Angelo Que and Artemio Murakami more than two decades aago.
His inclusion into the team has already been approved by the board [of directors of SW],” Escano said with a chuckle. “He will leave the club for several days under the care of the other officials.”
Seniors’ action gets the tournament going on Monday with Del Monte shooting for a rare repeat.
Luisita and Canlubang, which own the most storied rivalry in the history of the Interclub, are again listed as the favorites in the 55-and-above division and it will be interesting to see how Del Monte, which won in runaway style last year in Cagayan de Oro and Bukidnon, handles play away from home.
e International Cycling Union followed the transgender policy
of aquatics and athletics in July 2023, though its president David Lappartient was more cautious in his Olympic manifesto. He suggested the IOC should guide Olympic sports bodies with common principles while “we need to accept that the response may vary from one sport to the next.”
The only woman among the seven IOC candidates, two-time swimming Olympic gold medalist Kirsty Coventry, did not directly address the gender issue in her manifesto, writing instead of “strengthening women’s sports by protecting female athletes.”
B ut in an interview with the BBC two weeks ago, she said it’s the IOC’s duty to ensure equal
By Josef Ramos
HARBIN, China—The mixed doubles curling tandem of Marc Pfister and Kathleen Dubberstein target a bronze medal as Peter Joseph Groseclose advanced in all his events in short track of speed skating on Friday ahead of the opening ceremony of the Ninth Asian Winter Games.
The unranked tandem of FilipinoSwiss Pfister and Filipino-American Dubberstein lost to Japan’s Tori Koana and Aoki Go, 3-10, in the semifinal round and will battle for the bronze on Saturday against No. 15 China at the Harbin Pingfang Curling Arena.
World’s No. 9 Japan meets No. 13 South Korea in the final.
Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino expressed his gratitude to Pfister and Dubberstein for giving their best from the start of the event where they upset South Korea, 12-6, on Tuesday.
A fter their respective events, Groseclose and Dubberstein joined the parade of athletes as the Philippines’ flag bearer during the opening ceremony attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Harbin International Convention Exhibition and Sports Center.
Groseclose placed second in one minute and 29.636 seconds—a millisecond to Adil Galiakhmetov of Kazakhstan who took the top spot of 1000m in heat 8 at the Heilongjiang Ice events Training Centre Multifunction Hall.
Chinese-Taipei’s Chia-Wei Tsai joined them in the 20-man field quarterfinal with 1:30.600 starting Sunday.
The semifinal and final of 1000m are also set on Sunday while the men’s 500m and 1,500m semifinal and final are set on Saturday.
Groseclose also trailed three milliseconds away to South Korean Sungwoo Jang with 42.562 time against Jang’s 42.258 seconds in the men’s 500m heat 1, but both made it as well to Saturday’s quarterfinal along with 18 other short track speed skaters.
opportunity and fairness.
I don’t believe we can do that based off of the medical and science research that I’ve seen if we add or allow for transgender women to compete in the female category right now,” she said. “It is very clear that transgender women are more able in the female category, and can take away opportunities that should be equal for women.”
Q uestioned last week at an IOC-hosted event for candidates, Coventry—the sports minister of Zimbabwe—said: “Along the road we are going to learn lessons, and we are going to get stronger and we are going to
He placed fourth in the men’s 1,500 meters quarterfinal with two minutes, and 19.318 seconds but still made it to the semifinal on Saturday as the third fastest time in quarterfinal. I have been paying close attention to Peter’s reaction to the ice and how he feels skating in this kind of environment,” Groseclose American trainer JohnHenry Krueger, the 2018 Winter Olympics silver medalist, said. While winning medals is always the ultimate goal, we are also focused on Peter gaining valuable racing experience and knowledge in the Senior field. This experience is invaluable and will serve as an important building block for his development next year as he prepares for the Olympics.”
O ver at the Alpine Skiing Slalom Stadium in Yabuli, Heilongjiang province just 229.5 kilometers away to Harbin, Utah’s 16-year-old FilipinoAmerican Proulx Tallulah is set to compete against 44 alpine skiers in women’s slalom run 1 starting 10am on Saturday and hopes to barge in the 12-noon medal round.
