to cut the reserve requirement ratios (RRRs) for banks and non-financial institutions to allow the Philippine banking system to unlock more funds for lending and investments.
In a statement on Friday, the BSP said it will reduce the RRR for universal and commercial banks (UKBs), as well as non-bank financial institutions with quasi-banking (NBQBs) functions, by 200 basis points (bps) to 5 percent. Similarly, the RRR for digital banks will be trimmed by 150 bps to 2.5 percent while thrift banks will see a 100-bps cut, bringing their reserve requirement down to 0 percent.
THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported a P113.6-billion net income from January to November 2024, marking a nearly five-fold year-onyear increase.
Preliminary data from the BSP showed its net income climbed by 387 percent to P113.6 billion during the 11-month period from P23.3 billion in the same period in 2023.
n Revenue Growth: +42.86% (P278.3B from P194.8B)
n Interest Earnings: P221.2B (+22.48%)
n Miscellaneous Income: P57.1B (4x higher)
n Expenses Down: -10.5% (P203.1B from P227B)
n Forex Rate Gains: P38.6B (-30.45%)
MORE WOMEN HOLD DEGREES,
BUT MEN LAND MORE OF JOBS
By Justine Xyrah Garcia
MORE Filipino women are earning college degrees, but this has not translated to higher employment as men—despite lower educational attainment—continue to dominate the country’s workforce.
A recent study by the Congressional Policy and Budget Research Department (CPBRD) revealed that men still make up the majority of the country’s labor force at 60 percent, even as women with college degrees outnumber men across all age groups.
The CPBRD observed that the gap in educational attainment between men and women is widening over time.
Labor data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) highlighted this disparity, showing that men remain overrepresented in industries that do not require college degrees.
According to the CPBRD, men dominate the agricultural and industrial sectors, while women are more concentrated in serviceoriented roles.
Despite making up only 40 percent of the employed workforce, women occupy 55 percent of managerial, professional, and technical positions, as well as 61 percent of clerical, sales, and service roles.
This division revealed a clear gender-based labor market structure.
ing with end-December 2022 data, net trading losses are excluded and instead recorded as part of ‘other expenses,’” the BSP noted.
The Central Bank said the new ratios will take effect on the reserve week starting March 28, 2025. The move shall apply to the local currency deposits and deposit substitute liabilities of banks and NBQBs.
As such, BSP’s revenues amounted to P278.3 billion from January to November 2024, up by 42.86 percent, from the P194.8 billion recorded in the same period a year ago.
The Central Bank’s earnings from interests reached P221.2 billion during the 11-month period, higher by 22.48 percent from the P180.6 billion generated a year ago.
“The BSP reiterates its long-run goal of enabling banks to channel their funds more effectively toward productive loans and investments. Reducing RRRs will lessen frictions that hinder financial intermediation,” the Central Bank said.
Miscellaneous income expanded four-fold to P57.1 billion in January to November 2024 from the P14.2 billion posted in the same period of 2023.
This includes trading gains or losses, fees, penalties and other operating income. “However, start-
On the other hand, BSP’s expenses declined by 10.5 percent to P203.1 billion during the 11-month period from the P227 billion in expenditures during the same period in 2023. This was despite the slight increase in the BSP’s interest expenses to P154.3 billion in 2024 from P153.7 billion in 2023.
Other expenses, recorded as net trading losses starting in December 2022, decreased by 33.28 percent to P48.9 billion in 2024 from P73.3 billion in 2023.
BIR, BOC rake in ₧429.9B in combined Jan revenues
T
HE country’s two main taxcollecting agencies generated a combined revenue of P429.9 billion in January 2025, according to the Department of Finance (DOF).
In a social media post on Friday, the DOF said the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) achieved higher revenue collections in January 2025 compared to last year.
Preliminary figures showed the BIR raised P350.6 billion in January 2025. This is higher by 13.7 percent than what the agency collected in January 2024. Meanwhile, the BOC also generated higher customs duties in January 2025, amounting to P79.3 billion. This is an 8.1-percent improvement from its previous collection in January 2024. The combined revenue collection accounts for 10 percent of the P4.296-trillion projected revenues
G. Recto commended the BIR and BOC for their collections during the agencies’ command conference, he also urged them to complete and achieve the full implementation of their respective digitalization strategies immediately.
This year, the BIR will prioritize the implementation of the Electronic Invoicing/ Receipting and Sales Reporting System (EIS) and the full utilization of the Internal Revenue Integrated System (IRIS).
The Project 230x-Online Withholding Tax System, Electronic Filing (eFiling) & Payment (ePayment) System, as well as Taxpayer’s (TP) Portal, are part of the BIR’s digitalization priorities.
On the other hand, the BOC’s priorities focus on the full digitalization of customs processes, including the integration of multiple payment channels into the e-Pay Portal System, the rollout of a new
As the CPBRD pointed out, “Females are overrepresented in job categories that typically require higher levels of educational attainment, while males are overrepresented in job categories that do not require higher levels of educational attainment.”
Meanwhile, in terms of wages, the study found that the daily basic pay for degree holders of both genders is comparable, ranging from P509.60 to P732.90 depending on age and gender.
PSA data from 2023 showed that millennial men (aged 27 to 42) earned the highest wages at P732.90, while boomer women (aged 59 and up) earned the lowest at P509.60.
For non-degree holders, the wage gap is wider, with a P100 disparity in generation X (aged 43 to 58).
“The observed differences in wage rates are largely attributable to the physical demands of many jobs in this category and physiological differences between men and women,” CPBRD explained.
MICHAEL EDWARDS DREAMSTIME.COM
THE
Brazil needs $6T for net zero by 2050, calls for renewable, transport investments
By Olivia Rudgard Bloomberg
BRAZIL , which already boasts one of the cleanest power sectors in the Group of 20, will need to invest $6 trillion from now until 2050 to speed up decarbonization across its entire economy.
This is the latest assessment from BloombergNEF, which finds that Brazil’s energy-related emissions must fall 14% by 2030, compared with 2023 levels, and drop 70% a decade later to be on a path to net zero.
In its New Energy Outlook report, BNEF says Brazil will need to put more money into abatement technologies like carbon capture and storage, but its biggest decarbonization challenge will be electrifying transportation, which currently represents more than half of the country’s energy sector emissions.
The analysis comes as Brazil prepares to host the annual United Nations climate conference, known as COP30, later this year. Countries at the summit will be asked to demonstrate their continued commitment to the landmark Paris Agreement, which pledges to keep global warming to well below 2°C, and ideally 1.5°C, relative to pre-industrial levels.
To meet its climate ambitions, Brazil will need to show it’s tack-
ling deforestation and agriculture emissions, along with addressing energy transition issues, according to BNEF. Still, the analysis of Brazil’s power, transportation, industry and buildings sectors does not see a scenario where the country aligns with 1.5°C. At best, Brazil will be consistent with 1.75°C of warming by 2100 if it fully decarbonizes its economy by midcentury, the report said. This rises to 2.6°C in a base case scenario, assuming there’s no extra policy support for the transition, and economic development is based on the cheapest technology available. Here are the main takeaways from the report.
Solar and wind are the future BRAZIL has been a pioneer in hydroelectric power, installing more than 100 gigawatts of capacity since the 1960s. But that is unlikely to continue. Its mega dams have been beset by issues including environmental damage and downtime when river levels are low. Now
it’s the turn of wind and solar to pick up the mantle. Both are expected to rise significantly under a net-zero or base case scenario.
Around 90% of Brazil’s electricity generation in 2024 came from renewables. That sector is set to grow, largely because it’s cheap to expand wind and solar. Both are expected to overtake the supply from hydroelectricity by 2050.
“Brazil builds a lot of solar and builds a lot of wind, not only because it’s concerned with net zero, but because it’s cheaper than building gas,” said Vinicius Nunes, a BNEF research associate and the report’s author. “Gas is not cheap in Brazil, oil is not cheap in Brazil, but solar and wind are the cheapest source of electricity. So even if you’re not aiming to net zero, economically-wise it makes sense to build renewables.”
Energy is half the battle
WHILE Brazil’s power sector is almost entirely decarbonized, fossil fuels are still widely used in other sectors like transportation and industry.
“Brazilians tend to think that because the power sector is already decarbonized, you don’t have a lot of energy emissions. But that’s not the case at all,” Nunes said. “Half of Brazil’s final energy consumption is still fossil fuel. So tackling emissions in the energy sector is still a big thing for Brazil.”
Also on Brazil’s emissions radar: the country’s thousands of
acres of farmland and its Amazon rainforest, one of the world’s most important carbon sinks. There is no path to net zero without tackling farming emissions and deforestation. When looking at Brazil’s total greenhouse gas emissions, agriculture and land-use change together account for 63%.
Coal, oil and gas already peaked IN Brazil, the usage of all three fossil fuels has already peaked in either a net-zero or base case scenario, the report said. But fossil fuels are still projected to be part of the picture in 2050 regardless.
The future trajectories of the three fuel types look quite different. For gas, under a base case scenario, demand will fall and then rise again as industrial sectors that currently rely on oil and coal switch over.
For a plan aligned with netzero goals, oil drops close to zero by 2050 as electrification takes over in earnest. For coal, there is no economical way for industries like steel and aluminum production to move away from the fuel in the short term, causing a plateau in a base case scenario. Power sector demand for coal, meanwhile, drops quickly because of cheap renewable energy.
Nunes said political risk to energy decarbonization is relatively low and a US-style backlash happening under Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, or a future leader, is unlikely. Even under Lula’s predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro, who was not a climate-forward leader, the renewable energy industry suffered little.
Unlocking P330B for growth REDUCING the RRRs would inject about P320 billion to P330 billion into the banking system, which would lead to faster economic growth, according to Michael L. Ricafort, chief economist at Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation.
Ricafort said the RRR cut allows banks to increase their loans, investments in bonds and fixedincome securities, equities, foreign exchange and other assets, which is “good” in terms of greater demand or higher price than otherwise.
“More loanable funds by large banks would lead to more lending/ credit activities at lower intermediation costs that also reduce borrowing/financing costs, thereby leading to more investments [new
“It’s an economically good industry for the country. So there’s not that much pushback in Brazil because of that,” Nuñes said.
EVs will clean up a lot of emissions
SINCE the power sector is already so far ahead, road transportation presents the most significant challenge for decarbonization. “This sector in Brazil is the one that needs to drop emissions faster in order for Brazil to be on a pathway to net zero,” Nunes said. Biofuels are used much more widely in Brazil than in most other countries. A program started in the wake of the 1973 oil crisis created a domestic ethanol industry, and most cars in the country can now run on gasoline, ethanol or a blend. Brazil is the second-largest ethanol exporter in the world.
But over the next 20 years, electrification is expected to become increasingly dominant for passenger cars, largely down to price. Battery-electric vehicles made up just 1% of sales in Brazil in 2023 and that figure will soar to 59% by 2040 even in a base case scenario, according to BNEF.
Still, the biofuels industry is expected to keep growing to meet demand in other sectors that can’t be easily electrified, particularly fuel for shipping and aviation. Brazil is likely to become a major exporter of biofuels to regions like Europe which have strict mandates for fossil fuel alternatives in aviation but little capacity to produce this themselves.
and expansion projects], more employment, greater trade, and more business/economic activities,” the economist said.
The BSP last adjusted the RRRs in October 2024, delivering a cut of 250 bps to bring down the ratio to 7 percent (See: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2024/09/21/bsp-cutsbanks-rrr-in-bid-to-spur-growth/).
BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona said earlier the RRRs, at 9.5 percent before, are “ridiculously high.”
Remolona said it is important to reduce the RRR in a “substantial way” with aims for the Central Bank to bring down the RRR to zero, effectively eliminating it, within his term, which will end in 2029 (See: https://businessmirror. com.ph/2024/10/01/gov-eli-eyeingzero-rrr-in-5-yrs-to-boost-banklending/).
More women hold degrees, but men land more of jobs
The study also highlighted that while college education helps equalize wages, it does not guarantee employment. “Increasing the number of college graduates will not necessarily increase the number of jobs for college graduates,” the report noted.
Premature de-industrialization
The CPBRD study pointed to the decline of the industrial sector as a key factor limiting employment opportunities.
PSA data revealed that manufacturing jobs fell from 9.3 percent in 2000 to 7.5 percent in the third quarter of 2024, while employment in services grew from 45.2 percent to 62.1 percent during the same period.
This shift, according to the group, has eroded the industrial sector’s role, which traditionally provided stable jobs for both men and women.
“The slow but steady decline of the Philippine industrial sector has drastically limited the economic opportunities available to individuals without high levels of formal education,” the CPBRD said. The report also warned that the growth of the service sector is insufficient to offset the loss of industrial jobs.
“While the proportion of females with college degrees is higher than that of males, many women still lack degrees. These women face the challenges of deindustrialization and the physical demands of jobs,” it added.
The CPBRD said many male workers are being channeled into low-growth sectors of the economy due to declining educational attainment and fewer opportunities in industrial jobs.
“De-industrialization and an overemphasis on the services sector prevent significant increases in productivity and wage growth in the industrial and agro-industrial sectors,” it concluded.
Industrial revival
THE CPBRD believes that addressing labor market imbalances requires more than just expanding education.
While the service sector has driven economic growth, it has also contributed to the decline of the industrial and agricultural sectors— limiting stable employment opportunities for non-degree holders.
The study recommended that revitalizing the industrial sector should be a priority, with efforts focused on reducing production costs, streamlining regulations, and offering targeted tax reductions.
CPBRD argued that these efforts are critical for stimulating industrial growth, which would not only increase job opportunities but also help raise wages for those without college degrees.
“The crux of the matter is increasing the productivity of everyone—especially those without college degrees. This requires reversing the trends of de-industrialization,” it added.
Further, the BSP also recorded higher net income before net gain/ loss on foreign exchange rate fluctuation, income tax expense/benefit and capital reserves.