The Philippines beat earlier ChineseTaipei, 7-2, in the mixed doubles qualification before losing to Japan in the semifinal. South Korea whipped China, 8-4, in the other semifinal match.
as a PCA Hall of Famer.
These are real life heroes who deserve the spotlight,” Cayetano said during Wednesday’s plenary session. “Shining examples for the next generation of athletes from humble beginnings and continue to stay humble despite their exceptional achievements.”
Again, I congratulate Johnny Arcilla and Marian Capadocia for their well-deserved recognition as PCA Hall of Famers and for their contributions to the Philippine tennis and Philippine sports,” she added. The Senate adopted both resolutions.
CAYETANO
Editor: Angel R. Calso
Egypt warns Trump’s Gaza relocation plan poses risk to peace treaty with Israel, threatens regional stability
CBy Samy Magdy
The Associated Press
AIRO—Israel says it has begun preparations for the departure of Palestinians from Gaza despite international rejection of President Donald Trump’s plan to empty the territory of its population. Egypt has launched a diplomatic blitz behind the scenes against the proposal, warning it would put its peace deal with Israel at risk, officials said.
Trump administration officials have tried to dial back aspects of the proposal after it was widely rejected internationally, saying the relocation of Palestinians would be temporary. But officials have provided few details.
In a social media post Thursday, Trump said that the Palestinians would be “resettled in far safer and more beautiful communities, with new and modern homes,” after which Israel would turn Gaza over to the United States. No US soldiers would be needed for his plan to redevelop it, he said. Hours later, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio insisted again that the relocations would be temporary, with Palestinians living “somewhere else in the interim,” while Gaza is cleaned up and rebuilt.
Palestinians have vehemently rejected Trump’s proposal, fearing that Israel would never allow refugees to return. Egypt has warned that an expulsion of Palestinians would destabilize the region and undermine its peace treaty with Israel, a cornerstone of stability and American influence for decades.
Saudi Arabia, another key US ally, has also rejected any mass transfer of Palestinians and says it will not normalize relations with Israel—a key goal of the Trump administration—without the creation of a Palestinian state that includes Gaza.
Trump and Israeli officials have depicted the proposed relocation from war-ravaged Gaza as voluntary, but the Palestinians have universally expressed their determination to remain in their homeland.
Trump and Israeli officials have not said how they would respond if Palestinians refuse to
leave. But Human Rights Watch and other groups say the plan, if implemented, would amount to “ethnic cleansing,” the forcible relocation of the civilian population of an ethnic group from a geographic area.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Thursday that he has ordered the military to make preparations to facilitate the emigration of large numbers of Palestinians from Gaza through land crossings as well as “special arrangements for exit by sea and air.”
There were no immediate signs of such preparations on the ground.
Egypt wages a behind-thescenes campaign
EGYPTIAN President AbdelFattah el-Sissi has not publicly responded to Trump’s stunning proposal that most of Gaza’s population of 2.3 million Palestinians be relocated and the United States take charge of rebuilding the territory. Israel’s 15-month campaign against the militant Hamas group had reduced large parts of Gaza to rubble before a fragile ceasefire took hold last month.
But in a statement Thursday, the Egyptian government rejected efforts to move Palestinians from Gaza as a “blatant violation” of international law that could undercut ceasefire talks and threaten Middle East relations.
“This behavior provokes the return of hostilities and poses
risks on the entire region and the foundations of peace,” the statement said.
Egyptian officials, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss closed-door talks, said Cairo has made clear to the Trump administration and Israel that it will resist any such proposal, and that the peace deal with Israel—which has stood for nearly half a century— is at risk.
One official said the message has been delivered to the Pentagon, the State Department and members of the US Congress. A second official said it has also been conveyed to Israel and its Western European allies, including Britain, France and Germany.
A Western diplomat in Cairo, also speaking anonymously because the discussions have not been made public, confirmed receiving Egypt’s message of its strong opposition through multiple channels. The diplomat said Egypt was very serious and viewed the plan as a threat to its national security.
The diplomat said Egypt rejected similar proposals from the Biden administration and European countries early in the war, which was sparked by Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack into southern Israel. The earlier proposals were broached privately, while Trump announced his plan at a White House press conference alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Hamas, which still rules most of
South Africa president alludes to Trump’s threat in speech to the nation: ‘We will not be bullied’
CBy Gerald Imray The Associated Press
APE TOWN, South Afri -
ca—South African President Cyril Ramaphosa appeared to respond to threats from US counterpart Donald Trump by saying in his annual speech to the nation Thursday that his country would “not be bullied.”
The comment by Ramaphosa was seen as a reaction to Trump’s pledge to cut all funding to South Africa over a new land expropriation law—although Ramaphosa did not mention Trump by name.
“We are witnessing the rise of nationalism and protectionism, the pursuit of narrow interests and the decline of common cause,” Ramaphosa said at Parliament in Cape Town. “This is the world that we, as a developing economy, must now navigate.
“But we are not daunted. We will not be deterred. We are a resilient people. We will not be bullied. We will stand together as a united nation and we will speak with one voice in defense of our national interests, our sovereignty and our constitutional democracy.”
That part of the speech was met with applause and cheers by members of Parliament and others attending South Africa’s version of the State of the Union.
Ramaphosa and his government have spent much of the week defending their country’s reputation and its legal processes after Trump posted on Sunday on his Truth Social platform that he would stop all US funding to South Africa because it was “confiscating land, and treating certain classes of people VERY BADLY,” without saying who. Trump wrote that the country’s leader -
ship was engaged in a “massive Human Rights VIOLATION” that was being ignored by the media.
He said the South African government was “doing some terrible things, horrible things,” again without providing specifics.
Trump’s comments seemed to be in reference to a law South Africa passed last month that allows the government to expropriate land from private parties.
Ramaphosa and his government have defended it as being aimed at unused land or land that can be redistributed for the public good and said there are legal pro -
Gaza, has repeatedly condemned Trump’s proposal. On Thursday it said that any US takeover of Gaza would be considered an occupation, implying that the militant group would respond with armed resistance. The group has yet to draw any connection between its objections to Trump’s proposal and the ongoing ceasefire. It’s unclear if it will have any impact on the next release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, set for Saturday.
US officials scale back Trump’s proposal WHEN Trump unveiled his proposal, he said he wanted to “permanently” resettle most of Gaza’s population in other countries, allowing the US to rebuild it as a “Riviera of the Middle East” for all people.
Egyptian officials said their government does not believe the Palestinians need to be relocated for reconstruction to proceed and is committed to the creation of a Palestinian state in Gaza, the West Bank and east Jerusalem, territories Israel seized in the 1967 Mideast war.
Israel’s government is opposed to Palestinian statehood and has said it will maintain open-ended security control over both Gaza and the occupied West Bank. Israel annexed east Jerusalem in a move not recognized by most of the international community and considers the entire city its capital. Last week, Egypt hosted a meeting of top diplomats from Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates— which was the driving force behind the 2020 Abraham Accords Trump brokered with Israel. All five Arab nations rejected the transfer of Palestinians out of Gaza or the West Bank.
In an editorial on Thursday, Egypt’s main state-run daily, AlAhram, warned that “the Arab countries’ independence, their peoples’ unity and their territorial integrity are under grave threat.”
The Associated Press writer Natalie Melzer in Nahariya, Israel, and Adriana Gomez Licon in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, contributed to this report.
tections to stop any land being taken arbitrarily. They said no land has been confiscated.
Ramaphosa’s spokesperson said the claims by Trump, and related criticism of South Africa by his adviser Elon Musk—who was born in the country—were “misinformation.” Musk, who left South Africa in the late 1980s, has long criticized its current government as being anti-white and has claimed that the law is designed to take land away from the white minority.
Trump’s claims about South Africa—some of them inaccurate—came soon after he ordered a 90-day freeze on most global aid, threatening hundreds of millions of dollars the US gives South Africa for its HIV/AIDS program, the largest in the world.
Ramaphosa said in his speech that the freeze on aid was concerning, and South Africa was looking at ways to keep its essential HIV/ AIDS services running. His 90-minute speech was largely about domestic issues, though, and he announced his government would spend $50 billion over the next three years to improve South Africa’s infrastructure, building roads, bridges and dams, and modernizing seaports and airports.