BSP data showed the Central Bank’s net income surged to P75.2 billion during the 11-month period from a net loss of P32.2 billion in the same period of 2023.
The BSP also posted a net gain on foreign exchange rate fluctua-
tions amounting to P38.6 billion from January to November 2024. However, this was a contraction of 30.45 percent from the P55.5-billion net gain generated in January to November 2023.
Net gain/loss in foreign exchange rate fluctuations represents realized gains or losses from fluctuations in foreign exchange rates arising from foreign currency-denominated transactions of the BSP, according to the Central Bank. Reine Juvierre S. Alberto
electronic certificate of payment, and the linking of the BOC Postal System with PHLPost to streamline shipments. Present at the command conference were BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. and BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio, along with senior officials from both agencies.
On the part of the DOF, Undersecretaries Maria Luwalhati Dorotan-Tiuseco and Charlito Martin Mendoza, as well as Assistant Secretaries Karlo Fermin S. Adriano, Dakila Elteen M. Napao and Gerald Alan A. Quebral were also present. Reine Juvierre S. Alberto
A WORKER installs solar panels in Rio de Janeiro in March 2023. LUCAS LANDAU/BLOOMBERG
New DOTr chief stops Mar 15 cashless toll implementation
By Samuel P. Medenilla
NEWLY APPOINTED Department of Transportation (DOTr)
Secretary Vivencio B. Dizon has ordered the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) to suspend indefinitely the scheduled implementation of the cashless toll next month as it undergoes further study.
In a press briefing in Malacañang last Friday, Dizon announced that the scheme, which was supposed to take effect on March 15 in the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) will
be deferred until the system for its implementation can be perfected.
“Right now I do not believe in it so I asked them [TRB] to stop it and I have already sent word to the toll operators that we are not
going cashless on March 15 and we are not going cashless for the foreseeable future,” Dizon said.
Dizon took his oath of office before President Ferdinand Marcos in Malacañang last Friday.
Last week, DOTr, while it was still under the leadership of former DOTr Secretary Jaime J. Bautista, said vehicles passing SLEX and NLEX without RFID will face fines.
This, after it reported that 97 percent of motorists were already equipped with RFID stickers.
Dizon noted that during the initial implementation of the scheme in 2020, wherein DOTr mandated the use of Radio Frequency Identification for cashless payments, major traffic disruptions were reported in NLEX and SLEX.
“So I want to work first with the two toll operators MPTC
[Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation] and San Miguel. Let us look at their systems. Is there a way to make it more efficient? Is everything okay?” Dizon said in Filipino.
“Because if there is still a problem and the system is still not perfected, it is not the time to suddenly go cashless,” he added.
The new DOTr chief also said he is personally against the cashless toll for supposedly being anti-poor since those with low income may not be able to afford to load credits in their RFIDs.
“I understand the need to regulate. But we need to ensure the need to regulate will not result in making the lives of people difficult,” Dizon said.
“This cashless [scheme], it will make the lives of people difficult so I do not support it,” he added.
All banks must accept torn, stained bills, exchange them for free–BSP
ALL banks must accept torn, stained or corroded peso bills and coins from the public, and should be exchanged for free, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said on Friday.
In a public advisory, the BSP reminded all banks to accept unfit or mutilated Philippine banknotes and coins from the public.
“Unfit currency should be exchanged— free of charge—for fit or clean banknotes and coins,” the bank regular said.
Based on BSP Circular No. 829, series of 2014, and the Manual of Regulations for Banks (MORB), banks are mandated to facilitate the processing and submission of the public’s mutilated currency to the BSP for examination.
The central bank also advised banks to place mutilated currency in appropriate containers to prevent further deterioration while in transit.
According to the BSP, paper and polymer
banknotes are classified as unfit if they appear dirty, soiled, limp, stained, or have faded prints and visible writings.
Banknotes are considered mutilated if they are defaced or damaged due to burns, tears, perforations or missing parts caused by insects, chemicals or extreme heat. Likewise, coins are unfit if they are bent, twisted, corroded or defaced but still are identifiable in terms of genuineness and denomination.
They are classified as mutilated if their authenticity and denomination can no longer be determined due to burns, corrosion, clipping, filing, or perforation.
“The BSP encourages the public to properly use and recirculate fit or clean Philippine banknotes and coins as part of its ongoing efforts to preserve the integrity of the national currency, which reflects the country’s economic stability and trust,” the central bank said. Reine Juvierre S. Alberto
BOC to seized luxury cars’ owners: pay tax in 15 days, avoid case
By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto
OLLOWING the recent sei -
Fzure of P2.8 billion worth of high-end vehicles, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) is urging the owners’ voluntary payment of duties and taxes within 15 days or risk forfeiture and legal action.
In a statement on Friday, the BOC called on owners or claimants of the high-end vehicles covered by letters of authority (LOA) to settle the correct duties and taxes through voluntary payment instead of a Warrant of Seizure and Detention (WSD).
This comes after the recent seizure of P2.8 billion worth of luxury vehicles, including Ferrari, Porsche and McLaren models, from warehouses in Makati, Taguig, Parañaque, and Pasay as part of the agency’s crackdown on smuggled high-value goods.
Under Section 224 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), claimants of imported goods have 15 days from the implementation of the LOA to voluntarily settle their obligations before a WSD is issued.
Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio said that voluntary payment spares both the government and importers from complicated and time-consuming seizure proceedings while allowing claimants to secure the immediate release of goods.
“If the claimant cannot produce the proof of payment of correct duties and taxes by the original importer despite diligent efforts to produce the same, he may voluntarily offer to pay the duties and taxes due on the imported items,” Rubio said.
Citing Section 5 of Customs Administrative Order (CAO) 102020, Rubio said the immediate release of the goods can be facilitated once claimants submit proof of payment of duties and taxes and documentation proving local purchase. Failure to comply will result in charges under the CMTA, while claimants who can prove local purchase and non-involvement in the importation process may reclaim their seized vehicles by presenting substantial evidence.
Comelec moves BARMM parliament polls to Oct. 13
By Justine Xyrah Garcia
THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced on Friday that the first-ever parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) have been rescheduled to a later date this year.
In a press briefing, Comelec Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia confirmed that the BARMM polls will now take place on October 13, contrary to the commission’s initial plan to hold them alongside the midterm elections on May 12.
Under Republic Act No. 12123, those who filed their certificates of candidacy (COC) and nominations in November will automatically remain as candidates and nominees for the October 2025 parliament
elections.
For the seven seats originally allocated to Sulu, the law grants Comelec the authority to reopen the filing of COCs if the Bangsamoro Parliament decides to reapportion them.
Meanwhile, in terms of funding, the parliament elections will still be considered an extension of the national and local elections (NLE). Any amount previously obligated before the rescheduling will remain valid.
“The amount necessary for the implementation of this Act shall be charged against the current year’s appropriations of the Comelec or any available appropriations as may be identified by the [Department of Budget and Management] subject to existing budgeting, accounting, and auditing rules and regulation,” the law states.
With this adjustment, Comelec Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia said the commission will begin printing the parliament ballots in July to ensure all election materials reach the Bangsamoro region by September.
Garcia also emphasized that treating the elections as an extension of the NLE would be more cost-efficient.
“Comelec’s only expense will be the printing of ballots. If the Bangsamoro polls were considered a special election, the costs would be entirely separate—amounting to P2.5 billion,” he said.
The poll chief added that moving the election date also benefits security preparations, as the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines can fully focus on the region without having to divide resources for simultaneous elections elsewhere.
House to heed SC request for ’25 enrolled budget bill and ‘24 GAA
THE House of Representatives has agreed to comply with the Supreme Court’s request for a copy of the enrolled bill containing the 2025 national budget, as well as a copy of the current year’s budget.
House Assistant Majority Leaders
Jude Acidre of the Tingog Party-list and Jil Bongalon of the Ako Bicol Party-list expressed confidence that the high court would find no discrepancies or missing details in the documents, despite claims that there were issues with the budget’s enactment process.
The SC requested a preliminary conference on February 28, with oral arguments scheduled for April 1 in Baguio City.
Pagcor eyes splitting of dual role as regulator, operator
Reine Juvierre S. Alberto
THE Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) is determined to proceed with an earlier declared reform: decouple its dual role as a gaming regulator and casino operator within the Marcos Jr. administration.
In a televised news program on Friday, Pagcor Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Alejandro H. Tengco said he aims to decouple the roles in the following years, during Marcos Jr.’s administration and his term as chairman of the agency.
Tengco had said in 2023 that Pagcor has started preparing for the transition and that the process should be completed by 2025.
Currently, Pagcor grants gaming licenses while also operating more than 41 Casino Filipino branches in the Philippines.
Naniniwala po akong ang Pagcor ay dapat sa mga panahong ito, manatili na lang isang regulador. Pirmi ko ngang sinasabi ay kung hindi natin ito gagawin ngayon, kailan pa natin ito mailalagay sa tama? [I strongly believe that Pagcor would remain solely a regulator. As I often say, if we don’t implement this now, when will we?]” Tengco said.
Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) as an example, Tengco said no one would want LTFRB to run its own bus company if it already regulates and grants franchises to buses, taxis, and other public utility vehicles. “That would be a clear conflict of interest.” “ Sa akin isang malaking hamon ito, pero palagay ko ito na ang panahon para itama ang isang mali ng pangkasalukuyang mayroon ang Pagcor [This is a major challenge, but I believe the time has come to fix this],” Tengco added.
State-run Casino Filipino chipped in P12.67 billion to Pagcor’s revenues in 2024, down by 54.85 percent from the P19.62 billion it generated in 2023. As such, Pagcor aims to privatize all of its Casino Filipino branches, with expectations of earning at least P50 billion, by early 2026 through a bidding process.
Pagcor booked a net income of P16.76 billion in 2024, driven by the electronic gaming sector. This is more than double of what it earned in 2023 worth P6.81 billion.
This was brought by Pagcor’s revenues, which reached a new record high of P112 billion, 41.77 percent higher year-on-year from P79 billion.
Bongalon confirmed that the House would comply with the SC’s request.
“But again, we are confident that even if we submit or send the original copies of the General Appropriations Act of 2025, including the encoded bill to the Supreme Court, nothing in those documents, we can see any blank items, especially the amounts that are being questioned,” he said.
Bongalon recalled that in one meeting of the House committee on appropriations, of which he is a vice chairman, some media persons asked to see a copy of the enrolled
“I stand by the regularity of the 2025 GAA [General Appropriations Act]. It is above board. In fact, we welcome this initiative on the part of the Supreme Court to really require the copy of the enrolled bill,” Acidre said.
bill to check if it contained blank spaces intended for appropriations.
“We showed them the enrolled bill, and they found no blanks. Similarly, there are no blanks in the General Appropriations Act of 2025, which the President signed. This is why we are confident that the 2025 budget is valid, lawful, and binding,” he explained.
Asked about the absence of signatures on the enrolled bill, Bongalon clarified, “There are no signatures because it is the final copy before we transmit it to the President for review and action. As far as know, there were no signatures in the archived version either.”
As for the complaint of those who questioned the budget in the Supreme Court that they could not obtain a copy of
the bill from the House, Bongalon said they have to formally request it.
“It has to follow the rules. They have to make it official if someone requests for it.
‘YungArchives naman is open to the public, so [they can make a] request,” he added. Acidre, meanwhile, questioned the inclusion of Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez in the case, and claimed the complaint was really intended to divert attention away from the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte.
The petitioners in the budget “blanks” case are allies of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte led by Davao City Rep. Isidro Ungab, a former chairman of the House appropriations committee, and former executive secretary Vic Rodriguez. Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz
Citing the Land Transportation
BOC. . .
Continued from A3
Customs intelligence agents have already issued LOAs to warehouse owners, lessees, lessors and other responsible parties in connection with the recent confiscation of high-end vehicles.
Customs Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence Group Juvymax Uy said that encouraging voluntary payments will strengthen
BFAR conducts another MDA flight over Kalayaan islands
UNDETERRED by the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN)’s aggressive action in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) announced that the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) conducted another maritime domain awareness
(MDA) flight over the vital waterway Thursday.
It added that the MDA flight covered the Kalayaan Island Group in the WPS. “The MDA flight was executed using two BFAR aircraft, departing from Puerto Princesa,” the PCG said.
It added that the MDA flight’s mission was to assert the Philippines’ sovereignty, sovereign rights, and maritime jurisdiction in the WPS.
During the operation, the aircraft observed and documented the following sightings:
n Rozul Reef-Detected six Chinese Maritime Militia vessels illegally present.
n Pagasa Island-Noted the presence of a China Coast Guard vessel with bow number 5101 and over 50 Chinese maritime militia vessels.
“Throughout the flight, the BFAR aircraft
consistently challenged the illegal presence of Chinese maritime forces encountered. This mission also documented the unlawful activities conducted by the Chinese Coast Guard and Maritime Militia in the Kalayaan Island Group,” the PCG said. PCG added that it along with the BFAR remains undeterred by Chinese provocations and remains resolute in maintaining the country’s presence in the WPS and confronting the illegal activities of foreign vessels. Rex Anthony Naval
government revenue collection while protecting the interests of legitimate buyers.
“This proactive approach will empower the Bureau to significantly bolster its revenue collection efforts while effectively safeguarding seized goods from deterioration pending seizure and forfeiture proceedings,” Uy said.
So far, the BOC has collected P79.3 billion in January 2025, higher by 8.1 percent than what it raised during the same month in 2024.
Govt eyes permanent ban within 4-km danger zone near Kanlaon
PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the government is now considering permanently banning entry within the 4-kilometer (km) danger zone around Kanlaon Volcano after its recent eruption last year.
The chief executive made the remark in an interview with reporters after his situation briefing in La Carlota City in Negros Occidental on Friday.