THE destruction caused by the Israeli air and ground offensive is seen from a destroyed building in Jabaliya, Gaza Strip, Thursday, February 6, 2025. AP/ABDEL KAREEM HANA
The World Federal judge blocks Trump’s plan to push out workers with incentives
By Chris Megerian, Collin Binkley & Byron Tau The Associated Press
WASHINGTON—A fed -
eral judge on Thursday temporarily blocked
President Donald Trump’s plan to push out federal workers by offering them financial incentives, the latest tumult for government employees already wrestling with upheaval from the new administration.
The ruling came hours before the midnight deadline to apply for the deferred resignation program, which was orchestrated by Trump adviser Elon Musk.
Labor unions said the plan was illegal, and US District Judge George O’Toole Jr. in Boston paused its implementation until after he could hear arguments from both sides at a court hearing scheduled for Monday afternoon. He directed the administration to extend the deadline until then.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said 40,000 workers have already signed up to leave their jobs while being paid until Sept. 30. She described federal employees who have been working remotely as lazy, saying “they don’t want to come into the office” and “if they want to rip the American people off, then they’re welcome to take this buyout.”
A federal worker in Colorado,
who like others spoke on condition of anonymity out of fear of retribution, said the insults directed at the government workforce by members of the Trump administration have been demoralizing for those who provide public services.
She said the judge’s decision bolstered suspicions, echoed by people who work across various departments and agencies, that the deferred resignation program was legally questionable.
Another worker in the Pacific Northwest decided to take the offer on Thursday, even after the judge’s decision. She hopes to use the opportunity to move overseas. But even if the money never comes, she still wants out. She’s unwilling to comply with administration policies such as eliminating diversity initiatives, and she worries that
the situation will only get worse for people who stay.
The worker said she opened her laptop, sent her resignation e-mail, and closed it again.
Democrats and unions warn that workers could be stiffed
THE administration has been ramping up its pressure on employees to leave, sending a reminder on Wednesday that layoffs or furloughs could come next.
“The majority of federal agencies are likely to be downsized through restructurings, realignments, and reductions in force,” said the message from the Office of Personnel Management, which has been a nexus of Musk’s efforts to downsize the government.
The email said anyone who remains will be expected to be “loyal” and “will be subject to enhanced standards of suitability and conduct as we move forward.” Some employees could be reclassified to limit civil service protections as well.
“Employees who engage in unlawful behavior or other misconduct will be prioritized for appropriate investigation and discipline, including termination,” the e-mail said.
Democrats and union leaders have said workers shouldn’t accept the deferred resignation program because it wasn’t authorized by Congress, raising the risk they won’t get paid.
“It’s a scam and not a buyout,” said Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees.
An employee at the Department of Education, who also spoke on condition of anonymity out of fear of retaliation, said the administration appeared desperate to get people to sign the agreement. However, she said there were too many red flags, such as a clause waiving the right to sue if the government failed to honor its side of the deal.
The deal is ‘exactly what it looks like,’ says Trump official TRUMP put Musk, the world’s richest man, in charge of the so-called Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, which is a sweeping initiative to reduce the size and scope of the federal government. The original e-mail offering the deferred resignation program was titled “Fork in the road,” echoing a similar message that Musk sent Twitter employ -
ees two years ago after he bought the social media platform.
Trump administration officials organized question-and-answer sessions with employees as the Thursday deadline approached.
“I know there’s been a lot of questions out there about whether it’s real and whether it’s a trick,” said Rachel Oglesby, the chief of staff at the Department of Education. “And it’s exactly what it looks like. It’s one of the many tools that he’s using to try to achieve the campaign promise to bring reform to the civil service and changes to D.C.”
The Associated Press obtained a recording of the meeting, as well as a separate one held for Department of Agriculture employees.
Marlon Taubenheim, a human resources official with the Agriculture Department, acknowledged that “these are very trying times” and “there’s a lot of stress.”
“Unfortunately, we don’t have all the answers,” he said.
Jacqueline Ponti-Lazaruk, another agency leader, said employees “probably didn’t have the runway of time that you might have liked to make a life-changing decision.”
For those who remain, she said, “we’ll just keep plugging along.” Assurances from administration officials have not alleviated concerns. Some federal workers said they did not trust the validity of the offers, doubting that Trump has the authority to disburse money. Others point to his record of stiffing contractors as a New York real estate mogul.
Musk’s plans spark demonstrations in Washington SCATTERED protests have sprung up outside federal buildings, including on Tuesday at the Office of Personnel Management. Dante O’Hara, who works for the government, said if more people don’t speak up, “we’re all going to lose our jobs and they’re going to put all these loyalists or people that will be their shock troops.” Government jobs have often been considered secure positions, but O’Hara said there’s fear in the workforce. The sense from his colleagues is “I don’t know if I’m going to be here tomorrow because, like, we don’t know what’s going to happen.’”
Dan Smith, a Maryland resident whose father was a research scientist at the Department of Agriculture, said federal workers are “so underappreciated and so taken for granted.”
“It’s one thing to downsize the government. It’s one thing to try to obliterate it,” Smith said. “And that’s what’s going on.”
Mary-Jean Burke, a physical therapist for the Department of Veterans Affairs in Indianapolis, said she’s worried that too many people will leave, jeopardizing health care services.
The Associated Press writers Martha Bellisle, Nancy Benac, Nathan Ellgren, Gary Fields, Joshua Goodman, Will Weissert and Brian Witte contributed reporting.
PEOPLE protest during a rally against
Elon Musk outside the US Department of Labor in Washington, Wednesday, February 5, 2025. AP/JOSE LUIS MAGANA
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Tourism& Entertainment
Tourism Editor: Edwin P. Sallan
JOHOR BAHRU REINVENTED
Progressive Malaysian city now a tourist-friendly destination
By Benjamin Locsin Layug
JOHOR BAHRU once had a reputation as a seedy town that shivered in the shadow of Singapore, its most famous neighbor just across the Johor Strait. It seemed that way when I first visited the place way back in 1994, making a short day-long visit there, crossing from Singapore (one of two border gateways between Malaysia and Singapore).
A little over thirty years later, I have returned, this time to attend the recently concluded ASEAN Travel Forum 2025 at the Persada Johor International Convention Centre. Oh how the city has changed. Colloquially referred to as JB, the city is the capital of the Malaysian state of Johor and is now the financial and logistics center of southern Peninsular Malaysia and, in terms of economic competitiveness and ease of business registration, is the second bestperforming city in the nation behind the capital, Kuala Lumpur.
T his time, to get there I flew, via Malaysian Airlines, from Manila to Kuala Lumpur and, after a long layover, boarded a connecting flight to Johor Bahru’s Senai International Airport. My home for my five-day/four-night stay in the city was in one of the fully furnished, sleek, and stylish contemporary apartments of Fraser Place.
The 23,003 square meter convention center was a sight to behold. Situated in the very heart of the Old Town, the site on which it stands was the former Johor Military Force (JMF) camp, and it was also the site of early remnants of Johor Bahru city. Its architecture, acknowledging Johor’s rich cultural heritage, features an exterior embellished with “Khat” Islamic writings. Its unique roof is shaped after the Johor Sultanate state ruler’s official hat, a symbol of creativity, practicality and nobility.
During a lull in the convention proceedings, we also visited the Old Town. Bordering it is a canal that follows one of the main roads, along which is an old theater, Gurdwara Sahib Sikh Temple, some restored shophouses, and the Jim Landmark (representing the State of Johor which honors the mastery of Jawi writing). It has been landscaped into a little walkway. We dropped by the iconic
Arulmigu Rajamariamman Devasthanam Temple where we were welcomed by a magnificent 75-foot high (the highest in Johor), five-tiered rajagopuram. Built in 1911 by Mr. Kootha PerumalVandayar, it has 125 figurines, 26 mural paintings and five gold-plated kalasams at the top. Within the temple complex is the Indian Heritage Center which has interesting exhibits about Indian migrants who settled in Johor Bahru.
On our third day, members of the media was hosted a tour of two places associated with Sultan Ibrahim ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar, the fifth Sultan of Johor and the current King of Malaysia. The first place we visited was the beautiful Istana Besar (Grand Palace), the royal palace built in 1866 by Sultan Abu Bakar. Its superbly landscaped and maintained, 53-hectare park has a spectacular view of the Johor Strait and its most distinguishing feature is its stunning Victorian-style and Malay architecture characterized by a Malaystyle dome which contrasts with its Victorian-style blue roof.