“There are so many good ideas from the mayor and the provincial government for removing those who are living within the danger area, four kilometers. We hope to relocate them within the six kilometer [radius of the volcano],” he said, partly in Filipino.
He said there was also an alternative proposal for the construction of permanent evacuation facilities outside of the danger zone, where affected residents can stay if Kanlaon erupts.
“Our talks included relocation so that if Kanlaon will have any activity, the people will have somewhere to go to and they can continue to make a living,” Marcos said in Filipino.
Both measures are now being studied by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) to ensure the safety of the people living near Kanlaon, which remains one of the country’s active volcanoes.
Kanlaon erupted twice in 2024. The first happened in June, while the latest occurred in December, resulting in a P129 million damage to agriculture.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said the latest eruption of Kanlaon displaced 48,528 people in the Visayas.
During his visit to La Carlota City, Negros Occidental on Friday, Marcos led in the distribution of P5,000 and family food packs to 323 families or 1,111 individuals, who are residing in four evacuation centers due to the eruption.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has hoisted an alert Alert Level 3 for the Barangays Ara-Al, Yubo and Haguimit, which are located within the 6-kilometer Extended Danger Zone due to intensified magmatic unrest of Kanlaon. Samuel P. Medenilla
Be a Simon Cowell in auditioning political candidates
THE May electoral race is the hot topic of the day, and my friends are asking me whom I would be voting for. I tell them I’m taking a more disciplined approach this time in making up my list.
I look at the current campaign period as audition time for all the candidates. As a voter, I imagine myself sitting in judgement, like the panel of judges in popular reality talent search shows.
If you have time and you don’t have anything better to do, I invite you to watch compilations of bad auditions from popular talent competition shows. Their captions such as X Factor Nightmare, The Worst Auditions, The Nerve, Funniest Auditions, are tale-tell clues of their respective contents.
PHL centenarians celebrated for wisdom and contributions
Mlections. They need to make sure only the few candidates who have authentic talent and real audience appeal will make it to the final round. Otherwise, if they give the TV audience mediocre second-rate talents, that would be the end of their show, and their careers. It should be the same thing with our elections. As voter-judges we are all stakeholders in a reality show called “Philippines.” If we keep giving the nod to second-rate performers every time we vote, then we can’t expect our country to be a hit on the world stage.
Scenes show can didates entering the audition room one by one as their names are called and then in front of a panel of 4 judges headed by the formidable Simon Cowell, they have to prove that they’ve got the presence and singing ability to make them worthy to be on stage for the actual TV show. Three yeses from them, a candidate gets a pass to move up to the next round. Four nos is a definite thumbs down.
I have to give these “auditionees” a grade of “A” for even showing up. Even if you’ve got genuine talent, it still takes a lot of nerve, moxie and super selfconfidence to face Simon and his fellow judges, eager and ready to pounce on you at the slightest false note.
The most dreaded judge of course is Simon Phillip Cowell who has judged on several top-rating television talent search franchises. His controversial reputation stems from his no-nonsense approach to judging. He has never been afraid to call out poor performances or question a contestant’s potential. However, this approach has also earned him criticism from those who believe he is too mean and he goes too far. That said, what I like about him is that he has very little patience for the mediocre. As the saying goes, “he does not stand fools gladly.” His cutting manner suggests a person who has high expectations and has trouble tolerating people who are far below his own set of standards. Since these are bad auditions, all candidates are booted out. One thing in common among these “rejects” is total lack of self-awareness, unbelievably so naive to think they are highly talented when they are in fact untalented. They’re so side-blinded by their estimation of themselves, misguidedly supported by clueless parents.
I could say the same thing about our present crop of leaders as well as those who are now presenting themselves as worthy to be elected.
The more I watch Cowell, the more I wish we could all be as tough as he is in scrutinizing those who seek our votes.
For too long, we have been too lazy and complacent in our choices. Predisposed to our “pwede na siguro” way of making decisions, voters have been giving too many political candidates a pass, even if they keep doing bad auditions and performances. Some candidates have dodged auditions by not even bothering to show up in COMELEC-arranged debates. To make it worse, they won!
Going back to Cowell and his copanelists, their job is critical. They have no room to make mistakes in their se -
Like judges of a reality competition show, we, the electorate, must bring a Simon Cowell mindset when we make our choices. We need to be guided by a set of high standards. Only the fittest, worthiest should be given a pass.
To achieve this, we must evaluate candidates thoughtfully and carefully, much like conducting due diligence. They need to prove to us that they deserve to be given the authority and power that will affect our daily lives. If they do not go through auditions, such as skipping debates, they should be given four thumbs down, an outright cancellation from our list.
As we’ve read on social media, Pinoy voters have now been labeled pejoratively as “bobotantes.” It stings. But maybe we deserve it. We’ve been too easily swayed by performative acts such as the occasional ayuda, a new basketball court here and there as well other band aid ASAP (as if doing something) activities to portray our officials as “malapit sa tao.” We have allowed the normalization of corruption and the institutionalization of mediocrity in governance. Our elections are a revolving door of one political dynasty after another.
In one election after another, Filipino voters were dumbed down by song and dance entertainments, and other exercises in smoke and mirrors. We lapped up their rosy promises only to end up with empty promissory notes of undone pledges after elections.
Enough! This time, let’s start turning the tables on our politicians.
To my fellow seniors, we have nothing to lose. Let’s take the lead by sharpening our knives of judgement and discernment, by becoming more demanding, by being more critical and outright dismissive of shallow candidates and being vocal and frank about it.
Let politicians be intimidated by us. Let them ask for our votes with a feeling of trepidation and fear of public humiliation. Only in this way can we dishearten the undeserving, the unqualified, the unworthy and the thick-faced from running.
As for me, I will do my part to be a tougher voter-judge. I will diligently scrutinize the track records of the candidates. What do their words and past actions say about them? Are they part of a political dynasty? Do they fit the position they are vying for? What concrete steps will they take to make our lives better? How sincere are they in serving the people? Do they have ideas beyond the usual?
One last piece of advice: be wary of candidates who have the symptoms of the so-called Dunning-Kruger effect, which happens when someone thinks he’s smart but is too stupid to know how stupid he is. We have enough of them already in the highest offices of government.
Imagine where our country would be by now if we only we had 50 million Simon Cowells as voter-judges.
ANILA—Turning 100 is a momentous achievement, a testament to a life well lived. The Philippines formally recognizes this remarkable milestone through Republic Act No. 10868 (the Centenarians Act of 2016). This act honors all Filipinos, both at home and abroad, who reach the age of 100 or more.
Each centenarian receives a Letter of Felicitation from the President of the Philippines, expressing appreciation for their longevity. Likewise, a deceased centenarian receives a Posthumous Plaque of Recognition. In addition, a P100,000 centenarian gift from the national government is presented as a token of gratitude for a life of contributions and experiences. Furthermore, the centenarian shall receive a cash incentive and Plaque of Recognition from their local government.
The Centenarians Act symbolizes the Philippines’ profound respect for its senior citizens, acknowledging the wisdom and contributions of those who have lived long and fulfilling lives. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of honoring our senior citizens.
Remarkable milestones
THE country is home to over 1,000 centenarians, individuals who have reached the remarkable milestone of 100 years or more.
These living legends, typically aged between 100 and 115 years, receive a one-time P100,000 cash gift under the Centenarians Act, a tribute to their significant contributions to Filipino society.
While male centenarians account for approximately 20-25 percent of the total, ranging from 200 to 250, female centenarians comprise the majority, representing 75-80 percent of the population, with a range of 750 to 800.
Metro Manila, Cebu, Mindanao, and the Ilocos Region boast the highest concentrations of centenarians, highlighting the diverse regions where they reside. This report underscores the importance of centenarians in the Philippines, their enduring legacy, and the growing need for social policies that support an aging population.
Significant steps
PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration, recognizing the significance of these living legends, has taken significant steps to support and celebrate centenarians.
The President admired the country’s centenarians, stating, “They are living testaments to the strength and spirit of the Filipino people. They have witnessed history, shaped our nation, and continue to inspire us with their wisdom and grace.”
Through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) headed by Secretary Rex Gatchalian, the government has implemented various initiatives, ensuring that these remarkable individuals are honored and provided with the necessary resources to live their later years with dignity.
A legacy of recognition
SINCE 2017, the DSWD has distributed over P1.2 billion in cash gifts to over 12,000 centenarians nationwide. This centenarian benefit, coupled with a Letter of Felicitation from the President of the Philippines, serves as a solid expression of gratitude for their contributions to society and their remarkable longevity.
The Centenarians Act of 2016 further solidified this commit -
ment, providing a one-time cash gift of P100,000 to every Filipino who reaches the age of 100, regardless of their location. This act, along with the annual “Linggo ng Nakatatandang Filipino” (Elderly Filipino Week) celebration every 1st week of October, underscores the nation’s dedication to honoring its senior citizens.
Republic Act (RA) No. 9994 outlines the benefits and privileges of senior citizens in coordination with other government agencies, including
out of a target of 70. The agency has also disbursed P7 million against a financial target of P7 million.
The breakdown by province is as follows: Abra: 15 beneficiaries received benefits, with P1.5 million disbursed. Apayao: 4 beneficiaries received P4 million; Benguet: 21 beneficiaries received P21 million; Ifugao: 11 beneficiaries received P1.1 million; Kalinga: 16 beneficiaries received P1.6 million; and in Mt. Province: 3 beneficiaries received P3 million.
Among the beneficiaries, 15 are male and 55 are female. In total, 70 beneficiaries received P7 million in benefits.
Many of these individuals attribute their longevity to healthy habits, strong faith, and a positive outlook, and they have been recognized for their contributions to society.
Expanding the circle of recognition RECOGNIZING that reaching significant milestones in life deserves celebration, the Marcos administration introduced the Expanded Centenarians Act (R.A. No. 11982) in 2024.
give up, and always be kind.”
Meanwhile, President Marcos revealed the “secret” to longevity at former senator Juan Ponce Enrile’s 100th birthday celebration in Malacañang Palace on Valentine’s Day last year.
Responding to the unspoken question about Enrile’s remarkable age, Marcos recounted a conversation where Enrile himself admitted to not feeling 100 years old. President Marcos concluded that the secret to longevity might be simply not dwelling on age. He further cited his mother, Imelda Marcos, nearing her mid-90s, as another example of someone who defies typical perceptions of aging. Enrile’s long career in government began on January 16, 1966, as undersecretary of finance.
A society that values its elderly THE Philippines, with its growing number of centenarians, is experiencing a demographic shift and a societal transformation.
The government’s initiatives, coupled with the passage of the Expanded Centenarians Act, demon-
the Department of Health, Department of Trade and Industry, Bureau of Internal Revenue, and Department of Transportation, to provide additional benefits/privileges such as 20 percent discount on the purchase of goods and services; special 5 percent discount on prime commodities and basic necessities, 5 percent utility discount on electric and water consumption, and 50 percent discount on electric, water and telephone consumption of senior citizens centers and residential or group homes.
RA 9994 introduces two significant provisions aimed at improving the lives of senior citizens: An indigent senior citizen will now receive a monthly social pension of P500. This financial assistance aims to augment indigent senior citizens’ daily subsistence and medical needs. On death benefit assistance, the nearest surviving relative who cared for a deceased senior citizen until their passing will receive a P2,000 death benefit assistance.
From 2016 to 2024, the DSWD honored 1,009 centenarians in Central Visayas under the Centenarians Act of 2016, distributing P100.9 million in cash gifts and presidential citations. Cebu led the region with the highest number of centenarians at 474, followed by Bohol, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor.
Achievement in program implementation
ACCORDING to the DSWD Cordillera Administrative Region’s overall accomplishment report, the program has achieved 100 percent of its physical target, with 70 individuals served
The Expanded Centenarians Act, signed into law on February 26, 2024, now grants a P10,000 cash gift to Filipinos celebrating their 80th, 85th, 90th, and 95th birthdays.
This expansion recognizes the significant achievements of these individuals, who have contributed to and witnessed the history of the Philippines.
The stories of Filipino centenarians are a rich tapestry of resilience, wisdom, and enduring spirit. Apolonia “Apo” Whang-Od, a 105-year-old from Kalinga, credits her longevity to her simple life, filled with hard work, faith, and a love for her family. “It’s all about staying active, eating healthy, and having a good heart,” she shares with a smile.
Francisco “Kiko” Banaag, a centenarian from Leyte, attributes his long life to his love for nature and daily walks through the rice fields. “Fresh air, sunshine, and a good night’s sleep are the secrets to a long life,” he says with a twinkle in his eye.
The Marcos administration’s assistance program has made a tangible difference in the life of Marcosa Liwanag, a Valenzuela centenarian. A single mother who raised six children while working as a fruit and vegetable vendor, she credits the government’s support for helping her overcome significant challenges.
“Raising six children alone wasn’t easy,” she reflects, “but I never lost hope. The help I received from the government was invaluable. Family is everything, and I’m grateful for their love, my community’s support, and the government’s assistance. Life has taught me to be resilient, never
strate a growing awareness of the importance of recognizing and appreciating the contributions of older generations. This shift signifies a society that values its history, its elders, and the wisdom they bring.
As the Philippines continues to experience a rise in its centenarian population, the government’s commitment to honoring and supporting these remarkable individuals is crucial.
Starting in January 2025, the program’s implementation will be transitioned to the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC), ensuring continuity and efficiency in providing these benefits.
The NCSC will also oversee the implementation of the Expanded Centenarians Act, ensuring that the recognition and support for Filipino senior citizens continue to grow.
The NCSC is mandated to create a centralized Elderly Data Management System with a proposed budget of P3 billion. This system, overseen by the NCSC in collaboration with other government agencies, will streamline the identification and registration of eligible senior citizens in the Philippines and abroad.
The NCSC has finalized the Implementing Rules and Regulations (Memorandum Circular No. 02 series of 2024), and the expanded Centenarians Act will be implemented in January 2025. By valuing its senior citizens and celebrating their achievements, the Philippines is setting an example for other countries to follow, creating a society that embraces the wisdom and experience of its older generations. PIA
FORMER senator Juan Ponce Enrile celebrated his 100th birthday alongside the legendary 105-year-old tattoo artist Apo Whang-Od and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. A remarkable gathering of three generations shaping Philippine history. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PRESIDENTIAL COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is packed with smarter features
THE first time I held the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra in my hands, I did not hear angels sing but I definitely felt the difference in comparison with the S24 Ultra or the S23 Ultra. For one, the S25 Ultra is lighter and has rounded edges. As someone with short, chubby fingers, the S24 Ultra and its predecessor were slightly difficult to hold with one hand.
I thought the Galaxy S25 Ultra was not something that would excite me the way Samsung’s Flip phones did but the less boxy finish and the lightness (15g may not seem to be a lot but it is a lot) made me realize that this could be a phone that had more to offer than being the best smartphone for concerts.
The 6.9-inch display on the S25 Ultra is brighter; the cameras are definitely better; and the S25 Ultra is packed with smarter AI features. The reduction in size from the S24 Ultra also technically results in thinner display bezels and a better screen-to-body ratio.
Galaxy S25 Ultra features durable titanium and the new Corning Gorilla Armor 2, a first-of-its-kind material that is more durable than glass. It combines Corning’s glass-ceramic with a proprietary anti-reflective surface treatment, helping to ensure advanced drop protection alongside anti-reflection surface treatment and scratch resistance.
LG
The S25 Ultra’s display is superb so it’s perfect for watching movies and TV shows and gaming. Indoors and outdoors, the S24 Ultra’s display was more vibrant and vivid than the S25 Ultra’s.
For gamers, it is worth noting that the vapor chamber of the Galaxy S25 Ultra has been increased by 40 percent compared to that of the Galaxy S24 Ultra. This is important because the Galaxy S25 Ultra ships with an amplified version of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite, which has its performance cores running at 4.47GHz instead of the default 4.32GHz. This is the most powerful processor ever on the Galaxy S series, with a performance boost of 40 percent in NPU, 37 percent in CPU8, and 30 percent in GPU compared to the previous generation.
“This power fuels the Galaxy S25 series’ ability to process more AI experiences on-device without compromise, including previously cloud-based AI tasks such as Generative Edit,” said Samsung in a press release.
Samsung promises that One UI 7 makes the Galaxy S25 Ultra (and the S25 series) “a true AI companion.”
There are upgrades to everyone’s favorite, Google’s Circle to Search, so it now recognizes phone numbers, email and URLs on your screen, so you can call, email, or visit a website with a single tap. The S25 now also makes it easier to switch between apps for quick follow-up actions using the Cross App Action.
Google’s Gemini is built into the phone. Gemini, which can be summoned by long-pressing the power button, is Google’s AI chatbot so it can perform a myriad of tasks, from creating a week’s menu to writing an outline for an essay. The Galaxy S25 Ultra uses Gemini to perform other AI-powered functions.
Samsung has removed Bluetooth connectivity from the integrated S Pen stylus in the S25 Ultra, eliminating features like clicking the camera shutter button, so it is now a stylus tool for taking notes, drawing, and other tasks.
I have so many favorite tasks that the S25 Ultra can do. One of them is in Modes and Routines. If you go to Discover, you’ll find a lot of presets such as Low Battery Alert (it tells you when your battery falls below 10 percent) and Separate App Sound. You can also select Sound Mode in Modes and Routines to switch wallpapers when you change to Vibrate mode.
The Now bar is also a new addition to the S25 Ultra. For example, if you have a timer on, the Now bar (at the bottom of the screen) will show this with other live notifications. You can use the Now bar to swipe up or down or toggle between them. If you tap on the notifications, the bar will open up more controls. You can, of course, tweak the Now bar to show what you want it to show. To do that, you just need to tap and hold down on one of the live notifications. You can dismiss those notifications or go to the Now bar settings to choose what you want to display. In case you didn’t know, the Now bar has a mini version on top of your screen. By the way, the S25 Ultra can now record calls, a feature you’ll need to activate in your Phone app settings. Open the app, tap the three-dot menu on the top-right corner, select Settings from the dropdown menu, and scroll down and to select Call Recording. Turn on the toggle to enable call recording. The person on the other end of the line will be informed that the call is being recorded. To go back to the call, tap recent calls in the Phone app. You will then see the transcript and even listen to the recording. There is so much ground to cover when reviewing a flagship phone. I think I will need a whole article just for the camera alone.
So is the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra worth buying if you already own an S24 Ultra? If you have a lot of extra cash lying around, then yes. But if you don’t, then it’s probably wiser to wait for the S26 Ultra. If you are looking to buy a flagship Android, the S25 Ultra is worth it. n
SHOWCASES ITS GOOGLE CAST HOTEL TVS AT ISE 2025
LG Electronics (LG) recently unveiled its new Google Castintegrated hotel TVs at Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2025, the international systems integration and audiovisual exhibition that took place in Barcelona, Spain. Google Cast, Google’s technology that lets you stream your favorite entertainment and apps from your phone, tablet or computer right to your TV, enhances the guest experience with LG Hotel TVs by providing secure and convenient access to OTT streaming services. With this user-centric innovation, LG is reinforcing its leadership in the hospitality TV market, which continues to be a key area of focus for the company’s fast-growing B2B business. LG Hotel TVs running webOS23 or later can now offer the convenience of Google Cast with hotel-specific features. Google Cast for hotel TVs is implemented with network isolation to ensure privacy across hotel rooms. To connect a personal device to an LG Hotel TV and enjoy seamless content streaming, guests simply scan a QR code displayed on the TV screen. It is compatible with Android-based devices running Android version 6 or later, and
the connection remains active throughout the guest’s stay. Upon check-out, the connection history is automatically erased, helping to deliver a hassle-free and secure user experience. LG is expanding its presence in the hospitality market, offering a wide range of innovative, tailormade solutions, including hotel TVs, software, and digital signages. In 2023, LG unveiled the world’s first hotel TV with AirPlay — Apple’s wireless content-sharing technology — which rolled out globally in 2024. With the addition of Google Cast support, LG’s hotel TV became the first in the world to simultaneously offer both AirPlay and Google Cast, providing unparalleled convenience for guests. LG also provides the Pro:Centric management solution for hotel TVs, enabling hotel operators to effortlessly customize content for individual rooms, automatically displayed on screen when guests check in. LG’s booth at ISE 2025 featured a hotel-focused exhibition space themed “Transforming Stays into Memorable Hospitality Experiences,” where visitors were able to experience LG’s Hotel TVs with Google Cast firsthand.
Prepare for stronger AI-powered attacks in 2025, warns Trend Micro
By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes
GLOBAL cybersecurity leader Trend Micro Incorporated warned that highly customized, sophisticated AI-powered attacks could intensify scams and phishing and influence operations in 2025 and beyond.
“As generative AI makes its way ever deeper into enterprises and the societies they serve, we need to be alert to the threats. Hyper-personalized attacks and agent AI subversion will require industry-wide effort to root out and address. Business leaders should remember that there’s no such thing as standalone cyber risk today. All security risk is ultimately a business risk, with the potential to impact future strategy profoundly,” said Ian Felipe, country manager at Trend Micro, in a recent online press briefing.
In his presentation, Trend Micro Philippines senior threat researcher Raymond Almanon said enterprise-grade organizations must be vigilant about harvesting by infostealers, malvertising and AI training environments, along with AI service subscriptions, which are prone to attacks by cybercriminals. “Enterprises should comply with new security standards outlined by legal experts,” he said.
As cybercriminals exploit AI, Almanon urged organizations likewise to leverage AIpowered cybersecurity to enhance their system’s defenses. He said the company’s Trend Vision One is one solution that manages holistically with comprehensive prevention, detection, and response capabilities powered by AI.
Almanon also said the country must be ready to tackle ransomware in 2025. Furthermore, he said the top five Philippine industries that would be targeted by ransomware are technology, healthcare, government, education, and manufacturing.
In its 2025 predictions report, Trend warned of the potential for malicious “digital twins,” where breached/leaked personal information (PII) is used to train a large language model (LLM) to mimic the knowledge, personality, and writing style of a victim/employee. When deployed with deepfake video/audio and compromised biometric data, Almanon said they could be used to convince identity fraud or “honeytrap” a friend, colleague, or family member.
Moreover, he pointed out that deepfakes and AI could also be leveraged in large-scale, hyperpersonalized attacks to:
n Enhance business compromise (BEC/BPC) and “fake employee” scams at scale.
n Identify pig butchering victims.
n Lure and romance these victims before handing them off to a human operator, who can chat via the “personality filter” of an LLM.
n Improve open-source intelligence gathering by adversaries.
n Further capability development in preattack prep to improve attack success.
n Create authentic-seeming social media personas at scale to spread mis/disinformation and scams.
Elsewhere, businesses that adopt AI in more significant numbers in 2025 will need to be on the lookout for threats such as:
n Vulnerability exploitation and hijacking of AI agents to manipulate them into performing harmful or unauthorized actions.
n Unintended information leakage (from GenAI).
n Benign or malicious system resource consumption by AI agents, leading to denial of service.
HOW TO DELETE FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM AND THREADS IF YOU DON’T LIKE META’S CHANGES
LONDON — Should I stay or should I go — from Meta’s social media platforms?
That’s what some Facebook, Instagram and Threads users are wondering after Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s recent announcement that the company is relaxing rules on harmful content such as hate speech and abandoning its fact checking program and replacing it with crowdsourced notes.
The changes have renewed interest among some users about deleting their Meta social media accounts. If you want to stop using platforms owned by Meta, here are some pointers:
SAVE YOUR DATA BEFORE deleting your Facebook account, you should download a copy of all your personal information, which includes details about your activity on the platform, things you’ve shared and data that the company has collected about you.
You’ll have to go to your settings or the accounts center — the master control panel for all your Meta accounts — where you can choose to download everything or just items such as your profile, posts, messages, comments and reactions, and list of friends, even the ads you’ve clicked on and IP addresses you’ve used to connect to Facebook.
You can download information from a certain date range, such as the past month or six months, or for all the time you’ve had an account. If you’re downloading photos, you can select their quality level: low, medium, high. For security purposes, you’ll only have four days to download your file. The process is similar for Instagram and Threads users.
Instagram users will need a password to download and access files and it could take up to 30 days to receive a download link by email, the platform says on its help page.
Maybe you don’t want to download all your personal information but instead want to get any photos and videos you’ve posted. Facebook provides a separate option to transfer these files to another online service, with options including Google Photos, Dropbox or Photobucket.
STAYING IN TOUCH
A TIP for Facebook users: before you pull the plug, check if you have friends or connections you don’t want to lose complete contact with.
Send them a message asking for their phone, email or other non-Meta contact details. You could also make a final post telling people that you’re leaving, though there’s a chance not everyone will see it.
TAKE A BREAK
IF you’re not ready to go all the way, Facebook allows users to temporarily shut down their accounts in case they just want to take a break from social media.
You can do this through the account center, where you can click on the Personal details section, and then the Account ownership and control setting.
Temporarily deactivating an account means other users won’t see it anymore, but your posts, photos and videos won’t be deleted and you can still use Facebook Messenger. You can reactivate the account at any time.
Don’t change your mind too often: Instagram and Threads users can only temporarily deactivate their accounts once a week.
DELETION
READY to take the plunge and delete your account permanently?
After tying up any loose ends, head back to the accounts center, click the Personal details section, and then Account ownership and control, where you can choose to delete it.
Once you’ve triggered the deletion process, you’ve got 30 days to change your mind, which you can do by logging back into your account and clicking the Cancel Deletion button.
“After 30 days, your account and all your information will be permanently deleted, and you won’t be able to retrieve your information,” Facebook warns on its help center.
Take note: Deleting a Threads account won’t have any effect on your corresponding Instagram account. But deleting an Instagram account will also result in the deletion of the linked Threads account because Instagram accounts are used to manage Threads accounts.
WHAT ABOUT WHATSAPP?
META also owns WhatsApp, although Zuckerberg’s content policy changes aren’t likely to affect the chat app.
Similar to Meta’s social platforms, WhatsApp users can export a copy of their chat history or ask for information on their settings or channels.
If you decide you want to get rid of WhatsApp and perhaps switch to competing chat services like iMessage or Signal, it’s easy to do through the app’s settings.
Deleting WhatsApp will erase your account info, your chat history backup and your presence from any chat groups as well as any channels you set up where you’re the only admin. AP
BusinessMirror
Sound decision: How an earbud purchase led to a Vespa
WHO knew that choosing a good pair of earbuds would also come with a sweet set of wheels?
One music lover set out to replace her old earbuds with a new pair of JBL Tune earbuds, expecting nothing more than great sound. But thanks to a sibling who joined the JBL 100 Holiday Wishes giveaway, that simple purchase turned into the surprise of a lifetime — a brand new Vespa Primavera 150.
As part of its 100 Holiday Wishes promo, JBL Philippines rewarded lucky fans with 100 incredible prizes, including JBL Authentics 500 speakers, JBL Spinner BTs, PartyBox Stage 320s, JBL Tour Pro 3 earbuds, Samsung Galaxy Flip 6, staycation packages, local or international trips, and the ultimate grand prize—10 Vespa Primavera 150 scooters. The real kicker? Her purchase earned her just one raffle entry—a single chance out of tens of thousands of entries. Talk about getting lucky.
At the turnover ceremony held earlier this week at MINI Bonifacio Global City, most of the other grand prize winners revealed they had purchased PartyBox Stage 320s, with one even going all out for the most premium PartyBox Ultimate.