Though currently used only for investitures, state banquets, and royal functions, we did get to explore the Royal Abu Bakar Museum, renovated to become a living museum for the public to view the royal family’s collection in 1982, officially opened on May 11, 1990 and closed to the public from January 2012. It houses a record of the history of the state’s royal family via a gallery of pictures of previous and present rulers of Johor plus a collection of royal heirlooms and artifacts, in different rooms, such as orders, decorations and medals; silverware and crystal ware; gold and silver jewelry; vases; and traditional Malay weapons. There’s also a hunting exhibit (with elephant tusks hanging on the walls) and a numismatic collection. Some interesting items of
THE Philippines is poised to reap significant sports tourism benefits as it hosts the 2025 Men’s Volleyball World Championship (MVWC) f or the first time. Sports executives are viewing the event as a prime opportunity to stimulate the local economy, m uch like other global events that attract massive international crowds, s uch as Taylor Swift’s concerts. I n a recent interview, Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) President R amon Suzara told BusinessMirror that the Philippines’ role as the host country for the MVWC will not only showcase world-class volleyball but also attract international tourists.
The tournament will kick off with the Philippines facing Tunisia on September 12, followed by a “spectacular opening ceremony,” with plans to b ring in a K-pop group to perform.
T he Philippines’ debut as the host will coincide with increased tourism, as countries like Japan, known for having the largest volleyball fan base, along with the USA, Poland, Italy, and countries in Africa, are now offering tour packages for the event. Korea is also expected to participate, further contributing to the event’s global appeal. These are family fans. We’re targeting a broader audience because v olleyball is a sport that appeals to all ages,” Suzara said. T he Philippines was originally considered as a co-host for the MVWC
alongside Japan and Indonesia, Suzara said. However, with Indonesia backing out due to its presidential elections and Japan struggling to secure a suitable venue, the Philippines stepped up, and in a big way, too.
T his opportunity arose largely because of the country’s successful hosting of the Volleyball Nations League ( VNL) over the past three years. The VNL, which features the world’s top men’s volleyball teams, was held at Araneta Coliseum in 2022 and at the Mall of Asia Arena in 2023 and 2024. We have developed our reputation as a volleyball country,” Suzara s aid, reflecting on the country’s growing prominence in the volleyball world. While the VNL initially f aced challenges with filling seats, the
crowds grew significantly, particularly when the men’s tournament was held at Araneta
Story by John Eiron R. Francisco Interview by Edwin P. Sallan
LOBBY of Royal Abu Bakar Museum
THE
PERSADA
City of Sto. Tomas, Batangas launches
By Josef T. Ramos
THE CITY OF STO. TOMAS in Batangas is fast turning out to be one of the country’s safe havens for motorcycle riders.
Th is week, the city launches Batangas Loop 2025, which will see the participation of more than 700 riders from different regions— not only in Luzon, but also from the Visayas and Mindanao.
Batangas Loop 2025 is part of the Philippine Loop (Loop PH), a tour-oriented project endorsed by the Department of Tourism (DOT) through the Philippine Motorcycle Tourism. It is designed to promote the Philippines as a major sports and adventure destination in the Asia Pacific Region.
A n all-year round and perpetual tour for Filipinos and foreign travel enthusiasts, the Loop PH encourages them to travel around the Philippines over a prescribed 5,000 km route and travel time. Participants must document their experiences by way of photographs or documentaries.
David Tuting of Loop PH said that the City of Sto. Tomas, Batangas is the host of this year’s Loop PH, noting that Loop PH had produced about 12 loops in the different provinces—with over 16,000 participants having a great impact on the Philippines’ tourism.
“ The biggest difference here is that we’re trying to showcase the motorcycle community of Batangas. The City of Sto. Tomas, Batangas and the entire province of Batangas is actually a rider-friendly province,” Tuting elaborated.