This came as no surprise since JBL has held the top spot when it comes to party speakers, and its reign continues with the latest JBL PartyBox lineup. The white versions of the PartyBox Stage 320 and PartyBox Club 120 have been flying off the shelves, proving that style matters just as much as sound.
AND JBL ISN’T STOPPING THERE.
AT CES 2025, the brand unveiled its latest PartyBox series, headlined by the JBL PartyBox 520—one of the loudest battery-powered speakers ever. Designed for large gatherings, it features AI Sound Boost for distortion-free audio, replaceable batteries, and Auracast connectivity, which allows multiple speakers to link wirelessly for a fully immersive sound experience. Whether pairing with another 520 or models like the Encore and Stage 320, you can create a seamless, all-encompassing sound system.
Adding to the party atmosphere, the 520 features an interactive RGB light show, syncing visuals with the music. Guitar and microphone inputs make it ideal for DJs, karaoke, and live performances, transforming any gathering into a full-scale event.
For those who want big sound in a more portable package, JBL announced the JBL PartyBox Encore 2 and JBL PartyBox Encore Essential 2, both delivering JBL Pro Sound in a more compact, easy-to-carry design. Both speakers support Bluetooth 5.4 with LE
Audio and features an improved ergonomic handle for easy portability. The Encore 2 includes wireless microphones for karaoke nights, while the Essential 2 keeps the party going with dynamic light show effects. A quick 10-minute charge provides an additional 80 minutes of playtime, ensuring the music never stops. Auracast compatibility allows multiple JBL speakers to sync, creating a multi-room audio experience that brings every space to life.
BEYOND PARTY SPEAKERS
BUT JBL’s CES 2025 showcase wasn’t just about party speakers as it also announced major updates across its other product lines, bringing premium sound innovations to home audio, personal listening, and smart audio experiences.
One of the biggest highlights? The JBL Authentics 300 and 200 will now also come in White — a fresh, modern update to its retro-inspired home speakers that blend timeless design with next-gen smart technology. These stylish additions were just the beginning, as JBL also introduced its most advanced over-ear headphones yet, the Tour ONE M3, along with the Horizon 3 bedside audio companion for an enhanced sleep experience.
JBL AUTHENTICS: A RETRO CLASSIC GETS A MODERN REFRESH
FOR fans of home audio with a vintage aesthetic, JBL is bringing back its JBL Authentics 300 and 200 speakers — now available in White. Inspired by the legendary JBL L100 speakers from the ‘70s, these models combine retro styling with state-of-the-art technology.
The JBL Authentics 300 is a portable, batterypowered speaker that delivers 360-degree immersive sound and self-tuning technology, optimizing performance for any space. With Wi-Fi streaming via AirPlay, Chromecast, and Spotify Connect, it ensures flawless playback throughout the home.
A standout feature of the JBL Authentics series is its dual voice assistant integration, allowing users to access Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa simultaneously. Whether controlling smart home devices, setting timers, or managing playlists, users can enjoy hands-free convenience.
With premium materials, a sleek aluminum frame, and a reimagined Quadrex grille, these speakers deliver high-fidelity audio in a timeless design.
JBL TOUR ONE M3: A NEW ERA IN SMART AUDIO
FOR those seeking premium personal audio, JBLrevealed its most advanced over-ear headphones yet — the JBL Tour ONE M3. These headphones will be the first to feature JBL’s
TIKTOK
first-ever SMART Tx audio transmitter, eliminating connectivity barriers by enabling wireless pairing with any USB-C or analog audio source, such as inflight entertainment systems, TVs, and PCs. Hi-Res Bluetooth and lossless USB-C streaming ensure deep bass, crisp highs, and balanced mids for an immersive listening experience.
With JBL SMART Tx, users get full control over playback, calls, and EQ settings, while Auracast technology allows audio sharing across multiple JBL-enabled devices. The JBL Spatial 360 feature with head tracking enhances movies and gaming by keeping sound anchored in space.
Designed for long-haul comfort, the JBL Tour ONE M3 features super-soft ear cushions for improved passive noise cancellation and True Adaptive Noise Cancelling 2.0, which adjusts in real-time to block out distractions. Eight built-in microphones ensure crystal-clear calls, even in noisy environments, while a 5-minute quick charge provides an extra 5 hours of playback — perfect for travel, work, or daily use.
JBL HORIZON 3: ELEVATING SLEEP AND MORNINGS WITH SMART AUDIO
JBL is also expanding its smart home audio lineup with the JBL Horizon 3, an all-in-one bedside companion that blends signature sound, ambient lighting, and smart sleep features. Designed to enhance morning and nighttime routines, the Horizon 3 features a sunrise alarm to help regulate circadian rhythms and nature-inspired sleep sounds to promote relaxation.
With Bluetooth 5.3, FM radio, and Auracast multi-speaker connectivity, users can stream music or link multiple JBL speakers for a seamless home audio experience. Through the JBL One App, they can personalize alarm tones, lighting, and EQ settings, making it a tailored wake-up and wind-down solution.
The frosted display and soft, rounded edges give it a modern aesthetic, while the USB-C fast-charging port adds practicality—ensuring both your devices and your day start fully powered.
Also expected to be released this year are updates to the JBL Flip, Charge, or even the Pulse lineup of portable speakers.
From powerful party speakers to industrydefining headphones and smart home audio solutions, JBL’s CES 2025 lineup proves once again why the brand remains a global leader in sound innovation.
Whether it’s turning up the volume on celebrations, creating an immersive personal listening experience, or transforming everyday routines with smart technology, JBL continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in audio.
With the announcement of all its next generation audio devices rolling out throughout the year, the only question that remains is: What jaw-dropping prize will JBL have in store for this year’s holiday promo? They’ve already given away a Mini Cooper and Vespa scooters — so what’s next? Let the guessing games begin. n
Rep. Go urges CHED to act on high dropout rates in college
REP. Mark Go has voiced strong support for education reforms following the release of the Second Congressional Commission on Education’s (EDCOM 2) Year Two Report.
During the joint committee meeting of the Committee on Higher and Technical Education and the Committee on Basic Education, EDCOM 2 discussed key findings and developments from the report and laid the groundwork for potential legislative actions aimed at tackling these pressing issues.
EDCOM 2’s Year Two Report, released on January 27, shed light on pressing concerns in Philippine education. In higher education, high attrition rates in tertiary education stand at a disturbing 39-percent national dropout rate. Alongside this, there has been a significant reduction in the subsidy for tertiary education among the poorest: from 74.24 percent in 2018 to just 30.74 percent in 2022. Further issues include the misalignment of higher education policies, where the existing rigid, research-focused approach does not suit all institutions.
The Philippines also faces challenges in strengthening its position in the global education market, hindered by a low ratio of researchers per capita and restrictive visa policies that hold up international student enrollment. Through the commission’s urg -
ing, recent developments have been made, which include advocating for the prioritization of the poorest students in the Tertiary Education Subsidy and the deliberation of bills to expand the coverage of the TES.
Spearheaded by Go, House Bill (HB) 9982, which seeks to strengthen the establishment and operation of higher education institutions (HEIs), was approved on its third reading on March 19, 2024.
Additionally, HB 10251, or the Dual Citizenship Bill which amends Republic Act 9225 that facilitates the appointment of faculty, researchers, and administrators with dual citizenship in public HEIs, was approved on August 13, 2024.
In a statement, Go—chair of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education—cited the urgency of reforms: “We are at a crucial point where decisive action is needed to reform our education system. Findings of EDCOM 2 lay a clear roadmap for what needs to be done, and we are committed to ensuring that these recommendations do not just remain on paper, but are acted upon with utmost
REP. Mark Go
urgency.”
The session was led by EDCOM 2’s executive director Karol Mark Yee. It was attended by fellow cochair Rep. Roman Romulo and other members of the House of Representatives.
DLSU backs EDCOM 2
IN partnership with the EDCOM 2, De La Salle University (DLSU) has underscored its commitment to the development of the country’s education sector and the Filipino youth in its “shared journey toward genuine social transformation.”
“With EDCOM 2, our faculty embarked on a series of research projects that have allowed us to gain a deeper understanding of the various challenges in our educational landscape,” DLSU said in a statement. “These include our constant struggle to meet regional standards in Filipino students’ performance in Math, Science, and Reading; the growing incidence of bullying in schools and the need to set structures for a safe school environment; the need for sustained professional develop -
ment for teachers; and the establishment of partnerships toward a more responsive, future-proof curriculum, among many others.”
The university further stated that “we remain steadfast in our mission to take on such challenges, guided by our vision-mission as ‘a leading learner-centered and research university bridging faith and scholarship, attuned to a sustainable Earth, and in the service of Church and society, especially the poor and marginalized.’”
Through EDCOM 2, DLSU voiced its support for “the creation of new policies and programs that will enable our learners to access quality education, the kind that will allow them to holistically grow and be active contributors to the sustainable development of our society and the rest of the world.”
“This 2025, as we celebrate our Golden Jubilee as a university, we further push our boundaries to create impact as an internationally influential research and higher education institution. We seek to create new sources of national growth from a green knowledge ecosystem, with the firm belief that this is achievable for our education sector and our country,” said DLSU. “As we move forward with the lessons we have gained from EDCOM 2, we hope to pursue path-breaking initiatives that will transform the lives of our people and continue meaningful partnerships in various sectors: from government and industry, to our alumni network and global partners.” With a report from Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco.
Survey: PHL’s rising demand for lifelong learning highlights need for better edtech
THE demand for lifelong learning opportunities in the Philippines is rapidly increasing; however, meeting this demand requires appropriate technology and infrastructure, according to the 2025 State of Higher Education-Philippines report.
The report found that 83 percent of educators in the country consider lifelong learning a strategic priority for their institutions, highlighting its growing importance in today’s fast-evolving world.
Despite the strong commitment to lifelong learning, the report by Instructure found that 93 percent of surveyed educators agreed that increased support, along with the right technology and infrastructure, would significantly ease the implementation of lifelong learning initiatives.
The report, which surveyed 107 educators from higher education institutions and 312 students, was conducted by Times Higher Education and Instructure which is the leading learning ecosystem and maker of Canvas—the learning management system used by top-ranked universities worldwide and leading local universities such as De La Salle University, University of Santo Tomas, and Ateneo de Manila University.
“The growing focus on lifelong learning is a direct response to the fast pace of change in both the job market and technology. This shift is crucial in ensuring students are equipped with the necessary skills to thrive throughout their careers,” said Harrison Kelly who is the managing director for APAC at Instructure. “We are seeing a demand for adaptable learning paths that align with the needs of working professionals, and educational institutions must evolve to meet these demands.”
The report also revealed that 80 percent of students believe their current course will improve their future earning potential, with 88 percent of educators and students
confident that higher education equips students with skills needed for employment.
Technology’s role WITH 83 percent of institutions supporting students in non-traditional learning environments, and educators recognizing lifelong learning as a strategic priority, hybrid learning models, blending face-to-face and online education are becoming more prevalent to accommodate diverse learning needs.
The report found that while 66
percent of students still favor faceto-face learning, nearly half (42 percent) are leaning toward hybrid models, reflecting a demand for flexibility. However, for hybrid learning to be effective, investment in digital infrastructure is crucial to ensure learning remains accessible and resilient to disruptions, such as natural disasters and other environmental or social challenges.
The report also highlights the growing role of artificial intelligence in education, with 71 percent of educators using AI to create learning ma -
terials, 65 percent leveraging it for designing quizzes and assignments, and 56 percent incorporating the technology to personalize learning experiences.
Students also embrace AI tools, with 81 percent believing AI can help them save time. They primarily use the technology for text generation (63 percent), translating text (58 percent), enhancing and editing their writing (62 percent), helping explain concepts they don’t fully understand (55 percent), and summarizing relevant articles (52 percent).
“As the focus on developing a skills-first culture [continues to grow, supported by a lifelong learning approach and ethical use of AI in education]…we can expect Philippine institutions to adopt more flexible, technology-driven approaches that meet the evolving needs of both educators and students, turning learning into opportunities at any stage of their lives,” Kelly said.
Policy initiatives in support
SEN. Joel Villanueva has echoed the need for systemic support for lifelong learning in a recent push for Senate Bill 2960, or the “Lifelong Learning Development Framework Act” which aims to foster a culture of continuous learning among Filipinos.
The bill proposes the creation of “Learning Cities” and “Learning Municipalities” to empower local governments to develop tailored educational programs. It also seeks to enhance micro-credentialing initiatives and strengthen the Philippine Credit Transfer System to ensure that various learning pathways are recognized and valued.
As the Philippines continues to adapt to the demands of the 21st Century, its focus on lifelong learning and flexible education pathways promises to empower students and educators alike, equipping them with the tools to thrive in a rapidly changing world of work.
Editor: Mike Policarpio
Summa cum laude grads debunk misconceptions about ‘Gen Zs’
AS the new generation of graduates join the workforce, the number of “Generation Zs”—or “Gen Zs”—in the workplace has dramatically increased. However, this could also lead to some misunderstanding at the office or in the field, due to seeming differences in attitudes in work ethics or approaches to problem solving. Some may unfortunately even get typecast with stereotypes or common false impressions immediately simply due to their young age.
Let’s hear from the latest batch of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde summa cum laude graduates who debunked common misinterpretations as they set foot into the professional arena.
“Lazy and unmotivated:” a misconception branded on the Gen-Zs. The generation sets foot on different spheres of innovation, creativity and technology alongside a driven mentality to make a mark in the diverse fields. We are constantly hunting for opportunities to reach greater heights in this competitive industry.
If you ask me, I’m wholeheartedly devoted to pursuing my passion in offering genuine hospitality to the world! Why not take the chance and take a glimpse of what we’re truly capable of?