He added: “Almost every weekend, there are at the very least 12,000, 16,000 riders who go out of their motorcycles every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. What we’re trying to achieve here is we’re trying to showcase Batangas to those who are coming from Visayas and those who are coming from Mindanao. More than 50% of our participants for this event are all coming from Visayas and Mindanao. That alone already produces a lot of tourism value and will actually give tourism impact to the entire province, not just the City of Sto. Tomas.”
PROMOTING HISTORY, CULTURE, LOCAL PRODUCTS
City of Sto. Tomas, Batangas Mayor Arth Jhun A. Marasigan, popularly referred to as “AJAM”, welcomed all motorcycling enthusiasts all over the country to Batangas Loop 2025.
“ The Tourism Promotion
Board under the Department of Tourism has partnered with Loop PH together with MotorClyde and the City of Sto. Tomas as the host for the city’s first-ever loop. Negros hosted the last loop last year and for the first loop for this year, it will be here in the City of Sto. Tomas, Batangas,” Mayor AJAM said. Batangas Loop 2025 is not a race. It is a tourism loop. On board their motorbikes, riders are given a maximum of two days to finish their route. Within that time limit, they have the freedom to explore the prime tourist attractions of Batangas, taste the province’s delightful offerings of Bulalo, Kapeng Barako, Lomi, and other native delicacies—even witness how the famous balisongs (fan knives) of Batangas are made.
Starting from Feb. 7 to 9, Mayor AJAM said the motorcycle event will promote tourism for Batangas, even as it fosters unity in safe and responsible riding in the country, as well as maintaining cleanliness among tourists and residents of the province.
We are enormously proud and honored to host the Batangas Loop. I believe it will promote the province’s history, culture, and local products” Mayor AJAM said, stressing that it will also serve as an opportunity to generate public appreciation for the City of Sto. Tomas.
Encouraging the participation of motorcycle enthusiasts in tourism promotion is not new for the City of Sto. Tomas. AJAM said that last year the city sponsored the Second National Motorcycle Riding Skills Competition.
The City, according to the mayor, has hosted various motorcycling and riding events after being inspired by the program of the Department of Tourism through the Philippine Motorcycle Tourism and they are now eyeing more riding events in the future.
“ We hosted the second National Riding Skills Competition. And hopefully, the third one stays here in the City of Sto. Tomas. So, this is not solely the project of the City of Sto. Tomas, but of course, it is originally from the Department of Tourism,” he said.
Mayor AJAM cited famous tourist spots like National Shrine of St. Padre Pio, Malvar Park, Miguel Malvar Shrine, Taal Town Plaza,
MotorClyde trainers demonstrate the proper way of safe riding. BERNARD TESTA
BATANGAS LOOP 2025. Mayor Arth Jhun Aguilar Marasigan with bike riders at the Malvar Shrine of the rider-friendly City
Mayor Arth Jhun A. Marasigan, along with moto-vloggers, lead the rideout to J.P. Laurel Monument, City of Sto. Tomas,
The official route map of Batangas Loop Day 1. PHOTO BY LOOP PH OFFICIAL FACEBOOK PAGE.
The official route map of Batangas Loop Day 2. PHOTO BY LOOP PH OFFICIAL FACEBOOK PAGE.
Mayor Arth Jhun A. Marasigan participates as a rider on the kick off of Batangas Loop 2025 .
Mayor Arth Jhun A. Marasigan and Vice Mayor Catherine Jaurigue-Perez ushers in the public on the first-look inside the Riders Assistance Center.
launches Batangas Loop 2025
and Anilao, as among the many “mustvisit” places in Batangas Loop 2025. The routes include the NDN Grand Hotel, the Malvar Shrine to Bañadero Walk, Fantasy World View Deck, Taal Town Plaza, Café Santiago, Calatagan Town Plaza, and Anilao Port.
“ We are so proud that the City of Sto. Tomas will be the host to Batangas Loop 2025. We have so many tourism sites here,” the mayor said.
GETTING TO KNOW BETTER
Joining Mayor AJAM at the launch of Batangas Loop 2025 were: coach Clyde Solano of MotorClyde Training Center; Marites Castro, Regional Director, Department of Tourism Region 4A; City of Sto. Tomas Vice Mayor Catherine Jaurigue-Perez; city councilors; and department heads. Coach Tanie Ortigueras Jr., Head Trainer of MotorClydeCenter and Operations Director of MotorClyde, together with David Tuting, Chief Operating Officer/Director/ Producer of Loop PH, were also present during the press launch. The whole program was, then, hosted by King Sengco.