Institution
As a hospitality graduate now thriving in Dubai’s real estate industry, I’ve encountered a common misconception about Gen Zs: that we’re overly reliant on technology, and lack interpersonal skills. This could be far from the truth. Growing up in a digital-first world hasn’t diminished our ability to connect face-to-face or build genuine relationships. Gen Zs aren’t just tech-savvy; we’re adaptable, resourceful and driven by purpose. We leverage technology as a tool to innovate while valuing teamwork, integrity and hard work. My journey proves we’re ready to exceed expectations, bringing fresh perspectives and a commitment to excellence in any field.
Jerzy Claire Kwong (Multimedia Arts): The misconception that Gen Zs lack work ethic or commitment shifted when I entered the corporate world as a junior 3-D designer. I was able to prove that we’re adaptable, hardworking, and eager to learn. Balancing creativity with deadlines and embracing feedback showed my dedication to quality work and collaboration. My experience debunks the idea that Gen Zs are unmotivated—we bring innovation, passion and a strong drive to contribute meaningfully to any workplace.
A common, preconceived notion about Gen Zs is that we want to do things, or for things, to come quicker and easier; [that we are] mentally and emotionally weaker than the generations that’s passed. I believe those are merely a misinterpretation of our sensitivity and ingenuity. Gen Zs offer new perspectives and approaches. Our mindset is different and does not conflict with tradition, but rather, we challenge such and invoke innovation, in the workplace and more widely, in society.
(Int’l Hospitality Mngt.): As someone who’s working in the hospitality industry, one of the common misconceptions about us Gen Zs is that we predominantly target office jobs and avoid service roles. When in fact, we genuinely enjoy exploring different departments and facets of our field. We are not just looking for stability in a single role. While it’s important to have a specialty, we’re also open to learning and seizing new opportuni -
Coming from a
community, I understand why this concern is common, especially within a “Chinoy” business circle, where loyalty and trust are deeply valued. To challenge this perception, I’ll demonstrate dedication by contributing consistently and growing within the company. By valuing mentorship and learning opportunities, I can show that Gen Z employees aren’t disloyal—they simply seek environments where their efforts are genuinely valued.
Nicole Hannah Lee (Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Mngt.):
Aaliyah Gabrielle Pangan (Hotel, Restaurant and
Mngt.):
Chelzea Tobias (Multimedia Arts):
Louis Andrei Barrer
Marionne Christelle Ang (Int’l Hospitality Mngt.):
John Ervin de la Peña (Business Intelligence and Analytics):
Zs
Tourism Editor: Edwin P. Sallan
BEYOND THE STORM THE ‘HiDDEN gEMS’ Of EaSTERN SaMaR
Story & photos by Joel C. Paredes
Despite enduring natural disasters, the people of eastern samar have shown remarkable resilience and found ways to rebuild and develop their communities after such tragedies.
Considered one of the poorest provinces in the country, it is also one of the most accessible gateway to the Samar Island Natural Park, or SINP, which is largely undiscovered but is a must-see destination for its unparallel biodiversity.
Covering 330,300 hectares, or about a third of the entire Visayan Island, it is the largest protected area in the Philippines and home to the largely continuous tract of old-growth forests. Its stunning landscapes, distinct geographical formations and ideal surfing waves, also gives the Philippines an edge in global ecotourism.
Right at the center of the capital city of Borongan is a surfing site that has lured international surfers on Borongan Bay where the waves have always been ideal for surfing.
As early as 1998, according to the city’s information chief Rupert Ambil, the local surfers had already organized themselves , making it one of the oldest surfing sites in the country.
The waves have always been ideal for surfing, but gained national prominence only after the Covid pandemic in 2022, when the city began hosting annual national surfing competitions, and last year it was chosen was the site of an international kiteboarding tournament.
“Actually, we can call Borongan ‘Surf City’ because it’s the only place with a surf spot right in the center of the city. However, there are many towns where you can also surf. It’s just that Borongan has many types of waves for different types of surfers—from beginners to advanced,“ he said.
Ambil, a longtime journalist based in Manila, said before he was merely helping the local surfing community in his private capacity. However, after staying with his family in their ancestral home during the pandemic, he finally called it quits in the metropolis and decided to live there and help prepare Borongan for its tourism potential.
“I’ve always told them that they should
stop thinking that the place is beautiful just because everyone says so about their own place. With that mindset, they become complacent” he said.
Being part of the LGU also changed their perspective on how the government works.
“It is easy to criticize the government from the outside. So, wanted to try to make things work within the democracy of the government.”
A journey to adventure ecotourism
R IGHT at the outskirts of city is the Hebacong Park , also known as the Hebacong Sea of Clouds and Nature Park, because of its stunning “sea of clouds” attraction, where visitors can witness a breathtaking panorama of lush of old-growth forest accented by seemingly low-lying puffy clouds. This natural spectacle is especially beautiful at sunrise.
A few kilometers from city proper, the Canhugas Natural Park in the coastal town of Hernani, resembled a magical land with its mythical quality of gigantic waves hammering the rocks facing the Pacific Ocean. Around the area are century old trees with gnarled branches that appear to be watchful faces.
Yet like most of these natural wonders, which were supposed to be promoted for ecotourism in the island are being affected either by government inefficiency or merely the lack of consideration.
Take the case of Hebacong, a prime destination, is now inaccessible after it was closed since late last year because of the construction of a new , higher view deck by the TIEZA (Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority) without even making public notice and a provision for an alternative site for the tourists to visit.
Yet this is hardly surprising since there has always been a confusion on how to develop and maintain our natural wonders as potential ecotourism destinations.
Who’s in charge?
W HILE the Department of Environment and
Phuket during the lean season
HBO’s award-winning TV series “The White Lotus” just premiered its third season and with all those sumptuous scenes of tropical paradise in Phuket and Koh Samui, it’s more than likely that even more tourists will want to head to these Thai tropical destinations. Not that Thailand is in dire need of more tourists. In 2024, over 35 million tourists visited Thailand—that’s more than four times foreign tourist arrivals to the Philippines; and of the 35 million tourists, over 12 million visited Phuket—the biggest island in Thailand.
To be honest, the Philippines has better beaches, better marine life and more arresting seascapes and scenery. But all 576 square kilometers of Phuket packs a punch with direct connections to several key international destinations; accommodations and other services to suit every kind of traveler. Typically, June to October is lean tour-
Natural Resources (DENR) deserves credit for establishing ecotourism sites, it remains unclear whether the national tourism offices, the LGUs or the DENR itself oversees promoting these protected areas and potential ecotourism sites, , despite the DENR being the lead agency for environmental conservation and protection.
As a result, well- maintained public restrooms are rare, and local offices are frequently understaffed, hindering the development and sustainable tourism initiatives.
Teody Calzado, a local resort owner, noted that given such a situation it has become their responsibility to strive to preserve the protected areas, they constantly face the challenge of clearing of waters of debris and waste.
“But I have no regrets,” he remarked. “At least we enjoy a peaceful environment compared to my old life in Manila,” he said, recalling how they opted to live in his father’s hometown after his wife was assigned to Borongan. It turned out that one of their family’s properties that he inherited was right in front of a small cove known as the Big Lagoon” in Barangay Bacayawan. He later named his resort Bacayaw Resort.
Looking at ecotourism ‘explosion’
S TILL Eastern Samar Governor Ben Evardone believes that tourism in Samar will explode within the next 5 to 10 years because it is very rich in natural and historical site.
However, he also considers that proper handling of these protected sites in a declared protected area is a “big challenge,” even if there is already a DENR committee in charge of conservation and proper planning for the Samar Island Natural Park.
Evardone conceded that LGUs can only promote these ecotourism destinations, while the infrastructure is being handled by TIEZA. He also noted that to truly reach its full potential as a major destination site, they need private investors who will develop tourism in the province.
“There are many sources of revenue without destroying the natural resources. We cannot bargain that. That’s not negotiable,” he said.
Impacts of resiliency
A CCORDING to Epifanio Obidas, who works for the DENR protected area office, they really rely on the residents and people’s organizations, or POs, to sustain the protected areas.
ist season in Phuket. But given the number of tourists when I went in August 2024, I’m not sure there’s still such a thing as a lean season. The more accurate description would be little to no crowds because it’s actually rainy season. Heading to Phuket from May to midOctober is not only less crowded, but also budget-friendlier. These months cover the lean and shoulder tourist seasons. June to August, in particular still have sunny days, but occasional rain in the evenings. This means enjoying sun, sea and sand during the day and no al fresco dinner or drinks at night during downpours. Stay at least four days to enjoy a relaxed pace of experiencing what Phuket has to offer. There are no direct flights from anywhere in the Philippines to Phuket—which basically means adding two extra days to your trip for travelling.
From Manila, I flew to Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport, the hub for low-cost airline. Timing a four-hour lay-over, I took a
domestic flight from there to Phuket. saved a lot on airfare for this trip using the Air Asia ASEAN Pass. That money saved allowed me to stay in different parts of Phuket—which is my first tip for a Phuket trip.
1. Stray, don’t stay in just one area P HUKET is divided into several areas—it’s not one long stretch of beach. There are coves scattered across the island with different beaches and attractions. North Phuket has forests and waterfalls that are great for hiking. I opted to skip this area given higher chances of rain. Meanwhile, the beach areas are scattered across the rest of the island, along with some of the best resort properties in the world. Depending on what you want to do, decide which areas you would like to stay in. Most tourists opt for the Patong Beach area—which is the hub for most of the nightlife, shops and restaurants in Phuket. There are also more options for accommodations in this area, though the beach is not
He cited the government’s National Greening Program, where the POs were tapped to venture in ecotourism in exchange for their commitment to help conserve the upland forests.
Before joining DENR, Obidas organized a PO in Paranas called Torpedo. They became boat operators and guides for the now popular Torpedo Extreme Boat Ride in Ulot River, which has been flooding the villages along the riverbanks during the typhoon months but is home to the brown-breasted kingfisher among other rare species of birds.
In Paranas district near the municipality of Taft, the NGP workers even set up their own arboretum with a view deck to get a glimpse of the old-growth forests, while displaying their nursery of indigenous tress and forest orchids.
Benjamin Miralles said the DENR allowed them to develop a two-hectare property in near a ridge with a 360 degree view of old Taft’s old-growth forest, where they set up an arboretum, for the livelihood program of his people’s organization in Barangay San Isidro.
After the devastating Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in 2013, when the residents of Guiuan began rebuilding their lives and their
the best for lounging or swimming. If you want a quiet beach area where you can swim and relax on the sand, Surin Beach is a relatively smaller beach surrounded by upscale resort properties. The vibe is calm and peaceful. There are home-style beachside restaurants and cafes where you can get a nice seafood meal and ice-cold beer while enjoying the seaside breeze. Karon and Kata Beaches, located further south, are two of the more popular beach areas. Renting a lounge chair under a beach umbrella right on the sand is easy and affordable. There were people around, but it wasn’t crowded or noisy. It was bliss to spend afternoons lazing away, reading a book then watching the sun set.
2. Visit Old Town Phuket
S URE , it’s known as a beach area, but Phuket has a very interesting history as a mining site for tin, a rubber plantation and a trading post since the early 16th century. The old town has old, colorful buildings in
community, they unknowingly sparked the process of developing as a potential tourism hotspot. In the coastal areas that were heavily affected, the locals started building backyard resorts, transforming it into another major destination for surfers. In Barangay San Gabriel, the women in their agrarian reform beneficiaries association also found an exciting and innovative way to improve their income. They maximized the use of coconut husks, which were typically discarded after copra production, by turning the usually discarded coconut husks into coconut fiber for their handcrafted items. This initiative not only provides a new source of income for the community, but also promotes sustainable practices by utilizing waste materials effectively.
Eastern Samar’s experience shows that ecotourism, although a significant potential for the country, remains in limbo until the government finds a way to harmonize the roles of stakeholders. This will ensure that our natural wealth benefits the community and not just the political leaders and the corporate system. Indeed, prioritizing protection and conservation is non-negotiable despite the promise of economic growth.
Sino-Portuguese architecture which makes it walkable and IG-worthy.
3. Explore on foot P HUKET has capes that offer dramatic views, as well as side streets with charming cafes and restaurants. I found my way to Promthep Cape in Rawai, located in the southern part of the island, which has a Hindu temple and a shrine built in memory of a Thai naval officer. About a kilometer away was the Sunmore Day Café—built along the cliffs, with a view deck and garden setting, not to mention hearty, filling food and drinks. There are many options to get around Phuket. The cheapest (and most scenic) is the Phuket Smart Bus which traverses the island for a mere THB100 (about PHP175). Alternatively, you can easily book a ride with Grab, or take your chances haggling with local tuktuk or taxi driver.
4. Explore the islands B OOKING any kind of island-hopping tour is fast and easy and there’s something for every kind of travel preference and budget. Organized tours are almost a science in Phuket and you can decide to book almost on a whim. Lean season gives better deals and less people in a tour group, but the same amenities. The tour includes meals and drinks and all you need to do is be ready for pick-up and
Photos by Charo Logarta
Ceasefire in jeopardy after body swap mishap; Netanyahu promises Hamas will ‘pay the price’
By Areej Hazboun The Associated Press
JERUSALEM—Israeli
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed revenge Friday for what he described as a “cruel and malicious violation” of the ceasefire agreement after a body that Hamas released as part of the deal was found to not be that of an Israeli mother of two young boys, as the militants had promised.
The incident has thrown the future of the fragile ceasefire into question. Six more living hostages are scheduled to be released Saturday as part of the tenuous ceasefire that has paused over 15 months of war.
Hamas militants turned over four bodies Thursday as part of the deal. They were supposed to have been those of Shiri Bibas and her two young sons, Kfir and Ariel Bibas, and of Oded Lifshitz, who was 83 when he was abducted during the Hamas attack that started the war on October 7, 2023.