A JAM reiterated that “Batangas Loop 2025 is not a competitive motorcycle race,” but a motorcycle event that puts focus on the province’s tourist spots at a closer, getting-to-know better level.
“Being a rider myself, I want the motorcycle riding community to have the chance to get to know better the province of Batangas, and the City of Sto. To -
mas, in particular,” he said.
Marites Castro, Regional Director of the Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 4A, expressed her gratitude to Mayor Marasigan and to the other involved personalities in the event, adding that the Batangas Loop 2025 will get people to have a chance to see the great cultural and historical heritage of Batangas.
At the same time, she said, it will boost the country’s economy in general, and the province of Batangas, in particular.
The Department of Tourism supports this program under our sports tourism. It gives emphasis to our tourism places,” Castro said. “The culture and historical places like Malvar Shrine are so elegant and beautiful. I believe other nearby LGUs (local government units) will also support this initiative because riders will also pass by their respective places.”
Castro further said that the event is part of DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco’s tourism theme: “Nobody will be left behind.”
She also commended Mayor Marasigan for “this great project,” telling everyone: “Love City of Sto. Tomas, love Batangas, and love the Philippines.”
SAFE RIDING
As a motorcycle rider, Mayor AJAM told the BusinessMirror that safety in riding is one of the most important values emphasized in Batangas Loop 2025. It doesn’t mean that you need to be
an expert in riding a motorcycle, he said. “ Together with MotorClyde, we always promote safety in riding. You do not need to be faster or be Superman. To all our friends in Loop PH, we want every rider to become a responsible motorcycle driver. No more kamote (untrained) riders. Let’s be safe and respectful as riders,” Marasigan said. Participants in the threeday event will observe the safety
provisions stated in Republic Act No. 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, including Presidential Decree No. 96, which forbids the unregulated use of motorcycle gadgets. We do not condone road racing. MotorClyde will be policing our participants if some participants are actually overspeeding. We’ve also discussed this with the City Tourism Office and the Provincial Tourism Office,” AJAM stressed.
The City of Batangas likewise coordinated the event with the Batangas province police—issuing a memorandum seeking assistance from all the local police, and from the municipalities and cities in Batangas during the Batangas Loop.
Marasigan added: “We have the assistance of the Highway Patrol Group who will join us in the ride to ensure also that we will be abide by all the laws on riding.”
To date, city officials said that
FIRST MOTORCYCLE RIDER STOPOVER
formal opening of the City of Sto. Tomas Riders Assistance Center. It is the country’s first infrastructure built to cater to the needs of motorcycle riders during a stopover. Our riders all over the Philippines who want to come here, can stopover here, have a drink, a free coffee, and access our free wifi. If you have a flat tire, you can also air it up [at the center],” Marasigan shared. City of Sto. Tomas Vice Mayor Catherine Jaurigue-Perez explained that the Riders Assistance Center will display some of the city’s local products which the riders can purchase upon stopping by. A side from promoting the goods, this will benefit the livelihood programs of the City of Sto. Tomas that supports women.
Starting on Friday (Feb.7), releasing of event’s kits will begin from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., including bike check in, safety riding training and safety riding clinic and raffle.
On Saturday (Feb. 8), there will be a riders’ briefing at 4 a.m. before taking off at 5am. Sunday (Feb. 9) will commence with the releasing of finisher kits at 4 p.m. onwards to the closing program and raffle. The event partners are Philippine Motorcycle Tourism, Q815 Clothing & Custom Prints, Wheeltek Nationwide (Official), Gille Helmet PH, Castro PHNTM,Maxxis Tires Philippines, CST Tires Philippines, Motostrada, CFMOTO Philippines, Sphinx Philippines, BOM Rangsit, Future Eyes Philippines and Active Events.
TESTA
Mayor AJAM, together with the City
Mayor Arth Jhun A. Marasigan and Vice Mayor Catherine Jaurigue-Perez pose for the successful launch of Riders Assistance Center.