Israeli authorities said that while the remains of the two boys
and of Lifshitz were positively identified, the fourth body was found to not be that of Shiri Bibas, or of any other Israeli hostage held in Gaza. “We will work with determination to bring Shiri home together with all our hostages—both living and dead—and ensure that Hamas pays the full price for this cruel and malicious violation of the agreement,” Netanyahu said. “The sacred memory of Oded Lifshitz and Ariel and Kfir Bibas will be forever enshrined in the heart of the nation. May God avenge their blood. And so, we will avenge.” Netanyahu said the fourth body
was that of a woman from Gaza. Hamas has not responded to Israel’s announcement about the identity of the remains.
The revelation of the body’s identity was a shocking twist in the saga surrounding the Bibas family, who have become global symbols of the plight of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
During the ceasefire, which began in January, Hamas has been releasing living hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners being held in Israeli jails. Thursday’s release marked the first time the group has returned the remains of dead hostages.
The Israeli army said Thursday that the fourth body released by Hamas was an “anonymous, unidentified body.” It said the Bibas family had been notified, including Yarden Bibas, Shiri’s husband and father of the two boys, who had been taken captive separately from his wife and children and was released early this month as part of the ceasefire deal.
Hamas has claimed Lifshitz, Shiri Bibas and her sons were killed in Israeli airstrikes. But Israel said the testing had found the two boys and Lifshitz were killed by their captors.
US envoy Adam Boehler described the release of the wrong body as “horrific” and a “clear violation” of the ceasefire.
“If I were them, I’d release
everybody or they are going to face total annihilation,” Boehler, who serves as the US envoy for hostages, told CNN.
It was unclear how the incident might affect the next scheduled swap of hostages for prisoners, set for Saturday. Hamas has said it will also release four more bodies next week, completing the first phase of the ceasefire. It is also unclear whether the truce will be extended beyond the end of the current phase, which expires in early March.
In another potential blow to the deal, a series of explosions struck
three parked, empty buses in central Israel overnight.
There were no injuries and no claim of responsibility. But the Israeli military said in response it was beefing up its forces in the West Bank, raising the likelihood of further escalation in the area.
Israel has been carrying out a broad military offensive in the occupied territory since the ceasefire took effect.
If the current phase of the ceasefire goes according to plan with the release of six hostages on Saturday and four more bodies next week, Hamas will be left with
about 60 hostages, about half—all men—believed to still be alive. Hamas has said it won’t release the remaining captives without a lasting ceasefire and a full Israeli withdrawal. Netanyahu, with the full backing of the Trump administration, says he’s committed to destroying Hamas’ military and governing capacities and returning all the hostages, goals widely seen as mutually exclusive.
Trump’s proposal to remove about 2 million Palestinians from Gaza so the US can own and rebuild it, which has been welcomed by Netanyahu but universally rejected by Palestinians and Arab countries, has thrown the ceasefire into further doubt. Hamas could be reluctant to free more hostages if it believes that the war will resume.
Israel’s military offensive killed more than 48,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which doesn’t distinguish between civilians and combatants. Israel says it has killed more than 17,000 fighters, without providing evidence.
The offensive destroyed vast areas of Gaza, reducing entire neighborhoods to rubble. At its height, the war displaced 90 percent of Gaza’s population. Many have returned to their homes to find nothing left and no way of rebuilding.
Vatican says Pope Francis ‘improving slightly’ as cardinals acknowledge resignation possible
By Nicole Winfield
RThe Associated Press
OME—Pope Francis’ overall clinical condition is “improving slightly” and his heart is working well as he battles pneumonia, the Vatican said Thursday, as some of his cardinals cheered him on and insisted that the Catholic Church was very much alive and well even in his absence.
In a late update, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said Francis has no fever and that his key heart parameters “continue to be stable.”
The 88-year-old pope was admitted to the hospital on Feb. 14 after a case of bronchitis worsened; doctors later diagnosed the onset of pneumonia in both lungs on top of asthmatic bronchitis and prescribed “absolute rest.”
Aveline was speaking at a Vatican news conference about a Mediterranean youth peace initiative alongside his counterpart from Barcelona, Cardinal Juan Josè Omella. But given the limited amount of information about Francis’ condition, they were peppered with questions about the pope’s health and whether he might decide to resign if he doesn’t recover fully.
“Everything is possible,” Aveline said.
Regardless, Omella insisted that the life of the church continued even with Francis in the hospital.
“Popes change, we bishops change, priests in parishes change, communities change. But the train continues being on the move,” Omella said.
Another cardinal, Gianfranco Ravasi, had commented earlier in the day on the possibility of resignation when asked if Francis might
“If you really want him to rest, you have to hospitalize him,” quipped Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline, the archbishop of Marseille, France, referring to Francis’ work ethic.
decide to follow in the footsteps of Pope Benedict XVI and step down if he becomes too ill. Benedict became the first pope in 600 years to retire when he concluded in 2013
that he didn’t have the physical strength to carry on the rigors of the globe-trotting papacy.
“There is no question that if he (Francis) was in a situation where
his ability to have direct contact (with people) as he likes to do... was compromised, then I think he might decide to resign,” Ravasi was quoted as telling RTL 102.5 radio.
Francis has already confirmed that shortly after being elected pontiff he wrote a resignation letter in case medical problems impeded him from carrying out his duties. There is no provision in canon law for what to do if a pope becomes incapacitated.
There is no indication Francis is in anyway incapacitated.
Bruni said he woke up Thursday, got out of bed and had breakfast in an armchair, and worked from his hospital room with his aides. Blood tests have showed a “slight improvement” in some inflammation indices but it will still be some time before doctors will know if the various therapies are working.
The pope had an acute case of pneumonia in 2023 and is prone to respiratory infections in winter. Doctors say pneumonia in such
a fragile, elderly patient makes him particularly prone to complications given the difficulty in being able to effectively expel fluid from his lungs. While his heart is strong, Francis isn’t a particularly healthy 88-year-old. He is overweight, isn’t physically active, uses a wheelchair because of bad knees, had part of one lung removed as a young man, and has admitted to being a not-terribly-cooperative patient in the past.
Archbishop Giuseppe Satriano of Bari said he was sad that Francis was sick and that rumors about his condition were circulating, but confident he would recover. He recalled that Francis proved the naysayers wrong when he completed a grueling four-nation trip to Asia in September.
“Even during the long trip in Asia, the Swiss Guards and gendarmes came back more tired than he, and we all feared he’d come back destroyed,” Satriano said. “But he’s a fighter, so I think he’ll win this battle.”
A POSTER shows Shiri Bibas, who was kidnapped to Gaza with her husband and two young sons on October 7, 2023, in Jerusalem, Friday, February 21, 2025. AP/MAHMOUD ILLEAN
UK foreign secretary questions Russia’s ‘appetite’ for peace, challenges Lavrov at tense G20 meet
By Mogomotsi Magome, Michelle Gumede & Gerald Imray Associated Press
JOHANNESBURG—UK Foreign
Secretary David Lammy said he saw no appetite for peace from Russia in Ukraine after listening to a speech by Russia’s top diplomat at a tense Group of 20 meeting in South Africa on Thursday.
Lammy was speaking to reporters after Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov addressed other senior diplomats in a closed-door session at the G20 foreign ministers meeting in Johannesburg.
“I have to say when I listened to what the Russians and what Lavrov have just said in the chamber this afternoon, I don’t see an appetite to really get to that peace,” Lammy said.
Lammy said Lavrov left his seat in the meeting room when it was Lammy’s turn to speak. No details of Lavrov’s speech were released.
he called “Tsarist imperialism.”
“You know, mature countries learn from their colonial failures and their wars, and Europeans have had much to learn over the generations and the centuries,” Lammy said, according to the transcript from the UK Foreign Office. “But I’m afraid to say that Russia has learned nothing.”
“I was hoping to hear some sympathy for the innocent victims of the aggression. I was hoping to hear some readiness to seek a durable peace. What I heard was the logic of imperialism dressed up as a realpolitik, and I say to you all, we should not be surprised, but neither should we be fooled.”
Lammy referred to Lavrov’s speech as “the Russian gentleman’s tired fabrications.”
operation. But the grouping often struggles to reach any meaningful consensus because of the disparate interests of the US, Europe, Russia and China. Cooperation was further undermined by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
South Africa holds the G20’s rotating presidency this year and in a speech opening the meeting, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said that it was an opportunity for the G20 “to engage in serious dialogue” against a backdrop of geopolitical tensions and war, climate change, pandemics and energy and food insecurity.
“There is a lack of consensus among major powers, including in the G20, on how to respond to these issues,” Ramaphosa said.
US President Donald Trump has further upended the West’s position by criticizing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and falsely blaming Ukraine for the full-scale invasion by Russia. The war’s third anniversary is next week.
“At the moment, we’ve had talks effectively about talks,” Lammy said. “We’ve not got anywhere near a negotiated settlement.”
In his own speech, which was released by the UK Foreign Office, Lammy criticized Russia for what
The two-day G20 gathering on Thursday and Friday comes days after landmark bilateral talks between the United States and Russia over ending the war in Ukraine. Those talks sidelined Washington’s European allies and Ukraine, who weren’t involved.
EU, South Africa strengthen ties amid strained US relations, diplomat says
By Antony Sguazzin
THE European Union and South Africa are forging closer ties after previous disagreements led to a frosty relationship, the bloc’s top diplomat said. The rapprochement comes as US President Donald Trump upends relations with allies through a range of actions including tariff threats and aid suspensions. South Africa has in the past antagonized the EU with its nonaligned stance on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and by hosting Russian and Chinese war ships for military exercises.
“It is a time of building partnerships and strengthening the partnerships we have. Finding old friends and making new friends,” Kaja Kallas told reporters on Thursday in Johannesburg, where she is attending a Group of 20 foreign ministers summit. “Whatever differences there were, I feel that they are in the past and we can settle them.”
The reconciliation is good news for South Africa, which is being punished by Trump after the American leader falsely accused the nation of seizing private land. While China and the US are South Africa’s largest trading partners, the EU collectively competes with the Asian nation for the top spot, and is the largest foreign investor in Africa’s biggest economy. More than 1,000 European companies operate in the country, directly employing more than 350,000 people, according to the European Union Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Southern Africa. The EU and South Africa will next month hold a long-delayed joint summit.
Kallas earlier this week expressed support for South Africa’s aims on climate and equality issues as this year’s G-20 president.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio snubbed the gathering citing issues including land and equality policies among his reasons for not going. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will also not attend the finance chiefs meeting next week.
Given the erratic nature of Trump’s pronouncements, which have ranged from demanding Denmark sell Greenland to the US to offering South Africa’s White Afrikaans minority refugee status in the US, countries are seeking closer relationships with the EU, Kallas said.
“A lot of partners are turning to us because we are the reliable, the predictable partner,” she said. “So that has value in these current turbulent times.”
Still, given the EU’s own pressing demands, the bloc won’t be able to step in to fill the gap left by the US cutting back on aid globally, she said. In South Africa alone, the US contributes more than $400 million a year to the fight against HIV. And Trump has vowed to end that support.
“Considering the steps that America has taken, then all the countries in the world who are in need and also organizations, multilateral organizations are at our door,”she said. “We can’t fill that void that the US is leaving because we don’t have those funds.”
The EU, given Trump’s threats to withdraw military support at a time when Russia has caused the biggest conflict in Europe since World War II, needs to focus on defense spending because it faces an “existential threat,” she said. Bloomberg News
Tensions at the meeting were underlined when a photo opportunity for the foreign ministers to pose together for pictures was canceled with no reason given.
The United Kingdom, France, Germany and the European Union have all pledged continued support for Ukraine and were expected to reinforce that position at the G20 meeting.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who led those talks with Lavrov in Saudi Arabia this week, was a high-profile absentee from the meeting. Rubio boycotted amid
US tensions with host South Africa over some of its policies, which the Trump administration has labeled anti-American. The US was represented by Dana Brown, its acting ambassador to South Africa.
The G20 is made up of 19 of the world’s major economies, the European Union and the African Union. Others attending the meeting in South Africa included EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, who repeated France’s condemnation of Russia
in an op-ed published by several media outlets.
The Russian Foreign Ministry did release details of a bilateral meeting Lavrov held with China’s Wang. Afterwards, Lavrov said Russia’s relations with China “have become and remain an increasingly significant factor in stabilizing the international situation and preventing it from sliding into total confrontation,” according to a statement from the ministry.
The G20 is supposed to bring developed and developing countries together to foster global co -
Australia warns airlines to beware of potential Chinese navy live-fire exercise in Tasman Sea
By Rod Mcguirk & Charlotte Graham-Mclay The Associated Press
MELBOURNE, Australia—Australia warned airlines flying between Australian airports and New Zealand on Friday to beware of Chinese warships potentially conducting a live-fire exercise in the Tasman Sea, causing several flights to be diverted and raising questions about whether China had given adequate notice of the danger.
Regulator Airservices Australia warned commercial pilots of a potential hazard in airspace between the countries as three Chinese warships conduct exercises off the Australian east coast, officials said.
But three flights from Sydney bound for the New Zealand cities of Christchurch and Queenstown were in the air before they were first warned of a live-fire exercise by a Chinese warship in their path, news media reported.
The warships—frigate Hengyang, cruiser Zunyi and replenishment vessel Weishanhu—are exercising a freedom of navigation in international waters off the Australian east coast of a kind that angers Beijing when exercised by the Australian military in the disputed South China Sea.
China had given notice that the warships could potentially fire live weapons during an exercise, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.
During a regular Chinese foreign ministry briefing on Friday, spokesperson Guo Jiakun said China’s military had organized its fleet to conduct high seas exercises. “The drill was carried out in a safe, standard and professional manner in compliance with relevant international law and international practice” Guo said.
Australian defense officials were uncertain whether any live fire of weapons had occurred. The risk had since passed, Albanese said.
“There was no imminent risk of danger to any Australian assets or New Zealand assets,” Albanese told reporters, citing information from his Defense Ministry.
New Zealand Defense Minister Judith Collins agreed in a statement there was “no ongoing danger” to her country.
New Zealand was “aware of the notification of a possible live firing activity,” she said, but there was no confirmation that there had been any weapon fired. She added that New Zealand was working closely with Australia to gather information on Friday’s events.
New Zealand’s aviation regulator did not issue warnings. The Civil Aviation Authority said it was “aware” of the Australian advice, according to a statement. The authority did not explain its decision.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said she would discuss the air service disruption when she meets her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi at a G20 ministers meeting underway in South Africa.
“We will be discussing this with the Chinese, and we already have at officials’ level, in relation to the notice given and the transparency that is being provided in relation to these exercises, particularly the live-fire exercises,” Wong told Australian Broadcasting Corp. from Johannesburg.
Flight monitoring websites showed multiple flights had avoided an area between Australia and New Zealand.
Air New Zealand, the country’s national carrier, said in a statement it had “modified flight paths as needed to avoid the area, with no impact on our operations.”
Virgin Australia said it was following Airservices Australia instructions,
but did not say whether its New Zealand services had been diverted.
Pilots of Virgin, Qantas and Emirates flights from Sydney to New Zealand diverted their courses after hearing one of the warships broadcast a warning of an imminent live-fire exercise, Nine Network television reported. Qantas and Emirates did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Australian and New Zealand military ships and P-8 Poseidon surveillance planes have been monitoring the Chinese warships for days.
Chinese warships rarely venture so far south in a deployment regarded as a demonstration of the Chinese
Rubio’s decision to boycott and his pledge to also skip the main G20 summit in South Africa in November threatens to further undermine the G20’s effectiveness.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also said that he won’t attend a G20 finance ministers meeting in South Africa next week because of commitments in Washington, which many saw as another indication of Trump’s indifference to international collaboration in favor of his “America First” policy.
Imray reported from Cape Town, South Africa.
navy’s growing size and capabilities.
Captain Steve Cornell, vice president of the Australian and International Pilots Association, which represents Qantas pilots, was critical of where the Chinese choose to hold their exercise.
“Whilst it was unusual to have Chinese warships in this part of the world, pilots often have to contend with obstacles to safe navigation, whether that be from military exercises such as this or other events like rocket launches, space debris or volcanic eruptions,” Cornell said.
“That being said, it’s a big bit of ocean and you would think that they could have parked somewhere less inconvenient whilst they flexed their muscles,” he added.
The Chinese exercise was legal and took place in international waters outside Australia’s exclusive economic zone, Albanese said.
Graham-McLay reported from Wellington, New Zealand.
BRITISH Foreign Secretary David Lammy arrives for the opening session of the G20 foreign ministers meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa, Thursday, February 20, 2025. AP/JEROME DELAY
Brief
Brief
Calado impresses in Spin Doctors’ Spikers’ Turf win over Navy squad
MARK CALADO made an immediate impact in his debut for Savouge with 15 points to lead the Spin Doctors to a commanding 25-23, 25-20, 25-13 victory over an undermanned PGJCNavy side in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference opener on Friday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Formerly with Cignal, Calado played a key role in securing the straight-set win as the Spin Doctors overcame a tightly contested first set before dominating the next two, claiming an early advantage in the tournament organized by Sports Vision.
“I’m super happy, of course. Every coach wants to see their players succeed,” Savouge head coach Sydney Calderon said. “I didn’t set huge expectations for him because I didn’t want to put too much pressure on him.”
Sherwin Caritativo provided strong support with 12 points (8 attacks, 2 kill blocks and 2 aces), while Deanne De Pedro contributed
eight markers for the Spin Doctors, who built on their third-place finish in last year’s Invitational Conference, demonstrating their defensive strength and powerful service game.
Savouge dominated the net with 13 kill blocks and added six aces, while the Sealions struggled to keep up, managing seven blocks and failing to register a single ace.
“This was just our first game, and we don’t have a finalized lineup yet,” Calderon added. “We experimented with different combinations to test our chemistry, and so far, the results have been positive. We were still adjusting in the first two sets.”
PGJC-Navy fielded only 11 players, missing key contributors Joeven Dela Vega, Marvin Villanueva and Kevin Liberato. The Sealions’ offensive struggles were evident, with team captain Greg Dolor leading with just nine points, while Herald Domingo added six, and both Omar Lioc and John Ashley Jabo finished with five markers each.
Blood clot in right shoulder forces
Wemby out of remainder of season
SWembanyama’s season is over after he was diagnosed with a blood clot in his right shoulder, a condition that will sideline one of the league’s brightest stars and is the second massive health-related hit for the Spurs in a matter of months.
Wembanyama is beginning treatment immediately and the Spurs are working under the expectation that the 7-foot-3 center from France will fully recover, a person with knowledge of the situation said Thursday, speaking to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because those details were not released publicly.
It may even be possible for Wembanyama—the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) leading shot-blocker this season and a firsttime All-Star—to play this summer for France in the European championships if he chooses, the person said.
“You can’t replace Vic,” Spurs guard Chris Paul said. “I can’t stand on a guy’s shoulders and block every shot that comes to the rim. Aside from his basketball ability, his charisma and what he brings into the locker room, I think, is what we’ll miss the most.”
Diagnosis on condition
VICTOR WEMBANYAMA’S condition— deep vein thrombosis—was diagnosed this week after he returned from the All-Star Game, the Spurs said Thursday. It is almost always treated with blood-thinning medication, and more evaluation will be needed.
“I’m not smart enough or inclined enough with the medical expertise, but this is what I can say: Victor felt his arm didn’t feel completely normal. That was articulated to our medical staff,” acting Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said Thursday night. “They looked into it, and that’s how we got here.”
“The medical experts and the people that are smarter than everybody in the room...confirm that he’ll be done this year, and that there is no concern for Victor’s long-term health personally, or anything related to his basketball activities,” Johnson added.
Wembanyama’s diagnosis comes about three-and-a-half months after Spurs coach Gregg Popovich had a stroke, with Johnson—one of his assistants—serving as acting coach since.
The Spurs have said Popovich’s condition is improving, but there is no timetable for his return to the bench.
“Man, it’s been extremely tough, to say the least,” Paul said. “This organization, how they put everything into perspective. Obviously, the Pop situation, knowing what he means to the league and Vic, him playing his first All-Star Game...for us, we know we’ve got a job to do but just like anybody we worry about our people.”
Wemby’s historic numbers
VICTOR WEMBANYAMA was the league’s rookie of the year last season and the front-runner to be defensive player of the year this season.
He has already attempted 403 3-pointers and blocked 176 shots this seasnno player in NBA history has ever finished a season with those numbers, and Wembanyama did it by the All-Star break.
He is averaging 24.3 points, 11 rebounds, 3.8 blocks and 3.7 assists; the only other player to finish a season averaging all that was Kareem AbdulJabbar in 1975-76. The Spurs opened their post-All-Star schedule later Thursday in Austin, Texas, against the Phoenix Suns.
“It’s devastating news, I think, because any time the league loses a player of that magnitude, it’s tough,” Johnson said. “You’re losing a main player of the league that the fans and people enjoy watching.”
Miami Heat forward Kevin Love, who learned of Wembanyama’s situation as he walked off the practice floor Thursday, said he was in “absolute shock.”
“First of all, you pray for him. You hope for the best, personally and professionally,” Love said. “He means so much to the league. He’s an incredible competitor and he has a runway to be the face of the league for the next 20 years. I can’t imagine this league without him in the short term or in the long term. He’s that important.”
Such cases have affected NBA players before, including Hall of Famer Chris Bosh—whose career was cut short after he was diagnosed with blood clots while playing with Miami. Brandon Ingram, now with the Toronto Raptors, had his 2018-19 season end early because of deep vein thrombosis when he was with the Los Angeles Lakers, and Detroit’s Ausar Thompson had a clot issue that saw him miss the end of the 2023-24 season. The question for the Spurs’ medical team to answer now surrounds why this happened to Wembanyama. AP
A14 SAturdAy, FebruAry 22, 2025
mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph
Editor: Jun Lomibao
Test of character for Gilas Pilipinas
By Josef Ramos
TIM CONE’S wizardry will be up for another tough challenge as Gilas Pilipinas tries to put behind the nightmare in Chinese Teipei and concentrate on a bigger mountain to scale in Auckland.
“We’re going to have to figure out a way to put this behind us and move forward,” said Cone the day after a retooled Taiwanese side ran rings around his wards on the way to a payback 91-84 victory on Thursday night at the Taipei Heping Basketball Gymnasium.
“We’re really
devastated but we can’t do something about this at this point,” said Cone as the team waited to board a plane to Auckland where a New Zealand side also aching to exact vengeance on Gilas Pilipinas awaits.
“We have to finish this trip strong, we got a tough New Zealand team,” he said as he took the blame for the loss to Taiwan, a team they beat by a mile, 106-53, in the first window of the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers last February.
“This is going to be difficult, but this is a test of character to the players and this is what playing in the world stage is all about,” Cone stressed.
A test of character indeed for Gilas Pilipinas—how soon could they recover from a loss that smirched their 5-0 record in the Group B and put up the same demeanor in their bid to repeat over the Tall Blacks, who they stunned before a rabid local crowd last February at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
“Chinese-Taipei was a lot better than we thought,” Cone said.
“They outplayed and outcoached us and have really improved.”
He added: “We struggled defensively and need to do much better if we’re going to stand a chance against a better New Zealand.” Justine Brownlee also acknowledged that they were ambushed in Taiwan.
“They [Taiwanese] responded very well every time we made runs and they hit some big shots every time we tried to get our rhythm,” said Brownlee, who is expected to be New Zealand’s main target of defense in their game at 10 a.m. Sunday at the Spark Arena.
The resident Barangay Ginebra San Miguel import was at his usual best against Chinese-Taipei with 39 points on 8-of-11 shooting from the three-point zone and six rebounds and eight assists.
But Chinese Taipei was one welloiled machine to counter his numbers.
Dwight Ramos had 15 points and AJ Edu added 10 points while June Mar Fajardo made nine points on Thursday night.
Chinese Taipei’s T1 League Most Valuable Player Mohammad Al Bachir Gadiaga put on a show with 21 points, while their seven-foot naturalized player Brandon Gilbeck posted eight points, eight rebounds and five blocks.
The Taiwanese also made 15 threepointers on their way to their second win in five games in Group B.
The Philippines and New Zealand are now tied at 4-1 won-lost B after the Tall Blacks routed Hong Kong, 92-51, also on Thursday night.
The Tall Blacks are parading new players Jordan Ngatai and Reuben Te Rangi, who delivered 20 and 18 points, respectively, against Hong Kong (0-5). Gilas, like the Tall Blacks, are going for a win that would guarantee a potentially favorable draw on April 8 for the FIBA Asia Cup set August 5 to 17 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
School
in a dramatic
round at
Taal Golf Club where he edged Carl Corpus by a single stroke on Friday in Laurel, Batangas. Jung, who opened with back-toback bogeys, steadied himself with a run of pars and two crucial birdies on the back nine. Corpus mounted an early charge with three birdies over four holes to erase a five-shot deficit and force a tie at three-under.
But a bogey on the seventh and a costly double bogey on the ninth halted his momentum.
Although the Filipino standout rebounded with consecutive birdies after the turn, Jung reasserted control with birdies on Nos. 10 and 15 and despite closing with back-to-back bogeys, his final-round two-over par card secured a three-under-par 285 total, beating Corpus’ 286 to claim top honors in his first PGT Q-School appearance. Corpus closed out with a 70.
“Overall, I remained patient with my game, knowing that I woke up with a stiff neck and wasn’t expecting much,” Jung said. “I just focused on doing my best out there.”
“I made a few mistakes early on, but I trusted myself to recover on this course and stayed patient. My birdie on the 10th helped restore my confidence, allowing me to settle in and play better,” he added.
EASTRIDGE-PRIMEHOMES won its first Philippine Airlines (PAL) Interclub Men’s Championship division on Friday in wire-to-wire style that left the rest of the opposition biting dust with a 21-point victory over Manila Southwoods.
“Finally. This is very sweet,” nonplaying skipper Gimo Asuncion said after the din of the celebration died down a bit at Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club [formerly Marapara] in Bacolod City. “It has been quite a long journey for this team, a journey that had its heartaches and lessons.” Ronel Taga-an fired a threeunder-par 67 worth 39 points to pace Eastridge’s closing 106 points that also counted Jeff Lumbo’s 35 and the 32 of Edison Tabalin, and the Binangonanbased crew tallied 415 points to post the win running away.
“The boys performed so well,”
said Gary Sales, the ex-tee boy turned businessman who helped put the team together in 2021, said after failing to count with a 30. “I am very proud of what this team has done. This definitely didn’t come easy for us. “We are looking forward to keeping this team intact as much as we can and continue to learn as a team,” he added. Asuncion said that only Lumbo will be leaving the team after this tournament to turn pro, and that the club has “at least a couple of players ready to take his place.” The dethroned champions returned to its struggles at the tree-lined at the bending layout with just 99 points with Perry Bucay’s 35 leading the way. Together with the 32s of Zeus Sara and Santino Laurel,
THE Philippines’ Scottie Thompson drives against Chinese Taipei’s Lin Ting-Chien during their game on Thursday night. FIBA PHOTO
VICTOR WEMBANYAMA’S condition is almost always treated with blood-thinning medication. AP
JAEHYUN JUNG wakes up with a stiff neck but still comes out the winner.
MEMBERS of the Eastridge-Primehomes team leaves the rest of the opposition biting dust with a 21-point victory over dethroned champion Manila Southwoods at the close of the Men’s Championship division on Friday at the Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club.
Joy to watch Petro Gazz’s Joy Dacoron sneaks one in against Nxled EJ Laure as the Angels beat the Chameleons, 25-19, 25-14, 25-17, in the Premiere Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference in Thursday night at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City. Petro Gazz
holds
10-1 win-loss record to tie defending champion Creamline in the standings.
